“Gadgets” for moonshine stills: which ones are really needed and you can’t save on them, and which ones are a waste of money

Everyone who independently assembled moonshine equipment, and did not buy it as a kit, knows how difficult this task is. I tried to do everything myself, carefully studying the literature and consulting with professionals, but I could not avoid mistakes.

The range of moonshine devices is presented so widely that it is hardly possible not to buy something unnecessary.

Thus, I have accumulated a lot of various additional flutes, knots and nozzles in the amount of about 50 rubles, which are just lying around in the pantry. Therefore, I want to warn beginners that buying everything in a row is not the best idea, especially if the budget is limited.

The story was shared by my reader Alexei P.

Basic equipment – something you can not save on

The only thing that should be taken as seriously as possible is the purchase of a distillation column. It should be collapsible and be able to insert additional nozzles and assemblies.

Always reserve the option to upgrade your column, even if you don’t use it.

Columns with built-in gin baskets, various types of dry steamers, thin selection nodes, etc. – in my opinion, this is an overkill.

It is especially bad when the whole thing is fixed. I almost never use a gin basket and have no idea what I would do if it was constantly present in the column.

The main requirements that you should make to the equipment when choosing a distillation column:

1. The possibility of installing a thermometer without damaging the metal and without the use of additional hoses.
2. Ease of assembly and disassembly.
3. High-quality cooler with a large number of copper tubes inside.

Between a collapsible column with a minimum configuration and a stuffed, but not collapsible model, I recommend giving preference to the first option.

Gin basket

Gin basket – an additional nozzle, which is a small metal tank designed to load aromatic material. Who doesn’t want to give their drink more flavor?

But, not everything is so simple. Firstly, there are many other, less expensive ways to give the product a pleasant aroma. And secondly, many models of gin baskets are not perfect.

Wherever you put them, they can leak internal vapors, thereby fouling the column, which will definitely affect the end product, and even subsequent distillations.

Also, the gin basket must be regularly washed, cleaned, soaked in alcohol and the sediment drained from it. Each model requires a specific care, but most of them are an extra headache for the moonshiner. At one time I bought such a nozzle for 5, but now it is lying idle.

Glass flute

Many manufacturers of moonshine equipment offer to purchase a special glass flute, describing all its advantages. Allegedly, a glass flask, unlike a metal one, is able to more accurately separate heads and tails.

Whether it is necessary or not – everyone decides for himself. In finished sets, a glass flute is very rare. As a rule, already experienced moonshiners, who are interested in seeing the whole process taking place in the column, buy it in addition.

I bought such a thing with the purchase of a column, and then it cost about 3 rubles. Yes, interesting, but there is absolutely no benefit from it.

Reinforced shell and tube cooler

Now, this is an essential item. The standard equipment does not always include a cooler of sufficient volume and power. As a result, the steam cools incorrectly, which affects the quality of the product at the outlet.

Therefore, if you already buy something from additional equipment, it is an additional cooler. It is impossible to supercool the vapors, the main thing is to regulate the condensation process as accurately as possible, and this device will help you perfectly in this.

You can talk a lot more about different gadgets, which today are just a huge number from various manufacturers. However, not all of them are needed as much as sellers say.

I’m sure all moonshiners have had stupid purchases that are just lying around somewhere now. And what of the unnecessary trash have you already bought?