Best Beer Still

How to Find the Best Beer Still for Home Brewing

I grew up in a house that always had something brewing; wine, beer, even homemade essential oils. So I knew what a still was from a very young age. Now, as an adult, we brew our own beer, too.

Are you a beer aficionado that dreams about making their own brewsky? Then it’s definitely time you learned more about beer stills. A beer still can be essential home brewing equipment you’ll need to get the ball rolling on your homebrew. They are regular still that can also be used to make beer, so let me show you how to pick the best beer still for your brewery.

Bottom Line Upfront

Hands down, the best one in my opinion is the VEVOR Alcohol Still, not just because is a cheaper option, but because VEVOR is a brand I trust.

Top 3 Picks

What’s a Beer Still?

alcohol distiller moonshine still

A beer still is nothing more than a regular still. It’s an apparatus that uses boiling and condensing techniques to distill liquid mixtures. A beer still isn’t designed just for beer. Use one to make everything from essential oils to moonshine.

Do You Need a Beer Still?

The short answer is no. You can make a batch of homebrew without buying a still, but the process is more time-consuming for you. There is plenty of info online that will teach you how to make beer without a still.

How a Beer Still Works

When looking into beer stills, you’ll discover there are two main categories: pot and column stills.

Design

In terms of design, pot stills are very similar to kettles. The huge, spherical primary chamber is referred to as the “pot,” and it is the location from which a line arm and swan neck project in the form of a spout. After passing through a coiled condenser, often known as the worm, the arm eventually discharges its contents into a collection tank.

Column stills have a more mechanical appearance than pot stills do. Multiple chambers are sometimes built on top of each other, and they can reach many floors in height.

These stills can be made of stainless steel or copper, and even a combination of the two materials is not unheard of. Copper is required for the removal of sulfur, which contributes sour flavors to the distillate. Stainless steel columns typically incorporate copper elements inside the still because copper is essential for the removal of sulfur.

Distillation

Since ethanol reaches its boiling point at a lower temperature than water does, it is possible to remove it as a vapor while the water continues to exist in its liquid condition.

The process can never produce ethanol in its purest form, and the resulting distillate will always have some proportion of water in it, in addition to chemicals known as congeners that contribute flavor and scent.

In the past, distillers heated the pot with direct heat sources such as fire, but these days, temperature-controlled steam is a typical alternative. The current method is preferable since it lessens the likelihood of the wash being scorched, which would result in less acceptable flavors. However, there are still distilleries that employ heat from the open flame.

The process of distillation using a column is analogous to running a succession of pot distillations one after the other.

steel boiler

Common Materials for Beer Stills

Stills can be made from copper, stainless steel, iron, brass, and aluminum, but the first two materials are the most common ones.

Copper

Copper is the best material for making a still because it adds flavor to the spirits that are distilled in it. Both copper and stainless steel are great at transferring heat.

This means that the heat is spread evenly over the whole surface of the metal, which makes it easier to distill. But while both of these materials won’t put harmful chemicals into the beer, beer made in a copper still tastes better than beer made in a stainless steel still.

Copper can interact on a molecular level with the sulfurs that are produced by fermenting yeast. This interaction takes place when copper is used in the distillation process. It “cancels out” the flavor of sulfur, which, in its natural state, would be bitter and less smooth.

During the process of distillation, the sulfur that originated from the yeast combines with the copper to produce hydrogen sulfide, which then results in copper sulfate formation.

Once the distillation process is finished, the copper sulfate deposits itself inside the still. In contrast to stills produced from other metals, the copper still can be meticulously cleaned, and the copper sulfate residue that was left behind is flushed down the drain rather than being added to the beer’s taste.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel’s best qualities are that it is more affordable than copper, that it is very long-lasting, and that it is simple to keep clean. The two primary problems associated with stainless steel are the fact that it is not an optimal heat conductor. It also doesn’t remove wash sulfur compounds.

beer still boiler

What to Look for in a Beer Still

If this is your first time buying a beer still, here are a few aspects that you have to look into.

Cleaning

It is impossible to avoid having to clean the still, as this is an essential step in the distillation process. Some models, thanks to their forward-thinking designs, are significantly simpler to sterilize than others. In particular, search for a head that is large enough that it will allow you to put your arm into the pot. A narrower entrance will make the process of cleaning more difficult.

Assembly

It’s understandable to want the greatest and biggest product that’s still available on the market. However, bear in mind that to construct the unit, you will typically require certain talents, one of which is the ability to solder. If you find that this is a challenge, you should opt for a simpler one that already comes assembled.

Material

Copper and stainless steel are easily the two most popular choices when it comes to still construction, even though stills may be made from a wide variety of other metals.

If you plan to build the still yourself, copper is a good metal to deal with because of its ease of manipulation. In addition to this, it has great thermal conductivity and can eliminate sulfides during the manufacturing process. Copper-made stills tend to generate alcohol with a superior flavor and aroma overall. This is due to the higher copper content in the stills.

Copper is more expensive than stainless steel, which is also more difficult to clean but has a much longer lifespan. Despite this, it will not transfer heat as well as other materials, and the resulting alcohol may contain trace amounts of other chemicals.

Size

You will need to select a product that is more manageable in size if you do not have a lot of free space in your home. Because of their size, some stills are not appropriate for use by those who do not possess a shed, garage, or spare space.

The Best Beer Still Options

I found many great options out there for beer makers, but I chose these based on their availability, quality, and ease of use.

Still Spirits Turbo 500 Boiler: Best for Beginners

Still Spirits Turbo 500 Boiler

The T500 is the best still available for home distillation and is an absolute must for anyone who wishes to make significant volumes of alcohol that is exceptionally clear and unadulterated. I think it’s the best choice for those who are just starting out because it’s touted as easy to use, but it’s also one of the more affordable options.

  • Price range: $200 – $300
  • Capacity: 23 liters
  • Weight: 11 pounds

Using the T500, you can extract an incredible 95% of the potential alcohol from the wash. This machine achieves an astounding 93 percent alcohol but can be used for beer distillation as well. Once you get the hang of it, you can make other things like wine and oils.

Pros:

  • Versatile use.
  • Sturdy stainless steel construction.
  • Good for smaller spaces.

Cons:

  • Poor customer support.

VEVOR Alcohol Still: Bargain Buy

VEVOR Alcohol Still

This isn’t the best option if you plan to do large batches or produce anything for sale. But if you wanted to give it a go and test the waters of home brewing, this is a great place to start.

An open cooling mechanism is incorporated into the distillery kit. Due to the quick thermal conductivity of the copper coil as well as its extensive contact surface with the coolant, the temperature at which distillation occurs is reduced.

  • Price range: $100 – $200
  • Capacity: 3 gallons, 5 gallons, 9.6 gallons, 13.2 gallons
  • Weight: 13.1 pounds

To conserve cooling water, a pump that circulates the water is added. The rubber cushion that sits underneath the condenser has two purposes: it insulates and helps the cooling process forward.

Pros:

  • Food-grade silicone tubes.
  • High cooling performance.
  • Side handles for easier manipulation.

Cons:

  • Thumper is more of a pot.

Clawhammer Supply Still: Best Copper Still

Clawhammer Supply 5 Gallon Copper DIY Still Kit. Made in The USA

If you read our section on why copper stills are often seen as the best and are considering getting one for brewing your beer, the Clawhammer Supply still might be the right product for you. Copper has been widely used for brewing from as far back as I can think. Anf for good reason. Copper is more conductive and yields better results.

  • Price range: $300 – $400
  • Capacity: 5 gallons
  • Weight: 13.47 pounds

Unlike some of the other stills in this article, this one is more difficult to put together, but their online instruction videos help you out. You’ll need a few tools to see this project through, including a hammer, a plumbing torch, and locking pliers.

Pros:

  • Sturdy construction.
  • Produces tasty beer.
  • Easy to assemble.

Cons:

  • Some tools are needed for assembly.

YUEWO 58L DIY Still: Best Overall

YUEWO 58L DIY Moonshine Still Home Beer Distiller Brewing Equipment Tool Kit

Okay, if you’ve had any experience with home brewing before, or consider yourself anything more than a beginner, then consider this guy. It comes with everything you need and more, and offers a certain versatility that I love.

The Vinmax Store still comes with four different capacity options, so if you wanna make more or less beer, they have you covered. This malt crushing still comes with plenty of accessories and a machine that operates at a 220 voltage. It has a semi-automatic siphon, a small filter cartridge, and a kit filled with goodies.

  • Price range: $700 – $800
  • Capacity: 28 liters, 38 liters, 48 liters, 58 liters
  • Weight: N/A

You will receive a fermenting pot, a red water thermometer, an exhaust valve, a food-grade silicone stopper, and pH test strips, amongst other parts and extras. This is the holy grail of still kits and you’ll likely not need another after this one.

Pros:

  • High-quality parts.
  • Makes a great variety of beers.
  • Includes lots of goodies.

Cons:

  • No info on weight/materials.

Vinmax Store Alcohol Distiller: Editor’s Choice

Alcohol Distiller

I love everything about this still. It’s in an affordable price range, offers quality and ease of use, and comes with most of what you need. It allows the steam reflux to continue distillation, which results in higher alcohol content and a purer liquor as a result of the distillation tower and cooling tower being built separately from one another.

  • Price range: $200 – $300
  • Capacity: 5.3 gallons, 9.2 gallons
  • Weight: N/A

It’s great for making beer because it’s available in two different capacities. There’s a thermometer on the lid so you always have control over the temperature of the liquid inside. If you want to make more than beer, you can use it for wine, essential oils, and even distilling water.

The reviews say that it has a bit of a learning curve, so only invest in this option if you’re patient and a quick learner.

Pros:

  • Versatile application.
  • Sturdy construction.
  • Integrated thermometer.

Cons:

  • It takes some trial and error.

Still Spirits T500 Complete Still Kit with Copper Alembic Condense: Best with Copper  Alembie

Still Spirits T500 Complete Still Kit

The Still Spirits T500 boiler is a great option for those who are interested in hobby distilling. The T500, which was developed and is constructed in New Zealand, is a device that enables you to extract an incredible 95% of the alcohol that may be produced by your wash.

  • Price range: $500 – $600
  • Capacity: 25 liters
  • Weight: 22 lbs.

The unit is made out of stainless steel and has a capacity of 25 liters. It also has an integrated element with 1800 watts, a reset button for the boil dry function, a faucet adapter for adjusting the water flow more easily, a waste discharge tap, and a thermal cut-out fuse.

Pros:

  • Versatile use.
  • Doesn’t sacrifice the flavor.
  • Integrated thermometer.

Cons:

  • Expensive.

Still Spirits T500 Complete Still Kit with Copper Reflux Condense: Best with Copper Reflux Condense

Still Spirits T500 Complete Still Kit (Copper Reflux Condenser)

This is like the final boss of beer stills and will produce the most consistent results. The Turbo 500 reflux condenser operates according to the principles of ceiling temperatures, which means that it precludes the processing of any chemical material that has a boiling point that is higher than a predetermined threshold.

  • Price range: $500 – $600
  • Capacity: 25 liters
  • Weight: 19 pounds

It works differently than other reflux condensers available on the market because it places more emphasis on the water flow and on managing the temperature of the water that is flowing out. If the temperature of the water flow remains constant, the device is in a position to generate a ceiling threshold temperature depending on the water flow that is being expelled.

Pros:

  • Makes high-purity liquids.
  • Includes a copper condenser.
  • Includes a water discharge tap.

Cons:

  • Difficult to assemble.

FAQ

Question: Can you put beer through a still?

Answer: Yes. A still can be used to distill all kinds of alcohol, including wine, whiskey, beer, and other fine spirits.

Question: How much alcohol is in a still?

Answer: It depends on the capacity of the still. You can find still that have different capacities, with some as small as 3 gallons and others as large as 12 gallons.

Question: What alcohol is made in a still?

Answer: Since a still is a large distillation apparatus, you can make all kinds of alcohol. Moonshine is commonly made using a still, which can also be used to make beer.

In the End

Finding the best beer still mostly implies knowing a few things about still in general. You’ll find tons of online videos that will teach your how to make your beer using a still.

If you want a mix of quality and affordability, I’d suggest going with the VEVOR Alcohol Still, for sure. Now, have a peek at our other great guides and info from our site!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top