Electric moonshine still: principle of operation, pros and cons + recommendations for choosing

With the advent of electric devices, the procedure for obtaining strong alcohol was simplified: the burning fire was replaced by special heaters.

Nevertheless, many home craftsmen continue to drive moonshine the old-fashioned way, not trusting modern equipment and finding a lot of shortcomings in it. Let's try to figure out how well-founded their fears are.

The principle of operation of an electric moonshine still

The main difference between such a device and the traditional version is the presence of heating elements (heating elements). They are metal tubes made of copper, aluminum or stainless steel, mounted inside the distillation cube.

In order to heat the brew, you just need to plug the device into an outlet: no fire is needed. Inside the tubular electric heater is a chromium-nickel spiral surrounded by dielectric powder or oil. A similar detail can be seen in old electric kettles or kettles.

For uniform heat transfer, the heating elements are placed at the very bottom of the container, departing from it 5-7 cm.

The power of the heaters may vary depending on the cube volume. Such an element can be mounted independently in any device with a dry steamer, if desired, by making holes for it in the tank and securely fixing it. For efficient operation, you need 2 heating elements of different power or one adjustable one.

Advantages of an electric moonshine still

Contrary to the claims of conservative moonshiners, modern equipment has more advantages than disadvantages.

1. High productivity. Distillation with such devices is much faster, which is especially convenient for the first distillation.

2. Ease of use. The container with the heating element can be placed directly on the floor, table and in any other convenient place: there is no need to move or lift anything during operation. The device can be taken out even in the yard, if it is possible to equip it with access to electricity.

3. Long service life. Due to the absence of contact with fire, the container is not damaged and lasts longer. In case of failure of the heating element, it can be easily replaced.

4. High quality. Most models with heating elements are equipped with additional electronic devices that allow you to control the properties of the product during the process and get excellent moonshine at the output.

5. Variability of use. In the absence of electricity, the container can be heated in the traditional way - on a gas stove.

6. Safety. The absence of fire in the process eliminates the possibility of alcohol vapors igniting.

Cons of electric moonshine still

Among the main disadvantages of devices with heating elements, experienced moonshiners call a high probability of burning wort if it is thick. This is especially true for fruit and grain brews. In this case, it can be recommended either to strain the mass well or to use designs with a water jacket/steam generator. In the latter, the contact of the heater with the brew is excluded, and therefore there is no danger of burning. But it is worth considering that such devices are more expensive.

More significant "cons" are:

1. High cost of electrical equipment.

2. Significant energy consumption.

3. The presence of a risk of short circuit.

As for the costs, they are relative. Many moonshiners, comparing the cost of maintaining traditional gas-fired equipment with electric equipment, concluded that they are comparable. The same can be said about the risk of fire: such a probability exists, but it is minimal and does not exceed the risks of working with conventional devices.

Recommendations for choosing an electric moonshine still

Home craftsmen with "golden" hands can make an electric device on their own by installing a heating element inside an existing cube.

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If you don't plan to install the heating element in the distillation tank yourself, you should pay attention to a few nuances when buying a ready-made device:

1. The material from which the cube and the heater body are made. It is better to refuse to use aluminum containers: they are not only harmful to health, but also fail faster. As for the heating elements, you should give preference to copper or stainless steel parts, not brass ones.

2. The number of heating elements. You can take a device with one adjustable heating element or with several unregulated. The first option is preferable.

3. Availability of additional devices: thermometer, bubbler, dry steamer, etc. д. The presence of built-in accessories will simplify the distillation process and eliminate the need to buy them separately and connect them to the device.

4. Electricity consumption. When choosing a suitable device, it is worth focusing on more modern options with low costs. The cube volume and power of the device depend on specific needs.

Among the popular electric devices: "Saturn", "Handyman", "Magarych", etc.

Update: 03.02.2019

Category: Vodka an Moonshine