Alcohol vending machine ← Hodor. A miracle of technological progress - an automatic apparatus for moonshine

The purpose of moonshine is known to everyone. This unique plant allows to obtain a distilled liquid by distillation of the feedstock and subsequent purification of the resulting fractions. The quality of the distillate itself largely depends on the quality of the device: strength, level of purification, expressed by a characteristic color (cloudy or colorless), the presence of a subtle aftertaste from the original product, as well as the speed of the entire distillation cycle.

When choosing a moonshine still, attention should be paid to the provided equipment, the capacity of the distillation tank, as well as the overall performance of the installation. But even in this case, the selection of the ideal device can become a real problem, since, alas, there are many frankly bad models among high-quality samples. Therefore, as a recommendation for purchase, we selected 20 of the best moonshine stills on Russian market and divided them into four main categories. The following parameters were adopted as criteria for the selection of goods in the rating:

• feedback from consumers and folk experts;
• hourly productivity of devices;
• number constituent parts(equipment);
• the possibility of modernization;
• durability and build quality;
• cost level.

All models presented in the list are worthy of your priority attention.

The best inexpensive distillers: budget up to 10,000 rubles.

The category of inexpensive distillers includes all devices of the so-called entry-level. They are characterized by small size and, accordingly, small volumes of the distillation tank, low productivity, quality of the resulting product, as well as extreme simplicity of design. Such devices are unpretentious in maintenance, but are designed for a long service life.

5 Wagner (30 l)

High performance (7 l/h)
The country: Germany (Russia)
Average price: 7,490 rubles.
Rating (2018): 4.5

Strong middle peasant budget series Moonshine stills, built on the basis of a 30-liter distillation cube. Acquired by no means often, but causes the owners exclusively positive emotions. According to them, for the segment of inexpensive distillers, Wagner turned out to be extremely productive, giving up to seven liters of finished product per hour. Moreover, the quality of the resulting distillate is at an acceptable level.

But one of the weakest points of the Wagner apparatus is the safety indicator. The installation of auto-relieving pressure valves is generally a rarity for the budget, and this model was no exception. For advanced users, manually releasing pressure will not deliver big problems, but beginners from moonshining should be especially careful. Fortunately, the reliability of the case is at the proper level - no metal defects and lack of penetration in the seam zone (in all the abundance of models used) were noticed.

4 Schnapser Classic (20 l)

The safest model
Country: Germany
Average price: 7,990 rubles.
Rating (2018): 4.6

The distiller with German roots has perfectly taken root among domestic consumers, for which it was awarded an honorable place in the ranking of the best. Most the best option for purchase (according to consumer reviews) was a model with a 20-liter alembic, which makes it possible to process large volumes of raw materials at a time.

In the technical part of Schnapser Classic, several remarkable things can be distinguished at once. First, a small vinasse bleed valve at the bottom of the tank is a logical solution. pressing problem, which is not implemented in all competitive models. Secondly, the presence of a collapsible steamer is pleasant, which is by no means often installed on budget moonshine stills. But the most important advantage of the distiller is the automatic reset valve. overpressure which makes the distillation process absolutely safe.

3 Phoenix Dream 8 l

Best performance (3l/h). Optimal equipment
Country Russia
Average price: 5 490 rubles.
Rating (2018): 4.6

The classic design of the device "Phoenix Dream" looks great. Probably the best distiller ever. appearance, but this is not all of its features. If you lose sight of the distillation tank, designed for 8 liters, you can praise the installation for a productivity of 3 liters per hour. Equipment deserves special attention. An important fact is the basic presence of a steamer, which retains harmful impurities and significantly improves the quality of the finished product. The lack of a thermometer is a little annoying, because of which you have to control the temperature in the chamber “by eye” or by other methods. But in general, the moonshine is very good, and largely justifies its price.

Advantages:

• high performance;
• excellent appearance;
• the presence of a dryer;
• flow cooling;
• high quality of the resulting product.

Disadvantages:

• lack of a thermometer;
• small distillation tank (8 liters).

2 Magarych Derevensky 20T

The best volume of the alembic (20 l)
Country Russia
Average price: 4,750 rubles.
Rating (2018): 4.6

An elegant look is not about him. Unsightly and bulky in appearance, but very practical internally, "Magarych Derevensky 20T" becomes the decoration of our entire rating. What is good about it: firstly, it is worth noting the volume of the distillation cube, which is 20 liters. Since this model is intended for use not only in urban, but also in rural conditions, the manufacturers decided to equip the installation with a large tank without resorting to “screwing” additional components. Heating comes from electrical and gas stoves, and the temperature inside is controlled by a prudently installed thermometer. According to users, the quality of the resulting product is good, but not the standard. Nevertheless, the distiller itself receives very high marks, for which it is rightfully one of the best moonshine stills.

Advantages:

• the presence of a thermometer;
• optimal cost;
• capacious tank;
• work durability.

Disadvantages:

• "tacky" appearance.

Due to the sharp increase in demand for moonshine stills, consumers are divided into three camps: some prefer to use standard and well-known distillers, others get the product using distillation columns, and still others spend a little more and get two units at once in one. But what is still better: a simple distillation apparatus or a rectifier? The answer is found in the comparison table:

1 Malinovka Economy 12BKT

Best price
Country Russia
Average price: 4,190 rubles.
Rating (2018): 4.8

Inexpensive household moonshine that can compete with more eminent models. An obvious advantage over other economy-class distillers is the possibility of its modernization. By simple manipulations, you can install an additional set of components, which will positively affect the quality of the resulting product. It is worth noting that the 12-liter distiller tank is made neatly and beautifully, with chrome plating, to please the picky half of users. Completes perfect image a thermometer and good price, which is able to pull the average buyer.

Advantages:

• capacious tank (12 liters);
• the presence of a flow-through cooling system;
• pleasant appearance;
• good quality the resulting product;
• the possibility of modernization.

Disadvantages:

• not detected.

The best distillers: price - quality

As the price rises, the capabilities of the apparatus itself are systematically growing: the equipment is expanding, additional elements appear, the number of cleaning operations increases and, as a result, the overall quality of the distillate increases.

5 Finlandia-Extra (20 l)

Balanced moonshine. High security
The country: Finland (Russia)
Average price: 12,990 rubles.
Rating (2018): 4.5

A device of Finnish origin, which has gained fame as a universal device that can be significantly upgraded thanks to a clamp connection. In this case, all columns and pipes are removed from the distillation cube, which makes it, in fact, a fermentation vessel.

From the technical part of Finlandia-Extra, the automatic pressure relief valve stands out in a special way, making the distillation process less dangerous. The branch pipe that removes untreated vapors from the cube is equipped with a Panchenkov nozzle for a more complete preliminary purification of the future drink from toxic impurities. As applied elements, one can single out a valve for draining stillage and stepped fittings for water hoses, suitable for fitting cuffs to prevent leaks. According to consumers, the cost of the device, taking into account all the cumulative advantages, is fair, but the optional upgrade requires large cash injections.

4 Doctor Guber "Aroma" (21 l)

A find for gourmets. The best column equipment
Country Russia
Average price: 48,123 rubles.
Rating (2018): 4.7

A very expensive, exclusive, not without charm moonshine, designed specifically for gourmets and lovers delicious drinks. main feature"Doctor Huber "Aroma"" consists in the presence of four collapsible cap plates for laying natural flavors (apples, malt, nuts, etc.). Vapors passing through all levels acquire a unique aroma, which is fully transferred to the final drink. Otherwise, the device of the model more or less repeats the market standards.

To stimulate sales, manufacturers have provided the possibility of a "live" configuration of the device during the ordering process. So, in order to reduce the price somewhat, buyers can refuse plates (one or all at once) and diopters. However, a similar law applies to reverse side- in case of urgent need to give the drink a whole range of aftertaste, especially ardent fans of home brewing can freely buy additional levels.

3 Thermosphere "Istochnik Classic" 20 l

Optimal Design
Country Russia
Average price: 18 390 rubles.
Rating (2018): 4.7

The design of this moonshine still is simple and reliable. It combines the features of a distillation column and a standard unit to produce a highly purified distillate. One cleaning cycle in such a model is equivalent to three or four distillation cycles in a moonshine still ... but with one small and very interesting condition. Making such a statement, the developers, and many users, had in mind the initial settings, without dry steamers and other devices. A single distillation in more "fancy" moonshine stills gives a qualitatively the same product, which can only indicate the unsubstantiated statements. In general, the Thermosphere "Istochnik Classic" is a good model, noteworthy from potential buyers.

Advantages:

• Digital Thermometer;
• good design, combining elements of a rectifier and a distiller;
• cube volume (20 liters);
• good performance (2 liters per hour).

Disadvantages:

• high price.

2 Phoenix Spartak 35 l

Best price. The best volume of the distillation tank (35 l)
Country Russia
Average price: 15,700 rubles.
Rating (2018): 4.8

Moonshine still "Phoenix Spartak" with a cube volume of 35 liters is ideal model for one-time and hassle-free distillation a large number raw materials. It is the fact of good capacity that is advantageous for many consumers. Of course, the dimensions of the installation will not allow it to be placed in small kitchens, but in spacious rooms (and if necessary) there will be no such problems. The design of the apparatus was based on the principle of compatibility - the distillation column was combined with a standard moonshine still. As a result, we get a good distiller at an attractive price.

Advantages:

• capacious tank of 35 liters;
• optimal cost;
• the presence of an electronic thermometer.

Disadvantages:

• not detected.

1 Good heat Triumph 15 l

The best equipment
Country Russia
Average price: 16,090 rubles.
Rating (2018): 4.9

Distiller "Dobry Zhar Triumph" is a traditional moonshine still, equipped with mass additional elements. Two sukhoparniks are located in series on the output tube, which exclude even the slightest chance of getting into the final product a large amount of harmful impurities that greatly affect the taste. Moreover, all dry steam tanks are equipped with a valve for draining fusel oils accumulating at their bottom. You can control the heating using the installed temperature sensor, which accurately transmits the temperature inside the tank to the indicator. According to users, this is one of the best and most convenient installations to use, giving a hardened product with a strength of up to 80-85 degrees.

Advantages:

• several degrees of purification;
• very high quality of the resulting product;
• good performance (3 liters per hour);
• installed bimetal temperature sensor.

Disadvantages:

• not identified.

The best moonshine stills with a rectifier

A distillation column in moonshine stills is an alternative to dry steamers and a system of discharge tubes. The main filter element in them is a Panchenkov nozzle, and a spiral barrier cooler, which precipitates heavy impurity particles, acts as an additional filter element. For one distillation in such a system, a high degree of purification of the distillate is achieved, and its strength can be up to 94 degrees.

5 Dr. Huber "Column distiller" (21 l)

High quality workmanship
Country Russia
Average price: 27,873 rubles.
Rating (2018): 4.6

Despite the high price tag, this moonshine still is one of the simplest in the Doctor Guber line. But unlike primitive classical model it combines both a distiller and elements of a distillation column, which fully affects the quality of the finished drink. For one distillation cycle, the "Column distiller" allows you to get a product with 70-94% ethanol content. At the same time, the number of “turns” at the outlet is highly dependent on the temperature maintained throughout the distillation process.

The productivity of the installation from Doctor Huber was a good five liters per hour, which was achieved thanks to a simple replacement of the refrigerator at the outlet. It is worth noting that the system lends itself to some upgrade, but this requires additional cash injections. If not for the fact high cost, to be "Column" among the honored leaders.

4 Schnapser X (30 l)

Correspondence of price and quality parameters
The country: Germany (Russia)
Average price: 17,990 rubles.
Rating (2018): 4.6

A typical representative of the line of moonshine stills from the Schnapser company, which is distinguished by a large price tag and good factory assembly quality. To long-established safety standards, the model is made from 2mm stainless steel sheet with airtight fitting body kits to each other. There is also a branded automatic pressure relief valve, a red dot crowning the impeccably chrome body.

According to the manufacturers, the purchase of this device provides nine different operating modes, which allows you to prepare absolutely any drinks. Consumers slightly refute this fact, but in general they do not question the quality of the run and the final product. Due to the possibility of a free canopy / removal of structural elements, the productivity of X varies from 3 to 7 liters per hour. But even in the case of low returns, the device confidently justifies the investment.

3 Phoenix Crystal (12 l)

Best price
Country Russia
Average price: 8 600 rubles.
Rating (2018): 4.7

The best moonshine in terms of price, alas, does not perform so well in terms of filtration quality. Despite the fact that the distillation column is equipped with a Panchenkov wire filter, a small part of the impurities manage to pass through it and get into the final product. In principle, one purification cycle is quite sufficient to achieve an acceptable result, however, to obtain an ideal fraction, re-distillation should be resorted to. The appearance of the device is not bad, as well as the set of things supplied with it. It can be heated by gas, electric, and ceramic types heaters.

Advantages:

• attractive price;
• good equipment;
• reliable material of the tank body.

Disadvantages:

• not very good cleaning quality for a rectifier.

2 Good heat Profi Plus

The best ratio of price and quality
Country Russia
Average price: 12,600 rubles.
Rating (2018): 4.8

"Good Heat Profi Plus" is a device that inspires confidence by its very appearance. It is not surprising: the hull and its components are made with due care and responsibility. There is also a small drawback here - on a polished and chrome-plated case, small defects are more noticeable and largely spoil the appearance. As for the functional state, a wire filter is located inside the rectifier, the efficiency of which is proved high rate degree of distillate purification.

Advantages:

• availability in model range devices with a tank of 12, 15, 20 and 30 liters;
• durable surface, attractive appearance;
• good quality distillate;
• efficient filter.

Disadvantages:

• on a polished surface, it is easy to distinguish even the slightest defects that harm the appearance.

1 Wein (20 l)

Best Filtration Quality
Country: Germany
Average price: 12,990 rubles.
Rating (2018): 4.9

The entire line of moonshine stills of the Wayne company is distinguished by more stringent filtration methods. As users note, the final product, passing through the Panchenkov filter and the refrigerator, is brought to a high degree of purification and does not require a second distillation. In fact, the device combines a distiller and a rectifier, that is, it is universal. characteristic feature This model is the presence of two thermometers: one determines the temperature directly in the cube, and the second - after the barrier refrigerator to assess the state of the condensed distillate. Moreover, the cube can be equipped with a flavor - a special device to give the product a unique taste.

Advantages:

• universality;
• reliability;
• effective design: the presence of thermal and wire filters;
• cube volume (20 liters);
• acceptable price;
• the possibility of equipping with aroma.

Disadvantages:

• not detected.

The best moonshine stills with a steamer

The sukhoparnik is an additional device that prevents harmful impurities from entering the final product. Fusel oils, which affect the taste of the distillate, settle to the bottom and can be drained thanks to a tap with shut-off valve. For finer cleaning of the product, it is enough to increase the number of dry steamers.

5 LUXSTAHL 4 (30 l)

The most popular distillation apparatus
The country: Germany (Russia)
Average price: 18,990 rubles.
Rating (2018): 4.5

A moonshine still with a dry steamer, which has earned immense popularity among consumers for its complete set, ease and durability of use. Nominally, the German model does not have an outstanding appearance, however, it is sharpened for completely different needs. Into the LUXSTAHL 4 distiller system on basic level includes an alcoholometer, a column with a connected branch pipe to a needle valve, a tap for draining the bard installed in the lower part of the cube, and a lining copper mesh measuring 10x50 centimeters.

Variety does not indulge, however, for a "very modest" additional fee (more than 10 thousand rubles for the entire body kit), the consumer can get a good system upgrade, which will inevitably affect the quality of the product. Optionally, LUXSTAHL 4 can include a dry steamer, drawer (aka rectifier), autonomous system cooling and heating element of 3 kW for autonomous operation. It is a pity that the final price is beyond reasonable limits.

4 Cuprum & Steel Galaxy-2 (30 l)

High quality finished product
Country Russia
Average price: 24,150 rubles.
Rating (2018): 4.6

A very catchy and lordly expensive moonshine still, designed to become not only a supplier of a quality product, but also a kind of decorating item for room furnishings. Indeed, in terms of performance, Cuprum & Steel Galaxy-2 cannot be faulted - everything structural elements fitted to each other with filigree precision. In addition, manufacturers have well thought out the moment using dissimilar materials. So, the distillation cube of the distiller is made of stainless steel, and the column and dryers are made of copper, which has a much better heat transfer than chromium iron.

The main disadvantage of Cuprum & Steel Galaxy-2 was the low productivity, which is only 4.5 liters per hour. Nevertheless, consumers in every possible way level this minus with the high quality of the resulting distillate and the duration of operation of the installation itself, not at all embarrassed by the fact of high cost.

3 Phoenix Host (10 l)

Best price. User Choice
Country Russia
Average price: 9 590 rubles.
Rating (2018): 4.6

This small, but productive model of moonshine has gained great fame among users. The main reason for this excitement is its durability - in the future, such an installation can serve for a decade without resorting to overhaul, but limited only to the replacement constituent elements(faucets, thermometer, etc.). Another advantage of the moonshine is its productivity: within an hour it is able to produce up to 3 liters of distillate of acceptable quality. Of course, one sukhoparnik does a good job of separating the product from impurities and fusel oil, but some of them still get into the ready-to-drink drink. The only way out of the situation is repeated distillation, which slows down the cooking process by an order of magnitude.

Advantages:

• durability;
• simplicity of design;
• distillate of acceptable quality;
• quite high productivity (3 liters per hour);
• low cost.

Disadvantages:

• impurities in the distillate, which leads to the need for re-distillation.

2 Magarych Mashkovsky 20BKDR (20 l)

The best ratio of price and quality
Country Russia
Average price: 9 690 rubles.
Rating (2018): 4.8

The original solution in terms of appearance was presented by the manufacturers of the moonshine still "Magarych Mashkovsky 20BKDR". They prudently “wrapped up” the tank of the device, as well as the series-connected dry steamers, which gave the product chic and high cost. The functionality did not let us down either: the moonshine still produces up to two liters of distillate per hour, the quality of which is close to ideal. This is achieved due to dry steamers, which actively retain the mash inside the distillation tank. In general, this model is almost the best in its price category and rightfully takes a place in our extended rating.

Advantages:

• distillate High Quality;
• a case made of artificial leather gives the device a high cost - a beautiful appearance;
• cube volume (20 liters);
• optimal price.

Disadvantages:

• not detected.

1 Dobry Zhar Extra Lux (50 l)

The best volume of the distillation cube (50 l). The best equipment.
Country Russia
Average price: 22,500 rubles.
Rating (2018): 4.9

A serious installation for serious business - this is how the Dobry Zhar Extra Lux moonshine still with a capacity of 50 liters can be characterized. It is extremely easy to use, does not require special care and is able to serve for a long time. for long years. To obtain a highly pure distillate with a minimum amount of impurities, it is equipped with two dry steamers, each of which is equipped with drain tap for fusel oils. The developers enthusiastically approached the configuration of their device: along with the moonshine still, each customer will receive a 100-gram pack of alcohol yeast, a recipe book for beginners, a compact alcohol meter, and a carrying and storage case.

Advantages:

• high quality product;
• very large tank (50 liters);
• the presence of a temperature sensor;
• rich equipment.

Disadvantages:

• not detected.

At one fine moment, there was a desire to have a moonshine still (entirely correct phrase). No sooner said than done...but not so fast. A review of stores for the purchase of a finished device showed that prices are high, and after understanding what I needed, it became completely clear that without " hand made", or as they say "collective farm" to achieve the desired characteristics is expensive.

Wanted the following:

1. A small distillation cube (there are no utility rooms - an apartment, nor a goal to drive 10 liters at a time)
2. Opening steamer (for aromatization)
3. Good cooling
4. Heating by heating element with automatic equipment.

The price factor played decisive role and the search for parts began. At first, as they say on many sites, of course I decided to buy a pressure cooker. The thing is good, but 9 liters is not enough, unrealistic for high prices. In addition, it turned out that a lot of pressure cookers, which are positioned in online stores as stainless steel, are actually aluminum with a stainless steel lid. Those that are completely made of stainless steel have thin walls (and there was originally an idea to embed a heating element) and for this reason did not fit. The toad choked unrealistically, but in the end it was accepted in my opinion the only correct solution- buy a cube for a moonshine still.
Therefore, a distillation cube was purchased for 10 liters (optimal for me), 3 fittings for 1/2 inch, silicone and pvc hoses with a diameter of 10 8 mm. and a 24-turn spiral cooler.

All this cost 4500-5000 rur, well, plus another heating element - 300 rur. I decided to do everything in the concept of GLASS-STAINLESS-SILICONE.
With silicone gaskets right size and strained the configurations, besides, it took a lot of them, so it was still torn apart Silicone molds for baking in the oven, but it's cheaper than looking for the right pads and incomparable in time.
Here is a photo of what happened, only the automation acquired another screen, as it greatly expands the possibilities.

Initially, everything was conceived a little differently. There was already another refrigerator in stock and the layout was slightly different:

After the first launch of the prototype and the release of the device to the operating mode, it became clear that:

1. The refrigerator does not do its job well.
2. fittings etch through the thread, even with silicone gaskets

When steam, by the way, climbs out of the refrigerator, but it does not cope with cooling - a terrible thing.))) You could only squat in the bathroom. If you stand up, a veil of alcohol vapor covers ... and the smell was everywhere ... I don’t know how they didn’t kick me out of the house))). The first distillation straightened my brains and all the "leaks" were eliminated. Fittings from the outside shook fom-tape. By the way, about the use of brass parts in a moonshine still, note as a reason to google and read: you can cover them with a layer of copper at home, this is not particularly difficult and the process itself is not expensive.

After that, a 24-turn spiral cooler was urgently purchased (as large as possible), washers were bored into the fittings and wrapped with a thread on the outside for sealing for plumbing work and tightened with terrible force. At the bottom of the refrigerator there is a ground-in vacuum cone. The seller repeated several times that he was under vacuum (I probably immediately seemed to him a moonshiner and he understood where I want to put this cone), but what do we need?))) ... we take silicone and fix this cone - the result is required))) .
Based on the experience gained (again, out of fear and for reinsurance), I made an additional refrigerator (this is on which the collection jar hangs), the idea is this: even if something gaseous is at the outlet of the refrigerator, then going down the pipe into the jar, he it will be necessary to get even upstairs, which is really vryatli))). In practice, this was confirmed and to my satisfaction there is no smell at all, the complete absence of the smell of the product. Currently I use this device only for fractional second distillation. At the first distillation, after cutting off the heads, I change the steamer, put in a three-liter jar, turn on the automatic mode and you can relax until it starts to squeak. The program itself adds power and turns off the heating at 98 degrees - the stink goes further. The purchased 24-turn refrigerator can easily cope with the cooling of steam from a kilowatt heating element, even when it works constantly, while the consumption of cold water is small. The top of the refrigerator is hot, the moonshine coming out after the passage of the spiral is cooled to 18 ° C.

Water connection to the device:

A broken watering can lay under the bathtub for a long time, until her turn came. Water is connected quickly and without leaks. Unscrew the watering can and screw on the hose - 5 sec.

The design of the apparatus itself is now well established and has proven its vitality and performance. The design will be improvements, but minor.

Time passes, the device worked and works well, but in the end, it is extremely tedious to assemble and disassemble the device, all these tubes, connect here, attach here ... it was decided to buy. No sooner said than done.

Today, more and more people are starting to produce strong alcoholic drinks on one's own. The production of alcohol is a rather complicated process and requires a lot of time and effort, however, the result is worth it. Homemade alcohol pleases, first of all, with its quality - you can not be afraid of a fake or a surrogate. But, nevertheless, every moonshiner would probably like to automate the distillation process in order to spend a minimum of time and effort on making drinks. Currently on the market there are automatic models moonshine stills. It is about such distillers that will be discussed in this article.

Advantages and disadvantages of automatic moonshine stills

Unlike classic distillers and rectifiers, automatic units have one very important advantage - they do not require constant monitoring of the distillation process. In other words, it is enough to place the initial raw material in the distillation and cube and turn on the apparatus - it will do the rest itself. You only need to visit the device from time to time to see at what stage the process of making moonshine is. Other advantages of such units include their high power, excellent quality of the materials from which they are made.

However, automatic moonshine stills also have disadvantages. First of all, it's their complex structure. If such a moonshine still fails, it will not be easy to repair it with your own hands. Most likely, you will have to contact a specialist or repair it under warranty from the manufacturer. Secondly, automatic moonshine units need special storage conditions. And most importantly - they are several times more expensive than conventional analogues.

Is it possible to make an automatic moonshine with your own hands?

You can automate the moonshine still with your own hands. As a basis, a conventional household distiller is used. Automation for the moonshine still includes: a heating element for heating raw materials, a time relay for switching the heating element. To embed the heating element in the distillation cube, it will be necessary to cut a hole in the cube for connecting the heater. After that, the heating element is installed inside the distillation tank, the plug is brought out to connect it to the outlet. The hole will need to be carefully insulated and sealed - this is very important point. If the power supply of the heating element is not sufficiently well-insulated, there may be short circuit which could result in injury or even fire.

The time relay is necessary to limit the heating of the heating element. Since we are considering an automatic moonshine still, it is understood that it can be left unattended for some time. To eliminate the risk of excessive pressure, boiling of the mash in the cube, and consequently the risk of an explosion of the distillation cube, it is necessary that the heating element does not heat up too much. The relay turns the heater on and off automatically. The cycle must be set in such a way that the mash is heated to a temperature sufficient for evaporation and at the same time does not boil. This cycle depends on the volume of the cube and the power of the heater, optimal time can be installed empirically after assembly of the unit. Such a relay can be purchased in specialized stores or ordered electronic device over the internet.

It must be remembered that the automation of the moonshine should be carried out by a person who has at least basic skills in working with an electrician. If you do not have such skills, then you should not take on the modernization of your distillery equipment, it is better to entrust this task to a specialist.

Pros and cons of a homemade automatic moonshine still

The advantages include high productivity, long service life (of course, if the device is made with high quality and in compliance with all requirements when working with electrical equipment). In addition, a home-made automatic distiller is quite simple to operate, and if a breakdown occurs, it is not so difficult to fix it, unlike factory-made automatic moonshine.

Such a unit will cost a little more than a conventional distiller, but much cheaper than a ready-made automatic moonshine still.

The disadvantages include, first of all, the fact that when upgrading the device it is quite difficult to find and select fasteners for its elements. In addition, the apparatus after improvement becomes more cumbersome. However, this is not such a big minus, since now the device does not have to be lifted and placed on the tile, thanks to the built-in heater, it can be operated directly on the floor.

Operation features

Despite the name, you should not think that the automatic moonshine still produces alcoholic beverages completely on its own. The process still needs to be controlled. The moonshine is not able to independently cut off heads and tails, turn off at the end of work. These stages of home brewing must be controlled by the distiller himself. However, after automation, the distillation process will still take much less effort. After cutting off the “heads”, you can do other things, you just need to roughly calculate the time during which the main distillation will take place and you will need to cut off the “tails”. At the same time, you can not be afraid that the steam pressure will reach critical levels, there is no need to independently regulate the power of the heater.

In general, we can conclude that the automatic moonshine still is quite convenient to use, however, it is more suitable for experienced distillers. Beginners should first work on a conventional distiller to understand the process of making strong drinks, and only then upgrade their equipment or buy automatic apparatus. Otherwise, you can spoil the drink, or (in the case of a purchased automatic moonshine still) ruin an expensive unit and spend a significant amount on its repair.

Today, moonshine is made of excellent quality, without the presence of fusel oils and bad smell, on its basis, elite brands of spirits are produced: rum, whiskey, brandy. The main task of the moonshiner is to constantly control the temperature and the entire process, but the automatic moonshine still simplifies production because it works offline.

Users who are interested in the home production of high quality alcohol products can find a lot of interesting things in this article and significantly expand their horizons in the field of home distillation of moonshine, pure as a baby's tear.

The technology is quite simple and has not undergone drastic changes over many centuries of use, only improvements, according to technological progress. Modern devices operate according to a previously developed system, and the whole process can be represented as separate stages:

1. Braga is poured into the container, and then it is installed on a gas or electric stove. Manufacturers specifically for these purposes produce light and powerful tiles, even of the induction type.
2. We collect the entire structure of the device.
3. Turn on the heating device.
4. Upon reaching +78°C, alcohol vapors begin to move along the structure.
5. Passing through the coil, which is in running water, the vapors condense.
6. Alcohol-containing liquid is directed by gravity into a substituted container.

The task of the user is to monitor the tightness of the entire system so that steam does not leak. If tightening the cover fasteners does not eliminate the leak, turn off the heater immediately. After waiting for the boiling to stop, it is necessary to open the lid and find out the reasons for the depressurization. After troubleshooting, repeat the entire process.

Design

Computer-controlled devices are very rare and differ from ordinary products only in the presence of a control unit, the main design has remained unchanged:

1. The distillation cube is made of durable metal, some devices have a heating element built into this vessel to facilitate heating control. Top Models are made of AISI 304 food grade stainless steel, as it is neutral to alcohol vapors.
2. Thermometer: its main purpose is to show the temperature inside the container, without this little helper you will not be able to control the boiling process. The electronic control unit in the automatic analogue captures temperature changes constantly.
3. Connecting tubes. Through them, alcohol vapors are sent to the dephlegmator.
4. Sukhoparnik or dephlegmator - it performs an important mission of intermediate purification of vapors from fusel oils and other impurities that adversely affect the quality of the final product. It can be used as a flavoring agent for future moonshine; for this, fresh zest from an orange or lemon is put into it during assembly.
5. Fridge. Here, vapors condense into an alcohol-containing liquid; they can be of several types.

If the machine is equipped with a refrigerator flow type, then the heated fluid cools running water- another species can use a container with cold water, through which hot moonshine is driven through the tube.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of automatic devices include:

• vertical refrigerator;
• long operation, subject to high-quality manufacturing;
• pretty simple usage.
• Wide mouth for easy cleaning.

There are disadvantages, but mostly of a constructive nature:

• thin walls and bottom of the main tank;
• some models cannot be heated on induction cookers;
• water connection hoses are not included in the kit;
• low performance.

If the device is equipped with a heating element, then the user receives an additional headache: Descaling must be done periodically, and replacement in case of burnout will be very expensive.
The principle of combination can be applied to moonshine stills: the more components in the product, the more difficult the operation and the higher the cost of repairs. Therefore, when choosing a model, these factors should be taken into account.

Operation features

Many users think that by buying a moonshine still with automatics, they got rid of the hassle, but this is not a home-made alcohol harvester - the process must be controlled. Automation cannot cut off unnecessary fractions, the so-called "heads" and "tails", turn off after the end of the process - these stages must be controlled independently.
It is not necessary to constantly monitor the process - it is enough to cut off the first fractions and go about your business, you just need to know the time when the main distillation ends in order to cut off the “tails” in time. Automation strictly monitors all other processes. The conclusion is this: experienced distillers need automatic moonshine stills, and beginners should “get their hands on it” on simple equipment.

How to choose

In order to choose the right modern moonshine still, you need to understand its functional purpose, because there are such designs on sale:

1. Classic style distiller. It consists of two parts: a distillation cube and a refrigerator or coil. This design is in great demand, especially in rural areas.
2. With the presence of a sukhoparnik - an intermediate container between the distillation cube and the refrigerator.
3. Alambik - a copper distiller for the production of cognac and whiskey traditional technologies, It has upper part distillation vessel in the form of a dome. An excellent copy for a gift to a person who is a passionate fan and connoisseur of elite varieties of alcohol.
4. A beer column is a product in which the cooling module is made in the form vertical pipe ending with a dephlegmator. It is used for the production of not only moonshine, but also noble home-made drinks, for example, chacha from grapes, retains the aroma of the distillation product.
5. Column for rectification - vertical design with mass transfer nozzles for separation into fractions.

Now we need to decide on the internal volume of the distillation cube. It is filled only by 75-80%: for example, with a total capacity of 15 liters, only 12 liters of mash are poured so that when boiling, the excess does not fall into the filtration zone.

The performance of the apparatus is expressed in liters per hour of operation, but you should ask about the maximum possible volume of the cube, the temperature of maximum heating and the intensity of cooling. When buying a column, keep in mind that its height is usually a little over a meter, so you need to take into account the height of the ceiling in your house or the room where you plan to use the device.

Manufacturers today use stainless steel and copper for the production of moonshine stills, so the price is much higher than handicraft analogues, which are made from thick-walled aluminum. The presence of electronic control units simplifies the process, but complicates maintenance: if one controller breaks, the entire device will not function and costly repairs will be required.

Rating of the best models

Moonshine still Phoenix Economy 10 liters

• Body material: AISI 430 steel
• Productivity: 3 l/h
• Volume of alembic: 10 l
• Thickness: walls - 1.0 mm, bottom - 1.5 mm
• Neck diameter: 110 mm
• Dimensions: 230x230x490 mm
• Weight: 4.5 kg
• Product strength: up to 70%
• Warranty: 12 months

• high performance
• you can distill fruit mash
• refrigerator 5 turns fast cooling
• heating on any stove

• not found

Moonshine still MAGARYCH Premium BKDR 20

• All parts are made of food grade stainless steel.
• Productivity: 1.4-2.0 l/h
• Distillation tank volume: 20 l
• Wall thickness: 1 mm
• Neck diameter: 80 mm
• Dimensions: 270x270x655 mm
• Weight: 4.2 kg
• Moonshine strength: up to 70%
• Service life: at least 5 years

• high build quality
• reliability of materials and design
• improved appearance
• full set

• poor performance.

Moonshine still Pervach Econom 12

• Body material: steel 08X18H10T
• Productivity: up to 2.0 l/h
• Volume of alembic: 12 l
• Tank walls 1 mm thick
• Neck diameter: 40 mm
• Dimensions: 230x230x380 mm
• Weight: 3.35 kg
• Warranty: 1 year, unlimited life

• high reliability
• quality-price ratio
• simple use

• small neck size

Budget class device with normal performance and high reliability all materials. Pretty compact so you can store it anywhere.