Electric Distiller With Built In Element

This blog provides information for educational purposes only. Read our complete summary for more info.

Here's a picture of our 8 gallon stainless steel still equipped with a 1.5" ferrule for a stainless steel hot water heater electric element. And here's why we think electricity is superior to all other distillation heat sources.

For starters, electric stills cost less to operate than stills fueled with propane. Propane is about the most expensive fuel out there, electricity is slightly less, and wood is the cheapest. Distilling over a fire is definitely the most "sexy" way to do it, but it takes quite a bit of skill to dial in the perfect temperature using wood for fuel. It can also be dangerous. Elements can be coupled with thermostats to offer precise temperature control and the lack of an open fire is also a safety advantage. 

Electric Distillation Control Boxes

As mentioned above, the biggest advantage to using electric to heat a still is that one is able to very precisely control the temperature. Our controller is designed to work with our 5 and 10 gallon copper still kits as well as our 8 gallon stainless steel stills. Our controller offers precision heat control - it is very easy to use, no cycling, and has simple controls. This controller is designed to work on any still up to 10 gallons in volume.

Distilling alcohol is illegal without a federal fuel alcohol or distilled spirit plant permit as well as relevant state permits. Our distillation equipment is designed for legal uses only and the information in this article is for educational purposes only. Please read our complete legal summary for more information on the legalities of distillation.

Portrait of Kyle Brown

Kyle Brown is the owner of Clawhammer Supply, a small scale distillation and brewing equipment company which he founded in 2009. His passion is teaching people about the many uses of distillation equipment as well as how to make beer at home. When he isn't brewing beer or writing about it, you can find him at his local gym or on the running trail.

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19 Comments

  • GW
    Comment Author: gary j williams

    thanks so much for the knowlege ypu share with us

  • J
    Comment Author: JerseyJoe

    There is a lot of information about electric brewing beer on:
    http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f170/electrical-primer-brewers-145019/

    I would expect that the 5 to 10 gal boil kettle set ups for brewing beer would translate size wise to a still.

    The fellas at http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/ have a step by step online guide to building a fully automated electric brewery. That should be easily converted to distilling.

  • JM
    Comment Author: JAMES MEADOWS

    WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT NATURAL GAS BURNERS?

  • JM
    Comment Author: JAMES MEADOWS

    I AM VERY INTERESTED IN YOUR 20 GALLON KIT. WHEN WILL THEY BE READY TO ORDER?