Thermometer - Custom Copper Still Mod

Kyle Brown on March 30, 2013

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

How to install a Thermometer in a Copper Still

One of the most common questions we get asked VIA email and over the phone is,"How is a thermometer added to a copper still and where is the best place to install it?"

Watch this video for a full tutorial, but read on for more info and a critical pro tip.

Measure Liquid Temp and/or Vapor Temp with a Permanent Copper Fitting and 3" Thermometer

The absolute best way to add a thermometer to a copper still is to permanently install a 1/2" copper bung and then screw a stainless steel thermometer with 1/2" NPT threads into that. The copper fitting can be soldered into the boiler of the still or soldered into the column with the column thermometer kit. Apply Teflon tape to threads on thermometer and screw thermometer into copper fitting. Hand tighten and then snug with pliers. Do not over tighten!! 
In addition to a boiler thermometer, you may consider a column thermometer as well. Images and links for each are below:

Top Secret Pro Tip: Use a Stepped Drill Bit For Boiler Wall Hole

After we created and published our thermometer video someone emailed us and mentioned that we should use a stepped bit to make the hole for the thermometer in the still boiler wall. If there is a right tool for this job, the stepped drill bit is it! We managed to get by with our tin snips, but it's not the easiest thing to do and also doesn't produce a very clean opening. Stepped bits are self piloting and they make a super clean hole in the copper. We definitely picked one up from the shop after seeing how awesome they are.

Stainless Steel Still Thermometer Options

For those that have one of our 8 gallon stainless steel stills installing thermometers is a very simple process. A distiller will need our 8 gallon stainless steel thermometer combo kit - simply attach the column thermometer with the provided hardware and screw the boiler thermometer into the provided fitting on the still.

Portrait of Kyle Brown
Portrait of Kyle Brown

Kyle Brown

Read Kyle's Articles

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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56 Comments

  • SB
    Comment Author: Steve Brown

    Hello
    Would you post thermometers to the uk????
    Thanks steve

  • H
    Comment Author: Howard

    In place of the drill and tin snips a dremel with a metal buring bit works better for more accuracy.

  • D
    Comment Author: DEnis

    How high up do you install a thermometer on a 1 gallon still

  • H
    Comment Author: Henry

    How do you pour in the beer, and remove the remainings? The videos doesn’t show these details.
    Thank you for your videos, on the assembly of the copper kit internal condenser stills, very informing.

  • M
    Comment Author: Marc

    I understand why you would want a thermometer on the boiler but What can you learn from installing a thermometer in the vapor column?

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Categories

Various beers in glasses

How To Brew

Clear liquor in a rocks glass with a lime wedge

How To Distill

Pouring ingredients into a brewing kit

Try New Recipes

A group of people toasting with steins of beer

Learn From Interviews