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Still is a device used to distill alcohol by heating it to the point of evaporation and then condensing the vapors into a separate container. Stills play an important role in producing many types of alcohol, including beer, whisky, and vodka. So, how much is a still worth?
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How Much Is a Still Worth?
A standard still can cost anywhere from 130 to 500 dollars if you are buying from the store or online. This is the price of a 5-gallon still, which is a common size for home alcohol distillation. If you want a larger still, you can expect to pay more because the manufacturer will charge more for the materials and labor.
If you are looking for a higher-quality still, the price will be significantly higher. For instance, 50-gallon stainless steel still can cost upwards of 2,000 dollars. This is because the materials are more expensive, and the construction is more complex. In most cases, spending this much money on a still is unnecessary unless you are distilling alcohol for commercial purposes.
Ultimately, the cost of a still depends on the size, quality, and features that you want. If you are looking for a basic still for home use, you can expect to pay a small amount. If you need a larger or higher-quality still, you will have to pay more.
Factors that Affect the Cost of a Still
A still’s worth will can be affected by various factors that every distiller should consider before making a purchase. If you want to purchase your first still or upgrade from a smaller one, you will want to have the following factors in mind:
The Type of Still
Stills come in different types, each with different purposes. Each type has its own set of pros and cons that you need to consider. You don’t want to spend a lot of money on a still only to find out that it’s not right for your needs. Remember that the type of still you choose will ultimately affect the cost. Here are the different types of stills that you need to know about:
- Pot Still: A pot still is the most common type of still. It’s also the simplest and most affordable type. The simplicity makes its price tag lower than other types of stills.
- Reflux Still: A reflux still is a more complex type of still that’s often used by commercial distillers. The complexity of its design increases the price. So, if you’re looking for a still for home use, a pot still is a better option.
- Column Still: A column still is the most complex type of still. It’s also the most expensive type. The column still is often used in commercial alcohol production because of its high efficiency. This type is only recommended if you’re sure that you need it.
The Size of the Still
The still size is another important factor to consider because it will affect the cost. If you want a small still for home use, you can expect to pay less than if you need a larger still for commercial use. The size of the still is often determined by the amount of alcohol you want to produce.
Most home brewers only need a small still because they’re only brewing for personal consumption. If you want to produce more alcohol, you will need a larger still. The larger the still, the more expensive it will be.
The Material of the Still
The material of the still is another important factor that affects its cost. Most stills are made using stainless steel because they’re durable and easy to clean. However, there are also stills made from other materials, such as copper.
In most cases, stills are made using copper because it’s a good conductor of heat. This means that it can produce a higher-quality product. However, copper stills are more expensive than stainless steel stills. If you’re on a budget, stainless steel is the better option.
The Features of the Still
Different stills come with different features. The more features a still has, the more expensive it will be. For instance, some stills come with a heating element. This feature allows you to control the temperature of the still, which is essential for distilling alcohol.
Other features that you might find in a still include a water pump, an automatic shut-off, and a pressure gauge. These features can make your distilling experience more convenient and efficient. However, they also come with a higher price tag.
Related Questions
What Do You Get By Distilling Beer?
If you distill beer, you will automatically get whisky. In a real sense, whisky is just distilled beer. The distilling beer removes the water content, leaving behind a more concentrated form of alcohol.
How Much Does a Still Produce?
A still produces about 20% of your original liquid. This means that if you have 5 gallons of wort, you will end up with 1 gallon of whisky.
Conclusion
Still is an essential device for beer and whisky making. The still’s size, quality, and features will determine its price. If you’re on a budget, a small stainless steel pot still is a good option. For commercial use, a column still is the best choice.
