The best column-type moonshine stills for 2022

In an era when counterfeits of goods, food and drinks are found at every turn, many connoisseurs of quality alcohol are thinking about their own production. And a column-type moonshine still can help with this.

moonshine column type

The design of such a device is a distillation cube, above which a pipe (column) rises with a smooth arched transition to the cooler. Hence the name of the device.

Distillers of the classical type, with a dry steamer, differ in the principle of operation. In column apparatuses, part of the cooled steam returns back to the cube, in contact with hot steam.As a result of the repeated evaporation and condensation, the drink is cleaner, but at the same time it has a less pronounced aroma. At the exit, you can get alcohol with a strength of 90-96 degrees.

How to choose a column-type moonshine still

You should know that a good columned moonshine still must be equipped with a reflux condenser.

Dephlegmator, it is also a preliminary or additional refrigerator, pre-cooler. Its task is to trap all sorts of harmful impurities on the way to the main cooler, passing only the drinkable, more volatile component of the steam.

If that element is not in the design, then we do not recommend considering such a device for purchase, since in fact it is the dephlegmator and the selection unit that make the apparatus a column, and not just a high moonshine still.

What else to look for, besides the presence of a dephlegmator?

1. Productivity, which means how many liters of product per hour the device can produce in the first run mode. This indicator depends on the passage diameter of the column, the larger it is, the higher the performance. Options with a column narrower than 1.5 inches are better not to consider.
2. Fortress, this figure depends on the configuration of the column and for devices with steam extraction is, as a rule, in the range of 90-96%. The fortress is affected both by the presence of a reflux condenser, which we have already mentioned above, and the height of the column. The latter is regulated by drawers - pipes that differ in height and are installed between the distillation tank and the dephlegmator.
3. Ease of operation and maintenance - this factor implies the possibility of easy disassembly of the column for cleaning and washing, as well as the possibility of upgrading the apparatus, that is, modernization, if necessary.This also includes the possibility of visual control (the presence of a diopter), the possibility of remote control and management (the ability to pair with a smartphone via Bluetooth), the ability to add a genie basket to the device.

Summing up this section, we can say that the design that should be considered for purchase for home use is a column-type moonshine that:

• is collapsible and has clamp connections (and not threads or “lambs”);
• has a side, 1.5 inches or 2 ″, the larger its diameter, the more product will be output in the same period of time;
• equipped with a dephlegmator;
• has a viewing diopter.

This is the minimum set of characteristics that will allow you to purchase a really good moonshine for home. At the same time, if you want to expand the range of types of alcohol obtained or increase the volumes, you should carefully study the full range of technical characteristics of the device, and not be limited to the minimum allowable parameters noted above. A certain guarantee of quality will be the purchase of a device from the best manufacturers of column-type moonshine stills, a brief overview of which is given below.

The best column-type moonshine stills for 2022

Robin - OptiSam S3

The moonshine still Malinovka - OptiSam S3 has a 3-zone temperature monitoring via Wi-Fi without distance restrictions. To check the status of the prepared drink, you only need to look at the smartphone display and, if necessary, take the necessary measures. It is possible to set timers:

• The functioning of the column "on itself".
• Picking up "heads".
• Taking away the "body".
• Branches of "tails".

In addition, notifications come when the temperature rises.

Program functionality:

• Alert in case of deviation from the set temperature level. The smartphone will notify the owner if the temperature level increases.
• Indication of the largest and smallest indicator from the beginning of calculations, which allows you to monitor the moonshine brewing process from start to finish.
• Control of the temperature level with information presented in the form of a graph, which makes it possible to track the exact operating mode "to yourself" with correct information regarding time.
• Archiving information by calendar allows you to record the most successful distillations.
• Duplicate values ​​on the model screen.

In this model, the correct selection by liquid or vapor has also been successfully implemented. Features of Leyka technology with phlegm irrigation in the middle:

• Fast steam extraction due to the ¾ inch stopcock.
• Viewing diopter size 3 inches.
• Intuitive and smooth setting in the liquid withdrawal mode due to the presence of a needle stopcock.
• The set includes two watering cans for different capacities.

All phlegm enters the surface of the nozzle, and therefore minimizes the likelihood of it getting on the walls of the tsarga.

Extended refrigerators with Mega Freezing technology:

• 7-pipe 400mm refrigerators with 9 baffles for vortex cooling.
• 20 mm tubes.
• Powerful 7-pipe coolers, 3 inches, 400 mm long, guarantee an incredible speed of distillation, which makes it possible to heat the unit with a power of up to 7000 watts with a capacity of up to 15 liters per hour.

TURBOPOTSTILL mode guarantees a very fast distillation of the mash, which makes it possible to produce alcohol at a speed of up to 15 l / h:

• In this operating mode, fewer hazardous components are released, which give the product unpleasant taste and aroma properties.
• Save water and time.

The exclusive development cube is made of high-quality stainless steel AISI 304 and AISI 430. This material differs from others in its high resistance to acids, alkalis and other aggressive media, and also has a long service life.

• An electronic type thermometer is located in the middle of the tank, which makes it possible to control the temperature of not a vapor, but a liquid.
• Specialized handle that does not heat up during driving.
• Compatible with all types of plates due to the ferrimagnetic bottom, which is made of high quality AISI 430 steel.
• An excellent margin of safety of the tank is guaranteed by the thickness of the metal (walls - 1.5 mm).
• Practical clip for fixing the lid.
• The ¾ drain tap is located under the handle for comfortable draining of leftover mash.
• A 2-inch cap for the heating element makes it possible to put the heating element inside the cube.
• Multiple cube sizes to choose from.
• 3-zone temperature monitoring via Wi-Fi without distance restrictions.

• Not detected.

LUXSTAHL 8M

The manufacturer positions this device as a powerful distillery. And this statement is more than fair, because with the help of LUXSTAHL 8M you can cook:

• Alcohol-distillate - a scheme of a classic 3" distillation column.
• Fermented drinks - beer, mead, wine. It is possible to put the mash directly in a hermetically sealed tank, a water seal will ensure easy removal of gases, and a standard thermometer will not allow the temperature threshold to be exceeded, at which the yeast dies.
• Aromatic distillates - whiskey, brandy, cognac, moonshine.

It is worth noting the high speed of distillation and productivity, the rate of which reaches 12 l / h.

The tank of the device is modular. In the original configuration, its volume is 37 liters. And by purchasing additional modules, the volume can be increased. The volume of the additional module is 20 liters. You can attach an unlimited number of modules. They are fastened with a specially designed gasket and a clamp. It is worth noting the impossibility of installing a gasket with distortions, since inside it there is a reinforcing stainless steel ring with guides. By the way! A modular cube is convenient for fractional distillation, when, for example, mash is distilled in a large cube, and raw - in a small base.

You can heat the device on any type of stoves, including induction, thanks to a 3-layer ferromagnetic bottom.

Dimensions LUXSTAHL 8M:

Cube: height - 4 cm, diameter - 36 cm. The height of the column with one side is 95 cm, installing an additional side side will increase the height by 50 cm.

• Modular cube;
• dome cover;
• Measuring scale on the tank;
• Diopter on the selection unit;
• Heat resistant handles;
• The presence of a drain valve;
• Overpressure protection valve;
• Possibility of use on induction cookers;
• Complete set that allows you to use the device out of the box;
• Clamp connection;
• Includes two drawers with insulation and SPN 4.8 kg.;
• You can connect a heating element.

• Remote control is not possible.

Wein 6 Pro

Like most of the devices noted in this review, this one is capable of making classic moonshine, as well as whiskey, tinctures and liquors. Wein 6 Pro has the ability to make vapor and liquid selections.Taking into account the latter, he can prepare alcohol with a strength of up to 96.6%.

The column apparatus is made of stainless steel, all seals are silicone. You can choose the option for 20, 37 or 50 liters. The column diameter is 2″. There are two tsarg in the set, each length is 50 cm.

For ease of use, the manufacturer has provided a ferromagnetic bottom, so even owners of induction cookers can purchase such a device. Do not worry about boiling off the foam will allow the lid with a double cone. And the built-in full-fledged diopter allows you to control the process.

• Two selection options: steam or liquid;
• Two drawers, 50 cm each;
• Full diopter;
• ferromagnetic bottom;
• Tank 2 in 1;
• Double cone lid;
• A complete set to start work immediately after purchase and assembly.

• Both sides are not transparent;
• Bluetooth connection with a smartphone is not provided.

SCHNAPSER XO4M

The device is a novelty of the current year, equipped with a universal selection unit: for liquid or steam. The set comes with one king. The tank itself and accessories are made of stainless steel.

The drawer side is opaque, has a length of 50 cm, and is completed with a heater. The performance of the device as a whole corresponds to its counterparts and is 5-12 l / h.

As for visual control, a universal device is provided here: a Gin-basket diopter, that is, in addition to being provided as a viewing window, it can be used to flavor alcohol by adding various kinds of berries and seasonings to the basket. An alternative use of this diopter is also interesting. If you install it as the first element on the distillation cube, and after attaching the column, then it will act as a defoamer.

The tank is made of stainless steel and equipped with a ferromagnetic bottom. This allows you to use the distiller on any cooking surfaces.

• Universal selection unit: for steam or liquid;
• Multifunctional diopter-gin basket;
• Ferromagnetic tank bottom;
• Good performance;
• Complete set for direct operation immediately after purchase;
• The 2mm thick dome cover allows the column to be extended without the risk of tilting.

• Opaque tsarga;
• The device cannot be controlled from a smartphone.

SCHNAPSER X5

The novelty of 2022 allows you to prepare various kinds of drinks at home, including vodka, cognac, whiskey, rum and others. You can also get pure alcohol 96%. The device has good performance, up to 12 l / h and the possibility of heating on all types of stoves, even on induction. It also provides preparation for the installation of heating elements.

Compared to the above XO4-M model, SCHNAPSER X5 is a simplified version, suitable, first of all, for those who are just starting to get acquainted with moonshine. If you want to get more features from the unit as you dive, the classic design of the SCHNAPSER X5 will allow you to easily upgrade it to the advanced XO4-M by purchasing a few additional units.

The distillation cube is made of AISI 304 stainless food steel, equipped with a ferromagnetic bottom, comfortable heat-resistant handles and a cone-shaped lid that securely and tightly closes the tank.

As for the volume, you can choose from several options - 17, 25, 37 or 50 liters.

The kit comes with one tsarga 50 cm with a heater, but the SPN nozzle is purchased additionally.

• Column 2“, which is the universal and most popular option for home use;
• Ability to use "out of the box";
• Clamp connection and the possibility of modernization;
• Reliable connection of hoses in 2 ways through quick couplings or standard flexible plumbing connections;
• Possibility of connection of heating element.

• The tsarga is not transparent;
• You cannot control the device from a smartphone;
• SPN is purchased separately.

Feast Workshop Column Suite-5

Another device among the novelties of this year. The distillation cube, made of food grade stainless steel, is supplied in several volumes of 20, 24, 25, 30, 37, 50 liters. Tanks from 20 to 30 liters are supplied with a conical lid, from 30 to 50 with a domed lid. All cubes have a pressure relief valve, a brass valve for draining stillage, a hole for a heating element, two thermometers, one at the bottom, the second at the top.

Moonshine still Kolonny Lux can be used in 2 modes

1. As a distillation column to obtain pure alcohol.
2. As a beer column, which allows you to make high-quality aromatic distillates.

The height of the assembled column is 103 cm.

• Universal selection unit for steam and liquid;
• Universal 2" column;
• The column is completely collapsible;
• Clamp connections;
• High productivity - up to 12 liters per hour;
• Fixation on pneumatic fittings;
• The tank can be used as a fermentation tank;
• Functional water seal included;
• Can be used on any type of plates;
• It is possible to connect a heating element;
• The set includes a drawer side with a jumper on one side, with a heater and 5 Panchenkov copper nozzles;
• In general, a very rich equipment.

• Cannot be controlled from a smartphone;
• There is no diopter in the basic configuration.

Good heat Absolute VIP

This double distillation moonshine differs from its counterparts in premium materials and unusual appearance. The usual alembic made of stainless steel AISI 304 and 430 is complemented by a copper cone lid and lamp. The task of the latter is to prevent mash from getting into the column and to extinguish foaming. Above the lamp is a transparent cup-shaped column.

The plate-type design of the column ensures the purification of the distillate from heavy fractions, which, condensing on the plates, flow back into the distillation cube.

Absolute VIP can be used in several modes

1. To prepare the mash, a plug with a “spout” is placed on the tank, and the connected hose is immersed in water.
2. Pot-still - for the first distillation of mash with a performance indicator of up to 5 l / h, the result is raw alcohol, which is subject to a second distillation.
3. The classic mode for obtaining aromatic distillates, this mode is used for the distillation of grain and fruit brews.
4. Strengthening mode - it is supposed to assemble the structure with a reflux condenser, it allows you to overtake raw alcohol into the final product of high strength and degree of purification.

The manufacturer offers the option of a distillation cube for 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 liters. You can choose a complete set only with the possibility of heating on a stove or with a heating element, the latter option, which is logical, will cost more.

• Universal 2" column;
• Transparent, plate type column;
• Copper lamp included;
• Inside the tsarga there are three Panchenkov wire nozzles;
• Impeccable execution and materials;
• There is a tap for draining bards;
• A cone lid that increases the usable capacity of the tank;
• Two thermometers;
• Clamp connection.

• In addition to the lack of remote control, not marked

Bulat hero 2

The number 2 in the name of the moonshine still indicates the diameter of the drawer used in the design. At the same time, the tank, namely its volume, can be selected from 4 options - 12, 21, 37, 50 liters. The tank is made of stainless steel and equipped with a 3 mm thick cover, which gives additional stability to the column. Drawer side included steel 45 cm long. Dephlegmator - to choose from: enlarged film or 9-channel segmented.

The manufacturer in the basic configuration provided a digital thermometer and alcoholometer. The owner does not have to buy anything for the first testing of the device.

• The basic kit contains everything you need to get started;
• Stainless steel tank;
• Clamp connection;
• Dephlegmator to choose from;
• Sufficient lid thickness.

• In the basic configuration, visual control is difficult, since a diopter is not provided, you will have to buy it separately;
• Also, you will additionally have to “upgrade” the device with a false sieve or gin with a basket for brewing beer or flavoring drinks.

Selivanenko column

This distillation unit operates in several modes, including Postil for obtaining raw alcohol and other distillates and rectification, when it is necessary to create high-quality alcohol.

The selection is based on the liquid. At the same time, the design of the selection unit allows you to evenly distribute the flow of phlegm over the surface of the nozzle.In this case, all the phlegm falls on the surface of the nozzle, but its hit on the wall of the tsarga is excluded. By the way, the tsarga here has a length of 750 mm.

The design, even in the basic version, includes a diopter with position indication, thanks to which you can control the vertical of the side. Also speaking about the design, it is worth noting that even the basic equipment will allow you to use the apparatus for distillation and rectification immediately, without additional purchase of additional components.

• The elongated drawer, fully equipped with a nozzle and thermal insulation;
• Diopter with indication of position;
• Ferromagnetic bottom and, as a result, the ability to use on any cooking surfaces;
• The possibility of obtaining high-quality pure alcohol.

• The tsarga is not transparent;
• There is no way to monitor the process remotely.

The article reviewed the best column-type moonshine stills that allow you to prepare various drinks, ranging from beer to pure alcohol with a strength of 96%. The differences in these models for the most part lie in the selection unit, operating modes, organization of visual control and the possibility of control via a smartphone. The choice of a moonshine should be made based on the volume of the proposed moonshine, preferred drinks and financial capabilities, as well as taking into account the criteria noted above.