VEVOR stills

Simple pot still distillation and construction with or without a thumper.

Moderator: Site Moderator

Post Reply
User avatar
Grappa-Gringo
Swill Maker
Posts: 442
Joined: Tue Dec 04, 2012 12:44 pm
Location: North of 49th/PNW

VEVOR stills

Post by Grappa-Gringo »

Has anyone bought from this company? Results? Not a bad deal on the website.... thoughts?
Attachments
image.png
They say, "you are what you eat"... Then I'm fast, easy and cheap!
greggn
Site Donor
Site Donor
Posts: 1380
Joined: Sun Jul 27, 2014 11:59 am
Location: East Coast

Re: VEVOR stills

Post by greggn »

Grappa-Gringo wrote: Thu Jun 23, 2022 7:47 am
Has anyone bought from this company? Results? Not a bad deal on the website.... thoughts?

You've been a member since 2012 ... but haven't seen the deluge of comments about these stills ?

To summarize them: walk away and save your money
________________

I drank fifty pounds of feed-store corn
'till my clothes were ratty and torn
User avatar
Grappa-Gringo
Swill Maker
Posts: 442
Joined: Tue Dec 04, 2012 12:44 pm
Location: North of 49th/PNW

Re: VEVOR stills

Post by Grappa-Gringo »

Greggn--- yup...been around for 10 years...never saw that particular one on the site.... seen lots that were from China, but not that one. I wasn't going to buy it, I'm happy with my beer kegs.... A buddy bought one and he thinks it does the trick...Glad to hear that it's not all what's it's cracked up to be.... appreciate the opinion. gg
They say, "you are what you eat"... Then I'm fast, easy and cheap!
User avatar
Yummyrum
Global moderator
Posts: 7653
Joined: Sat Jul 06, 2013 2:23 am
Location: Fraser Coast QLD Aussie

Re: VEVOR stills

Post by Yummyrum »

A vevor is a vevor , no matter who resells them .
viewtopic.php?f=15&t=87049#p7710030
Kogan was selling them in Aussie . Still the same POS
disturbinglymellow
Novice
Posts: 19
Joined: Mon Jun 13, 2022 1:16 pm
Location: Texas

Re: VEVOR stills

Post by disturbinglymellow »

I own the 9.6 gallon version that comes with a 'thumper' and the same size worm that is pictured here. I did add an electric element to mine with an SCR controller. After cleaning and sac run, I have run another 3 charges through it.

Is it worth what I spent on it? Yes and no.
I say yes, because I now have a 9.6 gallon pot with element for heating mash water. I did gain some valuable hands on experience in running a still and observing the process as well as in building my controller. I also got a submersible pump for cooling that works surprisingly well.
I say no because while the pump works well, the worm (condenser) that comes with this is very undersized. You could work with this if you are patient, but I am not. The "thumper" that came with mine is nothing more than a slobber box but is advertised as a thumper. There is no column. You could achieve the same, if not better results with a thrift store pot, some copper tubing and a bucket.

In hindsight I really wish I had waited a bit longer and saved the extra money to get/build something modular as well as balanced. I do plan to modify my Vevor pot to receive a column and build a proper condenser, but that will be some time down the road.

In the end, if you choose to go this route, I do feel there is experience to be gained from it, but you need to level set your expectations. This is like the down hill derby car of stills, don't expect F-1 performance. IMHO, the best you can hope for is basic bicycle performance from this as it is out of the box.
Last edited by acfixer69 on Sun Sep 04, 2022 6:19 am, edited 1 time in total.
Reason: Removed advertisement
Vevor 9.6 gal, 3 pot still (don't use the slobber box) converted to electric. More modifications to go.
Keg Boiler, 2kw electric, 3" column, LM/VM Head
Still learnin
User avatar
Saltbush Bill
Site Mod
Posts: 9675
Joined: Thu Mar 17, 2011 2:13 am
Location: Northern NSW Australia

Re: VEVOR stills

Post by Saltbush Bill »

To a Newbie they might look wonderful and seem a good buy.
In reality they are a piece of shit, I don't know a single experienced Distiller who would consider buying one if they saw one in the flesh.
Shadowride69
Swill Maker
Posts: 242
Joined: Mon Jan 31, 2022 9:00 am
Location: Kentucky

Re: VEVOR stills

Post by Shadowride69 »

Hey now my wife bought me one I modified it and use it fine
I help collage girl's make bad decisions..... I make liquor bottles as a career.
disturbinglymellow
Novice
Posts: 19
Joined: Mon Jun 13, 2022 1:16 pm
Location: Texas

Re: VEVOR stills

Post by disturbinglymellow »

Shadowride69 wrote: Thu Jun 23, 2022 4:33 pm Hey now my wife bought me one I modified it and use it fine
That was kind of the point I was trying to make. There are 'good' points to the Vevor still, but out of the box they will not work the way one would expect if they have spent much time researching at all. Hell, you can distill in a 5gal plastic bucket if you have the time and patience, doesn't mean you SHOULD. :wink:
Vevor 9.6 gal, 3 pot still (don't use the slobber box) converted to electric. More modifications to go.
Keg Boiler, 2kw electric, 3" column, LM/VM Head
Still learnin
User avatar
Chauncey
Site Donor
Site Donor
Posts: 1570
Joined: Sat Feb 06, 2016 1:30 am
Location: NOLA

Re: VEVOR stills

Post by Chauncey »

You can make a new condenser fairly easily that'll work way better than that tiny guy. 5 gallon bucket worm is a quick easy one
<no stopping to corner anytime [] no parking passenger zone>

When people tell me I'll regret that in the morning, I sleep till noon.
User avatar
bcook608
Rumrunner
Posts: 686
Joined: Thu Jan 27, 2022 8:54 pm
Location: Midwest, USA

Re: VEVOR stills

Post by bcook608 »

The small one I'm using was basically the same as that one. The small diameter riser sucks and the flake stand will almost never be level. I chopped mine off and replaced it with a liebig and now it's only OK. I had a 26 gal kegger (2 kegs welded into one tall boiler) but that has gone into storage until my living situation changes and I can still in a larger area.

Useable with modification, but the cost of modification is the same if not more than sourcing your own parts and building your own small still.
User avatar
Saltbush Bill
Site Mod
Posts: 9675
Joined: Thu Mar 17, 2011 2:13 am
Location: Northern NSW Australia

Re: VEVOR stills

Post by Saltbush Bill »

bcook608 wrote: Thu Jun 23, 2022 10:07 pm Useable with modification, but the cost of modification is the same if not more than sourcing your own parts and building your own small still.
Good post , never owned one but have tried to help a fella run one once.....what an experience that was :roll: .......figured that at the time .....building your own from ready available parts would be about the same cost and work 100% better.
User avatar
bcook608
Rumrunner
Posts: 686
Joined: Thu Jan 27, 2022 8:54 pm
Location: Midwest, USA

Re: VEVOR stills

Post by bcook608 »

Saltbush Bill wrote: Thu Jun 23, 2022 11:02 pm
bcook608 wrote: Thu Jun 23, 2022 10:07 pm Useable with modification, but the cost of modification is the same if not more than sourcing your own parts and building your own small still.
Good post , never owned one but have tried to help a fella run one once.....what an experience that was :roll: .......figured that at the time .....building your own from ready available parts would be about the same cost and work 100% better.
Yeah, I'm not sure about in Oz, but over here, it was at least worth keeping the pot but only barely. I fear that I'm going to have to reinforce the lid when I redo the head to accept 2" couplings.
Bren
Novice
Posts: 24
Joined: Sun Jun 26, 2022 9:09 am

Re: VEVOR stills

Post by Bren »

I'm using the 5gal pot with the tiny worm.
It distills but I've not been able to make good stuff it all has chemical taste at the end.
I know it's not all the equipment I am responsible for most of the dodgy stuff but even as a very new guy I can see it needs to be better. All that being said it is still experience in brewing.
I'm now looking to start and make my own still so that should be interesting.
User avatar
still_stirrin
Master of Distillation
Posts: 10337
Joined: Tue Mar 18, 2014 7:01 am
Location: where the buffalo roam, and the deer & antelope play

Re: VEVOR stills

Post by still_stirrin »

Bren wrote: Sun Sep 04, 2022 4:36 am I'm using the 5gal pot with the tiny worm.
It distills but I've not been able to make good stuff it all has chemical taste at the end.
You don’t expect a “one and done” run to be good, do you?

Try the double distillation method (strip + spirit run protocol). That should help you make better cuts.
ss
My LM/VM & Potstill: My build thread
My Cadco hotplate modification thread: Hotplate Build
My stock pot gin still: stock pot potstill
My 5-grain Bourbon recipe: Special K
User avatar
Renhoekk
Swill Maker
Posts: 217
Joined: Fri Aug 05, 2022 3:43 am

Re: VEVOR stills

Post by Renhoekk »

If you're at the stage where you're trying to figure out if distilling is for you, then it can be a cheap way to find out.
With a bit of knowledge, those basic stockpot stills will produce stuff that your buddies will be happy to sit around and drink on a Saturday night.

If you're at the stage where you want to get serious, don't even think about getting that.
Stump Lake
Site Donor
Site Donor
Posts: 81
Joined: Mon Jul 25, 2022 7:01 am
Location: State of confusion

Re: VEVOR stills

Post by Stump Lake »

Renhoekk wrote: Mon Sep 05, 2022 3:25 am If you're at the stage where you're trying to figure out if distilling is for you, then it can be a cheap way to find out.
With a bit of knowledge, those basic stockpot stills will produce stuff that your buddies will be happy to sit around and drink on a Saturday night.

If you're at the stage where you want to get serious, don't even think about getting that.
I agree with this statement. I'm at this stage now. I'm running a Vevor 3 pot still. If I had tried to design my perfect still with my preconceived ideas about distilling it would have been a disaster. I have my UJSSM#4 fermenting right now. I read this forum ever day.

You can read and read, and think you understand. I think you only really learn from actually doing it. Especially when you do things wrong.

The Vevor let me get my get started for only $92.00. My perfect still is somewhere in the future.
User avatar
Bushman
Admin
Posts: 17988
Joined: Tue Mar 30, 2010 5:29 am
Location: Pacific Northwest

Re: VEVOR stills

Post by Bushman »

Stump Lake wrote: Tue Sep 06, 2022 5:06 am
Renhoekk wrote: Mon Sep 05, 2022 3:25 am If you're at the stage where you're trying to figure out if distilling is for you, then it can be a cheap way to find out.
With a bit of knowledge, those basic stockpot stills will produce stuff that your buddies will be happy to sit around and drink on a Saturday night.

If you're at the stage where you want to get serious, don't even think about getting that.
I agree with this statement. I'm at this stage now. I'm running a Vevor 3 pot still. If I had tried to design my perfect still with my preconceived ideas about distilling it would have been a disaster. I have my UJSSM#4 fermenting right now. I read this forum ever day.

You can read and read, and think you understand. I think you only really learn from actually doing it. Especially when you do things wrong.

The Vevor let me get my get started for only $92.00. My perfect still is somewhere in the future.
Not sure I agree with the first part about it being a disaster to build asl a lot of members have had great success with information on this forum but your second part is true in that at some time you have to just dive in to truly learn.
cmac62
Novice
Posts: 37
Joined: Thu Jul 22, 2021 11:03 am

Re: VEVOR stills

Post by cmac62 »

I used TC/SS tubing and a used keg to make both a pot and 2x36" CCVM and it didn't cost much more than that. So I'd go that route if you can. I'm also thinking about getting a airstill for gin and other infusions.
Stump Lake
Site Donor
Site Donor
Posts: 81
Joined: Mon Jul 25, 2022 7:01 am
Location: State of confusion

Re: VEVOR stills

Post by Stump Lake »

Thanks, I'm looking for a keg now. I hope to be going that route eventually. In the mean time my little Vevor is teaching me the basics of distilling, making cuts and blending.
redz242
Novice
Posts: 83
Joined: Sat Jan 22, 2022 6:07 pm
Location: In the universe

Re: VEVOR stills

Post by redz242 »

Garbage but good for 2-4 months of learning save for some copper sheets, keg, or boiler cause theirs is shut the whole stupid set up
Bren
Novice
Posts: 24
Joined: Sun Jun 26, 2022 9:09 am

Re: VEVOR stills

Post by Bren »

Ill be looking for some kegs i think so itll do while im building .y own.
Got a mountain of reading to do on the buildong side though
redz242
Novice
Posts: 83
Joined: Sat Jan 22, 2022 6:07 pm
Location: In the universe

Re: VEVOR stills

Post by redz242 »

Ben that would be smart they don’t last long
User avatar
squigglefunk
Trainee
Posts: 886
Joined: Fri Jul 16, 2021 9:27 am

Re: VEVOR stills

Post by squigglefunk »

I wouldn't recommend that one but IMO this one is not bad

I've been using it for a while now, it is holding up just fine. I did end up making my own riser/column and leibig condenser for it, but it worked OK as is. The stainless seems to be 304, no rust or corrosion issues, the bottom is thick and heats evenly. I'm sure there's many other options, cheaper, better, etc. All I can say is it does work.

It does not comply with the "no silicone" rule so you will have to deal with that as you see fit.
Attachments
still.jpg
JAMAWG
Novice
Posts: 72
Joined: Sat Nov 05, 2022 11:54 am
Location: Cascadia

Re: VEVOR stills

Post by JAMAWG »

squigglefunk wrote: Thu Nov 03, 2022 6:59 am I wouldn't recommend that one but IMO this one is not bad

I've been using it for a while now, it is holding up just fine. I did end up making my own riser/column and leibig condenser for it, but it worked OK as is. The stainless seems to be 304, no rust or corrosion issues, the bottom is thick and heats evenly. I'm sure there's many other options, cheaper, better, etc. All I can say is it does work.

It does not comply with the "no silicone" rule so you will have to deal with that as you see fit.
I got the same one and have been getting a lot of decent results from it. I just wish I could get it in all copper. Have you tried the "ceramic balls"? They seemed sketchy. I have been putting copper mesh in the top instead. Their 3 pot stills look like crap. But this guy is great for a complete newbie.
Mossback moonshiner in Cascadia.
User avatar
squigglefunk
Trainee
Posts: 886
Joined: Fri Jul 16, 2021 9:27 am

Re: VEVOR stills

Post by squigglefunk »

throw those balls in the trash lol

yes I put copper mesh in the bottom of the football where the triclamp ferrule is. I put nothing in the top of the football and its my "onion" lol ... you can def pack more copper in there, I have done so, whether it increases reflux or purifies better I cant say, right now I am using one scrubbie in the neck and thats it and no weird smells coming out.

the welds are all excellent, they dont rust, the spot welds on the clamps are holding up, the stainless steel itself def seems 304 grade, no tarnish issues at all...

I agree this set up while maybe flawed in some ways really is worlds better than those three pot stills!
User avatar
Dancing4dan
Site Donor
Site Donor
Posts: 911
Joined: Sun Oct 18, 2020 4:18 pm
Location: Alberta

Re: VEVOR stills

Post by Dancing4dan »

squigglefunk wrote: Thu Nov 03, 2022 6:59 am I wouldn't recommend that one but IMO this one is not bad

I've been using it for a while now, it is holding up just fine. I did end up making my own riser/column and leibig condenser for it, but it worked OK as is. The stainless seems to be 304, no rust or corrosion issues, the bottom is thick and heats evenly. I'm sure there's many other options, cheaper, better, etc. All I can say is it does work.

It does not comply with the "no silicone" rule so you will have to deal with that as you see fit.
I would be tempted to put a ferrule on the top of that football and relocate the condenser to the top.
"What harms us is to persist in self deceit and ignorance"
Marcus Aurelius
I’m not an alcoholic! I’m a drunk. Alcoholics go to meetings!
User avatar
squigglefunk
Trainee
Posts: 886
Joined: Fri Jul 16, 2021 9:27 am

Re: VEVOR stills

Post by squigglefunk »

Dancing4dan wrote: Tue Dec 13, 2022 5:26 pm I would be tempted to put a ferrule on the top of that football and relocate the condenser to the top.
for sure one would fit there nicely and I have thought the same thing... in fact I have added a copper union to the fitting that is on the top so I can attach my liebig and have run it that way...
JAMAWG
Novice
Posts: 72
Joined: Sat Nov 05, 2022 11:54 am
Location: Cascadia

Re: VEVOR stills

Post by JAMAWG »

squigglefunk wrote: Wed Dec 14, 2022 2:19 am
Dancing4dan wrote: Tue Dec 13, 2022 5:26 pm I would be tempted to put a ferrule on the top of that football and relocate the condenser to the top.
for sure one would fit there nicely and I have thought the same thing... in fact I have added a copper union to the fitting that is on the top so I can attach my liebig and have run it that way...
That is a great idea. I will have to try that. Just got my Xmas present. A digiboil with an alcoengine pot still. A stripping run way overpowers that still. Working on a way to attach the "football" and condenser to the lid of the alcoengine. Want to use that for stripping, and gin/infusion runs. And the pot for spirit. I have a smallish kitchen and live in a condo. The compact design of the football and attached condenser is great for me. Wish someone made it out of copper! If you are working in tight spaces the football and condenser are worth it on their own.
Mossback moonshiner in Cascadia.
User avatar
squigglefunk
Trainee
Posts: 886
Joined: Fri Jul 16, 2021 9:27 am

Re: VEVOR stills

Post by squigglefunk »

JAMAWG wrote: Tue Dec 20, 2022 11:20 amWish someone made it out of copper! If you are working in tight spaces the football and condenser are worth it on their own.
when I purchased mine the ad listing stated that the coils within the condenser were copper tubing, hence how I got it discounted after complaining to the seller.

I will say that the last stripping run I did with the all stainless steel pathway only using one roll of copper mesh in the bottom neck of the football ended up not being enough copper as the tails had way more funk than the stripping run done the night before on the all copper riser and liebig. I previously used to stuff the whole football with copper mesh and never had this issue then.
Post Reply