Need help picking a complete unit

[cluey]

I want to partake of this hobby, I am looking for a unit i can buy to start out with. I had posted earlier on another section and was asked to come here.l

As a know nothing novice i was considering units that i learned here would be unsatisfactory, either becuase of the units construction, the builder, seller etc.

I am not in a position at the moment to build a still. I do not want the large batches that many seem to think so necessary. I am leaning to fermenting 5 - 6 gallon washes and processing from there. I want the unit to be small as i do not have an outbuilding to store and use the unit in.

I have read most of the info here regarding different kinds of stills and how they work, but i am having a hard time getting around what each types are built for and what they are best at doing. I am talking about pot stills vs reflux stills. If I am interpeting the info i have read so far it woudl seem to me that reflux stills only give off alchohol with little flavor chacteristics from the mash carried over, on the other hand if i wanted to do corn mashes and recipes for rum that pot stills are better? Am I on the right track here?

The two units I am considering now are both from Mile Hi Distillers

3 Gallon (10L) Milk Can Pot Still http://www.milehidistilling.com/3_Gallo ... /16011.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

New Mighty Mini Dual Purpose 3 gallon Distiller http://www.milehidistilling.com/Mighty_ ... /16033.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

any recommendations hints would be helpful considering the limits i have stated above.

[olddog]

I am talking about pot stills vs reflux stills. If I am interpeting the info i have read so far it woudl seem to me that reflux stills only give off alchohol with little flavor chacteristics from the mash carried over, on the other hand if i wanted to do corn mashes and recipes for rum that pot stills are better? Am I on the right track here?

Your pretty much on the right track there, Its a pity your not in OZ I could sell you one of mine (I am getting too many) or build one for you.

OD

[rubber duck]

I don't know much about ether one of the stills your currently looking at, and I haven't dealt with mile high. So I don't have a opinion except to say look at going at least 5 gallons. The reason for this is that larger stills are easier to run. I'm also skeptical of pre made stills, so many folks have been ripped off or disappointing. I can vouch for the revenor and the Wilson but they are very expensive.

[cluey]

Thanks for the input, yea my ideal unit would be a combo reflux and pot still of 6 gallon size.

I guess i may as well state straight out that i am physically unable to contruct a still at this time due to stenoisis and arthirtis in my vertebrae. Making a still is no option for me at this time.

300 bucks is about my max at this point in time to spend on a unit. After thinking over the last post I am thinking maybe getting the mile hi 8 gallon pot still. The 20 inch column woudl still allow me to use my stove and do a 6 gallon wash all at the same time. here is the link to that unit http://www.milehidistilling.com/POT_STI ... /16021.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

again not knowing much about what is needed, i am open to suggestions. I am not set on any of the above units and will gladly listen to what others have to say or recommend as long as they take into consideration that 300 bucks is the max i can spend, i CANNOT build a unit, and i am looking on the smaller side of things to fit in with my living situation. I am more inclined to go with a pot still so i can utilizie flavors more.

This forum has been the best source of information I have found by far, but i hope u can forgive me if i am not able to make my own unit at this time.

[HookLine]

300 bucks is about my max at this point in time to spend on a unit. After thinking over the last post I am thinking maybe getting the mile hi 8 gallon pot still. The 20 inch column woudl still allow me to use my stove and do a 6 gallon wash all at the same time. here is the link to that unit http://www.milehidistilling.com/POT_STI ... /16021.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

I have never seen one up close, so can't say much about them. Should be some members here who have bought or used one.

But if they are well made, then that should be an okay pot still, that will last. You can fill the column with some packing and significantly improve separation. You will need a bit of copper in the vapour path anyway. I would also swap the plug for a copper cap and some flour paste.

Those milk can boilers look pretty nice.

i hope u can forgive me if i am not able to make my own unit at this time.

Nothing to forgive, dude. Not everybody can make their own, for one reason or another.

All the best with your health.

[kiwistiller]

I'll just add that the reflux units there are cooling management designs, which is traditionally a little finicky to use. It won't prevent you from making good neutral, but will require somewhat more effort to do so. But yeah like the above I've never used a mile hi still, just commenting on the design.