Oak Stills 26gallon Still

[Bolverk]

You can use this water heater calculator.

https://gettopics.com/en/calc/water-heating-time

I set the starting temps at room temp say 70f and top temp at 190. That'll give you a pretty close time to heat up.

20 gals from 70 to 190 with 6kw will take about an hour

[MooseMan]

Yeah 4-5kw x2 sounds far more appropriate power wise.

I have 3 separate loops of 2kw in mine, so a 6kw element, and I'd really like to be able to add more for faster heat up time, I just don't currently have any more power availability in the garage.

Edited, posting same time as Bolverk.

[Powder Monkey]

“I’m almost thinking I could go with the 26 gallon jacketed pot still for now and in the future, buy 2 bubble plates+a dephlag and call it a day!”

I don’t know what your budget is but I’d consider a set up that allows you to run multiple types of distillations. The only way figure out what your preferences are is to be able to run them. I have a 6 plate/deph set up. I’ve done one and done with plates and now do pot runs more often. The onion is a cool “bling” factor but in practice just having a taller column would offer passive reflux without added cost of the onion.

If you have the components you could remove the plates and experiment with a taller column. Or see if you prefer 1,2,3,4 plate options. Maybe you’ll want to try making vodka sometime or even a base for gin, liquors etc. it’s cool to have that stuff on hand to experiment. If you’re already putting down the coin for the jacketed boiler just go all in one time purchase. Cry once.

If it’s in the budget I’d just order a package that gives you versatility. For example this would include your onion and all the goodies to experiment. But even if you just added one of the plated column set ups you’d have options and likely save money on a package/one time shipping costs.

https://oakstills.com/products/4-inch-c ... gin-basket

[KegStand]

**Update**

Well everyone, I ordered the still this morning! Went with the double jacketed 4” column with 4 bubble plates. I also upgraded the controller and elements to 5.5kw and added an agitator too!

Let the waiting begin!

[Homebrewer11777]

congrats!

[andystanton74]

Any updates on how this still is working out for you? I am considering the move to a jacketed still.

[Windy City]

Hey man, debate is welcomed from my side, that's how we all get to learn right!

I think, and this is only my opinion, that the big guys are doing what you propose, and eventually ending up with decent liquor, because they are doing things such as filtering, blending and aging in barrel for a very long time.

At hobby level I'm not sure that's as realistic.
Several very experienced distillers on here have tried it and gone back to double pot runs.

I'm already looking forward to your experiments, please take meticulous notes and keep us all in the loop?

I totally disagree with this.
I started with a pot and squeezing/clearing my mash and now for many years distill on the grain.
All these bad flavors that are supposed to come through I call B.S.
I make some knock your socks off bourbons, whiskeys and rum and will put them up against most any high end store bought.
Now I will admit I prefer a spirit that I can actually taste the grain bill instead of what is mostly sold that you can't and I do age my spirits for 4+ years.
Aging for 4+ years isn't to hide anything it's just there is no replacement for age.
I run a self contained steam boiler and normally just use two plates for a one and done.
This rig is a 4 plate side column and I have tried everything from 1 to 4 plates and like the product from the 2 plate best.