Electric Water Heater Still

[CornMealKid]

Hola Amigos,

Currently reading a book called 'Making Pure Corn Whiskey: Professional Guide for Amateurs' in which the author gives detailed plans for using a 45L Electric Water Heater for a boiling pot with the addition of a copper reflux column for banishing the majority of fusel alcohols... Anyone tried this ever? I have searched but didn't find a damn thing. Most people use stainless beer kegs, I think this water heater method sounds expensive yet interesting. Also, curious what a "roller" is... I've seen the terminology used before but can't figure out if it relates to propane flow/intensity at an outdoor still... Or an electric stirrer of some sort that keeps the mash evenly heated?

I appreciate any insight you folks may provide.

[Halfbaked]

So I just finished reading it myself. The only thing I remember where they talked about a roller is a roller mill. Is that what you are talking about? Its used to crush grains. If that isn't what you are asking type the entire sentence as a reply. Some one will get it. Good you are reading.

[Prairiepiss]

It's been talked about plenty. They don't make good boilers. Most ate a glass lined steel tank. Remember only stainless or copper. If you look hard enough. Really shouldn't be that hard. You will see this very question has been asked many times.

[bellybuster]

if you can find an old water heater that has the copper tank then it would make a fine boiler. There was a Kiwi on here a month or two ago that did just that.

[pounsfos]

yup they have been used before, I have a few kicking around that I was thinking of turning into fermentation tanks...

but they would make good still as already insulated, just not good reflux still as the pipe connecting to them is to small... so withouth some simple modifications

Over in nz, If you are living in Christchurch or most parts of the south island.

You can pick up leftover cylinders for $20 or sometimes free like me....

[CornMealKid]

I'm in Canada, we got high prices, high taxes, bad selection. I guess a beerkeg is the only way to go, which is lame because I don't got anywhere to run a propane burner and not draw attention. I guess it could be fitted with the electric element. PrariePiss, why do people dislike glass inside their boiler? Take longer to heat? Or does it produce off-flavors?

[CornMealKid]

yup they have been used before, I have a few kicking around that I was thinking of turning into fermentation tanks...

but they would make good still as already insulated, just not good reflux still as the pipe connecting to them is to small... so withouth some simple modifications

In the book, he mentions that really we want a pot still for corn whiskey, but the condenser will help weed out some fusels. It is my intent to make corn whiskey, which should be distilled at a lower proof than vodka or gin... So would the 1.5" or perhaps a 2" column that's 45" tall not be at least better than a straight pot still with 3/8" copper tubing coming from a stainless pot lid?

[Prairiepiss]

It's the fact that it is glass lined steel. Designed to hold plain water. Not an acidic wash. Just like we don't recommend porcelain coated steel pots. Or anything other then copper or stainless. And buying a stainless steel tank water heater. Will blow anyone's budget out of the water. Like I said. This has been discussed many times. Feel free to search it out.