Great Post, very informative.
I've used electric countertop distillers for about 20 years and our 2nd unit keeps chugging along.
Rather than spend the money on commercial cleaners, try running a batch of distilled white vinegar through it. Don't run it dry but the vinegar does a great job dissolving the mineral deposits that will accumulate on the inside of the chamber.
Rinse with clean water and then you should be good to go.
Great advice thanks! I've seen the electric units and they are amazing. I wanted one that would work over a fire. However this unit has an adapter for an electic heating element in case one would want the best of both worlds.
I put one together out of an 18 qt stainless stock pot I got from Goodwill for $2.50 but it doesn't have a serial number. ;-)
I tested it out on top of the rocket stove/heater core and it worked reasonably well using wood pellets for fuel. Not nearly as efficient as the propane burner but it's nice to have alternatives.
I'm a belt and suspenders kind of guy.
@theblindsquirl Where's the video? By the way.
I've got 4 gallons of Strawberry that needs to be run this weekend.
I guess I can charge up the Flip Camera.
Oh! that would be awesome! Distilled water is something we need on a daily basis at our house ... well ok mostly daily and mostly winter ... we were already wondering just exactly we could do a diy.
Sorry to disappoint you if you thought I was going to post a DIY video for making a still but there are plenty of those already on youtube.
Search for "Easy Build Moonshine Still Upgrade" by wcemichael.
He has lots of videos that show how-to on a budget.
O.o so then what do you plan to do with the strawberries? Thanks for the tip. I'll locate them.