Need heating recommendation for still.

JohnsMyName · Nov 3, 2015

Hi all. I'm about to order a 5 gal copper still for making ummm fuel

. Once the still arrives I'll get the appropriate license.

Now that the legal stuff is out of the way, I need to choose a heating element. I'd rather stay away from propane, because winters in CT are cold and my basement is warmer than outside. I have two options for electric, an immersion heater and a hot plate. The immersion seems like it would be a PITA to mount and wire to the pretty copper still. That leaves me with a hot plate.

I'm looking at a commercial grade one in the 1500 to 2000 watt range. I'd like to spend < $200.

So my questions are:

Does a hot plate sound like a good idea given my situation or should I reconsider?

What brand/model do you guys recommend?

Anything I'm missing here?

Thanks for helping a newb!

grantmichaels · Nov 3, 2015

I come across this stuff in my travels for beer brewing, and all signs seem to point to -> http://homedistiller.org/forum/

I opted out of any distilling: www.ttb.gov/press/fy14/press-release-march2014.pdf

JohnsMyName · Nov 3, 2015

Looks like a very good resource. I now know how I'll be spending my night tonight.

Yikes! That PDF is a little scary. Possesing a still in CT is legal. You can also very easily get a permit to distil alcohol for use as fuel, just no drinking it.

oldsalty · Nov 3, 2015

I love me a good glass of fuel shaken not stirred and a couple olives!!

juanitos · Nov 3, 2015

yeah homedistiller is the go to source, i also browse reddit.com/r/firewater

SmokenFire · Nov 3, 2015

JohnsMyName said:
Hi all.

John I'd love to see this thread turn into a F(uel) Log wherein your initial journey is documented for others to watch and learn from. I harbor my own secret basement still desires, but have gone through what I'm sure is same/similar issues with location/assets/open flame, etc. Would like to have something to inspire/inform/follow along to, and being able to witness your discovery of such would be prime.

lol no pressure tho

JohnsMyName · Nov 3, 2015

That's not a bad idea!

I've been reading everyone else's logs, would be neat to have my own.

wheebz · Nov 3, 2015

I always saw electric immersion as the best solution other than steam.

moruga welder · Nov 3, 2015

oldsalty said:
I love me a good glass of fuel shaken not stirred and a couple olives!!

couldn't of said it better myself ! :onfire:

JohnsMyName · Nov 3, 2015

wheebz said:
I always saw electric immersion as the best solution other than steam.

I know that's likely the best for evenness and controllability, but I'm a little leery of attaching and dealing with wires on the copper still. :cry:

RocketMan · Nov 3, 2015

JohnsMyName said:
I know that's likely the best for evenness and controllability, but I'm a little leery of attaching and dealing with wires on the copper still.

If you look at how they're set up everything is grounded. Check out the kettle wiring at: www.theelectricbrewery.com they show you exactly how to do it.

JohnsMyName · Nov 3, 2015

Will do RM, thanks!

FishinHank · Nov 19, 2015

Hot plates can take a long time to heat your mash up. I would look for the highest wattage possible and definitely put a short length of SS chain in your still for a boil break.