Budget Air Still option

[Waylander]

So I've been thinking about an Air Still for some time, mainly to do small gin batches as I try different recipes.
Unfortunately, I've always been put of by the cost - I struggled to justify that amount of money.
Then I happened across this Air Still from Vevor for $90.
It's obviously a cheap Chinese knock off but at that price I figured I would give it a go.
It is rated at 750W and when I first tried it, it was way too fast.
So I know have the fan just plugged in via a kettle cord so it runs at 100% and I'm using the power control I use on my main boiler to control the heat.
Seems to be working fine - this is my first gin run through it so I'll let you know how I go.

PXL_20230513_033710415.jpg

[The Stig]

Welcome

[harold01]

Eager to here results

[Waylander]

I did a run full of water and then a quick test run with some feints to give it a good clean out.
Good job too as there was definitely some oil that came out with the feints run.

I gave it another rinse through and then I did my first run with a Sugar wash gin (Macerated).
Using the power controller I could get a good rate coming out at about 85%ABV
I dumped the whole spirit + botanicals into it and there was absolutely no scorching which was one thing I was worried about.
Will also be interesting to see how it goes in the summer - was relatively chilly (in Sydney) in my Kitchen last night.
So short term a definite winner - will see how it goes long term (reliability).

[Wellsy]

Welcome aboard waylander
Glad it is working for you