Aussiedistiller, Home Distilling, Moonshine, Home Brew

Hi all,
This is my first post on this forum and would like some opinions on boiler options (keg vs urn).
I am in the process of collecting all the bits and pieces to build my first still. Will be building a boka reflux for vodka only.
After reading tons of info both here and elsewhere on the net, I am lead to believe this is the best option for both a beginner and a budget to get a reasonably high quality product.
Maybe in the future I might have a go at building or just buying something a bit more upmarket but it would be nice to equip myself with a good, safe and reliable foundation (boiler).
Crown Industries in SA manufacture a 40ltr. Urn with a clip lock lid and has a 2400w concealed element for around $300. But I'm just a bit concerned that the lid won't be durable enough to take the weight of a 1.2m still.
What I like about the Urn is that the whole lid comes off for easy cleaning and of course the fact that I won't have to screw around sourcing a keg and having to get someone to mod it to accommodate a element etc.
Any thoughts and opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Matt.

Howdy,
And welcome...sounds like a plan and you've done the homework...

One thing with the urn, you'll need to pull apart to add a constant power controller rather than the off-on thermostats. Head down to the electrical controller posts there's plenty info on this.
The rooting around with this could be more hassles than a simple keg, one of Mac's weldless elements and a quick 4"/100mm neck conversion as this stuff is well known...the thermo in the urn is an unknown.. you need a good sparky to sort that out.

bt1

I think in the long run you will be happier with a keg, Its going to give you more options overall as you progress in the hobby.

G`day, go the keg option mate, its a heavier wall, higher grade stainless, they are as durable as 20 durable things and will allow you to have interchangeable heads as you get more experience. :handgestures-thumbupleft:

You can put a 4 or 6" fill port/ferrule in a keg for access , course it all costs money but they aren't going to give you that urn either ;-)

Personally I would go for a keg.

Urn- $300, sure it is less work than building a keg boiler but it is smaller, there are questions as to weather it will take the weight of your still and it does not leave much room to upgrade your still.

Keg- easy to upgrade to have larger ferrules for your still, can add extra elements for quicker heat up times, will easily take a Boka or a bubbler when you upgrade.
Cost:
Keg $60
FSD 2400W element $55
32mm Holesaw (if you don't already own one) $40
That is only $155.
If you were concerned about cleaning you could buy a 4" cleaning/fill port kit from FSD and get it welded to your keg. That would surely cost less than $150.
You could also fit a drain, a second element and/or a larger ferrule so you can fit a larger still.

Or you could buy a T500 25l boiler that are available as a separate item from a HBS instead of the urn.
But I would strongly recommend getting a legal decomissioned keg as the best option.

It would seem that the opinions are unanomous. So a keg it's gonna be.
Had my heart set on that urn though but I'm not gonna go against good advice.
Thank you all for your time and suggestions.

Matt.

Glovefoot wrote:What I like about the Urn is that the whole lid comes off for easy cleaning

Cleaning a keg even with the original size hole isnt really an issue, just a quick squirt with the garden hose roll it around a bit , repeat and tip upside down to drain.

Good call Matt,

unless you have sparky access at no cost believe me working out wiring on an existing item is a bloody nightmare...I spent $150 for a tech to investigate an option, gave him the schematics and ended up with fuck all. It's a quality bloke/sparky that really understands power controllers...seems they ain't that common.

bt1

Thought I'd ask here rather than start a new thread.

I had a look but nothing that reassures me that the 2" sprue port at the top of a keg (I gather not all are that size) will accommodate a 2" triclamp assembly from a still?

Or do I need to cut it off and fit a weld on 2" port?

They work fine straight to a 2" tri clamp fitting. :handgestures-thumbupleft:

I think you've answered the question in your post...

Urn can be a complete and ready to go unit, however many lack the strength required for a decent column. Your options for upgrading are also limited. With a keg, it's ridiculously strong and durable, but you will possibly need help getting cutting and welding done to add a large fill/cleaning port. So it comes back to your decision...

In my opinion, I would always say a keg without a doubt. I have never seen the benefit of being able to take the lid off and clean it out when only running as a reflux for vodka. You'll be running clean washes, and with a stainless steel keg, a simple hose out will have the inside looking like new :handgestures-thumbupleft:

:text-+1: Keg all the way IMO, they are perfect for the job. :handgestures-thumbupleft: