Not sure which still to choose? Pick the boiler size and the calculator will match the column diameter, heater power and working power, work out output, process time and yield – and compare five popular designs in a table: Aabratek, UFO, classic vertical head, cold fingers and pot still.
How do I match the column diameter to the boiler?
Column output depends on the tube cross-section, not its height. For 30 l boilers Ø50 mm is enough (about 1.2 l/h of spirit), for 50–80 l Ø60 mm is most common (about 1.9 l/h), for 100–160 l Ø76 mm (about 2.6 l/h), and for 250 l and more Ø100 mm and wider. A column that is too narrow for a large boiler can double the process time.
Heater power is chosen with a margin for fast heat-up, and during collection the column runs at a lower working power – usually 1.5–2 kW for Ø50–60 mm and 3–3.5 kW for Ø76 mm. A power controller helps.
Aabratek – the best column for home distillation
The Aabratek head is a version of the classic head bent at about 100–110°, which makes the whole still 30–35 cm shorter. Take-off is through a precise LM valve, and a column packed with prismatic springs gives 96% spirit on the first run. It is the best and most popular design for home distillation: high strength and purity, good output, simple operation and a reasonable price – suitable for beginners and experienced users alike.
UFO – pot-shaped head
The UFO head is a flat can with a large reflux 'lake' and a condenser inside. It is the shortest of all, and with lowered take-off (OLM) it holds 96% very steadily and separates heads well. It costs more and needs a little more skill to set the take-off.
Classic vertical head
The vertical head with lowered take-off (OVM) is the original from which Aabratek and UFO derive. It gives very clean spirit and works well with two take-off systems (OVM for spirit, LM for flavoured distillates), but it is the tallest – the head is about 40–50 cm.
Cold fingers
In a cold finger column the reflux is produced by tubes with cooling water inside the column. This design is cheap, simple and fast and works well for flavoured distillates, but it controls reflux less precisely – the distillate is usually 85–92%. For clean 96% spirit a column with a head and packing is better.
Pot still – simple distillation
A pot still (alembic) has no reflux – the vapour goes straight to the condenser. The distillate is aromatic but weaker (about 35–45% from the first run), so it is usually distilled a second time. It is the choice for whisky, brandy, slivovitz and other flavoured spirits.
How we calculate
Charge = capacity × fill. Column output depends on the tube cross-section – we start from the set table (30 l / Ø50 → 1.2 l/h, 50 l / Ø60 → 1.9 l/h, 100 l / Ø76 → 2.6 l/h, 250 l / Ø100 → 6 l/h, 500 l / Ø154 → 12 l/h of spirit) and scale it for other diameters. Yield = charge × wash strength × recovery ÷ distillate strength. Time = heat-up (charge × 4.19 × 75 K ÷ heater power) + stabilisation + collection. Values for each head are approximate – the real result depends on insulation, packing and experience.
Frequently asked questions
Which head is best for neutral spirit?
For most people the best choice is a column with an Aabratek head: it gives 96% spirit on the first run, has good output, is short and the easiest to run. UFO and the classic vertical head also give 96%, but they cost more or are taller.
Aabratek or UFO – which to choose?
We recommend the Aabratek: it gives 96%, has similar or higher output, is cheaper, simpler to run and forgives mistakes. UFO is slightly shorter but more expensive and needs more skill to set the take-off.
Cold fingers or Aabratek?
Cold fingers are cheap but give a weaker distillate (85–92%). A packed Aabratek gives 96% and much cleaner spirit, and through the LM valve you can also collect good flavoured distillates – which is why the Aabratek is the better choice.
Which column for a 50 l keg?
For a 50 l keg a Ø60 mm column 100–120 cm high with heaters of about 4 kW (working power about 2 kW) is most common. Spirit take-off is about 1.9 l/h.
How much spirit from 50 l of wash?
45 l of 14% wash theoretically contains 6.3 l of pure alcohol; in practice an Aabratek gives about 5.8 l of 96% spirit (part stays in the heads and tails).
Does column height affect output?
No – output depends on the diameter. Packing height affects strength and purity: 100–120 cm of springs is enough to reach 96%.