F.A.Q.
When you first start to become interested in distillation, it can seem a very daunting subject. It’s not so complicated really, and soon you’ll be an expert. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you along your way!
SmartStill/EasyStill
What is a SmartStill/EasyStill?
The SmartStill/EasyStill devices are small electric stills, suitable for home distillation. They are designed as water distillers, and can still be used for that purpose, however some have been factory modified to make them more suitable for distilling alcohol if desired. As a basic rule of thumb, the EasyStill name is given to modified devices only, but a SmartStill can be either modified or ‘vanilla’. The packaging, appearance, etc. will be the same with either version - in other words, there will be no mention of alcohol or ‘booze edition’ or anything stupid like that. Check with your seller to make sure you have the modified version if that is your intention.
What are the differences of the modified SmartStill/EasyStill compared to the standard model?
Basically, a lower powered heater element, beefed-up cooling system, and the sealing of a redundant chlorine vent. Alcohol boils at a lower temperature than water, so you need to ensure the temperature is right for this type of distillation. The modified SmartStill/EasyStill also costs more, but that’s usually the case with anything interesting!
How can I tell if I have the modified version?
As I said, the safest way is to ask (discreetly) before you purchase. If you’ve inherited one somehow and you’re unsure of the type, try distilling four litres of water - I believe the standard version does this in around three hours, the modified version takes nearer six. Don’t worry, it does alcohol much quicker!
Can I still use my modified SmartStill/EasyStill to make distilled water?
Yes, of course. However, it takes longer than an unmodified SmartStill due to the lower powered heating element. Four litres of distilled water took around 6 hours when I tried it, although results will vary depending on temperatures, etc.
Can I use an unmodified SmartStill/EasyStill to make alcohol?
The answer is… sort of. I’ve heard reports of people doing this, but it’s not very efficient as the temperature is too high for a clean distillation. Also, the chlorine vent releases alcohol fumes during the distillation which may catch fire and cause an explosion. I haven’t tried it, so I can’t speak with authority on this, but my advice would be to play safe and get the modified version in the first place!
What type of still is the SmartStill/EasyStill?
For all intents and purposes, the SmartStill/EasyStill is an electric pot still. A pot still works by heating a chamber containing a wash, then collecting the alcohol vapour that comes off, condensing it by cooling it, and finally depositing it in a collection vessel. Another type of still is called a reflux still, and these work by allowing some of the condensed liquid to trickle back down into the boiling chamber, ensuring that only the purest material is collected. I’ve heard that the SmartStill/EasyStill has a slight reflux action due to the design of the cooling coils, but this is unconfirmed. To be honest, I doubt this myself as the coils slope downward to the collection vessel, not back to the boiling chamber.
Is a SmartStill/EasyStill as good as other types of still?
That entirely depends upon your circumstances and intentions. The SmartStill/EasyStill does what it says it will do, and that is to distill alcohol in small volumes in a safe and reliable manner. It does not give the same purity from a single distillation as a fractionated reflux column still would do, but neither is it so cumbersome and fiddly to calibrate. It’s down to personal choice really, and choosing one is certainly not accepting a lesser option by any means. I am currently writing an article exploring this issue, which will be available soon on this site.
If you have any specific questions you’d like answered, leave a comment and we’ll add them to this F.A.Q. shortly!
