Liquor Still

We offer both stainless steel and copper stills, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. New distillers often ask, “Which is better: stainless steel or copper?”Stainless steel is more affordable but has lower heat transfer efficiency compared to copper, making it harder to control and adjust during distillation. Changes in heat input or cooling water take longer to reflect in a stainless steel still, whereas copper responds almost immediately.

Despite this, stainless steel is resistant to tarnishing, cost-effective, strong, and easy to clean, making it a desirable option for many.

Copper offers superior control and stability, enhancing the flavor of the final distilled alcohol. However, it tarnishes quickly and is more challenging to clean. Copper naturally reduces bacterial contamination and absorbs sulfur produced during fermentation, which is why it has been used for stills since ancient times. Its unique properties and advantages make it the preferred choice for distilling.

For the best results in alcohol distillation, copper is ideal. For a more affordable, durable, and easy-to-clean option, stainless steel is a good alternative. You can also add copper mesh to a stainless steel column to remove sulfates. Our stainless steel flute columns come with built-in copper bubble plates that effectively handle sulfate removal.