EZ Filter

[Opus 27]

Just seen the Still Spirits EZ Filter on You Tube. Does anyone else think that Essencia might wonder where they got the idea from.

Opus 27

[Phantom]

Got a message from Hamish Maguire via FB the other day - he runs essencia, but apparently also used to be the Ops manager for SS, so it doesn\'t surprise me to find what would seem to be some cross pollination of ideas, techniques and other stuff Opus.
In fact, if you think of the video, it\'s basically the Z filter, but re-designed so that the filter section is built into the bucket, made nice and pretty.....
Instead of being 2 x 10 litre buckets/lids and the separate filter unit....
I\'m happy to stick with my Z filter for now.

[short2]

I am getting rid of that Z filter. I have only done two runs and abandoned it as a crock of Phoo. Cant get the hang, of it too messy, leaks and trying to get water through it to clear the dust is a nightmare. May be I am just incompitent. Be that as it may. I have not been filtering as a result so we need to get the EZ or the Essencia for Christmas EZ may be cheaper to maintain.

[Bottleofrum]

Hi all, deffently been along time (work)
I have had Z filter and essencia filter and have now bought my self the EZ filter to give that a try, Because im not home that much the ceramic and carbon filter in the essencia goes a little discoloured and quite frankly puts me off putting another batch through, and nearly 40 quid for the both of them it\'s a little expensive for the one off batch I make, therfore I have made the command decision to get a EZ filter, A. No messing with carbon (cant stand the mess and time) B. cheaper than the essencia with regards to my once in a blue moon batch. Ill post my finding of quality of the EZ filter later this week.
BoR.

[Phantom]

See I can\'t follow Shorts issue with a Z filter.
Yes, it takes a little getting right, of course, if you want to follow Gert Strands guidance for re-using some of the carbon, it takes time.
Like anything, if you want \"instant\" or \"easy\", or even \"convenient\", then that\'s fine, though I suspect you will end up paying for those qualities, either the price of the kit, or the price of the consumables.
Me ? I just take it as part of the manufacturing process. I don\'t make shed loads so if I was happy to pay more I might also benefit from the above, but I\'m happy to get on with things as is, rather than keep coming up with more £$€ all the time (apart from for consumables of course).
Still if that\'s whats wanted then that\'s also good.
I\'ll be interested in reading any info that BoR posts....

[short2]

Dont matter what I do with this Z it does not work for me nor sit right with me . Not a question of wasteful gathering but of convienience. At the moment I am using a home made filter which I ran last night and it worked much better than the Z. That being the case I will be keeping my change in my pocket until events decide otherwise. At the end of the day its a question of choice and preference. I will be looking out for the post on the EZ and as I said before It could be on the Christmas list but it wont be on this one as its to late. Keep up the the good advice and all crit welcome its a learning curve after all.

[short2]

Forgot all about this post. I bought the EZ and find it no hassel and it appears to run faster than the Z.Will get6 the Fusalex though later as it will be cheaper to run.Short

[hic52]

I own a essencia filter and only use it now and then but leave enough in the filter to cover the ceramic filter and have had no problems with it, I like the tap in the bottom (and so does my son!!!!)

I used to use a home made filter but found it a bit messy.

I think the filters are expensive but I suppose you pays your money

[hic52]

Have just seen the new ss filter, the carbon filter that hangs from the top container seems quite small and it looks completely different from the essencia one - it wont discolour as its black but think thats purely cosmetic - you wont be able to leave the filter covered with spirit because of its position, but some say leave the essencia filter covered due to the discolouration and others say run it through with water before putting it away - the jury is out i guess

[short2]

I agree with you hic 52. Even the EZ filters are costly as they only do 10ltr but I disregard that advice and do as you do with the essencia and leave it wet and do a several runs through it. However, I will get the fusalex later on as it seems to be much better and cost effective in the long term. I just hated that Z it was filthy and leeked like hell.Did not matter how tight I screwed it up. Lost a lot of spirit with it too as I left it to flush through. I like the filter you have but I am trying to be cost effective. As someone said to me filtering is the worst part of the hobby. Essential no doubt.On a different note I am over 120 miles from my nearest brew shop so need to order in bulk.I cant aford to make mistakes in ordering All my stuff comes up from England (wineworks). Do you recomend any Prestege stuff as I would need to order from another source and do not want to waste time and money.Thx and take care Short

[hic52]

In the same boat as you my nearest stockists are over in Darlington which is a 2 hour ride and with fuel prices out so i order in bulk too.

As for the prestige stuff, not impressed but horses for courses really, use ss for cream liqueurs (tried using prestige and carnation milk but didnt like the taste and ended up using ss powder) but for others just use 15-20% of original to 80-85% base ie; genuine whisky and like the taste, yes you have to buy the genuine stuff but it runs out cheap enough for me.

JD I use JD wood chips, a bit long winded but again like the taste.

Gin, I make up from juniper berrys.

Like to experiment and open to try something new.

[short2]

Thx Hic 52, My nearest is in Glasgow. I made a nice Kentucky Bourbon and added Gobbler chips. I left it in the shed and it was freezing cold and tasted lovely.I am sending away an order after this post. I will try the Irish cream as the wife likes that. I am up for a bit of experimenting myself now that I am getting the hang of washes and distilling. I am going to attempt one of those tomato washes they are talking about but will leave it a few weeks down the line as I have a couple on the go at the moment. I have put potatoes in one of the washes to see if it makes any difference to making Vodka. Cheers for now and Thx again Short.

[hic52]

Yea have been watching the thread on tomato wash and very interested in the potato wash keep posted how you do.

Don\'t want to post my location but 2+ hrs from Glasgow and 2 ish from Darlington also so must be near you

[short2]

Yes will keep you posted on the potatoes.you will be South of me fair idea where abouts. I am 2.30hrs from Glasgow going North.