New Air Still Owner - Couple of Questions

[Ozzy]

Hey everyone. This is my first post here.

I’ve been doing a lot of research over the last few months and I’m glad that I found a forum where the Airstill isn’t frowned upon.
I have enjoyed reading all the great information here which has helped me a lot as I’m new to this hobby.

I’ve recently purchased an Airstill and have a (turbo free) sugar wash nearing completion.
Before I fire this little thing up I just have a couple of questions:

1. Does a new Air Still need to be cleaned prior to running the first wash through? There was nothing in the instructions to suggest it needs to be cleaned prior to using for the first time.

2. What is the best procedure in terms of emptying and refilling during a run? I assume I have to let it cool down a bit before opening it?

[Mash]

Yes wash it through. I put a towel over it when I open it hot. It is a kettle!

[Icefever]

Hi Ozzy & welcome to the forum matey. The little old Airstill is not frowned here...so your in the best place..

Back to your questions....

# 1....Boil a kettle or two of water...pour in the pot, pop on the lid and let her run for say an hour or so. Hot steam will clean the pot/coil out easy.

#2....Don't try to take the lid off when the run as finished....unless you want blistered hands


Let the pot cool down a while...I've taken the top off buy putting a tea towel around before now....or use oven gloves....just be safe.

[gaza the instructor]

Hi Ozzie And welcome to the forum.
There are some very clever and gifted
Airstillers here.Have a look at the user
guide at the top of this section
its brill and will help you to make
quality spirit.
Good luck with your run and have fun

[Ozzy]

Thanks fellas. Distill water to clean and glove up on the changes. Got it.

[Icefever]

Yeah....you've got it dude.

[Ozzy]

Yeah....you've got it dude.

Not that difficult hey mate? Piece of piss.

[gaza the instructor]

If you like Rum Ozzy, Who does'nt there
are some great recipes and they work well
in the Airstill. Also Gin Airstill is
perfect for that and look up sputnik and
how to build one. That produces the best
Gin I have ever tasted.