Upgrade to t500. Or not.

[BlindXX]

Hi folks, been a long time since I've posted here since trying my first gin run and the bug has got me! I had a great success with my airstill and produced a drink worthy gin (so the father in law tells me) - mainly down to all the great advice I received on here, but now I have another problem. Whilst stripping my second batch it occurred to me I need a bigger still. 6 runs in the airstill is a whole weekend gone, it's just too much time so I'm looking to get a dual purpose still (reflux and pot). I'm happy to flavour my gin with the airstill, I like the small batch run but i need a quicker way to get my neutral.

Requirements are not too big, 25-50L (ie I need to store it in my garage and move it to the back garden when I run), electric ideally (unless I use a hotplate) and not too expensive.

Obviously there is the t500, Still dragon (but even the crystal baby dragon will be a grand) or a still imported from the US (milk can boiler style). I'd rather not build as my DIY skills are low and the time it would take me would stop me making anything for too long. The US stills (8 gallon) look really nice and wouldn't work out too expensive but I'm worried that importing one will put me on the radar so to speak. Anyone had any experience wit the US ones? Also the element will have to be altered for UK power. What would people's advice be for a second still? I'm in no hurry and open to most suggestions!

[packapoo]

For the wealth of knowledge that seems to be out there on it, T500...

[Mash]

As I see it your choice is...

1. A T500, well known well supported
2. Better might be a freezer.
3. Best. A freezer and another AS

Depends on if you want to spend more time or not.

If you 'want' to run a bigger still get one. Have a go.

If your requirement is quality alcohol quickly, easily & cheaply. Consider freeze stripping.
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=4355&p=42098&hilit=Freeze+stripping#p42098

[BlindXX]

I really enjoy the whole process, so freezer is out! Looks like the t500 will be my next still then, I can get the reflux and pothead versions all in for the devilish sum of £666, but won't be buying till early next year. I've read a lot of negative press on the t500 on other forums that has made me slightly wary of it but in the UK there's not so much choice. I know there's a lot of info here on it, I've already been lurking in the forum section! Might even be able to finally get some run on the go! Thanks for the input.

[Mash]

If you are waiting till next year - might be worth watching the classified - they do come up pre-owned form time to time.

[H12rpo]

You could die of thirst waiting though

[BlindXX]

I've also been browsing the Stilldragon site again, the baby Dragon with a 30l stove top boiler will come in at about 750 euros (excluding vat). I'm just wondering if it's worth putting in the extra rather than possibly having to upgrade again. Unless I do find a second hand 5500 for a bargain in the meantime. Surely it shouldn't be this difficult!

[Easydrinker]

May I suggest that learning to drive your still is as important as the type that you own?
May I also suggest that the negative T500 reviews that you have seen are from websites where people boast about the 3" copper beasties that they have built themselves?
It is simple really, how much and how fast do you want to produce neutral?
You have learned to use the Airstill for gin.
You can learn to run your next still, whatever it is, just as well.

Robert.

[BlindXX]

Thanks guys, lots of food for thought. I keep swaying between different ideas and wants. At the moment it looks like a t500 for reflux, and I might well buy a still dragon pot head and adaptor for strip runs (runs to same price, roughly). I like the modular nature of the still dragon and it will allow me to upgrade in the future if I so wish. Also, it will allow me to build a really cheap gin basket that can fit on the t500. The level of support on the t500 is great on this forum, and I know it will allow me to achieve what I want. Budget looks to be around £800, hence the not wanting to spend on stuff I will simply upgrade in the near future. Easydrinker, you are right about the forums, rest assured, I'm not worried about brand or ego, I just want to make stuff well!

[Easydrinker]

Good to read your down to earth post.
This time around I started with the Smart still, built my silly still, then very silly still.
I had intentions to then build something better, but between them they do all that I want.
Even with the costly Still Dragon Torpedo, I think the total cost was sub £700.
Should I wish to modify, I have the option.
Taking your time and doing it right can save you money.
Welcome to stilling.

Robert.

[Racker]

Let's not completely throw the DIY option out the window. I've seen some pretty simple plans for some refluxes that I reckon anyone could pull off. You'd probably save a fair amount of money, but it wouldn't be electric. However if the convenience of buying a pre made one is more important then the money saved, then the T500 sounds like a solid bet.

[H12rpo]

Good to read your down to earth post.
This time around I started with the Smart still, built my silly still, then very silly still.
I had intentions to then build something better, but between them they do all that I want.
Even with the costly Still Dragon Torpedo, I think the total cost was sub £700.
Should I wish to modify, I have the option.
Taking your time and doing it right can save you money.
Welcome to stilling.

Robert.

Have you posted any pics of the silly and even sillier still, Rob?

[packapoo]

Let's not completely throw the DIY option out the window. I've seen some pretty simple plans for some refluxes that I reckon anyone could pull off. You'd probably save a fair amount of money, but it wouldn't be electric. However if the convenience of buying a pre made one is more important then the money saved, then the T500 sounds like a solid bet.

Did you factor into your 'convenience' heading the pretty simple fact that for the majority of home stillers, gas is not convenient

[Easydrinker]

The silly and very still have pics and write ups in the Build Yout Own section.
Electric, even electric cooling, hence the titles!

Robert.

[Racker]

He could always get a hot plate Packa...