VEVOR 3 Gallon Stainless Steel Still with Thumper: features and specs

The VEVOR 3-gallon still is a stainless steel pot still kit with a copper condenser coil, a thumper keg, a built-in thermometer and a circulating water pump. VEVOR sells it for home distilling hobbyists and also lists water distilling among its uses. Before anything else, note that rules on home distilling of alcohol differ widely between countries, states and provinces, so check your local law first.

How a pot still works

A pot still heats a liquid in a boiler until the more volatile parts turn to vapour. The vapour travels through a cooled tube, condenses back to liquid and is collected. Because different compounds boil at different temperatures, the process separates them. Water distillation uses the same principle.

Capacity and dimensions

VEVOR lists a 3 US gallon (12 L) boiler, 9.8 x 9.8 inches (25 x 25 cm) in the feature list, with a fermentation capacity of up to 11.4 litres of raw material. The condenser is 7.9 x 4.3 inches (20 x 11 cm) and the thumper 7 x 4 inches (18 x 10 cm). The packed kit measures 13.8 x 13.8 x 13 inches (35 x 35 x 33 cm) and the listing gives its weight as 10 lb (about 4.5 kg).

The thumper keg

A thumper is a second vessel between the boiler and the condenser. VEVOR says it helps discharge hot water vapour and supports a second distillation in one run, and that it suits adding flavours. Some distillers use this arrangement for flavour control, while others prefer a plain pot still, so it comes down to your process.

Cooling and the water pump

The still uses an open cooling method: a copper coil sits in a coolant reservoir. VEVOR says copper's thermal conductivity and the coil's large contact area help cool the vapour quickly, and a circulating water pump recirculates the cooling water to use less of it. A rubber pad under the condenser is described as insulating and speeding cooling.

Seal, thermometer and materials

Four buckles and silicone gaskets seal the lid, and food-grade silicone tubing connects the parts. A thermometer on the lid shows Celsius and Fahrenheit. A one-way exhaust valve is included for fermentation. VEVOR lists stainless steel, copper and silicone as the materials, all described as food grade.

Heat sources

The boiler has a thickened base. VEVOR says it works with gas stoves, electric ceramic heaters, induction cookers and other sources. Match your heat source to the base size and follow the manual. Distilling releases flammable vapour, so use only with good ventilation, never near open flame without proper precautions, and never leave it unattended.

What's in the box

An alcohol distillery boiler, thumper keg, condenser keg, thermometer, water circulating pump, one-way air evacuation valve and manual.

Who it suits

It suits hobbyists who are legally allowed to distil and want a stainless and copper setup, as well as people who want a small water distiller. It is a manual, hands-on piece of equipment, not an automatic appliance.

What to check before you buy

• Local law: confirm what is permitted where you live, and for what purpose.
• Heat source: check that the base fits your stove or cooker.
• Ventilation: plan a safe, well-ventilated place with no ignition sources.
• Water supply: the cooling reservoir and pump need a steady setup.
• Cleaning: read the manual on cleaning and storing copper parts.

The short version

• A 3 US gallon (12 L) stainless boiler with a copper coil condenser and a thumper keg.
• Water circulating pump, lid thermometer and one-way exhaust valve.
• Silicone gasket and four-buckle lid seal.
• Works with several heat sources; follow the manual and local law.

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