VEVOR 5-Gallon Alcohol Still with Thumper Keg: features and specs

The VEVOR DTDB-20L-U is a 5-gallon (19 L) distillation kit for the home. It combines a fermentation barrel, a cooling pot, a thumper keg and a copper condenser tube, with a water pump to circulate the cooling water. This page explains how the parts fit together and what to confirm before choosing one.

What comes in the kit

VEVOR lists the main components as a fermentation barrel with its lid, a cooling pot and a thumper keg. The barrel is offered in several sizes (3, 5, 8 and 13.2 gallons), and this listing is for the 5-gallon version. The kit also includes the copper tube, a built-in thermometer and the water pump.

The brand describes it as suited to fruit wines, whiskies, brandies and similar spirits, and to distilling water. Local rules on home distilling of alcohol vary widely and are strict in many places, so it is worth checking what is permitted where you live before you buy.

How a thumper keg changes the process

In a basic pot still, vapour travels from the boiler straight to the condenser. A thumper keg sits in between. Vapour passes through it first and condenses partly, then is boiled again, which is a form of second distillation in a single run. VEVOR says this gives a purer, richer result, and that flavouring ingredients can be added to the keg. In general, thumper kegs are popular for whisky-style spirits because they affect the character of the final product.

Cooling with copper and a pump

The condenser uses a copper tube. Copper conducts heat well, which helps vapour turn back into liquid quickly. VEVOR says the pipe interior is smooth, so that residue doesn't cling to it, and that the water pump keeps cooling water moving through the cooling pot. Circulating water generally holds the condenser at a steadier temperature than still water that warms up over time.

Heating, sealing and temperature

The barrel has a thickened stainless steel base. VEVOR says it works with several heat sources, including gas stoves and wood fire, without deforming. A thermometer on the lid shows Celsius and Fahrenheit, which lets you watch the temperature of the liquid during a run.

For sealing, the lid has four latches with built-in seals, and a one-way exhaust valve lets fermentation gas escape. Silicone plugs at the corrugated pipe joints are there to stop steam leaking, and VEVOR notes that connections should be tightened with a wrench during assembly. Heat, steam and flammable vapour are all involved in distilling, so follow the manual closely and work in a well-ventilated space.

Size and weight

The listing gives item dimensions of 11.8 x 11.8 x 11.8 inches (about 30 cm each way) and a weight of 9 lb (about 4 kg). That is compact for a 5-gallon unit, which suggests the parts are meant to be stored separately.

Who it suits

It suits people who already make wash at home and want a still with a second-stage thumper, and those who want a kit that comes with a pump and thermometer rather than buying them separately. It also suits people who want to distil water.

What to check before you buy

• Legality: confirm the rules where you live on owning a still and on distilling alcohol.
• Heat source: check that your stove or burner supports the weight and diameter of the barrel.
• Water supply: you need a container for the cooling water and somewhere safe to run the pump.
• Capacity: decide whether 5 gallons suits your batch size, or whether another barrel size would.
• Space and ventilation: plan for a ventilated area away from open flames other than your heat source.
• Upkeep: check the manual for cleaning the copper tube and keg between runs.

The short version

• A 5-gallon (19 L) distillation kit with fermentation barrel, cooling pot and thumper keg.
• Copper condenser tube and a water pump for circulating cooling water.
• Lid thermometer in °C and °F, one-way exhaust valve and four-latch sealed lid.
• Thickened stainless steel base that VEVOR says suits several heat sources.
• Check local law, ventilation and the manual before use.

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