VEVOR 500ml Essential Oil Distillation Kit: what's in the 28-piece set

The VEVOR 500ml Distillation Kit is a set of laboratory glassware for small-batch distillation, sold with essential oil making in mind. It has a 500ml flask, a condenser, a separatory funnel and the stands and clamps to hold it all. The lab glass is meant for hobbyists, students and anyone setting up a small bench apparatus.

How distillation works here

In steam or simple distillation, a liquid is heated until it vapourises, then the vapour passes through a condenser, where it cools and turns back into liquid that is collected. For essential oils, plant material is typically heated with water, and the condensed liquid is then separated. The kit's separatory funnel is the part that helps divide two liquids that don't mix. VEVOR describes the set as supporting batch production of essential oils.

3.3 borosilicate glass

The glassware is 3.3 borosilicate, a common laboratory glass. VEVOR says it withstands high temperatures and corrosive reagents. Its low coefficient of thermal expansion means it is less likely to crack from sudden temperature changes than ordinary glass, though it can still break from knocks or uneven heating, so handle it carefully.

Standard 24/40 joints

The joints are the standard 24/40 ground-glass size. The first number is the joint's diameter in millimetres at the wide end and the second is its length. A common size lets you swap in other glassware with the same joints. VEVOR says the joints are sandblasted for airtightness. A little vacuum grease is included, and the manual should explain how to use it on the joints.

Heating

A 150ml alcohol lamp and a ceramic mesh (called a ceramic net in the parts list) provide the heat. The mesh spreads the flame over the flask base instead of hitting one point. An open flame next to flammable materials needs real care, so work in a ventilated space, keep the area clear and follow the manual's safety guidance.

What's in the box

The parts list includes:

• a 500ml distillation flask and a straight-tube snake-shaped condenser
• a 125ml separatory funnel, a 100ml conical flask and a 100ml beaker
• two 19# glass stoppers, four rubber stoppers and a rubber dropper
• a 150ml alcohol lamp and a thermometer
• 2m of latex tubing, vacuum grease, pH test paper and a small bottle brush
• two 40cm laboratory stands, two flask clamps, two three-prong clamps, a cow horn adapter, a ceramic net and two retort rings (5.1cm and 7.3cm inner diameter)

Size and weight

VEVOR lists the product weight as 5.87 lb (2.66 kg) and the assembled size as about 18.1 x 13.0 x 9.1 inches (460 x 330 x 230 mm). Allow bench space for the stands and room for tubing.

Who it suits

It suits students, hobbyists and small-scale experimenters who want a ready-to-assemble set. Anyone planning to distil should check the rules that apply where they live, since the legality of distilling various liquids differs by country and region.

What to check before you buy

• Capacity: a 500ml flask suits small batches, not production.
• Heat source: decide whether an alcohol lamp is right for your space or whether you need a different heater.
• Water and tubing: you will need a water supply for the condenser; check the tubing connects.
• Bench space: allow room for stands and clearance for the glass.
• Fragility: glass breaks, so consider spare parts and careful storage.
• Rules and safety: read the manual, ventilate and check local regulations.

The short version

• A 28-piece 500ml distillation set in 3.3 borosilicate glass.
• Standard 24/40 ground joints.
• Alcohol lamp, ceramic net, stands, clamps and a separatory funnel included.
• Weighs about 2.66 kg as listed.
• Suited to small-scale lab and hobby use, with care and local rules in mind.

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