Need New Boiler

[Moonshyner]

My old 30 litre Beer Me boiler from Pure Distilling is slowly dying.

It is rated as 2000 watts (when new).
Currently gives me 1450 - 1500 watts at full power.

Am considering a new boiler.
I don't want/need a 50 litre boiler as I'm distilling just for myself.
So a 36 litre is more than enough for me.

The milk can types look fancy but the smallest in AUST is 50 litres.

I prefer the wide open pot type....easier to clean.

Anyhow, just asking anyone who may have one or used one.

https://www.5stardistilling.com.au/nano-x ... ment-port/

[The Stig]

Stick with something doesn’t have exposed elements if you’re wanting to stick with a 30L or so, such as the DigiBoil .
The new design of the 5 Star 50L milk cans allow you to get away with a 25L wash since the elements are placed really low and a 50 L will future proof you

[harold01]

Moonshyner
Stig is dead right, if your only distilling for yourself you rarely need a 500 litre boiler but you should start with a 50 litre milk can boiler for experience

[BigRig]

Stick with something doesn’t have exposed elements if you’re wanting to stick with a 30L or so, such as the DigiBoil .
The new design of the 5 Star 50L milk cans allow you to get away with a 25L wash since the elements are placed really low and a 50 L will future proof you

New design is an excellent improvement on the older models. I have the older model and it is awesome and built like a Sherman tank.

[The Stig]

Thanks for the input folks.

I like to work with 15 - 20 litres at a time.
20 litres mash/wash stripping run.
15 litres spirit run to cut down on time. (Time is precious to me)
I also use a SS air still for tiny batches.

So, a 50 litre boiler would be a bit too big for a 15 litre charge.
Also I read somewhere not to have too much headspace in a boiler.

Not too keen on the Digiboil as it has sensitive electronics.
It has 2 heat settings...900 watts & 1500 watts.
I like to run my spirit runs around 1100 - 1200 watts for my Alcoengine pot still.
I have a FSD voltage regulator and have read that it is not advisable to use it with a boiler that has inbuilt electronics such as the Digiboil.

I can get an 8 gallon (30 litres) milk can boiler from USA for USD$315 with free shipping (AUD$460).
https://no advertising .com/en-au/products/30lt-8-gallon-milk-can-boiler-still-boiler?variant=45029925486885

But I still like the 36 litre boiler with the copper lid from www.5stardistilling.com.au Brewery
https://www.5stardistilling.com.au/nano-x ... ment-port/

Decisions, decisions, decisions.

[The Stig]

I don't know why this post shows 5stardistilling when I clearly posted no advertising competitors brewery as the seller of the 36 litre boiler.

[MarkA]

Hi Moonshyner,

You can't post links to competitors sites or products. the forum will change the link.

I have one of the older FSD 50ltr milk can boilers, with the elements on top of each other. It takes 12 ltrs
to cover the bottom element. As long as I know how much went in, and keep track of how much has come
out, I'm golden.

I haven't heard anything about having too much headspace in the boiler before.

Regards
Mark

Edited to add: I don't know why the link to the US item got through, maybe the forum only changes domestic links.

[The Stig]

Fixed