The German mini-distillery Luxstahl, reviews of which are very good among Russian consumers, can be used to get pretty clean and at the same time strong moonshine. One of the distinguishing features of this equipment is the presence of a distillation column of an unusual design with two coolers. In fact, the Luxstahl model is a kind of hybrid between the moonshine itself and the beer column.
Main advantages
As many lovers of the preparation of home-made alcoholic beverages note, Luxstahl produces really high-quality equipment, the main advantages of which include:
The possibility of distillation of a very strong drink. The design of this apparatus is such that it is possible to obtain moonshine with a strength of up to 90 g. Using conventional equipment, this cannot be done.
Possibility of use in combination with any kind of plates. The distillation cube of the Luxstahl apparatus has a ferromagnetic three-layer bottom. Its thickness is as much as 4 mm.
Easy to use. German moonshine Luxstahl is not equipped with any complex automation. It has a rather simple design. Many owners of this equipment note the fact that you can figure out how to use it in no more than 10 minutes.
High degree of purification of the drink. Unlike the standard dry steamer, which passes part of fusel oils, the brew column can be considered much more effective. In addition, during distillation, it is not necessary to constantly drain residual impurities.
Design features
The distillation column of the Luxstahl moonshine still is made in the form of an inverted letter U. Its height is a little over 80 cm. The “branches” of the column are connected by a bridge. Mash before distillation is poured into a distillation cube. The latter, as noted by some owners of such devices, is an ordinary pan with a lid of a special design. The mash column before distillation of moonshine is attached to it through the flange using several small lambs. Judging by the reviews, it is installed quite easily. Threaded pins are provided on the cover, and holes are provided on the flange. After installing the columns, the lamb is simply wound onto the pins.
Above the first refrigerator with a coil there is a small branch pipe for a thermometer. At the bottom there is a tap with a plastic tube. On the latter there is a small lamb (Hoffmann's clip), which allows you to adjust the temperature of the vapor cooling during distillation, and, consequently, the strength of the finished product. The Luxstahl mini-distillery, reviews of which allow us to judge it as quite productive, can be equipped with a tank for 12, 20 or 30 liters. The equipment of this brand is made of special steel 3 mm thick.
Disadvantages of Luxstahl
Thus, the Luxstahl moonshine still has excellent technical specifications. This German equipment has practically no disadvantages. To minor flaws, buyers include only:
Lid thickness not in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. In fact, this parameter is 1 mm. However, according to the owners of devices of this brand, with good handling, the lid can still last a very long time.
Lack of a tap at the bottom of the tank. This addition would allow to drain the remnants of mash after distillation. But some fans of distillation of strong drinks at home simply weld this missing element on their own.
Not very convenient location of the outlet pipe. For some reason, it is directed when the column is installed to the edge of the tank cap, and not beyond. Therefore, putting a hose on this nozzle is not too convenient. Some owners of such equipment are advised to simply bend this element in a more convenient position. But, of course, this is not necessary. If you are afraid of damaging the device, it is better to just leave it as it is.
Consumers consider one more small drawback of this equipment that the branch pipe under the thermometer is not completed with a cap. When distilling moonshine without measuring the temperature, steam simply begins to escape from this hole.
The complete set of the device
In addition to the tank and the columns themselves, the manufacturer supplies:
transparent hose 3 m long;
inexpensive thermometer-alcohol meter (electronic) ;
flange for columns and lamb;
silicone gasket;
divertor;
recipe book;
Hoffmann clamp;
instructions for use.
Among other things, the Luxstahl mini-distillery, reviews of which are not bad, is marked with a special engraving (on a distillation cube).
Consumer Reviews
In general, consumers have a good opinion about Luxstahl mini-distilleries. Many people like, for example, a rather roomy distillation cube of a convenient shape. The distillation column hole is located in the center of the lid and has a diameter of about 9 cm. Its edges are well processed and therefore impossible to cut about them. The same applies to the edges of the lid itself, slightly protruding beyond the plane of the container. The advantages of equipment of this brand include the presence of pens on the distillation cube. Thanks to this addition, the equipment during the distillation process, if necessary, can be moved to any convenient place.
The disadvantages of these devices include only that they have yet to be slightly modified (faucet, exhaust pipe, plug). Some owners also note the fact that the devices sometimes show small defects. In principle, all the details of the Luxstahl mini-distillery are welded quite qualitatively. In this case, the seams are quite satisfactorily processed. But sometimes there are models in which a leak can be observed during the forcing process.
Despite the existing shortcomings, most consumers still consider the Luxstahl mini-distillery (reviews say more than eloquently) equipment that is even comparable to classic models, but somewhat more convenient. It is advised to purchase such an apparatus both inexperienced moonshiners and experienced ones.
How to drive moonshine using Luxstahl equipment
Making alcoholic drinks using this German model is pretty easy. Ease of use, as already mentioned, is one of the main advantages of such equipment as the Luxstahl mini-distillery. Instructions for use of this device are as follows:
The tank is installed on the stove. Mash is poured into it (in an amount of not more than ¾ of the volume of the cube).
Using a flange and flaps mounted column. For sealing during installation, a special silicone gasket is used.
A thermometer is installed in the upper part of the first refrigerator.
A transparent hose that comes with the kit is put on to the outlet pipe.
Using the same hoses, refrigerators are connected to cold water (to the lower bridge). At the same time, a pipe for draining water should be connected to the upper bridge.
A collection container is installed under the outlet hose.
The nuances of the distillation procedure
German moonshine Luxstahl accelerates somewhere in about an hour. As soon as the temperature of the mash begins to increase sharply, the intensity of its heating should be slightly reduced just in case (for a while). At the first distillation of moonshine, the Hoffmann crane should be shut off. When the first refrigerator is turned off, raw alcohol is obtained. To prepare a high-quality final product, the latter is worth overtaking again. Before this, raw alcohol is diluted with water by 20-40%.
As soon as during the second distillation the heating temperature starts to approach 75%, you should gently unscrew the clamp so that it no longer rises. After 15 minutes, the lamb needs, just as slowly, twist a little. Tighten it until the first drops of the “head” (a product saturated with harmful impurities) appear from the distiller. After selecting this unusable liquid, the distillation temperature can be raised to 78-82 g. After this indicator reaches 87 degrees, the so-called tail fraction will begin to leave the apparatus. This liquid has an unpleasant odor and must also be drained.
Luxstahl - manufacturer of kitchen accessories
The German company Luxstahl was founded more than a hundred years ago - in 1879. Of course, moonshine is not the only variety of products it produces. The main specialization of this manufacturer is the production of cutlery and equipment. Russian housewives consider knives and utensils of the Luxstahl brand to be very high quality.
Moonshine still Luxstahl: price
The cost of equipment of this brand is not too high. You can buy Luxstahl moonshine still for 10.5-16.5 thousand rubles (the price depends on the volume of the cube). The classic models of mini-distilleries of domestic manufacturers cost about the same amount.
Moonshines of other German brands
Fashion for mini-distilleries made in Germany continues to grow in our country. In addition to Luxstahl, German devices of such brands as are also popular among domestic moonshiners:
"Germany". Consumers primarily attribute rich equipment to the advantages of equipment of this brand. In addition to the basic set, the buyer receives alcohol yeast and a fermentation apparatus.
Wagner. These models are valued primarily for build quality. Some of their disadvantages include the fact that instead of silicone gaskets, they use rubber. This material during distillation may give the product a not too pleasant smell.
Well, as you see, the characteristics of Luxstahl mini-distilleries (as well as of any other equipment of this type made in Germany) are very good. Those who like to prepare spirits for the holidays on their own should definitely buy such an apparatus.