What Do You Need to Buy with a Still to Get Started?
How to start without surprises or unnecessary spending
This is one of the most frequently asked questions by people starting their distillation journey: “What else do I need to buy besides the still itself?”
The answer – at least in our case – is simple: nothing.
Copper Distillers still kits are complete
All of our kits – both reflux columns and pot stills – are ready to assemble right out of the box. They do not require filling the column yourself, selecting gaskets, or sourcing parts on your own.
If the kit includes packing material (e.g. prismatic copper springs), it comes pre-filled at the factory – there’s nothing to add or measure. Every part is matched and pre-tested.
What about cooling hoses?
The only element not included in the kit is the cooling water hose. That’s intentional – everyone needs a different length depending on their workspace setup.
If you plan to use your still in a bathroom, a regular shower hose is enough – it fits perfectly on our standard 1/2" cooling connections. You don’t need to buy anything extra.
Need longer hoses?
Starter Kit – everything you need in one place
For those who want to be fully prepared, we offer a dedicated Starter Kit. It includes:
- cooling hoses (inlet and outlet),
- PTFE tape for sealing threaded connections (optional if you don’t already have it),
- a set of spare gaskets,
- silicone hoses for collecting alcohol.
Just choose your still model and hose length from the dropdown – see the Starter Kit here.
Silicone hoses for alcohol – when the container can’t sit directly under the spout
If you can’t place your collection container directly under the condenser or OVM valve, you’ll need a flexible silicone alcohol hose.
Important: never use garden hoses or PVC tubing for alcohol – only food-grade silicone is safe and chemically resistant.
A still is just the beginning – don’t forget fermentation
The still is only part of the process. Every good spirit starts with proper fermentation – and we’ve got you covered there too.
In our store you’ll find:
- fermentation buckets and airlocks,
- turbo yeasts, nutrients, and glucose,
- hydrometers, alcohol meters, and measuring tools.
Everything you need – from fermentation to finished product.
Summary
So what do you need to buy with a still? In our case – almost nothing. Our kits are complete, ready to use, and require no modifications.
You can connect water using a simple shower hose or pick from our range of silicone hose options. And if you want peace of mind, grab our all-in-one Starter Kit.
And remember – home distilling begins with fermentation. You’ll find everything you need in one place – right here.