Shop – Essential Oil Still & Distilling Equipment

LEONARDO® still CLASSIC or GRANDE

• The still is made of solid, high-quality copper. The LEONARDO® still was designed by us and is optimally designed from a process technology perspective. It is manufactured exclusively for us. The still corresponds to the construction plans of Leonardo da Vinci from the 15th century for making essential oils and hydrosols with the highest possible yield.
• There is a flavor basket above the bottom of the kettle. Hence, the material being distilled, i.e. the flowers, herbs, seeds, roots or other plant materials, does not come into contact with the water during distillation, only with the STEAM. This results in particularly high-quality essential oils and hydrosols.
• The cooler has inlet and outlet nozzles for connection to a water tap. On the inside the inlet nozzles reach down to the bottom of the cooler in order to ensure complete circulation of the cooling water. To go with this, a meter-long piece of silicon tube is included. Tube connectors and tubes with different diameters are available in DIY markets and aquarium shops. It is also possible to operate the cooling system by means of a recirculation pump (not included in delivery), similar to indoor fountains. The cooler is open on top, so it is also possible to operate the still without running water. In this case, simply pour cold water into the cooler from the top in order to exchange the cooling water.
• Due to the flat kettle bottom, the still can be placed directly on a gas or electric stove. No additional burner is required. A wood stove (kitchen stove) or open fire are naturally also suitable as heat sources.
• The still is made of hammered copper to increase the strength and chemical resistance. When the individual parts are connected together, the still is sealed, and no replacement parts or gaskets are required.
• Since the stills are handmade, each LEONARDO® is in fact unique. To prevent mixing up the exact-fitting individual parts if you have multiple stills of the same type, they are marked individually with embossed stamps.
• The still is delivered with detailed operating instructions.
• The vapor condenses in a copper dome (topmost container). Due to this short vapor and cooling path, a very rich hydrosol is created, and there are no losses of the valuable oil during cooling, as there are for example in a cooling coil.
• With the LEONARDO®, the complete interior including the cooler and run-off groove can be reached by hand. Therefore the still can be cleaned effortlessly on the inside and outside without any residue in no time at all with a cleaning sponge and dish soap. Nothing is more annoying than impurities in the distillate simply because certain areas of the still are not accessible. The best thing for cleaning the distillate drain tube is the matching tube brush.
• The still deliberately has NO automatic oil separator or separating funnel. First of all, this is because considerable quantities of oil stick to the insides of this type of equipment, so no oil is lost unnecessarily. Secondly, because some oils are heavier than water (e.g. cinnamon, cloves, alant root, balsam poplar and so on), and thirdly because the container with the hydrosol and essential oil should be stored for at least several weeks BEFORE separation in order to obtain the highest possible quality oils and hydrosols. Apart from this, the hydrosols obtained from the LEONARDO® are so intensive that , depending on the plant type, they often exhibit very opaque and milky cloudiness, or there are accumulations of oil drops in the bottom area. Hence, with automatic oil separation, considerable amounts of the valuable oil would not be separated. Even with crystal clear hydrosols, you should wait at least several hours before you separate the oil from the hydrosol.
• In our book The Essential Oil Maker’s Handbook (not included in delivery), you will find many tips and guides that go far beyond the operating instructions such as, for example, the right part of the plant, the optimum harvest and harvesting time (time of day) and the best processing methods for more than 140 native and exotic plants in order to obtain the most intensive hydrosol possible and high oil yields. Furthermore, there are more than 50 basic recipes for using the essential oils and hydrosols. The selection ranges from products for facial and body care, liqueurs, spiced oils, flavoring for tea, and inhalations to room sprays, sauna infusions and perfume.

Kettle size, filling volume, distillation time

• Filling volume, water: 1.5 l
• Filling volume, material to be distilled (vapor space): 3.6 l
• Remaining vapor space: 0.6 l
• Distillation time with an electric 1500 W single hotplate: 35 to 45 minutes (including the heating-up time)
• Dimensions: width 21 cm, length 27 cm, height 47 cm

• Filling volume, water: 1.5 - 2.0 l
• Filling volume, material to be distilled (vapor space): 6.5 l
• Remaining vapor space: 0.6 l
• Distillation time with an electric 1500 W single hotplate: 35 to 45 minutes (including the heating-up time)
• Dimensions: width 25 cm, length 40 cm, height 53 cm

Which LEONARDO® is best suited to you, the CLASSIC or GRANDE?

If you have smaller quantities of plants, e.g. 1 to 2 herb bushes per plant variety, then the LEONARDO® CLASSIC is completely adequate. On the other hand, the GRANDE makes more sense for larger quantities of plants, so you don’t have to perform multiple distillation processes with the same plant material. However, if you work mainly with plants that have very low oil content, such as roses, wild herbs, lemon balm, chamomile, and so on, then the GRANDE is the right choice. This is because only with a suitable amount of plants in the still will you also obtain the most intensive hydrosol possible, and actually also obtain essential oils from these plants. If you only want to make hydrosols and consider the essential oil to be a welcome by-product, then the right still size depends exclusively on the amount of plants available to you.

Example of oil distillation using Dill tip oil as an example.

LEONARDO® still CLASSIC or GRANDE

• The still is made of solid, high-quality copper. The LEONARDO® still was designed by us and is optimally designed from a process technology perspective. It is manufactured exclusively for us. The still corresponds to the construction plans of Leonardo da Vinci from the 15th century for making essential oils and hydrosols with the highest possible yield.
• There is a flavor basket above the bottom of the kettle. Hence, the material being distilled, i.e. the flowers, herbs, seeds, roots or other plant materials, does not come into contact with the water during distillation, only with the STEAM. This results in particularly high-quality essential oils and hydrosols.
• The cooler has inlet and outlet nozzles for connection to a water tap. On the inside the inlet nozzles reach down to the bottom of the cooler in order to ensure complete circulation of the cooling water. To go with this, a meter-long piece of silicon tube is included. Tube connectors and tubes with different diameters are available in DIY markets and aquarium shops. It is also possible to operate the cooling system by means of a recirculation pump (not included in delivery), similar to indoor fountains. The cooler is open on top, so it is also possible to operate the still without running water. In this case, simply pour cold water into the cooler from the top in order to exchange the cooling water.
• Due to the flat kettle bottom, the still can be placed directly on a gas or electric stove. No additional burner is required. A wood stove (kitchen stove) or open fire are naturally also suitable as heat sources.
• The still is made of hammered copper to increase the strength and chemical resistance. When the individual parts are connected together, the still is sealed, and no replacement parts or gaskets are required.
• Since the stills are handmade, each LEONARDO® is in fact unique. To prevent mixing up the exact-fitting individual parts if you have multiple stills of the same type, they are marked individually with embossed stamps.
• The still is delivered with detailed operating instructions.
• The vapor condenses in a copper dome (topmost container). Due to this short vapor and cooling path, a very rich hydrosol is created, and there are no losses of the valuable oil during cooling, as there are for example in a cooling coil.
• With the LEONARDO®, the complete interior including the cooler and run-off groove can be reached by hand. Therefore the still can be cleaned effortlessly on the inside and outside without any residue in no time at all with a cleaning sponge and dish soap. Nothing is more annoying than impurities in the distillate simply because certain areas of the still are not accessible. The best thing for cleaning the distillate drain tube is the matching tube brush.
• The still deliberately has NO automatic oil separator or separating funnel. First of all, this is because considerable quantities of oil stick to the insides of this type of equipment, so no oil is lost unnecessarily. Secondly, because some oils are heavier than water (e.g. cinnamon, cloves, alant root, balsam poplar and so on), and thirdly because the container with the hydrosol and essential oil should be stored for at least several weeks BEFORE separation in order to obtain the highest possible quality oils and hydrosols. Apart from this, the hydrosols obtained from the LEONARDO® are so intensive that , depending on the plant type, they often exhibit very opaque and milky cloudiness, or there are accumulations of oil drops in the bottom area. Hence, with automatic oil separation, considerable amounts of the valuable oil would not be separated. Even with crystal clear hydrosols, you should wait at least several hours before you separate the oil from the hydrosol.
• In our book The Essential Oil Maker’s Handbook (not included in delivery), you will find many tips and guides that go far beyond the operating instructions such as, for example, the right part of the plant, the optimum harvest and harvesting time (time of day) and the best processing methods for more than 140 native and exotic plants in order to obtain the most intensive hydrosol possible and high oil yields. Furthermore, there are more than 50 basic recipes for using the essential oils and hydrosols. The selection ranges from products for facial and body care, liqueurs, spiced oils, flavoring for tea, and inhalations to room sprays, sauna infusions and perfume.

Kettle size, filling volume, distillation time

• Filling volume, water: 1.5 l
• Filling volume, material to be distilled (vapor space): 3.6 l
• Remaining vapor space: 0.6 l
• Distillation time with an electric 1500 W single hotplate: 35 to 45 minutes (including the heating-up time)
• Dimensions: width 21 cm, length 27 cm, height 47 cm

• Filling volume, water: 1.5 - 2.0 l
• Filling volume, material to be distilled (vapor space): 6.5 l
• Remaining vapor space: 0.6 l
• Distillation time with an electric 1500 W single hotplate: 35 to 45 minutes (including the heating-up time)
• Dimensions: width 25 cm, length 40 cm, height 53 cm

Which LEONARDO® is best suited to you, the CLASSIC or GRANDE?

If you have smaller quantities of plants, e.g. 1 to 2 herb bushes per plant variety, then the LEONARDO® CLASSIC is completely adequate. On the other hand, the GRANDE makes more sense for larger quantities of plants, so you don’t have to perform multiple distillation processes with the same plant material. However, if you work mainly with plants that have very low oil content, such as roses, wild herbs, lemon balm, chamomile, and so on, then the GRANDE is the right choice. This is because only with a suitable amount of plants in the still will you also obtain the most intensive hydrosol possible, and actually also obtain essential oils from these plants. If you only want to make hydrosols and consider the essential oil to be a welcome by-product, then the right still size depends exclusively on the amount of plants available to you.

Example of oil distillation using Dill tip oil as an example.

LEONARDO®still Flexi 2

One distilling device – two sizes: You can fill the still either with 5 liters or 12 liters of plant material. Thus, the still size fits to the amount of plant material you have available, just remove the middle part of the size. All necessary parts are in the scope of delivery.

Kettle size, filling volume, distillation time

• Filling volume, water: 1.5 – 2 l
• Filling volume, material to be distilled (vapor space): 5.0 or 12.0 liters
• Remaining vapor space: 0.5 l
• Distillation time with an electric 1500 W single hotplate: 35 to 45 minutes (including the heating-up time)
• Dimensions (maximum): width 27 cm, length 41 cm, height 58 cm

Description

• The still is made of solid, high-quality copper. The LEONARDO® still was designed by us and is optimally designed from a process technology perspective. It is manufactured exclusively for us. The still corresponds to the construction plans of Leonardo da Vinci from the 15th century for making essential oils and hydrosols with the highest possible yield.
  

• Filling volume of water is 2 liters, therefore the still is free of registration!
• The still can be filled with 5 or 12 liters of plant material. The size can be changed very easily, thus you can operate the device with two different filling volumes (original Malle-Schmickl distilling devices system), avoiding empty inner space, which would result in lower yield and reduce the intensity of the hydrosol. Both sizes are included in scope of delivery.
• There is a flavor basket above the bottom of the kettle. Hence, the material being distilled, i.e. the flowers, herbs, seeds, roots or other plant materials, does not come into contact with the water during distillation, only with the STEAM. This results in particularly high-quality essential oils and hydrosols.
• The cooler has inlet and outlet nozzles for connection to a water tap. On the inside the inlet nozzles reach down to the bottom of the cooler in order to ensure complete circulation of the cooling water. To go with this, a meter-long piece of silicon tube is included. Tube connectors and tubes with different diameters are available in DIY markets and aquarium shops. It is also possible to operate the cooling system by means of a recirculation pump (not included in delivery), similar to indoor fountains. The cooler is open on top, so it is also possible to operate the still without running water. In this case, simply pour cold water into the cooler from the top in order to exchange the cooling water.
• Due to the flat kettle bottom, the still can be placed directly on a gas or electric stove. No additional burner is required. A wood stove (kitchen stove) or open fire are naturally also suitable as heat sources.
• When the individual parts are connected together, the still is sealed, and no replacement parts or gaskets are required.
• The stills are handmade, each LEONARDO® is in fact unique
• The still is delivered with detailed operating instructions.
• The vapor condenses in a copper dome (topmost container). Due to this short vapor and cooling path, a very rich hydrosol is created, and there are no losses of the valuable oil during cooling, as there are for example in a cooling coil.
• With the LEONARDO®, the complete interior including the cooler and run-off groove can be reached by hand. Therefore the still can be cleaned effortlessly on the inside and outside without any residue in no time at all with a cleaning sponge and dish soap. Nothing is more annoying than impurities in the distillate simply because certain areas of the still are not accessible. The best thing for cleaning the distillate drain tube is the matching tube brush.
• The still deliberately has NO automatic oil separator or separating funnel. First of all, this is because considerable quantities of oil stick to the insides of this type of equipment, so no oil is lost unnecessarily. Secondly, because some oils are heavier than water (e.g. cinnamon, cloves, alant root, balsam poplar and so on), and thirdly because the container with the hydrosol and essential oil should be stored for at least several weeks BEFORE separation in order to obtain the highest possible quality oils and hydrosols. Apart from this, the hydrosols obtained from the LEONARDO® are so intensive that , depending on the plant type, they often exhibit very opaque and milky cloudiness, or there are accumulations of oil drops in the bottom area. Hence, with automatic oil separation, considerable amounts of the valuable oil would not be separated. Even with crystal clear hydrosols, you should wait at least several hours before you separate the oil from the hydrosol.
• In our book The Essential Oil Maker’s Handbook (not included in delivery), you will find many tips and guides that go far beyond the operating instructions such as, for example, the right part of the plant, the optimum harvest and harvesting time (time of day) and the best processing methods for more than 140 native and exotic plants in order to obtain the most intensive hydrosol possible and high oil yields. Furthermore, there are more than 50 basic recipes for using the essential oils and hydrosols. The selection ranges from products for facial and body care, liqueurs, spiced oils, flavoring for tea, and inhalations to room sprays, sauna infusions and perfume

Coil Condenser or Dome Condenser?

• For alcohol distillation, the included coil condenser is best suited due to its strong cooling performance. An extremely reliable condenser that covers all areas of alcohol distillation.
• For producing essential oils and hydrosols, however, this type of condenser has the disadvantage that small oil quantities (a few drops) may remain in the coil, which — especially with plants with low oil yield (roses, lemon balm, German chamomile, many wild herbs) — may represent the entire yield. When distilling plants with higher oil content, such as lavender, the oil yield with the 5-liters kettle is 15–20 ml. In such cases, the loss in the cooling coil is of course negligible. After distillation, the coil can be cleaned by flushing, for example with high-proof alcohol (at least 80 %ABV). A dome condenser, on the other hand, has the advantage that the entire oil runs into the receiving bottle without losses, and that this condenser can be easily cleaned by hand on the inside (!!!) — simply with dishwashing detergent and a cleaning sponge.

Possible Variations

• The coil condenser and the dome condenser from the Suprema-Flexi product line (see SUPREMA and LEONARDO® Flexi stills) can be combined with other unit parts as follows:
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Distilling Essential Oils – Step by Step

Example: Distillation of Dill

LEONARDO®still Flexi 5

One distilling device – two sizes: You can fill the still either with 5 liters or 12 liters of plant material. Thus, the still size fits to the amount of plant material you have available, just remove the middle part of the size. All necessary parts are in the scope of delivery.

Kettle size, filling volume, distillation time

• Filling volume, water: 4 – 5 l
• Filling volume, material to be distilled (vapor space): 5.0 or 12.0 liters
• Remaining vapor space: 0.5 l
• Distillation time with an electric 1500 W single hotplate: 90 to 120 minutes (including the heating-up time)
• Dimensions (maximum): width 27 cm, length 41 cm, height 66,5 cm

Description

• The still is made of solid, high-quality copper. The LEONARDO® still was designed by us and is optimally designed from a process technology perspective. It is manufactured exclusively for us. The still corresponds to the construction plans of Leonardo da Vinci from the 15th century for making essential oils and hydrosols with the highest possible yield.
  

• The still can be filled with 5 or 12 liters of plant material. The size can be changed very easily, thus you can operate the device with two different filling volumes (original Malle-Schmickl distilling devices system), avoiding empty inner space, which would result in lower yield and reduce the intensity of the hydrosol. Both sizes are included in scope of delivery.
• There is a flavor basket above the bottom of the kettle. Hence, the material being distilled, i.e. the flowers, herbs, seeds, roots or other plant materials, does not come into contact with the water during distillation, only with the STEAM. This results in particularly high-quality essential oils and hydrosols.
• The cooler has inlet and outlet nozzles for connection to a water tap. On the inside the inlet nozzles reach down to the bottom of the cooler in order to ensure complete circulation of the cooling water. To go with this, a meter-long piece of silicon tube is included. Tube connectors and tubes with different diameters are available in DIY markets and aquarium shops. It is also possible to operate the cooling system by means of a recirculation pump (not included in delivery), similar to indoor fountains. The cooler is open on top, so it is also possible to operate the still without running water. In this case, simply pour cold water into the cooler from the top in order to exchange the cooling water.
• Due to the flat kettle bottom, the still can be placed directly on a gas or electric stove. No additional burner is required. A wood stove (kitchen stove) or open fire are naturally also suitable as heat sources.
• When the individual parts are connected together, the still is sealed, and no replacement parts or gaskets are required.
• The stills are handmade, each LEONARDO® is in fact unique
• The still is delivered with detailed operating instructions.
• The vapor condenses in a copper dome (topmost container). Due to this short vapor and cooling path, a very rich hydrosol is created, and there are no losses of the valuable oil during cooling, as there are for example in a cooling coil.
• With the LEONARDO®, the complete interior including the cooler and run-off groove can be reached by hand. Therefore the still can be cleaned effortlessly on the inside and outside without any residue in no time at all with a cleaning sponge and dish soap. Nothing is more annoying than impurities in the distillate simply because certain areas of the still are not accessible. The best thing for cleaning the distillate drain tube is the matching tube brush.
• The still deliberately has NO automatic oil separator or separating funnel. First of all, this is because considerable quantities of oil stick to the insides of this type of equipment, so no oil is lost unnecessarily. Secondly, because some oils are heavier than water (e.g. cinnamon, cloves, alant root, balsam poplar and so on), and thirdly because the container with the hydrosol and essential oil should be stored for at least several weeks BEFORE separation in order to obtain the highest possible quality oils and hydrosols. Apart from this, the hydrosols obtained from the LEONARDO® are so intensive that , depending on the plant type, they often exhibit very opaque and milky cloudiness, or there are accumulations of oil drops in the bottom area. Hence, with automatic oil separation, considerable amounts of the valuable oil would not be separated. Even with crystal clear hydrosols, you should wait at least several hours before you separate the oil from the hydrosol.
• In our book The Essential Oil Maker’s Handbook (not included in delivery), you will find many tips and guides that go far beyond the operating instructions such as, for example, the right part of the plant, the optimum harvest and harvesting time (time of day) and the best processing methods for more than 140 native and exotic plants in order to obtain the most intensive hydrosol possible and high oil yields. Furthermore, there are more than 50 basic recipes for using the essential oils and hydrosols. The selection ranges from products for facial and body care, liqueurs, spiced oils, flavoring for tea, and inhalations to room sprays, sauna infusions and perfume

Coil Condenser or Dome Condenser?

• For alcohol distillation, the included coil condenser is best suited due to its strong cooling performance. An extremely reliable condenser that covers all areas of alcohol distillation.
• For producing essential oils and hydrosols, however, this type of condenser has the disadvantage that small oil quantities (a few drops) may remain in the coil, which — especially with plants with low oil yield (roses, lemon balm, German chamomile, many wild herbs) — may represent the entire yield. When distilling plants with higher oil content, such as lavender, the oil yield with the 5-liters kettle is 15–20 ml. In such cases, the loss in the cooling coil is of course negligible. After distillation, the coil can be cleaned by flushing, for example with high-proof alcohol (at least 80 %ABV). A dome condenser, on the other hand, has the advantage that the entire oil runs into the receiving bottle without losses, and that this condenser can be easily cleaned by hand on the inside (!!!) — simply with dishwashing detergent and a cleaning sponge.

Possible Variations

• The coil condenser and the dome condenser from the Suprema-Flexi product line (see SUPREMA and LEONARDO® Flexi stills) can be combined with other unit parts as follows:
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Distilling Essential Oils – Step by Step

Example: Distillation of Dill

SUPREMA still (2 or 5 liters) – flexible, high-quality, expandable

The SUPREMA is made for anyone who wants to produce flavorful distillates, spirits, hydrosols, or essential oils at home with a compact, high-quality copper still. You can choose between 2 and 5 liters of still pot capacity and later expand the system with selected parts from the SUPREMA-Flexi product line. This means you are not just buying a still for today, but a system that grows with your ideas.

• Flexible instead of fixed: The still pot is interchangeable (2 or 5 liters). In addition, the extension part and the dome condenser from the LEONARDO® Flexi as well as the rectifying column also fit. This allows the SUPREMA to be configured depending on the intended use for aromatic schnapps, spirits, essential oils, hydrosols, or high-proof alcohol.
• Solid copper for better distillates: The system is made of high-quality, solid copper. Copper offers clear advantages, especially during distillation:
  • In stone-fruit brandies, problematic compounds such as cyanide or ethyl carbamate (EC) are reliably reduced through contact with copper.
  • In starch-containing mashes, for example for whisky, noticeable sulfur compounds in the distillate are avoided.
  • Essential oils and hydrosols from copper stills usually appear fuller, rounder, and richer in aroma.
  • The excellent thermal conductivity ensures quick response to temperature changes in water, oil, or sand baths.
• Developed by us, manufactured exclusively for us: The SUPREMA was optimized by us from a process-engineering perspective and is manufactured exclusively for us. The result is a well-designed, robust system created for aroma, ease of use, and expandability.
  

  

  

  

• Can be used on almost any heat source: Electric hot plate, ceramic hob, gas, alcohol burner, or open fire are all possible. Water, oil, or sand bath also works. Suitable adapter plates for induction cooktops are available from specialist retailers.
• Reliable cooling: The included coil condenser consists of an approximately 1 m long spiral copper tube in a copper container for 2.6 liters of cooling water. With the included silicone hose (1 m), you can connect a water line or a small recirculation pump (not included). If no running water is available, the cooling water can simply be replaced or supplemented with ice cubes.
• Ready to use right away: The system comes with detailed operating instructions so you can start distilling immediately without unnecessary guesswork.
• Compact, solid, easy to handle:
  Length: approx. 64 cm
  Width: base diameter (measurement for stovetop): 17.5 cm; diameter with handles: 26 cm
  Height without thermometer, 2-liters version: 28.5 cm; 5-liters version: 36.5 cm
  Height with condenser: approx. 45 cm
  2-liters SUPREMA
  Still pot capacity: 2 liters
  Botanicals fill volume (steam space): 2.7 liters
  Head volume without lyne arm: 2.2 liters
  Total weight: 3.6 kg

  5-liters SUPREMA
  Still pot capacity: 5 liters
  Botanicals fill volume (steam space): 3.7 liters
  Head volume without lyne arm: 2.2 liters
  Total weight: 4.0 kg

• More aroma through thoughtful design: The particularly wide transition to the head, the immediate routing of the vapor to cooling, and the downward-sloping lyne arm ensure that significantly more aroma and flavor compounds are carried over than with many common schnapps stills. This produces especially aromatic, flavorful distillates from mashes, beer, wine, liqueurs, infusions, spirits, and herbal extracts.

2-liters or 5-liters pot?

The quick decision guide: 2 liters are ideal for experimenting and for small batches. 5 liters are worthwhile if you regularly process larger quantities or want to repeat successful recipes on a larger scale.

• 2 liters: The compact size is ideal for beginners, recipe tests, and flavorful small batches. One distillation run takes about 35 to 45 minutes. Depending on the alcohol content, you will obtain about 250 to 1200 ml of distillate. Perfect for testing your own spirit recipes or for mash quantities of up to about 10 liters per variety.
• 5 liters: The larger version makes sense if you process more than 20 liters of mash per fruit variety or want to reproduce especially successful 2-liters recipes in larger quantities. Depending on the alcohol content of the mash, about 1 to 4 liters of high-proof schnapps per run are possible.
• Important for the result: A still pot should be filled to at least three quarters for every run. If the fill level is too low, you lose yield, aroma, and flavor.
• Please note: Different regulations may apply depending on the country for ownership, registration, and use. Before using it, check the currently applicable rules in your country.

Distilling schnapps with the SUPREMA system

• More enjoyment in the glass: The distillate usually has significantly more alcohol than drinking strength. For safe dilution, we recommend the Measuring Kit – Alcohol, which is also available here in the shop.
• More flavor, less effort: Thanks to the burn protection included, which we developed in 1998, you do not need to filter the mash before distilling. Unfiltered mashes generally provide more yield and more flavor, without the sluggish response of a jacketed kettle.
• Ideal for spirits, gin, and creative recipes: The aroma basket, also developed by us in 1998, enables the gentle production of spirits. Fruits, herbs, spices, or juniper are not boiled in alcohol. This helps avoid bitter substances and dull aromas. This is a major advantage, especially for raspberry spirit, ouzo, raki, jenever, gin, or absinthe. The aromatic compounds are captured especially cleanly by steam extraction or percolation.
• Simple gin is possible too: For a straightforward gin base, various essential oils are dissolved in neutral alcohol. You can produce both yourself with the SUPREMA.
• Clean separation of heads and tails: The thermometer enables precise separation. What matters is measuring at the highest point of the vapor before it has been cooled, because there the temperature correlates reliably with the alcohol content of the distillate regardless of the system design.
• Double distillation made easy: For double distillation, the 5-liters pot is suitable for the stripping run, while the 2-liters pot is suitable for the spirit run.
• More knowledge, better results: In our book “The Artisan’s Guide to Crafting Distilled Spirits” you will find many tips, instructions, and around 100 recipes for brandies, spirits, and infusions. The “Moonshine Recipes” includes over 300 recipes for anyone who wants to try even more.

Coil condenser or dome condenser?

• For alcohol distillation, the coil condenser is the first choice: It is included in the delivery, cools very strongly, and reliably covers all areas of alcohol distillation.
• For essential oils and hydrosols, the dome condenser is often the better addition: With the coil condenser, very small amounts of oil can remain in the cooling coil. With oil-rich plants such as lavender, this is usually negligible; with the 5-liters pot, around 15 to 20 ml of oil yield are possible here. With plants that produce only a small yield, however, the dome condenser can be decisive because the oil flows into the receiver without loss and the inside of the condenser is very easy to clean by hand.

Distilling essential oils and hydrosols with the SUPREMA

• Both still pot sizes are excellent for hydrosols: Which size is a better fit depends mainly on how much plant material you have. To obtain essential oils, you usually need significantly more plant material. For that, the 5-liters pot is the better choice.
• Gentle steam distillation instead of cooking to mush: The aroma basket, developed by us in 1998, keeps blossoms, seeds, roots, or herbs out of the water. The material to be distilled is steamed from bottom to top, which benefits high-quality oils and intense hydrosols.
• Plenty of room for plant material: As can be seen in the pictures, the extension tubes for the steamer basket are longer on the 5-liters pot than on the 2-liters version. If the shorter tubes from the 2-liters pot are fitted to the 5-liters pot instead of the longer ones, this results in a steam space volume of 5.2 liters.
• Deliberately no automatic oil separator: This avoids unnecessary oil losses in the device. In addition, some oils are heavier than water and therefore cannot be separated reliably this way. For high-quality results, the mixture of hydrolate and essential oil should be stored for a few weeks before separation anyway. Strongly milky, intense hydrosols also make automatic separators impractical.
• With dome condenser for maximum yield: If instead of the coil condenser you use the dome condenser from the LEONARDO® Flexi, you will achieve the maximum possible yield when producing essential oils and especially intense hydrosols. In addition, you avoid carryover of distillate residues between alcohol distillation and plant distillation. Detailed information can be found here: How to Make Essential Oils?.
• Practical knowledge for better results: In our book “The Essential Oil Maker’s Handbook – A Practical Guide” you will find many tips and instructions on the suitable plant part, the optimal harvest time, and the best processing method for over 140 plants. In addition, there are over 50 basic recipes for using essential oils and hydrosols.

SUPREMA still (2 or 5 liters) – flexible, high-quality, expandable

The SUPREMA is made for anyone who wants to produce flavorful distillates, spirits, hydrosols, or essential oils at home with a compact, high-quality copper still. You can choose between 2 and 5 liters of still pot capacity and later expand the system with selected parts from the SUPREMA-Flexi product line. This means you are not just buying a still for today, but a system that grows with your ideas.

• Flexible instead of fixed: The still pot is interchangeable (2 or 5 liters). In addition, the extension part and the dome condenser from the LEONARDO® Flexi as well as the rectifying column also fit. This allows the SUPREMA to be configured depending on the intended use for aromatic schnapps, spirits, essential oils, hydrosols, or high-proof alcohol.
• Solid copper for better distillates: The system is made of high-quality, solid copper. Copper offers clear advantages, especially during distillation:
  • In stone-fruit brandies, problematic compounds such as cyanide or ethyl carbamate (EC) are reliably reduced through contact with copper.
  • In starch-containing mashes, for example for whisky, noticeable sulfur compounds in the distillate are avoided.
  • Essential oils and hydrosols from copper stills usually appear fuller, rounder, and richer in aroma.
  • The excellent thermal conductivity ensures quick response to temperature changes in water, oil, or sand baths.
• Developed by us, manufactured exclusively for us: The SUPREMA was optimized by us from a process-engineering perspective and is manufactured exclusively for us. The result is a well-designed, robust system created for aroma, ease of use, and expandability.
  

  

  

  

• Can be used on almost any heat source: Electric hot plate, ceramic hob, gas, alcohol burner, or open fire are all possible. Water, oil, or sand bath also works. Suitable adapter plates for induction cooktops are available from specialist retailers.
• Reliable cooling: The included coil condenser consists of an approximately 1 m long spiral copper tube in a copper container for 2.6 liters of cooling water. With the included silicone hose (1 m), you can connect a water line or a small recirculation pump (not included). If no running water is available, the cooling water can simply be replaced or supplemented with ice cubes.
• Ready to use right away: The system comes with detailed operating instructions so you can start distilling immediately without unnecessary guesswork.
• Compact, solid, easy to handle:
  Length: approx. 64 cm
  Width: base diameter (measurement for stovetop): 17.5 cm; diameter with handles: 26 cm
  Height without thermometer, 2-liters version: 28.5 cm; 5-liters version: 36.5 cm
  Height with condenser: approx. 45 cm
  2-liters SUPREMA
  Still pot capacity: 2 liters
  Botanicals fill volume (steam space): 2.7 liters
  Head volume without lyne arm: 2.2 liters
  Total weight: 3.6 kg

  5-liters SUPREMA
  Still pot capacity: 5 liters
  Botanicals fill volume (steam space): 3.7 liters
  Head volume without lyne arm: 2.2 liters
  Total weight: 4.0 kg

• More aroma through thoughtful design: The particularly wide transition to the head, the immediate routing of the vapor to cooling, and the downward-sloping lyne arm ensure that significantly more aroma and flavor compounds are carried over than with many common schnapps stills. This produces especially aromatic, flavorful distillates from mashes, beer, wine, liqueurs, infusions, spirits, and herbal extracts.

2-liters or 5-liters pot?

The quick decision guide: 2 liters are ideal for experimenting and for small batches. 5 liters are worthwhile if you regularly process larger quantities or want to repeat successful recipes on a larger scale.

• 2 liters: The compact size is ideal for beginners, recipe tests, and flavorful small batches. One distillation run takes about 35 to 45 minutes. Depending on the alcohol content, you will obtain about 250 to 1200 ml of distillate. Perfect for testing your own spirit recipes or for mash quantities of up to about 10 liters per variety.
• 5 liters: The larger version makes sense if you process more than 20 liters of mash per fruit variety or want to reproduce especially successful 2-liters recipes in larger quantities. Depending on the alcohol content of the mash, about 1 to 4 liters of high-proof schnapps per run are possible.
• Important for the result: A still pot should be filled to at least three quarters for every run. If the fill level is too low, you lose yield, aroma, and flavor.
• Please note: Different regulations may apply depending on the country for ownership, registration, and use. Before using it, check the currently applicable rules in your country.

Distilling schnapps with the SUPREMA system

• More enjoyment in the glass: The distillate usually has significantly more alcohol than drinking strength. For safe dilution, we recommend the Measuring Kit – Alcohol, which is also available here in the shop.
• More flavor, less effort: Thanks to the burn protection included, which we developed in 1998, you do not need to filter the mash before distilling. Unfiltered mashes generally provide more yield and more flavor, without the sluggish response of a jacketed kettle.
• Ideal for spirits, gin, and creative recipes: The aroma basket, also developed by us in 1998, enables the gentle production of spirits. Fruits, herbs, spices, or juniper are not boiled in alcohol. This helps avoid bitter substances and dull aromas. This is a major advantage, especially for raspberry spirit, ouzo, raki, jenever, gin, or absinthe. The aromatic compounds are captured especially cleanly by steam extraction or percolation.
• Simple gin is possible too: For a straightforward gin base, various essential oils are dissolved in neutral alcohol. You can produce both yourself with the SUPREMA.
• Clean separation of heads and tails: The thermometer enables precise separation. What matters is measuring at the highest point of the vapor before it has been cooled, because there the temperature correlates reliably with the alcohol content of the distillate regardless of the system design.
• Double distillation made easy: For double distillation, the 5-liters pot is suitable for the stripping run, while the 2-liters pot is suitable for the spirit run.
• More knowledge, better results: In our book “The Artisan’s Guide to Crafting Distilled Spirits” you will find many tips, instructions, and around 100 recipes for brandies, spirits, and infusions. The “Moonshine Recipes” includes over 300 recipes for anyone who wants to try even more.

Coil condenser or dome condenser?

• For alcohol distillation, the coil condenser is the first choice: It is included in the delivery, cools very strongly, and reliably covers all areas of alcohol distillation.
• For essential oils and hydrosols, the dome condenser is often the better addition: With the coil condenser, very small amounts of oil can remain in the cooling coil. With oil-rich plants such as lavender, this is usually negligible; with the 5-liters pot, around 15 to 20 ml of oil yield are possible here. With plants that produce only a small yield, however, the dome condenser can be decisive because the oil flows into the receiver without loss and the inside of the condenser is very easy to clean by hand.

Distilling essential oils and hydrosols with the SUPREMA

• Both still pot sizes are excellent for hydrosols: Which size is a better fit depends mainly on how much plant material you have. To obtain essential oils, you usually need significantly more plant material. For that, the 5-liters pot is the better choice.
• Gentle steam distillation instead of cooking to mush: The aroma basket, developed by us in 1998, keeps blossoms, seeds, roots, or herbs out of the water. The material to be distilled is steamed from bottom to top, which benefits high-quality oils and intense hydrosols.
• Plenty of room for plant material: As can be seen in the pictures, the extension tubes for the steamer basket are longer on the 5-liters pot than on the 2-liters version. If the shorter tubes from the 2-liters pot are fitted to the 5-liters pot instead of the longer ones, this results in a steam space volume of 5.2 liters.
• Deliberately no automatic oil separator: This avoids unnecessary oil losses in the device. In addition, some oils are heavier than water and therefore cannot be separated reliably this way. For high-quality results, the mixture of hydrolate and essential oil should be stored for a few weeks before separation anyway. Strongly milky, intense hydrosols also make automatic separators impractical.
• With dome condenser for maximum yield: If instead of the coil condenser you use the dome condenser from the LEONARDO® Flexi, you will achieve the maximum possible yield when producing essential oils and especially intense hydrosols. In addition, you avoid carryover of distillate residues between alcohol distillation and plant distillation. Detailed information can be found here: How to Make Essential Oils?.
• Practical knowledge for better results: In our book “The Essential Oil Maker’s Handbook – A Practical Guide” you will find many tips and instructions on the suitable plant part, the optimal harvest time, and the best processing method for over 140 plants. In addition, there are over 50 basic recipes for using essential oils and hydrosols.

Kettle SUPREMA-FLEXI, 2 Liters, suitable for the stills SUPREMA and LEONARDO® Flexi

• This kettle can be used with both the SUPREMA still and the LEONARDO® Flexi.
• Either as a replacement kettle or as a smaller alternative instead of the 5-liters-kettle of the Suprema-Flexi product line
  
• Note: During each distillation run, a kettle should be filled at least three-quarters full; otherwise, there will be significant losses in yield, aroma, and flavor. This also applies to the production of essential oils and hydrosols: an excessively large, empty vapor space leads to noticeable yield losses and a less intense hydrosol.
• Dimensions, weight:
  Base diameter (size for hotplate): 17.5 cm
  Diameter including handles: 26 cm
  Height: 6.5 cm
  Weight: 0.9 kg

Possible variations

• The 2-liters-kettle of the SUPREMA-FLEXI product line (see SUPREMA and LEONARDO® Flexi stills) can be combined with other system components as follows:
  

  

  

  

  

  

Kettle SUPREMA-FLEXI, 5 Liters, suitable for the stills SUPREMA and LEONARDO® Flexi

• This kettle can be used with both the SUPREMA still and the LEONARDO® Flexi.
• Either as a replacement kettle or as a larger alternative instead of the 2-liters-kettle of the Suprema-Flexi product line
  
• Note: During each distillation run, a kettle should be filled at least three-quarters full; otherwise, there will be significant losses in yield, aroma, and flavor. This also applies to the production of essential oils and hydrosols: an excessively large, empty vapor space leads to noticeable yield losses and a less intense hydrosol.
• Dimensions, weight:
  Base diameter (size for hotplate): 17.5 cm
  Diameter including handles: 26 cm
  Height: 15.0 cm
  Weight: 1.3 kg

Possible variations

• The 5-liters-kettle of the SUPREMA-FLEXI product line (see SUPREMA and LEONARDO® Flexi stills) can be combined with other system components as follows:
  

  

  

  

  

  

COLUMN, Suitable for the Dome Condenser of the LEONARDO® Flexi

• This rectification column separates undesirable aroma and flavor compounds from the vapor, as these condense on the way up and flow back down, meaning they can no longer reach the condenser.
• For this purpose, the column is installed between the kettle and the dome condenser of the LEONARDO® Flexi.
• To increase separation efficiency, it is filled with copper wool. In alcohol distillation, copper has the advantage that any cyanide or ethyl carbamate (EC) that may be present in stone fruit mashes is reduced. In whisky production, olfactorily noticeable sulfur compounds in the distillate are avoided.
• This makes it possible to produce pure, very high-proof alcohol:
  • Vodka-like distillates in alcohol distillation
  • Alcohol for tinctures and as a solvent in essential oil production and hydrosol distillation.
  
• Of course, it is also possible to fill the column with something other than copper wool, e.g., Raschig rings, Sulzer packing, glass beads, porcelain rings, Intalox saddles, IMTP, etc. In other words, all types of packing materials used in distillation technology are suitable (not included in the scope of delivery).
• Instead of flavor-neutral packing materials, the filling can also consist entirely or partially of plant material to impart a special flavor note to the distillate.
• Dimensions, weight:
  Length: 28.5 cm
  Diameter: 12.0 cm
  Weight: 1.18 kg

Possible variations

• The column from the Suprema-Flexi product line (see SUPREMA and LEONARDO® Flexi stills) can be combined with other system components as follows:
  

  

  

  

Lifting Platform

• To compensate for differences in height
  Simply turn the adjustment wheel to set the desired height with millimeter precision.
• Dimensions and Weight
  Length x width of the plate: 20.3 x 20.3 cm (8 x 8 in)
  Minimum height: 8.2 cm (3.23 in)
  Maximum height: 32.7 cm (12.87 in)
  Net weight: 2.16 kg (4.76 lbs)
  Maximum load capacity: 40 kg (88.18 lbs)

Outer diameter: 44 cm (17.3 in.)
Width incl. tube: 75 cm (29.5 in.)
Height: 116 cm (45.7 in.)
Weight (empty): 25 kg (55 lb.)

Filling volumes:
Water: 18 l (4.8 US gal.)
Plant material: 67 l (17.7 US gal.)
Total: 85 liters (22.5 US gallons)

Comparison of size Leonardo® 85 and Leonardo® Classic

Parts of Leonardo® 85

Outer diameter: 32 cm (12.6 in.)
Width incl. tube: ca. 42 cm (16.5 in.)
Height: 76 cm (29.9 in.)

Filling volume:
Water: 10 l (2.6 US gal.)
Plant material: 25 l (6.6 US gal.)
Total: 35 liters (9.2 US gal.)

DELUXE Still (2, 3.8 or 7.8 liter)

• The still is made of solid, high-quality copper. The still was designed by us and is optimally designed from a process technology perspective. The distillation device is manufactured exclusively for us.
• The still can be ordered in the 2 liter, 3.8 liter or 7.8 liter version. Each can be converted to the other kettle sizes. Hence you then have a still with two or three different pot sizes (original Malle-Schmickl still system).
  

  

  
• A gas burner for plug-in gas cartridges (standard size 190 g) is used as a heat source. It can be regulated continuously by means of a setting wheel.
• The cooling system consists of an approximately 1 m long copper tube in a spiral shape and a copper container that is open on top so that the water content can be exchanged manually if there is no running water available. The container has an inlet by means of a funnel for connection to a water tap, and an outlet nozzle. It is also possible to operate the cooling system by means of a small recirculation pump (not included in delivery), similar to indoor fountains.
• The still is delivered with detailed operating instructions, so that you can start distilling immediately without any problems.
• The kettle is sealed by means of a screw-on lever, and a sealing ring ensures that there are no leaks.
• Dimensions: width 29 cm, length 70 cm, height 69 cm (without thermometer)
• The still can also be used for the distillation of beer, wine, herbs or for making essential oils (e.g. lavender oil, lemon oil, mint oil etc.) by means of steam distillation.

Distilling schnapps with the Deluxe still

• A distillation process with the gas burner takes approximately 30-45 minutes for the 2 liter kettle size. Depending on the alcohol content of the material to be distilled, you can produce 2 to 6 liters of high-proof schnapps per process with a 7.8 liter still. The measuring kit is recommended for dilution to drinking strength.
• Because of the supplied burn protector – this principle was developed by us in 1998 – it is not necessary to filter the mash before distilling. Nevertheless, when the heating power is changed there is no annoying time delay as there is with a jacketed kettle. Unfiltered mashes produce a higher yield and more flavor in the distillate, because the softened fruit pulp contains a lot of alcohol and flavorings.
• The flavor basket that we also developed in 1998 is used for making spirits: Add spices, herbs or fruits to the basket, such as raspberries (for Raspberry brandy)), aniseed (for ouzo, raki), juniper berries (for Dutch Jenever) or spice mixtures based on juniper (for gin) or alternatively wormwood (for absinthe ) etc.. When distilling wine or schnapps with less flavor such as vodka and grain schnapps, the alcohol vapor picks up the flavorings from the basket and you will get excellent spirits.
• The heads and tails are separated using a thermometer. We have worked with this separation method since the mid ‘90s, because it enables more accurate and reliable separation than other methods, especially with small stills. Since the middle of the 2000s, experts have regarded this method as standard for the separation of heads and tails, and not just for small stills. The thermometer has a range from 0 to 110 °C and can be read accurately down to 0.5 of a degree. The measuring point is located at the highest point of the vapor that has not yet cooled, because it is only here that the vapor temperature is independent of the respective still construction and hence correlates to the actual alcohol content of the distillate. The correct position of the measuring point is particularly important, because incorrect positions can lead to differences of up to 10 °C or more!
• The kettle size of 2 liters is ideal for trying out your own spirits recipes and for mash quantities of up to 10 liters per type. The 3.8 liter variant is for mash quantities of 10 to 15 liters per type of fruit. Alternatively, for larger quantities of spirits, the 7.8 liter kettle is optimally suited for mash quantities of more than 20 liters. A distilling kettle should be at least half filled for each distilling process; otherwise there will be a loss of yield and flavor.
• For double distilling, the 7.8 liter kettle is used for the raw distillate, and the 2 or 3.8 liter kettle is for the fine distillate.
• In our book "The Artisan’s Guide to Crafting Distilled Spirits" you will find many tips and instructions as well as around 100 recipes for tasty brandies and spirits.

Distillation of essential oils with the Deluxe still

• Steam distillation can be performed with the 2 liter, 3.8 liter or 7.8 liter kettle. If you would like to make hydrosols, then the kettle size is aligned with the quantity of plants. All three pot sizes are suitable for hydrosols. For the distillation of essential oils, you need the 7.8 liter pot, because only here can you fit in enough plant material to actually obtain essential oil.
• The flavor basket that we developed in 1998 is used for making high-quality essential oils and hydrosols. With this insert, the materials being distilled, i.e. the flowers, seeds, roots or herbs, are not boiled in the water, but rather steamed. Therefore it ONLY comes into contact with the steam.
• Filling volume for the material being distilled: Since unlike the LEONARDO®, the Deluxe still does not have a separate vapor space, the specified kettle size corresponds to the maximum filling volume of the material being distilled PLUS the amount of water added. Hence, 5.8 liters of the material being distilled can be placed in the 7.8 liter kettle if there are 2 liters of water under it.
• The still deliberately has NO automatic oil separator or separating funnel. First of all, this is because considerable quantities of oil stick to the insides of this type of equipment, so no oil is lost unnecessarily. Secondly because some oils are heavier than water (e.g. cinnamon, cloves, alant root, balsam poplar and so on), and thirdly because the container with the hydrosol and essential oil should be stored for at least several weeks BEFORE separation in order to obtain the highest possible quality oils and hydrosols possible. Apart from this, the hydrosols obtained are often so intensive that depending on the plant type, they often exhibit very opaque and milky cloudiness, or there are accumulations of oil drops in the bottom area. Hence with automatic oil separation, considerable amounts of the valuable oil would not be separated. Even with crystal clear hydrosols, you should wait at least several hours before you separate the oil from the hydrosol.
• LEONARDO® or Deluxe still? If you only want to make essential oils and hydrosols, i.e. no alcohol, then the LEONARDO® is the right choice. If you want to distil both alcohol and essential oils or hydrosols in the same still, then the Deluxe is best suited for this.
• In our book “BOOK: The Essential Oil Maker's Handbook The Essential Oil Maker’s Handbook” (not included in delivery), you will find many tips and guides that go far beyond the operating instructions such as, for example, the right part of the plant, the optimum harvest and harvesting time (time of day) and the best processing methods for more than 140 native and exotic plants in order to obtain the most intensive hydrosol possible and high oil yields. Furthermore, there are more than 50 basic recipes for using the essential oils and hydrosols. The selection ranges from products for facial and body care, liqueurs, spiced oils, flavoring for tea, and inhalations to room sprays, sauna infusions and perfume.

DELUXE Still (2, 3.8 or 7.8 liter)

• The still is made of solid, high-quality copper. The still was designed by us and is optimally designed from a process technology perspective. The distillation device is manufactured exclusively for us.
• The still can be ordered in the 2 liter, 3.8 liter or 7.8 liter version. Each can be converted to the other kettle sizes. Hence you then have a still with two or three different pot sizes (original Malle-Schmickl still system).
  

  

  
• A gas burner for plug-in gas cartridges (standard size 190 g) is used as a heat source. It can be regulated continuously by means of a setting wheel.
• The cooling system consists of an approximately 1 m long copper tube in a spiral shape and a copper container that is open on top so that the water content can be exchanged manually if there is no running water available. The container has an inlet by means of a funnel for connection to a water tap, and an outlet nozzle. It is also possible to operate the cooling system by means of a small recirculation pump (not included in delivery), similar to indoor fountains.
• The still is delivered with detailed operating instructions, so that you can start distilling immediately without any problems.
• The kettle is sealed by means of a screw-on lever, and a sealing ring ensures that there are no leaks.
• Dimensions: width 29 cm, length 70 cm, height 69 cm (without thermometer)
• The still can also be used for the distillation of beer, wine, herbs or for making essential oils (e.g. lavender oil, lemon oil, mint oil etc.) by means of steam distillation.

Distilling schnapps with the Deluxe still

• A distillation process with the gas burner takes approximately 30-45 minutes for the 2 liter kettle size. Depending on the alcohol content of the material to be distilled, you can produce 2 to 6 liters of high-proof schnapps per process with a 7.8 liter still. The measuring kit is recommended for dilution to drinking strength.
• Because of the supplied burn protector – this principle was developed by us in 1998 – it is not necessary to filter the mash before distilling. Nevertheless, when the heating power is changed there is no annoying time delay as there is with a jacketed kettle. Unfiltered mashes produce a higher yield and more flavor in the distillate, because the softened fruit pulp contains a lot of alcohol and flavorings.
• The flavor basket that we also developed in 1998 is used for making spirits: Add spices, herbs or fruits to the basket, such as raspberries (for Raspberry brandy)), aniseed (for ouzo, raki), juniper berries (for Dutch Jenever) or spice mixtures based on juniper (for gin) or alternatively wormwood (for absinthe ) etc.. When distilling wine or schnapps with less flavor such as vodka and grain schnapps, the alcohol vapor picks up the flavorings from the basket and you will get excellent spirits.
• The heads and tails are separated using a thermometer. We have worked with this separation method since the mid ‘90s, because it enables more accurate and reliable separation than other methods, especially with small stills. Since the middle of the 2000s, experts have regarded this method as standard for the separation of heads and tails, and not just for small stills. The thermometer has a range from 0 to 110 °C and can be read accurately down to 0.5 of a degree. The measuring point is located at the highest point of the vapor that has not yet cooled, because it is only here that the vapor temperature is independent of the respective still construction and hence correlates to the actual alcohol content of the distillate. The correct position of the measuring point is particularly important, because incorrect positions can lead to differences of up to 10 °C or more!
• The kettle size of 2 liters is ideal for trying out your own spirits recipes and for mash quantities of up to 10 liters per type. The 3.8 liter variant is for mash quantities of 10 to 15 liters per type of fruit. Alternatively, for larger quantities of spirits, the 7.8 liter kettle is optimally suited for mash quantities of more than 20 liters. A distilling kettle should be at least half filled for each distilling process; otherwise there will be a loss of yield and flavor.
• For double distilling, the 7.8 liter kettle is used for the raw distillate, and the 2 or 3.8 liter kettle is for the fine distillate.
• In our book "The Artisan’s Guide to Crafting Distilled Spirits" you will find many tips and instructions as well as around 100 recipes for tasty brandies and spirits.

Distillation of essential oils with the Deluxe still

• Steam distillation can be performed with the 2 liter, 3.8 liter or 7.8 liter kettle. If you would like to make hydrosols, then the kettle size is aligned with the quantity of plants. All three pot sizes are suitable for hydrosols. For the distillation of essential oils, you need the 7.8 liter pot, because only here can you fit in enough plant material to actually obtain essential oil.
• The flavor basket that we developed in 1998 is used for making high-quality essential oils and hydrosols. With this insert, the materials being distilled, i.e. the flowers, seeds, roots or herbs, are not boiled in the water, but rather steamed. Therefore it ONLY comes into contact with the steam.
• Filling volume for the material being distilled: Since unlike the LEONARDO®, the Deluxe still does not have a separate vapor space, the specified kettle size corresponds to the maximum filling volume of the material being distilled PLUS the amount of water added. Hence, 5.8 liters of the material being distilled can be placed in the 7.8 liter kettle if there are 2 liters of water under it.
• The still deliberately has NO automatic oil separator or separating funnel. First of all, this is because considerable quantities of oil stick to the insides of this type of equipment, so no oil is lost unnecessarily. Secondly because some oils are heavier than water (e.g. cinnamon, cloves, alant root, balsam poplar and so on), and thirdly because the container with the hydrosol and essential oil should be stored for at least several weeks BEFORE separation in order to obtain the highest possible quality oils and hydrosols possible. Apart from this, the hydrosols obtained are often so intensive that depending on the plant type, they often exhibit very opaque and milky cloudiness, or there are accumulations of oil drops in the bottom area. Hence with automatic oil separation, considerable amounts of the valuable oil would not be separated. Even with crystal clear hydrosols, you should wait at least several hours before you separate the oil from the hydrosol.
• LEONARDO® or Deluxe still? If you only want to make essential oils and hydrosols, i.e. no alcohol, then the LEONARDO® is the right choice. If you want to distil both alcohol and essential oils or hydrosols in the same still, then the Deluxe is best suited for this.
• In our book “BOOK: The Essential Oil Maker's Handbook The Essential Oil Maker’s Handbook” (not included in delivery), you will find many tips and guides that go far beyond the operating instructions such as, for example, the right part of the plant, the optimum harvest and harvesting time (time of day) and the best processing methods for more than 140 native and exotic plants in order to obtain the most intensive hydrosol possible and high oil yields. Furthermore, there are more than 50 basic recipes for using the essential oils and hydrosols. The selection ranges from products for facial and body care, liqueurs, spiced oils, flavoring for tea, and inhalations to room sprays, sauna infusions and perfume.

DELUXE Still (2, 3.8 or 7.8 liter)

• The still is made of solid, high-quality copper. The still was designed by us and is optimally designed from a process technology perspective. The distillation device is manufactured exclusively for us.
• The still can be ordered in the 2 liter, 3.8 liter or 7.8 liter version. Each can be converted to the other kettle sizes. Hence you then have a still with two or three different pot sizes (original Malle-Schmickl still system).
  

  

  
• A gas burner for plug-in gas cartridges (standard size 190 g) is used as a heat source. It can be regulated continuously by means of a setting wheel.
• The cooling system consists of an approximately 1 m long copper tube in a spiral shape and a copper container that is open on top so that the water content can be exchanged manually if there is no running water available. The container has an inlet by means of a funnel for connection to a water tap, and an outlet nozzle. It is also possible to operate the cooling system by means of a small recirculation pump (not included in delivery), similar to indoor fountains.
• The still is delivered with detailed operating instructions, so that you can start distilling immediately without any problems.
• The kettle is sealed by means of a screw-on lever, and a sealing ring ensures that there are no leaks.
• Dimensions: width 29 cm, length 70 cm, height 69 cm (without thermometer)
• The still can also be used for the distillation of beer, wine, herbs or for making essential oils (e.g. lavender oil, lemon oil, mint oil etc.) by means of steam distillation.

Distilling schnapps with the Deluxe still

• A distillation process with the gas burner takes approximately 30-45 minutes for the 2 liter kettle size. Depending on the alcohol content of the material to be distilled, you can produce 2 to 6 liters of high-proof schnapps per process with a 7.8 liter still. The measuring kit is recommended for dilution to drinking strength.
• Because of the supplied burn protector – this principle was developed by us in 1998 – it is not necessary to filter the mash before distilling. Nevertheless, when the heating power is changed there is no annoying time delay as there is with a jacketed kettle. Unfiltered mashes produce a higher yield and more flavor in the distillate, because the softened fruit pulp contains a lot of alcohol and flavorings.
• The flavor basket that we also developed in 1998 is used for making spirits: Add spices, herbs or fruits to the basket, such as raspberries (for Raspberry brandy)), aniseed (for ouzo, raki), juniper berries (for Dutch Jenever) or spice mixtures based on juniper (for gin) or alternatively wormwood (for absinthe ) etc.. When distilling wine or schnapps with less flavor such as vodka and grain schnapps, the alcohol vapor picks up the flavorings from the basket and you will get excellent spirits.
• The heads and tails are separated using a thermometer. We have worked with this separation method since the mid ‘90s, because it enables more accurate and reliable separation than other methods, especially with small stills. Since the middle of the 2000s, experts have regarded this method as standard for the separation of heads and tails, and not just for small stills. The thermometer has a range from 0 to 110 °C and can be read accurately down to 0.5 of a degree. The measuring point is located at the highest point of the vapor that has not yet cooled, because it is only here that the vapor temperature is independent of the respective still construction and hence correlates to the actual alcohol content of the distillate. The correct position of the measuring point is particularly important, because incorrect positions can lead to differences of up to 10 °C or more!
• The kettle size of 2 liters is ideal for trying out your own spirits recipes and for mash quantities of up to 10 liters per type. The 3.8 liter variant is for mash quantities of 10 to 15 liters per type of fruit. Alternatively, for larger quantities of spirits, the 7.8 liter kettle is optimally suited for mash quantities of more than 20 liters. A distilling kettle should be at least half filled for each distilling process; otherwise there will be a loss of yield and flavor.
• For double distilling, the 7.8 liter kettle is used for the raw distillate, and the 2 or 3.8 liter kettle is for the fine distillate.
• In our book "The Artisan’s Guide to Crafting Distilled Spirits" you will find many tips and instructions as well as around 100 recipes for tasty brandies and spirits.

Distillation of essential oils with the Deluxe still

• Steam distillation can be performed with the 2 liter, 3.8 liter or 7.8 liter kettle. If you would like to make hydrosols, then the kettle size is aligned with the quantity of plants. All three pot sizes are suitable for hydrosols. For the distillation of essential oils, you need the 7.8 liter pot, because only here can you fit in enough plant material to actually obtain essential oil.
• The flavor basket that we developed in 1998 is used for making high-quality essential oils and hydrosols. With this insert, the materials being distilled, i.e. the flowers, seeds, roots or herbs, are not boiled in the water, but rather steamed. Therefore it ONLY comes into contact with the steam.
• Filling volume for the material being distilled: Since unlike the LEONARDO®, the Deluxe still does not have a separate vapor space, the specified kettle size corresponds to the maximum filling volume of the material being distilled PLUS the amount of water added. Hence, 5.8 liters of the material being distilled can be placed in the 7.8 liter kettle if there are 2 liters of water under it.
• The still deliberately has NO automatic oil separator or separating funnel. First of all, this is because considerable quantities of oil stick to the insides of this type of equipment, so no oil is lost unnecessarily. Secondly because some oils are heavier than water (e.g. cinnamon, cloves, alant root, balsam poplar and so on), and thirdly because the container with the hydrosol and essential oil should be stored for at least several weeks BEFORE separation in order to obtain the highest possible quality oils and hydrosols possible. Apart from this, the hydrosols obtained are often so intensive that depending on the plant type, they often exhibit very opaque and milky cloudiness, or there are accumulations of oil drops in the bottom area. Hence with automatic oil separation, considerable amounts of the valuable oil would not be separated. Even with crystal clear hydrosols, you should wait at least several hours before you separate the oil from the hydrosol.
• LEONARDO® or Deluxe still? If you only want to make essential oils and hydrosols, i.e. no alcohol, then the LEONARDO® is the right choice. If you want to distil both alcohol and essential oils or hydrosols in the same still, then the Deluxe is best suited for this.
• In our book “BOOK: The Essential Oil Maker's Handbook The Essential Oil Maker’s Handbook” (not included in delivery), you will find many tips and guides that go far beyond the operating instructions such as, for example, the right part of the plant, the optimum harvest and harvesting time (time of day) and the best processing methods for more than 140 native and exotic plants in order to obtain the most intensive hydrosol possible and high oil yields. Furthermore, there are more than 50 basic recipes for using the essential oils and hydrosols. The selection ranges from products for facial and body care, liqueurs, spiced oils, flavoring for tea, and inhalations to room sprays, sauna infusions and perfume.

Additional kettle for DELUXE still (2, 3.8 or 7.8 liters)

Additional kettle for DELUXE still (2, 3.8 or 7.8 liters)

Additional kettle for DELUXE still (2, 3.8 or 7.8 liters)

The 0.2 ml graduation means that small quantities of liquids can be determined accurately. Suitable in particular for mixing perfumes, soaps, etc.

The glass beaker is temperature resistant, which means you can put it on the stove top and boil liquids in it. The scale on it means it is also suitable for measuring liquids.

The glass beaker is temperature resistant, which means you can put it on the stove top and boil liquids in it. The scale on it means it is also suitable for measuring liquids.

The glass beaker is temperature resistant, which means you can put it on the stove top and boil liquids in it. The scale on it means it is also suitable for measuring liquids.

Essential oils can be stored protected from light in both the brown glass and blue glass bottles. For the brown glass bottles, the sealing cap is black; the blue glass bottles have a golden sealing cap. All the bottles except for the 1 ml bottle come with a dropper.

Essential oils can be stored protected from light in both the brown glass and blue glass bottles. For the brown glass bottles, the sealing cap is black; the blue glass bottles have a golden sealing cap. All the bottles except for the 1 ml bottle come with a dropper.

Essential oils can be stored protected from light in both the brown glass and blue glass bottles. For the brown glass bottles, the sealing cap is black; the blue glass bottles have a golden sealing cap. All the bottles except for the 1 ml bottle come with a dropper.

Essential oils can be stored protected from light in both the brown glass and blue glass bottles. For the brown glass bottles, the sealing cap is black; the blue glass bottles have a golden sealing cap. All the bottles except for the 1 ml bottle come with a dropper.

Essential oils can be stored protected from light in both the brown glass and blue glass bottles. For the brown glass bottles, the sealing cap is black; the blue glass bottles have a golden sealing cap. All the bottles except for the 1 ml bottle come with a dropper.

Essential oils can be stored protected from light in both the brown glass and blue glass bottles. For the brown glass bottles, the sealing cap is black; the blue glass bottles have a golden sealing cap. All the bottles except for the 1 ml bottle come with a dropper.

This collecting bottle fits exactly under the LEONARDO® and Deluxe stills. Due to the narrow neck, the essential oil can be drawn off very easily after distillation. If you are distilling oils that are heavier than water, such as cinnamon or cloves, then the oil collects on the bottom of the bottle. Due to the curvature there, this oil can also be drawn off with the extractor for heavy oils. Bottle including sealing cap.

The glass Pasteur pipette can be used to draw off essential oils that are found on top of the hydrosol accurately to the precise drop.

The plastic pipette with a drawing volume of 3 ml is suitable for mixing perfumes. Pure essential oils are not used for perfumes, but rather alcoholic mixtures with an oil content of 20%.

Some essential oils are heavier than water and are therefore found on the bottom of the bottle, such as cinnamon, cloves, alant root, and balsam poplar, for example. With this device, these oils can also be removed from the hydrosol. It consists of a glass Pasteur pipette, a silicon tube and a 2, 5 or 10 ml syringe.

This atomizer is characterized by a very small pump volume, so that it can actually also be used for perfumes. As described in the book, real perfume should only be applied very sparingly. One to two drops are sufficient to diffuse an intensive scent. Unfortunately, “perfume” atomizers are usually offered with much too large a pump volume, and are actually only suitable for highly diluted scents such as Eau de Cologne.

The soap flakes are perfume-free and suitable for making your own scented soap with essential oils or hydrosols.

Can be used not only for applying deodorant, but is also ideal for example for perfume or perfume oil. Two sizes: 10 ml or 50 ml

Can be used not only for applying deodorant, but is also ideal for example for perfume or perfume oil. Two sizes: 10 ml or 50 ml

For cleaning the distillate drain tube of the LEONARDO® still. Pig bristles, total length: 50 cm, brush length: 10 cm, diameter: 18 mm

How to make essential oils? If you would like to make your own essential oils and hydrosols in the best quality, you can learn the art of distilling hands-on with the help of our book The Essential Oil Maker’s Handbook:

• Harvesting and preparing the plants – the foundation for homemade oils and hydrosols
• Distillation – a detailed guide
• Making essential oils and hydrosols yourself – the still
• Separating the essential oils
• Numerous essential oil recipes for distilling essential oils and hydrosols, as well as for using them.

Harvesting and Preparing the Plants

To obtain essential oils and full-bodied hydrosols, you must first of all harvest the plants at the optimum time (time of day) and prepare them for distillation. The quality of the drugs, the harvesting time of the plants and the preparation before distillation are the foundation for successful oil distillation. If you use improperly harvested plants and incorrectly crushed materials, you can never expect a high oil yield and intensive hydrosol. You will find exact guides and recipes for distillation in the book (videos and pictures in the Essential Oil Online Course).

Distillation

The book also contains a detailed description of distilling: How much water should I put in the still? How many drugs can I put in the still in proportion to the water? What is the optimum distillation speed? What collecting vessel should I use? Naturally, you can also find more answers on this in our Making Essential Oils Courses.

Make Essential Oil at Home – the Essential Oil Still

How should the optimum distillation equipment be set up correctly from a process technology perspective? What is the LEONARDO® still? What materials can I use? How to make essential oil stills or recognize a functional still? Regardless of whether you would like to build the still yourself or buy it, here you can acquire the necessary know-how to end up with the perfect steam still for making your own essential oils.

Separating the Essential Oils

Detailed description of separating the oil: When can I separate the essential oils from the hydrosol? What equipment do I need for this? Where and for how long can I store oils and hydrosols?

Recipes

Numerous recipes – how to make essential oils at home for homemade oils and hydrosols as well as for creams, soaps, perfumes, deodorants, etc. Discover how you can make the greatest variety of products at home yourself.

Table of contents
A book overview on YouTube

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