As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had extensive experience with both water distillers and alcohol distillers. Let me explain to you the main differences between the two.
1. Heating Element: One significant difference between a water distiller and an alcohol distiller is the power of the heating element. In most cases, the heating element in an alcohol distiller has a lower power compared to a water distiller. This is because the distillation process for alcohol requires more precision and control. The lower power ensures a slower and more controlled distillation process, allowing for better separation of alcohol and other components.
2. Removable Sieve: Another key difference lies in the design of the head unit of the distiller. In an alcohol distiller, there is often a removable sieve or mesh in the head unit. This sieve is used to catch any vegetable matter or impurities that might be present in the mixture being distilled. The presence of vegetable matter can affect the flavor and quality of the distilled alcohol. By using a sieve, these impurities can be easily removed, resulting in a purer and cleaner final product.
Additionally, it's worth mentioning that the purpose of distilling water and alcohol also differs. Water distillation is primarily done for purification purposes, removing impurities and contaminants from the water. On the other hand, alcohol distillation focuses on separating alcohol from a fermented mixture, such as wine or beer, to increase its alcohol content.
In my personal experience, I have used both water distillers and alcohol distillers for various purposes. When distilling water, the process tends to be quicker and more straightforward. The higher power heating element allows for faster evaporation and condensation, resulting in a faster distillation time. However, when it comes to alcohol distillation, the slower process is necessary to ensure the separation of alcohol and other unwanted components, such as fusel oils.
The main differences between a water distiller and an alcohol distiller lie in the heating element power and the presence of a removable sieve in the head unit. These differences cater to the specific needs of each distillation process, whether it be for water purification or alcohol production.