Is Your Homemade Moonshine Still Safe?

Poorly constructed or improperly soldered moonshine stills can be extremely dangerous. Contamination often comes from the materials used to build the still. One of the most hazardous designs is a still that uses an automotive radiator as a condenser. These radiators can contain toxic substances that easily leach into your distilled spirits.

In some cases, residues from antifreeze—including glycol and other chemicals—can appear in the final product. Radiators used as condensers may also have lead in their solder joints or plumbing connections. Historically, these methods have caused cases of lead poisoning and even blindness in people who consumed the tainted liquor.

Your Homemade Moonshine Still and Lead Safety

Many home distillers have legitimate concerns about the materials used in their stills—especially when it comes to lead solder. Traditional lead-based solder is cheaper, but it can pose serious health risks if any traces enter your final product. Because solder is used to join copper components together, the type of solder matters greatly when building a safe still.

Some builders cut corners to save on cost by using lead solder. However, reputable companies such as The Distillery Network Inc produce handmade copper moonshine stills exclusively with lead-free silver solder, ensuring that every connection is food-safe and 100% lead-free. Their commitment to purity and safety makes their copper stills some of the most trusted in the industry.

Why Copper Is the Best Material for a Homemade Still

Copper is the gold standard for distilling equipment. It conducts heat evenly, allowing for consistent temperature control during the distillation process. More importantly, copper actively removes sulfur compounds and other unwanted elements from your vapor, improving the taste, aroma, and overall purity of your moonshine.

The safety and durability of The Distillery Network’s copper stills are exceptional. Each pot, cone, thumper, and worm is built with precision from high-quality copper that resists damage and corrosion. Every still is thoroughly tested, safely packaged, and backed by a full satisfaction guarantee.

While you can’t always guarantee that your moonshine recipe will come out exactly how you like, you can guarantee that the still you make it in is safe, reliable, and built to last. Jon Zajac, owner of The Distillery Network Inc, stands behind every product—offering copper moonshine stills that can be passed down for generations.