"I recently switched from the Essential Extractor II basic model to the High Capacity model, using a 15.5 stainless keg and propane turkey fryer burner. I was originally having problems with my smaller model surging and puking out of the condensor.

This time I placed a couple of cups of raschig rings in the boiler and ran a wash that I had clearing for 3-4 months. It was crystal clear and looked like a chardonnay wine.

Fired the burner up on a low to medium flame and was at a boil in 45 mins or so. Temp went to 172 and stayed there for an hour or so. I collected roughly a quart every 15 minutes with a slow steady stream. The first quart came out about 92 percent or 184 proof. One thing I did notice was that the liquid exiting the condensor was a warm to hot tempature. If I ran my cooling water any stronger, the temp would come off 172 and drop and I didnt want to get below that and start collecting poisinous product. I turned the heat up a little to get the temp up but then the run off just got hotter. Kinda like the cloumn wanted to stay at 172 with the warm run off.

I let it sit at 172 and collected the run off at a warm to hot temp but it came out pretty nice. Eventually the temp went to 176 after an hour or so and I ran a total of 7 quarts from a 25L wash. I had 2 quarts of tails left over from a p[revious batch that I threw in so I think thats why i got a little more ""dizzy juice"". All in all I can see that the High Capacity model is the way to go because of the speed of the run off, ability to handle the reflux and pressure build up etc.

My dilema is that I am concerned about the warm to hot temp of the run off when my temp is 172, I had a cooler with ice and water running through the lines at top and condensor. I did notice that the recirculating water got warm very quickly so it must mean I need more ice more frequently for cooloing. I have always read 177 is where temp should set but should I be concerned with 172? Its a digital thermometer. Any suggestions on tweaking this since it was my first with this model? Unit performed great I just know I could probably get it running optimum with some of the expert help here!

Life begins at 80......180 that is!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Seperate pump for condensor and lines, and a seperate pump with lines to cooling inlets with a valve.