How to Distill Lavender at Home with a Copper Alembic Still

Why Distill Lavender at Home?

Lavender is one of the most popular botanicals for home distillation. When distilled gently, it can produce a beautifully aromatic lavender hydrosol and, depending on your batch size and plant material, a very small amount of essential oil.

Many people enjoy distilling lavender at home for aromatherapy routines, linen sprays, botanical projects, and the simple satisfaction of making something by hand. A traditional copper still also adds to the experience by making the process feel practical, beautiful, and rooted in old-world craftsmanship.

Why Use a CopperHolic Still?

If you want a more authentic home distillation experience, a traditional copper alembic still is one of the best ways to get started. CopperHolic stills are handcrafted for people who want a functional, beautiful, and time-tested setup for botanical distillation.

• Ideal for lavender hydrosol and floral waters
• Great for small-batch home botanical distillation
• Beautiful handcrafted copper construction
• Suitable for beginners and hobbyists
• Available in multiple sizes for different batch needs

Browse our main still here: Copper Alembic Distillation Still

You can also explore:

• 5 Litre Copper Alembic Still
• 5 Gallon Copper Alembic Still
• 10 Gallon Copper Alembic Still

What You Can Make from Lavender Distillation

Home lavender distillation usually produces two possible outputs:

1. Lavender Hydrosol

Hydrosol is the most common result for home users. It is a fragrant floral water often used in room sprays, linen mists, botanical beauty routines, and aromatherapy-inspired projects.

2. Lavender Essential Oil

Essential oil output is usually very small in home setups, especially with limited plant material. That is normal. Most beginners should expect hydrosol to be the main yield.

What You Need

• A CopperHolic copper still
• Fresh or dried lavender
• Clean water
• A suitable heat source
• A collection container
• Clean glass bottles for storage

Need help choosing the right model? Visit our FAQ page or reach out through our Contact page.

Fresh vs Dried Lavender

Both fresh and dried lavender can be used in home distillation.

• Fresh lavender often gives a greener, brighter aroma
• Dried lavender is easier to store and work with consistently

Choose clean, fragrant lavender and avoid plant material that is dusty, damaged, or low in aroma.

How to Distill Lavender at Home

Step 1: Set Up Your Still

Assemble your still properly and make sure all parts fit securely. A well-assembled still helps steam travel efficiently through the system and improves your distillation experience.

Step 2: Add Water and Lavender

Add clean water to the pot and place your lavender in the still according to your setup. Avoid overpacking the still, as steam needs enough room to move through the plant material.

Step 3: Apply Gentle Heat

Start with a low and steady heat source. Slow, controlled heating is usually better than aggressive heat for home botanical distillation.

Step 4: Collect the Distillate

As the vapor cools inside the condenser, it returns to liquid form. This liquid is your lavender distillate. In most home runs, the primary output will be hydrosol.

Step 5: Store Properly

Once your batch is finished, store the distillate in clean glass bottles, preferably dark bottles, and keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct light.

Tips for Better Results

• Use fragrant, good-quality lavender
• Keep your heat low and steady
• Do not overfill the still
• Clean your still after each run
• Store hydrosol in clean bottles
• Choose the right still size for your batch needs

Best CopperHolic Still for Beginners

For beginners who want to distill lavender at home in smaller batches, the 5 Litre Copper Alembic Still is usually the easiest starting point.

If you want to run larger batches for regular botanical projects, the 5 Gallon Still and 10 Gallon Still are worth exploring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I distill lavender at home in a CopperHolic still?

Yes. CopperHolic stills are well suited for home botanical distillation, including lavender hydrosol and small-batch aromatic projects.

Will I get a lot of lavender essential oil?

Usually no. Most home users mainly collect hydrosol. Essential oil yield is typically very small unless working with large quantities of plant material.

Which CopperHolic still should I choose?

Most beginners start with the 5 Litre Still, while larger-batch users may prefer the 5 Gallon or 10 Gallon.

Where can I buy a copper still for lavender distillation?

You can shop here: CopperHolic Copper Alembic Distillation Still

Start Distilling Lavender with CopperHolic

If you are ready to distill lavender at home, choose a handcrafted still designed for botanical distillation and traditional home use. CopperHolic stills are made for people who appreciate quality, craftsmanship, and the ritual of real distillation.

Start here: Shop CopperHolic Stills