Copper Still Size Guide
Copper Still Size Guide: Which Size Is Right for You?
Choosing the right size copper alembic still is the most important decision you will make before buying. The wrong size means you either outgrow it too fast or pay for capacity you do not need. This guide breaks down each size in the CopperHolic range so you can make a confident choice the first time.
Every CopperHolic still is handcrafted from 1.1mm hand-hammered copper with lead-free silver solder, a serpentine condenser, and a lab-grade thermometer accurate to ±0.5°C. The difference between sizes is not quality — it is capacity, flexibility, and what you plan to do with it.
Quick Comparison
| 5 Litre | 5 Gallon | 10 Gallon | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.95 | $449.95 | See current price |
| Best for | Beginners, small experiments, compact spaces | Most buyers — best all-around size | Larger batches, higher output, experienced makers |
| Plant material per batch | 1–2 kg | 3–5 kg | 6+ kg |
| Lavender oil yield per run | 5–10 ml | 15–25 ml | 30+ ml |
| Typical run time | 1–2 hours | 2–3 hours | 3–4 hours |
| Space needed | Countertop or small table | Kitchen counter or workbench | Dedicated workspace or outdoor setup |
| Copper thickness | 1.1 mm hand-hammered | 1.1 mm hand-hammered | 1.1 mm hand-hammered |
| Thermometer | Lab-grade, ±0.5°C | Lab-grade, ±0.5°C | Lab-grade, ±0.5°C |
| Condenser | Serpentine | Serpentine | Serpentine |
| Solder | Lead-free silver | Lead-free silver | Lead-free silver |
| Shipping | Free 2–3 day US shipping | Free 2–3 day US shipping | Free 2–3 day US shipping |
5 Litre — The Starter Still
The 5 litre copper alembic still is the most accessible entry point in the CopperHolic range. It is compact, affordable, and gives you a real handcrafted copper experience without a big commitment.
This size works best if you want to try essential oil distillation or hydrosol production for the first time, work with small amounts of plant material, or have limited counter space. It handles 1–2 kg of botanicals per batch and typically yields 5–10 ml of essential oil in a 1–2 hour session.
Who should choose the 5 litre?
- First-time buyers who want to learn before committing to a larger still
- Hobbyists working with small batches of herbs, lavender, or flowers
- Buyers with compact kitchens or limited workspace
- Gift buyers looking for a premium, display-worthy piece
Honest trade-off
The 5 litre is a real working still, not a toy. But if you already know you want to distill regularly or work with larger quantities of plant material, you will likely outgrow this size within a few months. Many buyers who start at 5 litres end up wishing they had gone with the 5 gallon from the start.
View the 5 Litre Copper Alembic Still →
5 Gallon — The Best All-Around Choice
The 5 gallon copper alembic still is the model most CopperHolic buyers should choose. It gives you significantly more capacity and flexibility than the 5 litre without being oversized for home use.
This is the sweet spot for buyers who want one still that handles a wide range of projects: essential oils, hydrosols, distilled water, floral waters, and botanical experimentation. It processes 3–5 kg of plant material per batch and typically yields 15–25 ml of essential oil in a 2–3 hour session.
Who should choose the 5 gallon?
- Most buyers — this is the strongest all-around value in the range
- Buyers who want room to grow without upgrading later
- Regular users who plan to distill more than a few times
- Anyone choosing between the 5L and 5 gallon who is unsure
- Buyers who want a serious, long-term setup from day one
Why this is the most popular size
The most common mistake buyers make is starting too small. The 5 gallon still solves that problem. It is large enough to feel like real equipment, practical enough for a kitchen counter or workbench, and flexible enough to handle whatever you want to make. If you can only buy one still, this is the one.
View the 5 Gallon Copper Alembic Still →
10 Gallon — For Larger Batches and Higher Output
The 10 gallon copper alembic still is built for buyers who already know they need more capacity. It handles larger batches of plant material, delivers higher output per session, and works well for experienced makers or small-scale production.
This size is best suited to buyers who work with 6+ kg of botanicals per run, want to produce essential oils or hydrosols in meaningful quantities, or plan to use the still for ongoing small business work. Typical sessions run 3–4 hours.
Who should choose the 10 gallon?
- Experienced distillers who have outgrown smaller setups
- Buyers producing essential oils or hydrosols for personal sale or gifting at volume
- Anyone with a dedicated workspace, garage, or outdoor setup
- Small business owners or serious hobbyists who need production-level capacity
Honest trade-off
The 10 gallon is the most capable still in the range, but it requires more space, more plant material per batch to run efficiently, and longer session times. If you are not sure whether you need this much capacity, the 5 gallon is almost always the better starting point. You can always move up later once you know your workflow.
View the 10 Gallon Copper Alembic Still →
Still Not Sure? Here Is the Simplest Way to Decide
Ask yourself one question: How often do I plan to use this?
- A few times to try it out → 5 Litre
- Regularly, and I want one still that does everything → 5 Gallon (this is what most buyers choose)
- Often, with larger batches or for small-scale production → 10 Gallon
If you are stuck between two sizes, go with the larger one. Buyers almost never regret having more capacity, but many regret starting too small.
What Every CopperHolic Still Includes
Regardless of size, every CopperHolic copper alembic still ships as a complete kit with everything you need to start:
- Hand-hammered copper pot
- Traditional onion head (dome)
- Swan neck connector
- Serpentine condenser vessel
- Lab-grade thermometer (±0.5°C accuracy)
- Free 2–3 day shipping within the United States
All joints use lead-free silver solder. All copper is 1.1mm thick — significantly heavier and more durable than the 0.6–0.8mm copper used by most competitors. For more detail on materials and craftsmanship, see our Safety & Materials page.
What Can You Make With a Copper Alembic Still?
All three sizes are designed for the same core applications:
- Essential oils — lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus, peppermint, and other botanicals
- Hydrosols — gentle floral waters used in skincare, aromatherapy, and home products
- Distilled water — pure water for household, cosmetic, or laboratory use
- Floral waters — rose water, orange blossom water, and similar aromatic waters
- Botanical experimentation — working with herbs, spices, resins, and plant materials
For a deeper look at what you can do with your still, see What Can You Make With a Copper Still?
Distilling alcohol requires a federal fuel alcohol permit and may require additional state permits. CopperHolic stills are marketed for botanical and educational use. If you want to understand the legal landscape, see our guide to still ownership laws in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size copper still do I need for essential oils?
For occasional small batches, the 5 litre is enough. For regular home production with better yields, the 5 gallon is the best choice. For higher-volume or small business production, choose the 10 gallon.
Is the 5 litre too small?
It depends on how often you plan to use it. The 5 litre is a capable working still for small experiments and occasional use. But if you expect to distill regularly, most buyers find the 5 gallon is a better long-term investment.
Can I upgrade to a larger still later?
Yes. Many customers start with a smaller size and add a larger one as their needs grow. But if you already suspect you will want more capacity, starting with the 5 gallon saves you money in the long run.
What is the difference in copper quality between sizes?
There is no difference. All CopperHolic stills use the same 1.1mm hand-hammered copper, lead-free silver solder, and serpentine condenser design. The only difference is capacity.
Which size is best for a beginner?
The 5 litre is the easiest starting point if you want to keep things simple and affordable. The 5 gallon is better for beginners who want to start with a serious setup they will not outgrow. Most first-time buyers who choose the 5 gallon are glad they did.
Do all sizes ship free?
Yes. All CopperHolic stills include free 2–3 day shipping within the United States.
Ready to choose? Browse the full CopperHolic copper alembic still collection or jump straight to the size that fits your needs: