How to Use an Essencier: The Essential Oil Separator Every Distiller Needs

By Gert Bosman, 2013 – Updated 2024

If you’ve moved beyond hobby-level essential oil distilling, you’ll know that using a separating funnel quickly becomes tedious and inefficient. That’s where the Essencier—also known as a water/oil separator—steps in. Designed for continuous separation, the Essencier is essential for any serious distiller working with large volumes of essential oil.

During steam distillation, the vapour that rises from your still is a mix of water and essential oil. This vapour is condensed into liquid by your condenser. Instead of transferring this distillate manually into a separating funnel, the Essencier receives it automatically via the distillate inflow cup (1).

Once inside, the water and oil begin to separate naturally. Since most essential oils are less dense than water, they float to the top. Some oils (like clove or cinnamon) may sink—these are not ideal candidates for the Essencier, which works best with oils that have a specific gravity lower than 1.0.

Here’s how to use it effectively:

Start your distillation with the water level adjustment screw (2) fully tightened (clockwise) so it sits just below the outflow origin (6).

As distillate enters the unit, water will begin flowing out of the hydrosol outflow (4), and essential oil will begin to collect in the oil tower (3).

To release the essential oil, gradually unscrew the water level adjuster (counterclockwise) until the oil reaches the outflow origin (6) and flows through the essential oil outflow (5).

This setup allows for almost continuous separation of hydrosol and essential oil. Just remember to position collection containers beneath both outlets!

Tips for Better Separation:

• Cooler distillate separates more effectively. Aim for below 35 °C.
• If separation is poor, try collecting the distillate in a separate container first, cooling it in a fridge, and then running it through the Essencier slowly.
• Cloudy hydrosols often mean some oils are escaping separation—save these and redistil.

Cleaning & Maintenance:

After your run, open the drain (8) and flush the unit with hot water. For stronger aromatic oils like lavender, an alcohol rinse can prevent cross-contamination between batches.

Whether you're producing essential oils commercially or in large batches at home, the Essencier is an indispensable piece of kit—clean, continuous, and clever.