Subject and purpose of work: The aim of the article is to demonstrate the two possible way of pálinka distilling, also give a comparison about them regarding to the heating energy consumption. Also by-products and wastes are presented including their utilization possibilities. Materials and methods: Based on practical experience it was created a model to calculate the difference between the two distiller systems. It has been elaborated the issues of the waste treatment by interviews at ten determinative Hungarian commercial distilleries. Results: The calculations shows that with the newer one-step distilling equipment the owner can reach about 25% energy saving. The results of the interviews shows that the full recycling of wastes is unprecedented in Hungarian distilling plants. Conclusions: The one-step distilling method is more energy efficient. It is recommended in newly built plants and should be considered to replace the traditional two-step ones.