I really like this distiller ! Instructions for putting this together were fairly easy to understand. I bought extra cleaner for the distiller. Good thing I did as the cleaner that came in the package was a small container. Putting the Distiller on my counter, I added the water and put the lid on, plugged in the two cords where they belonged and flipped the switch. Oh, I forgot to tell you that I added the carbon filter to it's little place. I believe the first distillation took about 5 hours, and the auto "off" switch did not work. The bottom of the pot was burned a little. I put the cleaner in and let it soak for a bit. The burned area came right up. So the second time around, I readjusted the lid, and made sure both switches were ON. Not sure what the deal was but thereafter, the Distiller works as it should. I got this Distiller because we have very hard water. I use it for my plants, and there isn't any white residue buildup on the plants. I also use the distilled water when I bake bread. I think it does help with the yeast, the rise, crumb and taste! And I use it in my iron. I use milk jugs or used up boughten water jugs to fill and store the water in, works well. A lot of people commented on how noisy the Distiller was. I have not found that to be a problem. The fan is real loud but it is not louder than a radio or the TV. We have a busy household, so I don't really hear it. It did rattle some once, but that is because I did not have the lid seated properly I highly recommend this Distiller for anyone wanting distilled water for any household uses.