Make sure to run a couple cycles through it and discard to get out any off taste or smell from the manufacturing process of the distiller.Reading other reviews online I had set the temp (for distilling water) all the way up and found that the pressure would build until the top lifted, then it would leak all over and I would only get about half of the water I put in back out of it.I lowered the temp to the boiling point of water - 212 F and it works perfectly. No more leaks, no more loss of volume during the process.As others have said, try not to let it run dry as it will leave more deposits on the bottom to clean off. I did find that lowering the temp as above would also shut it off with a little water left in the bottom, helping immensely.Stick to the proper temps and you'll be pleased.