The flask seems to lose a great deal of heat so i use foil to insulate. Make sure to get a hot plate upto at least 300C. I'm using 190 proof medical grade ethanol. Great set for the price to get you started! I've got a hot plate/stirrer and a 90gph mini fish pump connected to the set as well, both are ordered separately. Otherwise everything you need is in the kit! Very happy with the products and customer service as well! They have been very prompt and attentive to any and all questions I've had thus far. Will update as this batch gets finished. Strongly recommend if your looking for a Chem set like this!