It's basically the same design of others I've owned but this starts producing water quicker. Be sure and use the charcoal filter in the dispensing neck it really makes a difference in taste. (You can find replacements for these here on Amazon.) I also use quart mason jars w/screw on lids to store it that way the water isn't touching any plastic and isn't exposed to air. I use three quarts per run, that way I never run it completely dry, when you run it dry it bakes the contaminants to your machine. I use white vinegar to clean mine, it works great. You might have to soak it a bit to loosen anything but it's easy and natural. The unit itself has a tight seal which I think needs to be gently worked with as it looks thin and fairly fragile - meaning be gentle removing the top and whatever you do don't turn the top over, water remains in the mechanism and will get in the motor, I ruined an old one doing that. OK good for you for distilling your water we have to do it these days God only knows what kind of crap they're putting in our taps.