I purchased this distiller back in May (2023) and as of this week, I crossed the threshold of distilling 40+ gallons. (I use for my husband's CPAP machine, and my humidifier). Consequently, at the cost of $2.00 + that I was paying at the supermarket for a gallon of distilled water, this great machine has now paid for itself. Not to mention I've kept 40 plastic gallon jugs out of the landfill! I distill two gallons every week or so, and simply know that I will run this machine most of the day. It takes about 3.5 hours to distill a gallon, and I rinse out in between making two gallons at a time. I decant from the jug that came with the unit into a 2 gallon glass container with a spigot (the kind folks use for ice tea and lemonade at parties). There is a bit of mineral residue after every run, and I simply put a splash of water over the residue and use a sprinkle of the citric crystals that came with the machine (yes, there is still a bit of crystals left after 40 runs) and let it sit overnight. I then use a gentle scrubbie and the residue comes right off. When I run out of the crystals, I'll likely just use a bit of vinegar. This distiller does heat up the laundry room a bit, so in the summer I let it run on our deck throughout the day. Now that it's winter it's a plus to warm up the laundry room! Love this machine! Love not tossing plastic jugs out (and from here on out, will love that every gallon will be 'free').