I have had mine for 6 months, and it is still working. I use it for water for my cpap, and also for my coffee pot to prevent calcium buildup inside. After carefully reviewing reviews, I am careful to set a timer and turn it off before it finishes. You can also tell by looking at the catching container and how full it is. It has worked consistently, but there are a few considerations. I am sure the more expensive ones are easier to use, but they are a lot more expensive.* There is no power button, only a reset button that doesn't do much good. You must plug/unplug it to turn it on and off, or have a smart plug or a power source with an on/off switch.* You must set it to 108 when you turn it on, if you are distilling water. Otherwise it reaches 95 and then turns itself off. Then you have to let it cool a little before you can turn it back on.* The catching lid (the open one with a guard on one side) is difficult to position. If it is not positioned correctly, water will go everywhere. This is my biggest issue.* As others have mentioned, it gets rather loud, but I think not loud enough to interfere with other things. My television sits about 15 feet away from it, and I don't notice it much when watching tv.* The lid attaches to the machine by an electric cord, and it makes it a hassle to fill or clean.A few other notes about using:* Set a timer and stop it before it stops itself. I have read that it extends the life, and I know that it also makes cleaning much easier. Most of the calcium in my water turns to flakes that swirl in the water, but if allowed to run till dry, it leaves a scaly residue that doesn't rinse out.* Wash it after every use. As the water remaining inside the distiller cools it will reach optimum temperature for algae growth. You don't have to do the descale cleaning every time, though. Just when it looks like it needs it.All in all, I think it was a good purchase. I've had mine for just over 6 months, using it 2-3 times a week. A few times I have f