How to use SmartStill countertop water distiller

Before first use you can remove any "new" smell from the plastic jug using the following trick: Fill it with warm but not boiling (never use boiling water in the jug!) water, add a tablespoon of baking soda (bicarbonate) and leave overnight. Rinse well next day and then it is ready to go!

Mounting activated carbon filter Before you assemble the carbon filter with the holder - soak the activated carbon sachet for 5 minutes in very hot water (water from a kettle is fine here). This will activate it and improve adsorption. Then fold it in half and insert into the plastic nozzle, put the concave top on (make sure it is bulging downwards) and screw on the lid. Place the whole filter unit on top of the plastic jug and put under the nozzle of the distiller. If you re-use the filter bag (which is absolutely fine, you can do that 2-3 times) it is imperative that you soak it in near-boiling water first to sterilize it from any bacteria or other organisms.

Filling and starting the distiller

Lift off the whole top from your SmartStill, top up with water to the mark (that is 4 litres). Put the top back on and plug in the distiller to mains power. The fan should go on immediately - if not - press RESET button.

The RESET button will reset the distiller if it has closed down automatically.

Once the distiller is on, you can expect around 1 hour of heating-up time before you see any water dripping. After around 1 hour, the first water will start dripping from the nozzle down into the jug.  After that it will take 1-3 hours to distill most of the water (always leave a little in the boiling chamber, that holds the contaminants and you don't want to push it so some of them are carried over).

Should the distiller run dry, it will switch itself off and you will need to press the RESET button next time you start it.

Safety advice for distilling

• Place SmartStill on a flat, heat tolerant and waterproof surface. Ensure good ventilation and no heat sources nearby. 
• Unplug power cord when not in use.
• Never immerse any SmartStill part in water, keep outside dry. 
• SmartStill is not intended for use by children.
• Never remove the top when SmartStill is on. Wait at least 20 minutes after distillation before removing top.
• Do not pour boiling water into the plastic jug.
• Do not use SmartStill near open fire, flames or cigarettes.

SmartStill maintenance

• Never use abrasive cleaners or brushes on your SmartStill.
• Rinse the inside of the boiling chamber after each distillation.
• Remove deposits in the boiling chamber regularly. Fill with water, add one sachet of SmartClean Residue Cleaner and switch on your SmartStill until boiling. Then turn off and rinse out.

Legal disclaimer

Although SmartStill is perfectly suited for home distillation of alcohol, you must only do so in countries where it is legal. You must further obtain all necessary permits or licenses and pay all alcohol duties required.