The John E. machine is not simply a water distiller. It distils the water about a hundred times per gallon! This makes it the purest water on earth. It also is "energized" with electrons and oxygen. It will clean up a well if it has bacteria problems, smell, etc. I also used the runoff water from the machine to soak my feet in, water plants, water plants in the garden, and give it away. The distilled water has cured my prostate problem and has given me more consistent energy. Since you only add one ounce of distilled water to a gallon of tap water, you don't have to use your machine very often and hence you will not have a large electric bill. All this and more, makes the maachine worth while.