My unit was well packaged and delivered in perfect condition. It has been carefully and skilfully assembled and is just as colourful as shown on the website. The package included two small glass vials for filling the burner with alcohol, a few spare wicks and a printed instruction manual.
Don’t forget to remove the small glass vial before picking up the motor, so that it doesn’t fall out. The instructions recommend lubricating all rotating joints with WD-40 before use. I also waxed the bamboo base to enhance its shine. And I’ve fitted felt pads to the feet to prevent scratches on my glass table. The best way to fill the tiny glass vial with ethanol is to use a pipette.
The first test run went flawlessly, and the machine starts up after about a minute’s warm-up time. After a manual start, it revs up satisfactorily and rattles and spins for more than 10 minutes with a glass bottle filled to three-quarters full. As expected, the flame leaves visible heat marks on the cylinder, but that’s just part of its character.
All in all, it’s a 100 per cent satisfactory experience.