Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I'm writing this review to help other people who may want to purchase this steamer but have questions/concerns that they cannot find the answers to. I ordered my Secura Steamer Wednesday, August 15th and it arrived by UPS on Friday, August 17th. So I don't need to tell you how ecstatic I was to have received my steamer so quickly, especially since I used the free-shipping option (and I'm not a prime member by the way). When I received my order I slowly and carefully opened the box--trying to be as CAREFUL as possible, since I read so many reviews of people getting cracked hoods. Thankfully my hood was not cracked. ~However, on a side note: when I finished trying out my steamer I re-packed it steamer back in the box but decided not to rest the base in the hood (which is how it originally came). I read through all 9 pages of the instruction booklet to ensure I correctly set up the steamer. The instructions are limited but the pictures help. After following the instructions as closely as possible I was able to start my steamer. When I turned both switches to the on position I heard a beep-sound, this was to tell me the unit is on. After 3 mins the water started boiling and the steam started to come through the hood. The unit worked just fine. After 17 mins the unit beeped and automatically shut-off. I think the unit lasted for 17 mins because I didn't fill the reservoir completely to the max line. I was also happy to know that the unit automatically shuts-off something I had not read in any of the other reviews. I did notice a strong smell of plastic when the water began boiling and the steam started to come through the hood. Hopefully this smell is only with the first use. Also, It is important to mention that when the unit automatically shut off I still had to turn the switches to the off-position. Be mindful of this because this can cause damage to the unit if you plug it in before adding water to the reservoir. By the way, as you may already know from reading the other reviews, you will need an adjustable chair or table for this unit because the unit itself cannot be adjusted. Hope this helps. I'm looking forward to using my steamer again. Satisfied Customer. (UPDATE - October 17, 2012) I have been using the steamer for two months now and I am still very impressed! I use my steamer on a weekly basis and it is still going strong. I read a few reviews with people complaining that their steamer stopped working. Luckily, I have not had this problem (Knocking on wood)! In my previous review I commented on the strong smell of plastic that I noticed when first using the steamer, well I have not noticed this smell since that first time. Overall, I am still happy with my purchase and recommend this to anyone looking for a good, inexpensive steamer. The steamer leaves my hair super soft and very manageable. I don't know how I was living without this item! NOTE~ I have yet to use the facial steamer--so I can't speak to this component. I hope this helps other shoppers. (UPDATE - July 11, 2013) I have been using the steamer now for almost a year (weekly or sometimes bi-weekly). In April (2013) I noticed that the light inside the main unit was flickering on and off while the unit was running. I emailed the company and received a response by the next day asking me for my order number and my mailing address. I received a new steamer from Secura two weeks after our email correspondence. I was very happy with the customer service provided. It is now 2 months later and my steamer is still going strong without any problems. Thank You Secura for standing behind your product and for hassle-free customer service!