When you first get it you have to leave it on for awhile preferably by a door or window so you can let it air out because the oils burn so it will seem like it’s smoking, but once it stops doing it then your’e good to go. Also I have another press and when you close it the timer starts. This one you heat it to full settings then press play and then the timer starts. I hope this review helps with some of the things to expect. As far as how it presses it’s doing just fine. Once you get past the first part it’s actually a decent press. Customer service is excellent! I recommend this company.