I try not to have the element exposed outside of liquid. The user manual may or may not say so, but I'd prefer to not risk burning the element.
I'd use it only when the unit is in water. I have a tall 32oz glass mug I fill with 50/50 vinegar and water I clean the circulator in to remove calcification periodically (not in instructions.) I run it for 15 minutes at 140 and it's clean. Immediately dump and run in clean water a couple minutes to remove vinegar. When using I set the time to the highest setting 99hrs 99min. Set temp and press start. I use data at home so no wifi yet. I have set up the app and used it at another location with wifi. It won't work with the app at my parents house since ther wifi isn't 2.4g network. When using it wifi the wifi connection loss alarm is your power failure alarm as well so you can start it when power returns remotely with wifi app (not in instructions.) When not using app/wifi when the light turns green and beeps when set temp is reached, I start my phone's timer to match hours and minutes on the circulator so on long soaks if I return and the numbers match then no loss of electricity. Works great. Be careful removing SS sleeve as to not damage the plastic impeller, guiding it through the sleeve hole.
