This is the best invention. My cat was waking me up at 6am everyday for food. I set this to feed her two times a day, around 6am and 6pm. So I have it set for the 12 hour option (there's 6,12,24). There are two big freezer packs if you want to put wet food into it.  I did have to figure out how to fill it. Basically, I had to pull the two parts apart. the center console is clipped in, very well, but does take a bit to get it out. It's great though because my cat can't get it out. I found out that everything needs to be snapped closed for it to rotate correctly, including the center console/timer part. if you don't snap it tight, it won't rotate. The food tray will not spin if the cat hits it with their paw so they can't eat more than intended. It's locked in. I can now sleep past 6am (until she decides she's hungry again)