To use the Evaporator in Probably Stolen, place a prepared chemical mixture into its Container slot and leave it overnight. The machine removes liquid from the mixture, allowing you to continue certain chemistry recipes the following morning. Unlike the Heating Plate, the Evaporator doesn't produce an immediate result, and not every recipe requires it. Here's how the process works, where to get the machine, and what to do if nothing happens.
Jump To Section:
How to Use the Evaporator
How to Get the Evaporator
When to Use the Evaporator
Evaporator Not Working?
How to Use the Evaporator in Probably Stolen
The Evaporator removes water or alcohol from chemical mixtures, reducing their liquid volume. It processes containers overnight rather than while you're actively operating your shop.
To use it correctly:
- Prepare your chemical mixture using the recipe's required ingredients and equipment.
- Complete any required heating with the Heating Plate, making sure the mixture reaches the specified temperature range.
- Move the prepared mixture into the Evaporator's Container slot.
- Leave it inside and advance to the next day.
- Check the container the following morning. The amount of liquid remaining should be considerably lower.
- Continue the recipe using the remaining mixture, including the Chem Finisher if the instructions require it.
How to Tell If Evaporation Worked
The clearest indicator is a reduction in liquid volume. Your mixture should contain noticeably less liquid after the overnight process.
Don't expect the Evaporator to automatically produce a finished medicine or chemical product. Its purpose is to remove liquid, not complete every stage of a recipe.
I'd check the amount in the container before leaving it overnight. Comparing the starting and remaining volumes is an easy way to confirm that processing occurred.
How to Get the Evaporator in Probably Stolen
The Evaporator is part of the game's chemistry equipment and can be obtained through two approaches:
- Chemist starting scenario: Begin with access to chemistry equipment, including the Evaporator.
- Chemistry equipment unlock: Obtain the chemistry set during a different starting scenario to gain access to the machine.
The Evaporator has a base item value of 300 Credits, although this isn't necessarily what you'll pay to obtain it through an equipment unlock.
Starting as a Chemist is the more direct option if you're planning to focus on chemical production immediately. Otherwise, you can pursue chemistry equipment after establishing your shop.
When Should You Use the Evaporator?
The Evaporator is not required for every chemical mixture. Some instructions use it as an optional step, while others incorporate evaporation into a longer production process.
The Chemistry 101 Guide includes procedures where evaporation can be performed optionally. More involved chemistry instructions, including those associated with Dream Dust and Caffeine Pills, also involve the machine.
Chemistry Equipment Order Explained
When a recipe involves heating, evaporation, and finishing, it's helpful to understand what each machine contributes.
| Stage | Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Preparation | Recipe-specific tools | Measure and prepare the required mixture. |
| 2. Heating | Heating Plate | Reach the temperature specified by the recipe, when required. |
| 3. Evaporation | Evaporator | Remove liquid overnight when the recipe calls for it. |
| 4. Finishing | Chem Finisher | Complete recipes that require a finishing stage. |
This is a general workflow, not a mandatory sequence for every chemical recipe. Always follow the instructions for the specific product you're making.
Don't Evaporate Every Mixture Automatically
Removing liquid isn't automatically an improvement. If a recipe doesn't call for evaporation, there's no established reason to add an overnight processing step.
For recipes where evaporation is optional, decide whether you actually need that stage before committing the container to another night of processing.
This is especially important when managing several chemistry projects at once. Unnecessary processing can delay the next steps without providing a confirmed benefit.
Probably Stolen Evaporator Not Working?
If nothing seems to happen after placing a container inside, check the processing conditions before assuming the machine is broken.
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Nothing happens during the day | Leave the mixture overnight. Evaporation isn't immediate. |
| Liquid volume hasn't decreased | Check that the container was placed in the correct slot before advancing to the next day. |
| Recipe isn't progressing | Review the required preparation and heating steps. |
| Mixture isn't a finished product | Check whether the recipe requires another stage, such as the Chem Finisher. |
The Best Time to Start Evaporation
I'd prepare mixtures requiring evaporation near the end of the shop day. That way, you can load the Evaporator before sleeping and check its results the following morning.
If you're working on multiple products, keep the mixtures that need overnight processing separate from those ready for finishing. This makes it easier to resume your chemistry work without confusing partially processed containers with completed ones.
The main thing to remember is that the Evaporator removes liquid overnight. Put the prepared container in the correct slot, advance to the next day, and check its remaining volume. Only include evaporation when your recipe calls for it, and you'll avoid unnecessary delays in your chemistry workflow.
