diff --git a/code/modules/plumbing/plumbers/bottler.dm b/code/modules/plumbing/plumbers/bottler.dm
index a5b5e857c05..3f5a90c4ba1 100644
--- a/code/modules/plumbing/plumbers/bottler.dm
+++ b/code/modules/plumbing/plumbers/bottler.dm
@@ -75,8 +75,8 @@
 		valid_output_configuration = FALSE
 		return PROCESS_KILL
 
-	///see if machine has enough to fill
-	if(reagents.total_volume >= wanted_amount && anchored)
+	///see if machine has enough to fill, is anchored down and has any inputspot objects to pick from
+	if(reagents.total_volume >= wanted_amount && anchored && length(inputspot.contents))
 		var/obj/AM = pick(inputspot.contents)///pick a reagent_container that could be used
 		if((istype(AM, /obj/item/reagent_containers) && !istype(AM, /obj/item/reagent_containers/hypospray/medipen)) || istype(AM, /obj/item/ammo_casing/shotgun/dart))
 			var/obj/item/reagent_containers/B = AM