Water distillers are appliances that are used to purify water and remove contaminants. Distilled water has been used for many years as a way to remove bacteria, viruses, and other unwanted substances from drinking water.
Table Of Contents
−- The Best Water Distillers
- CO-Z Water Distiller
- Megahome Heavy Duty Distiller MH943SBS
- Megahome’s MH943TWS Water Distiller
- Waterwise 4000 Water Distiller
- H2o Labs Best-In-Class Stainless Steel Water Distiller
- Waterwise 3200 Water Distiller
- Pure Water Mini-Classic CT Counter Top Distiller
- H2o Labs Model 200 Water Distiller
- CNCShop Water Distiller
- ROVSUN Stainless Steel Countertop Water Distiller Machine
- What is distilled water?
- What is a water distiller?
- How does it work? The distillation process
- Types of water distillers and their cost
- What are the uses of distilled water?
- The pros of having a water distiller
- The cons of having a water distiller
- What to look for in the Right Water Distiller
- How to install your water distiller
- Cleaning the distiller
- Changing the carbon filters
- FAQs
- Final Words
There are many types of water distillers available on the market today, but they all have the same purpose – to provide you with clean drinking water. No matter what kind of water distiller you’re looking for, there is one that meets your needs.
There are different models available depending on how much space you have in your kitchen and how often you intend on using it.
Below you will find our top 10 picks for the best water distillers, along with detailed information about each model so that you can make an informed decision before buying one for yourself.
Below is our personal take on 10 of the best models we have encountered so far along with their specifications and other essential information.
The Best Water Distillers
CO-Z Water Distiller
- WATER DISTILLER: This tabletop water purifier by CO-Z purifies water, filters out impurities, and dissolves VOCs at...
- WIDE APPLICATION: Our distilled water maker provides 6 ppm water for home and commercial use; the purified water is...
- SAFE OPERATION: This water distiller automatically turns off when the temperature reaches 302 F to effectively...
The CO-Z Water Distiller can provide around 6 gallons of distilled water in a single day with an estimated hourly yield of 0.25 gallons. When it comes to safety and reliability, it does not disappoint with its premium stainless steel material and automatic shut-off feature that activates whenever the water supply is low to stop the main boiling container from overheating.
This model can remove the volatile substances, bacterial content, and even the most dissolved solids from your water, resulting in safer, more purified drinking water. In addition, the receiving glass pot has a wide opening for easier cleaning. It is approved by the FDA and passed the regulatory standards for overall consumer safety.
Pros
- Fast distillation
- Glass pot
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Filter replacement required for every 10 cycles
- Produces a lot of steam
Megahome Heavy Duty Distiller MH943SBS
- 316 STAINLESS STEEL: The heavy duty Megahome distiller is the only countertop distiller in the world to be...
- MAKES THE PUREST WATER: Not all distillers are created equal. Megahome distillers consistently produce cleaner...
- 1 YEAR WARRANTY: Top-to-bottom warranty that covers parts and labor. In the unlikely event you have an issue with...
When it comes to overall performance, Megahome MH943SBS impressed us the most. Nutriteam has been known to be a leading performer in the water purification industry and has been satisfying customers for more than 20 years.
Their trademark brand of water distillers, Megahome, is well-known for its top tier efficiency in water distillation. This particular model is their flagship entry.
Pros
- Positive Customer Feedback
- Easy to operate with just the push of a button
- Food-grade stainless steel kettle
- Water is not exposed to plastic material throughout the entire process
- 6 months worth of Activated charcoal filter to further eliminate contaminants included in the package
- Glass receiving pot
- 580 wattage of energy consumption
- Passed safety standards
- 1-year service warranty for parts replacement and repair
Cons
- Purely automatic shut-off. No switch.
- You will need a timer switch if you do not want to deal with burned particle residue.
- Expensive
Megahome’s MH943TWS Water Distiller
- YOUR SAFETY COMES FIRST: This Megahome distiller is UL (Underwriters Laboratory) approved. UL is the trusted...
- PUREST WATER: Distills 1 gallon every 5.5 hours. Distills the water at 212 degrees Fahrenheit which is the proper...
- BEST QUALITY: Full 304 stainless steel interior, including the boil chamber, upper steam dome, and stainless...
The MH943TWS comes a close second to its relative, the MH943SBS, the one mentioned above.
It would have been perfect if only it did not have this issue that some units have a defect that affects the odor and taste of the distilled water product. Nevertheless, it remains a strong contender because it has more positive features that outweigh the negative.
Pros
- Easy to operate. Refill and push the button to turn on the device.
- 304 stainless steel interior for the main boiling chamber. The rest is made of ceramic or glass. No plastic material for the water to get exposed to
- Activated carbon filter worth 6 months of use
- Glass receiving pot
- Enameled metal exterior material makes it more affordable
- Passed the safety standards set by the UL
- 1 year product warranty
Cons
- Rare issue with some units altering taste and odor of distilled water
- Tank is prone to leakage over time
Waterwise 4000 Water Distiller
- Includes Borosilicate glass collector bottle
The Waterwise 4000 unit consists of a 304 stainless steel condensing chamber, a distiller, a glass receiving pot, and a detachable cover. The spout is lined with an activated carbon filter that needs to be replaced every 2 months or for every 6-8 gallons of water that has been distilled.
There are filter packs available in the market for a cheap price. This is the only regular maintenance expense you must allocate a budget for, provided the unit is well taken care of. Approximately 1 gallon of water is produced every 4 hours, making the total daily yield 6 gallons of distilled water.
The boiling tank of the Waterwise 4000 can be filled with mineral deposits and other solid particles from the water supply, which is why it needs to be cleaned regularly. The brand also offers their cleaning product for the unit, but you can also use your own just as long as it complies with what is advised by the manufacturer.
The system automatically turns itself off after it has produced the maximum 1-gallon yield to prevent overheating. Then, you have to refill the distiller for it to start again.
Pros
- Automatic shut off feature
- Carbon filter
- Easy to clean and operate
Cons
- Installation can be a hassle
- No off switch. You need to unplug it directly from the electric outlet
H2o Labs Best-In-Class Stainless Steel Water Distiller
- Now with H2o Labs EXCLUSIVE Activated Carbon Pods that last twice as long and contain 3 TIMES the filtering media,...
- The entire steam chamber, (bottom, sides and dome), and the full length of the condensing coil is 100% Stainless...
- Optimal size 565 Watt heating element. Bigger is NOT better. Some brands use a bigger heating element so they can...
If you’re looking for an effective distiller to remove volatile compounds from your water supply, the H2O Labs Best-In-Class Stainless Steel Water Distiller may be right. It consumes 565 watts of power for every distillation cycle.
In addition, it comes with an additional activated carbon filter for further entrapment of impurities that lasts for a while. A free one-year supply of replacement filters is also included in the package and the unit.
Aside from that, various cleaning crystals also come with the unit for easy cleaning and scale residue removal. It can be operated simply with the push of a button and does not require much work for initial installation.
The size of the appliance is engineered perfectly for its function and easy placement on a kitchen counter. The main boiling container can hold and distill a gallon of water in 5 hours.
Pros
- Slow distillation process for maximum efficiency
- One year supply of activated carbon filters
- Food-grade and BPA-free material
Cons
- Price
- Slow process might be an inconvenience for some users
Waterwise 3200 Water Distiller
- Tuttnauer 9000 Water Distiller
- Tuttnauer 9000 Water Distiller
- Each
In just 4 hours, you can have 1 gallon of distilled water with the Waterwise 3200. Power consumption is 800 watts. Even with its petite size, the opening measures 7 inches which is already enough to make for easier cleaning.
However, you will also need to do occasional maintenance to keep the device running smoothly. This involves scrubbing of the interior of the boiling pot and replacement of the carbon filters.
With just a press of a button, the device will start the distillation process. You might be a little intrigued that it looks a little different compared to the conventional water distillers that were listed previously but that only adds to its compact size that makes it easy to place especially in small spaces.
Also, the exterior is made of plastic material. Still, the boiling pot is stainless steel so you don’t have to worry about your water being exposed to plastic throughout the process.
Pros
- Budget-friendly with good performance
- Petite size
- Concealed heating element
Cons
- Warranty terms are unclear
- Boiling pot is stainless steel instead of usual glass
Pure Water Mini-Classic CT Counter Top Distiller
- Produces .8 gallons (approx. 3 liters) of 99.9+% pure vapor-distilled water in 3.5 hours
- Uses a removable boiling tank for easy filling and cleaning
- Made-In-The-USA Stainless Steel construction with a Glass jar for water storage
You can rely on the Pure Water Mini-Classic Distiller for your distillation needs especially if your water supply has a lot more impurities. This unit can strip your water of inorganic ions like chlorine, fluoride, and lead. It can also get rid of volatile compounds and bacteria.
In addition, it has a designated placement for the boiling pot that’s already one with the unit itself, which minimizes the space it takes up.
It is made of 304 stainless steel material and has an average yield of 0.8 gallons in a span of 3 hours. The main container is made of glass. Due to the size of the unit and small capacity compared to other models, it is suitable only for individual use or just a few household members.
However, the unit comes partially assembled, so that’s one less thing to worry about during installation, and you also do not need to connect it to a water outlet.
This model is also powered by electricity so the added expense for that is something that you should consider. Other than that, there aren’t other major expense factors since this product is low maintenance. You just have to allocate a budget for the replacement of the carbon filters.
Pros
- Comes with a built-in activated carbon filter
- Zero to minimal installation
- BPA-free material used
Cons
- Fairly expensive
- Does not yield a full gallon of distilled water
H2o Labs Model 200 Water Distiller
- The most Convenient Countertop Water Distiller! Modern Design with Advanced Functionality.
- Easy operation, Refill and Reset LED indicator, Energy efficient.
- Lightweight, lift-out, Easy-fill water holding tank with continuous water-feed valve.
This one is another H2O Labs product with a lighter weight and a more compact design. It weighs less compared to other models because it is mostly made of plastic material instead of the usual stainless steel used in conventional, pricey models but the efficiency is still top notch nonetheless. With just a 5-hour waiting time, you can enjoy 1 gallon of distilled water.
We recommend this to those who are on a tight budget but are still looking for great quality. You can easily operate the device with the help of its LED indicator that tells you when to reset and refill the device. Power consumption is efficient as well.
Installation and refilling won’t be much of a hassle because of the lightness of the unit and also because of the provided instruction manual that contains the relevant information you need to successfully get the device running and how to properly maintain it.
The plastic material used is guaranteed food-grade and BPA-free so there’s not much to worry even though the water may be exposed to it during the distillation process. However, there might be people who are still hesitant and may not prefer this kind of unit. If you are financially capable, it is best to opt for the stainless steel unit.
Pros
- Affordable
- Suitable for those who cannot do heavy lifting
- BPA-free plastic material
Cons
- Water can pass through the plastic material
- Design is not that aesthetically pleasing
CNCShop Water Distiller
- Output Power : 750W
- Volume : 4L;Distilled Water/per: 1L/H
- Over-temperature safety: power-off when temperature is 160 deg.C
The 750 watt output of the CNCShop distiller makes for a rather quick distillation process. It has a 4 liter or equivalent to a little over 1 gallon of volume capacity that it can distill. Its hourly yield is 1 liter which is equal to 0.2 gallons. When the boiling container has run out of water supply, it turns itself off automatically so as not to use up unnecessary power.
When you’re done setting it up, you can just fill the boiling chamber with 4 liters of water and turn the unit on. That’s all it takes to get it running. In addition, you can be assured that the resulting distilled water is free from microbes and other impurities.
During maintenance, you will need a special cleaning powder which already comes with the unit package. This will help clean the appliance of the residue that may have been left by mineral deposits. There is only one carbon filter included in the package though so you will definitely have to purchase the replacements.
Pros
- Easy to operate
- Includes a special cleaning powder
- Automatic switch off feature for safety and power conservation
Cons
- Tendency for staining and clogging due to contaminants
- No manual switch, need to unplug directly from outlet
ROVSUN Stainless Steel Countertop Water Distiller Machine
- 750W HIGH POWER: Distill up to 6 gallons of water per day. Build-in thermostat to prevent overheating and ensure...
- EASY TO USE: Push the button and forget it, it'll auto-off when done. Assembly is easy and so is cleanup. Both...
- SUPER QUALITY: 304 stainless steel Inner tank / Inner cap / Condensing coil / Water outlet / Water inlet, Aluminum...
This last model on the list is not the least. However, this is a strong contender when discussing great value for money. It is packed with the basic features, top quality, and a shockproof glass container for a much lesser price than the Megahome countertop brand. The drawback is that it is vulnerable to having oily deposits lodged in the interior spaces.
Pros
- 304 stainless and rust-proof steel plus its very own cleaning powder
- 3 pre-packed activated carbon filters for further reduction of impurities
- Shockproof glass container makes the unit sturdy and visually appealing
- One year warranty
Cons
- Instructional manual is difficult to understand even though the unit is not that hard to set up.
- Slight but distinct rubber taste even after multiple cycles.
- We attribute it to the oily residue in the interior that could possibly be a manufacturing defect. The resulting water may not be entirely safe for intake.
What is distilled water?
Distilled water is clean water that has undergone evaporation and condensation. Its difference from purified or filtered water is that distilled water is completely stripped of content; even the minerals and ions usually contained in drinking water, like calcium and magnesium, are absent from distilled water.
The process of distillation never goes old. From then until now, it remains an effective and widely used water filtration method. Basically, the water is brought to a boil and the vapor is condensed back to the liquid form. The foreign solid particles are left behind just before condensation so the resulting water product has fewer or almost completely no impurities.
Distilled water is the term referred to the water achieved through distillation. The particles that are not included in the condensation are usually volatile substances that have vanished during evaporation. Distillation is effective at eliminating unwanted particles in water ranging from volatile chemicals, hard mineral deposits, and microorganisms.
What is a water distiller?
A water distiller is a device intended for water purification that employs the process of distillation. A water distiller unit resembles a coffee pot design and size and is usually made of plastic or metal. Most of the unit is a container for the water to boil and the remaining detachable portion is basically the section of the unit where condensation occurs.
Like a coffee pot, a water distiller has a spout to pour the water into another transparent plastic or glass container tank.
The lid of the water distiller can be unscrewed for you to pour your water into the main container where you should boil the water. Water distillers are usually portable and do not need to be connected to a faucet or any water supply. Instead, you have to fill it up manually.
Conventional water distillers are electric-powered so they need to be placed in a spot near an electric outlet. When it’s all set and plugged in, then it’s ready to go.
How does it work? The distillation process
Here is a step-by-step guide for you about what goes down during distillation.
- You pour untreated water into the boiling pot and turn on the appliance.
- Water begins to boil. When it reaches its boiling point, the water evaporates and becomes vapor.
- Vapor travels upward, bringing volatile substances along with it.
- As the water vapor reaches the condensing chamber, it transforms into the liquid form once again in a cooler environment but leaves the contaminants behind since they are not able to condense.
- The distilled water is then collected in a separate container.
Additional notes:
Water distillation works with any form of heat source. For example, you can distill water under direct fire from wood or gas. However, our point of focus for this are conventional water distillers that are powered by electricity.
212 degrees Fahrenheit (100 degrees Celsius) is the boiling point of water at the optimal environmental conditions. However, the amount of content dissolved in the water all have different boiling points that are usually higher than that of water.
There are also substances with high volatility and can condense in low temperatures along with water. This is where the activated carbon filter comes in and removes the contaminants that survived during distillation.
It is important that you set the temperature specifically at the boiling point of water so you don’t include the substances with higher boiling points in the evaporation.
Other gases can also be expelled with the aid of a built-in fan within the distilling unit.
What contaminants can a water distiller remove?
Distillation is a very thorough water filtration process that is known to remove up to 99% of water contaminants. Inorganic and organic chemicals, sediments, minerals, volatile compounds, and microorganisms are just a few of the impurities that it can remove from your water. In addition, it can reduce the number of total dissolved solids to 0.
Below are some of the common water contaminants that can be removed via distillation.
- Unpleasant water tastes and odors
- Heavy metals e.g., lead, iron
- Arsenic
- Fluoride
- Bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms (which are destroyed in the heating process)
- Asbestos
- Benzene
- Nitrate
- Radioactive elements like radium
- Organic contaminants including pesticides and herbicides
Types of water distillers and their cost
Water distillers in the market commonly come in three types:
- Household water distiller – From the term itself, this type is suitable in a home or office setting. The volume output can be 1 gallon for every 4-6 hours and after every operating cycle, you need to refill the tank yourself.
Cost: $80 to $300
- Plumbing distiller – This one needs to be installed to the main plumbing system of the house or a specific water outlet. It’s distilled water on demand and probably one of the most cost-effective water distillation systems there is.
Cost: $400 to $1000 and more
- Commercial Distiller – For heavy duty use commercial or industrial use.
Cost: Price varies upon request.
What are the uses of distilled water?
Distilled water can be used for a lot of things such as:
- Drinking
First and foremost, the main reason why people choose to distill their water is to ensure that it is safe for drinking. This is the preferable water for mixing infant formula because it does not contain the free electrolytes of the regular drinking water that may not be digestible to the infant and furthermore, it is safe and guaranteed to have no other harmful impurities.
- Humidifier
Air humidifiers need a small amount of water to operate. Regular tap water works alright but you run the risk of accumulating dust due to the presence of hard mineral deposits.
Apart from that, the preexisting bacterial content in tap water can remain inside the humidifier and affect the air output. Bottom line, there are a lot of risks associated with tap water that can either damage the appliance or the air being released. Those risks do not come with using distilled water.
- Medical Use
Because distilled water is almost, if not completely free from contaminants and impurities, it is the most preferred water for medical practices. It is often used to reconstitute suspensions, clean medical devices and surgical tools, and rinsing and irrigation somebody’s orifices, especially in dentistry, to name a few. There is low risk of contamination in distilled water.
- Car maintenance
Like the humidifier, a car’s cooling system also makes use of water. There is the same risk of mineral deposits causing clogging or corrosion in the internal mechanism. The absence of those in distilled water makes it a less risky choice. It can also be used to hydrate the car battery which may contribute to it having a longer lifespan and increased durability.
- Food preservation
Commonly found in canned goods and preserved fruits and vegetables, the water in which they are immersed in is most likely distilled water. Regular water has the tendency to react with other content and may affect the food quality and most likely lead to a shorter shelf-life due to the bacterial content. The salt and mineral deposits could also change the taste of the preserved food.
- Cosmetic Products
Water-containing cosmetic products need to be free from impurities in order to be deemed safe for skin application. The most preferred type of water for that is obviously distilled water. However, some dermatologists would even say that the water you wash your face can also contribute to developing acne and other skin irritations.
- Home Aquariums
When you’re taking care of fishes, you need to be extra careful with the quality of water that you fill the aquarium with because it’s where they thrive and it’s what they consume. It plays a huge role in their survival and also helps to keep the tank functioning smoothly. Distilled water has a low to zero bacterial and contaminant content so it proves to be the best choice for this case.
- Ironing
If you ever experienced having that annoying stain on your light-colored clothes whenever you steam iron them, that is due to the quality of the water you are using. Mineral deposits in tap water tend to leave that particular stain on surfaces when exposed to heat and that is exactly what happened to your clothes when you ironed them. Try replacing it with distilled water and see if you still have that problem.
- Watering plants
Plants that need special watering needs, most likely indoor plants, are best fed with distilled water that is free from impurities and the usual contaminants found in regular tap water.
- Food preparation
It has been proven that distilled water is safer and oftentimes more effective to use in a variety of cooking and baking practices because it can improve the overall quality of the food that is being made.
Like for example when baking, distilled water can make a smoother batter texture compared to regular water because it has the ability to dissolve the flour better. This may be due to the minimal content of other dissolved substances in the water itself. In addition, in boiling potatoes, there is less risk of staining.
Lastly, when boiling water in general, distilled water boils a little faster compared to regular tap water.
- Skin and Hair Care
The water that comes directly from the tap is most likely to be hard water. Hard water contains mineral deposits that can alter the texture of the hair and the skin and may even cause some irritations. Dry and cracked skin, dull and brittle hair, and even hair loss can be attributed to exposure to hard water. It can also reduce the lathering effect of soap. Distilled water does not have this effect on the skin and hair so it’s much safer to use.
- Preparation of Infant Formula
Like we’ve mentioned above, distilled water is the safest choice when it comes to preparation of milk formula. This is because the immune system and digestive system of babies are not yet fully developed to be able to withstand the contaminants in regular tap water like adults can.
Therefore, it’s a much safer choice to use distilled water when preparing their milk and other infant food so as not to endanger their health.
The pros of having a water distiller
It has been mentioned many times that distilled water is almost completely devoid of impurities and dissolved solid content. We have already enumerated the several uses that it has for the household and for personal needs. Now we will tackle some of the benefits of owning a water distiller.
- A cheaper and environment-friendly replacement for bottled water
Albeit the heavy initial cost of owning a water distiller, over time you will realize that you have saved a lot more compared to when you didn’t own one.
Buying loads of bottled water to store in your fridge for whenever you need drinking water is expensive, a hassle, and not to mention extremely damaging to the environment because your plastic waste will add to the already piling amount of garbage in the world.
The only costs that you will think about when owning a water distiller is the small addition to your electric bill which isn’t much compared to the regular purchase of bottled water.
- Easy to store
The average size of conventional water distillers are pretty small and can fit even on countertops with limited space and can be stored in small cupboards and cabinets. However, when it comes to visual design and aesthetic appeal, there are quite a few variants and colors to choose from if you’re meticulous about that part.
- One of the cheapest water filtering options
A water distiller unit’s price range is usually between $70 to $100. A far cry from the three to four digit prices of other water filter systems that use other mechanisms. Reverse osmosis systems are large and heavy duty units and they cost a lot not just initially but also in terms of maintenance. Water distillers are definitely a more budget-friendly choice.
- Guaranteed removal of bacteria and other pathogens
A community’s water supply usually gets initial treatment at the main source. A significant number of bacteria and viral pathogens are expected to be eliminated from the water at the main supply source.
However, the treatment does not guarantee that the water remains clean as it flows from the source to your home. The plumbing plus other environmental factors can still contaminate the water along the way. Having a water distiller in your home ensures that the water you consume is clean and safe from potentially harmful microorganisms.
- Mechanism that produces the purest water
Distillation is able to eliminate a lot of water impurities from bacteria to mineral deposits to organic substances. Volatile substances are sure to be removed from the water through this process. It is the most preferable water filtration and purifying method because of the great quality of the water it produces that is suitable for a lot of purposes.
- Great for detox
The human body performs a regular detoxification process to rid your system of unnecessary and potentially harmful substances. Over time, chemicals from the food you intake can accumulate inside the body if not excreted properly. A healthy intake of distilled water helps hasten the detoxification process.
- Freshly filtered water
When you have a water distiller ready for use, you have a readily available source of distilled water and you are 100% sure of its safety and purity. After distillation, you can consume it immediately. Unlike when you purchase bottled water from stores, even though they have expiration dates, the plastic material in which they are contained can still be a possible source of contamination.
- No copper, barium, and nitrates
Regular tap water contains trace amounts of three above-mentioned ions. Consuming a significant amount of them can pose serious health risks. Copper can cause severe diarrhea and worse, kidney failure. Barium poisoning can cause hypokalemia. Nitrates can disrupt the body’s ability to process oxygen. Distillation removes those from your water supply, ensuring the safety and cleanliness of the water you consume.
- Environment-friendly
Plastic is a non-biodegradable material. We are consuming and disposing of more plastic than the earth can naturally break down. Plastic waste count increases drastically year after year and is becoming too much to handle.
Our planet is suffering and we can feel the consequences of it through global warming. Therefore, water distillers can lessen our dependence on plastic bottled water and as a result, our consumption of it as well. That way, we do not contribute to the ever-growing number of plastic waste in the world.
The cons of having a water distiller
- Absence of essential minerals
Distillation is so efficient at filtering water that it leaves almost nothing behind. However, essential minerals like calcium and magnesium are eliminated during the distillation process. If this is a concern for you, you can choose to remineralize your water so you only have the essential ions for consumption.
- Limited capacity
Water distillers are typically small in size and therefore cannot hold a large volume of water. As a result, the maximum volume of distilled water that it can produce is only a gallon every 4-6 hours of distillation.
- Energy consumption
Since distillers are generally electric-powered, it will definitely make a dent in your utility bills especially if you use it frequently. A single cycle can consume 3 kWH of energy.
What to look for in the Right Water Distiller
Quality Materials (Plastic vs. Stainless Steel vs. Glass)
Your water distiller will always be exposed and subjected to heat and high temperatures. Therefore, high-quality material is vital for the unit’s durability and the quality of your water. The best material is without a doubt, food-grade stainless steel. Aluminum and plastic could mean lower prices but there is a high tendency of material leaching from the container into the water.
It is important that the water should never touch any plastic part of the device as much as possible to lessen the risk of recontamination and maintain the purity of the water even if the plastic material is BPA-free and food-grade.
Stainless steel is rust-proof and generally more sturdy and of premium quality. It is also easier to maintain and sterilize.
The container that collects the distilled water should be made of glass.
You will really have to anticipate paying more for premium quality but it is better than compromising durability and safety yet still ending up spending more in the future for repairs and health problems.
Activated carbon filter
Activated carbon filters are not common in all water distillation units. There are models that do not have this feature. However, it is still highly recommended that you choose a unit that includes one. Your water supply is most likely contaminated with substances that could survive the evaporation and condensation and the only way to remedy that is by the use of a carbon filter.
Remineralization
Because distilled water is completely free from essential ions, there is a noticeable difference in the taste compared to the regular drinking water.
Furthermore, the absence of essential calcium and magnesium ions will deprive you of the energy that these electrolytes provide. If this concerns you, then there are water distillers that have a built-in remineralization filter that pumps your distilled water with only these minerals to improve the taste and give you the nutrition you need from drinking water.
If a filter costs too much for you, you can use mineral drops. However, you can still get calcium and magnesium content from other food sources. If the taste of distilled water does not bother you that much, you do not need to concern yourself with this.
Certifications
The WQA (Water Quality Association) and the NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) International are trusted organizations for thorough quality testing of devices that deal with water filtration like softeners, reverse osmosis, UV systems, microbiological purifiers, and distillers.
Some manufacturers of these units subject their products to testing by these organizations to be awarded with certifications that can attest that their products are of high quality as they claim. It is always a bonus when a product has certifications from either or both of the mentioned authorities because the tests that they conduct have very high standards and the fact that the particular product passed them says a lot about the overall reliability of the model and the manufacturer.
NSF International
The National Sanitation Foundation is highly recognized in the US as a trusted certifying body for water treatment technology. Majority of manufacturers in the industry subject their products to testing by the NSF and strive to be awarded with a certification because it adds to building consumer trust.
Manufacturers are required to provide relevant information and a unit of their product to be evaluated and tested by the organization. Once results come out positive, the manufacturer is obliged to sign a contract before the product model gains an NSF mark. The manufacturing plant will then be subject to annual site inspection and products will be retested on a regular basis.
WQA
The Water Quality Association specializes in ensuring the provision of safe and quality drinking water for every household. They are also one of the leading authorities when it comes to the regulations and standards for water filtration systems. In addition, they help ensure that the actual product performance coincides with what the manufacturer declares on the product specifications and prints on the packaging.
Similar to the process with the NSF, manufacturers also need to apply for a certification request and submit paperwork containing all the data that they claim about the product from general information down to the specifications such as capacities, flow rate, and power consumption, among others. The unit will then go through different tests and should pass the set standards before it is issued a certification.
Warranty
A product warranty is important when it comes to these kinds of devices. No matter how reliable the manufacturer is or how high the quality of a particular product is, it is still in your best interest to choose a product that has a service warranty in the case of a unit defect.
Though it rarely happens, it remains a possibility nonetheless. You will never discover the defect in a unit unless you start using it and if in the circumstance that it is dysfunctional, you still have the option to return it or have it checked out without any additional cost. The minimum warranty length you can get is 6 months but the longer the better.
Energy consumption
Low wattage products do not mean lower electricity bills. As a matter of fact, it means that the distillation process could take a lot longer. So it does not have that much of an impact on the overall cost. But still, considering that water distillers are powered by electricity, expect a few dollars to be added to your usual bills especially if you use it frequently.
Water Distilling Capacity & Speed
Distillation is a generally slow process. You have to wait for the water to boil, evaporate, and condense. And it will take much more time especially if you have a gallon of water to distill. A single cycle takes around four to six hours. That equates to four to six gallons of distilled water in a span of 24 hours, depending on the unit.
You don’t have to use it for the entire 24 hours. It still depends on how much your household usually consumes on a daily basis.
We suggest that you start the first distillation cycle before going to bed at night so when you wake up there is already a gallon of distilled water ready for consumption. A unit with an automatic shut-off feature can do the trick.
Budget
For as low as $100, you can already have a water distiller. However, you have to be wary because quality should be your main priority. All the things we listed above are listed at the top for a reason. There are good quality models that do not cost a lot. You just have to be critical in the specifications and the features that you need in a water distiller.
Manufacturer support
Good customer service by the manufacturer can help especially if you have concerns that are unanswerable by the information given on the product manual or guide. In addition, some companies can assist their customers any time of the day with their 24-hour availability.
But the bottomline here is that they should be responsive to customer inquiries. You can look up customer feedback online to get an idea on the efficiency of their customer service department.
How to install your water distiller
Distillers are probably the most simple and hassle-free water filtration system units to install. In fact, they do not need to be “installed.” They just need to be situated in an optimal location near an electrical outlet and then assembled if the unit does not come pre-assembled.
Product models are built differently so they might have specific assembly instructions that can only be found in the product instruction manual. But basically, this is how a typical water distiller is set up:
- Unbox your water distiller package. You should find the unit box, the instruction manual, a pack of carbon filters, the water container, and an electrical lead. There are models wherein the distiller unit and the water container are already assembled as one.
- If the water container’s handle is not attached yet, you have to screw it on. The screws usually come with the package already and all you need is a screwdriver. Depending on the unit as well, there are some handles that do not need screws but can just be fastened on or slid into place.
- Prep the carbon filter. Instructions for the proper flushing of the filter can be found in the product guide. Flushing usually involves running the filter under tap water for a few seconds to rinse off some stray carbon deposits.
- Find the slot for the carbon filter and put one piece of it into the designated housing. It can either be in a compartment on the exterior of the unit or by the spout.
- Connect the power cable to the unit. Plug it into an outlet and switch it on. Your unit should be ready for its first distillation.
- Try it out for one cycle. Fill the tank with the right amount of water up to the line mark that most tanks usually have. Remember that the distilled water produced from this first cycle should not be consumed. This is only to prepare the unit and wash out some extraneous debris that could be in the interior.
- Clean the distiller after the initial cycle with the scouring pad. Then, the distilled water from the succeeding cycles can be consumed.
Cleaning the distiller
The non-volatile substances that do not undergo evaporation upon boiling are left in the container as solid deposits. This usually manifests in the form of a fine, white limescale residue from hard water calcium and magnesium ions.
Over many uses, this can accumulate inside the boiling tank. That’s why it is important to clean the tank regularly and as much as possible after every distillation cycle.
You can detach the lid of the boiling tank and soak in a solution of warm water and vinegar for a few minutes then wipe it with a clean piece of fabric. The boiling tank can be cleaned with the same solution and a cloth or a scouring pad for stains that cannot be removed with cloth alone. Fill the tank with warm water and leave it overnight. Rinse it the next day with clean water.
Commercial cleaners, detergents, bleach, and other disinfectants are in no way applicable for cleaning water distiller units. Therefore, you will risk leaving remnants of the strong chemicals in those substances inside the boiling tank where the water is contained. It could become a potential contaminant and damage the unit itself.
Changing the carbon filters
Activated carbon filters have a limited lifespan. Their function is to perform the last filtration for the water to remove the contaminants that survived the distillation. Unfortunately, this is usually where the solid particles and sediments end up and the filter can run out of space where these particles can adhere. That is when the filter is at its maximum capacity and needs to be replaced.
One filter can usually last up to a month if you only conduct one distillation cycle a day but that also depends on your water quality, efficiency of the distiller, and sometimes as recommended by the manufacturer.
Carbon filter replacements can be bought online or from the manufacturer of the unit or from other manufacturers as long as the filter is compatible with the unit.
FAQs
How Much Electricity Does a Water Distiller Consume?
Is distilled water the same with bottled water?
Is distilled water safe for infants?
How long can I store my distilled water?
Can I only use distilled water for drinking?
Final Words
Distillation remains a timeless method of water treatment. From then until now, it is still a reliable way to obtain clean drinking water for consumption even with the new methods and technologies that have emerged.
Now with the aid of modern engineering, devices and machines are now available to make distillation a lot easier. So even though it takes a bit of time, it takes the burden of actually doing it manually off our shoulders.
Water distillers are an investment. They cost a lot initially. However, it is important to us that every dollar you spend is worth it so we compiled this small product guide for you so you can have as much information as you need.
Aside from this post, you can also scroll through some product reviews online for the model that you have set your mind on. That’s a good way to gauge general consumer feedback.
If you click on the Amazon link or Add to Cart and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Last Update: 2023-03-24
Jay
Self assessed Germaphobe, specializing in everything water, water filters, health and nutrition. Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, I've acquired immense amount of knowledge when it comes to natural, biology, and everything about human anatomy.
