Best Overall
Pure Water Mini Classic CT
Fast cycle time (3.5hrs)
High-quality materials
Energy efficient
Best Mid-Range
WaterWise
4000
Fast cycle time (4hrs)
Affordable
A little noisy
Best on a Budget
Mophorn Pure
Distiller
Fast cycle time (3 hrs)
Cheap
Lower quality materials
If you’re happy to wait a few hours in return for 100% pure distilled water, then a water distiller is the way to go.
We’ve distilled hundreds of gallons of water using DIY methods on camping trips and even more at home with these machines. The best water distiller machines have fast cycle times, are made from stainless steel, and don’t leak or make too much excess noise or heat.
The best water distiller machine overall is the Pure Water Mini-Classic CT. It has the best combination of fast cycle speed (3.5 hours), high-quality materials, and good energy efficiency (800 watts). It also featured an activated carbon filter.
Quick Verdict: 5 Best Home Water Distillers
Product | Award | Quick Verdict |
Pure Water Mini-Classic CT > see full review | Best Overall | The Mini-Classic CT has a fast cycle speed (3.5 hours), high-quality materials, and good energy efficiency (800 watts), justifying its higher price. |
Waterwise 4000 Water Distiller > see full review | Best Mid-Range Distiller | The Waterwise 4000 offers a good balance of cycle speed (4 hours) and energy usage (800 watts) at an affordable price. But it can be a little noisy. |
DC HOUSE 1 Gallon Distiller > see full review | Best Value for Money | The DC HOUSE Distiller balances price, capacity (1 gallon), cycle speed (4 hours), and energy usage (750 watts). |
Mophorn Pure Water Distiller > see full review | Best on a Budget | The Mophorn Distiller has the lowest price on the list while still offering 1-gallon capacity and quick 3-hour cycle speed, but is a little less user-friendly than other options. |
Megahome Countertop Distiller > see full review | Best for Small Spaces | Its compact dimensions (9.84″ x 14.57″ x 9.84″) make the Megahome Countertop Distiller ideal for those with limited space. |
Table of Contents
Five Best Water Distiller Machines Reviewed
Best Overall
Pure Water Mini-Classic CT
- Price: $$$$$
- Capacity: 0.8 gallons
- Cycle Speed: 3.5 hours
- Material: Stainless steel and glass
- Energy Usage: 800w
- Filter: Activated Carbon Filter
Pros
Fast cycle speed
High-quality materials
Energy efficient
Cons
Lower capacity (0.8 gallons)
–
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The Pure Water Mini-Classic CT earns the title of Best Overall water distiller in our roundup for several compelling reasons. Our research found that users want a distiller that delivers pure distilled water, features high-quality and chemical–free materials, and is user-friendly. The Mini-Classic CT ticks all these boxes, making it an ideal choice for anyone seeking an unparalleled water distillation experience.
An impressive 99.99+% purity level eliminates contaminants and unpleasant tastes from drinking water. As someone whose family has always been concerned about poor water quality, this distiller would be a perfect addition to our home.
It’s made from robust stainless steel and glass, so the Mini-Classic CT is durable. I could easily see it lasting for ten years or more. And unlike models made from plastic components, these materials won’t leach chemicals into the water.
It’s also super simple to get started. There’s no need for installation or assembly. The automatic shut-off feature adds another layer of convenience, so you don’t need to worry about it boiling dry if the boiling chamber.
The Mini-Classic CT has a smaller capacity (0.8 gallons) compared to other models, but its performance more than compensates. Admittedly, it’s more expensive than some alternatives, but the outstanding quality and ease of use justify the investment. The only other drawback is the noise and heat generated during the distillation process, which is a common issue among distillers. However, the noise is pretty minimal on the Mini-Classic CT.
While the Waterwise 4000 Water Distiller is a little faster, the Mini-Classic CT feels much more robust and doesn’t get as hot or make as much noise. And the DC HOUSE 1 Gallon Distiller boasts a larger capacity, but the Mini-Classic CT outperforms it in overall build quality and performance.
The Pure Water Mini-Classic CT is your best bet if you’re looking for a water distiller that combines exceptional performance and ease of use. It may require a bit of a splurge, but it’ll last many years.
Best Mid-Range Distiller
- Price: $$$$
- Capacity: 1 gallon
- Cycle Speed: 4 hours
- Material: Stainless steel and glass
- Energy Usage: 800w
- Post-filtration: Activated Carbon Filter
Pros
Durable
Good price vs performance
Small & Compact
Cons
Slightly longer cycle speed
Not best for super heavy users
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The Waterwise 4000 Water Distiller is an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a high-quality distiller without breaking the bank. As our Best Mid-Range Distiller, it strikes the perfect balance between cost, performance, and features. Users of distillers value price, capacity, cycle speed, material, and energy usage. The Waterwise 4000 excels in these areas at a moderate price point.
Its 1-gallon capacity is on par with pricier water distiller alternatives, and its 4-hour cycle speed compares favorably to other models. Constructed with durable stainless steel and glass, the distiller avoids chemical leaching.
The Waterwise 4000 Water Distiller’s compact and versatile design means it fits easily into a small apartment kitchen without occupying too much space. Plus, with no installation or hookups required, it’s ideal for those who prefer a hassle-free experience.
While it’s not as robust and durable, it is less expensive than the Pure Water Mini-Classic CT, which has a smaller capacity and higher energy consumption. And it’s faster than the portable Megahome Countertop Distiller, which takes 4-5 hours to distill a gallon of water. Although not as budget-friendly as the Mophorn Pure Water Distiller, the Waterwise 4000 boasts superior build quality, using stainless steel and glass materials instead of plastic.
The Waterwise 4000 Water Distiller is a fantastic mid-range water distiller for anyone seeking a balance of quality, performance, and affordability.
Best Value for Money
- Price: $$
- Capacity: 1 gallon
- Cycle Speed: 4 hours
- Material: Stainless steel and glass
- Energy Usage: 750w
Pros
Well-priced
Durable
High quality & safe materials
Cons
Requires some assembly
Some noise and heat
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The DC HOUSE 1 Gallon Distiller takes the prize for Best Value for Money, offering performance, quality, and design. Users of water distillers emphasize the importance of finding a cheap distiller with well-rounded features, and this model delivers just that.
The DC HOUSE 1 Gallon Distiller boasts an impressive ability to produce pure distilled water with zero TDS (total dissolved solids), effectively removing impurities and bad taste from your drinking water. So if you’re like me and constantly have your TDS meter ready, this will clear your mind of TDS worries.
It’s made from good quality stainless steel and glass and looks built to last. The stainless steel machine and glass collection bottle ensure durability and prevent chemicals from leaching into your water. And its 4-hour cycle speed is on par with models like the Waterwise 4000 Water Distiller, making it a reliable choice for those who value efficiency.
The DC HOUSE 1 Gallon Distiller offers a better balance of features than the Mophorn Pure Water Distiller and the Megahome Countertop Distiller. While it may not be as fast as the Pure Water Mini-Classic CT, its overall performance and quality make it a strong contender in the market.
However, users do report a few issues. The distiller can be noisy and produces heat during the distillation process. It also requires assembly and installation before use, which might be a turn-off for some users. It’s also crucial to ensure proper sealing and alignment to prevent water leakage from the lid or spout.
If you’re looking for a water distiller that offers a well-rounded mix of performance, quality, and design, the DC HOUSE 1 Gallon Distiller is a fantastic choice. Though it has some minor drawbacks, its balanced features make it an excellent addition to any home.
Best on a Budget
- Price: $
- Capacity: 1 gallon
- Cycle Speed: 3 hours
- Material: Plastic and stainless steel
- Energy Usage: 750w
Pros
Cheap but high-quality
Large capacity pitcher
Cons
Can be noisy
Leaks if not secured carefully
If you’re on a tight budget but still want a water distiller that delivers, the Mophorn Pure Water Distiller is your top pick. We think it’s the Best Distiller on a Budget as it offers a more affordable option without skimping on performance.
Finding a decent distiller at this price range is a challenge. But, like other distillers, the Mophorn Pure Water Distiller can produce pure distilled water with zero TDS (total dissolved solids), – removing impurities and bad taste from your drinking water.
In terms of construction, the distiller is made of stainless steel and plastic. While the plastic components might not be as durable, the stainless steel ensures that the overall build quality remains solid. While we have no evidence to believe that the plastic leaches chemicals, the use of plastic may be a deal breaker for some.
The Mophorn Pure Water Distiller‘s major advantage is its capacity of 1.1 gallons per cycle, making it suitable for larger families or heavy users. With a fast cycle speed of 3 hours, it outperforms models like the Megahome Countertop Distiller and the Waterwise 4000 Water Distiller in terms of speed.
At this price, The Mophorn Pure Water Distiller has a few problems. It’s noisy and produces heat during the distillation process. It requires assembly and installation before use, which may be a drawback for some users. Some people report that it may leak water from the lid or spout if not correctly sealed or aligned, so it’s essential to ensure everything is securely in place.
The Mophorn Pure Water Distiller is much more affordable than the Pure Water Mini-Classic CT and the DC HOUSE 1 Gallon Distiller while still delivering impressive performance.
Although it may not have the highest quality materials or the quietest operation, its cost-effectiveness makes it a good option if you’re tight on cash.
Best for Small Spaces
- Price: $$$
- Capacity: 1 gallon
- Cycle Speed: 5.5 hours
- Material: Stainless steel and glass
- Energy Usage: 580w
Pros
Great for small spaces
Stainless steel & glass
Easy to use
Cons
Slightly slow
Needs cleaning regularly
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If you’re looking for a water distiller that fits easily into small spaces, the Megahome Countertop Distiller is your go-to choice.
The Megahome Water Distiller is made from high-quality stainless steel and features a glass collection bottle. As mentioned with all the other models, these materials ensure durability and eliminate any risk of chemicals leaching into the water.
Ease of use is another key factor for many consumers – and the Mega Home is decent here. The standard automatic shut-off feature activates when the boiling chamber is empty, giving you peace of mind and hassle-free operation. However, it does take about 4-5 hours to distill one gallon of water, which may be slow for some users.
When comparing the Megahome Water Distiller to other models, its primary benefit is being more compact than models like the Waterwise 4000 Water Distiller and the DC HOUSE 1 Gallon Distiller.
On the downside, the water distiller produces some noise and heat during the distillation process, and it requires regular cleaning to remove residue in the boiling chamber. However, these minor inconveniences don’t overshadow the exceptional performance and space-saving design of the Megahome Countertop Distiller.
So, if you’re short on space but still want a reliable and efficient water distiller, look no further than the Megahome Countertop Distiller.
Buyer’s Guide: How To Choose The Right Water Distiller For Your Home
Types Of Water Distillers
There are various distiller types with pros and cons that you should know before making a purchase.
Countertop vs. freestanding
Whether to buy a countertop water distiller or a freestanding one is one of the first considerations. A countertop water distiller takes up less space and is more affordable, while freestanding ones have larger capacities and come with additional features such as built-in storage.
For most homeowners, we recommend a countertop water distiller, so we only reviewed these models in our list.
And if you’re not 100% set on distillation, reverse osmosis is one of the best countertop filtration alternatives.
Built-in water Distillers
A built-in distiller is plumbed into your water system and can produce larger amounts of water daily. They’re expensive (often $800 or more) and inconvenient as plumbing distillers is complicated. Therefore, we don’t recommend them to most people and haven’t reviewed any here.
Portable water distillers
For those who need an on-the-go solution, portable options like travel-sized distillers exist too.
Campers or survivalists generally use these. They’re small and can be taken on long hikes. Again, we haven’t reviewed any of these as this article focuses on home use.
Commercial water distillers
Commercial distillers are large industrial machines made from stainless steel. They have applications in cleaning, manufacturing, and science. As with built-in and portable distillers, we didn’t review any of these and wouldn’t recommend them to 99.9% of people.
Benefits Of Water Distillation
Now that we have gone through the different types of water distillers, let’s talk about why you should consider getting one.
- Purity. Distilling water removes contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and chemicals from tap water or well water. This process results in pure drinking water free of harmful substances that can lead to illnesses.
- Taste. Using a water distiller can also improve the taste of your drinking water. By removing impurities and minerals that affect the flavor, distilled water has a clean and crisp taste compared to regular tap water or bottled water.
- Cost. A home distiller is cost-effective in the long run since it eliminates the need to purchase expensive bottled water regularly.
- Environment. Using water distillers reduces plastic waste generated by disposable bottles while conserving energy in transporting and manufacturing them.
Capacity: Finding The Right Size For Your Needs
Capacity Considerations are important when choosing the right water distiller for your home. It’s crucial to find a size that fits your family’s needs and the available storage space in your kitchen or pantry.
Family Size plays a significant role. If you have a large family or frequently entertain guests, choose a larger capacity model that can produce up to 10 gallons of distilled water daily. But a smaller capacity model may suffice if you live alone or with one other person and only use distilled water for drinking purposes.
Usage Patterns and Water Consumption should also be considered. If you use distilled water for cooking, cleaning, or other household chores regularly, opting for higher-capacity units makes sense.
However, if you’re using distilled water primarily for drinking and personal hygiene purposes like skincare routines, lower-capacity models could fit your requirements perfectly without breaking the bank.
Cycle Speed: How Quickly Your Water Will Be Ready To Drink
This is one of the most important considerations when choosing a water distiller. How quickly will your distilled water be ready?
Here are some key considerations that will help optimize your experience:
Distillation time. Shorter distillation process times mean less energy consumption and quicker access to clean drinking water. Distillation times range from 3 hours on the Mophorn distiller and up to 5.5 hours on models like the Megahome.
Heating power. While higher wattage can lead to faster boiling times, it also means increased energy usage. Consider how much distilled water you need at once and balance distillation speed with efficiency accordingly. This can range from 580w (Megahome Water Distiller) to up to 800w (Pure Water Mini-Classic CT).
Preheating options. Some models come equipped with preheating options that allow you to start the distillation process more quickly. This feature is particularly helpful if you’re frequently using small amounts of distilled water throughout the day.
Energy Usage: Estimating Electricity Costs
You want to choose a model that is both efficient and affordable in terms of electricity use.
To estimate how much it will cost you in electricity, you need to look at the wattage of the heating element. The higher the wattage, the more power it consumes per cycle or day. For example, an 800-watt heating element will use about 0.8 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per hour of operation. That means if you run it daily to distill one gallon of water, and your electricity rate is 12 cents per kWh, you’ll pay around $3.50 monthly for energy consumption.
Another way to compare the energy efficiency among different models is by examining their cooling systems and insulation capabilities. A better insulated boiling chamber can reduce heat loss and maintain a steady temperature with less energy needed to heat up the water.
Model | Wattage | Energy Consumption |
---|---|---|
A | 600W | 0.6 kWh/hour |
B | 800W | 0.8 kWh/hour |
C | 1000W | 1 kWh/hour |
D | 1200W | 1.2 kWh/hour |
E | 1500W | 1.5 kWh/hour |
Meanwhile, a more efficient cooling system speeds up condensation to waste less energy. Some models may have additional features like fans or vents to improve cooling efficiency, while others may feature double-walled or stainless steel chambers for enhanced insulation.
As seen from our table above, there’s a direct correlation between wattage and energy consumption. Models with higher wattages consume more electricity, which can lead to a significant difference in operating expenses over time.
Price: Balancing Quality And Affordability
A water distiller can range from under $100 to over $1,000 depending on brands, features, and materials. While some may assume that higher-priced models are always better quality, this is not necessarily true.
Brands with very slick marketing may perform similarly to lesser-known brands that cost half the price.
Generally, more expensive distillers are made from better-quality materials and will last for many years. Cheaper distillers may use plastic and may break easily. Noise and excess heat can also be a problem on cheaper models.
Ease Of Use: Features To Look For In A Water Distiller
Automated functions like programmable timers and automatic shut-off can save you time and effort. At the same time, indicator lights and digital displays provide clear feedback on the status of your distillation process.
Look for models with easy-to-use buttons or touchscreens that guide you through the distillation process. A well-designed control panel should be user-friendly and straightforward, even for first-time users.
Look for units with removable parts that are easy to clean and comfortable handles or grips that make it easier to transport the unit from one location to another.
Maintenance: Keeping Your Water Distiller In Top Condition
To operate at full efficiency for many years, you’ll need to do a little maintenance on you water distiller.
Cleaning The Boiling Chamber
Regular cleaning of the boiling tank is probably the most important.
A buildup of mineral and impurity deposits can affect its performance and quality if left unattended.
Generally, you’ll use a non-scratch sponge, vinegar, citric acid, or special cleaners designed for water distillers.
The frequency of cleaning the boiling chamber depends on how often you use the water distiller and the quality of your source water. You may need to clean more frequently if you live in areas with hard water. On average, you should clean your boiler quickly after every use, with a more thorough cleaning every 4-6 weeks. Preventative maintenance will help keep it working like new.
Disinfecting methods such as steam distillation sterilization or bleach solutions can also be employed when cleaning the boiling chamber. However, ensure not to use abrasive materials that could cause damage or leave residue behind on the boiling tank.
Cleaning The Storage Tank
Over time, the storage tank can become a breeding ground for bacteria and other contaminants if not properly maintained. Deep cleaning is necessary periodically to remove any mineral buildup or impurities that may affect the quality of distilled water.
The frequency of deep cleaning depends on how often you use your water distiller and the water quality in your area. Clean the storage tank at least once every two weeks with a mild detergent solution. For DIY cleaning solutions, vinegar or citric acid can also be used effectively as a natural disinfectant.
To ensure complete sanitization, steam sterilizing methods are available in some models of water distillers. This feature uses high-temperature steam to eliminate any remaining bacteria or microorganisms inside the storage tank. Always check your product manual before using this method, and follow proper safety precautions when handling hot surfaces.
Replacing Carbon Filters
Filter replacement frequency depends on how often you use your water distiller and the source water quality in your area. Filters usually need changing from one to three months.
Customer Reviews: Finding Real-World Feedback To Inform Your Decision
Reading through reviews on Amazon or Walmart can give valuable insight into how the product performs in real-world scenarios.
When evaluating customer reviews, pay attention to more than just the overall rating. Take note of specific comments regarding brand reputation and warranty coverage. These factors are important indicators of not only the quality of the product but also whether or not the company stands behind it.
Another factor to consider is how easy the distiller is to use daily. Reviews that mention a user-friendly interface can be beneficial when choosing between similar products. Comparing multiple products side by side using comparison charts can help highlight each option’s standout features or benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Distilled Water Be Used For Cooking And Drinking?
Distilled water is an excellent option for both cooking and drinking as it’s free of contaminants that may be present in tap water or bottled water. By using distilled water, you can ensure that your food and beverages are healthier and safer. The lack of impurities also enhances the taste of your meals and drinks, making them more enjoyable overall.
How Often Should A Distiller Be Cleaned?
Clean your distiller every four to six weeks or as frequently as necessary based on usage. Some units have built-in cleaning features like self-cleaning mode, while others require manual cleaning using vinegar or citric acid solutions.
Are Water Distillers Safe?
Distillers from reputable brands that are certified and safety tested are safe. The primary safety issue is that the machine will get hot and contain boiling water during the cycle. Do not touch the distiller during cycles, and ensure it’s placed out of the reach of children and pets.
Should You Buy A Distiller?
From understanding how distillers work to learning about maintenance and care, we’ve covered it all.
After extensive research, we’ve determined that the Pure Water Mini-Classic CT is the clear winner. With a fast cycle speed, high-quality materials, and good energy efficiency, it’s the perfect distiller for any situation. Plus, with the added bonus of an activated carbon filter, you can be sure that the water you’re drinking is not only pure but also free of any unwanted tastes or odors.
If you can afford it, then don’t settle for anything less than the best – invest in the Pure Water Mini-Classic CT today and enjoy clean, delicious water for years to come.