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While filters can help reduce the amount of contaminants in your drinking water, the only way to ensure pure H2O is through a water distiller. Much like the earth’s natural water cycle, these appliances heat up water until it turns into steam, which is then condensed back into pure H2O. This process effectively removes all impurities from the water, including not only lethal viruses and bacteria but also low levels of chemicals and heavy metals that can impact long-term health.
The best water distillation systems come in various designs, sizes, and price points, so the best one will vary from household to household. For example, some distillers heat up faster than others, while others may feature more or less water capacity. High-end water distillers often offer additional features, such as programmable time settings and carafes made of high-quality glass rather than plastic.
Our best overall water distiller system is the UL-certified Megahome Stainless Steel Water Distiller for its 4-liter capacity, 5.5-gallon per hour output, and automatic shutoff for hands-free use.
Below, we’ve rounded up more of the best water distillers on the market, vetted according to standards such as quality, ease of use, and price. Whether you’re looking for the best water distillation system for personal hydration or for the whole household, one of these may be best suited to fit your needs.
- BEST OVERALL: Megahome MH943SBS Stainless Steel Water Distiller
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Vevor 4L Stainless Steel Pure Water Distiller
- BEST GLASS CARAFE: CO-Z 4L Stainless Steel Water Distiller
- BEST PREMIUM: Waterwise 4000 Countertop Distiller
- BEST NONELECTRIC: Kitchen Crop Stainless Steel Water Distiller
- BEST FOR ALCOHOL: Vevor 12L Stainless Steel Alcohol Distiller
- ALSO CONSIDER: H2o Labs Model 200 Home Water Distiller
How We Chose the Best Water Distillers
To find the best water distillers out there, we spent hours researching the most trusted brands and models on the market according to both user and expert reviews. We initially looked at more than a dozen different options, vetting them based on features like material quality, durability, efficiency, and ease of use. We took into special consideration each model’s capacity and distillation speed, as these are two of the most important features for casual home users.
Because distillation is a useful way of purifying water in emergency and outdoor situations, we also differentiated between and included both electric and nonelectric models.
Our Top Picks
We selected some of the best water distillers on the market for specific situations and needs. Our top picks include models with a large capacity, a compact design, and high value for money for those on a budget. Each of these top picks also comes with a thoroughly vetted list of pros and cons to help take the guesswork out of choosing a model.
Best Overall
Megahome MH943SBS Stainless Steel Water Distiller
Pros
- High-quality components; made with durable stainless steel interior and exterior
- The automatic shut-off switch turns off the unit when the water is distilled
- Safety and quality certified; comes with a UL listing for reliability
Cons
- Not the fastest distiller; takes up to 6 hours to distill 1 gallon of water
- Pricier than other options on the market
Product Specs
- Capacity: 4 liters
- Speed: 5.5 hours per gallon
- Carafe: Glass
The best distillers are efficient and effective, and few meet that criteria like the Megahome Stainless Steel Water Distiller. It’s one of the most popular and trusted models out there, thanks to its high-quality design and quick, reliable operation. All of the parts in the distiller are stainless steel, from the cooling coil to the chamber itself, and the carafe is made of food-grade glass, making it easy to clean and to use. This also means there are no plastic parts involved, ensuring the water produced by the distiller remains free of chemicals.
The Megahome countertop distiller is capable of distilling 1 gallon of water in under 6 hours—enough to suit households large and small. And if its popularity isn’t enough, this model also comes with a certification from UL, ensuring it meets the highest safety and quality standards.
Get the Megahome water distiller at Amazon or Megahome.
Best Bang for the Buck
Vevor 4L Stainless Steel Pure Water Distiller
Pros
- Reliable and safe construction comes with overheating protection to prevent malfunction; FDA-certified and BPA-free
- Easy to operate with 1 button switch; should distill 1.3 liters an hour
- Top handle makes it easy to carry or transport if necessary
Cons
- Not the most thorough distillation process
- Plastic parts not as high quality as those on more expensive models
Product Specs
- Capacity: 1.1 gallons
- Speed: 3 hours per gallon
- Carafe: BPA-free plastic
Water distillers may require a greater investment than regular filters, but that doesn’t mean they have to break the bank. Take this affordable distiller from Vevor, which produces clean, contaminant-free H2O at a fraction of the price of other models out there. It’s nearly as effective, too, capable of removing dissolved solids, metals, and even VOCs.
The 750-watt version can process 0.34 gallons of water per hour, or up to 6 gallons per day, making it nearly as fast as more expensive distillers. Unfortunately, the carafe is plastic, so we don’t recommend storing water in it for long periods of time. Still, the materials are FDA-certified and BPA-free.
Get the Mophorn water distiller at Amazon.
Best Glass Carafe
CO-Z 4L Stainless Steel Water Distiller
Pros
- A nonslip base ensures stability on slick surfaces; prevents accidental spills and burns
- The included cleaning solution helps remove limescale buildup for long-term reliability
- Great value for the price point; comes with a UL certification
Cons
- Glass pitcher isn’t the most durable; should be handled with care
- No programmable settings; one-button operation
Product Specs
- Capacity: 1.1 gallons
- Speed: 0.3 gallons per hour
- Carafe: Glass
This 1-gallon water distiller from CO-Z is fast, easy to use, and a surprising value thanks to its quality and price. The appliance is capable of purifying 0.3 gallons of water per hour, removing all kinds of harmful bacteria and toxins through a normal distillation process. On top of that, this model also includes an activated carbon filter that sifts the water after it’s distilled, eliminating any leftover VOCs.
One of the best parts of this distiller is the carafe, which features a unique pot shape that holds up to a gallon of water. The carafe also doubles as a drinking cup, with an ergonomic handle that makes it easy to hold and drink from as soon as it’s dispensed from the distiller.
Get the CO-Z water distiller at Amazon or CO-Z.
Best Premium
Waterwise 4000 Countertop Distiller
Pros
- The 800-watt motor uses a standard outlet; can be used in kitchens, garage spaces, and RVs
- 316-grade stainless steel boiler is more durable than similar models
- Can produce up to 6 gallons of distilled water for humidifiers, plants, or babies in a single day
Cons
- More expensive than other options
- Plastic cover on the carafe may break easily; should be handled with care
Product Specs
- Capacity: 1 gallon
- Speed: 4 hours per gallon
- Carafe: Glass
Waterwise’s home distiller features a similar design to many other models on this list, but it one-ups most of them with its superlative quality, efficiency, and aesthetics. Perfect for many design-conscious homes, the all-white distillation unit can blend in with most kitchen interiors, while the compact size won’t take up too much counter space. We also love the borosilicate glass carafe, which boasts a comfortable contoured handle that is easy to grip and hold.
Waterwise’s distiller holds 1 gallon of water and can purify it in around 4 hours, which also places it among the fastest models we reviewed. Once purified, the water can be used for drinking or even for humidifiers or other household appliances. This model is a bit pricier than others, but its durable quality and sleek looks may justify the cost for some users.
Get the Waterwise water distiller at Amazon or Waterwise.
Best Nonelectric
Kitchen Crop Stainless Steel Water Distiller
Pros
- Does not need electricity to work properly; suitable for camping or travel
- Versatile design can be used as a double boiler as well as a distiller
- Ideal for use during emergency or disaster situations
Cons
- Requires access to a heat source to operate
- Not as convenient as some of the automatic models on the market
Product Specs
- Capacity: 4.5 quarts
- Speed: 4 hours per gallon
- Carafe: Stainless steel
Electric home water distillers may offer convenience, but they’re also among the most expensive methods available for purifying H2O. The good news is that a sophisticated appliance isn’t necessary to obtain crystal-clear water. With the Little Creek water distiller from Kitchen Crop, users can purify water on any stovetop or even open flame—no electricity required—making it a great option for emergency or camping situations.
The kit consists of four parts, including three stackable pots for distilling the water and a hose for dispensing it. The pots are made of durable stainless steel, and two of them are typical kitchen pots that can be used together as a double boiler or even separately as regular cooking pots. When used as a distiller, the kit can produce a gallon of water in around 4 hours—just as fast as any electric model out there.
Get the Kitchen Crop water distiller at Amazon.
Best for Alcohol
Vevor 12L Stainless Steel Alcohol Distiller
Pros
- Made of food-grade materials; can be used on water as well as alcohol
- Comes in larger sizes including 5-gallon and 9.6-gallon distillers
- Very affordably priced compared to other models on the market
Cons
- Not as easy to use as an electric water distiller
- Requires an open flame as a heat source
Product Specs
- Capacity: 3 gallons
- Speed: N/A
- Carafe: Stainless steel
Distillers aren’t just for purifying drinking water. Specifically, the process of distillation can also be used to produce alcohol, whereby a fermented liquid is boiled over high heat to release alcoholic vapor, which is then condensed back into liquid. To make this process go smoothly, it’s best to have a kit like this one from Vevor.
The Vevor alcohol still contains everything needed to distill water, liquor, or even essential oils at home. A large stainless steel pot serves as the boiling chamber, while a smaller one attached to a cooling copper coil serves as a carafe. The pot also includes a built-in thermometer that allows for easy temperature monitoring throughout the process.
Get the Vevor water distiller at Amazon.
Also Consider
H2O Labs Model 200 Home Water Distiller
Pros
- Durable and dependable design is made with stainless steel interior and exterior
- The lead-free porcelain nozzle ensures water purity; the distilled water never touches the plastic
- Includes a year’s supply of activated carbon filters for user convenience
Cons
- Can only distill 4 gallons of water per day
- Auto stop means there is no “off” switch
Product Specs
- Capacity: 1 gallon
- Speed: 5 to 6 hours per gallon
- Carafe: Glass
With a 565-watt heating element, the H2O Labs Model 200 Home Water Distiller quickly purifies water without sucking up a lot of energy. As the manufacturer notes, faster boiling time does not necessarily equal cleaner water. If water boils too fast, the distiller may fail to eliminate VOCs and other harmful chemicals. The distiller from H2o Labs avoids this issue with steady cooling and heating, while at the same time offering the added benefit of energy efficiency for users worried about their power bill.
In addition to its glass carafe and stainless steel chamber, this model also features a porcelain nozzle that ensures the purified water remains uncontaminated by steel or plastic parts. It also comes with a nontoxic cleaning solution designed to break up the hard water scale that may accumulate in the boiling chamber.
Get the H2o Labs stainless steel water distiller at Amazonor Water Distillers Direct.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Water Distiller
Most distilled water machines share a similar design, consisting of a carafe or pitcher that catches the water and a heating element that steams and dispenses it. But many factors of this design can vary, from size and capacity to durability and efficiency.
Type
Unlike some of the top water filters, which can range in type from pitcher to plumb-in models, the best water distillers share a more similar design. Most models we reviewed consist of two main parts: the boiling chamber, which heats and cools the water, and the carafe or pitcher, which collects it for drinking. Some distillers also incorporate internal filters to further clean the water of any contaminants before or after the distillation process.
Alternatively, some distillers may feature a more rudimentary design, consisting of a copper coil and large pot that can be filled with water and heated over the stove. These kits are sometimes marketed for emergency situations or for alcohol distillation, but they can also be used to purify water at home.
Capacity and Speed
For everyday household users, among the most important features of a water distiller are capacity and speed. While water distillers may operate more slowly than regular water filters, which do not have to heat and cool the water, it’s beneficial for them to work quickly and efficiently. The right water distiller should also be able to hold enough water to hydrate the entire household, whether it consists of just one person or a whole family.
At the very least, a good water distiller is often able to purify a single person’s daily recommended hydration requirements—around 2 to 3 liters—in just a few hours. Some are faster than others, making them a more convenient option for users who drink tap water regularly. There also are water distillers that are able to hold and purify large quantities, making them more suitable for multimember households.
Materials
When it comes to picking the right water distiller, material construction is particularly important. Water distillers are designed to produce pure, contaminant-free H2O, and the material construction and quality of the appliance can ultimately impact that very purity. For example, it’s important that the distiller’s boiler chamber and associated parts be made of stainless steel since that will help prevent them from oxidizing or corroding over time.
It’s also worth considering the material of the carafe that collects and stores the water. Some plastics contain BPAs and other chemicals that can leach into the water after it’s clean, so finding a distiller that is free of those toxins is important. In general, glass carafes are more sanitary than plastic ones, not only because they’re free of toxic chemicals but also because they are easier to clean and keep clean.
Beyond cleanliness, the material construction of a distiller will also affect its durability. Glass may be cleaner than plastic, but the latter tends to be more durable, which may be an important consideration in accident-prone households.
Filtration
Water distillers work through a process of distillation, during which the water is boiled to release steam, and the steam is cooled and condensed into pure H2O. Because the vast majority of chemicals and contaminants are left behind when the water evaporates, there are more distilled water benefits than regular filtration, which invariably allows some impurities to seep through.
Still, many water distillers incorporate filters for added benefit. Some contaminants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), can exist in a gaseous state, allowing them to survive the distillation process. To capture those toxins, many distillers come with an activated-carbon post filter through which the purified water runs before being dispensed into the carafe.
Additionally, while distillation may effectively remove toxins from tap water, the process can also strip it of certain minerals that actually contribute to our health. To that end, some distillers also incorporate remineralization filters, which reintroduce certain healthy minerals back into the water after it’s been purified.
Energy Consumption
Depending on their size, water distillers can vary in terms of energy consumption. Water distillers designed for use in the U.S. will run off of a standard 110 or 120 volts, the same as most household appliances. In terms of energy consumption, a medium-size water distiller consumes around the same amount as a small drip coffee maker—somewhere between 500 and 800 watts.
To improve their energy efficiency, many water distillers include automatic shut-off features that keep them from sucking up energy when not actively distilling water.
Certification
While there is no universal certification standard for water distillers, the most reputable models will often carry approval from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a nonprofit organization that vets the safety and quality of small appliances and products in the United States. A UL certification ensures that a water distiller has been tested and conforms to certain industry-wide standards of safety and quality.
The Advantages of Owning a Water Distiller
Although most tap water in America is deemed safe to drink, safe doesn’t mean it’s healthy. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sets legal limits on more than 90 contaminants found in tap water, from viruses and bacteria to chemicals like fluoride and lead. But some trace amounts of these impurities can still make their way into our drinking water and can have negative effects on our long-term health.
A water distiller is one of the most effective ways that shoppers can ensure they’re drinking the purest water possible. Unlike a faucet water filter or even reverse osmosis, a distiller separates the water from any harmful chemicals through evaporation and condensation, resulting in purer H2O. By stripping these impurities, a distiller can produce water that is not only healthier for the body but that also tastes and smells better.
Distilled water isn’t just better for the body, either—it’s also easier on the wallet. Though distillers require an up-front investment, they can save users from having to buy distilled bottled water, making them a more economical choice in the long run. Accounting for energy costs, many distillers can produce pure water at less than 25 cents per gallon.
- Drinking distilled water is healthier than plain tap.
- Water distillers produce purer H2O than filters or reverse osmosis.
- Distilling water is cheaper than buying it.
Tips for Cleaning a Water Distiller
To keep a distiller operating for a long time, it’s important to clean and maintain the appliance regularly in between uses. This is especially true for the distiller’s boiling chamber, which can become covered in heavy-metal scale and other impurities left behind during the distillation process. If left uncleaned, this scale can corrode the inside of the chamber, ruining the appliance.
Cleaning methods may vary from model to model, but most water distillers can be cleaned with a simple rinse and scrub. If there is excess limescale buildup in the chamber, the unit may need to be soaked for a few hours in a cleaning solution. Many of the distillers in this list come with their own cleaning solutions to help break down residues and buildup inside the chamber. It’s important to clean a water distiller regularly, preferably after every use.
When in doubt, consult the distilled water brands’ instructions for tips on cleaning the distiller.
- For best results, water distillers should be cleaned often—ideally between uses.
- Pay special attention to the buildup of heavy-metal scale in the boiling chamber, which could lead to corrosion and rust.
- Some distillers may include special cleaning products to break down excess scale.
- Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for specific tips on cleaning.
FAQs
Still wondering how to choose a water distiller? Keep reading for some frequently asked questions about these appliances, from filters to water shelf life.
Q. How is distilled water made?
Distilled water is made through the process of distillation. Essentially, it’s the same process that rainwater goes through during the Earth’s natural water cycle. Specifically, water is heated until it turns into steam and then cooled until it condenses back into liquid.
Q. What can distilled water be used for?
Distilled water doesn’t only have to be used for drinking. Other distilled water uses include household appliances like humidifiers, steam irons, or CPAP devices.
Q. How long can distilled water be stored?
If left sealed in a glass or a plastic container, distilled water can last for several years. When opened, it’s best to consume it or use it within a few months.
Q. What is the purpose of a post-carbon filter?
While the distillation process removes most impurities from water, some contaminants—such as harmful VOCs—can survive. A post-carbon filter is designed to catch any stray chemicals or VOCs that make it through distillation.
