Imagine never having to going to the store again to buy distilled water, and never having to recycle another plastic water jug.
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Sounds too good to be true?
It's not.
Having your own water distiller makes it easy to have a constant supply of pure water at home. Think of all the time and aggravation it would save you.
In this review, we'll take a look at some of the best selling distilled water machines available for home use right now. We'll talk features, prices, and pros and cons, to help you find the water distiller that's right for you.
To start off, I've made a table that has some basic information about my top water distiller picks. You can make a quick check of the current prices directly from that table.
Further on down the page you'll find more details about each of the water distillers, plus tips for choosing one, and some FAQs about water distillation.
You can jump right to the topic that interests you most in the quick navigation, or keep scrolling to read the whole review.
Best Home Water Distillers Comparison Table
**This table is best viewed in horizontal orientation on mobile devices.**
Header | Megahome MH943TWS | H2o Labs Model 200 | Waterwise 3200 | Pure Water Mini-Classic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cell |  |  |  |  |
Special Features | Full 304 stainless steel interior; UL Listed & Approved | LightweightHolding tank with continuous water feed; Refill & reset LED indicator | Removable boiling chamber | Top quality stainless steel construction Removable boiling chamber |
Distilling Time (hours/gal) | 5.5 | 5 | 4 | 4.5 |
Power Use | 580 watts 3.19 kWh per gallon | 600 watts 3.0 kWh per gallon | 800 watts 3.2 kWh per gallon | 800 watts 3.5 kWh per gallon |
Collection Container Material | Glass | Food Grade Plastic (BPA free) | Tritan Plastic (BPA free) | Glass |
Warranty | 1 year; 30-day return | 1 year | 1 year | 15 years on stainless parts; 2 years on electrical parts |
Country of Origin | Taiwan | Taiwan | China | USA |
Check Price |
Best Home Water Distillers Reviews
Pure Water Brand Mini-Classic CT Countertop Water Distiller (best overall)
Let's start with the most expensive distiller on the list, the Pure Water Mini-Classic, my choice for the best water distiller overall.
Pure Water is an American company that makes distillers for laboratories, medical facilities, organic food processing, and other commercial applications.
They also make a few distillers for home use, including two countertop models. The Mini-Classic Countertop Water Distiller is the smaller and more convenient of the two.
Shop for the high quality Mini-Classic water distiller at Pure Water.
This unit has a solid build and excellent performance. Because it has a removable boiling chamber, it's easy to fill and easy to clean.
Is it fast?
Well, it takes about 3.5 hours to complete the distillation cycle. That's faster than most water distillers, and the fastest of the models in this review.
I do want to point out that the volume of one "batch" is not a full gallon. It's 3 liters, which is about 0.8 gallons. The glass container holds a gallon, but it won't be filled up all the way at the end of the cycle.
When the distillation process is finished, the machine shuts off automatically. It never boils completely dry, which protects it from damage. There's also a safety shut-off that will turn the unit off it it should ever overheat for some reason.
One of the best things about this distiller is the stainless steel construction. You know it's going to last. In fact, the Mini-Classic has a 15 year warranty on the stainless steel parts plus a 2 year warranty on the electrical parts. You don't find many appliances with a guarantee like that.
Dimensions: 13.75" w x 15.75" h x 9.875" d
Pure Water Mini-Classic Pros and Cons
What People Like
Don't Like So Much
Watch this video to see the Pure Water Mini-Classic in action.
Click here to purchase the Pure Water Mini-Classic at MyPureWater.com.
Use code SAFEHEALTHYHOME for 5% off when you order from My Pure Water.
Waterwise 3200 Countertop Water Distiller (fastest electric distiller)
See the fast working Model 3200 distiller at Waterwise.
The Waterwise 3200 is an updated version of the Waterwise 8800, which was discontinued sometime in 2018.
They took away the digital display, so it's no longer programmable. That's kind of sad, but it also means it's easier to use. Just push the reset button and it starts.
And the collection pitcher is now made of BPA free non-leaching Tritan plastic. It's a safer plastic than the old version, and it's crystal clear.
The outside of the removable boiling chamber is plastic, but the inside is stainless steel. Also new is a delay start fan, which makes it more energy efficient.
Now here's a really nice feature -
You can pull out the collection pitcher in the middle of the cycle if you need some water. It'll stop the dripping until you put the pitcher back in place. That's how a lot of coffee makers work.
If you want, you can buy an extra pitcher. That way you can keep one in the fridge while the other is hooked up to the distiller. Click here to check the price of the Waterwise 3200 replacement pitcher at Waterwise.
It takes about 4 hours to distill one gallon of water with this machine. That's a good rate compared to others. And when the cycle is complete, the unit shuts off automatically.
This countertop water distiller comes with a 1 year warranty. At the manufacturer's website, they say that their distillers "typically provide three to five years of uninterrupted, trouble-free service."
Keep that in mind - the manufacturer doesn't expect it to last more than 3 to 5 years. That doesn't mean that it won't last longer. But it's not designed to last a lifetime.
The Model 3200 has been tested to NSF/ANSI Standard 62. This standard covers contaminant reduction as well as material safety, structural integrity, and total dissolved solids (TDS) reduction.
Dimensions: 15.5" w x 15" h x 10.5" d
Waterwise 3200 Pros and Cons
What People Like
Don't Like So Much
H2o Labs Model 200 Countertop Distiller (best lightweight water distiller)
Next up is the Model 200 from H2o Labs.
This one is lightweight and easy to use. Unlike all the others, it has a holding tank that you take out and fill up at the sink. Then you put it back in the unit and flip the switch, and it starts distilling within minutes.
Enjoy the convenience of the H2o Labs 200. Shop now at Amazon.
Water from the holding tank automatically feeds into a boiling tray, which is much smaller than the traditional boiling chamber in the other models.
Also, the healing element is in the tray, in direct contact with the water. This is why it comes to a boil and starts distilling so quickly.
Another advantage of the design is that the boiling tray doesn't get hard scale buildup like the stainless steel chambers do. So that makes it easy to clean. You just take out the tray and rinse it. It's also dishwasher safe.
The BPA free plastic collection container/carafe holds one gallon of distilled water. You can order an extra from the manufacturer if you'd like to have an extra one on hand. That way you don't have to pour the water into another container in order to start another batch.
An automatic turn-off prevents the water from boiling out completely and burning the mineral deposits onto the heating element.
For final polishing of the water, an activated carbon pod is mounted on the opening to the carafe. The manufacturer recommends replacing it after 30 gallons or 30 days. Pods are available from the manufacturer.
You'll also want to be aware that there is a part called an infrared anti-scale pad that will need to be replaced about every six months. This pad goes inside the heating element housing and helps minimize scale buildup. Replacements are also available from H2o Labs.
H2o Labs offers a One Year, 100% Parts and Labor Warranty to the original owner.
Dimensions: 11" w x 13" h x 10" d
H2o Labs Model 200 Pros and Cons
What People Like
Don't Like So Much
Megahome MH943TWS Countertop Water Distiller (best low cost distiller)
The Megahome Model MH943TWS distiller is the least expensive of the bunch, but it accomplishes the same thing that all the others do.
It's a simpler setup and takes up less space on the counter. That's because the condensing coils and fan sit right on top of the boiler.
See the budget-friendly Megahome water distiller at Amazon.
The boiler is made of stainless steel on the inside, and the outside is enamel coated steel. Water goes through a glass-lined nozzle from the boiler to the glass collection bottle, so the water never touches plastic at all.
It takes about 5.5 hours to produce one gallon of distilled water with the Megahome. That makes it the slowest of my top picks.
And, yes, it does have an automatic shut-off. You can start it before bedtime and wake up to a gallon of pure distilled water.
Megahome offers a 1 year warranty on parts and labor and a 30-day return policy.
Dimensions: 8" diameter x 14.5" h (distiller); collection carafe adds 10" to width
Megahome MH943TWS Pros and Cons
What People Like
Don't Like So Much
This video clip from Chris at HealthyConsumer.com shows the Megahome water distiller in black. It's the same distiller - just a different color.
If you'd like even more details about the Megahome water distiller, please click here to read my in-depth review.
How to Choose a Water Distiller
To determine which is the best water distiller for your personal needs, there are a few factors you’ll want to consider:
Speed
How much distilled water do you need each day, and how long are you willing to wait for it? It can take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours to distill a gallon of water. Be sure to find out the length of the distillation cycle for the model you’re considering.
Power Consumption
Running a water distiller doesn’t use a lot of electricity, but budget conscious consumers like to know exactly how much it costs to operate their appliances.
To figure out the cost of distilling one gallon of water for a given model, first look to see how many watts it is. Multiply the number of watts by the number of hours it takes to complete a cycle. That number multiplied by .001 gives you the number of kilowatt hours (kWh). Kilowatt hours is the unit of electrical energy you’ll see on your electric bill.
Finally, multiply the number of kilowatt hours by the rate your power company charges. That number is the cost of electricity to distill a gallon of water.
Here’s an example, using the Megahome and a made-up kWh rate:
5.5 hours x 580 watts = 3,190 watt hours or 3.19 kWh
3.19 kWh x $.09412 (kWh rate) = $0.3002428
So, it costs about 30 cents per gallon in electricity.
If I make one gallon each day, it’ll cost me $109.50 per year.
Type of Materials
Most water distillers have a stainless steel interior, but other materials like glass and plastic might be used for other components. Pay attention to any parts that come into contact with the purified water, such as the filter housing, collection chamber, and lid. Choose the materials that match your comfort level.
Size
Think about where you will store and use your water distiller. Check the dimensions and make sure you have enough room for it. Distillers tend to take up a lot of counter space. Plus you will need several inches of clearance around and above the unit.
Certifications
Manufacturers may apply for certification with organizations like the WQA, NSF, or UL. These certifications are voluntary, and not being certified doesn’t necessarily mean that the product doesn’t perform well. But, when a product has one or more of those certifications, it can give you more confidence in making the purchase.
Warranty
Always consider the warranty offered by a water distiller manufacturer, as well as the company’s customer support reputation. Be sure to read the fine print, and keep your receipt!
Water Distillers: Frequently Asked Questions
What can distilled water be used for?
Distilled water is used for a whole lot of things besides drinking water.
How do water distillers work?
Water distillers may have different bells and whistles, but they all work in basically the same way.
First, you put tap water into a boiling container. Turn on the machine, and it slowly brings the water to a boil.
As the water boils, it turns into steam. Contaminants are left behind in the boiler as the steam rises. Condenser coils collect the steam, and it reverts back to water. The purified water then drips into some type of collection bottle.
The whole process mimics the hydrologic cycle in nature, only on a much smaller scale.
All commercial electric water distillers have an additional activated charcoal filter that removes any last traces of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that might have survived the process. That filter will have to be replaced from time to time.
Which contaminants does distillation remove from water?
Water distillers eliminate most kinds of contaminants, including:
Suggested Reading: Can Water Filters Remove Viruses?
Is distilled water safe for babies to drink?
Yes! Distilled water is a good choice for preparing baby formula because it's purified and doesn't have any dangerous substances in it. In fact, both the Mayo Clinic and CDC recommend distilled water for baby formula.
Doesn't distillation take beneficial minerals out of the water?
Distillation does take out all the minerals, including the good ones. Does that matter?
Well, most experts agree that it's not a problem because we get the vast majority of the minerals we need from our food, not from water. Some people say that taking all the minerals out can make the water taste "empty" or "flat". It might take a little getting used to.
If you want, you can put minerals back into the distilled water by adding a pinch of Himalayan pink salt, or a squeeze of lemon juice, or bottled mineral drops.
What are the disadvantages of water distillers?
Distillers are excellent water purifiers, but they do have a few negative points that you'll want to keep in mind.
Verdict: Best water distiller for home use: Pure Water Mini Classic
All of these distillers are going to give you great tasting pure water.
If you're trying to decide which one to buy, the key questions to ask yourself are:
- How much do I want to spend?
- How much distilled water do I need every day?
The longer the distillation cycle takes, the less water you'll be able to produce in a day. Of the electric models, Megahome is the slowest, Waterwise 3200 is the fastest, and the Pure Water is second fastest.
If you're on a tight budget, then the Megahome would be the best choice. It's the least expensive, but it does perform well and it has a decent warranty. I like the materials, too, and the fact that the water doesn't touch plastic.
For those who don't object to BPA free plastic, then the Waterwise or H2o Labs distillers might suit. The Waterwise 3200 is newly improved, and the H2o Labs 200 is the easiest to clean and maintain.
So, which is the best water distiller?
Overall, I'd say that the Pure Water Mini-Classic is the number one choice. (Click here to purchase at the Pure Water website, and use code SAFEHEALTHYHOME for 5% off your order.) It has the most solid build and it's one of the faster electric models. The manufacturer has a good reputation, and the warranty can't be beat. I think it would far outlast the others.
If you can afford the initial investment, I recommend the Pure Water Mini-Classic - it's the best water distiller for your money.
Do you want to take one more look at the features and check the current prices of these water distillers? Just click here to go back up to the comparison table.
If you have a question about any of these distillers, feel free to leave it in a comment below. I'll do my best to find the answer, if I don't already know it.
Last Updated on July 2, 2023
Every stainless-steel pot I have bought made in China after a year or a couple months they got spotted pit brown marks on the bottom, Poor quality stainless steel, I do not use them again, all were fine American brand pots made in China. I have one stainless-steel pan made in Canonsburg Pa (All-clad) 25 years now no pits or brown dots on the bottom. I think China uses poor quality stainless steel.
I want a water distiller.
do you know of any brands that I can be sure the stainless steel is not going to pit or rust out as all seem to be made in China?
Hi Donald! Pure Water distillers are made in the USA. According to their website, they use 304 grade stainless steel made locally in Lincoln, Nebraska.
What is the Cost comparison in Electricity for these models please?. Thank you.
Hi, Phil! That’s not something that I have researched, but maybe I will in the future.
I did go ahead and figure out the power comsumption for these models and included it in the comparison table. You will need to find out your power company’s cost rate per kilowatt hour. Then multiply that rate by the kWh/gal number in the table to find out how much it costs to distill one gallon of water.
Do you test the water and do you any results for fluoride or lead, and ph levels?
Hi, Angela! No, I haven’t done any testing on these distillers.
I want to know how to get the terrible BPA toxin out of the water before storing it in glass bottles.
I don’t want to add more BPA.
Hi, BPA! Then I would suggest the Pure Water Mini Classic because it’s stainless steel with a glass collection chamber.
Hello. I have an oldish megahome one.
I bought some Carbon looking little sacks
To try and make water taste better. No better
Live in South East Sussex. Will try adding lemon. Any other suggestions
Hi, Marion! Have you been experiencing a foul taste even with the carbon filter? If so, I’d contact the manufacturer. You really shouldn’t taste anything at all.
Oops! forgot a question; What ‘doesn’t’ Distillers filter out? Thanks again.
Hi again, Ellen! As long as the distiller also includes an activated carbon filter, it removes all impurities from the water. Some VOCs have a boiling point higher than that of water, so they remain through the distillation process. The carbon filter takes care of that.
A little confused…went on Amazon to look at your Megahome link and someone in the comments section said this is an old model from 2013…there’s a newer 2017 model…how can I tell what the latest model is?
Also a few questions:
. Do distillers filter chlorine?
. What are the filters made of? (some filter material contains plastics/glue)
. Does the distilled water come in contact w/the plastic that is housing the ‘filter’?
Thanks for your site…a wealth of information…also love how ‘thorough’ you are. 🙂
Hi, Ellen! I checked at the manufacturer’s website, and there is no newer version of the MH943 at this time. There are different options available, such as a stainless steel exterior and plastic collection bottle. Maybe that’s where the confusion lies.
In answer to your other questions:
Yes, distillers remove chlorine. (Adding that to the list in the post now!)
If a distiller has an extra filter, it’s usually coconut shell activated carbon. Distillation itself doesn’t involve a filter.
Whether the distilled water comes into contact with plastic varies by brand.
That was useful ! Thanks !
Hi Marge, passing back through again and noticed that you replied and wondering how I missed any notification… Anyway, thank you for your help. Not knowing that you had replied, I went with the survival still from Mr. MEDER
While researching for water distillers over the past few years, I’ve seen plenty of negativity on this particular item. From overpriced to others saying how distilled water is not healthy… Anyway, my belief IS, better to have it and not need it then to need it and not have it!
The SS distiller itself is major heavy duty. The pots, not so much. However I paid for a pkg deal where the top and bottom were “free”…
For others that might be interested, I have a two fold plan of purifying bad water into potable water; distillation and charcoal/sand/ ceramic filtration. The order at which will be determined at the time of need.
Thank you Marge very much! Be well!