Can you distill water at home? Of course you can. Learn how to distill water at home—easily and safely. This expert, step-by-step guide covers scientific basics, proven methods, practical safety tips, and common FAQs, ensuring you can create purified water for drinking, appliances, aquariums, and emergencies using simple kitchen tools or a countertop distiller.
What Is Water Distillation?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), distillation is a reliable method for producing purified water, particularly where water quality may be compromised. Have you ever wondered what is distilled water and what makes distilled water distilled? Is boiling water the same as distilled water? The answer lies in a simple, natural process that mimics the Earth's own water cycle. Distilled water is a type of purified water that is free from minerals, bacteria, and other contaminants and water distillation is a purification method that involves boiling water to create steam and then cooling that steam to condense it back into liquid water. One key difference between distillation and other water purification methods is its ability to remove a broader range of impurities, including minerals, metals, and biological contaminants. Because most contaminants do not turn into steam, they get left behind.
The result is water in its purest form, free from the vast majority of impurities.
Scientific Definition: Water distillation is the process of separating components from a liquid mixture by selective boiling and condensation. For water, this means heating it until it becomes vapor (evaporation) and then cooling the vapor to turn it back into liquid water (condensation), leaving solid contaminants behind.
Quick Process Summary:
- Evaporation: Heat is applied to a water source. The water evaporates, turning into steam (water vapor).
- Separation: Minerals, salts, heavy metals, and microorganisms are left behind in the original container.
- Condensation: The pure water vapor is cooled, causing it to change back into liquid water droplets.
- Collection: These pure water droplets are collected in a clean, separate container.
Benefits of Water Distillation
- Exceptional Purity: Distillation removes over 99% of dissolved solids, including minerals like calcium and magnesium, heavy metals like lead and mercury, and most biological contaminants like bacteria and viruses. This makes it a highly effective water purification method.
- Removes a Wide Range of Contaminants: Unlike many water filtration systems that are designed to target specific chemicals, distillation offers a broad-spectrum solution. Filters such as carbon filters, for instance, are effective at removing chlorine, odors, and certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), but they may not remove heavy metals or biological pathogens. Distillation, on the other hand, works by boiling water to create steam, leaving virtually all contaminants behind, including the most challenging ones.
Limitations to Consider
- Certain Chemicals Can Remain: Some volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and chemicals that have a lower boiling point than water may evaporate with the steam and end up in the final product. Using a post-filter with activated carbon can help remove these.
- Energy Intensive: Boiling water requires a significant amount of energy, whether from your stovetop or an electric distiller. This can make it less cost-effective for large volumes compared to a water filter.
- Slower Process: Making distilled water at home is not a fast process. A typical DIY setup produces a limited amount of water per hour.
Instruction of making Distill Water at Home
You might be wondering where do you buy distilled water, but the truth is, you can easily make it yourself. You don't need fancy lab equipment to make distilled water at home. With a few common kitchen items, you can easily set up your own distillation system. This is an excellent solution for emergencies or when you only need a small amount for a specific use.
Required Equipment and Safety Checklist
Before you begin, gather your home distillation kits. Safety is key, as you will be working with a hot stove and boiling water without professional help.
Equipment List:
- A large, deep stainless steel pot with a lid (at least 5 quarts or larger).
- A lid that fits the pot well, preferably one that is dome-shaped or concave so it dips down in the middle when inverted.
- A smaller collection bowl made of glass or stainless steel that can fit inside the large pot. It should be shorter than the pot's sides and ideally be able to float.
- A bag or tray of ice cubes.
- A heat source (your stovetop).
- Oven mitts for safe handling.
Safety Checklist:
- Use Food-Grade Materials: Ensure your pot and collection bowl are made of food-grade stainless steel or glass to prevent leaching unwanted chemicals into your pure water.
- Clean Everything Thoroughly: Wash the pot, lid, and collection bowl with soap and water before starting.
- Never Leave the Stove Unattended: This process involves continuous heat. Stay in the kitchen to monitor it.
- Handle with Care: The pot, lid, and steam will be extremely hot. Always use oven mitts.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here is the easy way to make your own distilled water on stovetop. Follow these steps carefully for the best results.
Setup and Fill: Fill the large pot about halfway with tap water. You need enough water to create steam but not so much that it will boil over into your collection bowl. Place the smaller collection bowl inside the pot. It should float on the surface of the water. If it doesn't float, you can place a round baking rack on the bottom of the pot to elevate the bowl.
Heat and Simmer: Place the pot on your stove over medium heat. You want the water to come to a steady simmer, not a rolling boil. A temperature between 180–200°F (82–93°C) is ideal. A vigorous boil can cause water from the pot to splash into your clean collection bowl, defeating the purpose.
Condense with Ice: Once the water is simmering, place the lid on the pot upside down. The handle or knob of the lid should be pointing down, creating a cone shape that directs condensation to the center. Fill the top of the inverted lid with ice. The cold surface of the lid will cause the steam from the boiling water inside the pot to cool rapidly and condense into pure water droplets.
Collect and Store: As the steam condenses on the underside of the cold lid, it will drip down into your floating collection bowl. This collected liquid is your distilled water. The process can take an hour or more to produce a few cups of water.
- Replenish the ice on the lid as it melts.
- Once you have collected enough water, turn off the heat.
- Using oven mitts, carefully remove the hot lid. Then, carefully lift the collection bowl out of the pot.
- Let the distilled water cool completely before transferring it to a clean, airtight container for storage.
Estimated Output: Expect this DIY method to be slow. You might produce about one cup of distilled water per hour. Plan on a 15–20% water loss, as not all steam will be captured.
Troubleshooting & Pro Safety Tips
Problem: My collection bowl is tipping over.
Solution: Make sure the bowl is well-balanced or use a metal baking rack at the bottom of the pot to provide a stable surface. Don't let the collection bowl get too full, as it can become unstable.
Problem: The water tastes funny.
Solution: An off-taste can come from contaminants in the pot or from VOCs that have a low boiling point. Ensure all equipment is spotlessly clean. Running the distilled water through an activated carbon filter can remove taste and odor issues.
Problem: I see white residue in the big pot after I'm done.
Solution: This is perfectly normal! That residue consists of the minerals and solids that were removed from your tap water. It's proof the process worked. Simply wash the pot thoroughly after each use.
- Pro Tip: To increase efficiency, have a steady supply of ice ready. The colder the lid, the faster the steam will condense.
Using a Countertop Water Distiller
If you need a consistent supply of distilled water, a dedicated countertop water distiller is a far more convenient option. These electric appliances automate the entire process.
How They Work: An electric distiller operates on the same principle as the stovetop method. It has a boiling chamber for the source water, a heating element, a fan-cooled condensing coil, and a carafe to collect the pure water. You simply fill the chamber, press a button, and the machine does the rest.
Step-by-Step Operation:
- Fill: Open the distiller and fill the boiling chamber with tap water up to the marked line.
- Assemble: Place the top cover on, which contains the fan and condensing coils, and position the collection jug under the spout.
- Start: Plug it in and turn it on. The machine will automatically heat the water, condense the steam, and shut off when the cycle is complete.
- Clean: Regular cleaning is essential to remove the mineral scale that builds up in the boiling chamber. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning after every few cycles.
Cost vs. DIY: A Quick Comparison
When choosing the right water distillation method, understanding the cost, efficiency, and convenience of each method can help you make a better decision. Below are some key comparisons between DIY stovetop distillation and countertop distillers to help you choose based on your needs.
| Feature | DIY Stovetop Method | Countertop Water Distiller |
| Initial Cost | Free (uses existing kitchenware) | $75 - $300+ |
| Speed | Very slow (approx. 1 cup/hour) | Faster (approx. 1 gallon in 4-6 hours) |
| Convenience | Low (requires constant monitoring) | High (set it and forget it) |
| Energy Use | High (stovetop energy) | Moderate to High (electric appliance) |
| Output Volume | Low (best for small amounts) | High (produces a gallon or more per cycle) |
| Best For | Emergencies, occasional small needs | Regular use for appliances, drinking |
Initial Cost:
- DIY Stovetop Method: This method is nearly free since it uses existing kitchenware such as a pot, bowl, and lid. It requires no special equipment, making it an economical choice for those who want to distill water without a significant upfront investment.
- Countertop Water Distiller: While there’s an initial investment, countertop water distillers typically range from $75 to $300 or more, depending on the brand and features. While the upfront cost may seem high compared to the stovetop method, these units are specifically designed for water distillation and offer greater convenience and efficiency.
Speed:
- DIY Stovetop Method: This method is very slow, typically producing only about 1 cup of distilled water per hour. It’s best suited for small quantities or occasional use, making it less practical for anyone who needs a large amount of distilled water regularly.
- Countertop Water Distiller: This option is much faster, generally producing 1 gallon of distilled water in 4-6 hours. The distiller operates continuously and is far more efficient, making it ideal for those with regular or larger water distillation needs.
Convenience:
- DIY Stovetop Method: Although the initial cost is minimal, this method requires constant attention and monitoring. You need to ensure that the water doesn’t boil dry, adjust the heat, and check the water level regularly. It’s time-consuming and can be impractical for anyone looking for an easy, hands-off solution.
- Countertop Water Distiller: Once set up, a countertop distiller operates automatically. You simply fill the tank, start the machine, and wait for the cycle to finish. This makes it a much more convenient option for people who need to distill water regularly without the hassle of constant monitoring.
Energy Use:
- DIY Stovetop Method: The DIY method tends to have high energy consumption, as it requires heating water on the stove for an extended period. This can lead to increased gas or electricity costs, especially if you’re distilling water frequently. The heating process can be less energy-efficient compared to an electric distiller.
- Countertop Water Distiller: A countertop distiller generally uses moderate energy. While it runs on electricity, it is designed specifically for distillation and is typically more energy-efficient than using a stovetop. However, the running time (usually 4-6 hours per cycle) still contributes to energy use, making it a slightly higher cost in terms of electricity compared to a stovetop.
Output Volume:
- DIY Stovetop Method: The output volume is relatively low, making this method ideal for small batches. You can expect to produce a cup or less distilled water per hour, which is perfect for people who only need small quantities for occasional use, such as for an iron or small appliance.
- Countertop Water Distiller: This method offers a high output, capable of producing 1 gallon or more per cycle. For those who need larger quantities of distilled water for regular use, such as for drinking, cooking, or filling larger appliances, this method is far more efficient and practical.
The DIY stovetop method is one of the ways to make distilled water and is ideal for infrequent, small-scale distillation, with minimal upfront cost. The countertop distiller, on the other hand, is a more efficient and faster option, making it a better choice for those who need regular or larger quantities of distilled water. Both methods provide a way to purify the water, but the choice depends on your needs for convenience and volume.
Is Distilled Water Safe to Drink & Use?
This is a very common question. The short answer is yes, distilled water is safe drinking water. It is, after all, simply pure H₂O.
The main health debate is that distilled water lacks minerals. Because the distillation process removes minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, some are concerned about missing out on these essential nutrients.
Health Impacts: For most healthy adults who eat a balanced diet, distilled water for drinking is not a problem. We get the vast majority of our minerals from food, not water. However, for infants, the elderly, or individuals with specific health conditions, relying solely on drinking water low in calcium and other minerals might not be ideal without consulting a health professional.
Scientific Consensus: Major health organizations have not issued warnings against drinking distilled water. The purity of distilled water is completely free of harmful contaminants, which can be a major benefit in areas where the quality of tap water varies or is known to be poor.
Myths Debunked:
- Myth: Distilled water may leach minerals from your body.
- Fact: There is no credible scientific evidence to support this claim. Any water, including tap water, will absorb minerals during digestion, but this effect is negligible and does not deplete your body's mineral reserves.
- Myth: Boiled water is the same as distilled water.
- Fact: Boiling water kills germs, but it does not remove minerals, salts, or heavy metals. In fact, as water boils away, the concentration of these contaminants increases. Does boiling water remove minerals? No, only distillation can do that.
Best Uses for Distilled Water (Drinking, Appliances, More)
Because distilled water is free from minerals, it has many uses beyond just drinking. In many cases, it is not just recommended—it is required. Let's explore how to use distilled water.
Drinking and Cooking: Some people prefer the neutral taste of distilled water. Therefore, this water is used for making crystal-clear ice cubes, coffee, and tea without the mineral taste of tap water.
Home Medical Devices:
- CPAP Machines: Using tap water in a CPAP humidifier can lead to mineral buildup that damages the machine and can be inhaled. Distilled water is essential.
- Neti Pots & Nasal Rinses: Using tap water for nasal rinsing is dangerous, as it can contain harmful microorganisms. Only sterile or distilled water should be used.
- Humidifiers: Prevents the release of white mineral dust into the air and prolongs the life of the appliance.
Other Applications:
- Steam Irons: Prevents mineral deposits from clogging the steam vents.
- Car Batteries & Cooling Systems: Minerals in tap water can interfere with function and cause corrosion.
- Aquariums: Distilled water provides a clean base that allows fish owners to precisely control the mineral and pH levels for sensitive aquatic life.
- Canning & Preserving: Ensures the color and flavor of fruits and vegetables are not affected by minerals.
- Houseplants: Ideal for sensitive plants like orchids and carnivores that can be harmed by the minerals in tap water.
Comparison Table: Which Water to Use?
This comparison table outlines the different types of water, including distilled, filtered, tap, and reverse osmosis—across several applications. So which is the best water to use? Here's an analysis of the key points:
| Application | Distilled Water | Filtered Water | Tap Water | Reverse Osmosis Water |
| Drinking | Good | Best | Okay* | Good |
| CPAP/Humidifier | Best | Not Recommended | Not Recommended | Good |
| Steam Iron | Best | Not Recommended | Not Recommended | Good |
| Car Battery | Best | No | No | No |
| Aquariums | Best (with re-mineralization) | Okay | Poor | Good |
| Cooking | Good | Good | Okay* | Good |
*Depends on local water quality.
Summary:
- Distilled Water is also the best option for appliances like CPAP machines, steam irons, and car batteries, but not ideal for regular drinking or cooking due to its lack of minerals.
- Filtered Water is excellent for drinking and cooking but is not suitable for devices requiring pure water, such as humidifiers or steam irons.
- Tap Water may be fine for general consumption, but can lead to issues with appliances and specific needs like aquariums or CPAP use.
- Reverse Osmosis Water is a good option for most uses, but it may also require re-mineralization for certain applications like aquariums or drinking water.
The difference between distilled water and filtered water becomes clearer when you consider their best uses. Each type of water is best suited to specific uses, and the selection depends on your priority, whether it’s pureness, mineral content, or appliance longevity.
Distilled Water vs. Other Purification Methods
Each water filtration method has its own strengths and is suited to different needs based on the type of purified water you're looking for.
How does distillation stack up against other common ways to purify water?
- Distillation: Boils water and condenses the steam. Use it to make highly purified water, removing nearly everything—minerals, metals, bacteria, and viruses. Naturally distilled water, such as rainwater, follows a similar process in nature, where evaporation and condensation purify water.
- Reverse Osmosis (RO): Pushes water through a semipermeable membrane which allows the water to be extremely clean. Very effective at removing most contaminants, including minerals. Produces wastewater.
- Filtration: Passes water through a physical barrier (like carbon or ceramic). Effectiveness depends on the filter type. Excellent for removing chlorine, sediment, and some chemicals, but may not remove viruses or all dissolved solids.
- Boiling: Heats water is a better choice to kill bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Does not remove minerals or chemical contaminants.
Pros and Cons of Purification Methods
We've already covered the specific characteristics of each water treatment method. Below is a table summarizing the advantages and disadvantages of each method to help you more clearly compare them.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
| Distillation | Highest purity; removes most contaminants. | Slow; energy-intensive; doesn't remove all VOCs. |
| Reverse Osmosis | Very high purity; removes a wide range of contaminants. | Wastes water; requires installation; removes healthy minerals. |
| Filtration | Fast; affordable; retains healthy minerals; improves taste. | Does not remove all contaminants; filters need regular replacement. |
| Boiling | Kills biological contaminants; simple and effective for emergencies. | Does not remove minerals or chemicals; uses energy. |
Key Takeaway
Distilling water at home is a safe, straightforward, and reliable method to produce highly purified water. It is perfect for critical uses in appliances, for scientific experiments, or as a backup during water-related emergencies. While the DIY stovetop method is effective for small batches, a countertop distiller offers superior speed and convenience for ongoing needs. Always remember to use clean, food-grade equipment to ensure your final product is as pure as possible.
FAQs About Distilling Water
Here are answers to some of the most common questions people have when they learn how to make distilled water.
1. How can I make distilled water at home?
Making your own distilled water at home is super easy and doesn't require complicated equipment. Just prepare a large pot, a small bowl with water, a lid and a few ice cubes.
First pour tap water into the cauldron and bring it to a boil. The water boils and turns into steam, which is the raw material for distillation.
Next, put the lid on the pot upside down. The upside down lid acts as a countertop for the steam to condense, so be sure to cover the edges tightly so the steam can circulate smoothly.
Then place ice cubes on top of the upside down lid. The cold temperature of the ice cools the steam quickly, turning it back to liquid.
Lastly, look at the small bowl--the steam hits the cold lid and condenses into droplets that will fall, drop by drop, into the small bowl in the center of the pot, which is distilled water. Keep doing this until you've collected enough. This method actually mimics nature's water cycle, relying on evaporation and condensation to get pure water, free of impurities like minerals, chlorine, and bacteria.
Be safe! You have to be careful when you take boiling water or touch steam, so you don't burn yourself. You have to add ice when it melts so that condensation can continue.
2. Is boiled water the same thing as distilled water?
No. Boiled water is not the same as distilled water. Although both heat the water, the purification process is very different.
Boiling water works mainly to kill bacteria, viruses, parasites and other harmful microorganisms. Removing these pathogens makes the water safer to drink. But it doesn't remove dissolved minerals, salts or heavy metals from the water. In fact, when the water boils, it evaporates, and these things stay in the pot and become more concentrated. So boiling only makes the water microbiologically safer, but it doesn't remove chemical contaminants.
This is not the case with distilled water, which has a more comprehensive purification process. The water is first heated to produce steam, which rises, leaving impurities like minerals, salts, and metals in the original container. After that, the steam cools and condenses into a liquid, and what you get is water that is free of most contaminants. Because of this feature, distilled water is great for medical or laboratory use, as these need just the right amount of water that does not contain any dissolved substances.
Overall, there are some differences between the two. Boiled water is effective in killing bacteria, but distilled water is purer because it removes both biological contaminants and chemical impurities.
3. What can I use instead of distilled water?
The best alternatives to distilled water vary depending on the specific application; after all, each type of water treatment has its own unique advantages. For use in CPAP ventilators, car batteries, irons, and other household appliances that require water that is free of minerals or contaminants, there are two good alternatives. Deionized water (DI water) is treated to remove most mineral ions, like calcium, magnesium, and sodium, and it is often used in science and industry where water purity is critical, making it an ideal alternative to distilled water for household appliances that require mineral-free water; Reverse osmosis (RO) water is filtered through a semi-permeable membrane that removes a wide range of contaminants, including minerals, bacteria, and other impurities when Mineral-free water is also great when it is needed, especially in home filtration systems or specific equipment.
For general drinking water, high quality filtered water is a good alternative to distilled water. Modern water filtration systems, such as activated carbon filters, remove chlorine, contaminants, and some heavy metals, providing cleaner, safer water than tap water.
It's important to note that it's important to check the manufacturer's recommendations for a particular appliance or application, for example, some appliances may be damaged if water other than distilled water is used, as the minerals in alternatives such as filtered water may cause mineral buildup or corrosion over time.
4. Can you drink distilled water?
Yes, distilled water is perfectly safe to drink and is recognized as one of the purest of the many types of drinking water. The process of distillation is like a sophisticated purification ritual, in which water is heated to turn it into vapor, and then the vapor is allowed to cool and condense into liquid water, in which bacteria, minerals, salts, and various other impurities are completely trapped from entering the final distilled water. This extreme purity makes distilled water ideal for those who seek absolute safety in their drinking water.
However, the purity of distilled water also means that it is missing out on the natural minerals found in ordinary tap water or natural spring water. These natural minerals not only give water its unique taste and refreshment, but also play an important role in the body's physiological functioning. While it is not possible to get these minerals from distilled water itself, there is no need to be overly concerned because for most healthy people, the daily diet provides sufficient minerals. We eat every day vegetables, fruits, grains, meat and other foods, are rich in a variety of essential minerals, as long as the diet structure is balanced and reasonable, can make up for the lack of minerals in distilled water, so usually, the lack of minerals in distilled water does not have a negative impact on health.
5. Can I buy distilled water at the grocery store?
Yes, you can easily buy distilled water at most grocery stores, supermarkets and drugstores. It comes in flexible packages, usually in large one-gallon cans or small, portable bottles, and in stores you can usually find it in the bottled water section, alongside other types of water such as spring water and purified water. It is easy to find and very convenient to purchase.
Distilled water tends to be sold for specific uses, such as for household appliances like continuous positive airway pressure ventilators and steam irons, but that doesn't stop it from being useful in other scenarios, such as for everyday drinking, watering plants, or brewing baby formula.
If you're planning to buy distilled water, an easy way to find out is to look at the label. As long as it's clearly labeled “distilled,” that's what you're looking for. Also, some stores will offer large capacity distilled water, so for those who need distilled water on a regular basis, it will be more cost-effective and save you a lot of money to buy this large capacity.