Best Budget-Friendly: Mophorn Pure Water Distiller 750W

A water distiller is a device that removes contaminants from water by heating the water and then collecting the steam, leaving behind any toxic compounds. A water distiller can be used to purify both drinking water and contaminated water.

Distillation involves boiling the water and then condensing the steam into a separate container, leaving contaminants behind. Distilling water is one of the most effective ways to remove contaminants like heavy metals, salts and other impurities that may be present in tap water.

Yes, there are a wide variety of price points when it comes to water distillers—what separates different models is the speed at which water is distilled and the amount of plastic versus steel components (steel is more pricey).

For the best budget-friendly option, we liked this 750 watt model from Mophorn that was recommended by our readers—excellent performance (it takes just 3 hours to make one gallon of distilled water) at a price point that doesn’t break the bank.

What We Liked

• Easy to use.

• Overheat protection works well.

• Quick: takes about three hours to make one gallon of distilled water.

• Affordable.

• Great for CPAP users.

What Needs Work

• Not everyone is fan of the plastic jug that collects the water—some folks prefer glass.

• Cleaning instructions could be more clear.

Best Easy-to-Use: CO-Z Distiller Water Maker

This model is a favorite of our readers and we agree: it is super easy to use. We like the auto shut-off when the temperature reaches 302 degrees. Works quickly—we clocked it at about four hours for one gallon of water, but your mileage may vary.

What We Liked

• Easy to clean—as long as you don’t boil off all the water!

• Great for use with a coffee maker.

• Includes charcoal filter.

• Stainless steel inside. 

What Needs Work

• Fan is a bit loud.

• Could be easier to get the top off for cleaning.

Best Steel Exterior: Megahome Countertop Water Distiller

Most water distillers have plastic exteriors plus a plastic water collection jug. That is fine, but other folks prefer to have steel construction with a glass collection jar. We looked at several steel models before picking this one by Megahome as the best bet—excellent at distilling water, albeit at a high price due to the higher quality construction.

What We Liked

• Steel look fits nicely into most kitchens.

• Includes 6 charcoal filters and cleaning agent—more than other models we researched.

• Glass collection bottle.

• Porcelain lined nozzle.

• Auto shut-off.

What Needs Work

• A bit slower than other models—takes about 5.5 hours for one gallon of water. That’s because this model is 580 watts, somewhat lower in wattage than others reviewed in this article.

• Loud.

• Pricey.

Best For CPAP Machines: DC HOUSE 1 Gallon Water Distiller Machine

CPAP machines almost always recommend using distilled water for humidification—and that can add up in a hurry. This machine pays for itself quickly—it makes 1 liter of water per hour. That’s the perfect amount for a CPAP machine.

What We Liked

• Easy to use.

• Compact footprint.

• Cleaning powder included.

• Charcoal filters also in box.

What Needs Work

• Outside of machine can get hot.

About the Authors

Denise & Alan Fields are consumer advocates and best-selling authors. The Fields have authored 12 books with three million copies in print, including the best-selling guide to baby gear, Baby Bargains.

The Fields have been featured and quoted in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times.

As consumer products experts, the Fields have been guests on the NBC Today Show, Good Morning America and ABC’s 20/20.

How We Pick Products To Recommend

We often turn to our readers (3 million strong!) to find products to recommend. We ask our parent readers for their favorites and consider their real-world experiences in our recommendations.

When we test a product, we always purchase it with our own monies. We do not take free samples, as we believe that compromises our independence.

We also fact check manufacturer information with our own measurements. If a maker claims a product weighs X pounds, we will weigh it to make sure. If the battery life is supposed to be six hours, we will see how it stands up in the real world.

In some cases, we will do interviews with experts in the field to get additional feedback on products.

To get hands-on time with products, we regularly meet one-on-one with gear companies and even tour manufacturing facilities. (When we do this, we pay our own travel expenses).

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do extensive research, evaluating products with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability.

We make our living from affiliate commissions, but we always recommend what we think are the best bets for our readers (not the ones that are the most expensive). We are always looking for products that offer the best bang for the buck.

Our independence is a key reason why we have been doing this so long. As we mentioned above, when we purchase a product for hands-on testing, we do so with our own money.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!