For many people, having clean water isn’t a big deal, but for others, it is a must. If you are among those who don’t always have access to clean water, you probably wonder which purification methods would work the best for you. For example, distilled water vs. reverse osmosis water: which one is better?
To understand which option would suit your needs better, you need to understand their differences. In this article, we will explain how each type of water is made and what its best uses are.
What is Distilled Water? How it is Made and Best Uses
Distilled water is made through a process called distillation. In this method, water is heated until it turns into steam. Most contaminants, including minerals, salts, heavy metals, and microorganisms, do not evaporate with the water.
The steam escapes the boiling chamber, then cools down and condenses back into liquid form in a separate container.
This is how you get extremely pure water, almost 100% chemically pure water. Because the water boils during the distillation, this kills bacteria, viruses, and parasites. It also gets rid of inorganic minerals because they can’t evaporate.
Best Uses of Distilled Water
Due to its extreme purity, distilled water is commonly used in medical settings, laboratories, and industrial applications. It is also great for appliances like steam irons, humidifiers, and CPAP machines, as it prevents scale formation.
Some people even use distilled water for drinking, particularly when they want water completely free of contaminants. However, the lack of minerals can affect taste, making it seem flat or bland.
What is Reverse Osmosis Water? How it is Made and Best Uses
Reverse osmosis water is produced using a filtration-based process instead of heat. Reverse osmosis systems push water through a semi-permeable membrane under pressure. The water molecules pass through this membrane, but larger particles (such as dissolved salts, heavy metals, and fluoride) can’t go through.
Most reverse osmosis systems have several filtration stages. For example, they contain sediment and carbon filters that remove dirt, chlorine, and organic compounds before the water reaches the RO membrane. Some systems also include a post-filter or remineralization stage to improve taste.
Common Uses of Reverse Osmosis Water
Reverse osmosis water is mostly used for drinking and cooking because it removes a broad range of contaminants while still retaining trace amounts of minerals, depending on the system.
It usually tastes cleaner and fresher than tap water and is less “empty” in flavor than distilled water. This water type is also used in aquariums and food/drink preparation.
Distilled Water vs Reverse Osmosis Water: Key Differences
Now that you understand how distilled water and reverse osmosis water are produced, let’s take a closer look at their most important differences:
1. What They Remove
- Distilled water removes nearly everything from the water, including all debris, contaminants, and dissolved minerals.
- On the other hand, reverse osmosis removes most contaminants but may leave behind very small amounts of minerals.
Process Speed and Electricity Use
- Distillation requires a significant amount of electricity to boil water for several hours. This is a much slower and more energy-intensive process.
- Reverse osmosis systems operate continuously with water pressure. Usually, they don’t use any electricity, and they work much more quickly than distillers.
Taste
- Distilled water can taste a bit bland and flavorless, because it is almost pure H20. Reverse osmosis water has a better and more natural flavor because it still contains some minerals.
- This option is also healthier overall, as our bodies need those minerals in water, and constantly drinking distilled water could strip your body of some really important compounds.
Storage and Convenience
- Distilled water needs to be stored in sterile containers, and it can easily become contaminated, which makes it not very convenient.
- Reverse osmosis systems provide water on demand through a dedicated faucet, which is more convenient for most people.
Distilled Water vs Reverse Osmosis Water
| Feature | Distilled Water | Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water |
| What It Removes | Removes nearly everything, including debris, contaminants, and all dissolved minerals | Removes most contaminants but may leave trace amounts of beneficial minerals |
| Process Speed and Energy Use | Slow process that requires boiling water for several hours and uses a significant amount of electricity | Fast, continuous process powered by water pressure; usually does not require electricity |
| Taste | Often tastes flat or bland due to the lack of minerals | Tastes more natural and pleasant because some minerals remain |
| Health Considerations | Long-term consumption may deprive the body of essential minerals | Generally healthier for daily drinking due to retained minerals |
| Storage and Convenience | Must be stored in sterile containers and can be re-contaminated easily | Provides water on demand through a dedicated faucet, making it more convenient |
When to Choose Distilled Water
1. For Medical Devices, Lab work, and Technical Equipment
Choose distilled water when you need absolutely pure water. Distilled water is ideal for medical devices, laboratory work, and technical equipment. Even small mineral traces can cause problems and impact results.
2. For Cleaning Home Appliances and General Home Use
Distilled water is also useful for home appliances that are prone to mineral scale. This includes steam irons, humidifiers, and battery systems.
3. For CPAP Machines
CPAP machines also run on distilled water. Some people use distilled water for short-term detox diets or specific medical recommendations. However, long-term exclusive use of distilled water can lead to a dangerous lack of minerals.
When to Choose Reverse Osmosis Water
1. For Cooking and Drinking
If you need purified water for everyday cooking and drinking, then reverse osmosis water is a better choice for you. For example, reverse osmosis is a great way to purify chlorine-treated municipal water or private wells that contain nitrates, arsenic, or heavy metals.
2. For Consistent Water Flavor
Reverse osmosis water is also great for maintaining a consistent water flavor. This is especially important in the food and drinks industry, where even the smallest change in ingredients can lead to completely different flavors.
Affordable Water Distillers For Home Use
1. CO-Z 1.1 Gallon Water Distiller, 750W Countertop
This tabletop water distiller removes harmful impurities from water and can produce up to 1.1 gallons of distilled water. It is made from a durable, food-grade stainless steel design, and it is easy to clean and versatile for many uses.
2. CO-Z 4L Stainless Steel Water Distiller
This water distiller has a 100% 304 stainless steel chamber and coil with BPA-free, food-grade components. It produces up to 6 gallons per day, and it has features such as one-button operation, automatic shutoff, and a premium glass carafe.
Conclusion
When choosing distilled water vs reverse osmosis water, you need to consider their key differences and different intended uses.
Both options have their own pros and cons, and neither of them is better than the other, but one option can be more appropriate depending on your specific situation and individual needs.
Distilled water is better if you are looking for water purity, but reverse osmosis water is better if you plan to drink it or cook with it.
Explore more on how distilled water is made and what it is best used for.
