Filtered Water vs Distilled Water: Are They the Same?

Are you struggling to choose between filtered and distilled water? You’re not the only one, as many people don’t know the difference between these two types of water. Yet, they are not the same. While their differences are subtle, they are significant enough.

This article will answer several questions for you. Is filtered water the same as distilled water? Does filtering water make it distilled? If you need answers to these questions, keep reading!

Distilled Water vs Filtered Water: Main Differences

To understand the difference between the distilled and filtered water, you first need to learn how they are made. Distillation and filtration processes are completely different, so let’s take a closer look at them.

The Process of Making Filtered Water

Filtered water is made by filtering water (usually straight from the tap) through one or more filters. There are different types of filters, each one removing different contaminants and substances from water:

• Activated carbon filters - these filters use activated carbon to remove chlorine, unpleasant odors, and even some organic contaminants.
• Reverse osmosis - this filtration type pushes water through a semi-permeable membrane and removes salts, heavy metals, and other non-organic impurities.
• UV filters - these filters use UV rays to kill organic contaminants, usually viruses and bacteria.
• Sediment filters - mesh screens that help remove larger particles, such as dirt, sand, and rust flakes.

Usually, two or more of these filters are used at the same time. For example, a sediment filter removes larger particles from the water, and then the reverse osmosis filter removes smaller particles, such as salts, heavy metals, and minerals.

The Process of Making Distilled Water 

Distilled water is made through the distillation process. First, the water is poured into the container. Then, it is heated so that it starts boiling. When it reaches the boiling temperature, the water starts evaporating and turns into steam. Only the water evaporates, while the impurities stay behind. 

The steam travels to the condenser coils or tubes, where it cools down and condenses. The condensed water drips into a clean collection container. This condensed liquid is 100% pure water because, as you remember, none of the impurities could evaporate, so they remained trapped in the first container.

This process is a bit slow, but once the last drop of water evaporates and condenses back into the collection container, you will have 100% pure water. 

Differences Between Filtered and Distilled Water

Of course, there are many other differences between filtered and distilled water. In the table below, you can see a brief overview of the main differences between these two types of purified water:

As you can see, distilled water is 100% pure of any contaminants and impurities, while filtered water isn’t. Filtered water is still cleaner than the unfiltered water, but some impurities remain. 

Can you Use Filtered Water Instead of Distilled Water? 

In some cases, yes. However, the exact answer depends on the intended purpose. For example, if you want to use that water for drinking and cooking, then filtered water is good enough. As a matter of fact, filtered water is better for cooking and drinking than distilled water. Our bodies need certain minerals from the water, and these minerals are completely removed from the distilled water. 

However, if you need completely sterile water, for example, for medical purposes, then you can’t use filtered water instead of distilled water. Additionally, if you need water for appliances susceptible to mineral buildup (such as steam irons), you should also use distilled water only, and you can’t use filtered water instead.  

When Do You Need Distilled Water, and When Do You Need Filtered Water

To help you decide whether to use distilled or filtered water in certain situations, we made this table: 

How To Make Distilled Water at Home

Many people buy distilled water at grocery stores, drugstores, and even gas stations. However, this can be really expensive, which is why you should consider making distilled water at home. The process is fairly simple; you just need to get one large and one small metal pot. 

Then, pour the water into the large pot, and place the smaller pot into the water, so that it doesn’t touch the bottom of the large pot. Place an inverted lid on the large pot and start heating the water. As the water heats and starts to boil and evaporate, it will condense on the lid and drip back into the small pot.

Does this sound like too much work? Then you should buy a home distiller instead. These machines are affordable, efficient, and easy to use.  

Affordable Water Distillers to Make Distilled Water at Home

To make things even easier for you, here are our top picks for home water distillers:

1. CO-Z 4L Stainless Steel Water Distiller, Pure Water Machine

This water distiller has a 100% 304 stainless steel chamber and coil, as well as a BPA-free glass carafe. This makes it both safe and efficient. It is also easy to use, thanks to its one-button operation with automatic shut-off for safety. It can produce up to 6 gallons per day, so check it out.

2. CO-Z 1.1 Gallon Water Distiller, 1750W with Glass Container, Dual Temp Display & Timer, 4L Stainless Steel

This water distiller is made of 304 stainless steel and borosilicate glass, and produces 0,4 gallons per hour (9,6 gallons per day). It has some more advanced features, such as dual temperature displays and automatic shut-off. You can use it in your home or for commercial applications, such as CPAP machines and humidifiers.

Conclusion

So, is filtered water the same as distilled water? Does filtering water make it distilled? The answer is no, filtered water isn’t the same as distilled water. Filtering your water won’t make it distilled. Distilled water is made through distillation, which is a process that can be achieved at home. You can even buy home distillers, machines that will turn your tap water into 100% pure distilled water.