What's worse than bringing home a low-priced water distiller that doesn't purify your water? Buying an overpriced water distiller that doesn't offer good value for money, serving merely as a decorative piece. It's important to understand that the best countertop water distillers don't always have to be ridiculously expensive or budget-friendly, for that matter.
One has to strike a balance with a flexible budget and close attention to functionality, boiling features, and purifying technologies. Keep reading our buying guide to make a well-informed buying decision.
Boiling Chamber
The boiling chamber is the most essential component of a water distillation unit, and it requires great scrutiny. The boiling unit is filled with water to start the purification process. Now, boiling chambers come in all kinds of sizes, ranging from small to large. You need to find the right size to accommodate the water purification needs of your family.
Suppose you live alone and need the best countertop water distiller for your own use. In that case, you can choose a small or medium-sized boiling chamber to fulfill your water distillation needs comfortably. Smaller units are ideal for small living spaces and compact kitchens, as larger boiling chambers take up a lot of space. It's wise to examine your water purification needs and determine the right size before you start exploring the market.
How long does it take to purify water?
The distillation speed is another crucial factor to consider, as you don't want to bring home an inefficient water purifier. Most modern designs work quickly and efficiently than traditional water distillers. Typically, the purification process is lengthy and takes time, but newer designs offer a quicker distillation process for added convenience.
Typically, the best countertop water distillers purify around 2 liters of filtered water in 2-3 hours, satisfying one person's daily water consumption requirements. Many countertop water purifiers come with large tanks that hold up to 2-3 litres of water. However, not all household water distillers come with holding tanks, requiring constant refills.
Construction & Materials
Are you considering a metal design, or do you prefer plastic construction because it's cheaper? Generally, the materials used in the construction do not impact the efficiency of the water purifier. However, it's wise to consider the durability and aesthetic appeal of an appliance you want to add to your kitchen.
Distillers come in a variety of shapes, materials, and color palettes, and you can easily find a sleek appliance to compliment the aesthetics of your kitchen. We advise investing in a stainless steel water distiller – an easily-to-maintain material that is less susceptible to damage.
Suppose you're buying a plastic water distiller. In that case, ensure that the plastic is BPA-free to prevent contaminations from polluting drinking water. Usually, plastic and metals have excessively fussy cleaning and storage requirements to prevent contamination, which is why we believe stainless steel is a wise choice.
Purification Processes
The purpose of a water distiller is to filter out all toxins, chemicals, contaminations, and hazardous compounds to ensure your supply of safe and healthy drinking water. Manufacturers have introduced various purification processes to achieve this purpose, such as activated carbon filters.
Activated carbon filters are the most popular purification system added to household water distillers, and they are very effective at trapping and eliminating contaminants. These carbon filters trap compounds that evaporate and shrink with water, like the VOCs that drastically alter water quality and taste.
Carbon filters are highly recommended, and all the best countertop water distillers are equipped with this feature. We advise you to double-check the purification process before finalizing your purchase.
Installation & Maintenance
A costly installation process and fussy maintenance rituals will undermine your life quality and increase your household chores. Thankfully, newer water purifiers don't require a lengthy installation process or tiresome cleaning processes. Some of the best countertop water distillers come as a pre-assembled unit, and you simply have to plug it in and start filtering your water.
Be sure to check the maintenance and cleaning requirements too. Most distillation units with an activated carbon unit require flushing and cleaning. You will have to thoroughly rinse the carbon filter with running water to eliminate all carbon residue. We advise checking the user manual to examine all the cleaning and usage requirements.
Remineralization Features
Do you detest the taste of filtered water? You're not alone because the purification process robs the water of its minerals, making the taste overly flat. Therefore, manufacturers offer various remineralization filters that enhance the flavor and infuse your drinking water with magnesium, calcium, and other essential minerals.
Naturally, a water distiller with a remineralization filter will increase your budget considerably, but it will also enhance the pH levels of your water. It's an excellent investment in your family's health and wellness.
Finishing Up
Adding a sleek stainless steel countertop water distiller to your household appliances is a fabulous investment. Safe and pure drinking water free of all contaminants is essential for our health and wellbeing. Given the enormity of its significance, we advise you to bring home the best water purifier that infuses your water supply with essential minerals. It may set you back by a few hundred dollars, but it will offer terrific value for money.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What's the ideal budget for the best countertop water distiller?
You can find a household water purifier with various price tags, starting as low as $50 and going high up to thousands of dollars. Typically, a budget of around $150-200 is substantial enough to buy a durable and efficient water purifier with fancy features and a sleek design.
How much water can a distiller filter in 3-4 hours?
It depends entirely on the size of the boiling chamber and the distiller's holding capacity. Typically, the best countertop water distillers take 4 hours to filter around 3-4 liters of water. That's more than enough for a person who lives alone.
Is plastic a good material for a water purifier?
Plastic is notorious for latching contaminants and toxins to its surface. Therefore, we advise investing in BPA-free construction. Plastic water purifiers are also less durable and require replacement after a time.