When it comes to clean drinking water, two retrieved methods often compared are reverse osmosis and distillation. Both remove unwanted elements and produce clean water. However, their operation processes and purposes differ. Depending on taste preferences, energy use, or health considerations, some individuals lean toward one option over the other.

This article explains how they work, what the differences are, and which may be right for your home. If you are trying to decide between the two, here is a simple, straightforward comparison.

What Is Distillation?

Distillation is a traditional way of purifying water. It works by boiling water and then cooling the steam. The steam is cooled and condensed into liquid. This step removes the vast majority of the water’s dissolved minerals, salts, heavy metals, and other impurities. The result is almost pure water, with no mineral content.

Distilled water is used in a number of applications where ultra-pure water is required. That’s medical labs, steam irons, car batteries, and CPAP machines. It’s safe to drink, but it tastes like nothing because all minerals have been removed. That's why a lot of people think of it as flat or boring. Also, only drinking distilled water for long periods would not be good, as you are not getting any of the essential minerals that your body usually gets from drinking water.

Distillation is also energy-intensive, as it must be heated to the boiling point, making it a less practical process for daily use around the home.

What Is Reverse Osmosis Water?

Reverse osmosis is a new-age purification process wherein water is pushed through a semi-permeable membrane at high pressure. This filtration membrane removes nearly 99% of contaminants, including chlorine, arsenic, fluoride, nitrates, bacteria, etc. Many RO systems for the home also have pre-filters and post-filters to take out sediments, and improve the benefit of taste.

Water from an RO system is very pure and is safer to drink than most unfiltered tap water, especially in regions where water quality is poor. Some systems include a remineralization stage, which adds back healthy minerals (like calcium and magnesium) to enhance taste and support your health.

An RO water filter for the home is usually designed to have more than one filter stage and is to be installed under the kitchen sink. There is also a countertop reverse osmosis water filter system, which is smaller and creates less wastewater, yet provides you with fresh, clean drinking water on demand without requiring a storage tank. They are more energy efficient than simple distillation.

What’s the Difference Between Them?

Let's have a look at the main differences between reverse osmosis and distillation:

Purity Level

• Distilled water is 100% pure only because it takes out almost all of the contaminants, even minerals.

• Reverse osmosis water is purified with the exceptional elimination of contaminants (more than 99%), but may not completely strip all of the trace minerals from the water.

Taste

• Distilled water doesn’t contain any minerals, and it tastes flat.

• RO water, on the other hand, tastes fresh and clean, especially when remineralization filters are used.

Mineral Content

• There are no minerals in distilled water.

• RO water could be mineralized with additional minerals based on the system.

Energy Efficiency

• Water production using distillers takes time and uses electricity.

• Using pressurized water as a means for purification makes RO Systems much more effective and energy efficient.

Speed and Convenience

• Slow distilling means daily demands cannot be fulfilled easily.

• RO system water purifier offers instantaneous access to purified water, making it easy and convenient.

Applications

• For appliances and laboratory or medical work, distilled water is most effective.

• Drinking, cooking, and general use of the house require RO Water.

Distilled Water vs Reverse Osmosis Water: Which One to Choose?

A reverse osmosis water filter is used mainly in households, while distilled water is employed in medical laboratories and other areas needing water completely devoid of minerals. If you require good water for drinking & cooking, RO (Reverse Osmosis) water would be a better fit.

FAQs

Can I use RO water instead of distilled?

Yes, in many cases. As for drinking and cooking, RO water might be even better than distilled, as it can also have added minerals. For machines that demand water free of minerals (like CPAP machines), distilled water is still the safer option. See your device manual to be sure.

Is it better to drink tap water or reverse osmosis water?

Reverse osmosis water is much more secure and far healthier than tap water. It purifies toxins, heavy metals, and other contaminants out of it. While tap water can be purified, not every place has clean, safe supply lines.

Is Distilled Water and Reverse Osmosis Water Safe to Drink?

Yes, both are safe to drink. You could use distilled water, which is ultra-pure but has no minerals. RO water is highly purified and contains minerals, depending on the system. For optimal health, re-mineralized RO is the best way to go.

Summary

Distilled water and reverse osmosis water are safe to drink. It all comes down to what you need. Reverse osmosis filters are good for everyday drinking, and you can get clean drinking water at home. If purity is paramount, then distilled water is an option.

Both methods give far better-quality water than regular tap water. You can choose a tankless RO system for instant and efficient access to purified water or stick with a distiller if you prefer an appliance-based approach.

Related Reading:

What Is Reverse Osmosis and How Does It Work?

How Does Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis Work?