When it comes to choosing clean, safe drinking water, many people compare distilled water vs. reverse osmosis (RO) water. Both are highly purified and far superior to untreated tap water, but they are produced differently and serve different purposes. More importantly, while distilled water is often seen as “ultra-pure,” it is not ideal for long-term, everyday consumption, whereas reverse osmosis water offers a better balance of purity, taste, and practicality.
What Is Distilled Water?
Distillation is a purification process that relies on boiling and condensation. Water is heated until it turns into steam, leaving behind dissolved solids, minerals, and contaminants. The steam is then cooled and condensed back into liquid form.
Because most impurities do not evaporate, distilled water is extremely pure. This is why it is widely used in laboratories, medical facilities, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications, where mineral-free water is required.
Key characteristics of distilled water:
- Extremely high purity
- Removes nearly all minerals and contaminants
- Energy-intensive production process
- Flat, neutral taste
What Is Reverse Osmosis Water?
Reverse osmosis water is produced by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane that blocks dissolved salts, heavy metals, chemicals, and other contaminants while allowing clean water molecules to pass through.
Most RO systems use multi-stage filtration, including sediment and carbon filters before the RO membrane, and sometimes post-filters or UV sterilization for added safety.
Key characteristics of reverse osmosis water:
- Removes up to 99% of contaminants
- Effectively reduces TDS (total dissolved solids)
- Suitable for drinking, cooking, tea, and coffee
- Convenient for home use
Related: What Is Reverse Osmosis and How It Works
Similarities Between Reverse Osmosis and Distilled Water
1. Both Remove the Vast Majority of Contaminants
Both reverse osmosis (RO) systems and water distillers are capable of reducing most contaminants found in drinking water. They can significantly lower levels of chlorine, chloramines, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), heavy metals, and even some bacteria and viruses.
While RO relies on multi-stage filtration and a semi-permeable membrane, distillation works by boiling water and condensing the steam. Despite using different methods, both produce water that is far purer than what most standard filters can achieve.
2. Both Provide High-Purity Drinking Water
Compared with basic filtration methods, RO and distillation deliver exceptionally clean, great-tasting water. This makes them suitable for people who are concerned about water quality, chemical exposure, or unpleasant tastes and odors in tap water.
3. Both Are More Environmentally Friendly Than Bottled Water
Although no filtration system is completely impact-free, both RO systems and distillers are far more sustainable than buying bottled water.
RO systems generate some wastewater and require filter replacements, but many filters are recyclable and technological advances continue to improve efficiency.
Distillers consume electricity, yet their overall environmental footprint is still lower than the energy and plastic waste involved in producing and transporting bottled water.
By using either system at home, households can eliminate thousands of single-use plastic bottles per year, dramatically reducing plastic waste and associated carbon emissions.
4. Both Support Long-Term, In-Home Water Independence
Reverse osmosis systems and distillers allow users to produce clean drinking water at home, reducing reliance on store-bought water. Over time, this not only lowers environmental impact but also supports a more consistent, reliable source of high-quality drinking water.
What’s the Difference Between Them?
Taste
Distilled water often tastes flat or bland because nearly all minerals are removed during boiling and condensation.
Reverse osmosis (RO) water usually tastes fresher and smoother. Many RO systems retain trace minerals or add them back through a remineralization stage, which improves flavor—especially for tea and coffee.
Purification Method
Distillation purifies water by boiling it and condensing the steam, leaving most contaminants behind.
Reverse osmosis uses pressure and a semi-permeable membrane combined with multi-stage filters to remove dissolved solids, chemicals, and impurities.
Daily Usability
Distilled water is typically produced slowly and in small batches, making it less practical for cooking and everyday household use.
RO systems provide a steady supply of filtered water suitable for drinking, cooking, and food preparation.
Overall Experience
Distilled water is extremely pure but less enjoyable to drink long term due to taste and inconvenience.
Reverse osmosis water balances high purity, better taste, and everyday convenience—making it the more practical choice for most households.
Energy & Efficiency
Distillation is energy-intensive because it relies on continuous heating.
Distilled Water
To produce 1 litre of distilled water, a distiller must:
- Heat water to 100°C and keep it boiling
- Run for 3–4 hours (typical countertop distillers produce ~0.25–0.3 L/hour)
- Consume roughly 0.7–1.0 kWh of electricity per litre
Reverse Osmosis Water
Reverse osmosis consumes far less energy and is generally more efficient for long-term home use.
- Filtration typically takes seconds to a few minutes, depending on system design
- Electricity use is minimal (often <0.05 kWh per litre, mainly for pumps or heating in countertop units)
- Modern countertop RO systems operate with efficient 2:1 or 3:1 pure-to-waste water ratios, significantly reducing water loss compared to older RO designs
- Because there is no boiling phase, RO systems avoid massive energy waste while delivering a continuous, on-demand supply of purified water.
| Category | Distilled Water | Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water |
|---|---|---|
| Time | 3–4 hours per litre (≈0.25–0.3 L/hour) | 1–5 minutes per litre (on-demand filtration) |
| Energy Consumption | 0.7–1.0 kWh per litre (continuous heating to 100°C) | < 0.05 kWh per litre (pressure-based filtration; electricity mainly for pump/heating) |
| Daily Usability | Limited output; impractical for cooking or family use | Sufficient volume for drinking, cooking, and everyday household needs |
Why Is It Not Recommended to Drink Distilled Water?
Drinking distilled water long term is generally not recommended for everyday hydration for a few key reasons:
- Lack of beneficial minerals: Distillation removes almost all minerals, including calcium and magnesium. In contrast, many reverse osmosis (RO) systems include a remineralization stage that improves taste and restores helpful minerals.
- Flat taste: With no minerals, distilled water often tastes bland, which can reduce overall water intake.
- Lower efficiency and higher energy use: Distilled water requires boiling, making it energy-intensive. The electricity cost per gallon is significantly higher than RO filtration.
- Less practical for daily use: Distillation is slow and produces limited water at a time, while RO systems deliver larger volumes quickly for drinking and cooking.
Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Purifiers Are the Best Choice for Apartments and Rentals
For modern urban living, countertop reverse osmosis (RO) water purifiers offer the most practical and balanced solution for clean drinking water. They combine advanced RO filtration with true plug-and-play convenience—no installation, no plumbing modifications, and no landlord approval required.
This makes them ideal for apartments, rental homes, shared living spaces, offices, and mobile lifestyles, where flexibility and performance matter equally.
Through the collaboration between Ciarra ✖ Susgreenable, two standout countertop RO dispensers have been designed to meet different user priorities—without compromising on purity, safety, or usability.
1. Hot & Cold Countertop RO Water Purifier (4-in-1 RO Composite Filter)
Best for:
Users who want a high-performance, no-installation RO system with fast heating, flexible temperature control, and low maintenance—perfect for compact kitchens and rental apartments.
Why it stands out
- 4-in-1 RO + PPC composite filter removes sediment, chlorine, odours, nitrates, and common dissolved contaminants.
- 3-second instant heating with 5 temperature options and 3 volume settings, covering everything from room-temperature water to boiling.
- Eco-efficient 3:1 pure-to-waste water ratio, reducing unnecessary water loss.
- Detachable water tanks for easy refilling and cleaning—no plumbing required.
- Fully certified to CE, CB, GS, ROHS, REACH, PAHS, LFGB, ensuring EU-level safety and material compliance.
- Trade-offs
- Requires manual refilling of the raw water tank.
- Filter replacement every 6–12 months, depending on usage.
Key specifications (EU version)
- Price: €369.00
- Filtration: PP + Activated Carbon + RO + Post-Carbon
- RO membrane capacity: 75 GPD
- Flow rate: ≥800 ml/min (25°C), ≥400 ml/min (99°C)
- Tank capacity: 2.4 L raw water + 1.0 L purified water
- Temperature options: 25°C / 45°C / 60°C / 85°C / 99°C
- Warranty: 24 months
2. Hot & Cold Countertop RO Water Purifier with UV Sterilisation (5-in-1 RO Filter)
Best for:
Users who prioritise maximum water purity, hygiene, and higher capacity, including protection against bacteria and viruses.
Why it stands out
- 5-stage filtration combining RO, post-carbon, and UV-C sterilisation, effectively reducing TDS, heavy metals, bacteria, viruses, and odours.
- 4.2 L detachable water tank supports continuous use for families or shared spaces.
- 3-second instant heating, with 4 temperature presets and 3 volume options.
- Eco-friendly 2:1 pure-to-waste ratio, reducing bottled water dependence.
- Smart LCD display with real-time TDS monitoring and filter replacement reminders.
- Fully compliant with CE, CB, GS, ROHS, REACH, PAHS, LFGB standards.
- Trade-offs
- Slightly larger footprint due to the higher-capacity tank.
- Regular filter replacement required to maintain peak performance.
Key specifications (EU version)
- Price: €319.00
- Filtration: 5-in-1 RO + Post-Carbon + UV-C
- Tank: 4.2 L detachable
- Temperature options: 25°C / 45°C / 85°C / 95°C
- Volume options: 150 ml / 300 ml / 500 ml
- Annual filter cost: ~€120
- Warranty: 24 months
Conclusion
Both distilled water and reverse osmosis water offer high levels of purity, but their efficiency and practicality differ greatly. Distillation is slow, energy-intensive, and produces limited water, making it unsuitable for daily household needs. Reverse osmosis, on the other hand, delivers clean, great-tasting water quickly, uses far less energy, and is more cost-effective over time. For everyday drinking, cooking, and family use, reverse osmosis stands out as the more sustainable and practical solution.
FAQs
Is it Better to Drink Reverse Osmosis Water?
Yes. Reverse osmosis (RO) water is generally better for daily drinking because it removes up to 99% of contaminants such as heavy metals, chlorine, and dissolved solids while remaining convenient and cost-effective for home use. It offers a good balance of purity, taste, and safety compared with tap or distilled water.
Can Bacteria Grow in Reverse Osmosis Water?
RO water itself is very clean, but bacteria can grow if the system or storage container is contaminated. Regular filter changes, proper sanitation, and systems with UV sterilization help prevent bacterial growth.
Should I Add Minerals to Reverse Osmosis Water?
It depends on personal preference and diet. RO water contains very low mineral levels; some people choose to add minerals back for taste or nutritional reasons. Many modern RO systems include a remineralization stage to restore beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium.
Is Reverse Osmosis Water Safe for Daily Drinking in the EU?
Yes. Reverse osmosis water is widely considered safe for everyday consumption across EU countries. Many households use RO systems to reduce limescale, heavy metals, PFAS, and other contaminants commonly found in European tap water.
Does Reverse Osmosis Remove Limescale (Calcium and Magnesium)?
Yes. Reverse osmosis significantly reduces calcium and magnesium, the main causes of limescale. This is especially beneficial in hard-water regions such as Germany, France, Spain, and Italy.
Can Reverse Osmosis Remove TDS While Ultrafiltration Cannot?
Yes. Reverse osmosis effectively removes TDS (Total Dissolved Solids), including dissolved salts and metals. Ultrafiltration (UF) cannot remove TDS because its pore size is too large.
Is Distilled Water Healthier Than Reverse Osmosis Water?
Not for long-term daily use. Distilled water lacks essential minerals and may taste flat. Reverse osmosis water offers high purity while remaining more suitable for daily hydration, especially when remineralization is included.
Does Reverse Osmosis Water Comply with EU Drinking Water Standards?
Yes. When properly maintained, RO systems easily meet and often exceed EU Drinking Water Directive requirements by reducing contaminants well below regulated limits.
Which Option is More Energy-efficient for European Households?
Reverse osmosis is far more energy-efficient. Distillation requires continuous boiling (0.7–1.0 kWh per litre), while RO typically consumes less than 0.05 kWh per litre.
Is Reverse Osmosis More Environmentally Friendly than Distillation?
Yes. RO systems consume far less electricity and reduce reliance on bottled water. Modern RO units also use improved water efficiency ratios (2:1 or 3:1), making them more sustainable.
Can Reverse Osmosis Water Be Used for Cooking, Tea, and Coffee?
Absolutely. RO water is ideal for cooking and hot beverages. It improves flavour and prevents limescale buildup in kettles and coffee machines—an important concern in many EU homes.
Do Reverse Osmosis Systems Remove Bacteria and Viruses?
RO membranes block most bacteria, but for maximum microbiological safety, some systems include UV sterilisation. This is especially useful in older buildings or areas with uncertain water quality.
Which System is Better for Apartments and Rental Homes in Europe?
Countertop reverse osmosis systems are the best option. They require no installation, comply with rental restrictions, and provide instant purified water without plumbing modifications.