How to Make Distilled Water at Home

Updated Jun 27, 2026 The CopperHolic Team

Why Make Distilled Water at Home?

A copper alembic still is one of the most effective tools for producing pure water at home.

Home-distilled water is free of chlorine, fluoride, lead, microplastics, bacteria, and all contaminants. Takes about 70 minutes per batch, costs nearly nothing after initial still purchase, and produces water safe for baby formula, CPAP machines, steam irons, car batteries, and drinking.

What Gets Removed?

  • Minerals — calcium, magnesium, iron
  • Chemicals — chlorine, fluoride, pesticides
  • Heavy metals — lead, mercury, arsenic
  • Microplastics — found in 94% of US tap water
  • Bacteria and viruses — killed by boiling
  • PFAS ("forever chemicals") — removed through distillation

Copper Still vs. Countertop Electric Distiller

Feature Copper Still Countertop Distiller
Removes sulfur compounds Yes No
Antimicrobial properties Yes (natural) No
Batch size 3–40 litres 4 litres max
Works without electricity Yes No
Replacement parts None Carbon filters ($15–30)
Lifespan Lifetime (generations) 3–5 years
Also makes essential oils Yes No

Cost Analysis

Method Cost per gallon
Store-bought distilled water $1.50–$3.00
Home distilled (gas stove) ~$0.05–$0.10
Annual savings (1 gallon/day) $500–$1,000+ per year

Practical Uses for Home-Distilled Water

  • Baby Formula — Safest water for mixing powdered formula. No contaminants, no guesswork.
  • CPAP Machines — Required for humidifier chambers. Prevents mineral buildup and bacterial growth.
  • Drinking Water — Purest water possible. No chlorine taste, no microplastics, no PFAS.
  • Steam Irons — Eliminates mineral deposits that clog vents and stain clothing.
  • Car Batteries — Lead-acid batteries require distilled water to maintain electrolyte levels.
  • Aquariums — Start with pure water, then add exact minerals your fish species need.
  • Neti Pot / Sinus Rinse — CDC recommends distilled water for nasal irrigation.
  • Cooking & Coffee — Better-tasting results. No chlorine or mineral interference.

Not sure which capacity is right for you? See our copper still size guide for a detailed comparison.

Still Size Recommendations

Use Case Recommended Still Output per Run
Baby formula / CPAP / 1–2 people 5-Litre Still 3–4 litres
Family daily use 5-Gallon Still 3–4 gallons
Off-grid / homestead / large household 10-Gallon Still 7–9 gallons

For a broader look at methods and benefits, read our ultimate guide to water distilling.

Pro Tips from the CopperHolic Workshop

  • Run a vinegar cleaning batch first — Do a cleaning distillation with 50/50 water and white vinegar. Discard output.
  • Keep the drip rate steady — Slow, steady drip produces purer water than fast stream. Medium heat is your friend.
  • Don't rush the first drops — If still hasn't been cleaned recently, discard first few drops as precaution.
  • Never let pot boil dry — Stop distilling when about 1/4 water remains. Boiling dry damages copper.
  • Use glass for collection and storage — Plastic containers defeat the purpose of pure water.
  • Clean your still after every use — Quick rinse with warm water keeps it in perfect condition.
  • Your still does triple duty — Makes distilled water, essential oils, AND hydrosols. Three tools in one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make distilled water from any water source?

Yes. Tap water, well water, spring water, river water, even seawater. Distillation removes everything — the output is pure H₂O regardless of what goes in.

Does distilling water remove fluoride?

Yes. Distillation removes fluoride. Most water filters including Brita do not remove fluoride.

Does distilling water remove microplastics?

Yes. Microplastics cannot evaporate, so they remain in the pot while pure water vapor rises to the condenser.

Is distilled water safe for baby formula?

Yes — and it's the recommended choice. The American Academy of Pediatrics and most formula manufacturers recommend distilled water because it contains no fluoride, lead, nitrates, heavy metals, bacteria, or parasites.

Is it legal to own a water distiller?

Absolutely. Distilling water is legal everywhere in the US. A copper still used for water purification, essential oils, and hydrosols is legal in all 50 states. No permits required.

Related guides & your still

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Water Purification

How to Make Distilled Water at Home

By CopperHolic Coppersmiths
Prep 10 min
Distill 60 min
Total 70 min
Yield 3–4 litres of pure distilled water
Beginner
5-Litre Still

Ingredients

7 items
  • Tap water, well water, or any water source (enough to fill your still 2/3 full)
  • Your copper alembic still (5-litre, 5-gallon, or 10-gallon)
  • Heat source (gas stove, electric burner, or propane burner)
  • Collection vessel — glass jug or food-grade container
  • Cold water supply for the condenser (running tap or bucket with ice)
  • Clean cloth or paper towel for wiping the still
  • Glass storage bottles with airtight lids

Instructions

  1. 1

    1. Clean your copper still thoroughly before first use — rinse with warm water and white vinegar, then rinse again with plain water.

  2. 2

    2. Fill the pot (cucurbit) with tap water to approximately 2/3 full — never more than 3/4 to allow space for steam.

  3. 3

    3. Assemble the still — place the dome onto the pot and connect the condensing coil. Seal joints with flour-and-water paste if needed.

  4. 4

    4. Set up your cold water supply for the condenser. Run a slow stream of cold tap water or place coil in ice water bucket.

  5. 5

    5. Place your collection vessel at the condenser outlet. Use clean glass jug or food-grade container.

  6. 6

    6. Apply heat to the pot. Start medium-high until first drops emerge (15–20 min). Then reduce to medium heat for steady drip.

  7. 7

    7. Collect the distilled water. Discard first few drops if still hasn't been cleaned recently.

  8. 8

    8. Continue distilling until pot is about 1/4 full. Do not let pot boil dry. A 5-litre still produces ~3–4 litres per run.

  9. 9

    9. Turn off heat and let still cool completely before disassembling.

  10. 10

    10. Store your distilled water in clean glass bottles with airtight lids.

Recommended Still
5-Litre Copper Alembic Still
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