There are two basic types of dehumidifiers: those that collect water in a bucket you empty manually and those that collect water in an internal reservoir that you empty electrically. The latter type uses a pump to extract the water in its reservoir and pump it upwards, while the former type is more compact but requires more work on your part, since you have to empty out the bucket manually. Each type has pros and cons. If you want to use distilled water for something like cooking (which can be done directly on stovetop), skip using this water—buy regular distilled water instead!
A dehumidifier extracts water from the air and stores it in a small container, just like a humidifier puts water into the air to increase the humidity level.
A dehumidifier extracts water from the air and stores it in a small container, just like a humidifier puts water into the air to increase the humidity level. But what’s different?
A dehumidifier can be used to make distilled water, which you could then drink or use as an ingredient in recipes. Distilled water has no taste or odor at all and contains less impurities than tap water (which is why many people prefer drinking it).
Dehumidifiers are also good for your health because they remove excess moisture from your home environment, making it easier for you to breathe freely and reducing any chances of mold growth or other nasty bacteria breeding there.
There are two basic types of dehumidifiers — the ones that collect water in a bucket that you empty manually and the ones that collect water in an internal reservoir that you empty electrically.
The two basic types of dehumidifiers are those that collect water in a bucket and those that collect it in an internal reservoir.
The more compact bucket-style unit is more easily set up, but requires you to empty it manually after each use. It also takes up more space on your floor than the other type of dehumidifier does. On the other hand, if you don’t mind emptying your unit manually or have time constraints (such as when you’re doing laundry or cleaning), then this may be the better choice for you—but if neither option works for your needs, we recommend our top pick: the Rotamaster RH650SHE Digital Dehumidifier ($200).
The latter type uses a pump to extract the water in its reservoir and pump it upwards. Depending on your model, you might need to drill a hole into your floor or outside wall to accommodate this hose.
The latter type uses a pump to extract the water in its reservoir and pump it upwards. Depending on your model, you might need to drill a hole into your floor or outside wall to accommodate this hose.
The one drawback of this method is that it requires an additional piece of equipment that can be expensive if not purchased from the manufacturer. If you plan on using this method for years, it may be worth investing in something like an All-American Dehumidifier’s central vacuum system; these devices use vacuum technology to remove moisture from enclosed areas without having any physical contact with the area being dried out (and without costing much more than a regular dehumidifier).
The former type is more compact, but requires more work on your part, since you have to empty out the bucket manually. Each type has pros and cons.
Distilled water requires more work on your part. You have to empty out the bucket manually, which can be difficult if you don’t have enough time or patience for it. The same goes for lifting and cleaning it as well as putting it back in its place and making sure there is enough distilled water in there at all times.
If you want to use distilled water for something, like cooking, skip using this water and buy regular distilled water instead.
If you want to use distilled water for cooking, then buy it. Distilled water is not the same as water from a dehumidifier. You can use the distilled water for cleaning and other purposes (like washing your dishes), but don’t expect that it will taste better than regular tap water or even be any less effective at getting rid of bacteria and other contaminants.
Conclusion
If you want to use distilled water for something, like cooking, skip using this water and buy regular distilled water instead.