Our Choice Recommendation
- Produces 1.5 gallons of fresh water per hour--enough for 2 to 3 crew members
- Katadyn's patented Energy Recovery system produces water at a fraction of the energy used by conventional...
- Draws only 4 amps from a 12-volt system
Ever wondered about getting stranded out at sea without a portable fresh water maker by your side? Well, if you want a watermaker like this, you most definitely need a desalination kit.
A desalination kit has a chamber which heats up the saltwater in an isolated space, converting it into vapor, and since vapor can’t hold salt, the salt is left at the bottom of the chamber while the vapor is free from salt as well as other dirt particles. The vapor is then passed into another chamber where it cools and turns into liquid, that is, drinkable. Hence, with a portable desalination kit, you can convert saltwater into fresh, drinkable fluid anywhere you are in just a few minutes.
Desalinators are a great way to provide clean, safe drinking water in areas where access to potable water is limited or nonexistent. They clean seawater by taking out the salt and other things that make it unsafe to drink. When thinking about getting a desalination device, there are a few important things to keep in mind. First, you should think about the size of the unit. Bigger units can make more water, but they may also use more energy and space. Additionally, the type of filtration system used should be considered; some systems use reverse osmosis while others use distillation. Lastly, you should think about the maintenance needs. It definitely needs to be cleaned and the filters changed on a regular basis for it to work well. By knowing these important points, anyone can choose the one that will best meet their needs and give them a good experience when they use it.
Reviews
Have a look at our top 5 portable watermaker products for sale online that you may want to get your hands on before that next open sea excursion. Your access to clean, potable water in an emergency may count on it:
Portable Watermakers / Desalinators #1
Portable Desalination – 200 GPD Freshwater From Seawater

This salt water desalination kit serves as an efficient solution for seawater and can produce 200 gallons in a day. This makes this portable watermakers / desalinators product ideal for big families and even boats where drinkable water is not readily available.
It sure is costly but considering the functions it performs, it is worth it. This watermaker consumes very less energy and operates on a start and stop button. Hence,is very easy to use.
The best thing about this watermaker is the 5 way reverse osmosis technology it uses. The 5 stages include: sediment filtering, carbon filtering, reverse osmosis membrane, Post treatment remineralizing filter and ultraviolet disinfection.
This watermaker is easily one of the most effective portable watermaker products out there, but its cost can be a big problem for some.
PROS
- Durable.
- Cleans 200 gallons per day.
- Easy maintenance.
- 5 way cleaning mechanism.
CONS
- Very costly.
Portable Watermakers / Desalinators #2
2 Quarts Per Day Universal Water Purifiers, Distillers, and Decontaminators By Prime Water Purifier

If you are frustrated with the saltwater you’re supplied with, then your difficulties end here. Prime water desalination kit is what you should go for because of these reasons:
- They operate without electricity and function in four ways.
- They purify, decontaminate, distillate and desalinate water.
- It doesn’t matter what your source of water is, this watermaker purifies water like a charm and makes sure nothing is left behind in the water.
- You can easily purify 2 to 3 quarts of water daily.
This watermaker works on all kind of water, including tap, pool, swamp, river, rain and sea as well… you name it!
It’s a portable kit and needs no plumbing . Moreover, it needs no filters and can be carried around very easily.
As far as its durability is concerned, all the parts are composed of 100% stainless, which makes it highly durable. However, on the downside, the device’s size can be an issue.
It is a small machine that only works on a small amount of water, and also take longer than other products. If you do not require a lot of water and have patience, then this would be the best fit for you. Otherwise, check other portable watermaker products on this list.
PROS
- Durable.
- Purifies, distills, decontaminates and desalinates.
- Non-electric.
CONS
- Slow at working.
- Doesn’t yield much fluid.
Portable Watermakers / Desalinators #3
Emergency Survival Water Distiller and Gravity Filter Combination GRAVI-STIL(tm) Auto Fill Feature By SHTF And GO

If you’re looking for a desalination kit that desalinates in a jiffy then this is the kit you should go for.
It can distillate 8 to 10 cups in mere seconds and produces half gallon in an hour. Water from any source, including tap and seawater, can be purified with this desalination kit.
What sets it apart from other kits is its ability to eliminate a number of harmful viruses such as E. coli, vibrio cholerae, salmonella typhi, Klebsiella terrigena and many more.
The emergency survival kit removes these harmful threats and turns water healthy and drinkable.
The only problem with it is the assembly part. You will find it daunting to attach the parts which come separately in the box. However, it comes with an instruction manual that can make the job easy, but still many users find this to be a nuisance. However, the company is trying to sort out this issue by providing detailed installation guides on its YouTube channel.
PROS
- No waiting on purifying as it works very quickly.
- Eliminates viruses.
- This watermaker leaves no contaminants behind.
CONS
- Difficult to assemble.
- Costly.
Portable Watermakers / Desalinators #4
Echomax EMAMSSM, Aquamate Inflatable Solar Still Desalinator, for Liferafts

Contaminated or dirty water from any source is distilled by this portable watermakers / desalinators product by utilizing solar radiation. You can purify from 0.5 to 2 litres in a day. This portable watermakers / desalinators product has a bag like structure which makes it easy to carry. Originally said to be used by men and women in the military, this watermaker has now become people all around the country.
The cleaned water can be stored in a separate pouch that is attached to it. This watermaker is a lightweight product and very easy to use as well. Also, it serves as an emergency pack that can be is ready to use by inflating with the mouth when need be.
Carrying it is very easy as it can be folded up in a 26cm x 23cm x 7cm pack. This watermaker produces 500-2000 ccs in a day and is a reliable emergency kit for people living near oceans or going to voyages.
However, the amount it purifies is very low and is the price is also a little on the higher side.
PROS
- Easy to carry.
- Reliable.
CONS
- Purifies only 2000 ccs per day.
- Costly.
Portable Watermakers / Desalinators #5
Katadyn Survivor 35 Desalinator
If you’re a sea voyager then the Katadyn Survivor 35 is the best kit for you. This portable watermakers / desalinators product is used by a number of navy personnels and military groups as it can produce and purify up to 4.5 litres of saltwater in an hour making it perfect for multiple people on a life raft. This desalinator can take care of around 8 people making it perfect for families as well.
This hand operated desalinator is easy to and carry and eliminates your worries of impure or saltwater. Beside removing salt, it also removes viruses, bacteria and various contaminants.
Moreover, it comes with a biocide solution inside that blocks the growth of bacteria. Hence, it is safe to use for a long time.
This portable watermakers / desalinators product is an innovative and durable saltwater desalination kit is amazing when it comes to purification, however, it is only suitable for carrying in a vessel.
PROS
- Lightweight and easy to carry.
- Removes threats and purifies.
CONS
- Costly.
- Only suitable for sea voyages.
Conclusion
While all the above listed watermaker products are efficient and best at purifying seawater, for us, the best product is Portable Desalination - 200 GPD Freshwater From Seawater . This is easily the best portable watermakers / desalinators product because of the number of liters it can purify in an hour and the fact that it purifies after flowing it through a 5 way cleaning process, making sure no kind of impurity or salt is left behind and you get fresh drinkable water.
However, for people who need a more portable portable watermakers / desalinators product, we recommend the Emergency Survival Water Distiller and Gravity Filter Combination GRAVI-STIL(tm) Auto Fill Feature By SHTF And GO .
5 Essential Tips for Saltwater Purifiers
- Make sure to regularly inspect and clean the desalination unit, as this will help to ensure that it is running efficiently.
- Ensure that the desalination unit is properly maintained and serviced in order to avoid any potential problems or breakdowns.
- Check the water quality before using a desalination unit, as this will help to ensure that it is suitable for use.
- Be aware of the environmental impact of using a desalination unit, as this can have an effect on local ecosystems.
- Consider investing in a solar-powered desalination unit, as this can be more energy efficient than traditional units.
ALSO: Consider using a reverse osmosis system in combination with a desalination unit for maximum efficiency!
More Beneficial Info For Readers
For anyone who needs to acquire clean, drinkable water in remote areas, these products are a vital resource. They give access to a consistent supply of fresh water that may be utilized for drinking, cooking, and other basic tasks. These practical items require little upkeep and are simple to use. They are perfect for off-grid living because they may be powered by solar energy or batteries. Without the need for expensive infrastructure or complicated machinery, you can quickly and easily convert saltwater into freshwater using a portable desalinator. It is impossible to overestimate the advantages of having access to clean drinking water in isolated regions; in some circumstances, it can mean the difference between life and death. When conventional sources of fresh water are unavailable, these dependable items provide a quick and safe solution.
Ideas for Effective Use: What Can They Be Used For?
There are three main applications for these desalinators. They can first be employed to transform saltwater into freshwater. This is especially helpful for people who are at sea or in other isolated locations with limited access to clean drinking water. In addition, brackish water, which contains more salt than typical freshwater, can be purified using them. They are therefore ideal for usage in locations with limited access to sources of drinkable water. Finally, if your main source of freshwater becomes dry, you can utilize them as a backup system in an emergency. This is crucial when you're distant from civilization and need a fast, convenient means to get access to clean drinking water. These desalinators are a useful resource for anyone looking for a dependable source of freshwater in far-off places or during emergencies due to their portability and simplicity of usage.
Drawbacks: What To Watch Out For
Despite the many advantages of these useful items, there are a few disadvantages to take into account. They might be fairly pricey, to start. You must pay for the device's care and maintenance in addition to the purchase price. These gadgets also consume a lot of energy to function, and because of their size and weight, they can be challenging to carry. To overcome these drawbacks, a more affordable substitute option would be to buy a secondhand or refurbished desalination unit. Additionally, spending money on renewable energy sources like solar or wind power can assist cut down on the amount of energy required to run them. Finally, using lighter components like carbon fiber or aluminum could make moving the device much simpler.
What Factors Should Be Used To Evaluate Them?
The most crucial quantitative measurements for assessing these items are their effectiveness, affordability, mobility, and durability. Efficiency is determined by comparing the amount of salt removed from the water to the energy used for the operation. By evaluating the cost of operation in relation to the volume of produced water, cost-effectiveness is assessed. Size, weight, and how simple it is to travel and set up are all taken into account when determining portability. The final test for durability is to see how long it can go without needing maintenance or replacement parts under diverse conditions. The ideal desalinator for your needs should be chosen after considering all these variables.
Usage Experience: What To Know
These practical items are an excellent method to supply areas with limited access to potable water with clean, fresh drinking water. They can be utilized in both urgent and regular circumstances, such camping vacations or extended stays in distant areas. They function by purifying seawater or brackish water sources of salt and other pollutants, resulting in potable water that is safe for human consumption. The procedure normally entails putting the source water through a number of membranes and filters to get rid of the salt and other impurities. Depending on the model, some of these useful products might also include other features like reverse osmosis filtering or UV sterilization providing a layer of further protection against bacteria and viruses. These systems can effortlessly deliver an endless supply of clean drinking water with the right maintenance.
The general procedures for employing these desalinators are as follows: Make sure your desalinator is the appropriate size and model for your needs first. Next, add saltwater from your source to the desalinator. Third, connect the device to a power source and turn it on. Fourth, make the necessary settings adjustments to obtain the required level of purified water. Fifth, put the cleaned water in a unique bottle or container. Last but not least, drain the unit of any remaining saltwater and put it away until you need it again. You may use a portable desalinator to acquire clean drinking water wherever you are by following these easy instructions.
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About The Author
Sharyn Baker is the resident editorial assistant for AllAboutWaterFilters and regularly provides articles specializing in off-grid water filtration, outdoor survival, and water treatment in the wild. She has previously worked as an editing assistant and a product review content creation assistant, primarily focusing on outdoor survival preparedness. She enjoys producing her own off-grid water filtration safety guides for her other blogs in addition to her work on the AllAboutWaterFilters editorial team.