Abstract: A machine for preparing and dispensing artificial mineral water is disclosed, of the kind in which water is previously demineralized by fractional crystallization of ice, the improvement consisting in the provision of shower diffusion means for spreading the water to be demineralized onto the surface of the principal evaporator, water collecting means beneath the evaporator, chute means for collecting the ice as formed on the evaporator and for sending it to a container where the ice is melted and means to transfer at least a portion of the molten ice to a mineralizing and possibly to a carbonating device.