Our Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Guide

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Reliable drinking water quality is becoming more of an issue in major cities all over the globe. Failing infrastructure is a common theme in almost every country, and as a result, potable water supplies are drying up everywhere you look.

At one point in time, we all thought nothing of enjoying a refreshing drink from your tap. However, now you run the risk of contracting bacterial infections from drinking water – while consuming harmful heavy metals and treatment chemicals.

Installing a reverse osmosis water filter in your home purifies your drinking water. With RO, you don’t have to worry about your health when you reach for a glass of tap water.

 

How Does a Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Work?

Reverse osmosis filters pressurize water and force it through a membrane where it removes up to 99-percent of all contaminants. The more contaminated the water – the higher the pressure required to push it through the filter.

All the particulate matter and contaminants separate from the water where it’s diverted into a rejection stream. After running through the semipermeable RO membrane, the water comes out demineralized and desalinated. This product water, or permeate, is safe to drink and considered as “pure water.”

Some reverse osmosis systems re-introduce minerals back into the filtered water, giving the user fresh, clean drinking water fortified with all the essential minerals found in spring water, and next to zero contaminants.

Reverse osmosis machines use a cross-filter system where the rejected water flushes from the RO system using a separate stream of wastewater to clean the membrane. Standard filters don’t have the wastewater feature, and as a result, they become less efficient over time. Eventually, standard water filters stop working entirely and you’ll need to replace them with a new membrane.

Reverse osmosis filters require very little maintenance due to their cross-filter system that washes away all the contaminants. As a result, you don’t have to worry about replacing the entire membrane every few months.

Cross-filtration systems remove all the contaminants from the membrane, allowing for easier maintenance of the system and longer working life for the filters. Users can divert the wastewater stream to their drains, or storage tanks for watering the garden.

Our Best Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Systems

Reverse Osmosis Water FilterReviews
Average 5 Star
Price
Home Master TMAFC-ERP Undersink Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System


Home Master TMAFC-ERP Artesian Full Contact Undersink Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System
800+ 4.8

APEC ESSENCE ROES-PH75 Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System
APEC Top Tier Alkaline Mineral pH+ 75 GPD 6-Stage Ultra Safe Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System (ESSENCE ROES-PH75)
700+ 4.8
iSpring RCC7AK 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis Water Filter

iSpring RCC7AK 6-Stage Superb Taste High Capacity Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System with Alkaline Remineralization-Natural pH WQA Gold Seal Certified
1400+ 4.6

Express Water Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System

Express Water Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System – 5 Stage RO Water Purifier with Faucet and Tank – Under Sink Water Filter – plus 4 Replacement Filters – 50 GPD
500+
4.6


 

 

Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Components

Reverse osmosis filtration systems take anywhere between 5 to 10-steps to clean your tap water. The water passes through a series of components, each designed to remove specific particulate matter and toxins.

Step One

The first step in the process removes the sediment from the incoming water. The first filter blocks larger particulate matter such as clay, stones, rust, and silt. It’s common for manufacturers to use a 5-micron filter during this phase. This filter prevents harmful particles from reaching the membrane where they damage the equipment.

After running through the primary filter, the pressurized water enters the first carbon filter for cleaning. This filter removes most of the harmful toxins and chemicals such as chlorine. The introduction of chlorine to the water supply kills harmful bacteria, but it also hardens the water and gives it a chemical taste. The first carbon filter removes these chemicals and bacteria, improving the taste.

Step Two

From there, the water moves through a second carbon filter with a denser membrane than the first filter. This stage blocks any remaining harmful particles, suspending them into the wastewater stream.

After clearing the second carbon filter, the water enters the most crucial stage of its filtration – passing through the reverse osmosis membrane. This semi-permeable membrane removes the smallest particulate matter. The filter eliminates elements with a high ionic charge and a size greater than 0.0001 microns, and with a molecular weight greater than 200.

This part of the process also removes any heavy metals in the water, such as cadmium. The filter also suspends any radioactive particles and flushes the system of all of the contaminants.

Step Three

During the final step of the process, another membrane removes any odors, bacteria, or viruses – leaving you with pure, drinkable water that’s excellent for your health. The system then delivers the water to you via your faucet or empties it into a storage tank for later use.

 

Our Best Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Systems

Reverse Osmosis Water FilterReviews
Average 5 Star
Price
Home Master TMAFC-ERP Undersink Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System


Home Master TMAFC-ERP Artesian Full Contact Undersink Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System
800+ 4.8

APEC ESSENCE ROES-PH75 Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System
APEC Top Tier Alkaline Mineral pH+ 75 GPD 6-Stage Ultra Safe Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System (ESSENCE ROES-PH75)
700+ 4.8
iSpring RCC7AK 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis Water Filter

iSpring RCC7AK 6-Stage Superb Taste High Capacity Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System with Alkaline Remineralization-Natural pH WQA Gold Seal Certified
1400+ 4.6

Express Water Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System

Express Water Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System – 5 Stage RO Water Purifier with Faucet and Tank – Under Sink Water Filter – plus 4 Replacement Filters – 50 GPD
500+
4.6


 

 

Things To Consider

Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Size

Reverse osmosis systems come as an above counter or under-counter systems – depending on your space requirements. If you have limited space, then an under-the-counter system reduces the clutter on your countertop.

However, many under-the-counter systems are relatively large in size, so you’ll need to check the dimensions of the product you’re interested in and compare them to the space you have available. If you’re unsure about the size of the system and whether or not it will provide a good fit, speak to a fitment professional.

 

Amount of Water

The capacity of the filter is the next factor influencing your purchase decision. Read through the spec sheet of the products you’re interested in to determine their flow rate in gallons per day. Most systems available handle volumes of 50, 80, and 100-gallons per day.

For small households, a 50-gallon system will be more than adequate for your needs. People interested in purchasing an RO purifier for their office may want to consider a more substantial system dependent on the number of people using the system every day.

Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Cost

For many people, the price is the defining factor for purchasing an RO system. Most systems range between $150 to over $1000 in price. The expensive systems typically feature advanced filtering stages as well as an auto-flush system to remove wastewater. Top-of-the-range systems feature the ability to reintroduce minerals back into the purified water.

We recommend you avoid the lower price range, as these systems typically feature cheap materials and parts that require replacing earlier than more expensive systems. The mid-price-range has plenty of products that offer exceptional performance and a long membrane service life.

 

Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Effectiveness

If you live in an area where the local water supply isn’t too bad, you can get away with a 5-stage system. However, those living in regions, such as cities, may want to opt for a system with up to 10-stages to ensure optimal purification of the water.

Check the manufacturer’s specifications on the system you’re interested in purchasing. The specs will inform you of how many filter stages the product uses and what kind of water suits its operation.

 

Replacement Filter Longevity

Cheap filters don’t last very long. Some of the low-cost systems we’ve seen only filter water for a few weeks before needing a change. As with everything in life – you get what you pay for, and the expensive systems feature membranes that last for up to a year.

Auto-flush systems typically have a membrane life of up to 6-months on average. Most top brands come with lifetime guarantees on parts, with some guaranteeing the working life of the membrane as well.

 

Ease of Use

Almost all reverse osmosis systems are user-friendly. Some connect directly to your faucet and deliver purified water by just turning on the tap. Others link to a separate delivery system, while others fill up a tank.

The primary factor to consider where evaluating a systems ease of use – is the maintenance required on the system, some need more frequent replacement than others.

 

Our Best Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Systems

Reverse Osmosis Water FilterReviews
Average 5 Star
Price
Home Master TMAFC-ERP Undersink Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System


Home Master TMAFC-ERP Artesian Full Contact Undersink Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System
800+ 4.8

APEC ESSENCE ROES-PH75 Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System
APEC Top Tier Alkaline Mineral pH+ 75 GPD 6-Stage Ultra Safe Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System (ESSENCE ROES-PH75)
700+ 4.8
iSpring RCC7AK 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis Water Filter

iSpring RCC7AK 6-Stage Superb Taste High Capacity Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System with Alkaline Remineralization-Natural pH WQA Gold Seal Certified
1400+ 4.6

Express Water Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System

Express Water Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System – 5 Stage RO Water Purifier with Faucet and Tank – Under Sink Water Filter – plus 4 Replacement Filters – 50 GPD
500+
4.6


 

 

Installation & Maintenance

Installing a Reverse Osmosis Water System

Installation of the system may seem a bit intimidating at first, but assure you that it’s relatively easy. Most systems come with color-coded, push-fit connectors to assist you in the installation. You shouldn’t need any specialized tools to do the job, and you’ll be ready to use your system in an hour or two. Follow this brief installation guide for quick and easy fitment.

 

  1. Turn Off the Water

Turn off the water tap to your faucet and remove the cold water pipe.

 

  1. Connecting the System

Push the T-connector that you receive with your system into the cold water outlet.

 

  1. Connecting the Flush System

If your RO system comes with an auto-flush, you’ll need to drill a small hole in the sink drain to fit the flush pipe. Remember to seal around the hole with silicone adhesive to prevent wastewater spillage.

 

  1. Mounting the Filter

Mount the filter on the rear panel of your sink cupboard under the faucet. You’ll need to drill a few pilot holes to install them, but most only require a few screws to fit the entire ensemble.

 

  1. Installing the Water Tank

Fit the tank to a level surface under the sink.

 

  1. Connect The Water Pipes

Take note of the color-coded connectors on your system and connect the cold water lines to the correct filter inlets.

 

  1. Power Up the System

If your system uses a UV filter, then you’ll need to have a plug point nearby to power the UV light. All other systems without this feature rely on water pressure, not electricity, to operate the system effectively.

 

  1. Turn the Water On

Turn the water back on and review your installation for signs of any leaks. Cover any holes with Teflon tape, or silicone adhesive.

 

  1. Flush the System

It’s critical that you flush the system before you use it – most manufacturers recommend that you pass a certain amount of gallons through the filter before the water is safe to drink. Check the manufacturers’ guidelines for your system and follow them correctly.

 

Our Best Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Systems

Reverse Osmosis Water FilterReviews
Average 5 Star
Price
Home Master TMAFC-ERP Undersink Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System


Home Master TMAFC-ERP Artesian Full Contact Undersink Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System
800+ 4.8

APEC ESSENCE ROES-PH75 Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System
APEC Top Tier Alkaline Mineral pH+ 75 GPD 6-Stage Ultra Safe Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System (ESSENCE ROES-PH75)
700+ 4.8
iSpring RCC7AK 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis Water Filter

iSpring RCC7AK 6-Stage Superb Taste High Capacity Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System with Alkaline Remineralization-Natural pH WQA Gold Seal Certified
1400+ 4.6

Express Water Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System

Express Water Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System – 5 Stage RO Water Purifier with Faucet and Tank – Under Sink Water Filter – plus 4 Replacement Filters – 50 GPD
500+
4.6


 

 

Maintaining Your Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System

For the most part, reverse osmosis systems require very little maintenance apart from replacing the filters every few months. Your interval for changes varies depending on the type of water passing through the system.

The average service life for a filter is typically 6-months. However, some advanced systems only need the parts replacing once a year. The membrane is a different story, and that should provide a service life of between two and three years.

The filters positioned after the membrane in the system also last much longer than the initial filters and should only require replacement every other year.

Some systems come with clear filter boxes so you can visually see when it’s time to replace the filter. Other systems feature LED lights to signal when it’s time to change the membrane or filters. Some systems make it easy to replace the membrane and filters, while others require a special wrench to replace the worn parts.

The whole job takes only a few minutes every few years, so it’s far from an extensive maintenance schedule.

 

Top Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Brands

APEC

The Advanced Purification Engineering Corporation (APEC,) is a leading reverse osmosis systems manufacturer in the United States. This company supplies systems to various U.S government institutions, including the military.

Based in California, the company has over 20-years’ experience in manufacturing and developing reverse osmosis water systems around the world. The company ships worldwide and has excellent customer service reviews.

APEC reverse osmosis systems suit residential, commercial, and industrial use – they have an RO solution to suit any application, in any environment. Reviews suggest that APEC makes some of the most trusted reverse osmosis systems in the world, with superior design and engineering on all of their products.

What we like most about APEC is that their primary filters and membranes are engineered, designed, and manufactured in the United States. APEC state their mission is to deliver affordable, efficient reverse osmosis systems to the public as part of an awareness campaign on how water impacts our health.

APEC has an excellent customer service team, and all of their products come with a lifetime warranty. The product range includes a wide variety of whole-home systems and multi-stage filters that include UV filtering as well. The APEC systems are affordable and effective for use at your home and the office.

 

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iSpring

Based in Alpharetta, Georgia for well over a decade, this family-owned business specializes in water filtration systems. iSpring Water Systems offer a wide variety of products, from whole-home systems to individual tap products – and they even have shower-head filters as well.

We found most of their systems very user-friendly to set up and maintain, with excellent filter efficiency. The company has replacement parts readily available online and cater to households in the United States. Installation is simple thanks to the color-coded connectors, and the quality of components is second to none.

All of their RO systems are incredibly affordable and come with extended warranties on their service life and components. Excellent customer service and prompt delivery make iSpring a top choice for anyone interested in installing an RO system in their home. Filter life for your average home system is anywhere between 6 to 12-months for this manufacturers product line, and replacement filters come separately or in sets.

iSpring focus on water systems for household applications, so you’ll need to look for another supplier if you’re in need of a commercial or industrial RO system. However, their residential units offer a range of under-the-counter and over-the-counter applications with a wide variety of flow rates and filter setups.

 

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Home Master

Founded in 2002, Home Master make high-quality reverse osmosis systems for the home. Home Master claims their units don’t reduce your water pressure, thanks to their independent operation. It is also the only company offering “mineral water on tap,” with their under-the-counter systems.

This brand stands out from the crowd with their technology and offers excellent performance and quality in all of their products. The company designs systems with patented new technology and no foreign components. With Home Masters RO systems, you can expect easy fitment, long service life for filters and the membrane, as well as a limited 5-year warranty on all parts.

Advanced purification and filtration stages remove 99-percent of heavy metals, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and sediment from your drinking water, leaving you with nothing but pure water reintroduced with the right balance of minerals.

Home Masters claim their filters clean over 3,000-gallons and only require changing once a year. Replacement is easy, with no additional custom tools needed. We like the high flow rate from the Home Master series, which is almost double that of competing products offered in the market.

Their product range may be slightly expensive compared to other brands, but the efficiency of the system, backed with excellent customer service, makes them a top choice for anyone considering a home RO system.

 

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Express Water

This company has over 27-years of experience in water systems. Founded by three friends, Express Water had a simple goal of producing reverse osmosis systems for the home with hassle-free installation. Their “one-stop” systems are capable of handling any household demand for clean drinking water.

Express Water has a range of under-the-counter whole-home systems. While most other manufacturers offer 5-stage systems or more, Express Water feel that they only need to provide 3-stage systems. We find that this is a bit lacking in efficiency for people living in States where the local water supply is of inferior quality.

The warranty is the only cause for concern with this brand and their products. Express Water offers a limited 1-year warranty on all parts, compared to most other manufacturers that provide 5-year limited warranties on similar products.

We’re not sure if this period makes any difference, as most of the online reviews for this company come up with excellent customer service and long working life for their filters and membranes. However, Express Water do offer a money-back, 30-day guarantee on their products.

The company offers free shipping on all of the systems available and a support line for help with installation if you come across any problems during fitment.

 

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Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Vs. Other Type of Water Filters

Reverse Osmosis Vs. Carbon Filters

These two filtration technologies differ concerning the amount of particulate matter they filter from the water supply. Reverse osmosis membranes filter out particles as small as 0.001-microns in size while carbon filter systems can only remove particulate matter as low as 0.1 to 0.5-microns in diameter.

This fact means that reverse osmosis systems remove particles up to 500-times smaller than what a carbon-based system allows. While carbon filters remove almost 85-percent of particles, there’s still room for heavy metals and pharmaceuticals to get through into your drinking water.

 

Pros of Reverse Osmosis

  • It eliminates heavy metals and pharmaceuticals from drinking water.
  • Mineral and pH adjustment.
  • The system removes viruses and harmful bacteria from drinking water.

 

Cons of Reverse Osmosis

  • More expensive than simple carbon filter systems.
  • Not portable.

 

Pros of Carbon Filters

  • An easy and inexpensive water filtration solution.
  • No installation required.
  • Portable.

 

Cons of Carbon Filters

  • Less filter service time compared to RO membranes.
  • Only filters 85-percent of particulate matter.
  • Not suitable for a whole-home solution.

 

Reverse Osmosis Vs. Distilled Water Filters

Distilled water filters work on the same principle as natural earth filtration of water. A distiller heats the water to boiling point producing steam. The steam cools in a condensation chamber before traveling to a containment vessel where it’s ready for consumption. The evaporation process leaves behind any residue or particulate matter, cleaning the water.

Distilled Water Filter Pros

  • Cleans drinking water reasonably well.

 

Distilled Water Filter Cons

  • The distillation process makes the water more acidic.
  • Removes all minerals and electrolytes from drinking water.
  • Unsuitable for prolonged consumption.
  • The water lacks taste since it removes all minerals.

 

We recommend you stay away from distilled water purifiers due to the fact they remove all minerals and electrolytes from the purified water. Consistently drinking distilled water is as bad for your body as drinking unsafe tap water and may result in seizures due to your body not receiving the necessary minerals and electrolytes it needs to function.

 

Our Best Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Systems

Reverse Osmosis Water FilterReviews
Average 5 Star
Price
Home Master TMAFC-ERP Undersink Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System


Home Master TMAFC-ERP Artesian Full Contact Undersink Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System
800+ 4.8

APEC ESSENCE ROES-PH75 Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System
APEC Top Tier Alkaline Mineral pH+ 75 GPD 6-Stage Ultra Safe Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System (ESSENCE ROES-PH75)
700+ 4.8
iSpring RCC7AK 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis Water Filter

iSpring RCC7AK 6-Stage Superb Taste High Capacity Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System with Alkaline Remineralization-Natural pH WQA Gold Seal Certified
1400+ 4.6

Express Water Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System

Express Water Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System – 5 Stage RO Water Purifier with Faucet and Tank – Under Sink Water Filter – plus 4 Replacement Filters – 50 GPD
500+
4.6


 

 

Our Top Recommended Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Systems

Home Master TMAFC-ERP Artesian Full Contact Undersink Reverse Osmosis Water  Home Master TMAFC-ERP Artesian Full Contact Undersink Reverse Osmosis Water Filter SystemFilter System      

We selected the Home Master full contact system for this review. The innovative design of this unit provides a solution to many of the typical issues associated with RO.

This unit comes with seven filtration stages that remove up to 98-percent of all contaminants, including chloramine and heavy metals like cadmium.

The technology in the full contact system adds magnesium and calcium back into the filtered water, giving the filtered water an excellent taste.

The permeate pump works off of the water pressure in the system, and this means that you don’t need to hook it up to an electrical outlet. The system increases water production by up to 50-percent compared to other similar products. The system also reduces water waste by up to 80-percent.

Made in the United States, this RO system has a long service life and easy filter changes. Home Master claims the filter and membrane filters up to 2,000-gallons between changes, adding up to one replacement per year.

This system comes as a fully assembled unit straight out of the box. The inlet housing supports a 3/8-inch feed-water adapter featuring a shutoff valve. The permeate storage tank connects to a chrome tank faucet, with the flush system hoses linking to a drain saddle.

We like the Home Master unit for its ease of installation. It comes fully assembled straight out of the box and offers easy set up under your sink. Home master makes excellent quality products, so we believe their claim of 2,000-gallon service life for their filters. If you have any issues with the product, Home Master offers a 5-year warranty.

This product is a bit pricey, but we feel it’s worth the money.

Pros

  • Easy to set up.
  • Filters 98-percent of all particulate matter and chemicals from your water.
  • Storage tank included in the system.
  • Seven filtration stages.
  • Permeate pump included.

Cons

  • On the expensive side.

 

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APEC Top Tier Alkaline Mineral pH+ 75 GPD 6-Stage Ultra Safe Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filter System (ESSENCE ROES-PH75)  APEC Top Tier Alkaline Mineral pH+ 75 GPD 6-Stage Ultra Safe Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System (ESSENCE ROES-PH75)

This 6-stage reverse osmosis filtration system features high-quality components engineered and designed in the United States. The double carbon blocks in their filters do an excellent job of cleaning your water. The system removes up to 99-percent of all harmful particles, heavy metals and other chemicals from your drinking water.

All cartridges are manufactured in the US and contain food-grade calcium for reintroduction into the filtered water. This system allows for the elevation of the pH, an essential feature for those people that enjoy drinking alkaline water.

All filters and the membrane for the system offer long service life, with changes required every 2,000-gallons. We like the lead-free designer faucet with its stylish design. All tubing meets FDA food grade certification standards, and the leak-free fittings offer a secure connection to your water supply.

The system comes with a 2-year extended warranty and registration. If you have any problems with your unit, call the customer support line, and their friendly team will work through any issues you have with the system.

Considering the price tag, we think that this system offers excellent value for money. The double block carbon filters are a nice addition to the system, and the alkaline membrane produces alkaline water, which has numerous health benefits.

The system also adds calcium and magnesium back into the drinking water after purification – a feature that’s essential for your body’s mineral balance.

We struggle to find a disadvantage with this system, but if we had to pick one – it would be that it’s somewhat challenging to install.

Pros

  • The system produces alkaline water with added calcium and magnesium.
  • The membranes and filters offer long service life.
  • Membranes and filters made in the USA.

Cons

  • Not the most accessible system to fit under your sink.
  • Fairly pricey.
  • We would have preferred a few more years on the warranty.

 

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iSpring RCC7AK 6-Stage Superb Taste High Capacity Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filter System with Alkaline Remineralization-Natural pH WQA Gold Seal Certified (NSF/ANSI 58) iSpring RCC7AK 6-Stage Superb Taste High Capacity Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System with Alkaline Remineralization-Natural pH WQA Gold Seal Certified

This high capacity, reverse osmosis system, mounts under the sink and provides you and your family with safe drinking water. The unit removes 99-percent of all harmful particles, including pathogens and bacteria. The system works on a feed pressure of 45-70 psi, and iSpring guarantee that it doesn’t clog.

The standard 5-stage system on offer from iSpring produces water with a pH balance of 7. This reading is slightly acidic and to combat the problem, iSpring add a sixth stage that reintroduces minerals back into the water. The alkaline filter drops the pH a couple of points to the 9-mark and adds back essential calcium and magnesium to the water to give it a refreshing taste.

iSpring offer high-quality components in this system that come backed by a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty on all parts.

Unboxing this unit, you’ll find a machine head with the reverse osmosis housing, as well as the 5th and 6th stage filters. The pre-filter housings come with a specialized wrench for easy fitment. The 3-gallon pressurized permeate tank features 2.5-gallons of holding capacity and connects to a lead-free brushed nickel faucet.

The manufacturer provides all tubing, additional fittings, and O-rings, along with the feed water adaptor, drain saddle, and water detector.

We like the fact that this unit comes with a clear first filter that helps you keep an eye on the efficiency of the system and makes picking the right time to change the filters easy. The unit is simple to install and comes with Clip-connectors that fit snugly to your existing pipework. The tank takes 3-hours to fill and offers clean, mineralized water for you and your family.

Pros

  • The system features a 6-stage filtering process.
  • The unit produces alkaline water with added minerals.
  • Easy installation.
  • High capacity system.
  • 3-year manufacturer’s warranty

Cons

  • Tank takes 3-hours to fill.

 

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Express Water Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System – 5 Stage RO Water Purifier with Faucet and Tank – Under Sink Water Filter – plus 4 Replacement Filters – 50 GPD  Express Water Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System – 5 Stage RO Water Purifier with Faucet and Tank – Under Sink Water Filter – plus 4 Replacement Filters – 50 GPD

If you’re looking for the most affordable under-counter reverse osmosis system – then this unit will provide you with everything you need. The Express Water 5-stage system lacks an alkaline filter but still produces high-quality water on a budget.

The Express Water system removes up to 99-percent of all harmful particles, including heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, bacteria, and pathogens. The system works off of water pressures between 40 to 80-psi, and the high-quality filters are cheap and easy to replace.

The system comes with a quick installation guide that has you up and running in no time at all. The simplicity of this design means there’s no complicated installment, that leaves you scratching your head wondering how everything fits together.

 

Wa6t5er Express offer a 1-year guarantee on all the parts and a friendly customer service team that assist you in troubleshooting your system if you have any issues during operation. The system comes with an emergency leak detector that automatically shuts down the system in case of a leak.

Unboxing the Express Water system is a joy. Inside your box, you’ll find the machine head, filter set, casings, permeate tank and a faucet.

We didn’t like the fact that this is a 5-stage reverse osmosis system. Distilled water isn’t perfect for your health, and frequent consumption of mineral-free water can leave your body in a severe mineral imbalance that could harm your health.

However, we like the fact that this system is upgradable. This feature means that you can add an alkaline filter and reduce the acidity of the water while introducing valuable minerals back into the clean water before drinking. The price makes it an affordable system for anyone in need of clean drinking water.

 

Pros

  • Affordable.
  • Easy to set up.
  • Great customer service.
  • Upgradable system.

Cons

  • A 5-stage filter as standard.
  • 1-year warranty.

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APEC Top Tier 5-Stage Ultra Safe Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filter System

This is another reverse osmosis filter that this time works to remove 99% of APEC Top Tier 5-Stage Ultra Safe Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filter Systemcontaminants including arsenic, chlorine, lead and fluoride. With a premium design

and ‘quick connect’ fittings, it is pleasant to use and again works by being fixed under the sink. Compared with the iSPring though, this lacks the ionization/water softening features.

Otherwise, this is a very industrial solution once again that will fix your water right at the source so you can pour it straight into your tap and enjoy many benefits.

 

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Watts Premier RO-Pure 531411 4-Stage Reverse Osmosis System

This is another system that will fix under the sink to offer reverse osmosis filtration, this time at a lower price. It’s easy to fix and utilizes a 5-micronWatts Premier RO-Pure 531411 4-Stage Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System

sediment pre-filter trap to remove dirt, rust and silt. The carbon block then removes chloramines. It can remove up to 96% of dissolved solids and 99.9% of cysts and bacteria. The container is 50 gallons.

Filters will need to be changed out with this system but this is made very easy and simply requires the push of a button. Auto-shutoff valves are also built into the system.

While this isn’t the most comprehensive purification on our list, it’s nevertheless impressive just how many different systems are utilizes here.

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APEC RO-90 – Ultimate 5-Stage 90 GPD Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water SystemAPEC Water Systems RO-90 Ultimate Series Top Tier Supreme Certified High Output 90 GPD Ultra Safe Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System

The APEC RO-90 Water System is a 5 stage reverse osmosis water filter, which utilizes a polypropylene sediment filter in order to extend the system’s lifespan and remove dust, particles and sediment. The APEC RO-90 also uses carbon block and FILMTEC high rejection TFC reverse osmosis membrane, and lastly water is purified using advanced coconut shell refining carbon.

Fully automated system which effectively treat tap well and different hard water pressures, PH levels and hardness levels. Easy to repair, maintain and install, also allows for scale ability  and upgrades for changing and growing households.

Still not sure which APEC water system is right for you. Have a look at our APEC Water Systems Buyers Guide

 

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iSpring 75GPD 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System

iSpring 75GPD 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis Water Filter SystemThe manufacturers of the iSpring have made a number of changes to the quality and have recently made a number of upgrades to their product. In addition to an auto shut-off valve that prevents the tank from overflowing once it is full, the iSpring also features a water detector/flood alarm so that in the event of a leak. Many people like this system, but a small percentage have reported leaks and concerns about this product’s long-term durability.

Cons

The only negatives of the iSpring, and any RO system, is that the fine filtering also reduces some beneficial chemicals found in the water. Also, a lot of water is discharged during the filtration process, so in order to get one gallon of pure water, you end up wasting two to three gallons. The iSpring is rated to produce up to 75 gallons of fresh water per day.

Filter Replacement

Filter replacement is the most complicated part of the system because the life of each filter varies by type. Three filters need to be replaced every six months and another filter needs to be replaced once a year. The membrane needs to be replaced only every two to three years. Rather than buying these five filters individually, it’s easier to purchase what’s known as a three-year kit.

Still not sure which iSpring water system is right for you. Have a look at our iSpring page

 

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Final Thoughts

There you have it, the best reverse osmosis water filters available for your home or office. If you have the money to spend, we recommend the Home Master system, but if you’re on a budget, the Express Water system will get you started with clean drinking water and is fully upgradable to a 6-stage system.

Considering water is essential for life, buying an RO system is a prudent investment in your future health and that of your family as well.

While many people feel that a reverse osmosis system comes with a hefty price tag, it’s well worth the money when you think about long-term health benefits. Every household needs an RO system. Unfortunately, we expect things to get worse with the quality of our public water supply in the coming future. A reverse osmosis system gives you peace of mind every time you turn on the faucet for a glass of water.

 

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