Which reverse osmosis water filter is better to choose: ratings and customer reviews

Geyser Prestige

Geyser Prestige is a classic model of a household reverse osmosis system with a storage tank. When I say “classic”, I mean the interchangeability of filter cartridges. You can easily select SL10″ and InLine filter elements from other manufacturers for such equipment.

Available in 4 modifications: simple, with a mineralizer (M), with a pump (P), with a pump and mineralizer (PM). This approach allows us to cover most of the customer's needs. The basic model operates at a pressure of 3 atmospheres, the version with a pump – from 2.

By default it is equipped with a tank with a usable volume of 7 liters. If desired, it can be replaced with a more compact one, 5 or even 2 liters. The filter is installed under the sink, so sometimes the size of the tank is critical.

The base membrane (1812-50 GPD) produces up to 190 l/day. It can subsequently be replaced by increasing productivity to 285 (1812-75 GPD) or 380 (1812-100 GPD) l/day.

How to choose a reverse osmosis filter

To clearly understand the differences between reverse osmosis purification systems, it is important to understand the key parameters of the filters. Then you can evaluate whether the product is worth the money or whether there are similar ones, but cheaper.

Number of cleaning stages

There are from 3 to 7 levels. The more there are, the higher the water quality. Possible options include:

1. Coarse filter that retains small debris, rust, sand.
2. Carbon filter that absorbs chlorine and other elements.
3. Polypropylene filter that eliminates the smallest fractions.
4. IR cut filter that kills viruses and bacteria.
5. The membrane itself is of reverse osmosis type.
6. Post-cleaning with activated carbon, completing the filtration process at a fine level.
7. A mineralizer that saturates the water with useful minerals that remove the previous steps along with debris, viruses and chemical impurities.

Membrane porosity

The quality of cleaning and throughput depend on this indicator. Products with pores of 1 micron are considered to have the best filtration quality. The average is 3 microns, and satisfactory is 5 microns.

Performance

In a minute, the system is capable of dispensing clean drinking water from 80 ml to 250 ml. More productive units can pass up to 1 liter of liquid. If the product is purchased for household needs, then this is an insignificant factor, but in the case of cafes or other public catering establishments, you should choose models with an indicator close to 1 l/min.

Storage capacity volume

A storage tank containing a supply of drinking water helps to partially compensate for low productivity. Its capacity ranges from 4 to 12 liters. There is a rubber bulb with air inside the tank, which creates pressure for the liquid to come out of the tap. As the pressure weakens, the container is filled with new filtered water. A storage container will help all family members get drunk faster. There are installations without a tank, but if the water supply suddenly turns off, there will be nothing to drink.

Lower permissible pressure

A certain pressure is required for the flow to pass through the reverse osmosis membrane. For some models it is 2.8 atm, while for others it is 3.5 atm. If the incoming pressure in your area is not enough, choose filters with installed pumps.

Crane configuration

The product is equipped with a spout with a valve, of which there can be one or two (the latter can be single-lever, with the ability to rotate in both directions). This design is practical for distinguishing between filtered and mineral-rich water. If you are not a fan of mineralization, then a spout with one valve is sufficient.

Dimensions

When choosing a filter, consider its dimensions so that the system fits under the sink. Therefore, first measure the free space with a tape measure, and then look for a product that fits in size.

Atoll A-550 STD (A-560E)

Another classic, but made of the best plastic and on a steel frame. It also differs from its analogues in that American Pentek filter elements are used as pre-filters. This is, in a way, a sign of quality, because the cartridges of this brand are considered one of the best.

In addition to the standard model, there are modifications with a pump (A-550p) and a mineralizer (A-550m).

The membrane is a proprietary element 1812-50 with a nominal capacity of 120 liters per day from DOW Chemical. The system is equipped with one large tank with a useful volume of 12 liters. Due to its massive size, I recommend this model to those who have enough space under the sink, or do not plan to use it for anything else.

Aquaphor DWM-101s Morion

Aquaphor offers an interesting technical solution. DWM-101s Morion combines the use of disposable modules, a water-water tank and sophisticated automation. The design has only 4 cartridges, and the last one works as a post-filter and mineralizer. All of them are vendor lock-in, i.e. replacement only with products from Aquaphor.

With a major focus on ease of maintenance, all cartridges can be replaced within 1 minute without the use of tools. The presence of a 5-liter water-water tank is designed to ensure the system operates at a pressure of 2 atmospheres, while most other reverse osmosis filters operate at 3 atmospheres. and higher. The tank is already built into the body, so the model is compact: 371x190x420 mm. A sophisticated mechanical automation system is responsible for smooth operation, so you always need to be prepared for surprises on its part.

It's important not to get confused. Until 2015, Aquaphor produced DWM-101 systems. This is exactly what is shown in the next video.

The only difference from the current version is the design of the membrane block. In the old K50 module, the drainage was diverted through a separate hole at the bottom. The appearance was spoiled by the “extra” tube. Now the filter is equipped with a K50S module with a corresponding mounting socket. Therefore, membranes from the old model do not fit the new ones, and vice versa.

Poseidon - osmo

A household water purifier suitable for both home and office. Completely copes with the problem of scale and deposits on heating elements of household appliances, and also removes 99% of known contaminants, viruses and bacteria.

Poseidon - Osmo is equipped with filter elements:

1. EFG 63/250 5 µm - mechanical cleaning filter element;
2. EFAU 63/250 - activated carbon filter element;
3. EFG 63/250-1 micron - filter element for mechanical cleaning;
4. Highly selective reverse osmosis membrane 50 gal.;
5. EFS 50/250 - fine carbon filter (post-filter).

Water treated through this system does not have an unpleasant odor or taste.

Poseidon - Osmo is made of quality materials. The filter is durable and easy to maintain. Consumables for this filter are inexpensive and can be found in any plumbing store.

Poseidon - Osmo is equipped with a large 12 liter . This filter is suitable not only for home, but also for office, cafe or restaurant. Thanks to the built-in pump, the filter can operate at low pressure (from 1.50 to 7 atm.). Most reverse osmosis filters operate at a pressure of at least 2-2.5 atm.

The only disadvantages include the build quality: buyers often complain about smudges after installation.

We liked:

• Affordable price
• High-quality water purification
• Easy to install
• Quality materials
• Big tank
• Can operate at low inlet pressure

We didn't like:

• No mineralizer
• Large dimensions
• Build quality

Best deals:

*Prices are current as of 05/24/2021

Barrier Profi Osmo 100

Don’t be surprised, but we have another standard model – now from Barrier. The latest current line of Profi Osmo with an index of 100, which indicates the use of a membrane with a capacity of up to 380 liters per day (100 gallons) as the default filter element. Those. where 1812-50 is usually installed, here 1812-100. The performance gain is approximately 2 times.

The model is available in versions with a pump (Boost), a mineralizer (M), and both (Boost M). All elements are attached to a durable steel frame.

The storage tank holds up to 4-5 liters of purified water. The useful volume, as in other systems of this type, directly depends on the pressure in the water supply: the higher, the better the potential of the capacity is realized.

Watch a short video about installing Barrier Profi Osmo to get an idea of ​​this filter.

What brands make decent reverse osmosis systems?

There are quite a few brands that produce reverse osmosis filters. But the most popular models are produced by Aquaphor

. For 2021, this manufacturer is the leader in terms of sales. The filters have a long service life and are easy to use. And also at a reasonable price. However, not everything is so rosy. Aquaphor systems have one common drawback. Judging by the reviews, the main problem of the models is low performance. But this drawback only applies to those models that are used without an additional pump/pump.

No less popular systems from the company Barrier

. Reverse osmosis filters from this domestic manufacturer have become popular due to their low price. The brand produces some of the most budget models on the Russian market.

Geyser products

also applies to inexpensive filters. But along with the affordable price, the user receives a not very high-quality build. The defect rate of this manufacturer is quite high.

In addition to reverse osmosis systems from popular manufacturers, the rating includes models from ECOSOFT, SENDO, Atoll, Prio Novaya Voda and Xiaomi. These devices have received fewer reviews, but they are still in demand among Russian users.

To determine the best reverse osmosis filter, responses from real owners from the services Yandex.Market, DNS, OZON, IRecommend, Citilink, and Otzovik were used. Data is current for 2021.

Geyser Allegro

Allegro is a continuation of the successful Prestige line, but with some modifications. The manufacturer has focused on reducing the number of connections, which, logically, should reduce the risk of potential leaks. Therefore, the collector to which the prefilter flasks are attached is cast and made of plastic. There are versions on sale with a pump, a mineralizer, and the most complete one – with everything together. The kit includes a tank for 5-7 liters of purified water.

Previously, this model stood out with a transparent storage tank. There was a removable bag inside, allowing it to be changed as needed when microbial growth on its inner walls became apparent. But Geyser refused such a decision. Apparently something went wrong. For example, due to daylight, more germs developed inside than in a regular tank. Watch the video and you will understand what it looked like originally.

New water Expert Osmos MO530

This model will appeal to those who value compactness. The thickness of the main unit of the Expert Osmos MO530 filter is only 8.5 cm. It can be placed not only under the sink, but also above it or somewhere on the countertop. At the same time, it contains full 4 stages of purification with reverse osmosis and mineralization. All InLine cartridges can be changed in minutes. If necessary, they can be replaced with analogues from other manufacturers. A separate storage tank holds up to 7 liters of purified water.

As you will see from the video below, the MO530 used to come with a transparent storage tank. For the same reasons as in the case of Geyser Allegro, it was abandoned.

Rating of the best reverse osmosis water filters

Geyser Prestige 2

If your filter requirements are ultra-compact and affordable, then Geyser Prestige 2 is one of the few options. There will be a sacrifice in performance because the base 2-speed model comes without a tank. There is a modification with a 2-liter water tank and a post-filter.

The base model is equipped with a 100 gallon membrane. It is this that allows this reverse osmosis to be used as direct-flow osmosis. Depending on the pressure, the filter can deliver up to 200 ml per minute. This is not very convenient, but in some cases it is a good option.

The following video provides a short overview of the modification with a tank.

To be fair, I note that anyone can assemble such a system “on their knees” from components from any manufacturer. You just need an InLine cartridge with activated carbon (if the water is chlorinated) or polypropylene foam (if not chlorinated), a housing with a membrane, a plastic liner, a tap, a drain clamp and a tee tap. By the way, in this case you can even install a membrane with a higher capacity, up to 400 gallons. It will cost more, but the cleaning speed will increase 4 times.

Best Reverse Osmosis Systems with Large Capacity

A distinctive feature of the model is the presence of a tank for storing purified water. The average volume is 10 liters. You can use purified water at any time, especially if there is a constant need for it.

Ecotronic V 42-R4L

Popular with those who do not have a lot of free space. It is compact and light in weight. Easy and simple to install in a small room. The filter elements are located inside, so after purchasing the product is ready for use. Connecting is convenient and simple. No outside help will be required. Power – 800 W, when heating – 1 kW. The tank has a capacity of 12 liters. The installed UV lamp allows for constant disinfection of liquids. Cleaning steps:

• sedimentary;
• carbonic;
• membrane

Normalizes the percentage of presence of heavy metals, salts, and mechanical impurities.

The product is sold at a price of 60,800 rubles.

Ecotronic V 42-R4L

Advantages:

• performance;
• quality of cleaning;
• ease of operation;
• ease of installation;
• possibility of modification;
• You can press the tap using a mug;
• installation in offices and factories.

Flaws:

• high price.

Geyser Prestige 3

Differs in versatility. Can be used both for filtration and for producing demineralized water. Various flows are achieved through the use of a two-valve tap. The storage tank has a capacity of 40 liters. Product productivity – 0.76 l/min. The cleaning steps are as follows:

• pre-treatment;
• retention of organochlorine compounds and heavy metals;
• membrane screening;
• cleaning from free chlorine.

The average price is 50,000 rubles.

Geyser Prestige 3

Advantages:

• ease of installation;
• durability;
• practicality;
• quality of work;
• separate feed;
• presence of a carbon post-filter;
• versatility.

Flaws:

• big sizes.

Aquafilter Excito – RP 65139715

The filter allows you to clean the liquid from negative impurities by 99 percent. This removes viruses and bacteria, improves the taste of the water and eliminates the smell. No assistance from special organizations is required for installation. Capacity – 300 l/day. Operates at pressures up to 6 bar. There is interchangeability of filter cartridges. To easily connect the system to water supply and sewerage, adapters are included in the kit. There is also a chrome tap and a 12-liter plastic tank.

Purchase price – 6748 rubles.

Aquafilter Excito – RP 65139715

Advantages:

• optimal set;
• ease of use;
• versatility;
• withstands significant loads;
• practicality.

Flaws:

• unreliability of the case.

Econic Osmos Stream

New water loves modular cartridges, which can be seen from the abundance of models of systems with inLine filter elements. They are easy to change, and if necessary, it is not a problem to replace them with analogues from other manufacturers. But in the Econic Osmos Stream system there was also a place for a special component in the form of a high-performance membrane of Japanese origin. It is capable of delivering up to 0.9 l/min at a water supply pressure of 5 atm, and at 8 atm. – all 1.5 l/min. The membrane cleans water so well that the concentrate and permeate are approximately the same. This is very cool!

In addition to the basic model OD310, there is OD320 - with a mineralizer and OD360 - with a pump and mineralizer. All of them are direct-flow, providing high quality cleaning at an enviable speed. The only thing is that the membrane for such systems costs almost the same as the entire kit.

Osmosis filters with mineralizer

Some models of reverse osmosis systems are equipped with a mineralization cartridge. Its task is to saturate water purified from impurities with a set of microelements and salts and increase the pH level. Typically, such systems are equipped with a drinking faucet with two valves - one valve for clean water and a second valve for water that has passed through a mineralization cartridge filled with natural calcite. Any system can be equipped with such a cartridge. You can read more about five-stage filters with a mineralizer in the article “Do you need a mineralizer for reverse osmosis?”

Aquaphor DWM-31

DWM-31 combines the advantages of classic systems with a tank and direct-flow filters. The main advantage of this model is the use of a storage tank without internal pressure chambers and other things. Thanks to the included cut-off device, you can use 5-20 liter bottles. But for convenience, the kit includes a neat jug with a usable volume of 2.5 liters. It can always be washed, which eliminates the need for post-filters. Plus it saves space under the sink. Plus you can put it in the refrigerator. Plus there is a conditioning module with healthy salts.

What about the cons? Vendor lock-in, as always. Aquaphor cartridges are suitable here, and nothing more. See how it works in a visual video from the manufacturer.

Atoll A-550 box

If you want to see a minimum of tubes, look towards the boxed versions. Such as Atoll A-550 box. In it, all filter elements and the tank are hidden inside a plastic case. 4 of the 5 cleaning stages are represented by Inline type cartridges, i.e. If necessary, they can be replaced with products of third-party brands. The 1812-50 membrane is housed in a standard housing and delivers up to 120 liters per day or about 80 ml per minute.

The filter size is 440x420x240 mm, so the tank inside is also small. It can hold a maximum of 4.6 liters of purified water. There are versions with a pump. Modifications of the A-575 box with a 1812-75 membrane are produced in the same case, i.e. 1.5 times more productive compared to the younger version. You can find versions with a mineralizer and a pump.

The main advantage of such solutions: there are no protruding tubes, everything is hidden by plastic. On the other hand, you overpay for this plastic. At your leisure, try to calculate how much this overpayment will cost you if you assemble a similar system, but without a box. Let's save your time: about half the cost of the kit is the box. Half, Karl!

Tips for choosing

As you can easily see, all systems are approximately the same: externally and in terms of cleaning quality. They may differ in design and ease of use, but the concept is the same everywhere. First, prefiltration to remove solid impurities and chlorine, then a reverse osmosis membrane to remove everything else, postfiltration to further purify the water after the tank, a mineralizer, etc. Read more about the sequence of cartridges in a separate article.

About the need to purchase

Reverse osmosis is really only needed in 3 cases:

1. The water contains nitrates - compounds that turn into toxic nitrites in the stomach. Only reverse osmosis and special expensive ion exchange resins can remove nitrates;
2. want to switch from bottled water to filtered water, because it’s more convenient and profitable. At the most rough estimates, clean water will cost half as much;
3. Tired of scale in the kettle and the need to frequently change softening cartridges in the flow filter

If this doesn’t apply to you, you shouldn’t spend money on such a system - something simpler, like a flow-through or filter jug, will help.

About the number of cleaning stages

Usually 4-5 steps are enough to get good quality water. Is it possible to do less? Easily! Below is a small life hack that will help you save some money.

Control yourself. Don't pay for unnecessary steps - this will not improve the quality of water purification!

So you bought a classic system, for example, Geyser Prestige. You use it, but 6 months pass - it’s time to change the pre-filters and post-filters. At the same time, you know for sure that the source water is not chlorinated. This is easy to understand by the absence of a specific smell.

Then you can throw out the 2nd and 3rd cartridges, and replace only the 1st and post-filter. Yes, you heard right, 2 flasks will be empty. Simply because their presence in a particular case does not make sense. Prefiltration will only include mechanical cleaning from sand, rust, etc. impurities insoluble in water.

About the storage tank

Most often, household reverse osmosis systems are equipped with 1812-50 GPD membranes. Their maximum output is 190 liters per day or approximately 130 ml per minute. We don't have the patience to wait 10-15 minutes for the kettle to fill, so we came up with storage tanks. These are intermediate containers that always have a supply of purified water.

You need to understand that no matter how clean the water after the membrane is, in a closed container it is simply doomed to become a medium for the development of bacteria. Therefore, there is a carbon post-filter that purifies the water after the storage tank. Therefore, manufacturers do not recommend leaving the filter idle for a long time. The tank will become rotten and will have to be washed with bleach to disinfect it. But this is the most pessimistic scenario. If you follow the manufacturer's recommendations, you don't have to worry about poisoning, etc. things.

But I still recommend considering options without intermediate containers (Prestige-2 or Econic Osmos Stream) or those where these containers can be easily washed, for example, a jug like in Aquaphor DWM-31 . In some cases, you don’t even have to sacrifice the speed of supply of purified water!

About water pressure

The bigger, the better. It's better to measure before purchasing. You can contact plumbers, filter installers, or do it yourself by screwing a pressure gauge to a flexible liner or shower hose.

A pressure of 3.5 atmospheres will allow any filter to reach its nominal performance. However, there are models that work with less pressure. As a last resort, you can install a pressure booster pump.

What is extremely important: the higher the pressure, the less water is drained into the sewer!

About the mineralizer

According to SanPiN 2.1.4.1074-01, the pH value of drinking water should be in the range of 6-9 units. But after reverse osmosis it can sometimes be below 6, which can be felt by the changed taste: the water seems bitter. To avoid this, use a mineralizer. It usually contains crushed calcite or dolomite - bad, but soluble minerals of natural origin.

Its use will only be noticeable to those who plan to drink raw purified water. For tea and coffee, a mineralizer does not make sense. Plus, you need to take into account that only the first portions of water will contain a noticeable amount of salts, because it was inside the mineralizer for some time, all the rest will contain much less due to the poor solubility of the filling.

About replacing cartridges

As practice shows, during the first replacement you can determine whether you need to follow the manufacturer's recommendations or whether you can save money. What are we talking about?

For example, servicing classic systems. We unscrew the pre-filter flasks and look at the condition of the cartridges. The first will be the element for mechanical cleaning. If it remains white or not very dirty, then the prefilters can NOT be CHANGED for longer than the regulated period. If it is covered in mucus and dirt, you may need to do this more often than recommended. The same goes for the rest of the steps - everything can be determined visually with sufficient accuracy.

Another thing is the post filter, if there is one. If a powerful shield in the form of a membrane is installed after the pre-filters, then after the post-filter the water goes directly to the consumer. Therefore, it is better to change it every 6 months. And if, for example, you went on vacation for a week, then upon arrival it is better to replace the post filter.

In modular systems, you can focus on changing the filtration speed. Cartridges will physically become clogged with impurities over time, which will directly affect their throughput.

About water consumption

It will increase. Do not believe in stories that due to the low filtration rate, the water meter does not record consumption. He records everything.

The flow rate will be proportional to the amount of permeate and drainage. And it depends on several factors:

• quality and condition of prefilters. The more contaminated they are, the worse the pressure and the more often the leaks of impurities that harm the membrane;
• quality and condition of the membrane. The more impurities the membrane cuts off, the more water will drain into the drain. The longer its service life, the more deposits on the material and the lower its throughput. Accordingly, more water will go into the sewer;
• pressure in the water supply. The higher it is, the less it will drain into the sewer;
• the presence of storage tanks. We are talking about pressurized air tanks because they create back pressure and reduce the efficiency of the system at medium and low pressure in the water supply

The best reverse osmosis filter. TOP 10 with and without mineralizer. Filter rating 2021.

Editorial:

07/13/2021 at 19:44

Hello Boris!

1. Comparison of an orange with a potato. This comparison is unacceptable in this rating as an analogy.

2. In one they compare it with a pump, in the other without a pressure increase pump. A high-pressure pump is needed only in cases where the water pressure is below 2.8 atm. If the water pressure is below 1 atm, then the pump will not work correctly. Everyone's water pressure in their apartments and houses is different. Consumers choose those filters that suit specific technical characteristics. Not everyone needs a pump for filters to work correctly.

3. Anything without mineralization is given a minus, but no one has read the hygiene requirements? I. Indeed, water mineralization is the most important indicator. Check out current scientific research. World Health Organization "Nutrients in Drinking Water" Health effects arising from the consumption of demineralized drinking water František Kolizek

National Institute of Public Health Czech Republic Health risks from drinking demineralized or low-mineralized water Demineralized water that has not been subsequently enriched with minerals is an extreme case. It contains dissolved substances such as calcium and magnesium, the main contributors to hardness, in very small quantities. Possible consequences of consuming water low in minerals fall into the following categories: - direct effects on the intestinal mucosa, metabolism and homeostasis of minerals, and other body functions; — low intake/absence of calcium and magnesium intake; - low intake of other macro- and microelements; - loss of calcium, magnesium and other macroelements during cooking; — possible increase in the intake of toxic metals into the body. 1. Direct effects on the intestinal mucosa, metabolism and homeostasis of minerals, and other body functions Distilled and low-mineralized water (total mineralization) International and national organizations responsible for the quality of drinking water should review the guidelines for the treatment of demineralized water, be sure to determine the minimum values ​​of important indicators, including calcium, magnesium and mineralization. Where necessary, competent authorities are required to support and promote targeted research in this area to improve public health. If a quality guideline is developed for individual substances required in demineralized water, competent authorities should ensure that the document applicable for consumers of home water purification systems and bottled water.

II. All filters presented in the rating have certificates of conformity. The hygienic requirements of water are observed in accordance with SanPiN and GOST standards. We checked this information before compiling the rating.

3. The ORP is unchanged - they put a minus, but why change the ORP even though you yourself understand or is it necessary? Structuring water - before writing, you need to understand what... Structuring water. In order for you to understand what this is about, we advise you to familiarize yourself with the scientific literature and literature written by modern scientists.

We invite you to familiarize yourself with some materials on the topic: 1. Obtaining drinking water with a negative redox potential / A. A. Volchanskaya, M. S. Zrazhevskaya, S. N. Nikolaenko [etc.] // Young scientist. — 2021. — No. 7 (141). — pp. 119-121 2. https://vionebaltic.eu/ru/xipblog/post/polza-vodorodnoj-vody-na-kanale-rossiya-1_38.html?page_type=post 3. https://ikar.udm .ru/sb/sb43-3.htm 4. https://ikar.udm.ru/sb/sb15-13.htm 5. https://ikar.udm.ru/z-23.htm 6. https: //www.amazon.com/Dancing-Water-New-Science-ebook/dp/B007K3BSI8

4. You also forgot to give everyone a minus, because the shaman and priest did not christen the device. We do not deal with pseudoscientific and religious things. You should turn to the appropriate resources of various religious denominations and esoteric teachings.

5. All authors of the site have higher education. The ratings are compiled carefully and undergo multi-level verification before publication. We study not only the technical characteristics of products, but also analyze numerous modern studies and the latest technologies, and consult with experts in various fields of science and technology.

The review is not biased and is not an advertisement. We do not cooperate with any of the filter manufacturers presented in the Rating. You can also directly clarify this with absolutely every company presented on our website.

The goal of the “Best-v.rf” portal is to identify the best products on the market in terms of price, quality and functional characteristics in the Russian and international markets.

Please introduce yourself as a researcher of which organization you are, what education and work experience you have. If you are competent in this area, offer your rating of the “Best reverse osmosis filters for water under the sink.” We will study the models that you propose with the involvement of relevant specialists.

Answer