Which under-sink water filtration systems are best?
In a world becoming evermore contaminated by human action, it can be grimly difficult to find access to truly clean water. Thankfully, there are under-sink water filtration systems that are built to strip even the most unhealthy waters of their damaging contaminants.
The best under-sink water filtration system is the Home Master Artesian Full Contact Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System. This under-sink water filtration system is one of the only systems to reintroduce healthy minerals back into your filtered water after filtration instead of flushing them away with the unhealthy minerals.
What to know before you buy an under-sink water filtration system
Under-sink water filtration system benefits
Under-sink water filtration systems have many benefits. They’re just as effective as whole-home water filtration systems at lower costs, can greatly improve the overall taste of your tap water and can aid in preventing digestive issues by filtering bacteria in addition to limiting basic contaminants. More importantly, they are an excellent source of clean water for reusable water bottles which can not only aid the environment, but also help you take in more water daily.
Filters
There are three main filter types used in under-sink water filtration systems with some under-sink water filtration systems using more than one filter type.
- Activated carbon: Common in under-sink water filtration systems, activated carbon filters use a positively charged and porous filter made of, you guessed it, activated carbon. This filter grabs contaminants as the water passes through the filter.
- Distillation: Distillation is uncommon in under-sink water filtration systems. Its process is to superheat your water until it becomes steam, which is then collected and condensed into purified, distilled water. Some contaminants can turn to gas with the water and remain, however.
- Reverse osmosis: The most effective filter in an under-sink water filtration system that’s also the most wasteful, though some under-sink water filtration systems that use reverse osmosis are less wasteful. Water passes through a semipermeable membrane which filters out contaminants, similar to activated carbon filters.
What to look for in a quality under-sink water filtration system
Filter change notification
Under-sink water filtration systems are only as useful as their filters which is why changing them as soon as they need to be changed is imperative. It can be difficult to keep track of when your filter needs to be changed, so some under-sink water filtration systems use audio, visual or a combination of the two alert systems to eliminate uncertainty.
Flood alerts
Some under-sink water filtration systems have a safety feature which can detect leaks. When a certain amount of water has leaked and built up around the system, it can automatically switch off your under-sink water filtration system to prevent damage.
How much you can expect to spend on an under-sink water filtration system
Basic systems can cost as low as $100, while the very best usually cost between $300-$500.
Under-sink water filtration system FAQ
How can I find out which contaminants are in my water so I can choose an appropriate under-sink water filtration system?
A. There are a few ways of finding this information. The first is accessing the Environmental Protection Agency’s annual water quality report for your area. There’s also the Environmental Working Group’s national drinking water database. Finally, you can have a sample of your water tested by an EPA-certified laboratory in your state for details about your specific water.
How frequently should I change the filters in my under-sink water filtration system?
A. There’s no catch-all information for how often an under-sink water filtration system should have its filters changed as each under-sink water filtration system uses different filters and processes. Many under-sink water filtration systems will have some kind of method to alert you that a filter needs changing, but should they not, follow your under-sink water filtration system’s manufacturer’s instructions on filter replacement.
What are the best under-sink water filtration systems to buy?
Top under-sink water filtration system
Home Master Artesian Full Contact Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
What you need to know: This is the best under-sink water filtration system available, thanks to its ability to reintroduce good minerals.
What you’ll love: Once this under-sink water filtration system has completed its reverse osmosis filtering, it reintroduces the healthy minerals back into the water that were initially filtered out, one of the only under-sink water filtration systems to be capable of this.
What you should consider: You have to pay one of the highest prices on the market for this under-sink water filtration system’s premiere features.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
Top under-sink water filtration system for the money
APEC Water Systems ROES-50 Essence Series Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
What you need to know: An excellent under-sink water filtration system that’s a little lower in cost, due to limiting unnecessary features.
What you’ll love: The reverse osmosis water filtration method is highly effective at stripping water of unhealthy materials, like chlorine, nitrates and sediment/metals, at a shockingly low price of $.01 per bottle full of water. A designer faucet is included with the system.
What you should consider: Some consumers reported some leaking systems after installation, plus this under-sink water filtration system doesn’t reintroduce healthy minerals like the Home Master.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
Worth checking out
iSpring 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis Under-Sink Water Filtration System
What you need to know: This five-step reverse osmosis under-sink water filtration system is a top choice for generating perfect drinking water.
What you’ll love: The five stages of this reverse osmosis under-sink water filtration system cleanses 99% of contaminants, including asbestos, fluoride, arsenic and calcium. The installation process can be completed easily by yourself with helpful instructions and official YouTube video guides.
What you should consider: There’s a lot of wasted water generated by the water filtration process of this under-sink water filtration system, 2 or 3 gallons worth for every usable gallon.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon, Home Depot and Wayfair
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Jordan Woika writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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