How to choose the best under-sink water filters

As you know, water is life. Thanks to the conveniences of modern life, we no longer need to get drinking water in wells and reservoirs, it is enough just to open the tap in the kitchen. But in most cases, the water that flows into our houses and apartments can hardly be called drinking water. Although it goes through several stages of purification, chlorination, poor-quality raw materials and passing through rusty water pipes make the water not only tasteless, but even dangerous to drink.

Each family solves this problem differently: someone buys bottled water in liters, someone simply boils tap water, and many opt for a filter. Of course, the easiest and most affordable way to filter water is to purchase a filter jug. But the effectiveness of such a filter leaves much to be desired. Low performance, small volumes of filtered water, the need for constant replacement of cartridges makes you think about more productive options. Therefore, the most popular are stationary water filters, with placement under the sink, and have a separate tap for the purified liquid.

Types of water filters under the sink

Despite the variety of such systems on the market, they are conventionally divided into only two types: flow-through and reverse osmosis. Below we will consider each of them in detail.

Flowing water filters

This is a system of several modules, each of which performs its own function. Successively passing through the next stage of purification, the outlet water becomes really clean and useful. The modules are arranged in a specific order:

1. Mechanical cleaning first of all retains large contaminants: sand, rust, and other debris.
2. Absorbent treatment based on activated carbon acts as a protection against chlorine, benzene, oil products and pesticides.
3. The hard water modules use ion exchange, which reduces potassium and magnesium salts, which helps to reduce scale formation.
4. Iron removal fights against the increased content of iron and heavy metals in water. A chemical reaction takes place in the filter, allowing metal impurities to precipitate and remain inside the filter.
5. The antibacterial cleaning step removes bacteria, viruses and traces of organic compounds using silver ions or ultraviolet radiation.

Advantages of the flow filtration system:

Minuses:

Reverse osmosis system

This system is similar to a flow system, the main difference is that after several degrees of purification, the water passes through the last one, equipped with a membrane with micropores. The pores of this membrane are so small that only water molecules pass through. As a result, water is deprived of absolutely all impurities, both harmful and useful.Therefore, the set of some reverse osmosis filters may include a special mineralizer that saturates the water with the elements necessary for the body. This increases the cost of this device.

The presence of a built-in pump also affects the price, since sufficient pressure is required to pass water through the reverse osmosis membrane. Water purification in these systems is much slower than in flow-through systems, therefore such filters are usually equipped with a tank with filtered water. Such a tank is under pressure, so even if there is no water in the water supply, the tap with filtered water will work. But, when choosing these systems, it should be borne in mind that such tanks are quite voluminous and, together with all filtering elements, take up a lot of space.

Unlike flow filters, in reverse osmosis the concentrate of salts and impurities flows into the sewage system as a stream of untreated water, without lingering in the filter cartridges, while the water consumption increases.

In general, thanks to the reverse osmosis system, it is possible to obtain the purest water, similar to mineral water, from low-quality tap liquid.

Pros:

Minuses:

Specifications

Cleaning type	Bandwidth	Performance	Resource	Temperature
Mechanical	<10 μm	2-3 l / min	6 months	5-35 degrees
Coal	5-10 microns	2 l / min	6-12 months	5-35 degrees
Ion exchange	1-5 microns	1-2 l / min	3-6 months	5-35 degrees
Reverse osmosis	0.1-0.001 μm	0.1-0.25 l / min	1.5-2 years	5-35 degrees

What to be guided by when choosing a filter

So, the decision to improve the quality of drinking water for the home was made in favor of a stationary filter under the sink. Now we will consider how to choose it correctly, and what you need to pay attention to first.
Before deciding on a purchase, you need to consider the following criteria:

1. Tap water quality;
2. Place of installation of the filter and a separate tap;
3. Possibility of installing additional components that are not included in the kit: pump, mineralizer, prefilter (installed at a very high iron content in water);
4. Performance;
5. Estimated budget.

To begin with, we determine the chemical composition of the water. One of the options is to contact the consultant of the store where you plan to make the purchase, who is aware of the level of water quality in your area. But in the case of buying from an online store, this method is not suitable. Therefore, it is best to hand over the water for analysis to a laboratory, where they will give you a detailed result: hardness, ph, color, odor, presence of heavy metals, etc. Based on this, a suitable device can be selected.

Next, we determine the place of installation of the device. It is most convenient to place the entire system under the kitchen sink, bringing only an additional tap outside. Usually it is installed next to the mixer, so tap water is used for washing dishes, vegetables and other things, and filtered water is used for drinking and cooking. If there is not enough space under the sink, you should give preference to small-sized appliances. With sufficient space, it is quite possible to place a large filter system, for example, reverse osmosis with a water storage tank.

When choosing such systems, it is worth considering the required pressure. For example, for a 50G membrane to operate, a pressure of 1.5 atm is required, for a 100G - from 3 atm. Therefore, most likely, a pump is needed to generate sufficient pressure, which can be included in the kit or installed separately. It is also necessary to take care of the mineralizer if it is not included in the package, since the use of distilled water for a long time deprives the body of the necessary salts.

When choosing the right filter, you also need to pay attention to performance. This is how many liters per minute the device can clean. On average, from one to three liters for flow filters, and 100-250 ml / min for reverse osmosis systems. The average productivity is also taken into account - the total resource of the treated water before replacing the cartridges, it is indicated in liters or in a time interval from six months to one and a half. Accordingly, the larger the modules, the longer they will last.

Good resource from 5000 to 10000 liters.

Based on these criteria, you can roughly determine the desired model and choose based on the budget. A common mistake when choosing is focusing on the overall price of the product, rather than on replacement and additional installations. For example, the system can be inexpensive, and replaceable cartridges are almost half the cost of the entire model.

Overview of manufacturers

It is not the first year that the best-selling filters on the Russian market are filters of the Barrier, Aquaphor, New Wave, and Geyser trade marks. Their budget, ease of use and installation, and the availability of consumables made them top sellers. Almost all manufacturers have models of both a flow filtration system and reverse osmosis. Inexpensive models with a price range from 1,500 to 6,000 rubles are mainly equipped with a flow system. Whereas premium filters in the price category from 6000 rubles and above have a reverse osmosis system.

To make it easier to understand among all types of filters, we will review the rating of high-quality and reliable water filters.

Barrier Expert Complex

This is a very simple 3-stage flow filter system. The module can be easily installed under the sink.
Accessories: a system of 3 modules, a separate tap for installation in a sink. Each cartridge has its own function:

1. Mechanical cleaning from dirt, sand, particles of water pipes, etc.;
2. Removal of heavy and toxic metals;
3. Protection against organochlorine compounds, unpleasant odors and tastes.

The Barrier Expert Complex filters have 5 sets of cartridges, which can be purchased depending on the quality of the source water. Only the second stage cartridge differs in them.

• In the "Standard" set, it performs the function of ionization;
• If the water is too hard, the “Softening” flask should be preferred;
• If the water pipes are so old that they contain a lot of dissolved iron, then the Ferrostop set is the best choice;
• In case of high chlorine content in water, it is recommended to use the "Carbon +" kit.

The average price of the Barrier flow filter is about 4,000 rubles.

Benefits:

Disadvantages:

Aquaphor Crystal Quadro

This is a similar flow filter with four replaceable modules. Ease of installation and ease of use captivate the layman. One additional module contains sorbents that increase the cleaning efficiency.

Aquaphor provides several sets of replaceable modules:

• Aquaphor Crystal Quadro will help to retain various mechanical impurities: sand, dirt, rust.
• Eco N set is suitable for families with small children. This is a special cleaning system with increased protection against bacteria and water softening.
• Kvadro 2H effectively removes scale in hard water.
• Quadro N with double purification of impurities softens and makes even muddy water crystal clear.
• Quad B with hollow fiber membrane fights bacteria and removes heavy metals from liquid.

Productivity: 2.5 liters per minute.
Average price of a set: 6500 rubles.

Benefits:

Disadvantages:

New Water Expert

Flowing filters for water "New Water Expert" have a whole line of sets from economy class to premium. These models will suit consumers with any needs and capabilities. Available sets of 3-stage cleaning economy class: M200, M300, with the possibility of upgrading to 4-stage. Models of the mass segment for water purification of any type: M-305, M-310, M-312, M-330. Premium models with ultrafiltration membrane M400, M410.

The peculiarity of these filters is that all filter elements and their components are hidden under a stylish compact body. Thus, in the absence of space under the sink, the filter can be installed above it without compromising the design of the kitchen. Also, the manufacturer gives a 3-year warranty for its products.

Let's consider the most popular models.

New water Expert M312

It is a compact filter with a stylish design, body color blue metallic. It has a 4-stage water purification, 4 filtering flasks are located inside the body. The complete set also includes a ceramic ball valve for clean water and everything you need to insert and install the filter.

This filtering device is designed for universal water purification: it cleans from impurities, dissolved impurities, deironing water. The use of zeolite in the ion exchange cartridge eliminates water turbidity.

The resource of replaceable cartridges is intended for 6 months of use. Average price: 6000 rubles.

Benefits:

Disadvantages:

New water Expert M420

The filter of this model belongs to the premium class of flow-through filters of the New Water Expert line. Provides 5-step universal cleansing. Ion exchange resin module softens water and prevents limescale build-up. A hollow fiber membrane with a pore size of 0.01 µm helps to achieve ultrafiltration without loss of minerals. A high-tech faucet for purified water will perfectly fit into the interior of a modern kitchen.

Body color metallic wet asphalt. Filtration rate - 1-2 liters per minute. Productivity - 8000 liters.

Model price: 7500 rubles.

Benefits:

Disadvantages:

Geyser water filters

This is perhaps the most budget-friendly option for popular filters. The company produces both pitcher-type filtering devices and flow-through and reverse osmosis. In the line of flow-through filters, mainly 3-stage filtration, but there are simplified models with 1-stage filtration.

The manufacturer has developed a unique ion-exchange polymer "Aragon", which covers a whole range of harmful impurities in tap water, including hardness salts and organic compounds. This filter material consists of complex interwoven fibers with anti-ejection properties, which prevents the filtered water from contaminating again, even after prolonged filtration.

The plastic flasks of the Geyser filters are collapsible; they contain replaceable cartridges. At the end of the resource, the flask is unscrewed, the contaminated cartridge is removed and a new one is installed, after rinsing the flask. Another feature of the Aragon cartridge is the ability to regenerate it, that is, to rinse it in the manner described in the instructions, and thereby increase its service life. It is very simple to understand that its resource is depleted: if the pressure of the purified water has decreased, regardless of the pressure in the line, then it is time to regenerate the cartridge.

Geyser 3 IVZH Elite

Despite the affordable price, this model effectively purifies water and improves its taste. Designed as a filter for water softening.Has a 3-stage cleaning, consisting of three blocks:

1. Polypropylene - cleans from mechanical impurities, resource - 10,000 liters;
2. Aragon 2 - removes iron and softens water, eliminates viruses and bacteria. Resource - 7000 l, with regeneration - 25000 l.
3. Carbon cartridge - absorbs water, removes toxic impurities. Resource up to 10,000 liters.

The maximum filtration rate is 3 liters per minute.
Complete set: filter system, cartridges, faucet, flexible hoses and everything you need to connect.

The price of the model is 3500 rubles.

Benefits:

Disadvantages:

Reverse osmosis filters

Geyser Prestige 2

This model is the smallest among the reverse osmosis filters, since there is no storage tank in the package. The system itself consists of two filters:

1. Pre-treatment filter with sorbent elements, resource - 6000 l;
2. Reverse osmosis membrane that purifies water from absolutely all impurities, as well as viruses and bacteria. The term of operation is 1-2 years.

Working pressure: 1.5 atm.
Productivity: 100-250 ml per minute.

Cost: 5000 rubles.

Benefits:

Disadvantages:

Aquaphor Osmo 50 isp. five

This is a classic reverse osmosis filter with a complete set and at an affordable price. A unique pre-filtration system, membrane purification and subsequent carbon filtration provides complete protection from all impurities, softens the water and makes it useful at the outlet.

Equipment:

• pretreatment modules (3 pcs.), shelf life 6 months;
• reverse osmosis membrane, resource 1.5 years;
• post-filtration carbon module, service life 1 year;
• water tank;
• tap for clean water;
• jG tube;
• drainage clamp;
• connection node;
• key.

Like all filters of this system, there is a rather low productivity - 130 ml / min, however, the presence of a storage tank solves the problem, the volume of the container is 10 liters. Of the 7 liters of consumed water, only 1 liter will remain clean, the rest will go to drainage.

System cost: 7500 rubles.

Benefits:

Disadvantages:

New water Expert Osmos MO530

This is a premium reverse osmosis filter system. The filter is equipped with everything necessary to obtain clean and healthy water, thanks to the built-in mineralizer at the filter outlet. As a result, the water is not inferior in composition to bottled mineral water. There are two cleaning stages in front of the membrane: mechanical and carbon. Reverse osmosis fiber is developed by Japanese specialists. Suitable for hard water treatment.

The tank has removable antibacterial bags that should be changed every 12 months. The volume of the storage tank is 15 liters, the usable volume is 10 liters. Premium ceramic ball valve. Stylish design of the body in matt black asphalt.

Working pressure: 0.2 to 0.8 MPa. Inlet water temperature is 5–35 degrees. Productivity: 0.18 l / min.

Price: 11,500 rubles.

Benefits:

Disadvantages:

Operating tips

So, we have considered the most popular models of flow-through filter systems. From this review, you can determine and choose for yourself which company is better to purchase a filter. In conclusion, let us note a few points that should be paid attention to when using the device.

1. Buy filters in trusted stores from reliable manufacturers with a guarantee.
2. Take care of how to install the system in advance: by yourself or by inviting a specialist.Many manufacturers provide services for installing the device.
3. If there is water in your area with a large amount of mechanical impurities, it is better to install an additional coarse pre-treatment filter. It will take the brunt of it and the drinking water filter system will last longer.
4. Change the cartridges on time, otherwise their excessive contamination will be more harm than good. How often they need to be changed is indicated in the instructions for the unit.
5. To prevent leaks and breakouts, securely and tightly fix all the connecting parts. Also, it will not be superfluous to shut off the water supply to the filter when you are away from home for a long time.

By following these simple tips, you can enjoy the pleasant taste of clean and healthy water every day.