Which filter for water is better?

Practice shows that it is more expensive to use unfiltered tap water for food purposes. Often it gives a not very pleasant smell and taste of coffee or tea, and soups and borsch are quite tasteless. For this reason, installing a filter under the sink is so in demand and popular. Consider the types of these products and analyze how they cope with their functions, which filter for water is better.

to the contents ↑

Specificity of the filters for the

sink These products are installed under the kitchen sink and connected to water pipes. Sometimes, if there is not enough space under the sink, the appliance is placed on the wall.

When selecting a filter, they are guided by the following criteria:

1. Filter type.
2. Manufacturer company.
3. Model.

to the contents ↑

Water filters - which one to choose?

There are 2 types of filters for washing:

• Flow type.
• Using the principle of reverse osmosis.

Externally, the devices are very similar, but the internal "filling" differs drastically. Let's consider each of the varieties in more detail.

Flowing

This is a system of several modules connected in series. Water at the same time passes through 3 stages of purification: preliminary, basic and final.

Important! The device uses a mechanical filter, a sorbent, silver particles. In the end, water is filtered out quite qualitatively. In addition to mechanical impurities, water is released from pathogens, and unpleasant odors leave.

There are types of cartridges that are used in the filter:

• For mechanical cleaning.
• Universal( for tap water without a large number of impurities).
• For very hard water.
• For water with excess metal content.
• Disinfecting.

Thus, it is possible to choose the best household water filter with the optimum set of cartridges for each specific case.

Important! This system is not the cheapest. Frequent replacement of cartridges is associated with high costs.

Reverse Osmosis System

In principle, the structure resembles a sorption filter equipped with additional components.

Important! The filter is assembled from several modules, assembled on one console. Inside each module there is a cartridge filter. Ultra-thin water purification is carried out using a module with a back-osmotic membrane.

In such systems, these types of cartridges are used:

• Based on polypropylene, purifying water from mechanical impurities.
• With carbon sorbent. This cleaner works well with organic impurities, heavy metal salts, hydrocarbons.
• To remove excess iron from water. They contain an active substance that reacts with iron dissolved in water.

After preliminary cleaning, the water passes the module with reverse osmosis. Cleaning is so high-quality that the water properties are akin to distilled water. To fill the lack of mineral substances, the filter is equipped with a mineralizer.

Important! As the cleaning is slow, the structure is equipped with an additional tank for collection of purified water. This is very convenient, if you need immediately a large amount of purified water.

to content ↑

The best water filter is the right choice

Strangely enough, the primary here is not a prestigious brand, but the quality of water. In different settlements and in different houses it is different. For example:

• If the water pipes are old and rusty, there will be a lot of mechanical impurities and excess iron in the water.
• Sometimes there is bacterial contamination, which can lead to intestinal infections.

Important! To determine the quality of water, you need to take its sample and take it to a local SES or testing center. In the latter case, you have to pay, but the result will be fast. The results of the check( 30 points in total) will be given to you in writing. Having received the treasured printout, you will be able to proceed with the selection of the filter, and also the cartridges to it.

Let's consider some typical situations.

Water hardness is normal, but in water excess chlorine or iron

In this case, the following kit is suitable:

• Cartridge for mechanical water treatment.
• Sorption cartridge with activated carbon.
• Cartridge with deironing agent.

Too hard water

It is advisable to give preference to a system with reverse osmosis. The osmotic membrane in this case plays the role of a water softener.

Organic( viruses, microbes, bacteria)

The reverse osmosis system again affects the height. To enhance the effect, it is desirable to put an UV filter on the output. As a solution to the problem, which filter is better for water, a flow system equipped with ultraviolet cleaning is also suitable.

to the table of contents ↑

Overview of water filters - rating of manufacturing companies

There are many Russian companies that produce water filters. The products are inexpensive, but quite sound, meeting world requirements. The ratings help to decide which water filters to choose - desktop or stationary, which brand is better to stop picking.

Barrier

This brand is known for a long time, since 1993. The company has its own research center, works on German equipment. The company produces filters for washing both types. Most of the systems are three-stage. In addition, the company also produces cartridges, which are quite simple to replace.

New Water

This is a relatively young brand that has already become famous. It produces filters( flow and reverse osmosis) and cartridges to them.

Aquaphor

The brand has been known since 1992. The company's plants are located in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region. The peculiarity of the company is the use of its own unique sorbent "Akvalen" on carbon fibers, with good cleaning properties.

Geyser

Another St. Petersburg company actively using its own development. The use of a unique ion-exchange polymer in water treatment systems allowed the company to reach the world level.

Important! Cartridges from "Geyser" and "Aquafor" are interchangeable.

Atoll

This is an American brand. All products of the company are NSF certified, which is a guarantee of excellent quality. The company produces 4 varieties of 3-stage filters for different types of water.

to the table of contents ↑

Best Filters

This rating is based on customer reviews, which will allow you to determine which stationary water filter is best.

Flow systems

Let's present the TOP-three of the best models.

Barrier Expert Ferrum:

• Three-step cleaning: mechanical, ion exchange and coal filtration.
• The porosity of the mechanical filter is 5 microns.
• Has deironing function, without water softening.
• There is clearing of free chlorine.
• The resource of the filter module is 10,000 liters.

Advantages of the system:

• Good water purification from iron, chlorine and other chemical compounds.
• Ease of installation.
• Relatively low cost.
• Compact, beautiful design.
• Easy to replace cartridges.
• Relatively long working life of cartridges.

Important! Cons:

• No softening function( or rather, there is, but weak).
• High cost of replacement cartridges. They are not always available.
• With a rare use of the filter, a taste of coal appears. We have to lower 3-5 liters of water.

Aquaphor Crystal H:

• Three-step cleaning: mechanical, ion exchange and coal filtration.
• The porosity of the mechanical filter is 0.8 microns.
• The resource of the filter module is 6000 liters.
• There are no deironing functions, there is water softening.

The advantages of the model include:

1. Solid, high-quality filter fabric.
2. Delicious, well-purified water.
3. A high( 1,5 year) working life of cartridges.
4. Good water softening, simple regeneration of softening cartridge.

Important! There are some shortcomings.

• Small service life of softening cartridge( 200-250 l).
• The need for washing the cartridge softener approximately every 2 months.

New Water Expert:

• Five-step system.
• Iron removal is not.
• There are softening and cleaning functions of free chlorine.

The advantages of the model include:

1. Compact size. The design does not take up all of the space under the sink.
2. High-quality plastic with reliable connections.
3. Aesthetic design.
4. High-quality water filtration.
5. High speed filtration.
6. Easy replacement of cartridges.
7. The filter is equipped with an ultrafiltration function.

Important! Cons:

• If the water is too hard, the softener suffices for about a month, not more.
• High cost of replacement cartridges.

TOP-triple system of reverse osmosis

Here is a triple of back-osmotic models with the highest customer ratings.

Geyser-Prestige-2

According to buyers, this is an almost perfect ratio of quality and price. Here are the advantages of the system:

1. Relatively high( in comparison with analogues) filtering speed.
2. Excellent water purification.
3. Low price.
4. Compact dimensions.
5. Large( up to several years) resource of replaceable cartridges.
6. Easy installation and replacement of cartridges.

Important! However, the shortcomings also suffice:

• Not a very tight tee connection. The application of the FSM tape solves this problem.
• Not very nice design of the crane.
• Replacement cartridges are not always available.
• A large amount of water goes into the drainage( for 10 liters of clean water - from 20 to 30 liters).If you have a water consumption meter, it's quite expensive.

ATOLL A-550 STD

This system is ideal for a large family, with a daily consumption of drinking water of more than 10 liters.

Unconditional advantages of the device are:

• Ease of installation. The lead-in hoses are colored, so it's difficult to confuse.
• Highest level of cleaning, because the best cleaning components of world quality are used.
• Excellent quality plastic.
• Good performance.
• Compact size.
• The crane works gently, the filter does not leak.

Important! Disadvantages:

• High price.
• A large number of accessories. There are no spare snap rings in the kit.

Barrier PROSO Osmo 100

This option for those who can count money, wants to select a water filter at a reasonable cost, but still wants to get well filtered water. True, there is an additional expense item: a lot of water simply merges into the sewage system. With a small head in the system, you need to pay attention to the filters with the pump, otherwise - the cleaning will be very slow.

Pros of the system:

1. Relatively low price.
2. More than 5 cleaning steps.
3. Collapsible flasks( this is a good article saving for the future).
4. Easy installation.
5. No need for frequent replacement of cartridges.

Important! Disadvantages:

• Large size. The filter "eats" all space under the sink.
• Requirements for water pressure in the system.
• No branded mineralizers.
• Substandard fittings.

Now you have all the necessary information for an informed choice. Choose, buy and use!