It is rare to hear people say they want to drink water that is in bad condition. Typically, one would make it their priority to drink water that is high-quality, free from contaminants, and has great taste. If these characteristics are of interest to you, a reverse osmosis water filtration system may be just right for you. It works effectively by passing water through a semipermeable membrane that traps unwanted contaminants.
Some of these contaminants include heavy metals such as arsenic and lead, chemicals such as herbicides and pesticides, organisms like bacteria and viruses, and sediments. An excellent reverse osmosis system filters out these contaminants leaving the water to be fresh and safe to use.
With the increased number of these reverse osmosis systems in the market, we gathered the best reverse osmosis water filtration systems that can provide you satisfactory service.
Why is the Reverse Osmosis System a Necessity?
Water from the well, or the river, or wherever you get your water from is generally assumed to be safe for drinking. It is not necessarily true considering the number of contaminants present in the water. Some of these contaminants, like heavy metals, can constantly build up in the body and cause serious health conditions later in life.
You can test the water personally using a testing kit to determine the number of impurities present in it. Water supplied by the municipality usually undergoes a purification process.
However, reverse osmosis water filtration regulations are put in place to allow some of these contaminants to remain in the water. The purification process involves adding chemicals like chlorine to the water to disinfect it.
A reverse osmosis system removes the contaminants with no addition of chemicals. In fact, it eliminates chlorine that is present in the water. We consider this filtration system a necessity for every household due to the many benefits it provides.
Do You Need A Reverse Osmosis System?
The decision is entirely yours, depending on the goals you have and your budget. the reverse osmosis water that you get from reverse osmosis systems is much better than the normal drinking water. However, a reverse osmosis system for purifying your water is important because it has many advantages attached to it.
Here are some of those benefits that you get from using a Ro System or reverse osmosis system:
Reverse Osmosis Systems Removes Impurities from the Water
Most people take the easier route when it comes to treating water. This method will only kill the water’s microorganism making other contaminants such as heavy metal, nitrates, fluoride, etc., still exist in the water. These remains can only be removed through filtration. A reverse osmosis water filtration system will guarantee that these impurities will be entirely removed.
It Gives the Water A Great Taste
Unfiltered water has an odd taste because of the many contaminants it consists of. Contaminants such as chlorine, sulfur, and silt give water different tastes. To eliminate this funny taste and ensure that the water is at a satisfactory taste level, you will need to remove the impurities. A reverse osmosis water filtration system is an amazing option that will dispose of these impurities.
Reverse Osmosis systems are Easy to Maintain
A reverse osmosis system is quite simple and does not require much maintenance. You are able to easily clean it which makes it more convenient for you in the future in terms of changing filters. It will not be in your best interest to have a reverse osmosis water filtration system that requires you to spend excess time cleaning or fixing it.
It’s Cheap and Affordable
On a budget? That’s no problem. A reverse osmosis system will extract the losses you incur when constantly purchasing water bottles. The water that gets filtered through a reverse osmosis water filtration system is high quality and contaminant-free the same way bottled water is.
5 Best Reverse Osmosis Systems of 2021:
- AquaTru – Overall Best, Top-Quality
- Waterdrop Reverse Osmosis – Best Performance
- Waterdrop Tankless – Best Tankless
- Crystal Quest – Best In Efficiency
- Home Master TMHP – Best For Well Water
We considered the best reverse osmosis system as one that can effectively remove all the contaminants and leave the water safe for use.
Further, in this review article, we have discussed the properties of a good reverse osmosis system and what to look for when purchasing one.
Let’s look at our top five reverse osmosis systems and their details:
#1. AquaTru – Overall Best, Top-Quality
Brand Overview
The AquaTru water filtration system is highly recommended as one of the best reverse osmosis systems. It has been tested and certified by NSF as the most effective water filtration system in removing microplastics, toxins, carcinogens, and other pollutants from unfiltered water.
It has a sleek design that keeps it simple and compact, suitable to fit comfortably under the sink or on the counter. The AquaTru filter system is also easy to install and operate as you can get clean, purified water with the touch of a button.
The process of purification involves four stages. The first stage is the pre-filtration stage, where the water is run through a mechanical filter. The mechanical filter removes un-dissolved solids and sediments like rust, sand, and silt that easily block filters in the system if allowed to pass. It also clears the water of cloudiness and other watercolors caused by these visible impurities in the water.
The second stage is also a pre-filtration stage, where the water passes through a reverse osmosis pre-filter. The reverse osmosis pre-filter is responsible for removing chlorine and chloramines, which destroy the filter’s semi-permeable membranes.
Chlorine contributes to the unpleasant taste of unfiltered water. Therefore, this step is crucial in improving the water’s taste by removing any amounts of chlorine present in the water. With this RO system, bottled water will no longer be necessary.
The third stage is to pass the water through the semipermeable membrane of the reverse osmosis system. This stage is crucial as most of the contaminants are removed here. It effectively eliminates pollutants like chromium, fluoride, lead, barium, iron, lead, copper, selenium, chromium-6, calcium, magnesium, pharmaceutical residues, and many others.
The rest of the contaminants are removed in stage four, where water is passed through a filter made with activated carbon. These contaminants include herbicides, pesticides, disinfectants, franking fuels, other contaminants with smaller molecules. This filter also removes bad odors and tastes from the water so that drinking the water is more pleasurable.
The purified water is separated from the contaminated water as the purifier diverts the dirty water to a waste tank and the purified water that reverse osmosis water goes to your cup. In the end, a lot of water is wasted. The AquaTru RO system is easily operated because it has an on/off switch button, which you can use to turn it on and off.
Pros
- It’s very easy to install and set up. It will take you only 3 minutes to complete the installation.
- It has a modern, sleek design making it attractive.
- It has a lower price point compared to other water filtration.
- It works very effectively to purify the water and improve its taste.
Cons
- The water holding tank is smaller compared to the traditional water filtration system.
- There are fewer filtration stages compared to other similar systems.
- It does not have a re-mineralization stage for the water. That means purifying water using this process removes all the minerals that are important in the body, so you drink water with no minerals.
#2. Waterdrop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System – Best Performance
Brand Overview
Unlike the AquaTru RO filtration system with a storage tank, this excellent Waterdrop RO water filter does not have a tank. It’s designed to filter water and fill the cup simultaneously. It can fill a glass in about 12 seconds.
Its design is compact and slim to fit perfectly under the sink. Its leak-proof technology ensures that there’s no water leakage. In the case where there’s a leak anywhere in the system, it automatically cuts off the electricity and water supply.
The Waterdrop RO water filtration system purifies water in seven stages, removing over 90% of the water’s contaminants. The water undergoes a pre-filtration stage where it is passed through sediment pre-filter to remove large particles of sand, silt, rust, and salt. It then passes through another pre-filtration stage.
A carbon block filter is used to trap chlorine, chloramines, and other chemicals present in the water. These chemicals, including chlorine, affect the water’s taste and smell, thus reducing the water quality.
The water continues to the reverse osmosis semi-permeable membrane filter from the pre-filtration stage, where most of the contaminants are removed. For this RO water drop filtration system, the membrane is larger compared to other ordinary reverse osmosis systems.
The larger size allows it to consistently filter more water. Filtration at this stage is thorough as the system allows the water to pass through different membranes to remove different contaminants.
This RO system is designed with a pressure pump that prevents water backflow and ensures thorough filtration of the water. The pump has an innovative technology that can detect the pressure of the incoming water and adjust it so that it can be filtered efficiently. This action helps reduce water wastage while producing pure water speedily.
The manufacturer designs a lead-free faucet that comes with the Waterdrop RO system, which you can install near your kitchen sink. The Filtration system also comes fitted with anti-leakage features where the leakage protectors ensure that water and electricity are cut off in case there’s a leak. This action is to protect any electronic gadgets that might be around the leakage area.
Pros
- It does not have a storage tank and therefore filters water when it’s needed.
- It saves a lot of space because of its slim and compact design.
- It has an in-built booster that ensures that water is continuously flowing without backflow.
- It filters water fast and therefore can filter more water in a day.
- The company has an excellent customer care support system, which responds fast.
- Also carries the best water softeners on the market.
Cons
- There’s no sufficient re-mineralization of the water after the filtration process.
- If you are filling a large bottle or jug, it might take longer to fill it.
- It’s expensive and may not be affordable for most people.
#3. Waterdrop Tankless Reverse Osmosis System by Waterdrop – Best Tankless
Brand Overview
This reverse osmosis water filtration system from Waterdrop uses an exquisite composite filter technology that combines filters to give excellent results. The composite filters effectively remove contaminants at different stages.
The composite integrated filter (CF Filter) effectively removes large sediment particles like rust, dust, and silt. It also clears water cloudiness, removes chlorine and other chemicals that affect the water’s taste and odor. The other filter is the MRO filter, which removes the rest of the contaminants like pharmaceutical drug residue, organic matter, bacteria and viruses, nitrates, heavy metals, and limescale.
This reverse osmosis filter also removes bad odor and taste from the water, consequently improving its taste. The water has a fresh smell, just like spring water. The RO system membrane has tiny pores of 0.0001 micro-units that allow only water molecules and other important ions to pass through.
The no-tank design employed in this Reverse osmosis system keeps the water pure and free from any form of re-contamination from bacterial growth. The water flows from the reverse osmosis water filtration system directly to your cup so that you don’t have to wait for the water. A cup fills up in 12 seconds only as the water flows at a fast flow rate of 400 GPD.
If your household water comes from a well, you might need to add a pre-filter that can help sieve out larger contaminants and remove salt from the water. The manufacturer advises that this reverse osmosis system should not be connected to the fridge or ice maker.
Pros
- It’s very easy to install. It’ll take you less than 10 minutes to complete the installation.
- It has composite integrated filters that purify the water instantly and make it available when you need it.
- It has a tankless design that ensures that the water is not contaminated. Water stored in storage tanks can become re-contaminated because of bacteria overgrowth.
- There’s no water leakage because of the advanced integrated design used to put together the electrical and water circuits.
- There’s no water wastage because the amount of water coming into the filter is the same amount that will come out. It works in a 1:1 ratio.
Cons
- You cannot connect it directly to the refrigerator or ice maker.
- The water is not re-mineralized after filtration.
#4. Crystal Quest RO Bottleless Water Cooler – Best In Efficiency
Brand Overview
Crystal Quest Company is ranked as the number one manufacturer of quality water filtration systems. In particular, this one uses ultra-filtration with filter membranes of size 0.02 micron to remove micro-organisms and decrease the Total Suspended Solids (TSS). The ultra-filtration stage can be seen as a pre-filter stage as the water moves to a thorough RO treatment.
The next stage is reverse osmosis purification, where water passes through a semipermeable membrane that is a little different from the one used in ultrafiltration. The Crystal Quest RO system has a backline that connects to the drain in the kitchen. The contaminants are swept out through this line and join the wastewater.
The pre-filtration stage is important because it removes larger contaminants that would otherwise clog the RO system in a short time. Removing the larger contaminants first extends the RO system’s life as it can serve for longer without clogging. The water that has contaminants is directed out through the drain to prevent bacteria build-up in the system.
The delivery system is designed to provide pure water as hot or cold. There’s a switch which you can use to choose whether to get hot water or cold water. The heating system is fully automated as it shuts off automatically when the set temperature is achieved.
The material used for both the hot water and cold water is Type 304 stainless steel, which has no contaminants; therefore, the water remains pure and good for consumption.
Pros
- The filtration system is in-built, thus making it very easy to install and use.
- It has a hot/cold switch to separate hot water from cold water.
- The temperature control for the water is automatic. The temperature rises or falls automatically according to your preferences.
- The water heats to the desired temperature, and then the heating system shuts off automatically. You can easily set the preferred temperature from the front panel.
- The float valve is automatic to control the water level in the storage tank. When the tanks are full, the water flow stops therefore ensuring that there’s no water wastage or leakage.
- It has a highly efficient compressor system whose whole responsibility is to cool the water.
- The front panel can be easily accessed to service the filter system.
- It is very easy to clean.
Cons
- There are no safety measures on child safety for hot water.
- It’s expensive.
#5. Home Master TMHP RO System – Best For Well Water
Brand Overview
It is designed to solve problems experienced by other reverse osmosis systems such as leakages on the canister filter housing, tank-less TDS creep challenges in serving the water, reduced water flow rate, and increased water acidity. The design is innovative and modular to fix these problems all at once.
It delivers exceptionally purified water that is fit for drinking, even for people who are overly health-conscious. The purification process involves nine stages where thousands of contaminants are eliminated.
Some of these contaminants include sulfide, iron, chemicals, heavy metals, chlorine, chloramines, TDS, pharmaceutical drug residue, microplastics, among others. It completely sterilizes over 99.99% of all micro-organisms like viruses and bacteria in the water.
Contaminants such as dissolved iron destroy the osmosis system during the filtration process. Home Master’s RO system has a pre-filter fitted with KDF85, which catalyzes the removal of the dissolved iron. The mixed-media pre-filter, which has catalytic carbon in it, helps to remove chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, chlorine, and chloramines.
It also has a UV chamber where sterilization takes place, safely destroying over 99.99% of all microorganisms found in the water. Compared to other RO systems with no UV sterilizing chamber, the water purified by this system is of the highest quality.
When water passes through this chamber, an intense UV light is channeled into the water. The UV light enters the micro-organisms and destroys their DNA to kill them or sterilize them so that they don’t multiply.
The water from Home Master’s Reverse Osmosis Filtration System is very sweet and full of minerals. The system has a re-mineralizing stage where crucial minerals are added to the water in their correct percentages. This re-mineralizing process is patented and has been approved as an excellent method to remineralize your water.
Pros
- It is better than other RO systems because of its superior design that ensures it doesn’t encounter problems encountered by other RO systems.
- It is tested and proven to kill, sterilize and prevent overgrowth of bacteria in the water filtration system.
- It remineralized water by adding calcium and magnesium in the recommended percentages to ensure that you enjoy pure mineral water.
- The filtered water is highly pure, with over 99.99% of all contaminants removed.
- All the components used in making this Home Master RO system are approved and certified under NSF. It means that all the materials have met the set NSF standards for the material’s safety and performance.
- Water wastage is reduced by over 80% compared to other Reverse osmosis systems that waste 50% of the water.
- It has the superior KDF85 filter that effectively removes dissolved iron. Ordinary RO systems cannot remove dissolved iron because they lack this feature.
- The filters are durable as they can be replaced once a year. Its modular design makes it easy to change the filters and upgrade its service.
- The company provides a 30-day money-back guarantee and a limited 5-year warranty.
- It uses UV light to kill microorganisms in the water, a process that leaves no residual chemicals, tastes, or odors in the water.
- The water flows at a higher flow rate because of the non-electric permeate pump, which improves the efficiency of the system.
- The company offers different types of faucets that you can choose from. If you prefer directing the water to the fridge or ice maker, they have provided a fridge kit that can help you do that safely and efficiently.
- When purchasing directly from their website, you can choose a few other extra components that go with the RO system to make it function better and more efficiently.
- It’s super fast and easy to install. There’s no further assembling, you only need to install, and you start drinking high-quality pure water right from your tap.
Cons
- It has a premium price. The replacement cost for the filters is also high.
How do I Choose Reverse Osmosis Systems?
There are many types of Reverse Osmosis water filters in the market. It’s important to know what you want and what to look for in a water filter so that you get one that best suits your needs.
We know that most of these reverse osmosis systems are made in a similar design, so their functionality is almost the same. However, there are specific things you should look for in reverse osmosis systems or RO systems to ensure you get an effective one.
Water Flow
Some reverse osmosis systems reduce the water’s flow rate while others maintain the same flow rate as the unfiltered water in the waterline. Your choice of the best water filter for you will depend on how much water you need each minute.
If you are buying an RO system for your household, you can manage one that has a reduced flow rate, but if you are operating a restaurant where customers need water now and then, you might consider getting one that has a faster flow rate and can meet the demands of the busy place.
Filters
The essence of buying a reverse osmosis water filter is to remove contaminants from the water. The type of filters installed in the water filtration system will determine the contaminants that will be removed from the water.
Your decision will also depend on where you get your water from. If you get your water from the well, you might need to get one with pre-filters to remove larger contaminants like sand and silt.
Storage
The design of each RO system determines its size and where you can keep it. Large-sized RO systems can not fit under the sink; therefore, they require a larger space to install it. Some of them come with a tank where it stores purified water before releasing it through the faucet. Such RO systems require more space to store them. When buying a reverse osmosis system for your use, it’s important to consider how much space you have to keep it.
Purification Process
How many stages of purification does the water go through? Which contaminants can a particular RO system remove?
When choosing a water filter to service your needs, you should consider the process that the water undergoes during purification and its effectiveness in removing contaminants. It’s good to choose one that gives you reverse osmosis. Water completely removes most contaminants, at least 99% of all the contaminants.
The Quality of Water
The water quality that you get from the reverse osmosis water filtration system you buy should meet the goals you have on the water. An excellent reverse osmosis water filter removes over 99% of the water’s contaminants and improves the taste by removing bad tastes and odors.
When buying a water filter, check out reviews from people so that you can ascertain the quality of water it produces.
Cost
What is your budget? It’s possible to get a reverse osmosis water filter that meets your budget and satisfies all your needs. It’s not only the buying cost that matters. Consider other costs like installation and maintenance of the system. The best water filter system for you should not strain your budget at all.
Which Reverse Osmosis System Should You Get?
The type of Reverse osmosis system that you get is dependent on your consumption needs and the type of water you want to filter. To know which RO system is best for you, ask yourself these questions.
- How long will the filter last?
- How much water is required for my needs?
- How will the water filter improve the water?
The water filter you choose should last for a long time before changing the filters. Depending on your requirements, you can choose one that handles more water than another. Also, choose a water filter that removes at least 99% of the contaminants present in the water and improves the water quality.
Installation and Maintenance of a RO System
You can choose to hire a plumber to do the installation for you, or you can do it yourself. The process of installation is easy and straightforward, so you can do it very easily. Installing it by yourself will help you save some bucks. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do the installation.
Step 1 – Identify the Place of Installation
Where do you want to install the RO system? Most RO systems are small in size and can fit comfortably under the kitchen sink. Even so, you can place it anywhere else so that it will be convenient for you.
Step 2 – Cut Off the Water Supply
You want the installation process to run smoothly without making a mess. Always ensure that you turn off the water at the valve located under the sink.
Step 3 – Connect the RO System to the Waterline
Turn the faucet on so that any pressure in the line can come out. Proceed to connect the RO system to the cold-water line.
Step 4 – Connect the Drain Line
The drain line will remove the water that will be carrying contaminants from the water filter to the draining system of the kitchen sink. To connect your drain line, drill a hole on the pipe’s outside wall and fit the drain clamp. Fasten the clamp securely; be careful not to tighten too hard. If your RO system has a shut-off valve, this is where you install it.
Step 5 – Install the Faucet
You can install it where the previous faucet was or in a place just near this spot. If there’s no hole for the faucet on the sink, you can carefully drill one.
Fix the faucet stem through the drilled hole, ensuring that its base is correctly positioned over the sink. Tighten the faucet in alignment with your preferred direction. You can now attach the other tubing to the bottom of the faucet stem.
Step 6 – Put the RO System Unit in Place
Place the unit in your preferred location. Most people choose to put it under the kitchen sink where there is adequate space and not much disturbance moving it about. If you have no place like a shelf or under the sink, you can just hang it on the wall.
Step 7 – Test It Is Working
The process of installation of the reverse osmosis system is not complete until the system is working effectively with no leaks. Slowly turn on the water valve that you turned off at the beginning of the installation process.
Check that everything looks good and there are no leaks throughout the system. If you notice any leaks or inconsistency in the working of the system, turn off the water and make the required adjustments.
Maintenance
After using the RO system for some time (depending on its working life limit), you’ll need to change filters and ensure that you continue getting purified drinking water from your faucet. As part of the maintenance practice, it is important to clean the tubing and the filter housing every six months with hot water and soap.
The process of changing filters is not complicated, and you can change them in a matter of minutes without needing a plumber.
Here’s how to do it:
- Cut off the water flow at the water inlet valve.
- Remove the filters. You can use a wrench to unscrew the screws holding the filters in place.
- Clean inside the system using a dry cloth.
- Fit in the new filters and tighten the screws to hold them tightly.
- Turn on the water at the inlet valve and check if there are any leakages.
- Let the water flow out freely for about ten minutes before you continue drinking it.
Make sure you change the filters often as recommended by the manufacturer so that your RO system can continue operating effectively. It will also help to prevent bacteria build-up, which can re-contaminate the water after purification.
Conclusion – Which Reverse Osmosis System Is Best?
This comprehensive review of the top brands of Reverse Osmosis systems will help you make an informed decision when you decide to buy one for your needs. Put into consideration all the benefits that come with a quality water filter.
Drinking water will put away ailments that are caused by bacteria and viruses found in the water as well as reduce any build-up of contaminants like heavy metals in the body. These contaminants can result in long-term health conditions like cancer and blood poisoning.
It is important to use a water testing kit so that you can know the contaminants in your water. This information will help you choose a suitable water filter that will comfortably meet your needs.
If, for any reason, you feel that a reverse osmosis water filter is not what you want, take time to look through other types of filters so that you can get what you need.
Our picks for the best RO water filter systems are AquaTru and Waterdrop RO System.
