Recommendations for Good Water Filters?

[kieranperez]

Preferably on the cheaper end. 

Edited December 19, 2021 by kieranperez

[Average Investor]

I would be careful going cheap on something like a water filter. Water is a big source of toxins. Too cheap and you might as well just buy bottled water, which is full of micro plastics. A lot of the lower end systems are not even able to filter out stuff like fluoride. 

You will want a device that has 4+ filters and ideally would remineralize your water. You can add your own minerals if it comes to it. Things like calcium is more common to be added. Also, I would try to find a unit that can kill bacteria in the tank. These types of units usually run about $600 or so. However, I have seen some stuff that suggests that bacteria could build up in the tank and get to the user. Since the tank is after the filter it won't do a whole lot of use. The units that will kill bacteria have UV light added to the tank. I have not seen other methods of killing the bacteria, but I would avoid chemicals.  

I would really recommend spending about $400 for something to be installed under your sink. You could spend $100 or so and have someone install it, but it can be done DIY in an hour or so. You would also spend about $300-$400 a year on new filters. 

If you are completely not able to install something, then there are some counter top options that work well. I would buy these though only if you cannot get one for under the sink. I would go with one that can hook into the end of your faucet if possible. Go for 4+ stages of filtration. 

As a last option you can get a Aquatru or a berkey water filter. These would still do the job, but not as powerful as a pressure reverse osmosis system. The berkey is a big pain in the ass to refill and wait on the water. It also does not feature as many filters. Water taste is okay, but not that great.

Aquatru would be a good unit at about $300-$400 range. You will need to add minerals to the water though. It will be much faster, than the berkey and easier to fill. Seems to be comparable to quality to the berkey, but with more stages and the fast it is a reverse osmosis system it should be getting finer contaminants like nano plastics. The water taste is quite high quality. 

Anything really below these I would not bother with them. Some $25 pitcher is not going to give you clean water. 

[kieranperez]

@Average Investor I'm looking for something $100 or less. I'm not going to spend $300-$400 with where I'm at right now for a water filter. 

Edited December 19, 2021 by kieranperez

[Average Investor]

@kieranperez I don't have any recommendations for $100. I can't imagine there is anything worthwhile.  I would drink bottled reverse osmosis water and save up in your position. 

 

You could potentially try to get a smaller version of the Berkey, or Look for a deal on the Aquatru on ebay. You might be able to get one below $300. I have not explored all of the counter top pressure systems, but you might be able to find one for a few hundred too. 

Edited December 19, 2021 by Average Investor

[Alfonsoo]

@Average Investor what about those that pup up as first results on amazon. "Water Express", "Whirlpool" brand and such that are like 250-300 bucks? What about the Amway filter (eSpring)?

[Average Investor]

@Alfonsoo I have no direct experience using those units. However, if you want send me some links and I can could give you my opinion. 

[Thought Art]

If you are spending around 200 you could get something. If you can't afford it now make a plan to save up. The link at the bottom actually filters out mercury as well but I didn't think I could get filters. I may be purchasing it yet actually.... 

This was the better option and cheaper than what I paid for... Maybe. I mean there is trade offs but I would like to filter out mercury... 

Anyway, I am learning and will make better decisions in the future.

I enjoy the convenience of the Aquatru and I look forward to getting this filter in the future for the mercury. But, that being said I will also do a water test here soon to see if that is even an issue for me. I enjoy the Aquatru, the only thing I am unsure of is the Mercury. Which, honestly wasn't the main reason I bought a water filter to begin with. But, it does matter to me.

This one I was looking at:

https://www.amazon.ca/Countertop-Reverse-Osmosis-Purification-Deionizing/dp/B00GDGTKRY/ref=sr_1_37?keywords=reverse+osmosis&qid=1639957105&refinements=p_36%3A12035763011&rnid=12035759011&s=hi&sr=1-37

Edited December 19, 2021 by Thought Art

[Thought Art]

Zerowater seems to remove things like lead and mercury and its only like 40 dollars

But, how is it so cheap when most other filters are like 200-600 dollars? Something must be off somewhere.

https://zerowater.com/pages/results

Edited December 20, 2021 by Thought Art