Category: Countertop

Just as pen and paper go hand-in-hand, water is essential in coffee brewing. Water is pointless without coffee. Writing on thick parchment paper shows the beauty of a nicely inked pen. Thus, only high-quality water brings out the best in coffee.

Reasons why you should brew your coffee with high-quality water include;

A cup of coffee has about 98% of water. Therefore, water quality plays a significant role in the taste of your coffee.

Water can either be hard or soft. Hard water contains minerals such as magnesium, while soft water is distilled and purer than hard water. In the United States, hard water and soft water varies across all locations. Considering how pure soft water is, it is safe to assume that it is the best type of water in brewing coffee. However, an MIT chemist has a contrary opinion.

It is common knowledge that hard water contains minerals like magnesium, calcium, and bicarbonate ions. These minerals can stick to specific compounds in your coffee when brewing. This stickiness, therefore, influences the coffee’s taste. Taking magnesium as an example, when you brew your coffee with magnesium-rich water, it can strengthen its flavor and caffeine content. Nevertheless, it is important to note that hard water contains bicarbonate ions which can increase the bitter taste of your coffee.

When you brew your coffee with hard water, keep in mind that you are taking a risk. Although hard water can diminish the quality of your coffee beans, the complexity it adds to your coffee can be pretty satisfying.

Soft water, on the other hand, contains non-sticky sodium compounds. Using soft water cannot influence the flavor of your cup of coffee. Therefore, we can conclude that you can only get a strong cup of coffee when you brew with hard water.

Water can be acidic or alkaline. The pH of neutral water is 7. Bicarbonates in water can regulate its acidity. In addition, alkaline water produces a stronger flavor when brewing a cup of coffee.

Although alkalinity is good, there should be a balance. High alkalinity can ruin the lovely acidity of your cup of coffee. Likewise, low water alkalinity can make the flavor sour. When brewing a cup of coffee, note that.

Across the world, tap water is generally hard water. City centers especially have a supply of hard water. Places like New York and London have the hardest type of water due to the distribution network.

To get a strong cup of coffee with a great taste, the water for brewing should satisfy the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) standards, which are;

Understanding the local water composition and creating an appropriate technique is essential for brewing the best cup of coffee. Consequently, this skill requires a specialist

The Waterdrop Chubby water filter jug has a cartridge lifespan of about 200 gallons of water. The jug is not only budget-friendly; it is an efficient water filtration system. The material used in constructing the Waterdrop water pitcher is high-grade lead and BPA-free plastic. A beautiful wood handle also enhances the pitcher.

The Waterdrop Chubby water filter jug uses natural activated carbon and Japanese sourced activated carbon fiber (ACF) for filtration. The pitcher effectively removes many contaminants, including fluoride, arsenic, and lead. Furthermore, the water filter pitcher has NSF 42 and 372 certifications which proves that the water pitcher meets the required industry standards for filtration.

The pollutants present in the municipal water supply can affect your coffee negatively. Fortunately, the Brita filter is an efficient water filtration system that removes chlorine and other pollutants present in the municipal water supply.

Although the water filter has a slim design, its capacity is quite high. In a rectangular dispenser of 4.4 inches width, the filter can hold 25 cups of water. In addition, the 10.25 inches height and 16 inches depth of the water filter allows it to fit snugly in most fridges, including smaller models.

You can mix a packet of Third Wave Water minerals in a jug of distilled water to instantly get water that meets the exact specifications of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). This method is the easiest way of getting the optimal water that improves your coffee’s strength and flavor

The Third Wave Water formula is different from water purification or cleaning. This process involves making the water for coffee. Although it sounds complex, it is way easier.

The Third Wave Water formula contains an optimal level of magnesium, calcium, and sodium. Magnesium aids extraction and also brings out the sweetness of your coffee. Calcium and sodium are ideal for achieving a balanced body and a magnified flavor, respectively. Regardless of the water filtration system in use, a packet of Third Wave Water is a scientifically optimal and accurate way of producing high-quality water for your perfect cup of coffee.

The strength and flavor of your coffee depend on the water quality. The perfect water for brewing coffee should contain optimal levels of calcium, sodium, and magnesium ions. Third Wave Water is a perfect solution. It contains accurate levels of minerals needed to brew a strong, flavored cup of coffee

This filter removes contaminants from your water using an Activated Carbon Filter, or ACF. This sleek-looking water filter removes fluoride, lead and chlorine to make the water healthier and also taste better.

The Waterdrop faucet filter is a popular choice because of the impressive quality and performance. It is made with sturdy materials to minimize wear, tear and damage and the long-lasting filter means you don’t have to replace it often.

The filter is rated for 320 gallons. That means about 3 months of continuous use for most users. Some users might even get 6 months out of one filter. Expect crisp, refreshing and clean water from this top-rated faucet water filter.

Premium food grade 304 stainless steel is used on this faucet water filter to guarantee high quality and reliability. The excellent filtrating system removes fluoride, lead, arsenic, mercury, and iron, as well as any unpleasant smells in the water supply.

This faucet water purifier filters many gallons of water expertly, so you will definitely smell and taste the difference in your drinking water.

A clear filter cap and unique design make the Instapure F2 Essentials a solid choice. This ANSI/NF42 and 372 certified model will reduce lead and VOCs by 99% and chlorine by 97%, resulting in clean and delicious tasting tap water.

There is nothing tricky to install and the filter will last for 2 or 3 months before replacement. Each filter lasts for about 200 gallons.

This device works in a similar way to refrigerator filters. It’s a point of use, or POU, system to remove harmful substances and impurities, as well as any unpleasant odors, from your drinking water.

Many sink faucet filters can produce water on demand so you won’t need a separate tank. Simply switch the filter on and your drinking water will pass from the faucet through the filter, coming out clean and delicious. There is no waste water at all since everything running through the filter is usable drinking water.

A kitchen water filter is directly installed on to the faucet on the sink. It’s easy to install yourself if you don’t want to use a handyman or plumber.

This type of water filter is not the same as a reverse osmosis filter. Those come with their own faucet and typically have a tank to store up to 3 gallons of water. A kitchen faucet water filter is simpler to use and install as well as cheaper.

There are plenty of reasons why installing a faucet water filter is a great idea. Some of these benefits are:

The primary use of a faucet water filter is the production of pure, clean, tasty drinking water. These filters remove various harmful contaminants including bacteria, rust, lead, heavy metals, chemicals such as chlorine, and dirt.

Although these substances might not be dangerous, they do affect how water smells and tastes and a lot of people prefer to filter them out.

Chlorine and fluoride are the most common chemical agents used to clean the municipal water supply before it reaches your faucet. Although these are safe for human consumption in small doses, they do give water an odor that some people don’t like.

Do you use well water? Faucet water filters are effective at removing bacteria as well as contaminants often found in a well. It’s best to contact the manufacturer before investing in a water filter if you aren’t sure whether a specific filter will remove the contaminants from well water.

Although many people buy bottled, filtered water rather than drinking unpleasant tasting water from the tap, this can work out expensive as well as harmful for the environment. Literally billions of plastic water bottles are purchased every single day and these end up in incinerators and landfills.

Investing in a kitchen faucet water filter means you can remove the contaminants and chemicals that affect the odor and flavor of your water without having to go out and buy plastic bottles of water.

Faucet water filters are great at removing contaminants such as sulfur and rust which can change the odor, flavor and color of the water. If your water contains a lot of contaminants, you will definitely notice the difference after running it through a faucet water filtration system. You will again be able to drink water that tastes sweet and natural, like it is supposed to.

If you want to use filtered water sometimes and unfiltered water other times, using a faucet water filter lets you choose. Perhaps you are using cold water for watering the plants, washing a few cups or wiping down the countertop, in which case it might be wasteful to filter the water first. Instead you can just use the unfiltered water from the regular faucet instead of the filtered water from the special one.

Although installing a water filtration system might seem expensive, remember the installation is a one-time cost. Over time you will save a lot of money on bottled water, as well as being able to enjoy odor-free, delicious, clean drinking water again.

Those of you who own a water filter pitcher probably didn’t put much thought into water filtration after your initial pitcher purchase. Perhaps you have invested in a few replacement filter cartridges, or didn’t notice enough of a difference to justify the continued use of a water filter pitcher. I mean, the whole idea behind this product design is to fill and go – right?

Chances are you are, at the very least, somewhat familiar with Brita brand water pitchers – a product which enables users to fill at the tap. By utilizing gravity, water trickles through a simple carbon cartridge filter, down to the lower compartment. The biggest issue with this design, however, is the dependency upon regularly renewed carbon water filter cartridges. If you own a Brita filter, how confident are you in your upkeep?

Many individuals put their hope in Brita filters because of their availability, affordability, and overall ease of use. From the get go, users typically notice a marked improvement in flavor by simply filtering their tap water through a Brita water filter pitcher. Aside from better tasting water, does this type of water filter actually purify drinking water? Due to the simplicity of this type of water filter cartridge, you might be surprised to learn about the lack of features in a cheap water filter pitcher.

Each water filter, regardless of the style, utilizes different filtration methods, types of inner media, and outer shell material, to name just a few. The majority of water filter cartridges use activated carbon to improve flavor, as well as to reduce numerous impurities. By working through basic absorption, activated carbon creates a strong adherence to contaminant molecules in order to neutralize their influence over quality and taste. Due to the inherently large surface area found in carbon, it acts like a sponge inside of a water filter in order to reduce the presence of copper, lead, mercury, chlorine, and other pesticides, as well as some organic compounds.

The biggest issue with activated carbon filters is that they are incapable of removing dissolved materials, nitrates, or bacteria and viruses commonly present in tap water. These contaminants are incapable of binding to carbon, and they pass through unfazed. That being said, it’s worth noting that dissolved minerals are not typically hazardous. Additionally, tap water is generally treated for the removal of harmful microorganisms and bacteria, due to municipal water facility standards.

This isn’t to say that water filter pitchers aren’t worth keeping around, they are actually extremely helpful. As with any other product, there are low end, mid range, and premium water pitcher options available. Although there are many easily accessible filter pitchers available at your local grocery store, the higher quality models can be found at health food stores as well as online. The Waterdrop, for example, uses coconut-based activated carbon filter in order to neutralize and eliminate cadmium, chlorine, copper, mercury, and zinc.

There are various types of filter media that include materials known as ion exchange resin, which works to remove calcium and magnesium ions, as well as lowering water hardness. Many high end water filter pitchers prove they are an easy-to-use, affordable option for water purification in the comfort of your own home. Per year, annual cost reports show that water filter pitchers cost anywhere between $30 to $175, depending on brand, material, etc.

While shopping for your water filter pitcher, pay attention to the details found on the label. For example, ensure the product meets certain standards for efficacy and sanitation, by locating a badge on the label displays stating “NSF-certified Trusted Source”. This allows consumers to understand the level of testing and requirements that must be met by certified filters. If a water filter pitcher isn’t exactly what you are looking for, you may consider at-home treatments such as a distillation unit, reverse osmosis system, under-the-sink filters, or refrigerator filters, to name a few.

You may find it helpful to create a schedule for the regular replacement and maintenance of your water filter pitcher. Not only will this ensure your container is clean and free of algae or bacteria, but it keeps a steady supply of filtered water on hand with new filter cartridges. This is all dependent upon the manufacturer and pitcher model, and it’s highly advisable to adhere to manufacturer standards as far as filter replacement. This will better enable homeowners to get the most out of their water pitcher, while also enjoying clean drinking water. More often than not, filter replacement recommendations are supplied on a monthly basis, depending on amount of gallons filtered, and more. Higher end models may supply a built-in sensor, which changes color when it’s time to replace the filter.

There are a few ways to identify when you have waited too long to change your filter cartridge of your water pitcher. Not only is it unsanitary, and promote the growth of bacteria and algae, but replacing filters on an irregular basis makes your pitcher less effective and slow. By ignoring replacement recommendations you could put yourself and your family at risk of consuming contaminated drinking water. When filters are not changed regularly, contaminants build up and create blockages which slow down the trickle of filtered water. Additionally, the build up of contaminants poses potentially harmful effects to overall health.

Water filter cartridges do not kill bacteria present in municipal water and, as a downside, can create a breeding ground when not replaced regularly. In short, this is due to the presence of a moist, dark environment, which better enables the multiplication of bacteria in high concentration. These microbes may become trapped, flowing on into the resulting water for your consumption. In many cases, the presence of bacteria in water tends to increase with older water pitcher filter cartridges. According to a German Study, the amount of bacteria in a water filter pitcher is 10,000 times greater than that found in tap water. They concluded that this was due to the fact that filter cartridges create a perfect environment for the development of biofilm.

Before digging in too deep, it is crucial to point out the difference between tap water, and “raw” water. “Raw” water is produced by natural waterways, such as rivers, streams, and lakes, which is left untreated. Tap water, by comparison, is thoroughly treated through the utilization of various methods at local water treatment facilities. However, treated water can also continue to contain bacteria and contaminants after much processing and treatments. When individuals are concerned with the unseen solids hiding in their tap, they often turn to filtration solutions.

There is an extensive list of solids and contaminants that can end up in your tap water, from chemical runoff, to pesticides, lead, and more. Although some of these contaminants are seemingly harmless, many others at high levels tend to be harmful or, in rare cases, deadly. Many of these issues are resolved by swapping out lead faucets and pipes, or lead parts used throughout plumbing systems. As lead piping or fixtures begin to corrode, poisoning creates development delays in children, as well as learning disabilities. Effected adults suffer from high blood pressure and kidney issues after being exposed to lead poisoning.

Other biological contaminants may include bacteria, viruses, and even parasites. Over slight exposure, the aforementioned contaminants are capable of leading to gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea, nausea, and more. Although tap water is generally sanitized by local water treatment facilities, outbreaks are possible – which is when a boil advisory is typically issued. In unfiltered, treated tap water, these dangerous contaminants can remain ever present, waiting to be consumed by your family. Although a little confusing, it can be easy to recognize the signs of unsuitable tap water.

Upon visiting any given area, or moving into your new apartment, you may quickly notice a few signs that point toward unsafe drinking water. In the United States, generally speaking, most tap water must meet specific sanitation standards. However, it is possible to fail to meet these standards or, in rare cases, for issues to go unnoticed. How can you know, regardless of your country of residence, whether your tap water is perfectly safe to consume?

It’s worth noting that a water filtration device or whole house system is not an essential part of life. Depending on your personal preferences and needs, it may not be worth the space to store a water filter pitcher on your counter or fridge. However, if you are someone who is concerned with your own health, as well as the health of your family, a water filter can be a great solution to questionable tap water. Although filter cartridges do not kill bacteria, and may become a host to bacteria with unchanged filters, it can help to remove a whole slew of contaminants that make people sick. If you are one of these people, you cannot go wrong by investing in a Waterdrop water filter pitcher in order to provide your family with clean drinking water.

It is more convenient to grab a bottle of water on the go. However, investing in a countertop filtration system for your home will save you more money and protect you from contaminants like pathogens, PFAs, and lead. There are many filters out there, each designed to be effective against specific contaminants. The only way to determine the right filter for you is to know the type of contaminants in your water. This information is often present in your local water utility’s annual water quality report. Alternatively, you can assess your well water or other water sources in a private lab.

After you know the contaminants you are up against, you can check suitable filters in the market. The best filters are NSF certified, confirming they are originals and perform as advertised. Watch out for filters made from substandard materials. Such filters often leach and add more contaminants to your water. Counterfeit replacement cartridges often have the wrong fitting, so they cause water leaks and may damage your plumbing fixtures. Ensure you check the product on the NSF’s online listing for its certification.

Fortunately, you can save yourself time and effort by choosing from these top five authentic countertop filters hand-picked specifically for you.

The M5 RO system is the latest from Waterdrop. It is equipped with advanced water filtration technology and a 5-stage filtration system that uses double layers of sediment PP membrane, premium carbon block, RO membrane, and post-activated carbon black layer to deliver pure, clean filtered water. The configuration makes the filter effective against harmful substances like heavy metals, TDS, particulates, rust, sand, lead, chlorine, etc. It also gets rid of bad odor and taste, leaving you with only great-tasting water.

The 8 oz. water pitcher is where you collect the filtered water in the M5 Countertop RO system. The Tritan material is BPA-free, giving you a clean and healthy water purification process. You can move the water filter pitcher around, thanks to its portability. You can also rotate it 180 degrees to get water out from different sides. Switching the all-in-one filter is easy, although the extended life span and lower costs mean spending less on replacements. The system works without electricity or a water pump – you can rest assured of a seamless installation process and near-silent performance.

This countertop reverse osmosis system can easily deliver 12 months of optimal filtration performance or 550 gallons of filtered water, depending on your water quality. If and when you have to change the filter, the replacement process is seamless and requires no prior plumbing experience.

There are many things to love about this CKC1 Countertop Water Filter System from iSpring. The sleek modern design makes it an excellent addition to your kitchen counter in your home, apartment, RVs, or counter.

The excellent filtration performance of this filter system is attributed to its coconut-shell carbon block filter, which conveniently removes up to 95% of impurities in your water, including rust, sediment, silt, sand, odors, chlorine, and others. It is also effective against industrial chemicals, herbicides, and pesticides. The filter is only due for a replacement after six months.

This product is tested and certified by the Water Quality Association (WQA) to have met the NSF/ANSI standards. Asides from the effective filtration performance, this filter system is easy to install and use. Once you remove the aerator from the faucet (if present), you can connect the diverter valve. You get two adapters and sealing washers out of the box, which matches the external or internal threads on your faucet. After this, you can turn on the water and leave it to run clear, flushing out the loose carbon. You can get both the normal tap water and the filtered water from the faucets – tap water comes out when the diverter handle is in line with the connector, and filtered water comes out when the diverter handle is perpendicular to the connector.

This countertop water filter is available in transparent purple and white models. Now you can drink pure and healthy water or use it for your coffee, juice, or smoothie.

This water filter system will turn your tap water into a clean, healthy, and great-tasting beverage, thanks to its superior filtration performance. With NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401, and P473 certifications, this filter system has been proven to be effective against up to 77 contaminants found in water. These include lead, mercury, and chlorine-resistant cysts like cryptosporidium and giardia. It is also effective against herbicides, pesticides, and other organic chemicals, as well as ibuprofen, estrone, and other pharmaceuticals.

The Aquasana Countertop Water Filter runs on a Claryum technology that retains the naturally occurring minerals in your water. It does this through activated carbon, catalytic carbon, ion exchange, and absolute sub-micron mechanical filtration processes. So, your filtered water is rich in minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium.

Owners of this filter have great feedback about its ease of installation. Once you screw the faucet attachment to your sink, you can get filtered water directly from the tap. What’s more, the six months or 450 gallons of filtered water lifespan means fewer filter replacements.

Finally, this machine comes with a 90-day guarantee and an additional one-year warranty to protect buyers.

Here is another exquisitely designed filtration system on our list. The self-contained design in the Waterdrop Chubby Water Filter Pitcher is complimented with a super filtration performance that leaves no impurity in your filtered water.

The water filter pitchers often have containers of varying sizes. You only go with the size that corresponds to how much water you filter at once. Also worthy of note is the slower filtration process of water filter pitchers than other countertop water filters. You will need to wait for a few more minutes for the feed water to flow through the cartridge. But they make up for this with their pricing, portability, and durability. This filter system will deliver up to two months of optimal filtration and 40 gallons of filtered water.

This countertop water filter works perfectly without any under-sink installation, thanks to the advanced filtration technology adopted. The three-stage patented Nanotrap technology adopted in this filter system is restricted to under-counter systems only, delivering an excellent filtration performance that eliminates bad taste and odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pesticides, industrial chemicals, viruses, and bacteria.

The Brondell H20+ Cypress Countertop Water Filtration System is certified by the Water Quality Association, in compliance with NSF/ANSI standards 372, 53, and 42. Once you can create enough room for this 3.75 x 10.5 x 13.5 inches model, you are in for an enjoyable user experience that may last up to 6 months before a filter replacement is due.

The system is equipped with three filters, each for a different filtration stage. The composite filter handles the stage one filtration, the Nanotrap filter handles the second stage filtration, while the carbon block filter handles the third stage of filtration. Stages one and two filters can last up to six months, while the stage three filter can last up to a year.

The majority of the current owners of this filter system commend its seamless and fast installation process. In 10 minutes, you can set up your countertop water filter system and enjoy clean, filtered, and pure water.

This blog has discussed in detail the top countertop water filter systems you should look out for in the current market. Aside from their ease of installation and use, you can trust these types of water treatment systems to consistently deliver pure and great-tasting water while taking up minimum space and costing less.

With all the information at your disposal, we believe you are now better equipped to choose the best countertop water filter system for your space. Enjoy the shopping experience.