Cartridge Type
Cartridge type filters include brands like Britta, Pur, Aquasana, Essense, Crystal Quest and others.
These purifying systems or filters, depending on the construction can be simple to complex. Some include different “stages” of filtration which take out different contaminants.
Simple ones like Britta and Pur “pitcher type” filters only use activated charcoal as their filtering media. Although doing a pretty good job, they are the simplest of filters. These cartridges usually have a very short life span of 30-50 gallons before replacement is needed.
Therefore, after the initial less expensive cost, the on going replacement cost can run much higher than the more expensive types such as the Aquasana, Essence and others which use a much more complex cartridge system consisting of multiple types of activated charcoal, ion-resin beads and pleated media to achieve a much higher rate of capture of contaminants.
Look for cartridge life of anywhere from 500 to a 1000 gallons of water for these filters. Also look for certification from one or all of the “Big Three” NSF (an independent testing laboratory), Underwriters Laboratory (same, an independent testing laboratory) and certification from the California Department of Public Health (before a water purifying system can be sold in California they have to be certified). They will be required to have a “performance data sheet” which you can review and find out the level of each contaminants that their filters take out.
These purifying systems are either a “pitcher type” or a self contained unit that connects to your faucet.
The Top 5 Counter Top Systems we recommend are:
Crystal Quest F-Plus Fluoride Counter Top
Essence AHW-35 Counter Top Water Filter