APEC Water Systems RO-CTOP Portable Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System, Installation-Free, fits Most Standard Faucet

I am so very impressed with this countertop system! I have never owned a reverse osmosis filter setup, and have always relied on Brita pitchers or the like, bottled water, or been content with the tap. I live in the Bay Area, CA, and, while the tap water is reputed to be of above-average quality, and my apartment is only 4 years old, I still noticed hard-water stains on my glass tea kettle, coffee water reservoir, and dishes after washing. Also, even though I felt like I had ample motivation to drink more water, I didn't seem to want to drink my apartment's tap water, preferring instead the water jug at work.I decided to purchase a $15 TDS water meter on Amazon. I know that some people, better informed than I am I am sure, argue that TDS meters are not helpful since they do not specify which solids are present in the water. Still, though, I knew I liked the water at work, and didn't like it from my tap at home, so I was curious what the readings would be. The home tap water was in the 260s ppm; the water from the cooler at work was between 80-90 ppm. Some evidence that perhaps a filter at home might increase the taste of the water.The setup of the countertop system was very easy. I had to first remove the water aerator from my existing faucet setup (a detail that the APEC instructions tipped me off to); then, I had to find which of the three included adapter sizes fit my faucet. It took about 45 seconds to determine which adapter threaded without force, and once I hooked it up, operation was very basic.Now, the taste test. After running the filter for 15 minutes to flush the lines, I filled a few glasses and pitchers. Note: because this system has no tank like underwater setups, the wait for filtered water is longer than you might expect. If you have a pint glass and want a full 16 oz pf filtered water, and you have not prepared some beforehand, you will wait about 7-10 minutes for a full glass. This might vary with water-pressure differences. The tube where the filtered water comes out is simply an unadorned end and I leave it dangling inside of a water pitcher to fill. I don't have a multi-gallon water jug, so I fill three water pitchers that I have, and keep them throughout the house. I will fill them whenever I am in the kitchen for extended periods of time, cooking, or cleaning. It's not a hassle if I'm nearby and not using the tap for anything else.The filtered water tastes terrific! There is no doubt in my mind that this thing works. As you can see from the photos, the TDS went from 260+ppm to about 10ppm -- which is about a 96% reduction in solids in the drinking water. The documentation encourages the user to obtain a 90% reduction, so I know how well mine is working. Coffee tastes better, tea tastes better, and I have fresh, filtered water all around the apartment now, and find I am drinking much much more on a daily basis. I even bring my water from home rowen I go into the office, I have become so fond of it!I emphatically believe that this system has and will improve the quality of my life, not the least by having me stay better hydrated, which can buoy mood, digestion, and energy. Bottom line, though, is that I haven't enjoyed home water this much since I first started carbonating it myself. Now I have fresh purified water to carbonate and, when mixed with some freshly squeezed lemon juice, is just about all I need in the world.

UPDATE AFTER 2 YEARS: notice it takes a little longer to get clean water flow, the rejection water flow is a lot more compared to before. It might be time to replace the complete filter set now (it is recommended 2-3 years for the 3rd/4th stage filters). I retested the TDS and it still under 40ppm, unfiltered it is 400+ still. Currently it takes roughly 20-24 minutes to fill 1 gallon jug. I noticed they have a fancy case, makes it look a lot cleaner than no case.This has to be one of the best purchases I've made this year (possible ever haha). Taste is like great quality bottled water.Now for story time.For me, bottled water doesn't cost much, but there's a lot of plastic wasted. Furthermore, you have to go buy water regularly. Gotta find some cheaper alternatives..I've tried brita and pur water pitchers and the quality of those are poor; water tastes okay at first but has a funky smell to it later. After one filter change, those pitchers end up being re purposed as plant watering pitchers.Next, I started getting my water at work with the big water filter machine. This water tasted good enough, but I noticed a slight taste in the water when its been sitting in the bottle for a day or two..I bought a TDS meter and tested the tap water (560ppm) and work water (~400ppm). Not sure if higher TDS ppm is what causes the smell to appear after time. i had to get a better water source..Spent a few hours researching all the different water pitchers with mixed reviews, then stumbling on a few reviews saying only reverse osmosis can reduce TDS ppm readings. Looked for some easy to install units, and here we have the APEC counter top unit.This was well packaged/protected in the box. It gives a very high quality impression.Installation was very easy. Had to find something to tighten the adapter screw (uses large hex wrench). This is one reason why I go the counter top version; no plumbing skills necessary.Once system flushed and ready, TDS ppm dropped down to about 40ppm (within the claimed 3-10% ppm range of tap water). Water tastes like nothing! Even after sitting out for hours still tastes like nothing. Exactly what I wanted. It does taste silky smooth though, kind of like arrowhead water (which was my preferred bottled water).Now it's only been a few days, so things could change. But based off the other reviews, I have high confidence this will remain high quality.Some notes on filter replacements.Manual recommends changing the first two stage filters 6-8 months (or around that). The 3rd and 4th stage filters are recommend every 2-3 years (if the first two stages are done as recommended)Pricing seems reasonable for the replacement packs.Almost forgot, the flow rate. It's not fast, but considering what it does, it's not slow either. A gallon takes 10-15 minutes for me. I think it will depend on your water pressure.I think that's it. Probably the final stop in finding a unit for great quality water filtration. Will update this if things change.