I am allergic to something in our local water that even the local water distributers cannot seem to remove from their filter water products. This unit however does remove it and I am so very happy to have found this unit!!! It is however filtering so completely that it runs a very low volume trickle which I did not pick up with the advertising. It also has to have a connection to the drain to dispose of the dirty water which I was also not expecting. The drain connection sent did not fit my smaller drain pipe so I had to rig it using weather tight putty tape. Love the unit but they should do more to set proper expectations!
So far, I’m not impressed with the quality of the Aquasana 3-stage Under Counter Water Filter. I’ve had a GE two stage system that I thought provided better tasting ( no taste ) water. The Aquasana system removes color from tap water but total dissolved solids are still high (320 ppm) and still some taste.
This is the second water filter I've installed (used another brand previously), so my impressions are sort of based on that previous experience. Installation was fairly easy, the instructions were very thorough. Took me about an hour for the whole installation, and that included removing the old water filter.
As far as the hardware is concerned, I wish the base plate for the faucet that is used to cover up the hole in the sink was just slightly wider, and that a hand-tightened fastener could be designed for securing the faucet underneath instead of a regular hex nut, to make it easier to tighten in tight spaces.
The flow rate was a little slower than I expected, since this particular filter is advertised as "max flow." When I first turned on the water after installation, the flow rate seemed quite fast, but fell off after the filters were flushed.
Based on my experience with the installation, I expect changing the filters will be relatively easy, but we'll see. Until then, I can't give any feedback on how long the filters will last.
The unit is built well and directions are very good. Simple to mount under the sink if you are a little handy. I would have given unit 5 stars except the flow rate is fairly slow. I don't mind waiting a little to have clean water.
Pros: Clean taste, Durable, Nice faucet, Easy to install
I have an ice maker line that needed to be attached and Aquasana couldn't/wouldn't provide an extra piece of hose and extra fitting. So I had to search until I found the correct pieces and then order them on line. Very frustrating. You'd think Aquasana could have made this common part available. Also, even though this is the "Max Flow" version, it's pretty slow - and getting slower after one month of use. Water tastes good.
It is so great to have filtered water on demand -- no more filling pitchers. Installation was super easy. Looks like it belongs with our bronze faucet.