CQE-FM-00500

Assuming that the filter cartridge works as advertised, I rate this a superior product (with caveats).

I have used other name brand faucet filters such as Culligan and PUR, and they were okay, but this one seems to have a more sturdy build, especially for the price. In addition, the flow rate is much better. With the others, it took over two minutes to fill a one-gallon jug; with this, about 35 seconds.

It also pivots out of the way with ease, whereas the others have an annoying friction, probably due to o-ring seals.

Yet, the CrystalQuest doesn''t leak (after four months'' use). It remains to be seen whether or not it will develop leaks; the others did after about a year of use. I suspect this one is less susceptible to leaks, due to its flow rate, which indicates much less back pressure.

Caveats: although the filter is highly rated, it does seem I get more of a chlorine taste than I did with my previous buys. And also, when I bought it, the filter cartridges were rated for a year/2000 gallons (much better than the others, typically 3 months/200 gallons), yet my warranty says void if the cartridge is used for more than six months.

Huh? Shouldn''t the system be warranted for as long as the cartridge?

Anyway, for the price, I rate it better than the others I have used, and the price is right. The replacement cartridges are also more reasonablypriced than the bigger name brands.

It was very easy to install and includes a quick switch between filtered water and regular tap water. Initially, the water tasted very much like chlorine or a chemical. They ask you to run it for 5 seconds each time you use it before using it. After a week or so either I got used to the weird taste or the weird taste mostly disappeared. However, we''ve now had it for a few weeks and someone in our household noticed that after filling a water bottle with water from the tap, when they reopened the full water bottle it smelled a little like chlorine. We will probably keep the filter for now, but eventually we will probably replace it with something else, even though the something else will probably have a lower number of gallons filter life.

Buy CQE-FM-00500 Now

Gteat filter. Bought it in white. Installed in minutes. Comes with two faucet thread adapters. Tastes as good if not beter than water from my brita pitcher and much more conveinent. Removes many more contaminents that competing brands and filter is supposed to last six months.

Review update 2/27/2011: The on/off flow control valve broke off today so I am reducing my rating. Its a shame because it was a nice unit un till this.

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