Showing posts with label omni whole house water filter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label omni whole house water filter. Show all posts

BISSELL Steam & Sweep Hard Floor Cleaner Save 48% Off

BISSELL Steam & Sweep Hard Floor Cleaner, 46B4I have been researching mops, steam mops, wood floor sweepers, etc. for about two months. I have read every pro and con of pretty much everything out there. I have a ton of wood floor and tile in my house and I absolutely cannot stand to clean it. I hate sweeping the wood floor, I hate the debris that flies in the air, I hate bending over with the dust pan, I hate the sticky feeling my swiffer leaves behind, I just overall have hated my floors for 5 years because they never ever feel clean. I had a friend sing the praises of the Shark steam mop the other day, so I finally decided to break down and buy SOMETHING. I didn''t even care if it did an excellent job, I just wanted something. Butmy one qualification was that it be a combo steamer and sweeper. I just had to solve the sweeping issue at the same time. Which leaves you with pretty much the Bissell or the Shark. I looked at the Shark at Wal-mart and the bottom of it made me laugh. The vacuum hole is like 3 inches wide and has no brush or anything. I was not impressed with that. So I went to Target and picked up the Bissell. And now I want to marry it and become Mrs. Bissell because it is so fantastic. A few things about this machine you might want to know: It has an awesome, LONG strong cord. It has a really cool "dyson-like" ball joint that makes it super easy to manuever. The steam works great, the water tank looks tiny, but it lasts a really long time, it comes with two pads that are thick and strong, it lays completely flat when going under furniture, it fits under the counters in the kitchen, it doesn''t leave very much water on the floor (I read other complaints of other manchines that leave a ton of water), it dries really fast, it heats up and is ready in 15 seconds or less, it has a clear compartment on top so you can see what debris it is picking up. One caveatthe suction is not super strong, but then again I like my vacuums to sound like a jet engine and suck my skin off if they had the chance, so maybe I am picky. But the brush feature does pick up a lot of stuff. And having the cleaning pad right behind it helps to trap stuff too. So for instance it picked up small leaves, not a band-aid wrapper. It picked up cracker crumbs and bugs, but not a tag to a shirt. The machine is meant to be used with the vacuum and the steamer going simultaneously to save time, however, I like to use just the vacuum and dry cloth to dust mop/vacuum my floors and then activate the steam and do it seperately. But I did use it together and it did okay. Another nice feature is that it is a light and easy machine so you really enjoy using it and don''t feel like you are lugging out a Volkswagen to do your chores. I have had it two days and I have been using the vacuum constantly. I love that thing! And once you do an initial cleanthe follow-up cleanings are a snap! I finally feel like my floors are clean. It has changed my whole feeling about my house. As far as anything I don''t like, you do have to squeeze a trigger for when you want steam and if you are steaming your whole floor then your finger hurts by the end and that is a little annoying. It does also take some upmh! to push it when you are steam cleaning at first. I am sure it gets easier as the floor is cleaner :) Anyway, this machine is one of the best purchases I have made in a long time. I highly recommend it!

I bought a steamer about a year ago for our old house which had tons of tile. I bought the Eureka Enviro and, while I really liked it, it wasn''t quite what I needed for the new house we just moved into. My kitchen here is a very high traffic area and has two doors in it...one to the garage, one to the back porch. This produces lots of dirt/sand, leaves, and whatever else to collect on the floor. I have a shark sweeper that I use to pick up dirt, then my Swiffer to clean the floors (which still manage to feel dirty afterwards).

Well, I recently saw the commercial for this product and when I saw it was a sweeper AND a steamer, I knew I needed to own it. I went to Target that very day and bought one. Now, after using it a bunch of times, I must say I absolutely love this little guy. It''s so small and light, and it does a GREAT job steaming the floors. Scuff marks that have been there since we moved in were gone in just a couple passes.

So...why 4 stars you ask? Well, the are only two small issues I have with this which is keeping me from giving 5 stars. They''re not a huge deal to me, but they may be to someone else. The main problem I have is that you have to hold the trigger down the entire time your steaming. I read this in the previous review and thought ''Awwww, that''s no so bad. How hard can it be?''...yeeeeah, it really does start to get a bit bothersome by the end of cleaning. That little trigger is kind of tough to keep held in, especially if you''re cleaning a large area!

The second issue is...once you start steaming, even if you let go of the trigger to stop the steam, the pad is still wet (obviously), which means if you run it backward (pulling the machine towards you) over a dry section of floor that hasn''t yet been vacuumed, then the dirt will just stick to the floor or get pushed around instead of getting sucked up into the sweeper cause it''s now wet...make sense? So, that said, I recommend using the sweeper setting FIRST on the entire area you wish to clean, THEN go ahead and steam it.

Overall though, this is a GREAT steam/sweeper for the price (which happens to be cheaper at both Walmart and Target). I still use my shark sweeper everyday for quick cleanups, but I am so glad that when I do go to steam my floors, I have the vacuum option up front to pick up little bits of dirt before I start steaming. OH...and do NOT be fooled by the small little water tank that''s on this thing, it actually steams quite a large area. I filled it up and steamed my whole kitchen, dinning room, and foyer...only used HALF the water in the tank! So that''s not an issue at all. Anyway, I absolutely recommend this if you''re interested and it''s definitely been a fabulous addition to my cleaning arsenal!

Buy BISSELL Steam & Sweep Hard Floor Cleaner Now

I have 2 dogs and lots of hard surface flooring through the house. Wanting to slim down the floor care routine to one-step, I thought this product (along with several of it''s favorable reviews) seemed too good to be true. In practical application, this product takes the two tasks of vacuuming and mopping and does each poorly leaving me with a 3-step process. Yes, that''s an extra step! First, the vacuum feature is terrible. It does not have a very powerful suction and does NOT get all or even most of the dog hair/dust/dander. Second, because the vacuum head is in front of the steam pad, when using the steam feature, there is a 2-3" "bumper" that prevents one from steaming all the way to the baseboards or under the cabinets, etc, etc. (The third step is then going back to these places with a sponge or another mop to clean.)

Last, the dog hair that is picked up in the vacuum is difficult to empty as it is now moist from the steam feature and sticks to the inside! YUCK!

I returned this product and purchased the Bissell Steam and Mop Deluxe and am much happier with the outcome. I will stick to using my Swiffer Rechargeable Vacuum as the first step (LOVE this with my dogs!!) and mop after.

Read Best Reviews of BISSELL Steam & Sweep Hard Floor Cleaner Here

I wanted a hardfloor cleaning unit that vacuumed and steam cleaned, mostly for my kitchen. It was between this one or the "Shark Vac then Steam" unit (notice it is Vac THEN Steam--not Vac AND Steam); The Shark allowed only the vac OR the continuous steam to be used one at a time, I didn''t like that. The Bissell allows me to vacuum some debris on my kitchen floor but if I see something stuck on the floor as I''m vacuuming, I can pull the trigger for a quick burst of hot steam when I need it on the spot, literally and figuratively, to clean it off with steam--and then continue dry sweeping only if I choose. (The brushes continue spinning for the vac even if I push the trigger for the steam, so I don''t skip a beat. This ''perk'' may sound minor until you''re in the process of cleaning). Yet, if I do want to sweep and vacuum simultaneously, I can do that too. Some complain that the trigger hurts your finger, but that would be only if you are doing a very large area or do all your floors at one time perhaps. My LR and DR floors and hall are covered in many areas with rugs, so the exposed flooring isn''t monumental even if I did get ambitious and decide to do all my floors at once. Therefore, the trigger isn''t going to kill my finger. One other thing--I understand that the Shark water reservoir cannot be brought to sink for filling--you have to use a funnel and bring the water to the unit...I don''t like that at all. So in short, with this unit, you can do both sweeping and steaming in one pass in half the time, OR do one task, one at a time; but with the Shark, you can ONLY do one at a time...to me that was a big disadvantage. I use the vac more often than the steam b/c the kitchen floor always catches debris daily. If however you want a thorough steaming daily b/c of crawling babies on the floor, you may want a DEDICATED steamer only--they give off hotter steam and sanitize instantaneously. Dual units (like Shark and this one) take 15 secs on one spot to sanitize; read the fine print carefully if sanitizing is your main objective!. This one vacuums really well, I have heard many complaints on the shark that the steam is ok but the suction is bad for sweeping. I like this unit very much for my overall needs. The only thing that would improve it is, even tho'' the cord is ample, it would be easier to use w/o a cord--when they invent that, I''ll be first on line.

Want BISSELL Steam & Sweep Hard Floor Cleaner Discount?

I love this machine! It is so worth it! We just moved recently and we have sealed hardwood floors on the whole main level of our house so it has been a challenge to try to keep clean with my 21 month old running around and throwing food! My swiffer wasn''t keeping the floors clean enough (and I am not a "neat freak" but just like decently clean floors)so I went looking for something better to clean the floors with and after much research I found this one. It is hard to find this product online or in the stores as it is so popular. It is easy to manueuver, lightweight as I am petite and easy to pull out for a quick clean up after meals. I like that it is chemical free and it is uses only tap water. However, I do use distilled water with it and it seems to work just fine. It really doesn''t use that much water to clean/steam. I like that it also can sweep or steam seperately or at the same time.

Save 48% Off

GE FXUSC Household Pre-Filtration Sediment Filters Save 19% Off

GE FXUSC Household Pre-Filtration Sediment Filters
  • Fits GE GXWH01C & GXWH08C SmartWater Whole House filters
  • Also fits most other brands of Whole-House filters that accept 9.5 x 2.5 inch filters
  • Should be replaced every 3 months

I am going to review on the filter and not the shipping. The filter can be bought at home depot for about for 2. It is the BEST filter I have had. I have tried many other filters since I have brown water. This is the only filter to catch the vast majority of the sediment. I have to change it once a week (I have seriously dirty water) but I went from having dirt stained toilets and tubs, and dirt on the rim when cooking in a pot to clean water. Do a double filter system where this is the first filter, and the second filter is finer (and more expensive), and the water is pretty much as clean as city water!

Buy GE FXUSC Household Pre-Filtration Sediment Filters Now

I have a GE whole house filter system on our well that serves the house. I''ve had it for 3+ yrs.. There is a fine, dark sediment that the well pump sucks up, & this filter captures ALL of that, otherwise we''d have it in or washin machine, clothes, drinking water, etc.. I HIGHLY recommend the filter(to capture fine particles) & system.

Read Best Reviews of GE FXUSC Household Pre-Filtration Sediment Filters Here

I found that these filters are much better priced on amazon. I buy 1 years worth then my husband has them handy so that they can be changed the 1st of eveery month.

Want GE FXUSC Household Pre-Filtration Sediment Filters Discount?

When I tried to order filters GE informed me that they had been replaced by these FXUSC filters. Absolutely wrong! These filters are too tall and are not string. They will never work in my water softener. That is nothing wrong on the side of Amazon but rather on the side of GE who obviously don''t know their own products!

Save 19% Off

These water filters do just as they are supposed to do,they trap the fine sand and soot before they can enter into the appliances.Will buy more from Amazon when i need them again!

Sprayway 1973 Glass Cleaner

Sprayway 1973 Glass Cleaner - 12 CansI had a subcontractor come to my home to measure for a new shower door. When he arrived, I was in the process of cleaning windows. When he left he went to his truck and brought me a can of CRL glass cleaner and said, "Here, try this. I think you will be amazed". I used it on a window that I had already cleaned but had some streaks amazed I was. Not only was there no streaks left behind but addional dirt removed. I continued using this to complete my task and was so happy with the results. When I finished, I immediately went inside and looked it up on Amazon ~ sure enough there it was.....I ordered a whole case and have shared it with family and friends. This is the BEST glass cleaner you will ever encounter. Try it, you''ll like it!

Our local glass company left a partial can with us. I was amazed by this performance. You have to try it to believe what a difference it makes.

Buy Sprayway 1973 Glass Cleaner Now

My sister was given this product by the people who installed her new shower. It works great without a lot of scrubbing as long as you keep up with cleaning. Not a strong odor either.

Read Best Reviews of Sprayway 1973 Glass Cleaner Here

Austin Air HealthMate Plus - HM450

Austin Air HealthMate Plus - HM450 BlackI''d never owned anything other than those cheesy ionizers in the past, and my wife suggested getting a quality HEPA filter to use in our basement, which we suspected had some mold floating around. It''s never been a very smelly basement, but never seemed quite like the rest of the house either. I installed this, and within an hour, running on high, the room smelled like NOTHING. Utterly astonishing doesn''t smell like the rug, like the sofa, like fabric softener, like mold, like oil. It smells of nothing. I''m going to get one for the bedroom. It is audible on high -like a room fan on medium maybe, and actually creates a bit of a breeze which is nice. It is also made in the U.S.A, another astounding characteristic, since you can''t seem to buy anything these days that isn''t made in China. Most highly recommended. I don''t know what Consumer Reports was thinking of -none of the really high quality air filters were in their recent survey.

We bought the AustinAirHealthmate+ because the our apartment felt small and closewhich with only two of us it shouldn''t (about 700sqft). We live in an old buildingand despite all our efforts to keep it clean the air still felt... old. Not a big deal at firstbut eventually it got to us and we decided to buy an air purifier. I did LOTS of research, and came to the conclusion that this was what we needed (best value, cost, reliability, warranty, odor control and filtering...maintenence costsall with a low power draw.)

When you turn it on you are supposed to leave it on the high setting for an hour we did thatand in 15 minutes the change in air quality was so drastic I am still amazed. I was washing dishes and suddenly our small apartment didn''t seem so small. 30 minutes latter I felt I was breathing better and clearer than I had since I moved to the cityan hour latter I could have sworn I was off in the country or on a mountain top. I had no idea purified air could be this good.

After one day my wife and I resolved to have one of these filters on for the rest of our lives. After two days we didn''t even mind how much we paid for it. And if you break down the cost of purchase and filter replacement over the five years it should come to about $15 dollars a monthwith regular maintenance these guys routinely last 15 years (supposedly)...

I am still amazed with how much better my wife and I feel breathing this airand we don''t have asthma or allergies. I am impressedand Austin has a new customer.

Buy Austin Air HealthMate Plus - HM450 Now

being sold with the

UPDATE Nov. 2012: I have been told by a rep. at Austin that the bad fan motors are no longer being made. I leave the review below so consumers can know that here may still be some old models being sold. Don''t keep it if makes a noise that bothers you. Ask for a newer model.

Original review:

Austin Air has made a good product, but reduces user satisfaction through poor product descriptions and downgraded fan motors.

Austin has multiple models with multiple names, but I discovered they all have the same 2 exterior cases with the same motors. There are 2 case/fan housing sizes, the full size and the junior. After several phone calls and much tedious reading on the web site, I have found out it''s the stuff inside (filters) that makes one unit different than another. With so many Austin Air product names like Pet Machine, Baby''s Breath, Allergy Machine, Bedroom Machine, HealthMate, HealthMate Plus, I would prefer a more straightforward comparison and clearer explanation of the different models (which means the inside filter options).

I bought both an Allergy Machine (HEGA) and an HealthMate Plus by Austin Air, and find they are a mixed success. Many brands (Sharper Image, Holms, Honeywell) have been even less useful to me. Finding a good air cleaner can cost a great deal of time and money. I advise willingness to try out and then return these products if they are not effective. I think the products available by many brands can be a great waste of money to suffering people in serious need of help. I suspect people''s satisfaction with Austin Air''s products will vary with the seriousness of their allergies/condition.

The space coverage (air cleaning area) stated is over optimistic for my needs. For useful results, it takes more than one unit for what is stated each unit will cover/clean. I''m using 2 in a rectangular, unobstructed, 650 sq. ft. area, with only a twin bed, no other furniture to block air circulation. I run 2 full size units, on high, 24/7. After trying many placements, I find the machines work best evenly spaced/at the center of a room. Moving them closer to walls (but still at least 8" from any wall, as per instructions), seriously decreases effectiveness.

Staff at Austin Air explained they purposely changed from a quieter motor to one known to be less-quiet*(*annoying, whining, IMHO). I thought the second unit I bought was broken, it sounded so different from one purchased just 2 weeks earlier. I will return the newer model. It sounds like a leaf blower running 3 blocks away, not super loud, but a constant droning, humming note. This endless tone can be heard across a 20'' room, on the lowest setting. On higher settings, it still has an ugly pitch, but the sound is somewhat covered by the sound of blowing air. Run this all the time (the only way it works), there is no break from the noise.

I almost desperately want these units for the air cleaning, but noise stress is factor, especially for those already stressed by chronic illness. I can bear it with headphones, but would/will probably have to buy electronic, noise-cancelling headphones to live with these over time. Austin Air staff told me the new, not-so-quiet motors are "more efficient in moving air", but this was not also for saving any electricity. Standing in front of the quieter one and the annoying, louder one, the air flow seems exactly as strong. They push air just as high and wide in the room. The new motor seriously degrades the product.

The Austin Air units have given noticeable (not complete) relief of symptoms, so far (less than 30 days). I have serious allergies and chemical sensitivity problems. In a room without these machines running, I must constantly medicate/endure chronic pain from allergy/chemical induced headaches. I have spent hundreds on air cleaners in the frustrating search for a machine that works. It would also be great if air cleaners would not wear out fast, not sound like aircraft engines, and not double (or worse) the electric bills. Many are ugly to look at, with little/no regard for aesthetics.

Summary; for reducing my need for medication, I''d give 4.5 stars. Austin Air also has the nicest looking unit I''ve found, including a logo sticker that can be easily removed (very nice). But, very low marks for unclear marketing (obtusely organized web site information), unpleasant customer service (staff member on phone seemed to resent helping, operator abruptly/rudely put me on hold for long periods without checking in, no email follow-up on email contact). I also find the overall value not equal to the high prices on these units. Most of all, for installing an "upgraded" motor that seriously downgrades the product, a big deduction of stars. Machines this expensive need to demonstrate significant value.

Read Best Reviews of Austin Air HealthMate Plus - HM450 Here

I searched for so long for an air purifier. I wanted to find one that works, not just one that sits there and does nothing. And I read many information and reviews and decided to get this air purifier. I have used it for a month and so far it seems that it relieved my allergy pretty well. It eliminates odor well when you turn it to the highest fan speed. And I like that the filters are encasted so in the future when i need to change out the filter, the dust is not going all over from the filter to the surrounding, so this design is very thoughtful. So far i like it though it''s pricey, I think it''s worth the money for the sake of better health and living condition. My husband said he thinks there is less dust deposit on surfaces too after we have this purifier on.

Want Austin Air HealthMate Plus - HM450 Discount?

I purchased the Austin Air Healthmate Plus (Black). The product arrived on-time. At first I noticed the screws on the bottom were loose, so I simply retightened them without any difficulty. I''ve been using it now for the past week and love it. I did notice a very slight chemical odor at first. However, within a day the odor was gone and my Austin Air Healthmate Plus has been providing my house with clean fresh air. I also had a question about air output and sent the maker a e-mail. I noticed the air output from the side vent blows upwards at a 45 degree angle, and wondered if this was normal. I received a response less then 12 hours later. I found them polite and helpful, and happily explained how my product works. So far I''m happy with my purchase, and will update this review if anything changes. So far I would recommend this product again. I''m also thinking about buying a second unit for my bedroom, but I''ll wait a few more months to make sure this unit works as I want it first.

Final word: Some complain about the sound on high setting. The product does create a lot of sound on high, but no more than a standard box fan on high. With the Austin Air Healthmate Plus on high in my living room (which is a large living room combined with a dining room) I can feel it creating a slight draft towards the unit. This makes me believe the product it working well as its cycling air for my entire room. I''ve very happy with it.

UPDATE 09/12/11: Its been about a month now and I''ve used the Austin Air nearly 24/7, and it is working great. I''ve noticed the slight chemical odor I first reported disappeared in about 4 days and hasn''t returned. Additionally, my living room where the unit is located is noticeably less dusty then before.

Breville BES840XL the Infuser Espresso Machine Save 47% Off

Breville BES840XL the Infuser Espresso MachineBottom line: I was expecting the Double Boiler to blow the BES840XL out of the water when it came to shot quality. That was not the case at all. While the milk texturing capability of the 840 is a pale shadow of the DB, and it lacks the multitude of convenience features of the DB, the 840 absolutely holds its own with regards to shot quality.

Full review:

I''ve been using the Breville Double Boiler espresso machine for nearly a year and have been very pleased with it. I was hesitant at first, but great shots and the many, many convenience features won me over. So, when the opportunity came up to compare their top of the line Double Boiler (DB) with their new machine (I''ll call it the 840) I thought it wouldn''t be a fair fight. Well, I was wrong.

I''ve never been a fan of thermoblock machines since the temperature stability is just not there. Breville seems to have solved that using two methods. First, the thermoblock is really a thermocoil -it''s a solid block of metal that has two channels machined through it: one for water, the other for the heating element. Cold water enters at one end and emerges heated at the other. They also added a PID for temperature control. Collectively, these techniques produce excellent temperature stability for shots, and very fast recovery time.

The machine itself is classic Breville design -lots of stainless and high quality plastic. It has a small footprint, and looks much like the baby brother of the DB.

But it''s the shots that count. I started with an easy test: Lavazza Super Crema. It''s not a high-end bean, but tasty, and one that I''ve found is very forgiving of less than perfect prep. After a few test shots to get the new machine dialed in, I pulled a double shot from both machines. I could not taste the difference. Did it again and had others taste it, and they agreed with me -no appreciable difference in taste, mouth feel, crema, you name it.

The next test was a little more challenging -Lavazza Dek decaf. Decafs in general are (to my palette) more sensitive to temperature variations, and the Dek is especially sensitive. Again, both machines produced the same quality shot. The 840 seemed a just a bit less consistent when I did back-to-back shots quickly, but the difference was very minimal.

My final test was with one of my favorite beans Red Bird. This is where I did taste a difference between the 840 and the DB, but it was subtle. The shot from the DB was more creamy and full-bodied. But the 840 shot was quite good as well. The small differences became almost nil when I made Americanos from Red Bird.

For my tests I used my Baratza Vario grinder for both machines. While I have a Breville Smart Grinder it does not pair well with the DB (although it is excellent for any non-espresso use). I tried it with the 840 and got better results, but still much prefer the Vario to the Smart Grinder for espresso. Still, the 840 appears more tolerant of lower-level grinders. I also found I needed to go slighly coarser with the grind for the 840 than the DB.

The DB does pull ahead strongly in two areas -milk foaming and convenience. The thermocoil just can''t match the steam production of a dedicated boiler. It did a decent job with milk (albeit with the annoying thump-thump-thump sound that every thermoblock design makes), but it was much slower than the DB and the steam was a lot wetter. Functional, but not at all impressive.

As expected given the price, many of the DB''s convenience features are not found on the 840. However, the 840 does have a few of the DB features such as a dedicated hot water dispenser. This is operated with a knob (turn one way for steam, the other for hot water). It splatters more than the DB when dispensing, but the temperature is spot on: I got 197 with the 840 and 197.5 with the DB (same thermometer held in the water stream for 10 seconds).

The 840 also appears to have the same excellent quality head gasket as the DB. The portafilter is well made, although I was really disappointed to see that it was 54mm, which means I can''t use my 58mm VST baskets, tamper or the bottomless portafilter I have for the DB. The included tamper is decent quality, and stores easily in the machine. The shot volume is programmable and can be overridden in manual mode. It has a three-way valve so you can backflush (plus it keeps the puck dry). It has an automated cleaning cycle and a "clean me" light, which is handy.

Misses are often related to convenience issues. I wish it was a bit heavier or had better gripping feet, since it''s relatively easy to jar when you''re putting on the portafilter. A bigger water tank would also be nice. The thing I missed the most was a water level indicator. I didn''t expect it to have all the bells and whistles of the DB, but no water level indicator? That seems to be a basic feature that should have been included.

My concerns are two-fold. Breville does not seem to have mastered the reliability issue with their espresso machines. I''m on my second DB, and it is again starting to act up. The Breville customer service has been great in replacing machines, but I''d rather not have to deal with that at all. Plus, with only a one year warranty and no local service centers, I don''t have the warm fuzzies about getting years of service out of either of these machines.

My second concern is about scale build-up. It''s harmful in any machine, but truly deadly in a thermoblock/coil design. Breville includes their water filters (the same as with the DB) and recommends a descaling every month and a filter change every 2 months. The fact that they are taking such precautions tells me that they are concerned as well. If you get this, don''t skimp on descaling!

But those concerns aside, I''m really impressed with the performance of this machine given the price. While it is not perfect, it holds its own where it counts: what''s in the cup. This is definitely a machine that should be on your short list in the under $600 category don''t let the thermocoil design scare you off in favor of a SBDU design. At this price point it''s a 5-star machine. I''ll update this should reliability issues warrant a revision in the score.

Sorry for such a long review, but feel free to post a question if there''s something I didn''t cover.

If you can''t decide between the two, maybe I can help. I''ve owned the Breville Barista Express BES860XL Machine with Grinder almost 2 years. Eleven months into my 1-year warranty, I woke up to find water all over the counter. Breville has superior customer service and replaced my leaking Barista Express within a week. Two weeks ago I woke up to the same thing with the warranty replacement. It turns out that the Barista Express has a 2 piece ThermoBLOCK heater and the gasket where the 2 pieces join together eventually leaks.

This new Infuser has a one-piece ThermoCOIL heater. Will this one last longer? Only time will tell and I will update this review if I have a leak with this model.

Where the new Infuser excels:

-Smaller footprint, the Infuser measures slightly over 10" wide

-Hotter espresso, 5 degrees hotter according to my thermometer

-Quieter pump

-Drip tray is easier to clean

-Instant hot water feature (The Barista Express has only a steam wand)

-Around $100 less expensive than the Express, but you are lacking a grinder

Of course, the new Infuser also has its shortcomings:

-No grinder either buy a separate grinder or use ground beans

-Smaller water tank (61 oz. vs. 67 oz)

-Not as "beefy" as the Barista Express, so you need to hold it stationary when inserting/removing the Portafilter or it slides across the counter

So which model has the better tasting coffee? I can''t tell any difference both are/were just as good as what I used to pay for at the coffee shop.

My only complaint is for what these machines cost, a one-year warranty is almost a joke.

Added on 1/4/2013: This ground espresso is VERY good: Lavazza Crema e Gusto Ground Coffee, Italian Espresso, 8.8-Ounce Brick

Buy Breville BES840XL the Infuser Espresso Machine Now

Got this machine from Amazon about two weeks ago now. Setup was a breeze and the machine works very well. Overall very satisfied.

Pros:

-Looks great

-Pressure gauge is very helpful though good shots are usually pulled on the high end of the pressure range

-Pre-infusion has generated good results

-Pre-programmed shot amounts are really helpful

-Machine prepares quickly

-Quiet operation

-Steam arm is long and on a great ball joint

-hot water dispenser is nice

-Great tamper holder built into machine

-large water tank

-Includes both pressurized and non-pressurized baskets

-Uses a thermocoil instead of a thermoblock

-Easy cleaning cycle

Cons:

-Shots pull fine, but come out not as hot as expected (when pulled stand alone). I haven''t measured temp on them but if cups and porta-filter are warmed as suggested in instructions i''m sure I would have better results.

-In-spite of built in feature to cool water down to make a shot after steaming, the water stays too hot for a good shot. You have to wait a min or run a bit of water through it first to get the right temperature for the shot. This makes it difficult for latte art purposes because you can''t swirl your milk forever. I usually just pull my shots first and then steam last. Shot looses a little but when drinking the latte you couldn''t tell the difference if you tried. This problem is not as much of a problem as it is just the limitation of single boiler machine. I just didn''t like how it was advertised as being able to pull a shot very quickly after steaming. I mean...you can pull one....just not a good one.

Overall very good machine and I''m very happy with it. I would recommend it. I use it in conjunction with the Breville Smart Grinder which has also been a great product. 1 year warranty on all Breville products

Read Best Reviews of Breville BES840XL the Infuser Espresso Machine Here

I owned a lower-quality model espresso machine in the past, so I knew the basics--but just the basics. If you''re a pro with an espresso machine, I''m not sure how much you''ll get out of my review. But, if you''re a novice like me, you''ll hopefully benefit from my impressions.

I was excited to try this one out because, while I mostly drank lattes and cappuccinos in the past, I''ve recently discovered a love of espresso and was eager to try my hand at making it. I bought some high-quality beans from a local roaster, ground them myself and got to work.

Set up of the machine was easy. The hardest part was washing the parts that came with the machine, but it didn''t take long to get them nice and clean. One of my favorite features of this machine is the storage tray that hides in the back of the machine. It hooks onto the drip tray, so when you pull it all the way out, your scoop and filters are right there at your fingertips. Since I''ve never met a kitchen gadget I don''t love, storage space is at something of a premium in our kitchen, and I like that everything you need for the machine is always right within reach. As if that wasn''t fun enough for an obsessive organizer like me, the tamper is magnetic and hangs right off the front of the machine. All in all, this is a beautiful appliance that looks wonderful sitting on my kitchen counter.

After running water through the machine as suggested, I grabbed my specially bought espresso cups, warmed them with the water dispenser, warmed the filter, dried it, and added my grounds. I tried to reprogram the two cup-size setting so that the machine would better fill our espresso cups, but coffee continued to flow after I hit the button, so it was a bit of a mess. Still, that first espresso tasted very good--even my native European husband, who typically prefers espresso to drip coffee, approved. I felt pretty good about my results.

My next experiment was with a latte/cappuccino. The first time I attempted to make the espresso, nothing came out. I paid attention to the gauge and checked the troubleshooting guide, which suggested that either I had too many grinds in the filter or that I had tamped them too firmly. Since I used the scoop to measure out the grounds, I was a little skeptical that this was the problem, but I dumped the puck out, scooped in a little less fresh grounds, and tried again. This time, I did get espresso, but the gauge indicated that it was on the low end, which the troubleshooting guide suggested might mean I used too few grounds or didn''t tamp firmly enough. Hmmm.

My old machine had a specially designed flexible part that attached to the steam wand, and it made really nice foam. This machine will required more practice. I was able to get some foam, but not as much as I might have liked. However, I do love that the steam wand is on a ball-bearing as it makes frothing/steaming the milk much easier than it was with the immovable wand on my old machine. The end result was pretty good, though the espresso was a bit weak, but I chalked that up to a different between the one and two-cup settings, as well as user error--remember, I''m strictly a novice here.

The third time, I again made espresso for me and my husband. This time, I landed in the overextracted zone, and the resulting espresso was bitter. Further examination of the coffee-making tips in the guide tells me that I may actually need to use 4 scoops, since I''m grinding my own beans, than the 3 the quick guide suggests. I also may be grinding my beans too fine, so the next time I try the machine, I''ll play around with the grind settings.

I''ve yet to try using pre-ground beans, so I can''t speak to that. But I''ve now gained a healthy respect for the baristas at my local coffee shops. Getting this espresso thing right isn''t easy. I do generally enjoy tinkering in the kitchen, though, so I''ll play around with the machine some more and try to establish myself as a pro. All in all, I really like the machine and am pleased with the quality. However, if you''re the type of person who doesn''t want to bother with things like fiddling with grounds and the amount of pressure you exert while tamping, you may be happier with a machine that either uses pods or the little capsules.

Want Breville BES840XL the Infuser Espresso Machine Discount?

The Breville BES840XL has one major improvement over the older Breville espresso machines: it uses a thermocoil as opposed to a thermoblock. Breville''s machines that use the thermoblock design are notoriously prone to a leakage problem a problem I was to learn about firsthand on my old BES860XL (another reviewer here had the same problem).

My 2-year old BES860XL began leaking water after only 4 months of moderate use (1-2 cups of espresso daily). Fortunately, the leakage occurred during the warranty period, and Breville promptly replaced the unit after I contacted them.

The trouble with the thermoblock on my old BES860XL (and Breville''s older machines) is that it''s composed of 2 halves that are joined together and sealed with a gasket. Over time, the gasket breaks down, which inevitably leads to water leaking through it. The new thermocoil, on the other hand, is a one-piece construction that solves the problem of potential leakage inherent in the old design.

The Breville BES840XL produces great-tasting espresso -ONLY if you use FRESHLY ground high quality coffee such as Peets, Starbucks, or Illy. The unit does not have an integrated burr grinder like the BES860XL, so you will need to purchase one separately if you don''t already have one. You might consider getting the very favorably rated Breville BCG800XL, or the more affordably priced Capresso Infinity. Whatever you decide on, DON''T be tempted to use pre-ground coffee. Pre-ground coffee simply isn''t the same.

The steam wand, like the one on my BES860XL, is a little slow, but it produces perfectly textured milk all the same. To turn on the steam wand, you give the knob a quarter turn in the counter-clockwise direction (the same knob also dispenses hot water through the hot water spigot when you give it a quarter turn in the clockwise direction). The knob for the steam wand simply turns the steam on and off; the steam pressure is not variable.

The Breville BES840XL also does not have temperature or bar pressure controls like those on professional machines.

The package comes with the basic accessories to help you get started right away: single wall and double-wall (pressurized) filters (each type comes in 2 sizes: single shot and double shot -for a total of 4 filters), portafilter, frothing pitcher, tamper, and frother attachment.

You may wish to get a thermometer to make sure you don''t underor oversteam the milk. Other accessories that aren''t supplied that you may want to get are a knock box and some espresso cups.

---

Bottom line: Despite the lack of advanced controls, the Breville BES840XL delivers very high quality espresso and textured milk. The quality of espresso is comparable to that from coffeehouses. This unit is definitely worth consideration if you''re looking for a quick and easy way to make coffeehouse-quality espresso right in your own home.

Save 47% Off

6 each: Magic Complete Stainless Steel Cleaner

6 each: Magic Complete Stainless Steel Cleaner
  • 14 oz. trigger
  • Cleans and shines appliances, sinks, faucets and cookware
  • Repels water and makes routine cleaning easier
  • Replaces SKU # 1198829

Swiffer Dust & Shine Furniture Spray, Lavender Vanilla Scent, 9.7-Ounce (Pack of 9) with a MICROFIBER glove/sponge/cloth works MUCH better on STAINLESS STEEL appliances ... cleans EASILY without leaving streaks and smells GREAT!!

But BEFORE I discovered that Swiffer Dust & Shine worked so well, I tried this Magic Stainless Steel Cleaner. My husband purchased a bottle of Magic Stainless Steel Cleaner from either BBB or LNT for us to try on the stainless steel appliances in the kitchen. With kids, it seemed like there were always fingerprints and smudgles on the appliances. My husband thought he found the answer/cleaner we were looking for. Anyway, I read the directions (along with the WARNINGS) on the package. Now, I would expect to see avoid contact with the eyes and if it comes in contact with the eyes to flush with lots of water. What I didn''t expect to see was to "AVOID PROLONGED CONTACT WITH THE SKIN." I wasn''t sure exactly HOW long "PROLONGED" was, but I erred on the side of caution and used gloves. I only used the Magic Stainless Steel Cleaner ONE TIME. I sprayed it on a cloth (as directed) and wiped the appliances ... and WIPED, and WIPED and WIPED, and WIPED ... until FINALLY most of the STREAKS were gone. Between all the WIPING that was needed coupled with the WARNING about "avoiding prolonged skin contact," I finally decided to try another cleaner that worked wonderfully on cleaning my wood furniture, leather furniture, and marble and granite countertops. I couldn''t believe it, it worked GREAT on stainless steel too and without all the wiping.

Yes, Swiffer Dust & Shine Furniture Spray, Lavender Vanilla Scent, 9.7-Ounce (Pack of 9) works wonders on stainless steel ... much better than Magic Stainless Steel Cleaner.

Culligan RVF-10 Level 1 Recreational Vehicle External Water Filter Save 26% Off

Culligan RVF-10 Level 1 Recreational Vehicle External Water Filter
  • Culligan Recreational Vehicle water filter
  • Granular activated carbon filter reduces chlorine taste and odor, bad taste and odor, sediment and Bacteriostatics
  • Filter Cartridge life of up to 250-Gallons
  • NSF Certified
  • Durable Plastic Housing

I looked at quite a few filtering systems for my travel trailer and found the Culligan RV-10 to be in affordable price range and great protection abilities for Our fresh water system with out tasting like a swimming pool. The Culligan RV-10 is a non cellulose carbon filter, it provides resistance to bacteria attack & biofilm buildup along with sediment filtration. if for any reason the campground has treated it''s water supply with chlorine this filter will greatly reduce the chlorine taste. I have an adapter (purchased from Camping World) that allows me to hang this filter on the outside of my trailer and filter the water before it enters my trailer. I have used this filter for almost a year and it''s now time to change the cartridge...roughly 20 dollars cheap insurance

Buy Culligan RVF-10 Level 1 Recreational Vehicle External Water Filter Now

Culligan makes other models of RV water filters that are rated for up to 2000 gallons of water for almost the same price. If you consider filter replacement costs, this filter is around 10 times the price of other RV water filters.

This filter is rated at 250 gallons. If your RV holds 50 gallons of fresh water this filter will allow you to fill up only 5 times!

Read Best Reviews of Culligan RVF-10 Level 1 Recreational Vehicle External Water Filter Here

This filter improves the taste of hard water, and eliminates larger particles which can clog lines. The small hose which comes with the unit is very short, but can be used if a ground mounted holding bracket is not used, and the filter is allowed to hang from the hose. Otherwise, a longer lenth of hose would need to be purchased.

Want Culligan RVF-10 Level 1 Recreational Vehicle External Water Filter Discount?

Purchased this on a recomendation from my brother-in-law. Had used Camco Taste Pure for over 4 years with no issues. Hooked this up the first time and it worked fine. Put it back in our trailer storage compartment and the very next day, at our next RV Park, went to get it out and the hose connection on one side of the holder had broken completly off. Now useless to us. Fortunately had a backup Camco Taste Pure and the rest of the trip (4 weeks)no problems. Perhaps I should have been more careful in placing this Culligan unit back in my trailer storage area...but never had this happen with Camco Taste Pure. So am going to give my brother-in-law my two extra Culligan cartridges to him for Christmas!!!

June 7 UPDATE

Contacted Culligan after we returned from our trip and explained the broken hose connection. They apologized and are sending replacement hose connection parts to me free of charge. So I am now, as they say, "A much happier camper!" Darn, now I will have to find another Christmas present for my brother-in-law!!!

Save 26% Off

i couldn''t get this anywhere else for less. I bought the filters and I also got free shipping. I saw it in other locations for as much as 2x more!

Kalorik 1000-Watt 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker Save 38% Off

Kalorik 1000-Watt 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker, CopperI almost did not buy this product because of the reviews, but I did not believe that Consumers Report Magazine could be that wrong. This report stated that this product made excellent coffee due to the correct brewing temperature. That is exactly what the Kalorik does. After using it for several weeks now, I cannot support a single complaint against this product, except one. The pot is difficult to get back into the machine. Not because it fits too tightly as reported, but because the part that holds the coffee grounds sometimes prevents the pot from entering all the way. Another ridiculous complaint was that the opening was too small to pour the water. I do not have a clue what that was all about. I am a 78 year old man and I can pour a full pot of water into the machine without spilling a drop. There is two large openings on both sides of the machine. Go figure. Another statement was that the Kalorik belched out steam. I learned that hot water makes steam. It takes hot water to make good coffee, so if you do not want the steam, get a pot that does not heat the water and you will eliminate the steam problem. Again, I did not find the steam to be excessive and I have the coffee maker under the cupboards. The Kalorik is not pretty, but it makes an excellent cup of coffee. Like a woman, I will take quality over looks anytime.

In short, read between the lines when using customer reviews to help make your purchase.

This machine functions. Enthusiastically. I''m really happy with how quickly it operates. It''s also a very striking coffee maker. The timer and clock, on/off button are very no-nonsense, with no learning curve, which I love, plus the water level is clearly visible. It is, however, really noisy towards the end of the brew cycle. The carafe fits extra snugly in the coffee maker housing; it takes slight practice to place it smoothly. It also has a heavy plastic feel and is a matte copper -coloronly. I hope I''m paying a bit more for mechanical quality, because the exterior materials don''t really reflect the price point. Still, overall, this machine goes great with my other copper countertop small appliances, is a very attractive machine, and functions exceptionally well. It''s definitely a keeper, although I feel I''m definitely paying more for the couple extra cups of capacity plus the unusual look of this coffeemaker.

Buy Kalorik 1000-Watt 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker Now

We bought the coffee maker at the end of July and it provided a little more than 90-days of coffee before dying. First the hotplate went cold, then it failed to make coffee. The last "K" in KALORIK fell off with the first cleaning. The fancy lettering (I was not pleased with the built-in bold brand advertisement)is attached with a silicone adhesive backing that can''t be reapplied once it falls off. Other than that, while it worked, it provided pretty good coffee.

Read Best Reviews of Kalorik 1000-Watt 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker Here

First, no one in the Kalorik customer service department knows what size cone filters this thing takes. That being said, I have yet to make a pot of coffee. But in conditioning the coffeemaker by running 3 pots of clean water through it, I see that it is leaking puddles all over the place. Next, the area you have to pour water through is a very narrow track around the filter, one inch wide at the widest, to about 3/8 of an inch wide -nearly impossible without dripping all over. If you accidently get water in the filter area, it goes right through to the hotplate. If this isn''t bad enough, what looks like copper/stainless in the photo is actually just copper color silkscreened over plastic. The brand name is in large stainless colored plastic letters. There is no stainless on this coffee maker, save the stainless ring around the bottom of the glass pot. Finally, it is noisy -really noisy. I bought this to replace a 23-year old coffee maker that was much quieter than this. Oh, and did I mention the ungodly amounts of steam that comes right out the top vents? If it''s under a low cupboard, it could do some serious damage in time. Also, it is HOT!!! (obviously, it is steam). Needless to say, I will be returning this pronto. Nice to look at if that''s all you want it for, but if you want to actually make a pot of coffee and not ruin everything within a few feet of the coffee pot, then you can do way, way better than this -and probably for half the price. Also, the picture is misleading. The large band of "stainless" at the bottom of the pot is actually just black plastic on the one I received. Too bad, it couldda been a contender.

Want Kalorik 1000-Watt 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker Discount?

Sure I read the reviews before buying this... the negatives always shine more brightly... unable to fill up the water reservoir, hard to place coffee pot on burner, unable to locate the size of the coffee filters, breaks quickly... I was just another coffeeholic looking for my morning cup of Joe as my last coffee maker broke. I had the most expensive Cuisinart coffee marker which died after 12 mo. My latest Costco cheapo MrCoffee maker died after 12 mo. I am convinced none will last but would I stop drinking coffee?! Nope so I gave this one a chance... easy to fill up, angle the coffee pot for a nice tight fit, size 4 filters as shown in the book and will it make it longer than 1 year... TBD. No complaints thus far.

09.17.2012

Coffee pot still working great!

Save 38% Off

S463RL 5 GPM Replacement UV Lamp Save 49% Off

S463RL 5 GPM Replacement UV Lamp for Sterilight S5Q-PA, S5Q and S5Q-GOLD
  • Sterilume-EX lamps can be used in older style S5Q-PA, S5Q-PA/2, S5Q, S5Q/2, S5Q-GOLD, S5Q-GOLD Sterilight systems
  • Sterilight S2RL UV lamps have a full one-year warranty and have been tested in order to deliver a specific UV intensity in each system that is offered
  • For 6 gallon per minute units
  • This genuine S463RL Sterilight UV lamp can easily be identified by the green bulb base

I live alone in the desert and collect rain water from my roof, having ditched my expensive water provider. The first 55 gallons off the roof is considered "wash" and I reserve it for non-potable use. Thereafter, the water is filtered and collected in covered, 3000 gallon, above-ground pools. To kill off most pathogens/parasites and minimize the formation of algae, I maintain the pool water at 2ppm Cl using sodium hypochlorite (bleach) since swimming pool chlorination (which works very well but is 70% calcium hypochlorite) seriously hardens the rain water. From the storage pools, I pump the water into a 550 gallon closed storage tank. Water from this tank is pumped to my house, first through a 5 micron sediment filter, then a 2 micron activated charcoal filter, and then through a Sterilight, SQ5-PA UV system for which the bulb under review generates UV light. The primary purpose of the UV system is to insure against any resistant pathogenic bacteria, virus, and especially chlorine-resistant protozoan cysts (e.g., Cryptosporidium). FYI, once in the house, I pass all drinking/cooking water through a 0.5 micron carbon block filter which removes just about anything that could remain in the water, including chlorine, VOCs (volatile organic compounds, e.g., gasoline which is often found in contaminated wells) and the aforementioned cysts. I have been doing this for two years and have suffered no ill effects from my collection regimen. Because the UV output degrades in time (the light is ALWAYS on), the bulb MUST be replaced once a year (9000 hours). Having safely used these bulbs, which I unequivocally recommend, for two years, I can testify to their effectiveness and durability.

Buy S463RL 5 GPM Replacement UV Lamp Now

it arrived sooner than i expected,althought i am from europe. the product is ok and is the same with presentation

Read Best Reviews of S463RL 5 GPM Replacement UV Lamp Here

No original UV Lamp Sterilight S5Q-PA

It''s a replacement.

Original looks different.

I''ll see if it lasts as long as the original, so it can not be measured.

Want S463RL 5 GPM Replacement UV Lamp Discount?

Great product, exactly what I need for my UV light.

Good Quality, lasts the year that I need it to.

Fast shipping

Save 49% Off

exact same as the original bulb.. swapped them in less than 5 minutes// BUT// does not come with the two new O rings as promised..

Watts Premier 560088 Lead, Cyst, VOC Carbon Block Two Stage Replacement Filter Pack Save 25% Off

Watts Premier 560088 Lead, Cyst, VOC Carbon Block Two Stage Replacement Filter Pack
  • Replacement filters with water filtration system can save over 4,500 half liter bottles per filter
  • Reduce environmental impact of filter, certified for 600 gallons
  • Specially formulated carbon block NSF certified for the reduction of lead, cryptosporidium, giardia, and entamoeba
  • Also certified for harmful volatile organic chemicals such as herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, and more
  • Fits all standard under counter and counter top filtration systems

Bought this to use with my Costco purchased Watts Premier WP2-BVC. Note that these are the filters for the WP2-LCV system but are fully compatible with either system. I was looking for these filters because they are optimized (marketing?) for reduction of volatile chemical contamination in addition to reducing contamination by biological organisms. Very good price (at least a third cheaper than other vendors I considered). I called Watts Premier customer service and they confirmed that these are the same as their sku 560030.

Buy Watts Premier 560088 Lead, Cyst, VOC Carbon Block Two Stage Replacement Filter Pack Now

Watts and all vendors have discontinued the original filter set for the Watts Premier WP2-BVC. This set is a perfect replacement and includes some additional filtering on VOC''s. They do have slightly different sealing surfaces and no longer have a protruding neck on one of the filters. Rest assured though, these filters fit just fine and work great. For all of you who bought the WP2-BVC at Costco or other locations, this is your new replacement set. Great price too. Good ol Amazon saves the day.

Read Best Reviews of Watts Premier 560088 Lead, Cyst, VOC Carbon Block Two Stage Replacement Filter Pack Here

I have previously purchased filters, that this time around were no longer available. No problem, as there is a replacement. The information was rather vague, as to exactly which filter(s) to replace my obsolete ones with! Took my best, educated guess, and was successful. Moral Selection could be made a bit clearer to end user! Additionally the filters that came were not exact replacements, in that the coupling on the filter was different. First thought was "oh boy" wrong filter. It worked fine, but again it would have been helpful to have enclosed some written notification stating the new configuration was workable, and perhaps an explanation of the difference. Otherwise satisfied.

Want Watts Premier 560088 Lead, Cyst, VOC Carbon Block Two Stage Replacement Filter Pack Discount?

I purchased these as a first time replacement for my Watts 2 Stage Water Filtration unit and I am so glad I did! First of all, they are about half the price of ordering straight from Watts and amazingly, the water tastes better with these replacement filters than it tasted with the original filters that came with the unit! They are supposed to be the same filters as those but there is definitely a difference in the taste of the water! Tastes cleaner! Go figure...

Save 25% Off

I purchased the 560088 two years ago for a replacement. The designed changed from the original. That was not a problem, it still worked.

I just purchased another set and after installation the unit made a LOUD whistling sound. So I removed everything cleaned o-rings, installed again, and still the same LOUD annoying sound.

So I took it apart again and see the problem. The carbon filter that I removed has a white tip on each end where the water would flow through. That tip does not exist on the new model. If you take the new model and blow some air through it you will hear the sound, do the same with the old model, no sound.

I returned to Amazon and sent Watts an email. If I cannot get a replacement that works I will now have to replace the entire unit. If so the next unit WILL NOT be a Watts.

GE FXULC Single Stage Drinking Water Filtration System Replacment Filter

GE FXULC Single Stage Drinking Water Filtration System Replacment Filter
  • The GE FXULC activated carbon block water filter produces healthier and better-tasting drinking water and cooking water
  • Reduces lead, mercury, atrazine, lindane, cysts, asbestos, turbidity and chlorine taste & odor
  • Fits most major water filtration brands
  • Filter life is up to 600 gallons or 6 months, depending on the quality of your water
  • Fits GX1S01R, GX1S15, GX1S01C and GN1S15 single stage models

I''ve been buying these filter elements for several years for my under-sink unit. They aren''t cheap $30 at Home Depot. There is a cheaper FXUTC element you can buy for the same filter housing. Seems it''s all about the difference in the filtering specs, and I guess I am a sucker for the "isn''t your family worth the extra cost?" trip.

Another reviewer pointed out that GE sells a version 2 and these are Vers 1. I happen to have a label from a vers 2 element I bought before, and I compared them. The specs on the Vers 1 label are actually lower (better) than the Vers 2. Not sure if that means the Vers 1 elements are better, or if just the performance has been more accurately characterized on the Vers 2 label.

Anyway, I am happy to pay less here on Amazon than buying them at Home Depot.

Buy GE FXULC Single Stage Drinking Water Filtration System Replacment Filter Now

I have been using this product for years. I have a saltwater aquarium and need to have filtered water for fresh water loss. This has been the BEST I have found! The initial installation is very easy as well as the filter replacement. I highly recommend this product.

David

Read Best Reviews of GE FXULC Single Stage Drinking Water Filtration System Replacment Filter Here

Expensive but it lasts a year with sensible use. It filters all off tastes from my city water. Composed of a nylon pre-screen, and a compressed activated carbon core. It is the best filtration other than reverse osmosis. It fairly easy to install and remove -not as easy as those plastic housed filters used on refrigerators, but hey its only once a year...

Want GE FXULC Single Stage Drinking Water Filtration System Replacment Filter Discount?

This is a good filter that is the same as what I can get at local improvement stores at a lower cost. With the economy where it is, I always look to find a deal where I can get one. These should be replaced every 6 months to a year depending on the cost. The nice thing is when you click on the item, it states the last time you purchased it. So I setup a reminder on my e-calender for every 6 months to check on the filter and reorder. It does a good job at removing a lot of the odd odors and flavors that are in standard tap water.

This filter fits nice and and the price is right.

Home Depot had it for 29.99. I''ve been buying from HD for the longest time and finally come to my concensus that online order may be cheaper. And it is.

Culligan US-EZ-1 EZ-Change Undersink Drinking Water Filtration System Save 44% Off

Culligan US-EZ-1 EZ-Change Undersink Drinking Water Filtration System, 3,000 Gallon
  • Features twist-on and twist-off mechanism, quick connect fittings double water shutoff
  • NSF certified
  • 3000 gallon capacity
  • Reduces: bad taste and odor, chlorine taste and odor, particulate class III
  • Filter change reminder sticker

I may jump this up to four stars if it ever gets installed. The kit comes with a 1/2" threaded adapter; however my fairly new faucet comes with pre-attached hoses which are much smaller. So no where under the sink is there a 1/2" pipe to connect to. So off to the H big box store a waste of time. Then over to the L big box store one part which might work but the tube fitting for the "flexible" tube won''t fit. So I''m still trying to adapt this to the newer model faucet connections. Frustrating!! Culligan gives an alternate installation using barb fittings, hoses, and clamps. Sorry but I don''t do that for any type of perm. plumbing installation.

Time will tell if this even works....

Update!

Thanks to Ace Hardware part #4292330 (3/8 to 1/2in. faucet adapter) I was able to attach the Culligan tap to the existing 3/8" faucet connector. Combined with #41251 to adapt the faucet flex cable to the top of the tap the system is now functional and no leaks! Time will tell about the spout as others have said it broke upon mounting.

As for quality the water is noticeably free of odor and taste that existed without the filter. It does seem better than the Pur filer we had previously on the faucet and much cheaper since the filters last so much longer. My only headache and reason for lower rating the stupid tap was a pain to adapt to a standard 3/8" faucet connection.

Buy Culligan US-EZ-1 EZ-Change Undersink Drinking Water Filtration System Now

This kit is a great value for the price (especially compared to other well-known pitcher and faucet filters)! East to install the hardest part was drilling a 5/8" hole in the sink. Great filter life.

Read Best Reviews of Culligan US-EZ-1 EZ-Change Undersink Drinking Water Filtration System Here

After hooking the filter up I noticed a big difference in the taste of the water and it was for the better. The filter itself does deliver and do as it promises. Doing the install was a fairly simple process as well. The one thing I did do right of the bat was change out all the hardware. All the fittings and the faucet stem are all nylon which is not very sturdy. I went to my local hardware store and bought all brass fittings to use. Also I bought another faucet to use instead of the plastic/nylon on that comes with the kit. Even with having to upgrade the hardware the filter does deliver as promises.

Want Culligan US-EZ-1 EZ-Change Undersink Drinking Water Filtration System Discount?

I purchased the Culligan unit to replace a GE undersink water filter I had been using. The GE filters had a very short life. Already I can see that the Culligan product lasts much longer and the water tastes fine. This is a good alternative to purchasing bottled water. It is handy for cooking also. The install is easy IF you have an extra hole in your sink. In our case we used the squirter hose hole and have an all in one faucet with the hose built in.

Save 44% Off

The installation of the Colligan US-EZ-1 required a trip to home depot and an additional $10 because I wanted to add a T connector with an independent shutoff valve which paid off when installing the filter because I didn''t push it all the way up when I started twisting and the water would have been leaking for a while before I had it installed correctly. The major issue I am having however is not the installation which I got don''t with minimal effort but that the flow rate dropped dramatically after a month and less than 2 month with 2 people using it. When it was first installed I could fill an 8 oz. cup of water in a few seconds, it now take about 20 seconds to fill an 8 oz. cup which is a long time to stand at the sink waiting for water.

Replacement Filters for Aquasana Drinking Water Filter

Replacement Filters for Aquasana Drinking Water Filter
  • Voted Consumers Digest Best Buy
  • Performance Certified by Underwriters laboratories and the California Department of Public Health
  • Help prevent thousands of plastic containers from winding up in landfills and further polluting the environment
  • Filters out chlorine, lead, VOCs, MTBE and Cysts
  • Cartridges should be replaced every 3-6 months

I bought my kit and filters directly from Aquasana back in June 2005. I''ve had a few problems, but the folks in Aquasana are very helpful. Fortunately they have made some improvements in the design of the filter housings and it''s easier to install with the right tools. When the original cheaper kitchen faucet I chose started leaking water 2 years after purchase, I chose to upgrade to a much sturdier, better looking design (premium brushed nickel). I had to pay for that, but all the other things I broke (because of poor design) Aquasana replaced promptly, free of charge I am part of their water for life program which involves spreading the cost of replacement filters over a year that''s why I can count on good customer service. If you take your time, & follow the instructions carefully when installing the filters you shouldnt have a problem and the water quality is great.

Buy Replacement Filters for Aquasana Drinking Water Filter Now

The Aquasana product line is well designed but too cheaply made to survive the effects of repeated filter

changes. The plastic parts bind up, strip and break unless you use the greatest caution when replacing filters.

The housing for the filters split and had to be replaced to the tune of $40.00 as a result of excessive water pressure. I can assure you that my hundred year old house could never produce excessive water pressure.

The hose fitting snapped off when I was attempting to unscrew the openning for the one of the filters. It is made of 1/8 inch pvc plastic. I was able to epoxy a brass replacement nipple for the hose and it is working well now. In short, Aquasana should realize that most consumers are prepared to spend a little more in the beginnign to avoid having to pay later for poorly made parts. If this unit fails again I will find something

to replace it.

Read Best Reviews of Replacement Filters for Aquasana Drinking Water Filter Here

I got these replacement filters on Amazon because they were less expensive than getting them from Aquasauna''s website. I love my filter, I have it undermounted with the little brushed nickel spigot. It''s a beautiful and healthy addition to my kitchen.

Want Replacement Filters for Aquasana Drinking Water Filter Discount?

I have the Aquasana AQ-4000 under my sink and am really happy with the quality of filtered water it produces and the ease of use. I get my filters sent to me automatically every six months which makes it easy to remember and they even give you a lifetime warranty on the system! Not many companies are willing to warranty their products for life.

I have this filter for more than a year. It works fine and you can feel the taste of water is better after filtered. The taste is especially good with the filtered water to brew coffee. I love it!