Mr. Coffee 12 Cup Replacement Decanters Save 20% Off

The original carafe on my Mr. Coffee coffeemaker dribbled. When it broke, I looked for a new carafe on Amazon. Reading the reviews, it seems there''s some discrepancy as to whether replacement carafes have been redesigned so they don''t dribble. Since I needed it immediately, I purchased it at Bed Bath & Beyond. It did NOT dribble, so I tried to find out exactly how to identify a good one from a bad one.

I''m publishing this on the PLD12-1 model because it''s the most likely to be viewed. I''m rating it in the middle because this is information about both models.

On AMAZON, I found two models of Mr. Coffee 12-cup replacement carafes. (I am only looking at the item in black.)

PLD12-1 ($11.46 + super saver shipping) ASIN B000BH96DO (This one.)

PLD12-2 ($20.07 + free shipping, other merchant) ASIN B0006HLJEI Mr. Coffee PLD12-2 MR. COFFEE 12-Cup Replacement Decanter

BED, BATH, & BEYOND The box was only labeled PLD12 (without a suffix). UPC: 0 72179 22692 5 $14.99

WALMART -same box, same UPC as BB&B $11.46

MR. COFFEE WEBSITE sells only PLD12-2 (or PLD13-2 in white) $15.99 + shipping

I called the toll free number 800-MR-COFFEE (800-672-6333) printed on the box. The sales rep said the PLD12-2 was the newer model, but denied that it was a redesign or that there was any problem with the older one. He also could not (or would not) tell me whether the UPC on the Bed Bath & Beyond box would indicate which model it was.

IN CONCLUSION:

1. I can''t definitively prove the PLD12-1 is a bad design.

2. The manufacturer is pushing the later model PLD12-2 without admitting guilt.

3. Walmart is the cheapest place to get one that works.

** UPDATE August 9, 2011 **

I found a website with a 2005 list showing PLD12-1 with UPC 0 72179 22692 5 (older product, but with current UPC).

This shoots down the theory that there is a correlation between the UPC on the box and the model of the carafe inside. It looks like the boxes were never updated and getting a good carafe may be just a matter of purchasing from a retailer that has newer stock.

Great coffee is made with this machine, and the value is great also. The carafe that comes with the unit sucks. When you go to pour coffee you will find that it dripples all over your counter. The carafe needs a longer pouring spout.

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My Mr. Coffee coffeemaker is sturdy, works well, and makes fine coffee.

But the 12-cup decanter proved overly fragile. I broke it swabbing the inside with a dish brush.

I''d be glad to pay more for a decanter with thicker, sturdier glass.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

One other criticism: The spout on the decanter is too short, which increases the likelihood of spills.

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I can not believe that a company as large as Mr. Coffee can sell such junk. Impossible to pour a cup without spilling. A Bunn carafe will pour many cups while this one dribbles all over the counter. Specifically, this is the original carafe that came with the coffee maker in black.

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I was ready to trash my Mr. Coffee machine because the original carafe dribbled onto the counter each time it poured. When the carafe broke in the dishwasher, I ordered the replacement because it was a lot cheaper than a whole new machine of a different brand. I was pleasantly surprised to find that they had redesigned the spout on the replacement so that it does not dribble. It still feels like it could break easily in the dishwasher, so I clean it by hand now.

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2 Black Berkey Replacement Water Filters Save 14% Off

I purchased the Imperial Berkey about 2 years ago. The unit came with 6 Black Berkey filters. I used only 2 at a time. 3 months ago I replaced the original first 2 Black Berkey filters with a pair from an unopened box. This left me with 2 more new filters left.

After one month, the water started tasting funny. I looked inside and discovered that the Black Berkey filters were both coming apart and oozing some gelatinous material into the water compartment where the filters were.

I have tried and tried to contact Berkey, but there phone number is just a voice recording. They have not answered my numerous emails. I contacted the distributor who is not at fault. He has been overwhelmed with similar complaints.

I cleaned out the Berkey unit completely and installed the final two Black Berkey filters. Last week, the same thing happened again! The filters were coming apart on the bottom where the black part is supposed to be sealed with the black plastic ring.

Now I have no filters left! I bought the Berkey Water units for everyday purification as well as for emergency water filtering in a survival situation. I have lost confidence in this company. Berkey does not respond to complaints, you don''t even know if you are reaching them because no emails are ever acknowledged.

Do your research. There is another company called AquaRain, which makes filters that fit the Berkey. They are made in the USA. Also, a company called Pro Pur also makes filters that will fit the Berkey units. Pro Pur filters, unlike Berkey, are NSF certified.

Sorry to see another formerly great company fail due to poor quality control and even worse customer service. But in this economy, and with my family''s health on the line, I can no longer recommend Berkey products or its company. Look elsewhere.

I have been a defender of the Black Berkey system for years. Not any more. A friend alerted me to the controversy going on here at amazon.com, regarding the efficacy, or lack thereof, of the Black Berkey elements, and, the "questionable" nature of some of the alleged "laboratory testing" presented to trusting buyers by New Millennium Concepts, Ltd., the manufacturer of the Black Berkey elements.

Initially, I found that the now-infamous "laboratory report" alleged to have been conducted at Louisiana State University was outright fraudulent. As other people have indicated, one can write the scientist named on the report, Professor Ralph J. Portier, Ph.D., and he will cheerfully confirm the report is not genuine. I did just that (and you can, too).

I was disturbed sufficiently by this expose, and I consequently ordered the best, affordable home water analysis kit available here at amazon.com, one manufactured by the respected Industrial Test Systems (ITS). Unfortunately, due to many family matters demanding my time, including chronically-ill parents, it wasn''t until this week that I was able to perform the testing using best practices possible in a home setting.

I am now very sorry and deeply embarrassed to say that the Black Berkey output tests positive for Coliform bacteria. ''

I performed the tests in the most hygienic and scientifically-sound manner possible in a home setting, and state confidently that no cross-contamination caused this positive test. The only explanation is the failure of the Black Berkey elements to perform their claimed "self-sterilization."

I would suggest that anyone interested in getting into the Berkey water "purification" system DON''T.

I would suggest that anyone who currently uses one STOP, and get a unit that is known to work and doesn''t allow microbes into your family''s water. I have meekly returned to the Pur system just tonight, which may turn out to be a stop-gap measure, or simply a return to our previous long-term water system. If you doubt my credibility, please, I implore you, and praise you for doing so go buy your own water testing kit here at amazon.com, or, if you have the resources to do so, have testing done by a real specialty laboratory, and find out for yourself.

As for New Millennium Concepts, Ltd., and its distributors & groupies (of which I was one until tonight), I dare you to challenge me on this matter. If you feel what I say is "libelous" to your product, I invite you to contact me, and I will happily provide you my full name, address, and the address of the court of proper venue in which to file your tort claim against me. I will, of course, dearly welcome the opportunity to engage in discovery on your business, its practices, and its "trade secrets." I had confidence in you, total confidence. That makes you "con" artists experts in the "art" of gaining peoples'' confidence.

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I purchased this in the spring of 2011. Twice now the filter has come apart (he glue fails) after being in water for a few months.

To their credit, Burkey replaced the filters. The problem is if you buy this product as part of your emergency preparedness program and store it on a shelf somewhere. It may fail when you finally use it at that point it''s too late. Your water is not purified and you are way beyond the warranty replacement period.

In my opinion you cannot rely on this product.

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We have stream water at our ranch. For the past 11 years we used the $35.00 PUR countertop filter without problems. But I believed Berkey''s advertising claims. I wanted filters that were the best, that could be scrubbed and reused. In the Spring of 2011, we ordered a Royal Berkey, and several replacement filters (the order was over $800.00). We set it up, and started using it. I have to say, Berkey is sloppy in so many areas. We didn''t get the knob to lift the lid with, so I fashioned one from a drawer pull. I was supposed to get two plugs for the bottom of the top reservior, but only got one, so I had to use three filters instead of two.

I recently read that there is a defect in some of the black filters where it attaches to it''s plastic base. I did the ''red dye test''. I poured water with red food color into the top. Berkey says the water should come out clear. I lifted the top up to see what was happening. Nothing was coming out of two of the filters, but pink, unfiltered water was pouring quickly out of the third. This means that we have been drinking unfiltered stream water since we bought the thing! I am SO ANGRY! This company has been aware that they have this problem since 2010, yet they continue to sell defective filters to unsuspecting consumers!

Berkey says they will replace the defective filters if I print up and fill out a 5 page form. I need to dig ALL of my filters out of storage, prime them, put them in the Berkey, do the red dye test, separate out the bad from the good, Set them all upright for 5 days to dry out, send off the bad filters AT MY OWN EXPENSE, put the Berkey back together with good filters, if I have enough good filters, and wait for the replacement filters.

Gah! We were so much better off with the PUR! I feel like such a sucker!

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We live in rural Alaska and the water here is full of iron, not to mention other metals, but iron is the worst. There are times when the water that comes out of the faucet is orange or brown. We have used this water filtration system for 4 years. I am confident in saying that the filters make the water drinkable. I am not sure of the % of metals it removes, but I do know that once our water is filtered it does not smell like iron, it is not orange, or brown, and it tastes clean. I would recommend this product to anyone who has concerns about their drinking water.

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Simple Green 50128 Lime Scale Remover Save 30% Off

• It''s strong enough to effectively tackle that dreaded cleaning task of removing hard water mineral deposits and it''s mild enough to protect surfaces from the damage that harsher removers can cause
• Specially formulated to effectively dissolve and remove mineral deposits, hard water stains and soap scum
• Simple Green Lime Scale Remover is safer to use on porcelain sinks, toilets and tubs, ceramic tile, shower and faucet fixtures, glass shower doors, aluminum, chrome and stainless steel
• It''s tough enough to take care of long-term scale and scum build-up, yet safe enough to be used on a frequent basis
• Simple Green Lime Scale Remover has a pleasant wintergreen scent that leaves rooms deodorized and fresh smelling

This does a pretty good job of removing lime scale and soap scum. I will probably purchase it again. One star off because it doesn''t remove ALL the hard water residue. Maybe that''s not fair since I didn''t want something so strong that it would eat through my skin.

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Alkaline Water Ionizer & Portable Water Transformation System

It definately works! I usually don''t write any reviews but I am so impressed with this product that I decided to mention that.

It does everything it promises and then some. Try it, you''ll love it

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Carbona Color and Dirt Grabber Save 7% Off

I used it in a load containing a red dress that bleeds like crazy even in cold water. Other items, pastels, even whites remained the color they are supposed to be. Cloth is thick and hefty and absorbs dyes like mad. Just Wonderful. Ad has one error. There are NOT 30 cloths. THERE IS ONLY ONE CLOTH per box AND ITs SUPPOSED TO LAST THROUGH 30 WASHINGS.

Product doesn''t contribute any fragrance to the laundry.

Product doesn''t alter the feel of laundered fabrics.

Drop it in the washer and leave it there. Easy as that!

Personally I do let it dry so it doesn''t mold and smell from being kept wet inside a closed washer, perhaps it has a chemical protection against that I don''t know, not giving that outcome a chance to arise.

I really like both Carbona''s reusable Dye Grabber cloth AND these smaller one time use Color & Dirt Grabber sheets. Both products not only help protect against color bleeding, but allow any dingy white and light colored fabrics to gradually become whiter and brighter over a succession of washes. There appears to have been some past confusion as to which of the two excellent Carbona products were ordered/shipped, but my box of 30 one time use sheets arrived exactly as pictured and described.

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I like what it does witrh the laundry, but had bought one that you reused for 30 loads and thought that was what I was buying.

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i used to use the Color Catchers, but this seems to do the same thing at a cheaper price. I only wish that i was better at keeping track of how many times I''ve used it, since it supposedly only works for 30 times.

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I can wash loads of white and colored clothing without the chance of coming out with pink underwear. New jeans and white things come out of the wash perfectly. I don''t know how I lived without this product. And don''t worry about chemicals! This product is made of lamb''s wool which attracts all the free dye in the wash. Quilters use it to get excess dye out of the cloth before cutting it. It even works with prior color bleeding. I use it in every load.

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Sprite Hand Held Filter Cartridge 4-pack Save 10% Off

• Removes chlorine, dirt, odors and more
• For use with Sprite Filtered Shower Handle
• NSF certified
• Filter rated for 3 months or 5,000 gallons whichever comes first
• Made in USA

These filters are hard to find in the stores. I bought my Sprite shower head several years ago, and it is almost impossible to find these in the stores. These are the factory original, and fit perfect.

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The unit is good for the price, but placing the filter is very difficult.

Use vaseline on the filter ends to replace, don''t use pliers or force.

The hose holder is plastic, not metal, use care when hanging the hose.

All in all the unit is affordable for the use.

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We''ve had a Sprite filter shower head for about 4 years and I''m a big fan--very sensitive to chlorine. Once we installed the new, clear filters, the water pressure has gone down by at least 50%--takes forever to take a shower. Had zero problems w/ the previous style solid white filters. Current shower head has no filter--great water pressure--with chlorine. Ordering from a different company; didn''t really want to.

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These cartridges look as above, and do not have the white plastic skin that says Sprite, like my last ones. These don''t seem to work as good as my last order with the white skin label, because my scalp starts itching the day after I shower and shampoo, like what happened before I installed the shower filter. Before I could go for a couple of days (in this cold weather) without my scalp itching. The chlorine smell in our water was terrible before the filter.

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I was hesitant at first because I had the white Sprite filters to begin with. After using these and being a repeat buyer I am sold on these. I can tell a difference when its time to change it out, by dry skin and hair. I have seen NO water pressure change at all with these filters. I think they are great. You do have to put some vaseline on the base or it gets stuck as the other reviewer had mentioned.

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P1103545 Carrier Humidifier Replacement Water Panel

These were the exact match for the filters in my unit at a fraction of the manufacturer''s cost.

The package was received in a timely manner, with a complete shipment, well packaged, and for a competitive price. I was able to easily replace the old one in my humidifier very easily.

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This was a perfect replacement water pad for my Carrier Furnace Humidifier. Fit without any modifications and

was very easy to change.

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Buying this filter online is THE WAY TO GO!

Apparently these replacement filters are not commonly carried in the large national hardware stores, thus your only solution was to pay a furnace contractor to make a home visit to simply replace these filters, an with their huge costs and the giant mark-up they charge, it was crazy. Plus, we have hard water so we need a new filter about twice a year.

I did an internet search and found these filters on AMAZON, and the price was 1/10th the price of a home visit from a contractor!

They were cheap enough that I could buy 5 year''s worth of filters for the same price as a single visit/replacement from the heating contractor!

And these are the exact same filters!

They are very easy to install as well.

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These pads are about 1/4" thinner than OEM product. Was expecting them to be a direct replacement. Other dimensions are identical to OEM.

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Krups NaturActiv Filters (2 pk)

Product works great. Thanks goes out to the seller. Keep the price reasonable and I''ll do again in the future.

I have had my Krups coffee maker for at least 10 years and I am so glad that I can still find the filters to ensure a great cup of coffee.

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NeverScrub Automatic Toilet Cleaning System Save 2% Off

I am writing a review of three toilet cleaning systems I''ve bought here on amazon:

Fluidmaster:

Uses a cartridge containing a chlorine based tablet.

Cartridge is not meant to be refilled.

Chlorine odor noticeable in the bathroom.

Cartridge can be modified (I used a dremel) so it is easily refilled.

NeverScrub:

Uses a cartridge containing a chlorine based crystal.

Cartridge is not meant to be refilled.

Chlorine odor noticeable in the bathroom.

Kaboom:

Does not use a cartridge. Bromine tablet refill inserts directly by unscrewing a cap.

No odor noticeable in the bathroom.

All three of these systems work the same way and all are really easy to install. All of them put a toilet cleaning chemical (tablets or crystals) in-line between the water fill valve and the toilet bowl fill pipe. All of them prevent the chemical from getting into the tank water (so there is no damage to the plastic parts in the tank). All sell refills for their systems. All keep the toilet bowl equally clean for about 1-3 months depending on how often it is flushed.

Amazon also sells Pool/Spa Cleaning Chlorine and Bromine tablets, which as far as I can tell do just as good a job keeping the toilets clean as the refills but at a fraction of the cost. I have tried all of the following, each of which provide enough tablets to keep all the toilets in the house clean for 10 years and they are all very cheap:

Kem-Tek 177:

The tablets fit well in the dremel-tool modified Fluidmaster cartridges.

The tablets fit well in the Kaboom.

The bathroom has a slight chlorine odor.

Spa-Kem 267:

The tablets are too large to fit in the Fluidmaster cartridges.

The tablets fit well in the Kaboom.

No odor.

Tropi Clear:

The tablets fit well in the dremel-tool modified Fluidmaster cartridges.

The tablets fit well in the Kaboom.

No odor.

Chlorine and Bromine are fairly equal in cleaning ability. Chlorine has that chlorine odor. Bromine is broken down by sunlight. Which is why, on a sunny day, outdoor pools use chlorine. But at night, or indoors, or on a cloudy day, they use bromine since there is no smell.

Summary. The Fluidmaster system works but the cartridges are expensive. To refill the cartridges easily requires a small modification with a dremel tool. The cartridge is too small for any tablets larger than 1 inch in diameter. The NeverScrub system also works but the cartridges are expensive. What I am using is the Kaboom system with the bromine tablets (either the Tropi Clear or the Spa-Kem 267) as they have no odor and clean just as well as the chlorine tablets.

This is one great product! My husband installed it and it took less than 5 minutes. We tried it on just one toilet in the house as an experiment, and 4 months later I just inserted the first refill. Now all our toilets have this contraption. This is one product which has made my life easier, and it truly lives up to it''s hype. It''s much safer for the tank parts than chlorine tablets, because the cleaning solution/chemicals/whatever remain in the casing, and the tank water simply passes through it on it''s way into the toilet bowl with each flush. And it''s far more effective than the products which clamp to the inside of the toilet bowl rim. This really, really works. Give it a try!

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I am a plumbing contractor. I repair a lot of toilets due to bleach tablets and other bleach based toilet cleaners that treat the water in the tank. the bleach deteriorates the rubber seals in the tank. this product bypasses the tank and delivers the treated water to the bowl. I put these in 3 of my toilets. it keeps that hard to clean ring away and seems to last 4-6 months depending on the use. I was most impressed with how well it worked on the toilet in my workshop that is neglected most of the time. great product. I thought Amazon would have the best price on these, but my local Publix had the refills for $3.99. the kit was $5.99.

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We live on a well with lots of iron. This thing is incredible! It keeps the toilets so clean. It cuts down tremendously on scrubbing. There is no ring in the bowl, now. We tried one as a experiment. Now we are hooked, and put them in all the toilets! Love it!!!!!

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I agree with the three ecstatic, five-star reviews below. And there is an beneficial social side-effect that is even more important than the advantages to the individual owner: It can greatly reduce water consumption, since toilets needn''t be flushed after doing "number 1". (This is because the product''s cleaning agent immediately bleaches and deodorizes it.)

For a while I had the problem reported by the one-star reviewer below: The product didn''t work at all with the replacement cartridges I bought. I contacted the manufacturer, Puricle, and was told that some buyers had reported this problem and that the cartridges had been reformulated. I returned the ineffective batch I''d bought for an exchange, and the new, reformulated cartridges are working perfectly.

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MultiPure Water Guardian Drinking Water System Model

Overall I''ve been very impressed with the product. It is super easy to set up and works great. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is that one tip of diverter valve that attaches to the faucet and diverts the water to the filter broke. I called the company and they were aware of the manufacture defect. They were very friendly and helpful. They put a whole new "diverter valve attachment" in the mail that same day. After changing out the part we have had no other problems at all after several months of substantial use.

This unit was easy to setup and works well. The water taste changed for the better and the smell of the water is changed. I use this in conjuction with a brita water filter. I try not to buy bottled water and the combination of the brita and water guardian help in reducing the number of disposable plastic bottles. Considering bottled water quality is questionable and water quality locally is good, using local tap water to satisfy thirst is considerably cheaper using this beefy filter.

In terms of water filtration, it is difficult for a laymen to tell the difference between filters but using the filter definitely reduces oder and changes taste.

The reason for the 4 is like the previous reviewer, I had one of the attachments that diverts water fail on me. I will have to try and call them to get that fix, but overall water quality is improved.

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I''ve been using my system for 6 months.

It does a great job. We''ll see how long the filter lasts. Supposed to be for a year. This kind of technology solid carbon block is supposed to be the best.

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This is the best filter on the market according to NSF (the non-profit certification organization) this filters out the most contaminants. While the price may be high, it does the job well and replacement filters are cheaper. But I got mine at a discount do a search for choosing a water filter or whats the best water filter, to get a discount.

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This is my 2nd multi-pure. The stainless steel ones were much better. The Hand Tool won''t open housing unit to change filter. It''s supposed to fit into these grooves to form a tight seal and nudge the unit open but the hand tool is too loose and the knobs just slide right out of the grooves. Basically, I just bought a $70.00 filter replacement and I can''t open the unit. Incredibly frustrating. Bad design like this makes me wanna go postal.

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Cola SodaMix

this cola syrup is also very good. and this company is really a good company to deal with. turnaround time is about 7 days from the day you order it. buy two orders of this and you might save alot in shipping costs. i sure did. i bought 5 pack of diet cola and 5 pack of cola and saved alot.

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Aquasana AQ-4000 Drinking Water System

• Serving Size:

I''ve been using the Aquasana 4000 countertop filter for about 5 months. Prior to my purchase I spent alot of money on bottled water. I would typically spend about 3-5 dollars a week on water at the supermarket and while on the go. I decided that buying a filtration system would be more convienent and cheaper for me. Now about the system itself.

Pro''s

+Convienent. You can get clean water whenever you want.

+Tastes better then tap water.

+Better filtration system compared to other brands.

+Installation not too difficult.

+Saves money after intial investment.

+Replacement filts reasonably priced and easy to find (Amazon has them).

Con''s

-Intial investment is costly compared to cheaper systems.

-Requires water pressure to be low.

-Slow output, because of low water pressure takes several minutes to fill items from the faucet.

-Cannot be used with hot/warm water.

-The switch from tap to the filter system will sometimes activate by itself (explained in detail down further).

-Will begin leaking if too much water pressure is used.

Skip to the summary if you don''t care to read my personal comments.

Some things I experienced.

1. I had trouble installing the product even though its not hard to do. I attribute most of that to user error, the instructions were fairly straightfoward though I kept thinking that the system didn''t seem correctly installed. The company has a video on their website of how to install the system. I had trouble tightening the filter ring onto my faucet, perhaps becuase I was using a cheap wrench. Hopefully most people will do better then I did.

2. I have a high water pressure faucet, so I had to learn early to be very careful with how much water pressure I allowed to be used. I have to be very careful when I''m going to switch to the filter. If I allow too much water pressure to be used I end up making the system overflow and leak on the countertop. I got used to this after a couple of weeks and haven''t had any incidents since.

3. Because of the low pressure of the system it takes a very long time to fill anything up. I have issues standing there and letting a class of water fill, as it takes around a minute. Instead I prefer to fill 1 gallon jugs. I let the jugs fill unattended over a few minutes and then return when they are full to turn off the water. So if your like me and don''t have all day to stand and let things fill all the time you''ll do like I did and buy several jugs or bottles that you can fill in your sink. I bought 3 1 gallon bottles, and two smaller sport bottles. I typically wait till all the 1 gallon bottles are empty before taking the time to fill them. Whenever I use the filter system I just fill all my bottles at the same time, switching them out as they fill unattended. Consider the extra cost you will need to pay if you plan on buying extra re-useable water bottles. It cost me approx. $20.00

4. As stated in the warrenty you cannot use warm/hot water with the system. You have to turn on your tap water and make sure you run it cold and then switch to the filter system.

5. As mentioned earlier the filter to tap knob is sometimes problematic. Basically whenever you wish to switch to the filter system you pull a little knob on your faucet towards you. The filtration system activates and you use it as normal. When your done you push the knob back in towards the faucet to switch back to tap water. However occasionally the knob will push itself back out on its own from the water pressure, activating your filter by itself. ***This has only happened to me shortly after using the filter system because of the pressure still in the hose.*** This is important to note, because if you switch to your filter to tap and then up the pressure on your tap it will often turn back on the filter automatically and the higher pressure you switched to can potentially ruin the filter system (as stated in the warranty). There is an easy fix for this however, if you simply hold the knob in after using your filter system with one hand, and increasing the pressure of your tap water faucet with the other. This de-pressures the hose and the knob won''t go out automatically, I do this every time after I use the filter just to be safe.

6. The water chambers of the filter fill up with water each time the system is used. That water that stays in the chambers after you use the filter will be room temperature. On your next use of the filter system you need to let it run for about 30 seconds before the fresh water will be in the system and the older water from its last use completely expelled.

----Summary----

The filtration system is at a reasonable price compared to others. Manual states about 6 months of use before a replacement filter is needed (they cost around 40-50 dollars, you can buy them from amazon). I will probably use mine about 9 months since I live alone. If you replace your filter every 6 months after the intial purchase it should cost you around 8 dollar a months, better then the 3-5 a week I was spending. There is a stated gallon usage for the filter, though I can''t remember exactly I think its between 500-600 gallons for the life of the filter.

If you typically buy your water this filter system will end up saving you money. Some drawbacks would be that you may need to invest in safe plastic bottles to store your water. The filter system is too slow to use frequently, I recommend filling several bottles of water every few days to limit the number of times you need to use the system. Because you can only use cold water and a low water pressure with the system some people may find it unconvienent. It will certainly take awhile to get used to using it. Overalll though the water tastes fresh and clean, much better then my tap water. Its more useful then a brita or similar brand filter and has a much better filtration system that catches more contaminents. If your like me and want to live healthier and save some money the Aquasana 4000 isn''t a bad choice. I certainly wasn''t able to find a better sub-$500.00 system on the market. Even with all the drawbacks I listed, this is still very useful for me. I hope you found this review helpful in making your decision.

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I used one of these for about 3 years. Every 6 months the housing cracked and started leaking after I changed the filters. They will replace it for free if you join their "water for life" program, but you still have to pay $10 shipping every time and go through the hassle of water spills and waiting for delivery.

I got fed up and bought the Multipure. The water is as good or better and the housing quality is much better. The Multipure''s flow is also about twice as fast, which is nice.

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I''ve used several in-store filters (Pur, Brita, etc.) and never has the difference in taste been so apparent with this Aquasana filter. If you can''t taste the chlorine in your water, you will taste it (and Lord knows what else) in a taste test between municipal water and water filtered with this particular filter.

Installation was simple. Remove the aerator attach the collar to the faucet (no adapter needed though they were included) and a 3 minute filter process and I had clean water. I had to turn the entire hose outlet (not just the swivel collar) to tighten it completely so it wouldn''t leak, and that put the line in an awkward position on the countertop. This limits where I could put the filter housing. A small gripe but if you''re picky about your countertop space, it''s worth mentioning.

This unit is reported to filter all contaminants. It even filters 40-60% of fluoride levels, an amazing claim considering it doesn''t use reverse osmosis. I will be testing that claim in the future, but several reports on the web convinced me this claim is likely true.

Operation is simple. Pull the activator plug out for filtered water. When you shut the water off the plug returns to its off position.

I emailed the company (before I ordered this unit) about claims of leakage and I got a email reply from a real person in less than five minutes. No company has ever responded through email that quickly.

Noting the taste of the water, I wish I had optioned for the under counter unit. But no worries I''ll stick with this unit, get some tests of my own performed and option to upgrade in the future. But bottom line, the water tastes amazing.

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As everyone else has pointed out, the filtering is superior, the unit is junk, I am sad to say. Ours is completely shot after 1.5 years...and its out of warranty too. We have been VERY careful to only filter cold water and we try to be very careful to only run it at low pressure, which is tricky with the activator valve acting up after we had it about a year, and sometimes you have guests that don''t read the reminder notes you have to have tacked up.

After the activator button problems, the inlet O-ring started to leak. With some fiddling I seemed to have fixed that. Then another "mystery" leak started happening. Turns out the MIDDLE section of threads on the "A" cap are shearing right off the unit.

At the price of the Aquasana I can get a couple of instapure or some other unit and put up with the pricier "per gallon" cost of the CARTRIDGES. But of course I JUST bought a new set of the pricey Aquasana cartridges which last about as long as the unit, I NOW know.

They need to dump some of their slick Marketing money into some BASIC engineering. I design stuff like this for a living. There is no excuse for the poor design of the threads that sheared.

This filter might be good if you have almost no water pressure at your home.

When it isn''t breaking and cracking, it does a great job filtering the water, but I''ve just gone through my second housing in about 1 year''s time. The inferior plastic they use on the housing just gives way under normal pressure.

I was very, very disappointed that, first, they don''t back up their products better (yes, they should replace it for free!), and, secondly, they should have corrected these defects long ago. When I contacted the company for the first replacement, they seemed so blasé about my concerns.

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Chapin 20000 1-Gallon Lawn and Garden Sprayer Save 41% Off

For the price I expected poor quality. I was wrong. This is as durable as the other ~1gal+ sprayers that exist. The tip adjusts the spray pattern. If you want a larger sprayer by all means get a larger one if you want a small one this is it.

Great little sprayer for the money. Pressurizes quickly and well.. spray strength is perfect and consistent. Spray pattern is easily adjustable to "fan" or "stream" or anything in between. One gallon of liquid sprays out in about 1520 minutes with constant use, on the "fan" setting. I had to re-pump it about every 5 minutes with constant use.. not too bad. I tried out the "stream" setting and it works well too. Wish it had a strap for carrying, but for the price, I''ll carry one gallon around in my hand.

*** update 6/2012.... Still going strong, working perfectly five years later... use about once a week during the spring and summer. There is a spot to hook a strap onto the sprayer. I took the strap off my gym bag and use that, works great! Still happy with this purchase

Buy Chapin 20000 1-Gallon Lawn and Garden Sprayer Now

First of all I didn''t get what is shown no shoulder strap just the bare-bones sprayer. That was OK. I assembled and tested it as instructions directed. Then after just 5 minutes of use the forks that lift the plunger stripped and would not open the plunger to spray. No unusual force was used, just spraying a thin fungicide on plants. Also,a minor point: the instruction folder is in such tiny type size you practically need a magnifying glass to read it. However, as usual, Amazon''s return policy is the BEST!

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This is the 1st time I have used a Garden Sprayer. Wanted to post a review so others can learn from my mistakes.

1. Fill to fill line ONLY (if not when you pump it will spray out all over you)

2. Attach all attachments completely

3. Twist handle to pump

4. AND THIS IS IMPORTANT do not open anything once you have built up pressure

5. Continue to pump the trigger sprayer until you bleed the line and sprayer begins to spray.

I thought mine was broken because it would not spray as I did not bleed the line 1st. I opened the container and it like exploded all over me.

Now that I know how to use it, it works great. Nice even spray.

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This is a good price for a no-frills garden sprayer. I''m not expecting a miracle at this price point and because of its all plastic construction, durability may be an issue. For $10, I can live with ordering a replacement if it breaks down after a 8 months to a year, but hopefully it won''t. [Product has now failed. Please see update at end of review.]

I was looking for a labor-saving way to hydrate the more delicate plants and flowers in my garden and maybe administer some plant food through foliar feeding. I had been using a spray bottle and all that squeezing was very tough on the hands, so I finally decided to do the right thing and get a sprayer. Assembly is very easy. Attach the hose to the wand, attach other end to bottle. Fill with water or your desired mix of fertilizer or bug killer, insert and screw on the pump/handle and you''re ready to rock ''n'' roll. Flow rate is very satisfactory and you can adjust the spray pattern from a single stream to a fine mist by twisting the nozzle cap. Fully pumped, the stream reaches approx 25 ft out.

Design Flaws

I don''t like that the carrying handle and the pump action are one and the same. There''s a little notch that the handle locks into when you rotate it clockwise. This secures the handle in place so that you can carry the sprayer. To pump again, you have to twist it 1/4 turn counter-clockwise so you unlock the handle. Once fully pressurized, dissipation rate is good, but I didn''t like the extra step of having to lock and unlock the handle each time. I have to set the sprayer down, unlock, pump, lock again, pick up, then spray. Another minor issue is the squeaking sound of the pump, which I don''t really mind, but just pointing it out in case you do.

A secondary problem is the length of the hose (about 3 ft.) With the sprayer being held in a relaxed position in one hand (hanging straight down like a shopping bag), I can only bring my other hand to about mid-chest height in front of me. I can''t raise my wand hand above my head to mist tall trees and objects. On mist mode, you can comfortably spray anything from ground height to about 8 ft without having to raise the bottle higher.

Thirdly, there''s no caddy or snap-in clasp to keep the wand secure when the sprayer is not in use. I am expecting a random mishap to snap the wand because of this-either someone walking by and the wand snagging on some clothing, or it being stepped on. The wand looks especially fragile and susceptible to cracking. It is this product''s weakest link. Some sort of loop for attaching a shoulder strap to wear the sprayer would also be a welcome addition.

Overall, the Chapin 20000 is easy to use, but not without some design annoyances. For what I paid, I am satisfied with this product so far.

UPDATE: DIY Strap Add-on Modification

I was able to fashion myself a strap for the sprayer out of 2 key rings and a camera bag strap. Stamped onto the vertical support vane on either side of the neck is a circular identation (visible in product blowup). You can punch it out with a screwdriver and insert the key rings, then attach a shoulder strap. I now have a wearable sprayer that leaves my other hand free for other gardening tasks. It''s a bit clumsy and looks funny, but it works.

UPDATE 8/28/10

I am downgrading this product to 2 stars because after 4 days, the spray release mechanism has now unexpectedly snapped off. I had concerns about the durability of this product because of its all-plastic construction and did not expect it to last for very long, but less than a week is unacceptable, with less than 4 gallons of use out of this sprayer. The handle is reattachable via snap pegs, but it won''t stay on due to the force of the spring in the release value. The clamp had become worn. When pushed down, the lever pops back out. Buyer beware! Not recommended.

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Superb Wrench #5 -Galvanized Steel Water Filter Wrench

I broke my old plastic wrench and came across this one on amazon while searching for a replacement. This is well made, I am not going to break this one. The long handle supplies extra leverage so I was able to easily open the stubborn housing that I broke my old wrench trying to open. I highly recommend it.

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Austin Air Healthmate Jr Replacement Filter

These filter replacements are very easy to install. You just turn the machine upside-down, unloosen 4 screws and remove the cover. Then pull out the dirty filter and pre-filter and discard in a plastic bag, wipe out the interior with a damp cloth and put in the new filter and pre-filter. It took me about 5 minutes to complete the whole operation. These filters are supposed to last 5 years but I use it in a room that is quite dusty and find that 3 years is about right. It still is cheaper than filters I''ve used in the past that had to be replaced more often.

I bought the Austin Healthmate Jr. about 5 years ago when I was looking for a HEPA filter and have been happy with it. The three things I like best about it are that you don''t have to buy filters very often because you can vacuum the outside of the filter and that it''s relatively quiet. The other thing is that it takes air in on all four sides and blows the filtered air out through the top area. It seems to do a good job of filtering the air. It''s more energy efficient than air purifiers I''ve used in the past and it has 3 speeds which is nice.

If you use it in really dusty conditions like mine, you can replace the pre-filter more often than the big filter. I''ve found this type of material that I could cut to fit at a local hardware store. You get a pre-filter with it. You have to take it apart to replace the pre-filter and filters, but it isn''t difficult. You can turn off the machine and vacuum it from the outside and that seems to help the filters last longer. Of course, you''ll want to use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter or you defeat the purpose. I replace mine about once a year, but I think the average person could go much longer.

The only reason I didn''t give it 5 stars is because I don''t really have any way of measuring how good of a job it does, only that it seems to do a good job in terms of allergies, odors, etc. There are so many air filters out there and so many claims, that it''s hard to sort them out. But if I had to buy a filter for another room, I would probably buy this brand again.

Received the filter and installed it the same day. I was looking to replace the filer on my Austin Healthmate Jr. This one looked exact fit and it was.

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KDF 85 Filtration Media for Sulfur

• KDF 85 water treatment media also controls scale, bacteria, fungi, and algae.
• KDF 85 process media can remove up to 99% of water-soluble lead, mercury, nickel, chromium, and more
• KDF 85 media controls the buildup of bacteria, algae, fungi and scale
• KDF 85 works great for municipal or well water.

I ordered the KDF85 & 55 together and it came together in the same package, so I will write one review for both products. Years ago I installed a whole house filter using two 20-inch Big Blue pre-filter stages. The first is for the sediment filter and the second stage originally was a carbon block filter. Well anything with carbon, as you know, will get fouled with time. My sediment filter was still working but my carbon block filter had become clogged and started leaking from the sides. So I decided to forego anything with carbon in it. I went ahead and bought an "Empty Refillable Filter Cartridge for 20" Big Blue Housing," also from Amazon; you can do a search and see it for yourself.

I had plan to purchase 5 pounds of both KDF 85 & 55, but I forgot to update my cart and ended up with only one pound of KDF 85. LOL.

I''m glad when you buy a certain poundage of media they always give you a little more than what you ordered.

The packaging is a little disconcerning. Both items together were way over 6 pounds! Yet it was sent in a post office priority box with very little cushioning. The crumbled up brown paper that was to act as shipping cushioning had all been smashed flat by the heavy media. When the box arrived, it had a very large gash on the side of the box. I was really afraid the contents inside were damaged. The only saving grace was that both the media were wrapped in thick bubble wrap. I do wish they had label the bags, the only way I figured it out was KDF85 was a pound and KDF55 was five pounds. If they were the same, I wouldn''t have known. Also be careful of unrolling the media from their bags, one bag didn''t have a ziplock top; I almost spilled it.

Post Script: Keep in mind KDF55 only removes Chlorine and NOT Chloramine. You have to look at your individual city water report to see if your city adds Chloramine to your water supply. Chloramine is like the ugly step-sister of Chlorine. Unfortunately, my city does add Chloramine. In order to remove Chloramine, you would have to buy media with coconut or walnut shells in it, I believe (don''t quote me on that though).

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