Water Filter Reviews

Propur Taveler W/1 ProBlack-D

i just bought this smaller sized propur and after 48 hours my water still tastes like crap or i mean tap :_(

the filters takes 24 hours to break in the filter so it will flow properly but thats not a big issue my issue is the water still sucks, now im not really sure if it even lives up to any of the claims it said on the website

It works very very well, It''s attractive, and easy to use. I will most definitely be purchasing the upgrades they offer as well.

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Austin Air Healthmate Jr Replacement Filter

Prefilter included for outside of main filter.
6.5 lbs of solid activated carbon and zeolite for odor and gas removal.
Easy replacement of existing filter.
30 sq. ft. true HEPA medical filter medium.

I bought the Austin Healthmate Jr. about 2 years ago for a dusty area 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 really 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.

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We''ve used the Austin Air Healthmate Jr. for over six years. The unit is quiet and dependable. Austin Air recommends changing the filter at least every five years. We purchased our replacement filter from Amazon at a very reasonable price, which was much less expensive than our local allergy store.

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I bought three Austin Air Healthmates almost a decade ago, to help deal with my many inhalant allergies. Two Jr models and one full sized one. I put the full sized one in the living room where I exercise and watch TV, one in the bedroom, and one in my home office. When I remodeled a garage for a home office, installing paneling, vinyl flooring, dropped ceiling, and more, I put the Healthmate Jr in the room while finishing construction was still underway. I never walked in and smelled the classic "plastic" smells that are quite common with new vinyl flooring, plastic coated paneling, or polystyrene ceiling tiles. I have seen my allergy symptoms decrease, especially when I stay indoors during peak pollen days. I also don''t have half the dust my friends have in their houses. I recommend the Healthmate for anyone with hay fever or allergies, and especially for those who work at home or for retired folks. The filters only have to be replaced every five years, and cost less than the cheap air filter machines with filters that have to be replaced monthly.

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Doesn''t deal well with cigar smoke but works exceptionally well with standard household odors like cooking smells. Helpful with allergens too.

2.5"x12" Deionizing Mixed Bed Filter

Works perfect. Shipped Fast. This was a great replacement for my R.O. / D.I. unit. I would highly recommend this to anyone that does not have a canister style D.I. filter.

American Plumber, Culligan, GE, Pentek SW-3 Wrench

American Plumber, Culligan, GE, Pentek SW-3 Wrench for Big Blue Housings

I read the descriptions of several of thes water filter housing wrenches made by Culligan and others and I am left befuddled. Why on earth don''t these companies tell you the most important thing they can tell you, and that is... what the inside diameter of the ring part of the wrench is. And, what''s with Culligan? What... they only want to sell housing wrenches to people who have THEIR filters? It''s dumb. Make them in several diameters, 3 inch, 3.5 inch, 4 inch, 4.5 inch, 5 inch, etc. etc. Then we''ll know which one is actually the right size. And, Culligan can reap more sales, even if they''re to those folks who own other brands of filters. A rather dumb, overly proprietory practice. I tried two different ones trying to get lucky... NOPE! It''s a shame... cause the quality seems good. Nevertheless, this one''s goin'' back just like the first one!!

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I ordered the big blue filter housing and the wrench for the housing and the wrench did not fit the housing. It would have cost more to return the wrench than it was worth.

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Sometimes my big blue filters are dang hard to loosen! I was on the verge of breaking my original wrench and

decided to get two more as spares. Tell you what, using two of these together will work much better and are much

stonger than using just one. Sometimes, you just have to have spares or double up and the big blue filters

require such action at times.

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terrific product. you won''t get a review if you make me be wordy about a simple wrench. That is it.

Does exactly what it''s supposed to do. It''s a perfect fit for my house sediment filter. I tried one of those belt/strap filter wrenches but the belt tended to stretch making it very hard to use. This one is much better.

Filter Replacement Cartridge, 400 Gallon Capacity (3 pack) Save 16% Off

Zuvo
ZFRHC3PK
Drinking Water Filters
White

We love having a Zuvo system. Since all Zuvo filters fit, the decision is one of price. It is good to have replacements on hand, so a three pack works for us.

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I was ask to wait for so long due to unavailability in stock which was not mentioned in the original ads. Packaging of one of the boxes was opened and damage. Looks like it was an old stock you sent me.

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My Husband and I were looking at buying the filters at Menards and when he took a look on Amazon and found the same product a 1/3 of the cost, it was a no brainer! It''s the brand name filter just as in store. They work great and I LOVE my ZUVO!

Culligan S1A Level 2 20 Micron Sediment Replacement Cartridge 2 Pack Save 22% Off

Fits HF-150 & HF-360
Medium-fine (20-micron) sediment filtration: sand, silt, dirt, rust particles and scale particles.
Level 2 Extra Filtration
Cartridge life 4 months or 16,000 gallons
Not recommended for use with non-treated well water supplies

It did seem odd that a filter that was described on the packaging thus:

REDUCES

Sediment

Rust

Scale

Dirt

Course Sand

Sand

and then would go on to state: This cellulose cartridge is not recommended for use with untreated well water.

One could only wonder what was left to "Treat". Called Culligan and a technical rep explained that the statement referencing "untreated" referred to treatment for bacteria. Apparently if there is bacteria in the water they love cellulose and can rapidly compromise the filter by digesting it.

I suggested to the Culligan rep that they be a bit more explicit in their disclaimer and specifically reference treatment for bacteria.

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Our home water is supplied by a personal well that unfortunately comes with some brownish sediment that discolors the water and makes it taste a little too much like minerals. Completely harmless, but not very pretty, especially for company. Previously I had been looking into expensive water softeners or whole house filters in the $200+ range. Thankfully I found the little culligan whole house filter for $32 and this two pack of 20 micron filters for another $7 (so cheap!).

It''s been a week now, water is crystal clear. I like that I can see the filter through the casing, currently it has a light brown tinge so I know it''s working. Since the water has been so clear I think I''ll be sticking with the cheaper and longer lasting 20 micron filters, they''re supposed to last 4 months or 16,000 gallons, putting my total filtration costs at a cool ~$12 a year, far cheaper than my initial expectations when looking into larger carbon filters or water softeners.

I couldn''t be happier!

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If you haven''t tested your well water for contaminants, or for microbiological unsafe elements/organisms,

-- this filter isn''t made to purify your water.

So, if you are unsure about the purity of your well water, get your well water tested.

If your well does not contain contaminants, or microbiological unsafe organisms, but does generate sediment and/or sand particles,

-- this filter will trap the particles down to 20 microns.

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If you are using this for well water, please note that right on the packaging when you get itin the left hand front bottom cornerthat it should not be used for untreated well water. I am not sure what else you would use if for. I used this filter years ago when our well was new and I do not remember there being such a warning.

One might want to go to the 10 micron or finer size for well water and expect to change it more. I use the 10 micron filter from the same company and like them very much over the years. The 4.5 micron is also good but requires frequent replacement when a well is new or there is a lot of rain.

I was hoping to use this as we just put in a new well pump and there is a lot more sludge in a new installation, but I am hesitant to use it now due to the explicit warning.

Save 22% Off

I use this for my well water which has sediment that stains the toilet and accumulates in the pipes. I use this as the "gross" filter, followed by a 5 micron final filter. Works great at a lot less cost than the local store.

KRUPS XP1020 Steam Espresso Machine

Do not understand why this item has so many bad reviews. It is not a bad machine!

My last expresso machine was also a Krups steam powered. Lasted for 13 years until it fell apart last week (the prssure valve inside broke). For my replacement machine, I was looking at fully automatic ones (Magnifica, $900), pump based (like cuisineart em-200, $200), and steam powered (like this item, $50). After reading all the review and knowing how pump based machine works, I decided not to go for them. The main reasons are they require a lot of maintenance and they can break down easily. I just do not want high pressure stuff in my house. If it breaks down, it may take a month or two to fix it. After warranty is over, it is more expensive to fix than buying a new one. I basically want a reliable espresso machine which can last 10 years with very little mainenance.

I typically makes a few shots in the morning as soon as I get up. I just do not see how pump based or full automatic machine can save me time. They require preheat which can take 1-5 minutes. For steam based ones, I just load up the coffee and water and wait. Both would give me pretty good espresso after 5-7 minutes.

As far as flavor goes, I do not really feel any difference between my cheap machine and starbucks/peet''s coffee, given using the same coffee. I think good espresso got more to do with type of coffee then the machine. Started drinking espresso drinks heavily in college in 80s, I think I am pretty picky on coffee.

I saw a local store carries this item at $49. I decided to give it a try since they have pretty liberal return policy. It turns out to be a pretty good machine, better than my old Krups and with high pressure.

The good:

(1) Pretty good looking among entry machines, although the price is $10 more than ugly ones.

(2) Makes good espresso drinks quickly

The not so good:

(1) The knob takes time to get used to. The knob has three seetings: off, steam and espresso. It is pretty easy for people to turn on steam when they want espresso, a potentially dangerous situation. Krups should have separate power button instead.

(2) The power cord is kind of short, 6 inch shorter than my old one.

(3) It is pretty hard to heat up the milk straight from the frig. You more likely to have a bunch of cold foams. The better way is to heat up the mil in microwave and then use the steam to make foam.

Overall, I recommend it as an entry machine.

I''ve had one of these machines for several years and I just ordered another one for our vacation home. The beverage it produces is just as good as any. I use decent beans (Starbucks or comparable) and normal espressso grind. I rarely drink latte or cap, since I prefer full coffee flavor, but on the occasions I have, this machine has done a fine job. I agree with another reviewer that the plastic tube on the steam outlet isn''t really necessary.

____________________

UPDATE:

I''ve had a chance to use the new machine a few times. Observations:

--At least one user reported odd chemical or plastic odor when using. I have not observed this.

--Someone expressed dissatisfaction with the need to steam the milk before making the coffee. This is NOT necessary. The instructions do recommend steaming the milk first, but this is only to avoid the frustration of using almost all the water/steam pressure when making the coffee, only to find that there isn''t enough left to steam the milk adequately. The milk steaming process uses only a fraction of the amount of water used to make an espresso, so under normal circumstances there should be enough left if you do the coffee first. Because of back pressure caused by compression of the coffee during the espresso process, after the coffee stops dripping out there is still quite a bit of steam left in the machine.

--Someone complained that there is no tamper. This isn''t a commercial machine, and it can''t handle enough pressure to make espresso with a fine grind if it''s packed very tightly. The instructions recommend NOT packing the coffee tightly. So the lack of a tamper is not a problem. You can use a small spoon to pack the coffee GENTLY.

--The container for the coffee is a very tight fit when you thread it into the machine, and it takes a lot of pressure/force to get the handle turned all the way to the front to the locked position. My previous machine was like this, too; it loosens up to normal very quickly with use. (If you were a fan of "Are You Being Served, this may remind you of the oft-repeated line, "Don''t worry, they''ll ride up with wear.")

--TIP: You can save some cleaning time by folding up a paper towel (in fourths)and putting it under the metal grate that goes beneath the coffee cup and catches drips. Every day or so, take out the paper towel and put in a new one. The paper will absorb drips and spills and changing it is easier than sopping up coffee that has dripped and pooled in the recessed area beneath the metal grate

________________________________________

To those who complain about the lack of a steaming container: use the carafe. They don''t advertise a special steaming container, so why expect one?

TIP: even if you use filtered water, the water will have dissolved minerals which create scale inside the machine. This may be the cause of slow brewing, excessive steam escaping, etc. Scale can cause this. To remove scale: pour a 50% solution (1/2 water, 1/2 vinegar) of distilled white vinegar into the machine. Screw the cap back on. Put the clean, empty metal coffee filter on, and put the carafe under the spout in the usual way. Turn on the machine. In effect, you''re making a carafe of espresso without the coffee. Let the machine run until no more hot solution comes out. You will smell a strong vinegar smell. Pour out the carafe, rinse, and refill the machine with clean water. Run the water through the machine, just as you did with the vingar solution. This will clean any residual vinegar out. The whole process takes 5 min or less, and you will be amazed at how much quicker you can make your espresso.

-------------

UPDATE #2

I have used the unit for over a month--about 4 times per day (OK, I''m hooked). Still working great, very quick, good results.

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Granted, I worked at a starbucks for a little while after high school so I kind of knew the work that it could take to steam a pitcher of milk and pull a shot of espresso.

For the price, I think this is a great starter if you''re strapped for cash or want to dabble with espresso & latte preparation. I''ve had mine for 2 years now. It''s the first one I ever bought. I''ve had to replace the coffee grind holder/handle once (for about $13), but other than that, i''ve had no problems. read the directions, they are great. they inform you that pressure builds within the machine and if you do not properly release the pressure upon completion, then yes, it will explode the grinds all over you. duh.

it''s pretty easy to clean and maintain. I bought a brush to clean the steaming wand.

It does not come with a frothing pitcher or a beverage thermometer (which i recommend) but they are both pretty inxpensive. I ordered one of each when i ordered my machine.

regarding timing, i put the water in my machine and it begins steaming within 1 minute-1 1/2 minute TOPS. Then when i''m done steaming my milk, i switch it right to the coffee setting and it dispenses my coffee instantly. thats good enough for me!

Hope this review is helpful. i''ve recommended this to many friends and I think its fantastic for the money.

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I''ve made great cappuccino for many years using a similar machine. Better than store-bought. I thought the bad-mouthing reviewers simply didn''t know what they were doing. Well, I filled my 1020 with the correct amount of water and used a reliably good espresso grind, turned on the machine and waited. And waited. And waited. Eventually, a pathetic dribble of coffee came down. At the appropriate time, I turned the knob to froth the milk. I burned my finger on the jet of steam issuing from the knob-hole on the side of the unit. A weak fizzle came out of the frothing nozzle which never increased in volume. I gave up here and went back to making the coffee there was no more water to make steam. It had disappeared somewhere inside the machine and onto my countertop. This was such a complete failure that it was almost funny. Fortunately, I bought it locally, and can return it. I left little notes here and there in the packaging saying that this machine is a dud, and could burn you.

I feel that Krups should recall these machines forthwith. They are a complete waste of money for the consumer, and a black eye for the maker.

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I just got one of these for Christmas to replace a similar unit I used for years. The first time I tried it, it spewed water and coffee grounds all over. It practically blew up! I reduced the amount of coffee (a good Italian espresso, pre-ground fine), and the same thing happened. According to the trouble-shooting guide, the grind was too fine. I tried a coarse grind with no blowups, but the coffee was wimpy. Apparently, this espresso machine wasn''t meant to make espresso coffee. This never happened with my previous unit. Pass this one up. It is simply a piece of junk.

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