I purchased the Zen Water Filtration system about two weeks. I had been using a faucet based Pur filter, which kept leaking as splashing water everywhere. I choose this type of system because of the alkaline aspects of it. Water with Alkaline provides antioxidants, and helps to raise the pH levels, which is good for a lot of health conditions.
The Zen Water system arrived within a few days of ordering it. My order included both the 4 gallon dispenser and countertop models.
I was able to set the countertop model up with about 20 minutes, after reading the cryptic documentation. However, a picture is worth a thousand words, and based on the picture, I was able to set it up.
When I opened the box, I was surprised to discover that both items were in the same box, so I had to sort through the contents very carefully.
Needless to say, it is now sitting on my countertop. It took about 20 minutes before I could see some water coming into the dispensing chamber. When it was about 1 quarter full, I tried tasting the water, and I have to admit, I was not impressed. However, I waited until the chamber was completely full, and it tasted very good. The water has a very smooth taste and I don''t taste any powder or residue from going through the filtration process or that I experienced using the Pur water filter.
I tried comparing the water taste with water from several other systems: from my faucet, Brita and Pur water filters. The Zen Water system tasted significantly different. The water from my faucet made me think that I was drinking pure chlorine, the water from the Brita and Pur filter tastes like there was chauky it, but the water from the Zen Water Filtration system had no odor, and was very easy to drink.
I intend on buying a few stainless steel water bottles so that I can replace the Brita filter that I was using at work.
I compared this water filter with the Santevia system, which cost $200. They both use the same filtering methodology. The Santevia does mention that it is BPA free (for those who don''t know, that means that the plastic will not bleed into your drinking water, which occurs when using plastic bottles). I have compared the taste of the Santevia with the Zen filter and the tastes are very similar. The overall construction of the parts seems relatively the same. So for me it made more sense to purchase this model.
I bought the 4-gallon model. I live in an area where the tap water is OK, but sometimes has a funny taste. Tired of paying through the nose for bottled water delivery and not wanting to have to haul bottles of water home from the store, we decided to give this a try. It does a great job of filtering the water. It takes awhile to filter because it has to trickle s-l-o-w-l-y into the bottom tank through the stone filter and the 5-stage filter. That being said, it''s worth the wait for great tasting water. The reason I didn''t give this unit 5 stars is that when my unit arrived, the top tank had a crack that went from top to bottom. It''s made of cheap plastic and I don''t see this lasting more than 6-12 months. They could have used a better grade of plastic and charged a bit more, instead of going cheap on this important detail. Better yet, a glass tank would ensure that it would be dishwasher safe and could not harbor bacteria. The top tank seems to be made from a different type of plastic than the bottom tank, which feels heavier and denser. Yes...they will replace the cracked tank, but if the warranty is only good for 30 days, I can see having to purchase a new one every few months.
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I got the 4 gallon model. That''s plenty for our family of 2 adults and 2 children under 2. I got this to raise the pH of the water and because I was sick of bleaching algae out of my Brita countertop filter every month.
--Water--
-It is not tasteless like many claim, but clean and crisp. It tastes just like the "minerals added for taste" bottled waters. If you want to know what I''m talking about, buy a bottle of Dasani or SmartWater and test it against something tasteless like Fuji or distilled. If you prefer the tasteless variety, order the mineral-free filter from their website.
-The water tastes so good I drink more without even realizing it.
-pH was the same immediately after filtering the night I set it up. The next morning, it had raised .2. In the afternoon, it was another .2 higher. The longer the water is in contact with the mineral stones, the higher the pH. This does seem to be a slow process though. I wish it alkalized faster, as we have acid tap water.
--Features--
-It can be used with or without the base.
-The tap lever can be pushed back to dispense like a fountain drink dispenser, or flipped up to stay open.
-The magnetic tap that comes with the 4-gallon model is actually the nut that holds the tap on. It''s longer than the regular one and doesn''t leave room for the mineral stone case to sit neatly in the ring made for it. However, you can scatter the stones on the bottom, which actually looks nicer.
-The bottom tank is 3 gallons and the top tank is 1 gallon. (See website for tank sizes)
-Instructions say not to overfill, so I only fill top tank when bottom tank is one-third empty. It does take a while to filter but since it can hold so much it''s not so bad.
--Setup--
-Initial setup takes some time. The minerals stones need to be removed from plastic case, rinsed, boiled, and dried. The ceramic dome needs be be soaked and scrubbed. The filter needs water run through it until it comes out clear. The tanks need to be washed. Then you gotta put everything together.
But after that first setup, you just have to maintain different parts separately, and that doesn''t take as long.
-Instructions are clear and simple.
--Maintenance--
-Ceramic dome needs to soaked and scrubbed every few weeks or when filter process slows down. It should be replaced every 1 year or 1000 gallons.
-Filter needs no maintenance but needs replacing every 6 months or 500 gallons.
-Mineral stones should be boiled every 6 months, and replaced after 3-5 years or when worn down. They should still work but they''ll be less effective because of less surface area.
-Tanks should be washed every 3 months or as needed.
--Parts--
You CAN NOT get genuine parts from Amazon. Believe me, I''ve tried. They''re all sold by Purenex which makes cheap counterfeits. Even if it says it''s by Zen Water Online, it''s not sold by them. Go to their website and get genuine parts.
Read Best Reviews of 4 Gallon Countertop Water Filter Here
I''ve read many of the comments before I bought and I''m glad I did!! For anyone on the fence about this product let me say this, it ain''t a Brita!! What I mean by that is I''m used to the simple Brit/PUR/Zero cartidges systems. While those required a simple 19min soak this system requires all day prep work. I advise taking no shortcuts in the initial cleaning of the filters and the stones or you will be cursing and screaming when you have to start all over again. But if you put the time in the system works great and the water is better than any pitcher system out. Some key points about the product; it takes up A LOT of space so a dedicated spot would be best. With the cermanic dome use a double side scour/sponge and running cold water. If your unit spigot is leaking try placing the washer on the outside of the unit. Common complainant so thought I should mention it. First few times are slow but if you wash the dome after each cycle it should drip at a steady pace. After my 3rd cycle it takes about an hour. I suggest using the plastic container for the stones. Many other filter systems don''t even have this this but the design for it is very beneficial. Sometimes a stone can clog or even damage the system if left free.
So if you want peace of mind about the best filter that doesn''t use electricity (in the chaos we live in today anything that doesn''t need electricity is a plus especially a water filter) this is it. Just put the work in and you won''t be sorry
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We have had this unit almost 3 years and love it. WE lived in 1908 apartment building the amount of deposits it trapped was amazing. In review I mentioned the replaceable parts. They are easy to get and only need replacement occasionally. In September moved into a newer building with out lead pipes so get much fewer contaminates. After this period of time we have had no problems. If possible would give 6 stars. Proice, replacement part, recommended cleaning and taste of water has rewarded us many times.
We live in older building in downtown Denver, Colorado. It is city with supposedly great water.
I fully agree the instructions do challenge one. And the initial set is time consuming. The first filtered water takes some time to get. Our experience is that following the instructions is very important. Shorting the setup recommendations likely will lead to disappointment.
The unit ships with a 4 stage filter. We have had to change filter so wrote to Zen why a 5 stage filter. The answer was it was designed for extra hard water. We did not feel a need for this extra filter level.
The over all cost of parts is very reasonable. Friends have said water tastes as good as water from our local King Soopers (Kroger''s) is just as good. We are extremely pleased. I do agree that unit takes up a fair amount of space especially if put on a counter. We have on a stool on floor. It is a little inconvenient but worth the need to stoop to get water. We are exceptionally pleased with this unit if you did not notice.
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