When it comes to clean drinking water, I’ve always been a bit particular. Whether it’s the taste, smell, or just the general quality of water, finding the right purifier has been a personal mission.
After a lot of research and trials with various brands, I decided to go with the Sans Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water Purifier. In this review, I’ll walk you through my experience with this purifier, its pros and cons, and how it stacks up against other brands.
My Experience With Sans Reverse Osmosis Water Purifier
When I first heard about Sans, the fact that it’s a countertop water filter with a four-stage reverse osmosis system intrigued me.
I was tired of using pitchers like Brita that didn’t seem to cut it anymore.
Our tap water had a strong chlorine taste, and I needed something more effective.
Installing a full-blown RO system under the sink wasn’t an option, so the convenience of a countertop model was appealing.
Setting up the Sans water purifier was surprisingly easy. No need for complicated plumbing or installing tubes. Just set it on the counter, fill the back tank with tap water, and let it do its job.
What really stands out is the sleek design. It fits perfectly on my counter without taking up too much space, which is a huge plus for me.
Pros of The Sans Water Purifier
- Effective Filtration System: The Sans water purifier uses a combination of reverse osmosis and UV-C purification to remove 99% of contaminants, including heavy metals, forever chemicals, and even microplastics. The water tastes incredibly clean, much better than what I was getting with Brita or straight from the tap. I could immediately taste the difference, especially with how crisp the water tasted compared to unfiltered water.
- Sleek and Space-Saving Design: I love how the Sans purifier looks on my countertop. It’s sleek and modern, with a minimalistic design that blends well with my kitchen decor. Unlike other bulky systems, this one doesn’t overwhelm the space. Plus, it’s portable. If you ever move or rearrange your kitchen, this purifier is easy to relocate.
- Hot Water Feature: The ability to get hot water directly from the purifier was something I didn’t know I needed until I had it. It’s perfect for tea or quick meals that need hot water, like instant noodles. Although it’s not without its quirks (more on that later), it’s still a feature I use frequently.
- Auto-fill Pitcher: One of the standout features is the auto-fill glass pitcher. I’ve used many water filtration systems that require manual filling, and it can be a hassle. The Sans purifier automatically fills the pitcher, and the system shuts off once it’s full. No need to worry about overflow or constantly watching it while it fills
- Water Quality Monitor: The built-in water quality monitor is an excellent touch. It lets me know when the water quality dips and it’s time to replace the filters. It’s reassuring to know that I’m drinking high-quality, filtered water, and I don’t have to guess when the filters need changing.
Cons of The Sans Water Purifier
- Noise: While the water dispensing itself is quiet, the filtration process is another story. The motor makes a noticeable noise when filtering water, and if you’re in a quiet space, it can be a bit distracting. If you’re someone who is sensitive to background noise, especially in spaces like a home office, this could be an issue.
- Water Waste: The Sans purifier does have some water waste, which is a common issue with RO systems. For every full tank of tap water, only about 86 fl oz of filtered water is produced. The rest becomes wastewater that needs to be discarded. If you’re conscious about water usage, this may feel a bit inefficient, although it’s worth it for the quality of water you get.
- Hot Water Quirks: While I do appreciate the hot water feature, it’s not without its downsides. When you press the button for hot water, you’ll first get a small amount of cold water before it switches over to hot. It’s a bit frustrating when you’re in a hurry, as you’ll either have to discard the initial cold water or wait until the temperature adjusts.
- Replacement Glass Pitcher: I had an unfortunate incident where my glass pitcher broke within the first two weeks. It’s made of relatively thin glass, and if you accidentally tap it on something hard, like a granite countertop, it can crack. Replacement pitchers weren’t immediately available, which was a bit of a letdown.
Maintenance Tips For Sans Water Purifier
Keeping the Sans water purifier in top shape is fairly straightforward, but like any appliance, it requires some regular maintenance.
- Regular Filter Changes: The Sans system comes with replaceable filters, and you’ll want to keep an eye on the water quality monitor to know when it’s time to switch them out. On average, filters last a few months, depending on usage. Automatic filter replacements are available, which can save you the hassle of remembering when to reorder.
- Cleaning the Water Tank: Make sure to clean the water tank periodically to avoid any buildup. I’ve found that rinsing it out every couple of weeks keeps it running smoothly. Since it’s easy to remove and reinstall, this step isn’t much of a hassle.
- Repurposing Wastewater: Since the system produces some wastewater, I’ve started using it for watering my plants. This not only reduces the feeling of wastefulness but also helps with household sustainability.
- Handling the Glass Pitcher: Be extra cautious with the glass pitcher. As mentioned earlier, it’s a bit fragile, and any knocks against hard surfaces could result in cracks. I suggest placing it gently on countertops and avoiding any heavy handling.
Comparison With Other Brands
- Sans Vs. Brita
Brita has been my go-to for years, but once I switched to Sans, the difference was immediate.
Brita does a decent job at improving water taste, but it doesn’t compare to the level of purification provided by Sans’s RO and UV-C system.
While Brita is cheaper and easier to replace, Sans delivers a much higher level of filtration, making it worth the extra cost if clean, contaminant-free water is a priority.
- Sans Vs. Under-Sink RO Systems
While under-sink RO systems provide similar levels of filtration, the convenience of Sans being a countertop unit without plumbing installation is a game-changer.
Under-sink systems are more expensive, require professional installation, and are permanent. If you’re renting or don’t want to deal with a complicated setup, Sans is a more flexible solution.
- Sans Vs. Berkey
Berkey water filters are known for their simplicity and effectiveness, but they lack some of the modern features that Sans offers, like the hot water function, auto-fill, and UV-C purification.
Berkey’s filters don’t waste water like RO systems do, but Sans provides a more thorough filtration process. Depending on your needs, Berkey might be a better option if you want something that doesn’t use electricity or produce wastewater.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
There are several great brands on the market, each with its pros and cons. If you’re looking for a countertop reverse osmosis system, Sans is one of the best options available, offering a comprehensive filtration process, ease of use, and a sleek design. However, Berkey and Brita are solid contenders for those looking for simpler, non-electric options.
Yes, countertop water filters like the Sans purifier can be just as effective as under-sink systems. With its reverse osmosis and UV-C purification stages, the Sans filter removes 99% of contaminants, making it an excellent choice for anyone wanting pure, clean water without installing a permanent system.
Reverse osmosis filters, like the one in Sans, are among the most effective at removing a wide range of contaminants, including heavy metals, microplastics, and chemicals. It’s one of the most comprehensive filtration systems you can get for your home.
Yes, reverse osmosis water is considered very healthy because it removes harmful contaminants from your water, leaving you with pure and clean water. Some people add trace minerals back into their water if they feel RO water is too “pure,” but overall, it’s a great option for ensuring safe drinking water.
Wrapping Up
The Sans Reverse Osmosis Water Purifier has been a game-changer in my household. It offers high-level water filtration without the need for complicated installation, making it a convenient and effective solution for anyone wanting cleaner, healthier water.
While it has some minor quirks like noise and water waste, the pros far outweigh the cons. If you’re looking for a sleek, efficient countertop purifier that delivers on its promise of clean water, the Sans purifier is worth considering.
You can find it on their official site or major retailers, and it’s an investment I believe is worth making for the health of your household.