Only a handful of companies produce some of the best reverse osmosis water filters, and APEC is one of them. They have some great under sink filters which are always on the best-seller chart.
In this APEC RO-CTOP review, we will highlight the key features, pros & cons, and our verdict on this system.
APEC RO-CTOP Review
The APEC RO-CTOP is one of few countertop reverse osmosis water filters in the market. It has some unique features which most of the countertop water filters don’t have.
Key Features
Reverse Osmosis Technology
As we all know, reverse osmosis is one of the most effective methods to separate contaminants from the source water.
It is able to filter up to 99% of total dissolved solids (TDS) in the water.
On Par With Under Sink Water Filter
Traditionally, a countertop water filter is less effective in filtering as compared to an under sink water filter. This doesn’t apply to the APEC RO-CTOP.
The quality and functionality of APEC RO-CTOP are on par or better than a lot of the under sink water filters. It is able to produce up to 90 gallons of pure water per day (GPD) while most of the under sink system is at 50 GPD.
Highly Effective and Efficient Filters
Countertop systems are normally situated next to the faucet, they need to be small, slick, and portable. To meet the requirement, APEC needs to get rid of the bulk storage tank.
Reverse osmosis water filter system often has the problem of slow flow rate. APEC increases the flow rate of RO CTOP by adding highly efficient filters into the system.
Portability Yet Effective
APEC RO CTOP is a combination of the functionality of an under sink water filter with the portability of a countertop water filter.
Technical Specification:
Product Details
Product Weight: 11 lbs
Dimension: 14″L x 6.5″W x 6″H
Flow Rate: 90 GPD
Feed Water Pressure: 35-90 Psi
Max TDS: 2000ppm
Filter Details and Functionality
No other filters are able to achieve such quality and give such portability for their customers. This product is truly a game-changer. It is suitable for all non-commercial usage in every household.
APEC RO CTOP comprises 4 filtration stages in individual filters.
- Stage 1 – 5 Micron Sediment Filter: Remove dirts, rust, dust and huge particles.
- Stage 2 – Activated Carbon Filter: Remove odors, the taste of chlorine and VOC.
- Stage 3 – FILMTEC High Rejection TFC Reverse Osmosis Membrane: Remove up to 99% TDS such as arsenic, lead, fluoride, chromium, radium, bacteria, and viruses.
- Stage 4 – Activated Carbon Filter: Remove residual taste before filtered water is served.
Warranty
All APEC filters come with a 1-year limited warranty. It covers all manufacturer defects which can be replaced within the warranty period.
Installation
Unlike other reverse osmosis systems, the APEC RO CTOP doesn’t require drilling to be fully functional. Just screw on the faucet adapter to a conventional faucet and drain the water for 10 minutes.
Apart from the normal installation of the countertop water filters, there is a tube for waste water drainage. Simply attach it to the sink or channel the wastewater for other usages.
Quick Connect is a push-in connector that makes replacement and installation easy for an individual filter. No tools or wrench is needed when it comes to replacement.
Maintenance Cost
Apparently, the annual maintenance cost to replace the 4 filters for APEC RO CTOP is even cheaper than some of the countertop water filters. Furthermore, it is the most effective system among the countertop water filters.
The suggested replacement time for the individual filter are listed below:
- Stage 1 & Stage 2 : 6 – 8 months
- Stage 3 & Stage 4 : 2 – 5 years.
Annual Maintenance Cost: $70
Drawbacks for this system
A reverse osmosis system will produce some amount of wastewater during the process. For APEC RO CTOP, every gallon of clean water will produce up to 3 gallons of wastewater. However, the wastewater can channel for usages such as gardening, dishwashing or laundering.
Reverse osmosis water is slightly acidic as it contains close to no minerals. Not to worry, it is safe to consume according to the WQA.
To improve the taste of filtered water, you can opt for the alkaline series of the APEC RO CTOP. It is remineralized with calcium and magnesium to make it slightly alkaline and tasty.
Verdict: RECOMMENDED!
Expert View:
The APEC RO-CTOP is one of a kind filtration system that helps renters and tenants to remove the hassle of installation.
- Portability: No complicated installation needed for the system.
- Excellent Filtration: Using the best filters in APEC, the RO-CTOP is capable of filtering 99% of the TDS.
- High Flow Rate: Generate up to 90 Gallons of filtered water per Day
- Low Maintenance: Maintenance is only $70 per year and it is affordable for most households.
We hope that this APEC RO-CTOP review explains all your doubts on this filter. Otherwise, drop us a message with your questions and we will get back to you shortly.