Aquasana AQ-5300 Countertop Review

SUMMARY

Aquasana AQ-5300R water filter did a great job in filtering some of the major contaminations in our water. However, it’s capability is not as good when it comes to heavy contaminations such as well water source. It is ONLY RECOMMENDED for small family staying in the urban area. Check it out on Amazon.

OUR RATING

4.1/5

COST

$$

Aquasana is one of the well-known water treatment companies in the market. Their main specialties are drinking water filters and whole house filtration systems.

In this Aquasana AQ5300 review, we will highlight some of the key features, pros and cons of the system.

Aquasana AQ-5300 Filter Review

There are a total of 3 similar multistage filtration system that was introduced by Aquasana. One of the flagship model is the AQ-5300 water filter. The only difference between the 3 is the maximum capacity of the water that could be produced on one replacement.

The AQ-5300 is a 3 stage undersink filter which is priced at just below $150. It equips with a battery operated alarm which alert when filter replacement is required. This is a nice to have feature but is not a necessary criteria when choosing a water filter.

Aquasana claims that their 3 stage filter is able to remove 68 contamination and up to 97% of chlorine and chloramines. It is certified by NSF on the effectiveness of removing harmful minerals and particles. However, some major minerals such as nickel, fluoride, barium, copper were not tested by NSF.

The main drawback is the short filtration lifespan which is half a year or 600 gallons of water. It is merely 3.3 gallons per day across 6 months which is barely enough for a family of 4.

Comparing to the reverse osmosis system, the AQ-5300R is able to do a decent job in filtering most of the harmful minerals with only 3 filters. However, the filter performance deteriorate rather quickly as compare to others which raise questions on the effectiveness.

Not suitable for well water filtration system as total dissolved solid (TDS) remains high after filtration in some water sources.

Technical Specification that you SHOULD KNOW

Below are the summarize technical specification that you should know before buying the Aquasana AQ-5300R.

  • Water Pressure: 20-80 psi
  • Water Temperature: 40-90 F (4-38C)
  • Flow Rate : 0.5gpm
  • Max Capacity : 600 gallons
  • System Dimensions: 12″w x 4.2″d x 9″h (Extremely small and light)

Tiny 3 Stage of Filtration System

The Aquasana AQ-5300R water filter comprise of 3 stages filtration system. However, it is not as fine as compared to most of the filters in town.

Stage 1: 20 micron sediment filter – It’s capable of removing sand, rust, dust and other visible contamination.

Stage 2, 3: Claryum Technology Carbon Filters – Activated and catalytic carbon is capable of reducing chloride, VOC and pesticide. Using ion exchange, it is able to reduce heavy materials such as lead and mercury.

Aquasana stated that their filters are capable of removing 10X contamination compared to the leading pitcher while retaining the healthy minerals such as calsium, magnesium and potassium.

Straight Forward Installation

Installation for Aquasana AQ-5300R water filter is very straight forward and simple. Follow the steps from the manual and online video will probably take you an hour at most to finish the installation.

There are some additional tools needed if there isn’t a faucet hole on the sink.

Tools Recommended for Installation

• Variable speed drill w/ 7/32” bit
• Adjustable wrench
• Measuring tape
• Bucket
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Hammer

Short Lifespan Filters & Extremely High Maintenance Cost

Aquasana AQ-5300R filters has a shorter than usual life spans as compare to it’s competitions. The suggested replacement is every 6 months or 600 gallons of water.

The system will have a battery operated indicator which reminds owners on when replacement is needed. Owners can would not need to remember when is the next scheduled maintenance.

The replacement filter is extremely expensive which costs $65 for every 6 months and $130 for a year. Fortunately, if you join their “Water For Life” auto renewal membership, you will receive a $10 discount every time you replace your filter when they send you the filter every six months. Click here to find out more.

The Voice From Existing Owners

The Aquasana AQ-5300R water filter received mixed review from existing owners from Amazon. A summarize comments that was left by the existing owners for this water filter.

PROS
+ Easy to install and provides great tasting water.
+ It takes up very little space under my sink
+ It would have been 30 minutes but I had to cut out another hole in my granite counter top.
+ Filter works beautifully, no leakage after 2 months. Water tastes great!!
CONS
I just wish that it flowed faster. It takes a while to fill a single glass of water.
It does not filter the water as well as several other systems on the market
The filter last only about 3 months before the flow gets intolerably slow, not six months like they say
The taste of my water is still not so great but am sure it filters just fine

Verdict: Recommended! 

Expert View:
Aquasana AQ5300 definitely is one of the best countertop water filtration systems in the market. Here some benefits that you might gain from this system.

  • Small in Size: The size is no brainer. It saves you a lot of space under the counter in your cramp apartment.
  • Lightweight: No worries on the falling off on supporting frame as the system is lightweight.
  • No Wastewater: Unlike reverse osmosis system, it doesn’t generate waste water in the process of filtration.

Any questions on the Aquasana AQ5300 review, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Find Out More

Aquasana AQ5300

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