When it comes to the best water filters, you have choices. From twenty-dollar carbon filtration pitchers to whole-home treatment systems costing thousands of dollars, each has advantages and drawbacks. But for maximum contaminant removal, no filtering method offers more value than reverse osmosis. It reduces the broadest range of harmful pollutants, and it’s the only way to make water potable short of using chemical or UV-light.
But for many homeowners, an RO system with a storage tank is a problem because of its size — especially if it must compete with a bulky disposal mounted under the sink. If you need the capability of an RO filter, but don’t have space, is there an alternative? Absolutely!
It’s a tankless reverse osmosis system made by FS-TFC Water Systems. It has enough capacity for a small business, yet it can fit it a small cabinet with room to spare. And the price is a fraction of its competitors. Is it right for you? Here’s everything you need to know.
FS-TFC FS-RO-300 Tankless Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
This 5-stage tankless filter by FS-TFC is unique. Like similar models, it uses multi-stage filtration to purify water from a single tap for drinking and cooking. But cartridges are mounted in a low-profile exterior housing that fits virtually anywhere. The water it produces is pure and delicious.
The triple-layer RO membrane promises to remove up to 99-percent of contaminants from chemicals to heavy metals. But compared to other models its size, it has a generous 300 gallon per day total capacity. That’s plenty for a large family or a small office. Installation is simple, and the system requires no electricity. You can have it up and running in less than an hour.
Pros
• Generous 300 gallon per day capacity
• Low 1:1 wastewater ratio
• Exceptional contaminant reduction
• Space-saving footprint
• One-year warranty
Cons
• It’s sold as an incomplete kit. The automatic shut-off valve must be purchased separately.
Top Q & A
Q: Where is this system manufactured?
A: China
Q: Can I connect it to my refrigerator’s water dispenser?
A: Yes, but as a point-of-use filter, it could decrease water pressure at your tap. Using a large diameter tube for the connection will help.
Q: How much does a full set of replacement filters cost?
A: The price is currently $39.99 without the RO membrane, but it’s subject to change.
My Take
There are things I love about this filter. It has a huge capacity without needing a storage tank. It’s also ultra-compact and contained within a housing that doesn’t leave filters exposed to whatever I might decide to toss under the sink without thinking. The exterior is slick, so it wipes clean, and it’s aesthetically appealing. But alas, this isn’t a beauty contest.
The system needs improvement. The flow rate is tepid compared to similar models. Twenty-four seconds to fill a 16-ounce glass seems painfully slow to me. Installing an optional pressurized tank helps, but that defeats the purpose of a tankless system to some extent.
It also comes with no automatic shut-off valve, and it will drain wastewater continuously if you don’t install one. The company is upfront about it, and it costs less than ten bucks to buy, but for the love of Pete, why isn’t it included?
If you need a high-capacity RO system for a tight space, the FS-RO-300 performs as promised. Give it a second look, but be fully aware of it’s limitations.
FS-TFC Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Performance Features
• Contaminants Filtered
The FS-RO-300 reduces up to 99-percent of these common contaminants:
- Sediment
- Chlorine
- Sulfur
- Arsenic
- Lead
- Fluoride
- Agricultural and industrial chemicals
- Bacteria and more
Can this filter make well water contaminated with microorganisms safe to drink? Reverse osmosis systems offer the most comprehensive level of filtration available, and by nature, they remove most bacteria, parasite and large viruses. But, no filter can guarantee biological safety, so FS-TFS Water Systems recommends you add a UV-filter for additional protection.
Capacity
This system boasts an enormous 300 gallon per day capacity — almost ten times that of comparable systems equipped with storage tanks. Water quality does impact results, so extraordinarily high levels of contamination may mean you get fewer gallons. Most families use far less than what this system can make even under tough circumstances.
Like all water filters, individual cartridges also have finite capacities. The FS-RO-300 is relatively low-maintenance. Replace prefilters every six months for optimal taste and to preserve the life the RO membrane — they’re low-cost compared to other brands. Change the membrane every two years.
Micron Rating
The FS-RO-300’s sediment prefilter removes large particles like dirt and rust down to 5 microns. The triple-layer RO membrane then removes smaller contaminants down to 0.0001 microns — that’s small enough to eliminate most pathogens except the tiniest viruses.
Flow Rate
As a filtration process, reverse osmosis takes times so it can slow down the flow of water coming from the tap. Because this system is tankless, it takes a minute or so for pressure to build enough to kickstart water flow when you turn on your faucet. Once the water is moving, the rate of flow picks up.
Flow rate for the FS-RO-300 is estimated at 500ml per minute. That’s among the lowest in its class. Installing an optional pressurized tank solves this problem if you have room for it. By maintaining a reserve of clean water, it ensures there’s always a steady supply on demand.
Design and Installation
The FS-RO-300 is ideal for small spaces. At 17.5 x 12 x 2.5 inches, it slides perfectly against a wall under the smallest kitchen cabinet. Unlike other filters, it could even fit under a bathroom vanity. Kits include a set of filters, the housing, a dispensing faucet and the instructions. The lead-free faucet is stainless steel and features a ceramic valve for durability and smooth performance. Be sure to purchase the optional shut-off valve for immediate installation.
Help and Support
FS-TFC backs the FS-RO-300 with a full one-year warranty. Their responsive customer service team is available by phone or e-mail.
Final Thoughts
For better water in tight quarters, consider the FS-TFC FS-RO-300 Tankless Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System. Sometimes, good things do come in small packages!
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