You don’t always find water filters that perform as well as their manufacturers claim. Many fail to meet the quality standard and remove the contaminants that can make tap water hazardous.
Thankfully, APEC has maintained its quality over the years and has manufactured efficient household and commercial filter units in the following categories:
- Reverse osmosis water filters
- Whole-house filtration systems
- Under-sink water filters
- Countertop water filters
- Water conditioners
Always looking for effective ways to purify tap water, I researched, reviewed, and tested the best of what APEC offers.
Stay tuned, and you might just find what you are looking for.
Reverse Osmosis Water Systems
A reverse osmosis water filter can make a real difference in the quality of your tap water, removing a wide range of contaminants and providing you with refreshing and great-tasting water that’s perfect for all your daily hydration needs.
APEC WATER ROES-50 Essence: $199.95
Let’s start with APEC’s flagship reverse osmosis ROES-50 water system, a top seller across multiple online platforms.
From the first look, the system seems stylish with a compact design. It has a sleek designer faucet and a four-gallon storage tank that easily fits under the sink cabinet.
It’s a five-stage reverse osmosis system that filters all the nasty elements from drinking water. Before going into the details of targeted contaminants, let’s explore the RO system first.
The tap water passes through five premium water filters: a sediment filter, two carbon filters, an RO membrane, and a coconut-carbon filter.
With so many filtration stages, you might expect a slow flow rate, but surprisingly it can produce 50 gallons per day, which is pretty fast.
Moreover, low tap-water pressure close to 40 psi won’t even affect its flow rate. In my experience, the flow rate is at least two times better than other popular products.
Together, these five stages filter the following contaminants:
- Sediments
- Rust
- Chlorine
- VOCs
- PFOS
- Giardia
- Nitrates
- Arsenic
- Lead
- Fluoride
- Heavy metals
APEC claims the removal of 1,000+ contaminants, but those mentioned above are all you need to care about.
APEC ROES-50 is made from food-grade plastic and is pretty lightweight. The installation is easy if you follow the guide properly.
However, the universal adapter fitting that comes with the package may not fit properly. To avoid the problem, I suggest buying your own adapter that fits perfectly with your supply line.
The APEC ROES-50 costs only $199.95 and comes with a complete installation kit, a faucet, and a storage tank. The replacements last one year and cost $79.99, which I find pretty reasonable.
Pros
- Stylish and compact
- 50 GPD High flow rate
- Large four-gallon storage
- Five-stage RO deep filtration
- Removes 1,000+ contaminants
- Extended one-year warranty
- Affordable
Cons
- Loose adapter fitting
APEC WATER ROTL-AIO Tankless Reverse Osmosis: $400
The ROES-50 water filter that I reviewed above is a great option, but what if you have limited space? This is where a tankless reverse osmosis system comes in handy.
The APEC ROTL-AIO is an innovative water filter that doesn’t have a storage tank and occupies minimal space. The brand engineered this product in collaboration with Culligan (another reputable brand).
This RO system doesn’t have typical stages. Instead, it’s smartly engineered to have a single cartridge with multiple filter layers of activated carbon, carbon-block fiber, PP cotton, and RO membrane.
Such innovative design saves tons of space while giving the same performance as a regular RO system.
You can expect clear water free from bacteria, chemicals, chlorine, heavy metals, and sediments.
It has a drain ratio (purified to wastewater) of 2:1, which is very good compared to 4:1, which is common among RO systems.
Moreover, it can filter a whopping 600 gallons of water. The LED filter life detector makes it easier to monitor the filter life.
It’s fairly easy to replace the filter of ROTL-AIO. Just twist and turn, and you’re done. Frankly, the process is easier than ROES-50.
The installation bit was more difficult than what you expected with regular RO systems. In particular, installing the electrical wires is a bit of a hassle. Also, it makes a loud noise when operating, but this is normal in tankless systems.
The APEC ROTL-AIO costs $400, and APEC offers a $50 discount to all members. The replacement filter lasts 1–1.5 years and costs $199.99.
Pros
- Can fit into small spaces
- Stylish and innovative design
- High pure-to-waste water ratio 2:1
- 600 gallons of pure water
Cons
- Higher cost
Whole-House System
Installing a whole-house water filter system is like putting on a force field for your home’s water supply, protecting you and your family from contaminants and providing you with clean, safe, and delicious water from every tap.
Green Carbon 10 Whole-House Water Filter System: $850
The Green Carbon 10 is a perfect solution for areas where tap water is so contaminated that it causes skin irritation and other diseases.
It’s a whole-house filter that you can attach to the point of entry of the supply line. What’s better, it’s completely maintenance free.
I really like the use of catalytic coconut granular-activated carbon media because it’s extremely effective and eco-friendly.
The APEC Green Carbon 10 mainly targets these common impurities:
- Chloramines
- Chlorine taste and odor
- Trihalomethanes (THM)
- Volatile organic compounds (VOC)
Moreover, NO backwash, drainage, regeneration, or even electricity is needed to keep things running.
The most common complaint customers have with whole-house filters is that they reduce water pressure in faucets. It’s usually because the peak demand flow rate doesn’t match the output of a filter.
In contrast the APEC Green Carbon can maintain a flow rate of 10 gallons per minute which is more than enough for a one to three bathroom house.
You can do laundry, run a dishwasher, and take a bath simultaneously without worry.
It costs $850, and you’ll also get a free pre-treatment sediment filter, which is not a bad deal.
The Green Carbon comes with a 10-year warranty. Just remember to install it indoors to avoid damage from environmental factors.
Pros
- Eco-friendly
- Targets chloramine, chlorine, taste, and odor
- Removes heavy metals and organic compounds
- Maintenance free
- Best suited for cooking, bathing, and cleaning
Cons
- Not designed for drinking water
Under-Sink Water Filters
Under-sink water filters are a convenient and space-saving way to enjoy clean and safe drinking water right from your kitchen sink.
WFS-1000 3-Stage Water Filter: $144.95
The WFS-1000 takes the lead as one of the most well-rounded and economical water filters for home use. It’s lightweight and compact, making it suitable for tight spaces.
The filtration process involves three stages. First, the water passes through a polypropylene sediment filter, removing all gunk, dirt, rust, and sediments.
Next, two carbon blocks target VOCs, chlorine, chemicals, bad taste, and odor.
My test results showed an improved TDS score, but the performance was lacking compared to the ROES-50 reverse osmosis system, which is understandable considering it’s a smaller setup. If you’re worried about bacteria and viruses, I recommend adding a UV filter for extra caution.
Moreover, this system is suitable for both city water and well water. The filters are premium quality and can last for one year. Replacing them is easy too.
WFS-1000 is made from food-grade material, and the package also includes a lead-free faucet.
I like the flow rate, which remains consistent within the 20–80-psi water pressure range. Normally, filters don’t work properly under 35 psi.
As I said, it’s economical and costs only $144.95 with a one-year warranty.
You can order custom filters that can remove lead, bacteria, chloramine, and fluoride. They cost $5.95–$19.95.
Pros
- Budget friendly
- Compact
- Good water flow
- Long filter life
- Effective against most harmful contaminants
Cons
- Doesn’t perform as advertised
CS-2500 Under-Counter Water Filter: $92.95
CS-2500 consists of only a single cartridge, but it’s enough to treat most contaminants in tap water. It’s quick and easy to install in tight spaces.
The filtration media used here is granular-activated carbon made in the USA. It can effectively eliminate lead, heavy metals, chlorine taste, and odor.
For low to moderate contamination, this filter works great. The CS-2500 is made from high-quality material that prevents bacterial buildup.
It can filter 1,000 gallons of water, and requires a change after every 8–12 months, which is pretty decent.
The APEC CS-2500 maintains a 1.67-gpm flow rate at 20–90 PSI. You can easily install it in the kitchen faucet.
Compared to the WFS-1000, it cannot filter VOCs and organic compounds, but I expected that at this price point.
It’s light on the pocket and costs $92.95 with a one-year warranty.
Pros
- Economical
- Lightweight and compact
- Long lasting
- Targets lead, chlorine, & heavy metals
Cons
- For low to moderate contamination
- Struggles against sediments
Countertop Water Filters
Countertop filters work perfectly for small and cramped spaces. They’re versatile and can easily connect to tap-water faucets, ice makers, and refrigerators—a suitable replacement for bottled water.
APEC RO-CTOP-C Portable Countertop: $289.99
The RO-CTOP-C hosts a strong combo of activated-carbon and reverse osmosis filters that target a wide range of contaminants. Surprisingly, it only weighs 10 pounds, so it’s easy to move around.
It utilizes four-stage reverse osmosis, which consists of a five-micron sediment filter, coconut-shell carbon, and a high-rejection RO membrane.
The RO-CTOP-C is effective against heavy metals, chlorine taste, and odor. However, it can’t remove chloramine, so you need to order a special carbon filter available on the website if that’s a problem in your home.
This portable RO system makes little noise and is on par with the efficiencies of the ROES-50 system. The outer casing is made from corrosion-resistant aluminum.
RO-CTOP-C can produce 90 gallons per day of pure water at 60 PSI.
Other APEC RO systems I reviewed above have less capacity overall, but their flow rates are better. Though, it does have the same drain ratio of 2:1.
It also lacks a storage tank, so if the water pressure is low, pouring a glass can take quite some time.
Installation is quite easy. It’s just plug and play and the tubes fit most faucets. There’s no need for maintenance.
The RO-CTOP-C is priced at $289.99, and replacements cost $100–$200, depending on your usage. Typically, the filter cartridge lasts six to eight months.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Good drain ratio
- Effective and efficient
Cons
- Doesn’t remove chloramine
CT-1000 Countertop Water Filter: $62.95
You don’t always need a heavy-duty and expensive filter system. The CT-1000 countertop is just the right fit for small apartments, condos, RVs, and campsites.
It’s a single-stage portable water filter that you can attach directly to your faucet. No hefty installation is required.
With the help of an extruded carbon block, CT-1000 effectively treats chlorine taste and odor.
Moreover, it’s effective against cryptosporidium, giardia, lead, VOCs, and methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE).
You might need a more powerful filter for high sediment, heavy metals, and bacteria-riddled water—a single-stage filter can only do so much.
I have used carbon filters before and experienced carbon powder leaks in regular cartridges. But the FI-PB1 carbon filter used in this countertop filter is leakproof.
It can last up to one year (6,000 gallons) and doesn’t clog with time.
CT-1000 only costs $62.95, and replacements are $17. Making it much more economical than typical faucet filters and pitcher filters.
Pros
- Portable and durable
- Treats chlorine, lead, and VOCs
- Cheap
Cons
- Not suitable for heavy contamination
Water Conditioner
Hard water can be a real pain in the neck. That’s why it’s necessary to install a whole-house water conditioner that can reduce the effects of hard water on your plumbing and fixtures.
FUTURA 10 Salt-Free Water Conditioner: $1,059
Traditional salt-based water softeners were quite effective at treating hard water, but due to their damaging environmental effects, at least six US states, California, Texas, Michigan, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, have either banned or regulated their use.
Considering this, APEC has developed a new Futura-10 water conditioner that uses advanced ceramic media to neutralize hard water without any salts or corrosive materials.
APEC claims it’s suitable for hardness levels below 25 grains per gallon (very hard), but I find reduced effectiveness even at 20 gpg, so it’s better to have your water sample tested before buying it.
Futura-10 can provide a consistent 10-gallons-per-minute water supply for a one to three bathroom house. I recommend the 15-gpm variant if you have a larger family.
It can efficiently prevent scale buildup and corrosion in pipes and appliances. I also experience reduced soap lather and mineral deposits. Unlike traditional ion-exchange softeners, this one is maintenance and electricity free.
No backwashing and regeneration are required. You also save money on salt refills—since you don’t need them.
The Futura-10 is effective against typical hard water elements like calcium (CaCO3) and magnesium, but if your tap water has an iron and sulfur odor, you need to add a pre-filter for that.
The Futura-10 salt-free water conditioner is priced at $1,059, with no operational charges. Make sure you install it indoors.
Pros
- Salt-free water hardness treatment
- Anti-scale
- Long lasting
- Maintenance free
- Economical
- 10-year warranty
Cons
- Targets limited contaminants.
The Bottom Line
APEC Water System offers highly functional American-made water filters for residential use. They are certified products, making them one of the best options available in the market.
The best way to choose APEC water filters is to be clear of your water requirements. Each product I reviewed above brings something unique to the table, and by going through all the information, I am sure you can choose the right product.
APEC primarily deals in reverse osmosis filters, but you can also find premium quality whole-house, under-sink, and countertop filters in its product catalog with various flow rates, filters and storage capacities.
Moreover, I am really happy with APEC’s customer service. They were patient enough to guide me through the installation processes and answer my questions.
APEC water filters are available at market competitive prices and are certainly a good investment for healthy and clean drinking water all year round.
What Is APEC?
APEC, short for Advanced Purification Engineering Corp., is an American water filter systems manufacturer. Since its inception 20 years ago, it quickly became the go-to choice of proud Americans who wanted durable and efficient water filters made on home soil.
Made in the USA
APEC has shifted its manufacturing to foreign plants, but most primary filters are still locally produced. Moreover, the assembly and quality inspection is done entirely in California.
The brand is an industry leader in reverse osmosis technology and has made customized water filter solutions for reputable organizations like the US Govt., Dow Chemical, Mayo Clinic, General Electric, Intel Corp., and many more.
APEC offers the best reverse osmosis systems, tankless systems, whole-house filters, water softeners, under-sink, and countertop water filters for household water purification.
Exceptional quality
You don’t have to worry about the quality either. All APEC water filters are WQA Gold certified against NSF/ANSI 58 standards. There is also an extended warranty on all the products backed by highly professional customer service.
The prices are reasonable, and the brand has an efficient shipping system in place. You can learn about the details here.
Charity program
APEC also makes an effort to help those in need. They donate free reverse osmosis systems to low-income individuals who suffer from a medical condition and could use pure drinking water for a speedy recovery.
Overall, APEC is a solid brand and worth the investment if you want a long-term water purification solution.
Research Methodology
These are the steps I took to sort out the best APEC water filters for residential use.
Step 1: A list of APEC water filters
APEC has been leading the market for two decades. And many have at least heard of the brand if they’ve not bought one of its products.
So, I went to local stores and made a list of the best-selling water filters in the market. I also surfed Amazon and Home Depot online to get the best-ranking products. Finally, I had a starting point for my research.
Step 2: Product analysis
Since household water filters come in many different shapes and sizes, it’s only fair to divide them into categories.
APEC water systems produce water purification systems under five categories:
- Reverse osmosis
- Whole house
- Under the sink
- Countertop
- Water conditioners
Moreover, I decided to evaluate each water filter on the following basis:
- Targeted contaminants
- Ease of use
- Flow rate
- Filter life
- Capacity
- Operational cost
- Design
This gave me a solid basis to start my reviews.
Step 3: Online reviews
Next, I visited popular review sites like Amazon, Home Depot, Trustpilot, and TestFreaks. It took me three whole days to skim through hundreds of comments.
I noted the strong and weak points of each APEC and how they perform in the long run. This gave me valuable insight into each product.
Step 4: Interviews with real customers
Online reviews, especially on the companies’ websites, can be misleading. So, I planned interviews with real customers to get authentic insights about the products.
Thanks to Facebook and Instagram, I contacted customers and local plumbers who were kind enough to share their experience.
People mostly had positive things to say, but some also had negative experiences over the years. I scribbled down all the details and valuable information.
Step 5: Interview with APEC
It was only fair to contact the company and inquire about its product to avoid forming a biased opinion.
So, I contacted APEC customer service and asked them a few questions about the performance, quality, and installation. They were quite responsive and answered all my queries.
Step 6: Test drives
The only thing missing was testing the water filter performance myself. So, I bought all the water filters on my list and tested each for one week.
I ran each of them to their maximum capacity each day. I also had the purified water samples tested after regular intervals.
Step 7: Ranking
The whole process took two weeks to complete and was quite tedious. But I loved every moment of it, knowing it was for a good cause: To help you find the best product for healthy living.
I collected all the data in the spreadsheet and reviewed each APEC water filter based on the following criteria:
- My test results
- Targeted contaminants
- Filter type
- Flow rate
- Life-span
- Maintenance
- Capacity
- Customer reviews
- Aesthetics
Final Thoughts
My reviewing process is far from perfect, but it gave me valuable insights into the limitations and strengths of the APEC filters, especially how they fare against other US-based companies, like Waterdrop, Aquasana, and Pentair.
The brand delivers the best quality and features a wide range of water filters compatible with commercial and residential use.
My favorite is the APEC ROES-50 reverse osmosis unit because it’s the most well-rounded water filter on the market.
Learn more about the products offered by APEC Water Systems here.
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