Top 3 Countertop Reverse Osmosis Microplastic Water Filters in 2024
Photo by Bluewater Sweden on Unsplash.
One of the first steps you can take towards reducing your microplastic exposure is adequately filtering your drinking water through a reverse osmosis system. Countertop filtration systems are the easiest and most simple way to start drinking filtered water, requiring no installation and be delivered to your doorstep in only a few days.
In this article we discuss how these filters work and why they’re essential for your microplastic reduction journey, including top picks for efficiency, features, and budgets in mind.
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What are microplastics and why should you care?
Microplastic filtration techniques are a growing hot topic in the world today, and for good reason. As mentioned in our article explaining microplastic consumption health risks, microplastics are wreaking havoc on our endocrine systems, negatively influencing human fertility and overall health, especially in men and pregnant women.
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No matter where you get your water, from natural wells, to water fountains, your kitchen sink, or pre-bottled water from your grocery store, all of these sources will still contain a dose of microplastics. Trying to find bottled water without microplastics is simply a lost cause.
Fortunately, since water is one of the main ways we are absorbing these pesky plastics, we can take steps to prevent this with a good water filter for microplastics.
Does reverse osmosis remove microplastics?
Reverse osmosis is one of the most effective processes for removing plastics that uses a semi-permeable membrane and high pressure to force water molecules through said membrane, resulting in water free of micro-sized particles. This form of filtration, commonly used for removing heavy metals, viruses, and other unwanted materials, is suitable for our goal to filter microplastics from our drinking water.
This method is far better than the more common Brita filters or Zero filters, because those systems do not utilize the high-pressure methods that properly remove the tiny microplastics we want gone from our drinking water.
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Picking the best reverse osmosis water filter system for you.
These filters are commonly found in two variations - a counter top self-containing system that is refilled by hand, and an under-the-sink version that requires installation. Most consumers looking for a quick solution to drink healthier water today should consider a countertop version because of the simplicity of a plug-and-play kitchen appliance, at the expense of a slightly higher price point.
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Countertop systems may require more frequent filter replacements, however, these replacements are not nearly as often as you might think - only every half to full year for most models, depending on how much water is filtered daily.
One of the caveats is that countertop systems are not fully water-efficient, meaning, with each batch of water filtered, there is waste water that must be poured down the drain before refilling. Although marginal for the sake of our interest in healthier drinking water, this may be a point of interest for those looking to maximally reduce their water usage.
If you are looking for an under sink reverse osmosis water filter variant, see our product guide listing our top picks:
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Our top picks for countertop RO water filters for microplastics.
Surprisingly, the market for reverse osmosis filters is still in its infancy compared to the more popular, but less effective fridge-shelved non-reverse osmosis enabled filters such as Brita and Zero filters. Still, we managed to find a variety of models with awesome features that will surely grab your attention.
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Best Budget-Friendly Countertop Filter: Bluevua RO100ROPOT-LITE Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter
First on our list is the Bluevua Lite Countertop RO Water Filter, starting at $300 MSRP before potential coupons and discounts - the cheapest high-rated reverse osmosis filter we could find. Even though this filter does not have every feature, such as a UV filter stage, it is still a great entry level option for filtering microplastics.
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Most Efficient Countertop Filter: SimPure Y7P-BW UV Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter
This SimPure filter boasts an impressive 4:1 pure water to waste water ratio, which might be something to consider if you are also prioritizing the minimization of waste water. Also, this filter has UV capabilities, a step up from our Bluevua budget pick.
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Best Feature-Packed Countertop Filter: Bluevua RO100ROPOT-UV Reverse Osmosis System Countertop Water Filter
When filtering water with the reverse osmosis method, it is important to re-add important minerals back into your drinking water. However, with the Bluevua RO100ROPOT-UV, remineralization is a built in feature! Also, this filter sports an incredible lifespan of 1-2 years before requiring a replacement filter under standard usage. Additionally, this filter includes a large container that can be filled up to quickly serve a family during dinnertime.
Conclusion
When you choose one of these countertop water filtration options, you will be one step closer to a microplastic-free lifestyle that is better for you and your family's health.
If you want to learn more about ways to reduce your daily microplastic consumption for good, read on in our full guide.
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Most reverse osmosis filters are either standalone countertop units or under sink installations.