The life of a modern person simply obliges him to think about his own health.
Water is the source of life, but today it is also the source of many harmful organisms and salts. When drinking tap water, you risk causing real and tangible harm to your body.
The solution to this problem is quite simple - a water filter. There are many different companies that produce special filters for water purification.
Compact, easy to use and suitable for any budget. All this is clearly said about the two favorite purifier manufacturers in today's market - the companies Geyser and Aquaphor. But how can you decide then? What to choose and why?
Aquaphor filter: advantages, disadvantages, features
The Aquaphor company has been conquering the water purifier market for several years now. It provides healthy competition to many manufacturers and for good reason. Aquaphor produces many different types of water purifiers: jugs, faucet attachments, flow-through filters under the sink, membrane filters.
Each type differs in shape, price, quality, and material of manufacture. For example, sink filters vary in the number of cleaning stages, from two to five. This factor will influence the quantity and type of filling materials, as well as the price.
Almost all Aquaphor water filters produced today include a water disinfection process. Also, thanks to the patented Aqualen fiber, water passing through Aquaphor filters is freed from heavy metals, taste and unpleasant odor. Among the membrane filters of this company there are those that allow you to bring water purification to the maximum possible.
This happens thanks to the K7V module, and such filters last up to 1.5 years. Of course, such filters will be an order of magnitude more expensive than nozzles and jugs, but the price will not differ much from conventional flow-through filters. By the way, this module allows you to purify and disinfect water, remove harmful microorganisms, bacteria, lamblia, and particles of colloidal iron.
All company filters have a quality certificate, high standards, each filter comes with replaceable cartridges that will last for at least 1 year.
What is the difference between Aquaphor filters?
Like any manufacturer, Aquaphor tries to exalt distinctive details in its products. The features and advantages of water filters from this company include:
- Almost all models contain patented Aqualene fiber, which improves the cleaning process
- Large reservoir sizes in filter jugs
- Three-, four- and five-stage cleaning systems are much cheaper than similar products from other manufacturers
One of the main disadvantages noted by consumers is the loss of transparency of the material of Aquaphor water filter jugs and a shorter filter life. In addition, you can only buy replacement cartridges and modules produced by this company to replace outdated parts. Aquaphor is completely “incompatible” with other companies, but we will talk about this a little later.
Design
Appearance is a decisive factor when choosing tabletop jugs. In their development, Aquaphor pays a lot of attention to design; they have many more models in different styles. “Geyser” boasts only one model of the Matisse jug, which is stylistically out of the range of classic examples and resembles a French press in shape.
Main filters and after-treatment systems under the sink have never been demanding in terms of design. But Aquaphor revolutionized ideas about the aesthetics of filters. Their osmotic systems and main filters are a work of art.
Geyser filter: advantages, disadvantages, features
On average, Geyser is popular among consumers. But this company also has representative offices abroad. In addition to Russia, Geysere distributes its filters to another 20 countries around the world. The company and its products have a number of advantages over competitors. This starts with softening and purifying the water. This happens due to the silver component, which promotes the antibacterialization process.
Geyser sink filters are real long-livers! Such filters serve their owner for 10 years or more. Of course, replacing cartridges is necessary regularly, but the service life of replacement units exceeds that of competitors.
The Geyser company also produces in-line water filters that are installed directly into the water main. This filter allows you to use purified water not only for oral consumption, but also for many household appliances. Of course, you cannot install such a filter yourself. A master's hand is required. But the benefits of such a filter begin with the fact that it requires additional space in your home. However, the price is quite high.
How are Geyser filters different?
The differences between Geyser water filters are quite obvious. They relate to both the quality of the material and the characteristics of the finished product.
The positive aspects include the following:
- Using Aragon BIO technology. While Aquaphor patents a special fiber that aids the cleaning process, Geyser focuses on the process itself. Aragon BIO is a process of eliminating bacteria and harmful substances from water using 4 types of different purifications.
- The volume of jugs reaches up to 3 liters. Not only Aquaphor, but also many other manufacturers produce standard 1.5-2 liter filter jugs. Here Geyser has an absolute advantage.
In addition to the positive aspects, the following disadvantages can be identified:
- Jugs have a relatively short service life. While jug filters from other manufacturers pass through up to 500 liters before replacing cartridges, Geyser analogues only allow up to 350 liters.
- The Geyser sink filter is difficult to install and replace cartridges. In any instructions for installing flow filters, absolutely any company advises to seek the help of a specialist. However, it is possible to do this yourself. But installing a filter under a Geyser sink is too difficult. You should not experiment and rely on your own strength.
Final table
The table below accumulates basic information about all the systems described in this article and shows approximate prices in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Model name | Main advantage | Peculiarities | Resource | Price, rub |
Aquaphor DWM 101 Morion | 5 year warranty | Upper membrane drainage | 7,000 l | 7300–9000 |
Atoll A-550 Patriot | Full set of materials and tools for installation | Suitable only for post-purification of tap water | 6,500 l | 6900–8600 |
New Water Expert Osmos MO530 | Low pressure operation | The container is equipped with a replaceable antibacterial bag | 10,000 l | 11000 –15000 |
Geyser Prestige | Large tank capacity | When filtering up to 200 liters of dirty water per day, the second-stage cartridge can be replaced with an Aragon ion-exchange filter element. | 3,500 l | 8800–10000 |
BARRIER PROFI OSMO 100 | High rate of accumulation of purified water | The service life of the membrane depends on the performance of the preliminary water treatment unit | 5,000 l | 6000–8000 |
Atoll A-550m STD | Large tank capacity | Purifies water without chemicals | 6,500 l | 11900–12800 |
Aquaphor OSMO 50 | Possibility of using water for baby food | The service life of the membrane depends on the performance of the preliminary water treatment unit | 7,000 l | 5900–7800 |
Attention . The models Aquaphor Osmo 50, Barrier Profi Osmo 100, Atoll A-550 Patriot do not have a mineralizer.
Aquaphor and Geyser. Reviews from experts and consumers
Judging by consumer reviews, preference is given to the Aquaphor company among pitcher filters. The quality of cleaning and ease of operation are present in both companies, however, users of the Geyser filter jug considered the fragility of the body to be a disadvantage, which reduces its popularity among buyers.
As for flow filters, user assessments are divided. On the one hand, under-sink filters are not so popular, but they are good for cleaning. But Aquaphor is absolutely incompatible with other companies, and therefore if the store does not have cartridges from this company, you will have to wait or look further.
In addition, many note that the faucet becomes unusable after a couple of years of use, and replacement cartridges are expensive.
Geyser does not have such problems. It is compatible with many companies, easy to use, and cleans well. But the issue of price is just as acute as with Aquaphor.
Comparison criteria
You can come up with a dozen parameters for comparison, but we have identified the 7 most important:
- range of water treatment equipment;
- the presence of its own research and production base and new developments introduced by the company. Do they have their own “chips”?
- ease of equipment maintenance;
- interchangeability of filter elements. We are talking about those same replaceable cartridges;
- product design;
- warranty obligations;
- price threshold
Despite the fact that our thematic sections (here and here) present the lion's share of products from Geyser and Aquaphor, when comparing we will use information from the official websites of the companies - https://geizer.com and https://www.aquaphor. ru. To compare prices, data from online stores linked to the above sites will be used. All information is relevant at the time of writing (end of October 2021), but with a high probability it may be useful several years later.
Installation: similarities and differences
The installation of flow-through water filters from all manufacturers differs little from each other. Basically, the differences relate only to the materials from which the products are made.
Basic installation instructions look something like this:
- Prepare your design in advance
- Turn off the water
- Release the pressure
- Connect the tap and tee
- Seal the joint between parts
- Connect the pre-prepared structure to the cold water pipe
- Install the device on the wall under the sink. It is recommended to “place” the filter 10 centimeters from the floor
- Install a tap for clean water
- Install the water supply hose
- Supply water to the structure
- Carefully monitor the first day of use for leaks.
Any manufacturer tries to make the installation of even flow-through filters as simple as possible, however, the services of professionals should not be neglected.
What is included in the filter components
Replaceable modules (cartridges) can have very different compositions. Mid-budget and premium purification plants are built on the basis of several filter components. The classic cartridge from Aquaphor consists of carbon blocks. The carbon block contains densely compressed granules of activated carbon.
In multi-stage water treatment systems, a wire membrane (allows you to fight bacteria) and an ion exchange resin (eliminates excess magnesium and calcium ions, thereby reducing the hardness of the liquid) can be additionally used.
Geyser or Aquaphor. Which to choose?
Geyser or Aquaphor - which is better??
When the consumer is faced with the question of choice, manufacturers and experts recommend that you first think carefully about why you need a filter? What features do you want to purchase it for? For example, if you take a pitcher filter, then you need to choose a priority: either price and types of cleaning, or quality of cleaning and ease of use.
The Aquaphor company is mainly characterized by the highest cleaning costs, while the Geyser company’s products are called the “golden mean” in comparison with Aquaphor and other manufacturers. Having a high throughput rate and an interesting unique design, it often looks more profitable in the eyes of the average consumer.
Comparing jugs
Jugs are the simplest filter units consisting of two adjacent reservoirs separated by a filter element (cartridge).
Here it is extremely difficult to single out the products of one company, since there is no fundamental difference. You can only consider the volume or appearance, but there are different options here too; when purchasing, you can choose the right copy.
As a rule, the main selection criterion is the working volume - the size of the flask should be such that it is enough to fill the kettle. In this regard, large jugs are preferable, but here too the issue is decided individually, according to the size of the needs.
- Details about Barrier jugs
- Details about Geyser jugs
What do I choose?
I profess the principle - you need to choose models that are average in price and characteristics. It has never let me down, since the cheapest products usually do not suit the parameters, and the most expensive ones are simply not worth the price. Based on this rule, I would choose Geyser Matisse Chrome (4 l, ~709 ₽) or Barrier Prime (4.2 l, ~739 ₽). Both jugs hold a large amount of water, which is important when the family's needs are high. Due to its appearance, I would prefer Geyser Matisse Chrome, it is more elegant, but there is no arguing about tastes.
Geyser Matisse Chrome
Barrier Prime
Aquaphor and Geyser - compatibility
The first thing to remember in this matter is manufacturing standards. Basically, the diameter of the cartridge and its height are the indicators that water filter manufacturers adhere to.
However, many manufacturers, when attracting customers, know that if they try hard, they can find a cheaper, albeit not as high-quality, analogue. Therefore, they boldly depart from the canons of production in order to retain the consumer and make sure that he is forced to buy products only from this company. Such manufacturers include Aquaphor.
Geyser products are closest to the standards, and therefore are compatible with filters from other manufacturers, which is more of a plus than a minus for the consumer.
Recommendations for choosing for a private house and apartment
To choose the right aqua filter for yourself, you need to decide on your goals and budget. If you are on a limited budget, it is recommended to opt for a jug. Such a filter will purify water from chlorine, heavy metals, phenol and organic compounds. It can be used even in places where there is no centralized water supply or separate water supply.
If you have an unlimited budget, you can choose a classic aqua filter for the sink. The best solution is a reverse osmosis filter, but its use requires a water supply with a pressure of at least 2.5 atmospheres (ideal for apartments and private houses with a high-quality water supply network).
The cleaning system must be used correctly. It is necessary to regularly replace cartridges, membrane modules and other consumables.
Before purchasing a filter for your dacha, it is recommended to first conduct a water analysis. Based on the data obtained, select the most suitable option.
Comparing flow-through systems under the sink
The comparison of flow-through systems is won by Barrier products . The advantage is caused by a single factor - these systems can operate successfully at a water pressure of more than 3 Bar , which Geyser filters do not tolerate well; they develop leaks along the connections and threads of the cartridges.
However, if you need a flow-through system in a house with an autonomous water supply system, the situation changes. Geyser products are designed to work with hard water, and in autonomous systems there is an excess of hardness salts.
What do I choose?
Considering the Geyser and Barrier systems, I note the approximate equality of the parameters of all models of the same price category. Based on the combination of cost and functionality, I would prefer Geyser Prestige Smart (3-stage system, ~7543 ₽) or Barrier Expert Standard (3 stages, resource indicator, ~7800 ₽). Both models are capable of removing basic contaminants, are not burdened with unused features, and are not overly expensive.
If you choose only one option, I would give preference to the Barrier system , since it is more close to the network water pressure.