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Watts 500315 Counter-Top Drinking Water Filter
By: Watts       Average Rating: 4.0     Total Reviews: 31
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Best tasting water out of my tap yet!     On: 2010-07-05

Ive tried a couple other filtration systems, a pitcher filter and a Berkey filter, but neither got my water tasting drinkable so I went back to bottled. Until this little unit got my water tasting, well, not quite like the best bottled water Ive had, but much better than some of them.
And its more convenient than those other filters Ive tried, I dont have to wait for gravity to feed water through the filter or deal with another pitcher in the fridge or a bucket sized container in the kitchen, that youd have to clean out regularly(Yes, Im lazy :p ).
I havent had to change the filter out on this unit so cant comment on that yet.
Aesthetically, its white like all the other devices/appliances on my counter, it doesnt really stand out imo. And Ive got it placed in a way that its not in the way. Though its more important to me that the product work than look pretty, so even if it was the most hideous thing Id ever seen(Its not) but worked, Id use it.
Overall Im happy with it.
Great until you want to replace the filter     On: 2010-07-02

Had a miserable time trying to get access to the filter for replacement. The manufacturers instructions had made it sound so easy. They read, "Remove filter housing from lid by turning it to the left." I didnt have the strength to open it, but then neither did my adult sons. I tried using a screwdriver and holding the housing up against the cabinets with my feet. No luck. I had thought maybe our hard water had caused the housing to become stuck so I soaked it in CLR for a few days. When that didnt help, I went online and found several others were having the same problem. Sounds like some went out and bought a special plumbing wrench. That seemed to me to be defeating one of the purposes of a water filter - save money.

My ultimate solution? A hammer! I didnt mind a little scuffing of the plastic. That could have been avoided if I had placed a cloth over it. At any rate, I got it open and got the filter replaced.
"20 Years of Drinking Water Supply.....In Your Kitchen....a Simple Installation!"     On: 2010-06-28


After several weeks of temperatures in the 80s, with humidity on the menu, and the kids running in for something cool to drink, this "appliance" has proved to be one of the biggest assets in the kitchen. Now, surely, it will be useful on days with lower temperatures; make no mistake, this Drinking Water Filter will serve everyone. They just have to stand in line at the sink.

Installation was quick, and just to make sure there was no leakage, we wrapped Teflon tape around the connector; it worked like a charm. The product is said to last for twenty years. We will look forward to that.

While it may not be attractive, it is functional and you dont have to refrigerate the bottles of water to keep them cool. Wait a minute, you dont have to buy the bottled water and then recycle the empty bottles. All in all, the family of 5 can easily handle using this Drinking Water Filter. Get this for you family, now.

Try It, dont miss it!!
All good but one thing     On: 2010-06-13

This is a very good product. It has worked perfectly for one month. I like the way it works and looks. I would give it five stars, except, we cannot get the thing apart. Not sure how we will change the filter.
Liz From Jerzey     On: 2010-05-19

Purchase this product in August 2009...Water is very good and clear...Filter the water very well...Saving alot of money since I brought this unit instead spending money I didnt have on bottle water or purchase from Poland Spring Water which got quite expensive at times...Times are hard right now and have to save money anyway I can...This unit is a good value and worth the money...I would recommend this unit to anyone...Very easy to install and filter are very easy to replace and remove from unit...
Great until you need a new filter     On: 2010-05-17

This filter was great because its easy to set up, it works and its not brita or pur. But once you need a new filter its pretty much useless unless you know some magic trick to get inside and change the filter... I havent figured that out yet.
Execellent Buy!     On: 2010-04-19

I have had one of these counter top filters in the past and just loved it!, I have an antique home with antique plumbing and no way to install an under the counter or whole house filter without taken on a total remodel project. I have used those little filters that screw on to your faucet but because of the heavy rust and sediment in the lines they would clog up in less then a month, for the same price that you would buy one of those little filters not to mention the replacements you can buy one of these, the replacement filters for this one are cheap and last a long time. not to mention that you can pick from several style cartridges from just a basic to the top of the line cartridges.
My only complaint with this filter, is that it did not come with a filter wrench to remove the housing, I wanted to replace the cartridge that came pre-installed, (Im Hoping its installed) to a better cartridge that captures everything including viruss. (Thats the only reason Im giving it 4 out of 5 stars)
I do not have the hand strength to open it and when I ask a friend to help me, one on each end of the filter turning in opposite directions it still would not open. Ill try to locate a wrench and give it one more try before contacting the company for another filter, other then that it is a great filter for the money and looks nice on the counter.
Filters out chlorine taste, but don't expect store-bought-quality water     On: 2010-03-30

Filter unit is easy to use, overall decently designed with filter-replacement being an exception. The original filter worked well to remove the chlorine taste, but besides that, doesnt change the taste of the water (dont expect it to taste like bottled Arrowhead or anything). Im a very nifty person, with no problems replacing and repairing any home devices, electronics, etc (aka, a handyman). However, opening this for filter replacement was a pain. Took a LOT of force, and it was hard to grip by two parts. You have to twist counter clockwise. Strap wrenches will definitely help twist apart the filter.
Finally something that works for the kitchen faucet!     On: 2010-03-24

Ive own this for 6 months now and had to replace the filter inside of it. Wasnt easy to remove. They need better instructions. I had to go to Home Depot and but a professional tool made out of heavy duty plastic that sold in sink filters for under the sink (plumping department. But you still need a large Philips screw driver to insert where the the water comes out of. Then lay the unit on a flat surface. Turn counter clockwise and with some luck it will unlock and you can get to the dirty filter. I was so amazed how dirty the water filter was compared to the recently order one from Amazon. The new one claims it can last 3,000 gallons. The one that comes with this filter in the manual read 6 months. That was on track. Once the filter is clogged or dirty the water doesnt taste the same. So now I am on my second filter and the water is much better tasting than the old Pur, Brita were. Still you cant knock this water filter it does do a good job providing good drinking and cooking water. Best if you run it cold or use your filtered ice with it. If you seal the water in container it will stay fresh tasting. Ive tried this and it sure does. Leave it out over night in a glass then it will start to taste stale. I have given this review max stars because the unit does work out of the box and the water is just as good or even better than bottle water you shell out for in the store. Save some money with this unit and buy the extra filters for it when you buy it. Still comes out cheaper to me in the long run!
FILTER     On: 2010-03-18

RECEIVED FILTER QUICKLY. NOT THE BEST PACKAGING JOB TO PROTECT THE ITEM FROM SHIPPING DAMAGES. I WAS A LITTLE DISAPPOINTED TO SEE THE FILTER HOUSING HAD SEVERAL LARGE GOUGES AND MARKS IN SEVERAL PLACES. THE SET UP WAS SIMPLE AND EASY. AS I UNDERSTAND FROM OTHER REVIEWS THE COVER IS A CHORE TO REMOVE FOR A FILTER CHANGE, BUT THAT IS IN THE FUTURE. OTHER THAN COSMETICS, IT SEEMS TO DO THE JOB.
Great but couldn't open it...     On: 2010-03-12

I got this from Quality in three days from the day I ordered it. It arrived in perfect condition the only problem I had was that it was hard to twist open so that I could see the filter. It didnt come with a wrench.

I like the unit. Its very sturdy, not flimsy or lightweight, it is a bit large for the space I have but I can deal with it for the avaibalility of cheaper clean water. Ive had to haul bottles of water at least a mile every month and then Ive had to hassle with cheaper units that have broken or the replacement filters were difficult to find locally so Ive had to resort to paying far more than is necessary (especially if they really want us to stop putting plastic in the landfills) to get one. This will last me probably 12 months. Water flow is great, and the water tastes great. I would recommend this product without reservation.

I am a satisfied customer.
Good Water Filter     On: 2010-03-07

I am happy with this purchase. At home I originally use the under sink Reverse Osmosis water filtration which is cost a lot more and we are very happy with the quality and the taste of the water. I bought this Watts Counter Top for my temporary apartment while my house is under renovation. It is not comparable to our Reverse Osmosis but for $50 it is the best filter for the price, we have tried PUR, Brita and few other brands, This one is the winner. Use water filter live healthy, save money and save planet at the same time.
Great filter, but good luck trying to open it to change the filter     On: 2010-03-02

Ive spent hours trying to open this thing to change the filter. Ive had it for about 5 months now, and it works great, but now that its time to change the filter, Im out of luck, Im pretty strong, and removing the top seems impossible. Not even good instructions were included. What the hell, water filter people? Really?
100% happy     On: 2010-02-24

Just moved into our new apartment and noticed the water running from the kitchen faucet was a little murky, perhaps even rusty. Maybe it had sat for too long without being run. Either way, it prompted me to look for a water filter. I spent just over an hour researching products and decided with 20-30 mins to go with a counter top option. After reading other reviews, went for the Watts and Im 100% happy about my decision. Was a little worried about fitting it because we had a unique faucet head, however, it was super easy to install with the extra parts supplied. Had also read reviews about it being ugly and this is possibly a fair call but I think it blends in quite well on my sink. Great tasting water. Have had it for a month now and no complaints at all.
Easy to install but useless after 6 months     On: 2010-01-31

I read all the wonderful reviews and for its price it was a terrific choice ...at first. Its very easy to install but after 6 months of use the water diverter valve no longer snaps back into place. But thats minor.

Now after 6 months is time for the replacement filter. The wrench thats needed to open the canister was not provided. Based on other recent reviews theres no way to get it from Watts either. We dont have a monkey wrench at home thats large enough to fit around the entire canister.

I gave it a one-star because a good water filter shouldnt be this difficult to replace a simple filter.

Either way Im very disappointed that I now have to replace the entire unit after just 6 months of use.

Sidenote: I looked on the Watts website in Nov. 2009 and they still offered support for this unit. I looked in Jan. 2010 they no longer list this unit on their website. I wonder why?
No Surprises     On: 2010-01-07

I picked this product because as a renter I wanted an easy to install filter that I can take with me when I move. This is much better than the type you attach to the faucet itself as it is larger and will filter more water before needing to change the filter inside. I like that ANY 10 inch replacement filter may be used when its time to change it.
Water taste good with the whole house filter it came with, but when the time comes Ill probably buy a better replacement filter that will remove more of the things you cant see or smell.
Good as the under the sink type filters, but installs in seconds. Definitely a step up from Pure!
Watts 500315     On: 2009-12-22

This filter is fast, and Im glad to have found a counter top filter system.

The down side? I struggled to open the system to install a filter. The design is very, very poor since there is very little to grasp onto without damaging the exterior of the filter.
Better than PUR     On: 2009-12-12

We purchased this filter after going through two PUR faucet-mount filters in less than a year. We had a Kenmore counter-top filter like this one before, but the tubing had broken off the housing. When we went to replace it, Sears was no longer carrying them.
I was excited to find this since we had liked the Kenmore. This is even better, because it has the nice feature of switching back to the faucet automatically after use. Also, many pieces on the Kenmore that were plastic are metal and more sturdy.
The only thing that I am worried about is that we couldnt get the housing off to look at the filter when the package arrived. We are hoping that after being filled and used for 6 months we will be able to get it off to change the filter.
best by far     On: 2009-12-10

So far I have tried a few filters and all were not up to expectations. I felt that it was impossible to have clean drinking water unless you set up an expensive under the counter filtration system until this one came along. The purina one was annoying as you had to stand by it filling it up with water as it slowly filtered it, plus taste wasnt that great. I seen the ones they have attaching to faucets at my friends house and didnt like it as the water didnt come out very well plus taste was same as with the one I had. Then after so may great reviews I went with the culligan faucet attachments which were the worst. Tried three different casings and five filters and they were all terrible, they have the worst water pressure ever. Even with water going at full blast the filter is barely dripping water.

This one on the other hand is very good, water flows well and the taste is decent. I found it easy to install and had no problems with it yet.

I do have some issues with it and it is why I cant give it 5 stars. First is that the casing is impossible to remove without a wrench and it wasnt included. They sell it for $3 on their web site, but for the price its pure laziness that its not already in the box. I called them and they also recommended a strap oil wrench in case I do not want to buy theirs.

The look of the filter makes it stand out heavily in my kitchen, and not in a good way.

This filtration system only works with cold water, not I dont know whether it is because of the filter that they have in there or because of the casing. I seen replacement filters that fit this type of casing that do well with hot water also but will have to call to find out what is the actual threshold temperature of this one.

After a few years of searching, so far this is the only filter I can recommend.
Better divider valve     On: 2009-11-16

It looks like this is identical to the Crystal Quest unit I bought almost a year ago, except this has a much better valve for re-routing the water to the filter. The Crystal Quest valve began leaking early on and gave out completely a few months ago. I bought this filter to replace the valve, because the old filter is still running cleanly. So now I have a back-up filter for when I need it later, and a good quality valve that works with both.
The good, the bad and the Ugly!!!     On: 2009-10-28

THE GOOD

Just moved to a new town. Anywhere else around the area, my Britta would clean up the taste of bad water, but not here. Here its SO chlorinated, I needed something better.

After a lot of reading and research I was down to the Filtrete Under-the-counter unit and this unit. The Filtrete pro sounded like it had a strong flow and filtered down to .5, but after looking at it closer, it would be just my luck to have a connector pop out and cause water damage without me around. So, I decided on this.

I had it connected in under 5 minutes. I just needed a pair of pliers to loosen the faucet part which needed to be removed. The unit came with a needed adapter which worked perfect. I turned it on and after letting it run for a few minutes, I tried the water. AWESOME!!! Clorine smell and taste was GONE!

This thing works, and works well and I dont have to worry about broken lines under the sink. The water flow remains good through the unit as well. I can also find many options in replacement filters because of its standard size. I love the quality and functionality of this unit.


THE BAD.

The problem was, upon closer inspection, there was a small bead of water coming from the units water output. At the bottom of the metal output piece (Which you can just pull out) there are 2 small, round O-rings, and one was pertruding. It was cracked, so only one O-ring was ok, and when I moved the water output, it beaded up.

I called the "Manufacturer", which sounds like it isnt REALLY the manufacture, but a distributor, and was told they dont have any parts, they get the unit assembled. The parts they DO carry they said, are all given to Amazon. SO.... they told me I should pack it back up, and send it back to Amazon.

What?!? I am suppose to ship the whole unit back, at MY expense, and have another unit sent, when a 5 cent part could be mailed out to me for the cost of a stamp. RIDICULOUS!!! Not too bright, or environmentally friendly. This is the problem with buying some things over the internet, from a place without a local retail outlet, but to save, we gamble...

Now I either ship it back, hunt online or drive to local hardware stores and look for something that COULD work as a replacement. Grrrrr.....

I finally went to Home Depot and found that they carried a package of #47 O-rings for a couple bucks that fit fine. All better now.


THE UGLY

This Item is Ugly as sin. It reminds me of my pool filter. I am going to make or find something to cover it.


OVERALL

For this price, its an AWESOME deal!!!
Still attempting to correct problem!!!     On: 2009-10-24

I received this item and connected to faucet....water is coming out all around connection...not where it is suppose to come out!!!!! I called the company to see what to do, the woman I spoke with was trying to help me but when she realized this was an item from Amazon.com she couldnt help me!! She transferred me to someone else, I just got a voicemail....I left a long detailed message but have yet to hear back from anyone, this was 5 days ago! I will try again next week to see if I can get this resolved before returning this item. Hopefully I will have better info next week and will write another review.
Works great, very convenient!     On: 2009-10-21

I purchased this product in April of 2009 and I can say that out of the numerous water filtration devices that I have purchased over the past 3 years, this one is the simplest and most convenient to use and provides great tasting water instantly without having to wait for the water to filter through a pitcher.

I live in an apartment complex and Ive had to move four times over the past two years due to different circumstances. Installing this countertop device has made it so much easier for me to disconnect/reconnect and move it with me with ease. I worked with my dad to install a 5 stage reverse osmosis system at his house underneath his sink and it was a very tedious process. Not only that but he has to get down there every six months to change several filters. I did not want to this given that I rent a place and move frequently and the complexity of the installation of an R.O. system. With this filter, it makes a simple connection directly to the faucet and I only need to pull a pin to transfer the water through the filter. My dads R.O. system also has a 3-5 gallon container to store the filtered water in but the water pressure coming out of the faucet is great at the beginning but near the end of a gallon, the water is trickling very slowly due to diminished water pressure. It will take him 4-5 minutes to fill a gallon jug of filtered water. This is not true with my countertop filter, If I turn up the water faucet pressure, the water comes out faster, and if I turn it down, it comes out slower. It doesnt take me more than 45 seconds to fill a gallon of filtered water into a pitcher, which I then store in the refrigerator or put directly into a glass with ice for instant cold drinking water.

I have one filter to change when I need to change it (and I still havent needed to change it yet). Unlike brita and pur pitcher filters, theres no waiting for the water to filter into a pitcher and hassle to get it under my faucet in my sink to refill daily. I have even tried the PUR faucet mount filter and the water quality is disgusting tasting. PURs water is so bad they have to sell flavor shots to mask the foul odor and taste of its filtered water. This is not the case with the Watts Countertop system. Only fast, clean water comes out from this filter.

I have one caveat with countertop filtration systems and that is the water hose that leads from the faucet to the filter. It gets in the way and moves unless it is tied down to the faucet. This is not a major issue because it can be zip-tied down to the sink faucet and routed behind the hot/cold handles over to the filter. The pros outweigh the cons so I can live with that. The other thing that I didnt like was that Watts did not include a tool to open the filter housing when I need to change the filter. I went to Lowes hardware and bought a tool to open it. Even Home Depot didnt carry this in stores (useless store!)

I really love this filter. Ive finally found a product that is versatile to meet my needs, simple and convenient, and provides great tasting clean water instantly! And the cost of changing filters every six months will only cost about $20-$30 anually! Get it!
easy to install     On: 2009-08-12

Our well has iron in it which isnt removed completely by our reverse osmosis system. Water has a funny taste so we were still buying water for coffee, etc. Well, not anymore! This unit does the trick...and so easy to install. In less than 90 seconds we had great tasting water at our fingertips. Worth every penny...........
No wrench included     On: 2009-07-31

Unit does not come with wrench to open unit in order to change filter. Package is generic brown box with 1 pg Watts Premier instruction sheet inside. The instructions indicated that a wrench may be required to open the housing (to change the filter). Believe me, a wrench will be needed. If unit performs as advertised, i wont need to worry about the wrench for 6-months, but Im still disappointed that a basic tool which i will need down the road was not included in this purchase.
Very satisfied     On: 2009-07-07

Installation is very straightforward and simple. Although I was left wondering with what to do with the "spare parts", those probably would be useful if my faucets mouth was of a different size.

Water tastes really good after passing through the filter, and it is very easy to switch between filtered and unfiltered water which I highly appreaciate.

A few suggestions: on your first use, let water run through the filter for a whole minute at least to clean it up. Also, if you are letting the filter stand idle for several hour, drain about one glass of water before getting some for drinking: because the water sitting in the filter for a few hour tastes like carbon. What I have done is that I bought a water dispenser separately, and fill that up with filtered water and thus reduce waste.
good, inexpensive filter     On: 2009-06-29

The water certainly tastes better than tap. Its no ten-stage filter, but Im not going to shell out the $130 for one of those. If I could, I probably would, but this one makes the water drinkable.
Also, the water diversion system is a little less than optimal, but it seems they all are.
Nice filter     On: 2009-06-08

I got this filter about 1 month ago. Construction: well made and finished. Diverting valve is made of metal, and pops itself back to off position when you turn off the water. This is a nice function, since you dont have to pop the valve back manually when you stop filtering. I had a previous counter top filter Kenmore with a plastic valve, which broke, making that filter useless. The watts valve is metal and I suspect should last much longer. The filter casing is a standard size, and can use any brand that fits in it. The base has a extra height that makes fitting bottles underneath the spigot better than other filters.
Watts water filter     On: 2009-04-30

Fast shipping, filter works very well,. The water now tastes like water.
Great product at a great price.
Great Product     On: 2009-04-18

Does what it is supposed to do. Easy to connect and supplies good, clean water in an Eco-friendly way. Would highly recommend to anyone! Excellent value!
Good quality at a good price     On: 2008-12-28

This unit is just what one would expect. Theres nothing fancy here, just a good solid unit. Installation was easy. The unit came with a couple adapters so that it should fit most faucets. No tools were required to hook it up. The diverter valve is a little nicer than Ive seen on some units.

The only downside is a trait which is shared with all counter-top filters and that is that it takes countertop space and can be knocked over if one is careless.

For the price and Amazon free shipping, Id be hard-presed to find a better unit.


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