I've gotta say, the topic of water purification is a real pressing issue these days, and there are tons of solutions out there. I spent hours researching and weighing in on different opinions when I was choosing a filter for my apartment. I ended up going with a setup that I thought would work best for me: a standard municipal filter on the water line, and a reverse osmosis filter under the kitchen sink. It's pretty much the most common setup for apartments, if you ask me.

I learned the hard way that when choosing and installing a membrane filter, you've got to consider the water pressure. I've got a pressure reducer on my main line, and when I was doing some renovations, I had the plumber install a pressure gauge. I set the pressure to 4 bars, so I'd have a decent flow rate without putting too much stress on the connections. The recommended water pressure for the filter's inlet is between 2.5 and 6 atm. If your pressure is lower than that, you'll want to look for a filter with a pump - in the 'Geizer' lineup, those are the models with 'PM' in the name, where 'P' stands for pump and 'M' stands for mineralizer.

I didn't hesitate for a second when I chose a specific model. I've been familiar with the 'Geizer' brand for a while now, and they've got a huge selection of filters, so I just checked their website and went with the one that fit my budget and specs. Plus, with the 12-liter tank, I don't have to worry about the filter's flow rate.

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS

The 'Geizer Prestige-M' filter (model 20007) is a six-stage beast - I mean, it's got everything you need. In addition to the actual filter cartridges, it's also got a mineralizer. Here's the full list of stages:

Pre-filter cartridgeActivated carbon cartridgeActivated carbon cartridgeReverse osmosis membranePost-filter cartridgeMineralizerIt comes with a 12-liter metal tank, and the standard faucet is included, but I ended up not needing it since I connected the filtered water directly to my Polygran Duo faucet. I'm actually thinking of adding a separate outlet for non-mineralized water, though - that way I can use it for things like my humidifier and iron.

The package includes all the necessary parts for installation, including tubing, valves, and clamps. And, of course, there's the user manual.

WATER QUALITY AND MINERALIZATION

I've gotta say, the water from this thing is seriously refreshing! It's super clean, fresh, and cold - just what I need after a long day. And the best part? It doesn't taste like straight-up distilled water, thanks to the mineralizer. I mean, it's not like it's a game-changer or anything, but it's nice to have a bit of flavor in my water.

I've seen some people go back and forth on whether you really need a mineralizer after reverse osmosis - some swear by it, while others think it's a total waste of cash. For me, I've decided that you can definitely get by without it, but it's not like it's hurting anything either. It's all about personal preference, right? Even if it's just psychological, it's cool to drink water that's got a bit of life to it.

By the way, I've been using a TDS meter from Xiaomi to test the water. It's not the most accurate thing in the world, but it's interesting to see the levels of dissolved solids in the water. I've been comparing the readings from tap water (~220 ppm) and the filtered water (~20-30 ppm). The mineralization is basically just symbolic, but it does add some salts to the water.

As for the filter's flow rate and tank capacity, we're more than happy with both. I haven't measured our daily water consumption, but it's plenty for our family of four with some extra to spare. The tank may only hold 70% of its stated 12-liter capacity, but that's still a lot of water.

MAINTENANCE AND REPLACING FILTERS

Of course, you're gonna need to replace the filters regularly if you want this thing to keep working properly. If you don't, you might start to notice problems with the flow rate and water quality. The frequency of replacement depends on the quality of the incoming water, but the manual has some recommended timeframes. It's also worth noting that the membrane is the most expensive part of the filter, so it's a good idea to replace the pre-filter cartridges on schedule to get the most life out of it.

We've had our Престиж-М filter for about a year and a half now, and I've only replaced the pre-filter cartridges so far. To be honest, the membrane could probably have gone a bit longer, since the water quality is still top-notch. But I figured it was a good opportunity to replace all the cartridges at once in December. For one thing, it'll be easier to keep track of when the next replacement is due. And for another, it's just nice to start the new year with a clean slate - literally!

I've gotta say, it's pretty wild to see how much gunk builds up in those used cartridges. Every time I see the results of the filter's work, it's a bit of a wake-up call. But, to be fair, it could be a whole lot worse if it weren't for the main filter, the Geyser 1P 1/2, which takes on the bulk of the contaminants.

Swapping out the cartridges is a total breeze, but you do need to follow the instructions to the letter. You've got to disconnect the tubes in the right order, drain the water, and so on. The special key that comes with the pre-filter cartridges makes it a cinch to remove the housing.

By the way, I ordered the full set of cartridges from Ozon, and it ended up being a few bucks cheaper. But you can buy them individually if you prefer. Plus, the standard size means you can swap in different cartridges if you want to. I haven't experimented with that yet, though - everything's working just fine for me.

You might also need to descale and sanitize the reverse osmosis tank at some point. I haven't had to do that yet, since there's no sign of water stagnation. But it's something to keep in mind for when I replace the cartridges or after a long period of inactivity.

I'm really stoked with the Geyser Prestige M filter with reverse osmosis and mineralization. After a year and a half of use, it's still pumping out clean, great-tasting water. Like any appliance, it does require some maintenance and replacement parts. All in all, I'd definitely recommend this model. But when it comes to drinking water, I think it's worth taking the time to choose a filter that fits your water supply and needs.

Editor's Summary

I've gotta say, the Geizer Prestige M Filter is a total game changer when it comes to water purification. I was a bit skeptical at first, but after installing it, I can honestly say it's worth every penny. The mineralizer is a total lifesaver - my water tastes so much better now! But, like any filter, it's not perfect. Here's the deal, if you've got low water pressure, you'll need to consider a filter with a pump. And, let's be real, the replacement filters can be a bit pricey.

Featured FAQ

What's the recommended water pressure for the filter's inlet?The recommended water pressure for the filter's inlet is between 2.5 and 6 atm.

Do I need a filter with a pump if I've got low water pressure?Yes, if your pressure is lower than 2.5 atm, you'll want to look for a filter with a pump - in the 'Geizer' lineup, those are the models with 'PM' in the name.

How do I install and maintain the filter?The filter is super easy to install and maintain - even I could do it! Just make sure to follow the instructions and keep an eye on the filter's performance.

What's the deal with the replacement filters?The replacement filters can be a bit pricey - I'm talking upwards of $50 each. But, like any filter, they're a necessary evil.

Can I use the filter with a standard municipal filter?Yes, I've got a standard municipal filter on the water line, and the Geizer Prestige M works perfectly with it.