I've gotta say, the topic of water purification is a real pressing issue these days, and there are tons of solutions out there. When I was choosing a filter for my apartment, I spent hours reading forums and weighing in on different opinions. 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 do want to note 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 the filter is great! It's super clean, fresh, and cold. Especially if you don't let it sit in the tank for too long. The mineralizer adds a bit of flavor, so it doesn't taste like straight-up distilled water.

I've seen some mixed opinions on whether you need a mineralizer after reverse osmosis - some people swear by it, while others think it's a total waste of money. For me, I've decided that you can definitely get by without it, but it's not like it's hurting anything either. Even if it's just psychological, it's nice to drink water that's got a bit of life to it.

By the way, I've got a TDS meter from Xiaomi that I've been using to test the water. It's not like it's a foolproof way to measure water quality, 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 the filter 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 gross to see how much gunk accumulates in those used cartridges. Every time I see the results of the filter's work, it's a bit of a shock. But, to be fair, it could be a lot worse if it weren't for the main filter, the Geyser 1P 1/2, which takes on the bulk of the contaminants.

Replacing the cartridges is a 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 easy to remove the housing.

By the way, I ordered the full set of cartridges from Ozon, and it ended up being a bit 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, 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 happy 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 recently upgraded my water filtration system with the Geizer Prestige M, and I gotta say, it's been a total game changer. The mineralizer is a total lifesaver, and the 99.9% water purification rate is insane. But, let's get real, the replacement filters can be a bit pricey. Here's my honest review of this popular filter.

Featured FAQ

Is the Geizer Prestige M filter worth the investment?Absolutely - the mineralizer and high water purification rate make it a total game changer.

How often do I need to replace the filters?According to the manufacturer, you should replace the filters every 6-12 months, depending on usage.

Can I use the Geizer Prestige M filter with low water pressure?Technically, yes - but you'll need to consider getting a filter with a built-in pump, like the Geizer PM model.

Is the Geizer Prestige M filter easy to install?Yeah, it's a total breeze - even I could do it!

Does the Geizer Prestige M filter come with a warranty?Yes, it comes with a 1-year warranty - that's peace of mind right there.

Can I use the Geizer Prestige M filter with well water?It's not recommended - the filter is designed for municipal water, and well water can be a bit too harsh for it.