APEC Essence ROES-50
Score: 78/100
Express Water Alkaline RO
Score: 78/100Rankings
The APEC ROES-50 Essence is a budget-friendly 5-stage under-sink reverse osmosis system designed for DIY installation, producing 50 gallons of purified water daily. It features a 4-gallon storage tank and utilizes a FILMTEC membrane to remove up to 99% of contaminants, including lead, arsenic, and PFAS. However, experts note its high wastewater ratio and lack of full NSF/ANSI 58 certification compared to newer, more efficient models.
The Express Water 10-Stage RO System is a comprehensive under-sink filtration solution with alkaline remineralization and NSF 58 certification. It includes a 4-gallon tank to compensate for its slow flow rate, making it suitable for families. However, it requires adequate cabinet space and sufficient water pressure to operate effectively.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
5 stages | 10 stagesbest | |
50 gallons per day | 100 gallons per daybest | |
99.99 percentbest | — | |
4 gallonsbest | 4 gallonsbest | |
1,000 countbest | 7 count | |
12 monthsbest | 6 months | |
| ↓ lower better | 5.25 inches | 5 inchesbest |
| ↓ lower better | 17.5 inches | 17 inchesbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Compliance & Safety(1) | ||
Certifications | WQA Gold Seal | NSF 58 |
Maintenance(1) | ||
Filter Lifespan (months) | 12 months | 6 months |
Design(2) | ||
System Width (inches) | 5.25 inches | 5 inches |
System Height (inches) | 17.5 inches | 17 inches |
Performance(5) | ||
Filtration Stages (stages) | 5 stages | 10 stages |
Daily Production Rate (gallons per day) | 50 gallons per day | 100 gallons per day |
Wastewater Ratio | 3:1 | |
Contaminants Removed (count) | 1000 count | 7 count |
Feed Water Pressure (PSI) | 40 PSI | 40-80 PSI |
Features(2) | ||
Remineralization | false | true |
Faucet Type | Brushed Nickel | Chrome |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the APEC ROES-50 as a top pick for filtration performance relative to its price, describing it as a proven workhorse that punches above its weight class in removing critical contaminants.
Everyday consumers generally express high satisfaction with the water quality, noting it tastes better than bottled water and effectively removes city water odors. Recurring complaints focus on the messiness of changing filters, slow flow rates in low-pressure homes, and the high volume of wastewater produced.
“Great-tasting water, easy install, reliable for years.”
“Removes bad taste/odor from city water; better than bottled.”
“Filter changes messy; water everywhere.”
Professional assessment highlights the Express Water system as a certified, comprehensive solution for residential drinking water, emphasizing the NSF 58 certification.
The product is marketed as a practical solution for families and well water users, with the 4-gallon tank specifically noted as addressing the slow flow rate.
