AquaTru Classic
Score: 85/100
Waken Electric Countertop RO
Score: 80/100Rankings
The AquaTru Classic Countertop Water Purifier is a plug-and-play, NSF-certified 4-stage reverse osmosis system designed for countertop use without requiring plumbing. It removes over 84 contaminants, including lead and PFAS, offering high-quality filtration in a portable, renter-friendly package with a 3:1 pure-to-waste ratio. It is best suited for renters and households with questionable tap water who need safe, high-quality drinking water without permanent installation.
The Waken Electric C11 is a countertop reverse osmosis water filtration system featuring an 8-stage filtration process with integrated UV sterilization technology. It operates as a plug-and-play unit requiring no plumbing installation, making it suitable for residential use in homes, apartments, and RVs. The system includes a 200 oz water tank and a digital display for monitoring water quality metrics. While it offers advanced purification and convenience, the need for electricity and wastewater production are notable trade-offs.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
12 monthsbest | 6 months | |
0.04 gallons per hour | 418 gallons per hourbest | |
91.05 % | 96 %best | |
0.75 gallons | 1.56 gallonsbest | |
4 stages | 8 stagesbest | |
14 inches | 15.04 inchesbest | |
12 inches | 18.3 inchesbest | |
14 inchesbest | 7.28 inches |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance & Filtration(7) | ||
Certifications | NSF/ANSI, IAPMO | NSF 58, 372, EPA 200, FCC |
Contaminants Reduced | 84+ Contaminants including Lead, PFAS, Fluoride | PFAS, Lead, TDS |
Filtration Technology | Reverse Osmosis | RO + UV |
Filter Lifespan (months) | 12 months | 6 months |
Flow Rate (gallons per hour) | 0.04 gallons per hour | 418 gallons per hour |
TDS Reduction (%) | 91.05 % | 96 % |
Filtration Stages (stages) | 4 stages | 8 stages |
Capacity & Dimensions(5) | ||
Water Capacity (gallons) | 0.75 gallons | 1.56 gallons |
Height (inches) | 14.0 inches | 15.04 inches |
Width (inches) | 12.0 inches | 18.3 inches |
Depth (inches) | 14.0 inches | 7.28 inches |
Product Weight (pounds) | 17.0 pounds | pounds |
Design & Installation(4) | ||
Installation Type | Countertop | Countertop / Plug-in |
Housing Material | BPA-Free Plastic | Plastic (BPA Free) |
Filter Type | RO Membrane | RO Membrane + Carbon |
Power Requirement | 120 V AC | Electric |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers rate the AquaTru Classic as a strong, portable alternative to under-sink RO systems, praising its NSF-certified contaminant removal and ease of installation. However, critics note the slow dispensing speed and the limitation that remineralization is only available on higher-end models, concluding it is ideal for medium-volume households but not for those needing instant, high-flow water.
Everyday users report overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding water taste and convenience, frequently describing the water as crisp and clean. Common praise highlights the ease of use and the benefit of chilled water from the removable tank. Recurring complaints focus on the audible pump noise, the slow batch-filling process, and the frequency of refilling the tap tank.
“The water tastes crisp, clean, and like bottled water.”
“Ice made from AquaTru water is clearer and less odorous.”
“The pump is audible and can be annoying in small, quiet spaces.”
Users appreciate the straightforward operation, describing the system as producing fresh water ready to go with minimal effort. The digital display providing transparency about water quality metrics is valued by users monitoring their filtration system's performance.
