REASONS TO BUY
Affordable reverse osmosis system
Good taste
REASONS TO AVOID
Wastes water
Longer installation time
APEC Essence ROES-50 Review
A more affordable reverse osmosis system that produces highly filtered and delicious water but wastes more water than others in the process
Credit: APEC
By Graham Faulknor ⋅ Senior Review Analyst ⋅ November 28, 2023
Contributions From: Isaac Laredo
RELATED: The Best Water Filters of 2025
Our Verdict
The APEC Essence ROES-50 excelled at removing contaminants, including chlorine, fluoride, sulfate, copper, iron, and lead. It stands out in taste testing for its delicious, neutral, and refreshing water. The installation of the ROES-50 is similar to that of other reverse osmosis but remains obtainable to a DIYer. The main drawback of this filter is its overall efficiency. It must process three gallons of wastewater to produce one gallon of fresh water. Despite its lower efficiency, this well-liked filter is a good choice for a basic reverse osmosis system.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The APEC ROES-50 is a no-frills, under-sink reverse osmosis system that delivers clean, safe drinking water at an affordable price. It's a popular choice for DIYers thanks to its straightforward installation and simple maintenance requirements.
The additional faucet has an updated and modern look.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Contaminant Removal
The APEC Essence ROES-50 performed exceptionally well in this metric, utilizing a five-stage filtration process. Unlike other filters, this model lacks a UV stage, but it still performs among the best reverse osmosis filters. The APEC eradicated 100% of chlorine (12mg/l out of 12mg/l), 94.70% fluoride (9.47mg/l out of 10mg/l), 100% sulfate (2300mg/l out of 2300 mg/l), 100% copper (52mg/l out of 52 mg/l), 100% iron (630 mg/l out of 630 mg/l), and 100% lead (.02 mg/l out of .02 mg/l). Each contaminant started substantially above the acceptable standards. This filter reduced each value to nearly zero, within the standard thresholds. The filter left the least amount of overall containment in the sample. The sample, which initially contained around 3000 mg/l, was reduced to a mere 0.53 mg/l. The excessive contaminants resemble those found in very poor water sources, and the APEC stood up to the test.
This filter earned top marks for its ability to remove contaminants.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Taste
The APEC Essence ROES-50 doesn't have a mineral infuser and appeals to those who like crisp, neutral water.
The APEC Essence ROES-50 scored above average in our taste tests. The final product pleased each of our testers, and some even rated it among the best. The Essence produces neutral, refreshing, and light water. This model can enhance the taste of your tap water by removing chlorine, metallic, and other undesirable flavors.
The product produces crisp, light, and neutral water. It doesn't have a remineralization filter, which appeals to those who like neutral water.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Setup and Use
The APEC Essence ROES-50 has a slightly easier installation, a somewhat involved maintenance process, and higher annual and wastewater production costs than other reverse osmosis systems.
The installation and setup of the APEC Essence ROES-50 are comparable to those of other under-the-sink models. Someone with a basic DIY skill set should be able to install the filter in under half a day. After installation, the tank must be filled and purged until no sediment is released. The main difference in daily use is the amount of wastewater produced. The APEC produces approximately one gallon of fresh water for every three gallons of wastewater. The average reverse osmosis filter produces around two to three gallons of wastewater.
The Essence takes slightly longer to change the filter than other under-sink models because it features a filter housed within a case. To replace the filter inside, you must first remove the housing and then reattach it. Stage one, two, and three filters need to be replaced after approximately six months of use. They can be loosened with a supplied “C” spanner wrench and then unscrewed by hand. Changing these filters every six months increases the annual cost to $108.50, making this filter more expensive than some under-the-sink models. Fortunately, its overall lower filter count of three keeps it more affordable than others in the review.
The Essence is one of the least efficient systems, producing up to 5 gallons of waste per one gallon of clean water.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Should You Buy the APEC Essence ROES-50?
This popular filter is a solid option for a simple reverse osmosis system. The main caveat is its overall efficiency as it relates to wastewater. For a similar price, there are better options in our water filter review.
What Other Water Filter Should You Consider?
If you are looking for a more efficient filter that produces less wastewater, consider the iSpring RCC7, which operates at a 2:1 ratio. There is also the Bluevua RO100ROPOT, a countertop reverse osmosis system that removes nearly 100% of particulates.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare APEC Essence ROES-50 versus top competing products:
—Graham Faulknor and Isaac Laredo
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