APEC WFS-1000 Review

The APEC WFS-1000 offers great value to consumers looking for an under-sink filtration system. Our testing team gave it an overall thumbs-up for taste and appreciated the simplified setup. This simple yet effective filter is a reliable performer.

Performance Comparison

Contaminant Removal

Each sample was analyzed by a third-party facility, Western Environmental Testing Laboratories. The APEC WFS-1000 provided effective filtration, removing most contaminants, but struggled to compete with the best in the review.

The APEC WFS-1000 water filter exhibits mixed performance in terms of contaminant removal. It is highly effective in some areas but lacks effectiveness in others. While it may not be the best choice for filtering water with high levels of sulfates and iron, it demonstrates impressive effectiveness in eliminating certain other contaminants, such as chlorine, fluoride, copper, and lead.

The APEC successfully removed 100% of chlorine (12mg/l out of 12mg/l). Chlorine is often added to water supplies as a disinfectant, but it can affect the taste and smell of tap water. The filter also eliminated 100% of fluoride (10mg/l out of 10mg/l). While fluoride is beneficial for dental health, excessive amounts can lead to health issues, making its removal important for many households who wind up drinking this element in large quantities.

The APEC erased 100% of copper materials (52 mg/l out of 52 mg/l). High levels of copper in water can cause gastrointestinal distress, and prolonged exposure can lead to liver or kidney damage. The filter successfully eliminated 100% of lead (.02 mg/l out of .02 mg/l). Lead is a toxic metal that can be harmful to human health, even at low exposure levels.

The APEC falls short when dealing with sulfates and iron. It only manages to remove 39.13% of sulfate (900 mg/l out of 2300 mg/l). High sulfate levels in water can lead to diarrhea and dehydration, especially in infants. The filter only removes 46.03% of iron (290 mg/l out of 630 mg/l). While iron is an essential nutrient, excessive iron in water can cause a metallic taste and stain fixtures and laundry. These values remained above the standards set by the EPA for acceptable water quality. It also does not claim the ability to remove Polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFOA/PFOS).

Therefore, while it proves generally effective for certain contaminants, it would be best suited for water sources that are not excessively high in iron or sulfates.

Taste

The APEC WFS-1000 was a favorite among the test team.

The APEC WFS-1000 provides a neutral and crisp flavor similar to bottled water, which makes drinking water from home a more pleasurable experience. This can be particularly important for households with children, where taste can often be a deciding factor in their willingness to drink water regularly.

Moreover, our panel of testers found the taste of the filtered water enjoyable enough to make it a worthy substitute for bottled water. This not only offers the convenience of having great-tasting water readily available at home, but it also contributes to reducing plastic waste, thus making a positive impact on the environment.

However, the APEC WFS-1000 may not be as effective when dealing with water sources that have high sulfur content or metallic flavors. These elements can leave a distinct taste in the water, which this model might struggle to completely remove. While it does an excellent job of filtering out common impurities and enhancing the overall taste of tap water, its performance may be less satisfactory when faced with these specific contaminants. Therefore, for those living in areas where the water supply has excess sulfur or metallic flavors, a more versatile filtration system may be required.

Setup and Use

The APEC WFS 1000 is simpler to install, more affordable, and doesn't produce wastewater compared to a reverse osmosis system.

If you're looking for a water filter that's easy to install and maintain, the APEC WFS-1000 is a great choice. The clear instructions make it simple to set up, and you don't have to worry about installing a tank. Installing the separate faucet is the most intimidating part of the process. The separate faucet has one of the best flow rates within the review.

You'll only need to change the three filters once a year, which are affordably priced. APEC offers additional filters with enhanced performance, filtering lead, bacteria, chloramine, and fluoride. The customizable filter set allows you to cater to the composition of the water source.

Operating Costs

When using the standard filter set, this model offers one of the lowest annual costs in our review at $40. Unlike reverse osmosis systems, there's no wastewater to worry about, so you can enjoy clean, great-tasting water without any excess waste or hassle.

Should You Buy the APEC WFS-1000?

If you're in the market for an affordable under-the-sink water filter that doesn't involve the added hassle or wastewater of reverse osmosis systems, then this model is a great choice. The product proved its value throughout our rigorous testing process.

What Other Water Filter Should You Consider?