APEC Essence ROES-50 Review

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.

Performance Comparison

Contaminant Removal

Water filters have become increasingly important due to the growing awareness among consumers about the potential contaminants in their tap water and the impact that water quality has on their health. While many people are unaware of the invisible pollutants that may be present in their water, water filters can provide peace of mind by ensuring that their drinking water is clean and safe. In order to pinpoint which filter could remove the most contaminants, we created a cocktail of sulfate, iron, chlorine, lead, copper, and fluoride and ran the sample through each filter. We then sent this sample to Western Environmental Testing Laboratories to test the quality of the filtered water.

The APEC Essence ROES-50 performed very well in this metric using a five-stage filtration process. Unlike other filters, this model lacks a UV stage but still performs amongst 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 brought each value to nearly zero and within the standard thresholds. The filter left the least amount of overall containment in the sample. The sample that started around 3000 mg/l was reduced to a mere .53 mg/l. The excessive contaminants resemble very poor water sources, and the APEC stood up to the test.

Taste

Drinking water can be a mundane task or a delightful experience, depending on the quality of the water. A delicious glass of clean water is a rare and precious commodity. With the right water filter, you can enjoy this pleasure directly from your tap. While taste is a subjective metric, we describe and rank the taste of each glass of water. Our testers conduct a blind taste test where each filter processes water from a garden hose. Each tester then rates and describes the water's 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 improve the experience of your tap water by eliminating chlorine, metallic, and other undesirable flavors.

Setup and Use

Installing under-the-sink filters can vary depending on the specific model. While individuals with basic DIY skills may easily install some, others may require the expertise of a professional. Once the filter is installed, regular maintenance is necessary and there will be an annual cost involved. Reverse Osmosis systems produce some wastewater to create enough pressure to push the clean water through the filter sets. The ratio of waste to clean water varies from filter to filter. To assist you in finding a suitable long-term option for your budget and space, we evaluate the setup process, maintenance requirements, detailed wastewater ratios, and annual expenses of different models. The APEC Essence ROES-50 has a slightly easier installation, a somewhat involved maintenance process, and higher annual and more wastewater production than other reverse osmosis systems.

Installation and setup of the APEC Essence ROES-50 is comparable to other under-the-sink models. Someone with a basic DIY skillset should be able to install the filter in less than a half day. After the installation, the tank must be filled and purged until no sediment comes out. The main difference in daily use is the amount of wastewater produced. The APEC produces approximately one gallon of fresh water to three gallons of wastewater. The average reverse osmosis filter produces around two to three gallons of wastewater.

The Essence takes slightly more time to change the filter than other under-the-sink models because it uses a filter inside of a housing case. You have to remove the housing to replace the filter inside, and then reattach the housing. Stage one, two, and three filters need to be replaced after around six months of use, loosened with a supplied "C" spanner wrench, and then unscrewed by hand. Changing these filters every six months inflates the annual cost to $108.50, making this filter higher than some under-the-sink models. Fortunately, its overall lower filter count of three keeps it more affordable than others in the review.

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 review of the best water filters.

What Other Water Filter Should You Consider?