I have bought several filters in the past and your mileage depends on taste and PH. I did a full cleaning before installing this filter. Then I let it run for about 5 minutes without turning on the power to rinse well. The water tastes good (similar to store bought water 9.5) and when I tested the PH levels at various settings it was the best I've had with any filter I've bought. Will definitely buy again and will probably buy a backup now. I just wish they weren't so expensive but the cheaper ones I bought didn't taste very good.