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Peru, Lima
1 Level
454 Review
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Review on πŸ”’ Watts Premier Lead, Cyst, VOC Carbon Block Two Stage Replacement Filter Pack - 1 Count (Pack of 1) by Cheryl Wilson

Revainrating 3 out of 5

Not WATTS, are they good?

Seller's description implies these are OEM Watt replacement filters. As you can see in the photo below, the pre-filter is made by Flow-Pro, not Watts, and is 5 micron (same as OEM). The activated carbon filter is from MAX (MAXVOC-975), not from Watts. The labels state that the 'materials' have been tested and certified by NSF, but have NOT been tested for effectiveness. The OEM carbon filter was 1 micron and this one was 0.5 micron, which concerned me that the flow rate might be lower with a finer filter. However, the flow rate for the new filter was much higher than the original filter I replaced. I removed the filter to make sure it was sealing properly and no water was getting through the filter. I liked the gasket, but the replacement carbon filter (blue in the picture) had a >1/4" hole in the center compared to <1/8" in the original OEM filter I replaced. Not sure if that's good or bad. I like the higher flow and the thinner 0.5 micron filter but I don't know if that flow affects the water quality. My questions are: How do I know if they are as good as original Watts filters? Are these OEM parts made to OEM specs (the flow hole size is clearly different)? UPDATE September 2018: The water tasted good and I liked the increase in flow rate; although I wonder if the system filters as well as it does at low speed. I ordered another set of filters. When they arrived they were wrapped in clear plastic with no labeling that the previous set had (see photo). The activated charcoal filter did not have the 1/4" opening this time like the predecessor, but a full passage (see photo). I think it's from a different source right?

Pros
  • Cool
Cons
  • Weight