DavecUK think it was mainly the signatures of people like yourself saying you no longer used the forums that made me look elsewhere haha
landed here with incredible timing for a deal on a new machine too so it’s already working out for the best!
I previously had an under sink 6 stage RO system but don’t have the space for it here so looking for an alternate solution that requires no plumbing in / drilling through worktops without spending too much
good to know, cheers
Mik3 without spending too much
This is very relative. What’s your budget please ? Apart from ZeroWater , the other counter top ROs would also work well - Osmio Zero, Skuma water to name a few. The latter isn’t released yet I think, while the former will set you back by £450-£500 inc accessories.
As Dave said, people are happy with ZeroWater. I won’t know what the frequency of filter change would be. We have some ZW users, who will be able to advise you.
LMSC yeah I have seen the osmio zero but was a touch on the pricey side at the moment as I also need a new grinder 😂 so far as budget it’s really as cheap as I can get but that will ensure the new coffee machine is cared for from day one.
Was thinking the zerowater would be a good option as I can get a 2.8l jug (big enough to fill the water tank in the machine) and 4 spare cartridges for ~£80 currently, just conscious that a £40 jug might not be as good as it claimed?
My old under counter fixed unit was less than £300 but I left it in my last house, the glass kettle I had for 5 years still had a mirror finish on the element so really looking for the best I can get without breaking the bank to keep my machine as clean as I can
Mik3 Neither I know what your machine is nor the ZW. Of course, we understand the budget constraint. So, spend wisely.
If we are spending Ks on a machine, it remains good for a long time assuming she gets good water and TLC.
We also have to be aware of the frequency of filter change, the cost of filters and a temporary or a permanent nature of the water solution. The longer the duration, the higher the cost and more so, if l hard water.
The ROs may also require frequent filter change if you live in a hard water area. Some of us have Osmio Zero; she gets softened water. The filter therefore lasts 1 year at least. We view the one-time outlay as worth every penny. We drink, cook and feeds the coffee machine.
Edit : I think @dutchy101 uses the Zero Jug.
I’m not sure you’ll get 2.8l of purified water in that jug from a single fill. The filtration media has quite a lot of resistance, I found that if the bottom got too full, flow would stop. It was good for about a litre a time from the 2.3L version.
If I bought a Zerowater again, I’d go for a larger reservoir.
LMSC yeah unfortunately the water here is classified as hard, it’s another reason I want to ensure there is a good level of filtering prior to any of it going anywhere, conscious £60 every 4-6 months would be adding up quickly on top of the £450
“If you have a hardness level over 250 Calcium Carbonate then you may need to change the carbon block and membrane more frequently than every 6 months.” the water company tells me it’s 281 mg/l of calcium carbonate
I’ve been using the 2.8l zero jug for about 4 months & remineralising for coffee. I reckon the usable capacity is around 2.6-2.7l from filling my 5l water bottle.
Luckily I live in a soft water area < 50mg hardness & the original filter is still going strong running about 10 litres a week through it.
The only minor niggle is the cover over the spout. It doesn’t open enough on its own when pouring so the water stream can be broad & if you manually open it won’t lock into place fully & flips down when pouring. So I end up having to hold the dam thing open. I suppose I could remove it but I do like that it prevents anything dropping in the jug.
I’m not sure of you water usage and what you intend to use it for. According to their website, the lifespan of the filter is for approx. 50L of water for hard water with TDS up to 300ppm.
If you plan to use for your coffee machine exclusively, also bear in mind on the frequency of the filter change. For Brita Jugs, they advise changing the filter every month at least due to bacterial build up. I tried to look up what the frequency should be for the ZeroWater but they don’t say.
I use distilled water. For my usage for the coffee machine, approx. 1.5L per week, the cost of running the unit is approx. £20 per year. This is already factoring in the trend of ever increasing energy prices.
If I had to buy a ZeroWater, the cost of the filters alone would exceed the cost of running the distiller (£40 x £20 respective). If I had to change those filters every month, I’d spend £240 per annum.
PartySausage that’s good to know thanks, 2.7l is the capacity of the tank on the coffee machine so would be exactly what I wanted
I went to Osmio and asked for any graded prices - I got an A grade for £100 less than a new one and it was in perfect condition I’m guessing unused return with new filters.
They also sold B and C grade products for £250 and £150 respectively
We love ours and use it for everything and we’ve got rid of our kettle
MediumRoastSteam that’s very interesting, I hadn’t even considered water distillation, guessing you need to remineralise the water as you would with RO water before consuming? Will have a look into this thank you!
MediumRoastSteam Any advice on which water distiller to go for? Is the initial cost high?
MediumRoastSteam If you plan to use for your coffee machine exclusively, also bear in mind on the frequency of the filter change. For Brita Jugs, they advise changing the filter every month at least due to bacterial build up. I tried to look up what the frequency should be for the ZeroWater but they don’t say.
I use a brita filter (waiting to find an RO) and i change it every 3 weeks. They (the brita produttor) suggest a month but for safety I reduce the time.
Mik3 I also chose to contact Osmio and they sold me a grade B which has 1 or 2 small marks I don’t even notice and cost £250 with new hard water filters that I specified. I previously had a Brita for my old machine but felt I needed to do better for the Minima. My water hardness is similar to yours and if I get 6 months or more from the filters it’ll be great but won’t change until I get the alert.
I know £60 a filter change is on the high side but similar to the jugs over 6 months, or less for anything over 6 (I know Dave and another got 12 months with softer water). The big plus for me was being without all the fuss as I don’t add anything additional and happy with it.
Alexvs that’s a very valid point, did you just email osmio customer service about the graded machines or are they advertised?
you mean you don’t remineralise the water? Isn’t that not recommended because it’s “hungry water” results in the water absorbing vitamins from you? Or does the osmio have a remineralisation filter?
