I Tested an RKIN U1Countertop Reverse Osmosis System...Does it Really Work?
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- Опубліковано 31 тра 2024
- We performance tested an RKIN U1 countertop reverse osmosis system using a certified third party lab. See how it dealt with nasty contaminants!
This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
📒 Show Notes 📒
1️⃣ Get Your water tested with Tap Score: geni.us/LaQB
$10 off discount code here: motivated-painter-4204.ck.pag...
2️⃣ Get the RKIN U1 here: geni.us/nW3kFB6
⏰ Chapters ⏰
0:00 RKIN U1 Countertop RO System: Our 3rd Party Lab Test Results REVEALED!
0:49 Our Testing Process
1:13 Test Results
2:24 Conclusion
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🙋♂️ QUESTION - Have a question about Water Quality, Contaminants, Treatment, or Anything Else? Post in the comments section of this video!
About:
In this video, Brian presents the test results of the RKIN U1 countertop RO unit, which underwent thorough evaluation by a certified third-party lab. We aimed to assess the system's ability to remove contaminants from water, and the results were impressive. Join us as we delve into the test process, discussing the methodology and the water sample used. Discover how the RKIN U1 performed in reducing various contaminants, including uranium, fluoride, and lead. We also address the unique remineralization feature and its impact on the water's pH, as well as an intriguing finding about strontium levels.
Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Start your free trial here ➡️ share.epidemicsound.com/1fozb9
DISCLAIMER: The information in this video is provided solely for informational purposes as a public service to our users and the greater good. THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS VIDEO DOES NOT CONSTITUTE MEDICAL ADVICE and is not intended to be a substitute for proper medical care provided by a qualified health care professional. We assume no responsibility for any circumstances arising out of the use, misuse, interpretation or application of any information supplied in this Video. Do not rely on information in this Video as a tool for self-diagnosis or other health-related issues. If you have a specific medical condition, please contact your health care provider. THE USE OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE VIDEO IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Testing Disclaimer
The system in this video was objectively tested under real-life conditions. The water samples were taken from one single location, had a limited range of contaminants, and may not represent the system's performance in other areas or under different conditions. Contaminants were not intentionally added for testing purposes. This is a single test and does not accurately reflect the system's performance under different conditions, with different contaminants, or its performance over a longer period of time. The results are not comprehensive or conclusive.
Laboratory Quality Assurance Disclaimer
Like all water test results (indeed, all lab testing), results are subject to variabilities and inaccuracies that Tap Score works to understand, limit, and explain. More information about the most common sources of variability that Tap Score are aware of can be found here: mytapscore.com/blogs/tips-for...
100% Contaminant Removal Rates Disclaimer
A 100% removal rate means there are no contaminant detections above the MDL (Method Detection Limit). The MDL is the lowest concentration of a given analyte for which the laboratory is confident in claiming per each contaminants detection (ie. how low the instruments can measure down to with confidence).
Image(s) and/or Footage used under license from Canva.com. www.canva.com/
#waterfilterguru #cleanwater #drinkingwater #rkin #reverseosmosis - Наука та технологія
🔥 Check out the RKIN U1 here ➡ geni.us/nW3kFB6
Can you please explain on a video how the 'remineralization' filters work on this model and other RO models. Filters that 'add back' has me a little concerned as to the natural consequence of the original mineral content. What is your experience regards adding mineral drops to water that has been through RO? All and any factual info appreciated!
@@gentlyfierce1960 Great idea and thanks for the video request! A simple explanation is that when water is demineralized, in this case by RO, the water is then 'hungry' and looking to dissolve substances. The RO water is run through a remineralization filter media, typically containing calcite. The 'hungry' demineralized water then dissolves some of the calcite media, which adds traces of calcium back into the filtered water.
@@waterfilterguru Cheers! So if it's only adding calcium back seems a waste of money, and perhaps being sure to have a lot of mineral salt each day such as Celtic salt would do the trick. Any ideas on that one - it may help people 'keep it simple' in more ways than one! Again , very appreciate all you do !
@@gentlyfierce1960 A simple way to remineralize RO water manually is by creating something called sole water and adding a few drops to the purified water. I don't have a video on it (yet) but you can read about it here waterfilterguru.com/how-to-remineralize-reverse-osmosis-water/
@@waterfilterguru Cheers! I do not know your name, but you are indeed the Guru ! Water is where it's at, and we are primarily that - so source is everything. So appreciate all you are doing in keepin' in real ! Thank you kindly on behalf of us all 😇
I really appreciate the work you do. I’m trying to make sure my family has clean water and you are the quintessential source for water filters!
Can you lab test the clearly filtered water pitcher filter next please
Thank you! I'm glad you've found our content so helpful
The Clearly Filtered pitcher is scheduled for a project this summer!
Clearly Filtered pitcher test video is up! ua-cam.com/video/Ki33mbA2jPM/v-deo.html
Thank you for all the Testing you’re doing! It’s very helpful! Can you please test the counter to RO filter from waterdrop N1? That would be amazing
We've already tested the Waterdrop N1, and just need to finish putting the video together! Stay tuned for when we upload it
Thank you for performing these tests! Please test the Crystal Quest water pitcher. They claim a 4 stage filter that can remove up to 99% of a long list for 2,000 gallons (6-12 months).
Thanks for watching and your suggestion! We'll add it to our list
Thank you for these videos! Really helpful :) Can you do a similar before filtration, after filtration test video for the Pro One?
Thanks for your feedback! Glad you find them helpful. Happy to say ProOne before/after test is currently in the works! Stay tuned
ProOne test published! ua-cam.com/video/5h87z2rA6Og/v-deo.html
Just subscribed to your channel. Great videos, thank you for doing this! Could you do a test on the Multipure Aquaversa or Aquaperform countertop water filters? I hardly find any reviews for these filters. The Aquaversa got a good rating in Consumer Report.
Thanks for the sub and for watching! Glad you find the videos helpful. I've added your request to our list of products to consider for future projects!
Great content! Thank you 😊Any chance of you guys doing a video comparing RO system with hot and cold functions? It's a selfish request on my part but those are the videos I wish were out at the moment. I'm currently torn between RKIN U1, Waterdrop WD-A1 and the wild card Melissani M1. Would love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks for the suggestion! I've noted this down for consideration for a potential future project. Much appreciated!
I'm looking at those three too but probably eliminated the A1 because it doesn't have the hydrogen option. The Melissani is backordered too.
Hi, really grateful for the work you do testing these filters. Your SimpleLab results were the one of the main reasons I decided to go with the U1. I've been using it for a few days, and I am a bit confused because after the RO water comes out, the U1 says it has a TDS of 2 seeming to imply that the remineralization filter is not adding minerals back in. I've also noticed some electrolyte deficiency symptoms after going an entire day drinking only this water. I have ordered a TDS meter, not really possible to buy a SimpleLab test since I splurged on the U1 itself, and wondered what your suggestions would be. Thanks a lot!!
The internal TDS reading is taken before the remineralization filter stage!
Thank you for this incredible video. Any update on the strontium spike!? Did the RKIN confirm it is because it is present in any of their filters. I am looking to purchase the U1 but just got hung up seeing the strontium spike in your data.
Yes I confirmed with the manufacturer it is coming from the remineralization media. But keep in mind, the amount of strontium that showed up was quite small, and below the Health Guideline Level.
Additionally, there are some potential benefits to consuming low levels of strontium:
www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1077/strontium
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34207344/
Thank you so much for the reply! I am kind of questioning if the strontium level is actually considered “quite low” since it was at 80% of the HGL. Plus not sure if every time the post filter emits this same amount or sometimes it can even be higher. In any case, adding a regulated substance by a system meant to reduce contaminants seems like a serious design flaw to me.
Additionally what is your take on the Melissani M1 and the older RKIN ZIP model?
Finally, thanks again for such great and informative videos.
Hi
I am a new subscriber and love your channel!
Can you tell us why it is a good thing for our water to me more alkaline? It would seem better to have a neutral pH because the water we drink goes into the stomach which is highly acidic.
Great question! Check out this article waterfilterguru.com/alkaline-water-benefits-risks/
Great video. I would like to see a video on the Zero Water filter sold at Target and Walmart. Thank you!
Got ZeroWater on the list! Thanks for your request. We'll be working on it soon
ZeroWater lab test video is up! ua-cam.com/video/Ud45hxCFQyM/v-deo.html
Super helpful! Were you able to test the filtered hot water for contaminants, especially potential trace plastics? I’m concerned about boiling hot water coming into contact with the plastic containers or plastic nozzles (are the water containers made of plastic)?
This is a great question. We tested the room temp water. The hot water is heated on demand, so there isn't always hot water sitting in the clean water storage tank. That said, I'm not sure what material the internal plumbing and nozzles are made from, I'll have to confirm this with RKIN and pass along your question about the hot water coming into contact with any plastic parts!
@@waterfilterguruHas RKIN replied to this question?
Not yet, following up now@@ConfusionGamer1
@@ConfusionGamer1 Hi I just wanted to follow up on this as I've jsut heard back from RKIN. They said:
"The parts that come in contact with hot water are made from heat resistant silicone like baby pacifiers etc.
The same technique is used for example in automatic coffee machines and other appliances. "
@@waterfilterguru Thanks, I really appreciate the follow up. It's a shame they still went with a form of plastic at this price point
I would like to see how well the garden water hose attachment filters work that you use when filling an RV water tank. Lots of recreation vehicles using them.
Great idea! 💡Any specific product? Or just that type of filter in general?
I’m not sure which one but Amazon has a lot to choose from. I’m building a van conversion RV as we speak so I know I’ll be purchasing a hose filter to fill my 35 gallon water tank. Also just wanted to say I love the intel you provide. I haven’t drank a soda in years. I drink 1 cup of coffee with breakfast and a glass of unsweetened ice tea at dinner. The rest of the day I drink water so the information you provide is invaluable to me. And I drink a lot of water because I live in South Florida. Lol. I appreciate you. 👊
@@onionhead5780 Have you heard of the Clear Source RV filters? I think these are hands down the best, and you get much more solid filtration than the simple garden hose filters. Check them out here tinyurl.com/yeyk2wck (clearsourcerv.com)
And thanks for watching, your feedback, and appreciation! 👊
@@waterfilterguru I appreciate the intel because I definitely do plan on installing a filter of that type in the rv from the water tank to the faucet and if you say this is the one to get then this is what I will be purchasing. I’m also still going to use a hose filter to fill the main water tank just because I believe you can never be too safe. And for the record I was stationed at Camp Lejeune in 1984 and unknowingly drank the contaminated water that the news and televised lawsuits reportedly said gave Marines health issues. I have no health issues as of now because of it but I think that’s why I’m so paranoid about ensuring I drink clean water.
@@onionhead5780 Gotcha, I hope you remain healthy!
So that Clear Source filter would be for attaching to your waterline to filter as you are filling the tank. There are different under the sink or faucet filters that I would recommend for filtering water as it comes from the tank to the faucet. Check them all out here waterfilterguru.com/best-rv-water-filter-systems/
It'd be interesting to see you go through some of the options that aren't countertop or under the sink systems. Do you think the $2,500sh for a whole house would be worth it or to just simply go with something more simple?
It depends. There is no 'one size fits all' solution. It all depends on what contaminants are in the source water being filtered. What type of water are you trying to filter? Have you had it tested? Do you know what contaminants you are dealing with?
Hey thanks for this. Have you tested the validity of the hydrogen levels they present on the machine? I recently received my machine about 6 weeks ago. I also bought a device that reads hydrogen levels ppm. While my meter reads zero for standard water it only reads 600-800ppm once I add hydrogen from the U1 unit. I get the U1 meter up to 1400 before testing it. Thoughts? Im curious if it is my device which is the issue or if is the U1. I was going to try the blue drops but thought I would inquire here first. Big thanks. Appreciate your work
We have not yet tested the hydrogen levels the machine's display indicates vs other testing methods. This is a great idea for a project!
How does this unit stack up against the AquaTru countertop? Do you know the rejection rate of this one? Thanks for the vid. Keep up the great work
We haven't done a specific comparison between the two yet, but we did recently release our test results of the AquaTru, which you can watch here: ua-cam.com/video/NubOZMtj68g/v-deo.html
The AquaTru has a much better recovery (pure to drain water) ratio of 4:1 compared to the 1:1 of the RKIN U1.
The U1 has a lot more bells and whistles, including hydrogen infusion for negative ORP, on demand hot and cold water, and many various preset settings for volume and temperature, to name a few.
The AquaTru now has an optional remineralization VOC filter (which replaces the regular VOC filter) which is a big improvement. Previously there was no built in option to remineralize for AquaTru, whereas there is for the U1 as well.
I hope this quick summary helps. You can check out our in-depth reviews of each here as well:
waterfilterguru.com/aquatru-review/
waterfilterguru.com/rkin-u1-review/
@@waterfilterguru Thanks. Yeah, I've watched that review. Since then I've been watching for sales. I'm not into bells and whistles, so I'd lean towards the AquaTru.
@@unknownquantity4440 Gotcha. If you purchase it from waterandwellness (bit.ly/3w7nsB5) you can use the code WATERFILTERGURU to get 15% off - that's the best deal you'll find
thank you
Thanks for watching!
We would love to see a shower filter review of one of the top filters and also do a tap score 🚿
Any shower filter product specifically you'd like to see tested?
Both the shower and bath filter would be superb. Awesome work!
Were u able to get any info about the increase in strontium levels, i have a rkin u1 currently and was worried about effects strontium might have on kids
Yes the strontium is coming from the remineralization media
I was checking the NSF website and although RKIN claims to have achieved NSF certification. The NSF site does not seem to have them listed. Would you be able to do a video outlining what is required to achieve some of the key nsf certs like NSF 58?
As far as I'm aware, the U1 is still in the certification process.
That said, there are three independent certification bodies that certify water treatment products to NSF/ANSI standards, they are:
- NSF info.nsf.org/certified/dwtu/
- WQA wqa.org/find-products/
- IAPMO pld.iapmo.org/
So while you might not find a product listed in the NSF database, it might be certified by one of the other two organizations. For example, RKIN's ZIP system is certified by IAPMO pld.iapmo.org/file_info.asp?file_no=0012496
To make things even more confusing, many products are listed under the parent company, not necessarily the brand. For example, while searching for PUR products, you have to look for the parent company, Kaz, to get them to come up info.nsf.org/Certified/dwtu/listings.asp?CompanyName=kaz
Thanks for the video idea/ request about going over certification requirements. I've added this to our content calendar 😃
Can you please review the pro one filters?
Currently in the works! Thanks for your request
What is your comment on if UV sterilization is needed after the RO filter or the RO removes all the pathogens?
Also, i was wondering why hasn’t RKIN listed UV sterilization as an additional stage of water purification unlike other brands like waterdrop which list it as an additional stage of water purification.
The UV in this system helps prevent the buildup of microbes in the purified water holding tank. I couldn't speak to why or why not RKIN chose to not list the UV as a filter stage.
The Strontium is my only concern with this filter have you heard back from RKIN regarding this issue? Do they intend on reducing this in the remineralization filter going forward?
As is mentioned in the video, the amount of strontium being added isn't too much of a concern as it's below the Health Guideline Level.
That being said, I did hear back from the manufacturer:
"As you mentioned in the video, strontium is a natural trace element in the post-filter media. It's also present in certain vegetables, seafood, nuts, etc., that are naturally high in Calcium.
There are some supplements with daily 300-750 mg of strontium for healthy bone support. The way I understand it, the argument against and at the same time for the high dosages of strontium is that it's too similar to Calcium and takes its place in the bones if a sufficient amount of Calcium is not available. But, since the amounts are so small in the U1-filtered water, it's not enough to make much difference one way or the other. "
@waterfilterguru Thanks for your reply. You also mentioned in your video that you would be reaching out to RKIN about this. I remember you saying that the levels were below guideline levels, but having children drink the water is what concerns me. I read that strontium could be particularly harmful toward kids, and I wasn't sure if the guidelines were primarily focused on adults.
@@C...123 Please see my previous comment, I did hear back from RKIN and posted their response there (you might have to expand the comment).
The Simplelab Health Guideline level is based on the most restrictive guidelines based on human health. Learn more here: mytapscore.com/pages/water-health-recommendations
@Water Filter Guru please test the carbonit gsp 9 filter
Thanks for the request! We'll look into it and add it to our list
Can you test the Melissani M1?
Thanks for the request! We'll look into it
Please do Bluevua ROPOT-LITE next !
I'll get it on the list! Thanks for the request
@@waterfilterguru Any update on that? lol
@@jimmysausager Not yet - we've got a number of other projects prioritized which are currently in the works
can you review brand like cuckoo or cosway filter system?
I'll put them on the list for consideration in a future project! Thanks for the request
I wonder what happens if you don’t use the post filtration filter
You would need an empty filter cartridge or something. The system won't function if one of the cartridges is missing
I just wish they would lower somehow the amount that is in the post filter cause multiple sights are saying that high levels for small children can be bad
Please test NU Aqua 4-stage countertop reverse osmosis system with hot water! Thank you.
We'll put it on the list for a future countertop RO testing project. Thanks for the request
Have you tested any larq pitchers?
Not yet, but we'll be including Larq in an upcoming filter pitcher project!
Larq Pure-Vis pitcher test video is up! ua-cam.com/video/sF9rALA9XgU/v-deo.html
Hello can you pls test Santeria water filter and the water machine please !
Got them both on the list! Thanks for your additional request
I have one and love it
Awesome 🤙 thanks for sharing
Can you do a video lab testing the Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher?
Yes! This is one of our priorities to be worked on and included in a project over the next few months
@@waterfilterguru could you test the water machine? It’s compared to the Berkey but all glass i have one and love it
@@csmithsontag1 great suggestion! Thank you. We'll look into it
Clearly Filtered pitcher test video is up! ua-cam.com/video/Ki33mbA2jPM/v-deo.html
Can you do a review on santevia
We'll put it on the list! Thanks for your request
👩🏻🔬💧🔬 Reminding everyone reading the comments that WaterFilterGuru has added links to the full lab reports in the Description. 🧑🔬💧🔬
Thanks for the call out!
@@waterfilterguru Which lab kit(s) did you order specifically?
@@knaledge6854 the Advanced City Water Test (bit.ly/3HJrxAw)!
1) Why is it called a 5 stage RO unit, but there is only 4 filter's?
2) How smart is the unit in terms of programming your water to say, having hot water for coffee and tea available from 6AM to 9AM, but than want the unit
to not want the rest of the water in reservoir tank to also be hot all day long, but instead switch to ambient water temperature ?
Stage 1 & 2 (sediment filter + AC filter) are combined into one filter 'cartridge'
Stage 3 is the RO membrane
Stage 4 is the remineralization filter
Stage 5 is the hydrogen infusion module
How about testing Aqua tru??Tru??? Plz
I tested Aquatru Classic a year ago ua-cam.com/video/NubOZMtj68g/v-deo.html
I'm about to conduct another test with the remineralization filter to see what minerals it adds back in 😉
What about PFAS?
Our testing did not include PFAs, so we don't have any firsthand data. However this system is capable of PFAs reduction as it uses both an activated carbon filter stage and reverse osmosis membrane, two process capable of PFAs reduction.
Please show the tap score out of 99 at the end, so we can compare
Test results are now in the description! Thanks for the reminder 🙂
Here they are as well:
Pre-filtration gosimplelab.com/5N3FVV
Post-filtration gosimplelab.com/NGYFSP
Remember that a Tap Score is not universal, but defined by the source and test parameters. A good Tap Score is nice, but the full context is important. 🧑🔬💕💧
I would like to see you test this system here manasalli M1 water filter
Got it on the list, thanks for adding your request!
Micro plastics?
The test we used did not test for microplastics specifically, unfortunately.
That being said, reverse osmosis is one of the best methods for microplastic reduction.
Pro pure test please?
ProOne (formerly Propur) will be included in the project we'll be working on next!
ProOne test published! ua-cam.com/video/5h87z2rA6Og/v-deo.html
Think twice before you buy this. The RKIN filter works great...for about one year. The issue is that their replacement filters do not work. The internal components are very, very poorly designed and there is no way to actually remove the original filter. If you're OK buying this unit and throwing it away when the filter goes, fair enough. For anyone else, I recommend either the AquaTru Classic or the Brio 500 Series.
Can you explain a bit more? All the filters are replaceable, easy twist and turn
and the zerowater filter test ?
We'll be working on our pitcher filters testing project a bit later this summer (which will include ZeroWater)
ZeroWater lab test video is up! ua-cam.com/video/Ud45hxCFQyM/v-deo.html
None of your links to purchase products work
Hi can you let me know where you found links that don't work so I can get that fixed?
@@waterfilterguru in the video description, i have watched several of your videos and none of the links for the product worked for me, just letting you know
@@lmc590 Thanks, I just checked and the link in the description of this video is working just fine.
Which other videos did you experience the problem with, do you by chance remember specifically so I can check those as well?
Because the strontium is so high, would it be possible to just not use the cartridge that adds the minerals back into the water, and use our own remineralizer dropper?
No you cannot bypass the remineralization stage like you can with the hydrogen stage. If that is a concern and you would prefer to remineralze using drops, there are a number of less expensive options you could consider 😉
What about aluminium?
Aluminum was not detected in our water sample. However the reverse osmosis process is capable of reducing aluminum.
@waterfilterguru thank you for responding 😊 just reading up about Filters (the fluoride and arsenic ones) leaching alumnium oxide into the post filtered water. Catch 22, you get rid of one contaminant and gain another🙄
Nice, thanks for doing this. I'd love to see the "Bluevua RO100ROPOT-LITE Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System" put to the test
Thanks for your comment and suggestion! We've got the Bluevua system on our list for next time we test countertop RO units
So who makes the best countertop water filtration system.
USA 🇺🇸
Wyndmoor PA
It depends. There is no 'one size fits all' solution. It depends on what contaminants are present in the source water being filtered. What is best for one situation might not be for another.
Have you had your water tested? Do you know what contaminants you're dealing with?
@@waterfilterguru This is the right answer. 🧑🔬 Only when you know what's in your water can you pick a unit that is right for you. ❤️