Review: GE GXRV40TBN 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System

Written by: Gene Fitzgerald // Expert Fact-Checking: Buddhini Dolapihilla, MBSS // Last Updated: Feb 28, 2024

This page may contain affiliate links. If you buy a product or service through such a link we earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

This article reviews the GE GXRV40TBN, a 5-stage reverse osmosis water filter system. Now, for the GXRV40TBN, GE has done one of the most comprehensive testing we’ve ever seen with a reverse osmosis system. Also, the system is affordable, with a simple twist/lock design that makes filter replacements a breeze. What else is there to know? Keep reading to find out.

Contents show

GE GXRV40TBN 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System
Price:	$$
Filter Stages:	5
Water Flow:	0.5-0.8 gpm
NSF Certifications:	42, 53, 58, 401, P473, P231
Annual Cost:	~$240
Overall Rating: 4.0/5.0 ⓘRating based on filtration performance, filter life, price and yearly cost, NSF testing/certification, customer support, product warranty, our testing/experience, user feedback, and other factors. Check Current Price

GE GXRV40TBN 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System – All Specs

Model: GXRV40TBN
Annual Maintenance Cost: ~$240
Filter Media/Process: Sediment/Carbon Pre, RO, Sediment/Carbon Post, Remineralization, Antimicrobial Media
Filter Stages: 5
Flow Rate: 0.5-0.8 gpm
Recovery Rate: 21.2%
Filtering Capacity: 6-12 Months
WxHxD: 3.625″x9.25″x12.5″
Tank: 9″x14″x9″, 3 gal
Water Temperature: 40-100 °F
Water Pressure: 40-100 psi
Water pH: 4-10
NSF Certifications: Standard 42, 53, 58, 401, P473, P231
Warranty: 1-Year (Limited)

GE GXRV40TBN – Key Features

The GE GXRV40TBN 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis System filters water using a 5-stage process (unsurprisingly). Here’s how it works:

The first stage (the pre-filter) reduces sand, silt, chlorine, and sediment. It uses an activated carbon block in its composition.
Stage 2 is the RO membrane. It reduces organic matter and dissolved solids.
The third stage is the post-filter, another carbon block, which reduces herbicides/pesticides, PFOA/PFOS, pharmaceuticals, VOCs, and any lingering sediments, tastes, and odors.
Stages 4 and 5 are a remineralization and antimicrobial composite filter. The remineralization stage restores minerals lost to the reverse osmosis process (like magnesium, calcium, and carbonate), while the antimicrobial stage reduces bacterial contamination.

All in all, this is a pretty common filtration process for an under sink RO system that features remineralization. The effectiveness of the process is also reflected in the solid, NSF-certified contaminant reduction rates provided by GE – more on this below.

What’s more, this GE RO system comes with a stylish chrome faucet with a filter change indicator that alerts you when it’s time to change filters. When 90% of the filter lifetime is exhausted, the LED lights on the faucet will flash blue three times whenever you operate the system. If the filter lifetime is 100% exhausted (typically within 6 months), the faucet lights will flash red continuously, indicating that it’s time for a filter change.

By the way, the different filter elements last between 6 and 12 months. We estimate annual maintenance with this system to cost $240.Changing filters is a piece of cake, thanks to their twist/lock design.

GE 5-Stage RO System Pros

The GE GXRV40TBN is affordable at purchase, which we love.

We also appreciate how easy it is to install the system.

NSF certifications and the 1-year warranty provide peace of mind.

What Contaminants Are Being Removed?

This RO system packs a punch with the range of contaminants it is tested to remove. NSF certifications that were covered are 42, 53, 58, 401, P231, and P473. Here are the reduction rates (provided by GE):

1,1,1-trichloro-2-propanone – 96%
1,1,1-Trichloroethane – 95%
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane – 99%
1,1,2-Trichloroethane – 99%
1,1-dichloro-2-propanone – 99%
1,1-Dichloroethylene – 99%
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene – 99%
1,2-Dichloroethane – 95%
1,2-Dichloropropane – 99%
2,4,5-TP (silvex) – 99%
2,4-D – 98%
Alachlor – 98%
Ammonium – 90%
Arsenic 5 – 98.2%
Asbestos – 99.9%
Atenolol – 94.2%
Atrazine – 97%
Bacteria – 99.9999%
Barium – 97.8%
Benzene – 99%
Bicarbonate – 96%
Bisphenol A – 96.3%
Bromide – 89%
Bromochloroacetonitrile – 98%
Cadmium – 98.1%
Carbamazepine – 98.9%
Carbofuran – 99%
Carbon Tetrachloride – 98%
Chloride – 92%
Chlorine – 97.5%
Chlorobenzene – 99%
Chloroform (THM) – 95%
Chloropicrin – 99%
Chromium 3 – 98.3%
Chromium 6 – 97.0%
cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene – 99%
cis-1,3-Dichloropropylene – 99%
Copper – 98.8%
Cyst – 99.95%
Cysts – 99.99%
DEET – 95.4%
Dibromoacetonitrile – 98%
Dibromochloropropane (DBCP) – 99%
Dichloroacetonitrile – 98%
Dinoseb – 99%
Endrin – 99%
Estrone – 90.1%
Ethyl Dibromide (EDB) – 99%
Ethylbenzene – 99%
Fluoride – 96.5%
Heptachlor – 99%
Heptachlor Epoxide – 98%
Hexachlorobutadiene – 98%
Hexachlorocyclopentadiene – 99%
Ibuprofen – 95.9%
Lead – 99.1%
Lindane – 99%
Linuron – 92.5%
Magnesium – 97%
Meprobamate – 97.2%
Methoxychlor – 99%
Metolachlor – 97.8%
MTBE – 97.8%
Naproxen – 92.0%
Nitrate – 74.9%
Nitrite – 80.9%
Nonyl phenol – 97.1%
o-Dichlorobenzene – 99%
p-Dichlorobenzene – 98%
Pentachlorophenol – 99%
PFOA & PFOS – 97.4%
Phenytoin – 94.2%
Radium 226/228 – 80%
Selenium – 98.0%
Simazine – 97%
Sodium – 88%
Styrene – 99%
Sulfate – 98%
Tannin – 97%
TCCP – 97.8%
TCEP – 96.9%
TDS – 90.6%
Tetrachloroethylene – 99%
Toluene – 99%
trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene – 99%
Tribromoacetic acid – 98%
Trichloroacetonitrile – 98%
Trichloroethylene – 99%
Trimethoprim – 90.0%
Turbidity – 99.0%
Virus – 99.99%
VOC – 99.8%
Xylenes (total) – 99%
Zinc – 98%

All in all, this is one of the most thorough testing for a water filter we have ever seen. And possibly the most thorough for a reverse osmosis system.

The GE GXRV40TBN – learn more on Amazon.com

Installation

The GE GXRV40TBN is easy to install. However, you may need to consult a professional if you are not a DIYer and your setup requires drilling.

Please consider these instructions as a general guideline. Always make sure to check and follow your user manual before getting started.

Here are the tools you’ll need:

Tape measure
Two adjustable wrenches
Utility knife
Electric drill and 1-⅜” drill bit if a mounting hole is needed for the faucet
Electric drill and ⅜” drill bit if installing the included drain adapter
PTFE thread sealing tape
A compression fitting (and possibly other plumbing hardware) if your main water line is a rigid pipe.

Here’s how to install the system:

Shut the cold water shutoff valve and open the faucet to drain the pipes and relieve pressure.
Disconnect the current cold water line from the water shutoff valve.
Ensure the water supply fitting’s gasket is correctly positioned in the female threaded part of the fitting.
Attach the water supply fitting to the cold water shutoff valve and hand tighten (do not cross-thread or over-tighten).
Plug the existing cold water line into the male threaded section of the water supply fitting and hand-tighten. Again, you want to avoid cross-threading and over-tightening.
Next, you install the drain adapter. To do this, fit the two halves of the drain adapter onto the sink drain pipe (position them about 6 inches above the P-trap and ensure that the quick connect fitting faces towards the RO faucet).
Mark the spot on the pipe where a ⅜” hole will be drilled, and remove the drain adapter from the pipe. Then, drill the hole and clean the sink tailpiece.
Fit the halves of the drain, fitting back together into the sink drain. With a pencil (or a similar pointy tool), align the fitting in the center of the drilled hole.
Tighten the drain adapter halves onto the pipe, but do not over-tighten. Do not connect the black tubing to the fitting until the RO faucet is installed.
Next, install the storage tank. Wrap thread sealing tape (2 wraps) to the threads on the tank’s nipple, then tighten the tank connector to the tank nipple (7-8 full turns).
Install the faucet. You can use an existing hole or drill a new sink hole or a new hole in the countertop next to the sink. If you will be drilling, we recommend you call an experienced plumber.
Now, power up the faucet timer. Locate the plastic strip that edges out of the battery cover. Drag it all the way out and discard it. The LED lights will flash red, then blue, to show the 6-month timer is all set up.
Set up the remineralization/antimicrobial filter, then connect the tubes as shown in the manual.
Next, sanitize the system. To do this, turn off the water supply to the RO system and leave the RO faucet open until the tank is empty.
Add 3 ml of household bleach (5.25%) into the open end of the yellow tube, then attach the yellow tube to the tank connector.
Pressure test the system by opening the water supply valve and several house faucets. Then, close the faucets when the water runs without spurting. In two hours, check the fittings for leaks.
Next, purge the system by opening the reverse osmosis faucets and letting water run for 24 hours. Close the faucets after the purging period and check for leaks.
Remove the remineralization media fines from the system. Your system is now ready to use!

The Package (Parts)

Reverse Osmosis Assembly
Owner’s Manual
Water Supply Fitting
Faucet Assembly
Storage Tank
Tank Connector
Drain Adapter
Remineralization/Antimicrobial Filter
Mounting Bracket
Tubing

Maintenance

GE recommends that the battery, pre-filter, and post-filter cartridges be changed every six months, and that the remineralization/antimicrobial filter and RO membrane be replaced every 12 months. This isn’t so bad, but annual maintenance costs ~240, which is quite a lot. Good news is that the chrome faucet features a filter life indicator.

Here’s how to replace your pre-filter/post-filter cartridges:

Take the pre-filter and post-filters out of the manifold and discard the old cartridges properly.
Fit the new cartridges in this order: post-filters, then pre-filter. Give the cartridges a clockwise turn to refix the manifold.
Take out and replace the faucet timer battery.
Purge the RO system.

Follow these steps to replace your reverse osmosis membrane + pre and post-filter cartridges:

Remove the pre-filter cartridge to stop flow to the RO cartridge.
Take out the reverse osmosis membrane and the post-filter cartridge. Discard them correctly.
Install the new cartridges: post-filter, then RO membrane, then pre-filter. Turn the cartridges clockwise to secure them in place, but do not overtighten.
Take out and replace the faucet timer battery, then purge the system.

Finally, here’s how to change your remineralization/antimicrobial filters:

Remove the post-filter cartridge from the manifold to stop flow to the remineralization/antimicrobial filter.
Open the RO faucet to depressurize the filter. Then, remove the filter out of the mounting bracket and dispose of it.
Fit the new filter in place.
Put all the tubes in place as shown in the manual.
Reinstall the post-filter cartridges
Purge the system and remove remineralization fines from the system.

Manual

Here is a link to the official manual:

https://products-salsify.geappliances.com/image/upload/s–mm-9QIfI–/frbz6h6yzhiwul09lmkb.pdf

NSF and Other Certifications

The G3 GXRV40TBN revered osmosis system has two certifications directly from the NSF and six more awarded by the IAMPO— eight certifications in total. The

NSF-awarded ones are:

NSF 42 for chlorine, taste, and odor reduction
NSF 58 for reduction of arsenic (pentavalent), asbestos, lead, barium, chromium (hexavalent and trivalent), copper, fluoride, cadmium, cyst, fluoride, nitrate/nitrite, radium 226/228, TDS, selenium, and turbidity.

The NSF certifications by IAMPO are:

NSF 42 for chlorine, taste, and odor
NSF 53 for MTBE and other VOCs
NSF 58 certification for reduction of arsenic (pentavalent), asbestos, lead, barium, chromium (hexavalent and trivalent), copper, fluoride, cadmium, cyst, fluoride, nitrate/nitrite, radium 226/228, TDS, selenium, and turbidity
NSF 401 for the reduction of atenolol, DEET, Meprobamate, carbamazepine, metolachlor, linuron, TCCP, phenytoin, trimethoprim, estrone, bisphenol A, ibuprofen and naproxen.
NSF P473 for PFOA and PFOS
NSF P231 for bacteria, viruses, and cysts

Earlier Product Versions

There are no earlier versions of this product.

Cons

The GE system shines in many areas, but it has its cons. For instance, its annual maintenance costs around $240, which isn’t exactly affordable.

Then, its recovery rate is poor— it recovers only 21.2% of input water and wastes about 80%.

Also, we scanned 3rd party reviews and noticed a few past users complained of leaks in the system and packages coming with parts missing.

GE GXRV40TBN Review: Our Verdict + Best for

The GE GXRV40TBN has a solid filtration process (you can tell from the contaminant reduction rates provided). The system is also backed by a bunch of NSF certifications and the remineralization feature is a nice touch. The upfront cost is affordable, and installation and maintenance are what you’d expect from a standard RO system.

Sadly, the filter life is rather short, and annual replacement costs are higher than average. Moreover, 80% of input water is wasted due to a lack of pressure pumps. There were also recurrent complaints about leaks in the system. We rate this system 4 stars.

Our Rating in Detail:

Filtration Performance: 4.5/5.0
Filter Capacity (Life): 3.5/5.0
Purchase Price: 5.0/5.0
Annual Cost: 4.0/5.0
Overall: 4.0/5.0

Check Current Price on Amazon.com

Comparison to Other Reverse Osmosis Systems

Now, let’s compare the GE GXRV40TBN to two other reverse osmosis systems: the AquaTru and the Waterdrop G3.

Waterdrop G3
Price:	$$$
Filter Stages:	4
Flow Rate:	0.42 gpm
NSF:	58, 372
Annually:	~$145
Overall Rating: 4.0/5.0 ⓘRating based on filtration performance, filter life, price and yearly cost, NSF testing/certification, customer support, product warranty, our testing/experience, user feedback, and other factors. Check Current Price Get 10% Off! Use Code: *`WD10BOS`*

AquaTru
Price:	$$$
Filter Stages:	4
Water:	1 Gallon in 10-15 Minutes
NSF:	42, 53, 58, 401, P473
Annually:	~$100-120
Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0 ⓘRating based on filtration performance, filter life, price and yearly cost, NSF testing/certification, customer support, product warranty, our testing/experience, user feedback, and other factors. Check Current Price Get 15% Off! Use Code: *`BOSAQUATRU`*

GE GXRV40TBN
Price:	$$
Filter Stages:	5
Flow Rate:	0.5-0.8 gpm
NSF:	42, 53, 58, 401, P473, P231
Annually:	~$240
Overall Rating: 4.0/5.0 ⓘRating based on filtration performance, filter life, price and yearly cost, NSF testing/certification, customer support, product warranty, our testing/experience, user feedback, and other factors. Check Current Price

The AquaTru is our top pick. It’s an installation-free countertop model with a 4-stage filtration process that’s been independently tested and certified against NSF standards to remove about 80 contaminants.

The AquaTru holds NSF/ANSI certifications for standards 42, 53, 58, 401, and P473. This is highly commendable and guarantees users they’d get safe and clean drinking water. Here is an excerpt from the performance data sheet:

chlorine 96.6%
VOCs – 95% to more than 99%
chromium 6 97.2%
TDS 87.1%
cyst 99.99%
fluoride 93.5%
lead 99.1%
radium 226/228 96.4%
BPA 99%
several trace pharmaceuticals and pesticides (86.7%-96.6%)
97.5% – PFOA, PFOS

How does the AquaTru compare to the GE GXRV40TBN? Well, the GE is certified for the removal of the same contaminants as the AquaTru (along with a few more). However, in many instances the GE has slightly better reduction rates. Overall, the GE seems to be better at eliminating contaminants overall, but it also has a lower filter life. To maintain the GE’s effectiveness, you’d need to replace its filters more frequently than with the AquaTru.

Being a countertop system, the AquaTru has a space-saving and installation-free design (you can set up the system in less than ten minutes). Filtration is fast and it’s easy to use. More importantly, only 1⁄5 of feed water is wasted (an 80% recovery rate). This is miles ahead of the GE, which wastes about 80% of input water due to an absence of internal pumps. The AquaTru also only uses BPA and BPS-free Tritan plastic.

While these qualities are all great and fine, the AquaTru has its cons. For one, we saw complaints about leaks due to design flaws. There have also been complaints of units that stop working after a few months. But for the record, we didn’t encounter these issues. The AquaTru is more expensive to purchase than the GE but costs much less to maintain (annual maintenance costs ~$100-120).

The next system we’ll consider is the Waterdrop G3. It is a tankless, BPA-free, space-saving under sink RO system that filters water on demand. It works with a 4-stage filtration process backed by NSF certifications and tests. The Waterdrop G3 holds an NSF Standard 58 certification for TDS reduction. It’s also been tested (not certified) against NSF Standard 42, 53, 58, and 401 for the removal of lead (99%), VOCs (up to 99%), arsenic (99%), PFOA/PFOS (99%), chlorine (99%), fluoride (99%), chromium 6 (99%), nitrate (98%), and a handful of other contaminants. The AquaTru and GE beat the Waterdrop here.

In addition, the Waterdrop G3 has an internal pump that increases water pressure. The pump shoots the flow rate up to 0.42 gpm, causing a cup to fill up in only 8 seconds. This simply means you’ll never run out of filtered water. More importantly, the internal pump massively reduces the wastewater levels. Waterdrop only wastes 33% of feed water.

Like the GE, the Waterdrop G3 is easy to install. It has a smart faucet that alerts you of replacement dates using LED lights and sound. The RO system itself also has similar LED lights. There’s no risk of forgetting to replace filter elements. Depending on your water quality, filters last 6 to 24 months (or 550 to 2,200 gallons). Filter replacements are a walk in the park; easy and straightforward with no need to disconnect anything or shut off feed water. It’s a completely tools-free affair— each cartridge can be removed and replaced with a single effortless turn!

The faucet and system itself carry a TDS monitoring panel that, at a glance, shows you how effective the filters and the RO membrane currently are.

Waterdrop offers a money-back guarantee that lets you return your unit for a full refund within the first 30 days of purchase if you aren’t satisfied with it. It also offers a 1-year warranty, which is only applicable if you use municipal water.

Finally, let’s talk about the drawbacks. Although the Waterdrop is designed to be user-friendly, we’ve seen complaints about the system producing annoying noises. Then it costs more than the GE at purchase but is overall cheaper to maintain (~145 yearly).

Our Verdict: The AquaTru is our favorite RO system. It comes at a reasonable price, filtration is backed by NSF certifications, maintenance isn’t so expensive, wastewater is minimal, and it is installation-free. If you want an under sink system with an NSF-backed filtration process, then the GE can be a good choice. If you’re after reduced wastewater and a tankless design, we recommend the Waterdrop G3.

More Reviews:

Reviewing the Best Reverse Osmosis Systems

More GE Reviews:

This completes our review of the GE GXRV40TBN 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!

About the Author Gene Fitzgerald

Gene Fitzgerald is one of the founders of BOS and currently head of content creation. She has 8+ years of experience as a water treatment specialist under her belt making her our senior scientist. Outside of BOS, Gene loves reading books on philosophy & social issues, making music, and hiking.
Learn more about Gene and the rest of the BOS Team.

Information provided on BOS is for educational purposes only. The products and services we review may not be right for your individual circumstances.
We adhere to strict editorial guidelines. Rest assured, the opinions expressed have not been provided, reviewed, or otherwise endorsed by our partners – they are unbiased, independent, and the author’s alone. Our licensed experts fact-check all content for accuracy. It is accurate as of the date posted and to the best of our knowledge.