Written by: Alexandra Uta // Expert Fact-Checking: Buddhini Dolapihilla, MBSS // Last Updated: Nov 20, 2023
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The Zero Installation Purifier, many people also call it “ZIP”, by RKIN is a countertop reverse osmosis water filter that provides great-tasting drinking water ridded of most potentially harmful contaminants.
But for us, the system’s key feature is the plug & play functionality. Basically, the Zero Installation Purifier doesn’t require any sort of plumbing or drilling to set up. This makes it suited for both renters and people who simply don’t want to deal with a tedious install or hiring a professional.
Want to learn more? You’ll find all the features, pros, and complaints in the following review!
The RKIN Zero Installation Purifier is sold by Pure Water Guys. You can use our code “BOS8%OFF
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Most importantly, the RKIN Zero Installation Purifier Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter uses an NSF-certified 4-stage filtration process to remove up to 99% of a broad range of contaminants:
On a side note: If your water is very high in hardness or TDS you should consider using the optional anti-scale carbon pre-filter as an alternative to the regular activated carbon filter block in stage 2. The anti-scale filter is better suited to prevent scale-buildup which ensures a long RO membrane life.
Another key feature that we wanted to point out is the pressure pump. It boosts water filtration speed – one batch of water (1 gallon) takes 15-20 minutes to process depending on TDS and hardness – while reducing the amount of wastewater produced. In the end, the recovery rate is roughly 50%, meaning out of every 1 gallon of feed water you get half a gallon of filtered RO water. This might not sound super-efficient, but the average reverse osmosis system wastes 3-5 gallons for every gallon of filtered water.
By the way, you can choose from 2 colors (silver white, space black) and there’s a 1-year warranty (limited) as well as a 1-year money back guarantee.
What are more benefits of the RKIN Zero Installation Purifier AlcaPure?
While the Zero Installation Purifier removes a broad range of water contaminants, it is specifically tested to remove
The RKIN Zero Installation Purifier (AlcaPure) – learn more on Purewaterguys.com
Neither installation nor assembly is required before you can use your ZIP countertop water filter for the first time. Here’s all you need to do:
As mentioned before, system maintenance is child’s play.
The filters are long-lasting so they’ll only require changing every 12 to 24 months. The front light will notify you that the time has come.
Replacing filters or the RO membrane, the process itself isn’t complicated at all:
Cost? We estimate $105-125 yearly, which is pretty hard to beat.
Here is a link to the official manual:
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0012/7349/5599/files/Zero_Installation_Purifier.pdf?v=1679587299
The RKIN Zero Installation Purifier holds an NSF 58 certification that clears it for reduction of lead, TDS, PFOA/PFOS, chromium III, chromium VI, and fluoride.
There are no earlier versions of the Zero Installation Purifier. However, there’s an alternative version to the AlcaPure: The OnliPure. The OnliPure is designed to provide zero TDS in the filtered water. Unlike the AlcaPure, the OnliPure doesn’t remineralize water, so TDS is virtually or very close to zero.
Switching from the AlcaPure edition to the OnliPure edition (or vice versa) is as simple as ordering a different post-filter and clips for attachment.
In our opinion, the RKIN Zero Installation Purifier has two main issues:
Generally speaking, considering the relatively high price tag, some system parts seem rather delicate like the dispenser tap.
And in terms of contaminant removal, we would have hoped for more thorough testing according to different NSF standards.
We also don’t really like the system’s looks, but that’s personal preference obviously.
Overall, most people are happy with their purchase and would recommend the Zero Installation Purifier Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter by RKIN to their friends and family. It’s easy to use, it’s effective, it’s fast. In our opinion, the system does a solid job at filtering several harmful water contaminants, but the lab testing doesn’t go far enough. Also taking into account leaking and other issues people had, we award 4 stars.
The Zero Installation Purifier is best for people who want RO-purified, remineralized drinking water without permanently installing a reverse osmosis system under their kitchen sink.
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Let’s compare the Zero Installation Purifier two competitors, the AquaTru and the SimPure Y7P-BW. Both are countertop RO systems.
AquaTru |
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Price: | $$$ |
Filter Stages: | 4 |
Water: | 1 Gallon in 10-15 Minutes |
NSF: | 42, 53, 58, 401, P473 |
Annually: | ~$100-120 |
Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0 ⓘRating based on filtration performance, filter life, price and yearly cost, NSF testing/certification, customer support, product warranty, our testing/experience, user feedback, and other factors.
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SimPure Y7P-BW |
|
Price: | $$ |
Filter Stages: | 4 |
Flow Rate: | 0.1 Gallons Per Minute |
NSF: | 58 |
Annually: | $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.
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First, we’ll consider the AquaTru. It’s our favorite reverse osmosis system by far. It uses a 4-stage filtration process that’s been independently tested and certified against NSF standards to remove close to 80 contaminants.
The AquaTru holds 5 NSF/ANSI certifications for contaminant reduction (which is impressive in itself): Standards 42, 53, 58, 401, and P473. These certifications guarantee clean drinking water and your health’s safety. This is better than what the ZIP and SimPure system can provide. The AquaTru has the following reduction rates:
It also has a simple, space-saving design, and you can get it all set up and ready to work in less than 10 minutes. It’s designed so simply even a baby could use it. Then it filters water in record time, so you don’t need to wait all day for a glass. The AquaTru wastes very little water, too! With an 80% recovery rate, only ⅕ of the input water goes down the drain. This is better than what we see with the Zero Installation Purifier and equally as good as with the SimPure.
Moreover, the AquaTru uses BPA and BPS-free Tritan plastic only. And thanks to its long-lasting filters and quick replacements (it takes 2 minutes max, no tools involved), system maintenance requires very little effort.
The AquaTru also has an indicator light that alerts you when your filters need replacement. The filters last 6-24 months, and annual replacement cost is affordable at around $120 (this is pretty much the same with the ZIP and SimPure).
Finally, the AquaTru has a limited 1-year warranty. Cons? Mainly, past users complained about leaking due to design flaws. There have also been reports of the unit knocking down after a few months’ use.
The next system we’ll compare is the SimPure Y7P-BW. It comes a close second to the AquaTru and is a good budget option for a countertop RO system. It’s also arguably the best looking.
The SimPure is installation-free, so there’s no great trouble in setting it up. It uses a 4-stage filter process. One of its filter stages is a UV post-filter that eliminates dangerous microorganisms. This UV stage is absent in both ZIP and AquaTru.
The SimPure has undergone NSF 58 testing, but it has no official NSF certifications. It also hasn’t been tested for as many contaminants as the AquaTru, but it beats the ZIP. In total, the SimPure has been tested for 16 substances. They include:
As mentioned before, the SimPure wastes only 1 gallon for every 4 filtered gallons filtered, and it is pretty fast. It also features a cup size selection: You can select 6 oz, 12 oz, 15 oz, or continuous flow.
Last but not least, the SimPure is made from 100% BPA-free material. It has a filter replacement indicator and filters are easy to change. However, filter life is only around 6 months or 528 gallons. Annual replacement costs ~$120 (about the same as ZIP and AquaTru). Warranty? 1-year.
All in all, we recommend the AquaTru RO system as the best and most effective. The SimPure is a great alternative for lower budgets. The Zero Installation Purifier comes in third.
This completes our review of the RKIN Zero Installation Purifier AlcuPure Countertop RO Water Filter. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
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