Last updated - November 29th, 2021
Countertop water filters are a great addition to any home and there are many choices available on the market. Sitting at the top of our list is a filter from Zen Water filters. This brand offers products in a variety of different sizes, capacities, and price ranges. Check out our review below to see why we think these filters make a great addition for anybody’s home or office.
Special Comparisons
Why A Countertop System?
You may be wondering what exactly a countertop water filter is good for. But did you know that a single countertop system doesn’t just filter your water, it can also be used for:
- Filtration
- Purification
- Mineralization
- Alkalization
- Preservation
All of these amazing benefits can be done just by a single product! As well, countertop water filters are great for those who don’t have the space or plumbing skills to install an under-sink filtration system, and for renters who want to have a system, they can take with them when moving.
Zen’s countertop filters are all wonderful options. All of their easy-to-use products are made from BPA-free materials, are affordable, and come in anywhere from 4-8 gallon capacities. Let’s take a look at one of our particular favorites:
Zen Water Rejuvenate 6-Gallon Filter
| Product Features | Details |
| Type: | Countertop |
| Filter life span: | Approximately 6 months or 500 gallons |
| Capacity: | 2-gallon top tank, plus 4-gallon bottom tank, for a total of 6 gallons |
| Height: | 25 inches (including base)/ 19 inches (excluding base) |
| Diameter: | 13 inches |
| Shape: | Cylindrical |
Features
- Included with the unit: Micro Ceramic Filter and 5 Stage Mineral Cartridge with Maifan Mineral Stones
- Features a magnetic spigot
- Note that 4-gallon and 8-gallon models are also available.
The Zen Water Rejuvenate starts by filtering, purifying, and adjusting the pH of your tap water. The resulting alkaline water is mineralized, and finally, magnetized. What comes out of the spigot tastes like the natural mineral spring water found in luxury spas. This former tap water makes you feel refreshed and rejuvenated, right in your own home.
How does the Rejuvenate do all of this, in just a compact unit on your countertop? The trick is its 2 signature filters; the micro-ceramic filter dome and the 5-stage mineral filter. Let’s take a deeper dive to see how these technologies work.
Micro-Ceramic Filter Dome
The micro-ceramic filter has a pore size of .2 to .5 microns. This ultra-fine filter catches up to 99% of the bacteria and parasites found in water.
It can also capture other harmful contaminants, such as chemicals, herbicides, pesticides, and various toxins.
5-Stage Mineral Filter
Silver Impregnated Activated Carbon
This cartridge uses activated carbon, which has been treated with oxygen in order to efficiently purify drinking water. The activation process opens up the pores between carbon atoms, which then catch any chlorine, solvents, or other chemicals in your tap water. As a result, you get crisp, clean water from this unit, with none of the odors or unpleasant tastes of normal tap water.
As well, the carbon in this cartridge is laced through with silver. This disinfects the water and inhibits bacteria growth in the filter.
Ionic Exchange Resin
A resin in the second layer of the cartridge works as a water softener. By promoting ion-exchange, it removes toxins and heavy metals that contribute to hard water.
Silica Sand
Silica sand is absorbent and effective in removing granular impurities, colloids, and suspended solids. It neutralizes acids to balance pH levels for optimal alkalinity.
Mineral Sand
Once the water has filtered through to the bottom two layers of the cartridge, it is then mineralized. The mineral sands and stones boost the micronutrient content of your filtered drinking water. This ensures that any healthy minerals, that may have been removed alongside contaminants in earlier steps, are added back in.
Maifan Mineral Stones
These special Maifan stones infuse your tap water with essential minerals your body needs, like zinc and calcium. They also contain manganese, potassium, and over 40 other inorganic minerals! The mineral content added by the stones consequently increases water alkalinity.
Filter Cartridge Lifespan
Zen water filter components do have a limited lifespan. So you will need to note the filters’ replacement schedule, and follow it promptly. As a result, you can maintain the system’s efficiency, and keep enjoying excellent quality water for years.
- The Zen micro-ceramic filter dome has a useful life of 1 year or up to 1,000 gallons.
- The 5-stage filter cartridge is good for 6 months or up to 500 gallons.
- Maifan mineral stones are good for 3 to 5 years, depending on water type and use.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance contributes to the lifespan and efficiency of the entire unit. Here’s how to take care of the filtration components:
- Scrub and clean the micro-ceramic filter dome at least every 2 to 4 weeks. If the water you are filtering is particularly dirty, you may need to clean the dome more frequently.
- The 5-Stage Mineral filter cartridge is totally replaceable. Just install the new cartridge when needed.
- Boil the mineral stones every 6 months, in order to re-activate the mineral properties. However, after 3 years begin checking the stones for possible erosion, and replace them when necessary. Five years is the maximum limit of use.
- Wash the tanks at least every three months, more often for particularly dirty water.
Warranty
Zen Water Systems provides a warranty for your purchase of a Zen Water countertop filter within the US. If you purchase a unit through a separate distributor, you will need to contact that company for warranty claims or returns.
You can report a damaged or defective Zen Water filter unit to customer service and request a replacement. In some cases, you will receive a replacement in as early as 1 or 2 business days. You may also return the defective or damaged unit for a refund, within 30 days of purchase.
Assembly of the Unit
There are some preparatory steps you should take before you assemble the Zen Water Systems filtration unit.
| Step 1: | Check the package contents. The diagram provided in the next section lays out all the materials and parts that should come with your purchase. If something is missing, notify customer service so they can immediately send replacement parts. |
| Step 2: | Prepare the micro-ceramic filter dome. Soak the dome filter is clean and cool water for about 15 up to 30 minutes. Then, under cool running water, firmly scrub all sides of the dome with a brush or scourer. Do not use any detergents, or hot water, to clean the dome filter. Set aside to dry. |
| Step 3: | Ready the 5-stage filter cartridge. Rinse the cartridge under cool running water, in order to flush out any loose particles. Rinse for about 10-15 minutes, or until the water runs clear and no more debris falls from the unit. Set aside to dry. |
| Step 4: | Prepare the mineral stones. Open the mineral stones’ case, and take them out. Prep the stones by thoroughly rinsing. Place the stones in a pot, along with 2-3 cups of water, or enough to submerge the stones entirely. Place the pot on the stove, and bring to a boil. Let the stones and water boil for 10 minutes, then remove from heat. Drain the stones and place them aside to dry. Once the stones have air-dried completely, scatter them at the bottom of the bottom tank. Alternatively, you may place it back in the plastic bag, just remember to clean and dry the bag as well before placing the clean stones inside. |
| Step 5: | Sanitize the tanks. Wash both the top and bottom tanks with a mild detergent. Afterward, rinse them well then allow both to air dry completely, before finishing assembly. |
Final Preparations
After assembling the filtration unit, there are some things you need to do before you begin using the Zen Rejuvenate countertop filter.
- Check the unit for any leaks around the spigot. If there are leaks, tighten the nut around the spigot until the leaking stops.
- Run two full tanks of water through the unit. Use these on other chores, like watering your plants or cleaning your car. Do not drink from these first 2 batches yet.
- On the third fill, you can start drinking the filtered mineral water from the unit.
Conclusion
Of course, no unit is perfect for every situation. If you have a large household requiring high water capacity or exceptionally hard or contaminated water, you may need a more intense type of water filtration system. However, if the features and benefits listed in this article appeal to you, then why not check the product out? The Zen Rejuvenate countertop filter provides easy-to-use, superior water filtration without requiring electricity or difficult installation. This convenient and low-cost option may be the perfect product to elevate your home drinking water to a new level.