Are you thinking about buying an RO water purifier but feeling overwhelmed by the options available? You’re not alone. With so many brands and models on the market, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. In this article, we’ll compare the top 5 RO water purifiers in India to help you make an informed decision.
Table of contents
Understanding TDS Levels
What is TDS?
TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids, which refers to the combined content of all inorganic and organic substances in water. These can include minerals, salts, and even small amounts of organic matter.
Ideal TDS Levels for Drinking Water
For water to be safe and palatable, the TDS level should ideally be below 200 ppm (parts per million). Water with higher TDS levels can taste salty or bitter and may contain harmful contaminants.
When to Consider an RO Purifier
If the TDS level of your tap water is above 200 ppm, it’s advisable to opt for a Reverse Osmosis (RO) water purifier. RO purifiers are specifically designed to remove excess TDS, ensuring your drinking water is clean and safe.
Factors to Consider When Buying an RO Water Purifier
Total Ownership Cost
Buying an RO water purifier isn’t just a one-time investment. You’ll need to consider ongoing costs like filter replacements and annual maintenance contracts (AMC). Calculating the total ownership cost over several years will give you a better idea of the long-term investment.
Filtration Stages
RO purifiers come with varying numbers of filtration stages—some have 7, others 8, and some even boast 10-stage purification. Generally, the more stages, the better the purification. Look for features like UV sterilization, copper infusion, and TDS controllers.
Maintenance and Filter Replacement Costs
Regular maintenance is crucial for the optimal performance of your purifier. Filter replacement costs can vary significantly between brands, so it’s essential to factor this into your decision.
Top 5 RO Water Purifiers in India
Let’s dive into the top five models, discussing their features, pros, and cons.
1. Urban Company Native M2 RO Water Purifier
Features
- 10-stage purification with copper-charged filters
- 8-liter tank capacity
- 20 liters per hour filtration capacity
- In-tank UV sterilization
- Touch-sensitive buttons for glass, bottle, or continuous flow
- Light guide system for easy use in the dark
- Retractable tray for convenience
- App control for monitoring filter life and requesting service
- 2-year comprehensive warranty
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Sleek, premium design that blends well with modern kitchens
- Longer 2-year warranty compared to competitors
- Lower total ownership cost over four years
- High filtration capacity
Cons:
- Touch-sensitive buttons won’t work during power failures unless you have a UPS
2. Aquaguard NXT
Features
- 10-stage purification with active copper
- 6.2-liter tank capacity
- 15 liters per hour filtration capacity
- In-tank UV sterilization
- Manual TDS controller (M-TDS) to adjust water taste
- 1-year warranty
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable initial pricing at ₹10,999
- Ability to control TDS levels manually
- Compact design suitable for smaller spaces
Cons:
- Higher annual maintenance costs
- Smaller tank capacity
3. Livpure Bolt
Features
- 7-stage purification
- 7-liter tank capacity
- 15 liters per hour filtration capacity
- 80% water saving technology
- 1-year warranty
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Eco-friendly with less water wastage
- Subscription model available
- Affordable initial cost
Cons:
- Higher total ownership cost over time
- Simplistic design may not appeal to everyone
4. Kent Supreme Plus
Features
- 8-stage purification
- 8-liter tank capacity
- 20 liters per hour filtration capacity
- In-built UV sterilization
- Transparent design to view filters
- 1-year warranty with 4 years free service
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High filtration capacity
- Free service for four years (excluding filter cost)
- TDS controller to adjust water taste
Cons:
- Transparent design may not suit all kitchen aesthetics
- Higher filter replacement costs
5. Pureit Copper
Features
- 7-stage purification with copper infusion
- 8-liter tank capacity
- 28 liters per hour filtration capacity
- Dual water dispenser for copper and normal RO water
- In-tank UV sterilization
- 1-year warranty
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Premium design with impressive aesthetics
- High filtration capacity
- Option for copper-enriched water
Cons:
- Highest total ownership cost over four years
- Expensive annual maintenance
Detailed Comparison
Design and Aesthetics
- Urban Company Native M2 and Pureit Copper stand out with their premium designs.
- Kent Supreme Plus has a transparent design, which may not appeal to everyone.
Tank Capacity
- Most purifiers offer an 8-liter tank, except for Aquaguard NXT with 6.2 liters and Livpure Bolt with 7 liters.
Filtration Capacity
- Pureit Copper leads with 28 liters per hour, ideal for larger families.
- Urban Company Native M2 and Kent Supreme Plus offer 20 liters per hour.
Unique Features
- Urban Company Native M2: Touch-sensitive buttons and app control.
- Aquaguard NXT: Manual TDS controller.
- Livpure Bolt: High water-saving efficiency.
- Kent Supreme Plus: 4 years free service.
- Pureit Copper: Dual water dispenser for copper-infused water.
Cost Analysis
Initial Investment
- Pureit Copper is the most expensive at ₹20,999.
- Aquaguard NXT and Livpure Bolt are more budget-friendly at ₹10,999.
Annual Maintenance Costs
- Urban Company Native M2: ₹4,500 every two years.
- Others: Approximately ₹5,000 – ₹5,500 annually.
True Ownership Cost Over 4 Years
- Urban Company Native M2: ₹26,599
- Aquaguard NXT: ₹30,999
- Livpure Bolt: ₹32,999
- Kent Supreme Plus: ₹38,000
- Pureit Copper: ₹42,900
Urban Company Native M2 RO Water Purifier: The Best Option?
Why It Stands Out
The Urban Company Native M2 offers a premium design, advanced features like touch-sensitive buttons and app control, and a lower total ownership cost over four years.
Common Concerns and Solutions
Power Failure Issues
Using a UPS
One drawback of the Urban Company Native M2 is that its touch-sensitive buttons won’t work during power outages. To overcome this, you can install a Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) system to ensure continuous operation.
Filter Replacement Frequency
Most purifiers require annual filter replacements, but the Urban Company Native M2 only needs replacements every two years, saving you time and money.
Final Verdict
When considering initial cost, maintenance expenses, features, and design, the Urban Company Native M2 RO Water Purifier emerges as the best option for most households. However, your choice should ultimately depend on your specific needs, such as water consumption, budget, and aesthetic preferences.
Conclusion
Investing in a quality RO water purifier is essential for ensuring your family’s health. By comparing the top models and considering both upfront and long-term costs, you can make a well-informed decision. The Urban Company Native M2 offers a compelling blend of features and affordability, making it a top choice in the Indian market.
FAQs
1. Is RO water safe for drinking?
Yes, RO water is safe for drinking. It removes impurities, contaminants, and excess TDS, providing clean and safe water.
2. How often should I replace the filters?
Filter replacement frequency varies by model. For most purifiers, it’s annually, but the Urban Company Native M2 requires replacements every two years.
3. Can I install the purifier myself?
While some purifiers offer DIY installation, it’s recommended to have a professional install it to ensure proper setup and warranty validity.
4. Does RO purification waste water?
Yes, RO purification can waste water. However, models like Livpure Bolt are designed to save up to 80% of water compared to traditional purifiers.
5. What is the warranty period for these purifiers?
Most purifiers come with a 1-year warranty, but the Urban Company Native M2 offers a 2-year comprehensive warranty.