The APEC ROES-50 is a 5-stage reverse osmosis system capable of removing more than a thousand contaminants from water.
The five filters handle everything from fine sediment to harmful microorganisms and heavy metals.
It’s a great choice if you are looking for an affordable but high-performance RO system to supply clean and safe drinking water for your family.
You can install the system in about a couple of hours without having to call a pro. All the parts and fittings you need are included.
Read on for our full review of the APEC ROES-50 Reverse Osmosis System.
If it isn’t quite what you are looking for, we have reviewed other great RO systems in our recently updated best reverse osmosis filters buying guide.
Pros
Cons
Product Specifications
Can I Connect the APEC ROES-50 to My Fridge or Icemaker?
Yes, you can. You’ll have you buy the APEC icemaker kit. It costs around $18.
Specifications
Best Features
1. 5-Stage Filtration System Design
Which APEC ROES-50 Filters Do You Need to Replace?
The APEC ROES-50 features 5 filtration stages, each of which targets specific contaminants.
This multi-stage process has two main advantages:
Here are the five stages in the ROES-50.
5-micron sediment filter: Filters out large suspended particles including sediment, dirt and rust. It also protects the carbon filters and the RO membrane from clogging.
10-micron carbon block filter: Reduces chlorine, organic chemicals and water turbidity/cloudiness.
10-micron carbon block filter:A second activated carbon filter removes residual tastes and odors.
High rejection RO membrane: This is the most important filter. It deals with the toughest contaminants including heavy metals, biologicals and dissolved solids.
Post-filter: The final carbon filter gives the water a final polish just before it comes out of the faucet. This removes residual tastes and odors, ensuring you get fresh tasting water.
2. Excellent Filtering Performance
How Many Gallons of Pure Water does the APEC ROES 50 Produce Per Hour and Per Day?
About 1.8 gallons per hour and 50 gallons per day. This is lower than the industry average of 75 GPD.Despite the lower price tag, the APEC ROES-50 is just as good as pricier RO systems when it comes to filtering performance.
It removes 99% of water contaminants including bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, chemicals, sediment and chlorine.
The double carbon blocks are especially effective at freshening up the water by removing substances that affects its taste and odor.
The RO membrane then ensures that your water is safe to drink by removing harmful heavy metals and biologicals.
Even if your water is not treated – e.g. well water –you can still use this RO system. It actually does a better job than chlorine removing bacteria, viruses, cysts and protozoa.
If you use city water, the system will get rid of residual microorganisms, any chemicals (such as fluoride) and heavy metals in the water as well as the unpleasant taste of chlorine.
Because the purified water is guaranteed safe and tastes great, you can replace your bottled water with it. You’ll save money and the environment too.
3. Average Water Efficiency
The main reason why the APEC ROES-50 is cheaper than other RO systems despite having comparable filtering performance is that it is less efficient.
Top RO models have a wastewater to pure water ratio of 2:1 or 1:1.
ROES-50’s ratio is 3:1, meaning 3 gallons of water are drained for every gallons of pure drinking water.
That may seem like a lot of water but it’s less than the amount you use per day for showering, flushing or laundry. If you use your RO system for drinking water only, the 3 gallons are lost at a slower rate.
Compared to the industry average, which is 4:1, the ROES-50’s 3:1 ratio is not too bad.
If you still feel like that’s a lot of water, you have two options.
Installation & Maintenance
The APEC ROES-50 is an undercounter water treatment system.
It’s designed for easy DIY installation. You don’t need to call a plumber or buy any additional parts.
With basic tools, including a drill for installing the faucet, you’ll have the system ready to go in two hours.
How to Install the APEC ROES-50
Note: If you don’t have enough space under the sink, you can install the RO system anywhere else 10-15 feet away from the sink. Just make sure you have access to a cold water line and a drainage line. Most people find the basement to be perfect when the under-sink space is inadequate.
Filter Replacement
How Much are Replacement Filters for the APEC ROES-50 RO System?
The three pre-filters are available as a set for around $30. The in-line post-filter is available separately for around $15. The RO membrane costs about $40.
The first three pre-filters should last about one year if you use city water. If you receive hard city water or well water, the manufacturer recommends replacing the filters every 6 months.
Replacing the filters is easy. Use the included wrench to open the three filter housings and remove the old filter cartridges.
Wash the housings with a gentle soap and sanitize the system using mild bleach before putting in the new filters.
The membrane and the post filter will last 2-3 years. Replace both after 2 years if you receive well water or 3 years if you use city water.What We Like The Most about the APEC ROES-50 RO System
Good value for money: It’s missing some features and the daily production capacity could be higher, but overall, the APEC ROES-50 delivers more value for your money compared to other RO systems.
Affordable replacement filters: It’s not just the main system that is priced affordably; the replacement filters are affordable as well, making maintenance pocket-friendly.
Easy DIY installation: Though installation takes some time, it’s something you can do on your own. The manual has very clear and detailed instructions. The manufacturer also has some helpful installation videos on their website.What We Don’t Like about the APEC ROES-50
1. Lower than Average Production Capacity
If you want to use RO purified water for more than just drinking, the ROES-50 may not be the best choice for you.
It has a production capacity of 50GPD, which is significantly lower than the industry average of 75GPD.
2. No Booster Pump
If you want to enjoy better water pressure from the faucet, you’ll have to buy a booster pump separately.
Without the pump, it’ll be tedious to fill large water bottles.
The lack of a booster pump also increases the amount of wastewater.
3. No Mineral Water
If you want the same spring-like taste you get from your bottled mineral water, the APEC ROES-50 is not for you.
It lacks a remineralization stage, meaning the pure water comes out slightly acidic and devoid of minerals.
But most people don’t mind the taste and find it just as good as bottled water.
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Our Bottom Line
We love products that deliver more for less and the APEC ROES-50 is one of our favorites.
You enjoy the same great filtering performance as a premium system for less money.
The ROES-50 is an all-round money-saving RO system.
It saves you the cost of bottled water, saves you the cost of pricey filters and you also get a great bargain on the system itself.
