This countertop reverse-osmosis system filters, mineralises and heats water
Waterdrop M6HG
If you want better-tasting water at home but don’t fancy lugging big bottles about or the headache – and price – of installing an under-sink filtration system, the Waterdrop M6HG might be the answer you are looking for.
This countertop reverse-osmosis system filters, mineralises and heats water, combining a water purifier and instant hot-water dispenser in one handy appliance.
Something you’ll need to know straight away: it isn’t small, and it’s not light. You’re going to need the space in your kitchen to house it. But if you do, you’ll get something that’s incredible, easy to set up, use and maintain.
The filtration system is pretty comprehensive. Water passes through eight stages, including a reverse-osmosis membrane and UV treatment. Waterdrop says the system reduces substances including fluoride, PFOA/PFOS, chlorine, lead, heavy metals and VOCs.
The M6HG doesn’t simply strip minerals from the water and leave it tasting rather flat – its mineralisation stage adds minerals including calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium. This makes a big difference to the taste, especially when compared to similar systems I’ve tasted, when the water comes out with what I can only describe as an ‘artificial tang’.
You can also get hot water with the press of a button. Five preset temperatures range from room temperature through 45°C, 75°C and 85°C to 95°C, while volumes can be adjusted from 150ml upwards. It’s certainly much more efficient as a kettle, but not as hot. You won’t notice for most hot drinks, but traditional black-tea drinkers may still prefer a kettle.
The M6HG has a 1.2-litre detachable glass pitcher that automatically keeps itself topped up, so there’s always filtered water ready to drink. Because it’s glass rather than plastic, it also gives off a premium feel.
Water efficiency is reasonable for an RO machine, too. The M6HG has a 3:1 pure-to-waste ratio, with a 4-litre fresh-water tank and a separate 1.5-litre wastewater tank. Waterdrop says the wastewater can be reused for tasks such as cleaning or watering plants rather than simply being discarded.
The colour touchscreen has large icons and clear controls, and the interface responds quickly. You won’t be constantly reaching for the manual.
There’s an ongoing cost. Waterdrop currently lists the M6HG at £429 in the UK, with the replacement M6RFG filter rated for 12 months and listed at £70. That’s obviously more expensive than a conventional filter jug, although you’re getting plenty in return.
I found myself using the Waterdrop exclusively, whether for hot water for coffee or room-temperature water for my Sodastream. It’s no doubt quite an investment, but if you have the space, you will get a lot out of it every day.
The Waterdrop M6HG is available from Amazon
What users say
“On function alone, this is an extremely impressive machine. You get reverse osmosis filtration, remineralisation, a continuously filled glass pitcher, adjustable water volumes, multiple temperature settings, instant hot water, and useful presets, all without having to plumb the system into your water supply.”
“It is not a bad filter; there are two things you need to consider: a lot of wastewater, which makes you keep filling the tank, and the temperature for hot water, which is not very hot, so if you fill your coffee flask, it will get cold very soon.”
Alternatives
