Pelican PDF-450W Countertop
Pelican Water PDF-450W
Design - 87%
Features - 89%
Performance - 85%
Capacity - 78%
Ease of Use - 92%
86%
VERY GOOD
This is a very good and efficient on-faucet water filtration system, capable of eliminating most contaminants from your water; with a simple yet elegant design, it will be fit in every kitchen.
The quality of the water we drink is more and more often under scrutiny; we hear stories about chemical and industrial factories spilling their waste in water sources, and we consider the effects that pollution has over our air and water. Besides these issues, there is the matter of municipal authorities and how they choose to provide clean, pure water to their inhabitants; we can never be certain the measures they take are sufficient, so it falls on each of us to have our water tested and see if we can rely on any quality. In some instances, it is simply a matter of poorly maintained water pipes, so the contamination is minimal, including rather common contaminants like excess chlorine and rust.
In situations like these, you don’t necessarily have to consider a whole house water filter system, especially if you’re just concerned with water for consumption, meaning for drinking and cooking. There are plenty variants you can choose, and one of them is the countertop drinking filter system, like the Pelican Water PDF-450W that we will be reviewing in what follows. Please note that this is not as efficient as a larger, more comprehensive filter, and should only be chosen after you have tested your water and determined the gravity of the problem. But you can use it even if you know your water source is safe, because there is always a small risk something will happen, and health is not something to toy with.
Design
Although not important with most types of water filters, design does matter when it comes to a countertop filter like the Pelican Water PDF-450W. In most instances, the filter casing cannot be placed under the sink, so you want to make sure it will fit in rather nicely with the sink and the rest of the kitchen. This filter system does manage to present a rather appealing carcass made from very resistant white plastic; it has a fluid, tear-like shape and an upright position, so it won’t occupy much space on your counter. Its modern design should be suitable in most kitchens, and it will definitely look great in any bathroom. Finally, it presents a LED light indicator on the front lower part, which reminds you when it’s time to replace the actual filters inside it. It comes with a couple smooth hoses and a small, elegant faucet which will give access to the filtered water.
Features
For a rather small product, the Pelican Water PDF-450W is quite efficient. Pelican Water are renowned for their reliable and performing filtration systems, so it is no wonder that even smaller devices are just as qualitative. Measuring a mere 8 inches in height and 7 inches in width and does not weigh much either, although that isn’t important because it permanently rests on the counter. Thus, this particular product is fitted with a filter that eliminates and traps over 60 types of contaminants, the most common of which include chlorine, chloramines, rust, lead, mercury, cysts, and many other. Its PDF-450W premium drinking filter is one of the best from this brand as you can see; it has a maximum operating pressure of 80 PSI, which is way above functioning on most faucets. Its maximum operating temperature is situated at 100 degrees Fahrenheit, which is again a slim chance on most faucets.
The product itself comes with a chrome diverter and hose assembly, two faucet adapters, two rubber washer, and installation instructions, so you don’t need to pay a professional to install it, nor to change its filters, because it is something everyone can easily learn.
Performance
This excellent filter can purify up to half a gallon of water per minute, so you don’t have to worry about it slowing you down. Its filter can purify a total of 450 gallons, after which it most likely needs replacement. Thus, the Pelican PDF-450W will last for 450 gallons, or 6 months, depending on how you use it. In this period, it can and will remove about 98% of the chlorine found in your water, leaving it with no color, no odor, and most of all, great taste. Its performance has been tested by manufacturer, by other testers, and by numerous other customers before you.
One of the problems with most water filtration systems is that they have not been tested, so there are no safety measures taken. Although there are no governmental organizations to regulate this testing, there are non-governmental organizations like the NSF, which tests certain products, and which has tested the Pelican Water PDF-450W as well. As such, it has received a certificate of NSF/ANSI 42 and 53, which certifies that it can eliminate chlorine, chloramine, VOCs, lead, mercury, and cysts.
Ease of Use
As mentioned above, the filtering system does come with an installation manual and a user’s guide, so once everything is in place, it is quite easy to use. Changing and replacing the filters is also a simple task lasting just a few minutes; you can even order more replacement filters with the product, so you don’t have to be taken by surprise when the filter expires. However, you know it lasts about 6 months, so you can prepare in advance. Otherwise, this filter functions like a regular faucet: you just twist the faucet, and filtered water will start pouring out.
Other Considerations
Although it is not eco-friendly or energy-efficient per se, the Pelican Water PDF-450W does have certain qualities that make it suitable for a more protected environment. It does not function on electricity, but merely on water pressure passing through a dual carbon filter. However, it requires small batteries for the filter life indicator, but these last quite a lot and will not be a concern for some time. Moreover, there are no side-effects to using these carbon filters, which don’t need recycling and can be thrown in with most garbage. Although a price is hard to estimate, the product is not very costly, and it receives a one year warranty against manufacturer’s defects. Moreover, you receive a 90-day money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with its performance.