07
Oct
Pelican Water Under Counter Water Filter
Pelican Water Under Counter Filter
Design - 100%
Features - 89%
Performance - 85%
Capacity - 79%
Ease of Use - 81%
87%
VERY GOOD
We recommend the Pelican Water drinking filter system because it is easy to install, stays out of view, and is efficient against over 60 types of contaminants, providing pure, great-tasting water.
In a previous article, we were presenting and reviewing a counter top water filter system by Pelican Water, and some of you might have been wondering whether there is an under the counter version of that system, as well. Of course there is, and it actually comes in three different models; and if we’re to rely on the quality that this brand has us accustomed to, it is very likely you will be pleased with what they have to offer as well. For some, an under-counter water filtration system might seem like an even better solution to ensure pure water for consumption and cooking, and that is because this system stays mainly out of view. Keeping a level of aestheticism in the kitchen is quite important, and a counter-top filtration system can ruin it; in other situations, there is simply no other room for it other than under the sink.
Pelican Water filtering systems benefit from the latest technologies and the most efficient filters, so you can safely choose them if you want quality water. This, however, should only be followed after you have chemically tested your water to see the exact level of contamination; if you’re in the unfortunate position of dealing with highly contaminated and polluted water, then you have to think of a more serious solution, such as a whole house water filter system. For minor to moderate contamination however, the Pelican Water Under Counter Drinking Filter Systems are just perfect.
Design
As mentioned before, the Pelican Water Under Counter Drinking Filter System comes in several models; three, to be more precise. Thus, you can look for model #PDF-UC-BN, #PDF-UC-C, or #PDF-UC-ORB. These three represent the three faucet types that you can choose from, and which come in Polished Chrome, Brushed Nickel, and Oil-Rubbed Bronze finishes. The faucets are thin and supple, though resistant; they have long necks, so they don’t crowd your activities near the sink, and feature a single lever that is easy to handle. The actual filter casing, which will be placed under the counter or under the sink, is quite similar to the one on the counter filtering system; it is white and tear-shaped, but it is fitted with a special support that allows you to secure it on the cabinet wall. As expected, it features a filter life indicator that visually alerts you when it’s time to replace the filters. This type of filtering system can be useful for the bathroom as well, but it is ideal for any kitchen, because the filter casing is out of view and because you can choose a faucet that resembles your existing fixtures and will look right in place.
Features
Although a simple under the counter filtering system, the Pelican Water Under Counter Drinking Filter System is very efficient against most contaminants. However, it is promoted as a drinking filter, so you know its intended uses are drinking and cooking; this may have to do more with is capacity rather than efficiency, because under normal conditions, these filters have a lifetime of about 6 to 8 months. This is the equivalent of 450 gallons of water so in some households, such as smaller families or couples, it may last even longer. The Pelican filter cartridges are efficient against contaminants like chlorine, rust, lead, cysts, VOCs, and mercury.
Installing this type of filter does not require professional help; it comes with an instruction manual and all the right parts to allow you to do it on your own. The kit contains the drinking filter and its cartridges, a faucet of your choice, some valves, bolts, hoses and the wall suspension stand; as such, a handyman should be able to install it with regular tools, although drilling a hole through the counter or sink may require precise planning. Some sinks are fitted with a special detergent dispenser; in many cases, this dispenser is useless, or breaks down – you should be able to remove it and place your drinking faucet instead, thus eliminating the need to drill an extra hole. For practical purposes, you should know that the filter casing measures some 8 inches in height, and about 7 inches in width, and the depth doesn’t exceed 4 or 5 inches. The maximum flow rate of this product is half of a gallon per minute, it has a maximum operating pressure of 80 PSI, and can stand a maximum temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The system also includes an angle stop valve, and all of the items mentioned above.
Performance
We have already discussed some of the performance details of the Pelican Water Under Counter Drinking Filter System; it features a PDF-450W Premium Drinking Filter that is efficient against over 60 types of contaminants, starting with common culprits like chlorine and chloramine, and extending as far as removing rust, mercury, lead, cysts and most volatile organic compounds and other chemical and pharmaceutical traces. An important detail you need to know about this Pelican filter is that it is NSF certified; it has received quality certificates 42 and 53 which accredit its efficiency against the contaminants mentioned above.
Not all water filtering systems receive this kind of certification, and since there are no governmental organizations to deal with regulating them, the NSF is considered an authority in the matter, at least in the United States. As mentioned so far, these cartridges have a lifetime of about 6 months or 450 gallons of water, but the Filter Life Indicator will always remind you when it’s time for replacement. This filter not only eliminates contaminants from your water, but any foul odors and coloration as well, providing you with fresh, great-tasting water. Believe it or not, a product like this may even improve your cooking, because unfiltered water can change taste and even how the foods are cooked.
Ease of Use
Although it is not as easy as pie, installing the Pelican Water Under Counter Drinking Filter System can be done by anyone with a basic tool kit and some patience. The instruction manual is very helpful and straightforward, and the process is simple enough to understand and follow step by step. Once in place, removing or replacing the filter cartridges is also easy, as you just remove the container’s lid and put them in place. Other than that, everyone knows how to use a faucet, so you have instant access to pure, filtered water.
Other Considerations
This Pelican water filter system does not require electricity to function; it merely works on water pressure and gravity, so in that sense you might say it is eco-friendly. The filters do not retain important minerals from water, so you don’t have to worry about demineralized water which can leave the body with deficiencies. Replacement filter cartridges and installation pieces can be found on the manufacturer’s official website, but your retailer may have them available as well. Depending on where and how you purchase this product, it may cost somewhere between $150 – $250. Overall, neither price seems to steep, especially since you get value for that money. Finally, the manufacturer also offers a 1-year warranty against manufacturer defects; it seems a bit short, but the product seems qualitative enough to last a lot longer.
