Everyone has a photographic memory! Some people simply don't have film.
Everyone has a photographic memory! Some people simply don't have film.
Member since:22.10.2000
Reviews:425
Members who trust:85
Brita water filter systems are almost an essential item for every household these days. But first let me tell you a little about the company and its products etc.
The company
Heinz Hankammer founded the company in Germany in 1966. It’s head quarters remain in Taunusstein Germany, though it’s now an international company, and still family owned! The company makes water filter systems in Germany (of course), England, Switzerland, and India. The products of the company are sold in over 76 countries worldwide, and they employ 720 staff.
The products
Brita offer water filtration systems, in a range of styles. The Atlantis is capable of holding some 2.2litres of filtered water, though you probably need a large fridge for this one. The Fjord (the one I have) will fit snugly into the fridge door (for those of us with small fridges); the Fjord is capable of holding 1.6 litres. The Aluna will hold 1.9 litres, and the cool 1.3 litres, though they Aluna will not fit in your fridge door, as it is more round in shape.
The cartridges and memo timer
Brita recommend (what else?) that you only use their cartridges, though there are others on the market, which are a bit cheaper in some cases. Most systems now have a Brita ‘memo’! Basically this is a little device, which is on top of the lid, and when you press the start button – it will duly count down the weeks until you need to replace the cartridge. Normally a cartridge will last about a month, and each week a section of your ‘memo’ will disappear.
Prices
A typical Brita water filter will set you back around £18 - £20. The cartridges can be picked up for around £14 for four. Currently Argos has an offer where you get four cartridges and a water filter for £29.99, which could save you around £3 to £5. The systems are guarantees for thirty days to ensure you are entirely happy, and then covered by a further two year general guarantee.
How do they work?
Each filter has two active components: activated carbon and ion exchange resin. These work to filter out the impurities in your water and reduce hardness. The Carbon reduces levels of chlorine and chlorine compounds, pesticides, colour etc. This makes your water clearer and tastier. Next, the ion exchange resin works by reducing the hardness in your water, which in itself can save on de-scaling your kettle.
Do they work?
In a nutshell yes they do. We have a fjord system, which as stated fits nicely into our fridge door. We have extreme hard water here in Suffolk, and we are permanently de-scaling our kettle and shower (at least once a week). Now we are using the water from the water filter we haven’t de-scaled our kettle once! It really has kept it free from scale. As for the taste, what beats a nice glass of ice-cold water from the fridge on sunny day? Water in my opinion tastes like water, whether from a bottle, tap, or in this case jug. Simply put we wouldn’t be without the filter now, if only for the fact it substantially reduces the lime scale, but the fact that it filters out all the other impurities is an added benefit!
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Very good and well written review. I hate filtered water ~ it tastes like the taste has been taken out when it actually goes through the filter :P ..:james:..
Arbrette 28.03.2003 05:36
Fjord is great - I got mine to fit inside door of fridge, but I use it too often - it is now on worktop all the time. Great and well researched op.
RobinLawrie 12.06.2001 16:10
Excellent review, it seems that everyone has a good word to say about these filters.....Robin
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