Best Water Purifiers in India for Home- Reviews & Buying Tips (2021)

Every home in India needs the best water purifier to get clean and pure drinking water for your family. This fact may sound alarming. But with the level of contamination the local water bodies suffer, there is no other way than to use a water purifier to get healthy drinking water.

You have different options available like RO purifier, UF purifier, UV purifier, or even a non-electric purifier. The trick here is to find the right one suitable for your requirement and water supply.

Our team has tested various water purifiers in India to pick the best ones for home use. We could narrow it down to the top 10 water purifiers. This is based on their

• Efficiency in providing pure drinkable water
• Ease of maintenance
• Durability.
• Value of money

Without much further ado, here are our top 10 choices for water purifiers for Indian homes:

Top Water Purifiers in India for Homes

1. KENT Grand 8-Litres- Best Choice for Indian Homes
2. AO Smith Z9- Premium Water Purifier
3. KENT Pearl 8-Litre- All in One(RO+UV+UF+TDS) Water Purifier
4. Eureka Forbes AquaSure- Most Affordable Choice
5. KENT Ace Mineral 7-Litre- Top Mid Range Water Purifier
6. HUL Pureit Copper+
7. KENT Maxx 7-Litres-Top UV UF Water Purifier
8. KENT Ultra- Best UV Choice
9. KENT Gold+- Top Non-Electric Water Purifier
10. KENT Gold Optima- Terrific Gravity Water Purifier for Homes

Best Water Purifiers in India for Homes- Reviews and Comparison

We finalized this list after testing 25+ water purifiers in the Indian market. These are top-quality purifiers known for providing pure microbial-free and dirt-free drinking water. An important thing to note is that most of our picks are coming from reliable brands like Kent, Eureka Forbes etc.

1. KENT Grand 8-Litres – Best Water Purifier for Small Indian Homes

Kent Grand is the top pick when it comes to Indian water purifiers. This is a RO purifier which is known to be the most efficient filter as they eliminate almost all kinds of toxins. You should not be surprised to know that KENT Grand is the best RO system you can get and that’s exactly why it tops our list. The water purifier is well-suited for Indian homes and offices.

Innovative Purification and Mineral Technology

Kent Grand+ comes with its patented mineral technology, the unit comes with a built-in TDS controller. As reverse osmosis removes essential minerals, KENT has taken the initiative to retain mineral levels in the purified water using its TDS controller. This TDS valve helps maintain magnesium, calcium, and potassium levels, delivering tasty and 100% pure drinking water.  The list of KENT’s innovations is endless, and contributes to making it a great purchase!

The multi-stage purification ensures high-quality drinking water. Purification stages eliminate harmful chemicals, microbes while enhancing the overall taste and smell. KENT Grand also comes with a water-level indicator and an auto-flushing system for enhanced performance. The auto-flushing function washes away deposits from the membrane, which helps extend the overall product life. The feature also improves the membrane’s overall efficiency by keeping the membrane clean.

KENT has also taken the initiative to preserve water with its Save Water Technology. The computer-controlled operation recovers more water as purified. It sends the wastewater back to the overhead tank, reducing wastage by 50%! Another unique feature is the in-tank disinfecting UV light that keeps the storage tank safe and pathogen-free. This is a commendable initiative considering the impending global water shortage crisis,

Outstanding After-sales service

Kent offers an outstanding after-sales service for its water purifiers. Along with a standard 1-year warranty, KENT goes a mile ahead by offering free service for three years! Yes, you read that right! In addition to the warranty and free servicing, the brand also offers free product installation.

Kent’s customer support is also amazing. The overall setup and assembling experience was a breeze thanks to the technicians at KENT. A few customers have also mentioned how the customer service team was quick to respond to their concerns. That goes to show that customer care is among KENT’s top priorities!

Price

You may find the price of Kent Grand slightly higher. However, KENT Grand is worth every penny spent! The reliable performance, exceptional after-sales service, and unique technology deliver bang for the buck!

2. AO Smith Z9 – A Premium Choice that is bang on Trend

The best premium choice water purifier in India is AO Smith Z9. It is a trendy RO water purifier to uplift your kitchen’s design. The Z9 gives better features than Kent Gold, at a premium price. The truth is that AO Smith Z9 is good for everything. It is designed to suit the customers’ lifestyle.

Hot and Cold Purified Water

AO Smith Z9 offers you a choice between cold and hot purified water. This feature can come in handy when preparing a hot cup of tea, or for soaking cereals. Additionally, the purifier offers two temperature options of 45°C and 80°C. You need to know that it only dispenses warm water when the tank is full. If you’re always on the go, this requirement may eventually turn into a hassle!

Multi-stage Purifying technology

This premium RO Water purifier guarantees clean drinking water with its 8 stages purification technology. It includes a pre-filter, sediment filter, carbon block, reverse osmosis, mineralizer, and SCMT. SCMT technology uses a silver membrane to provide double protection to eliminate any secondary contamination after RO processing.  The min-tech/mineralizing technology enriches your drinking water with essential minerals. It helps maintain a fresh and natural taste, along with a balanced pH level.

Build quality

AO Smith sets the seal on quality by delivering a long-lasting product that is 100% worthy of praise. The first thing you’ll notice in the Z9 is its aesthetically pleasing design. The body is made with virgin food-grade plastic to ensure durability along with premium functioning. Along with good looks, the water purifier is also lightweight and easy to install. AO Smith Z9’s night-assist technology is another standout feature. AO Smith is the first Indian brand to offer glow-affects to help you locate the unit at night.

Recovery technology

AO Smith’s advanced recovery technology helps save water twice that of regular RO purifiers. It minimizes wastage by recovering up to 55% of water. In all, its outstanding functioning and patented technology make Z9 an excellent option for homes. If you’re looking for a system that not only eliminates pathogens but also looks good, this one’s the best purifier to buy.

3. KENT Pearl 8-Litre – An All-in-One Solution

Kent Pearl is another one from Kent to feature on our list. If you’re looking for a unit that matches your kitchen and doesn’t break the bank, you’re in for a treat. With pollution on the rise, it becomes essential to look for a functional solution to treat tap water. KENT Pearl is a spectacular entrant in the market that uses double purification technology. Some of its exciting features are:

• Chemical and metal contamination often causes a rusty or bleach-like taste. KENT Pearl uses RO + UV + UF filtering and also comes with an in-built TDS controller.
• It filters out all impurities, as well as enhances the overall taste and smell.
• Most importantly, it seems to work will all kinds of water sources such as borewells, overhead tanks, and municipal water supply. Tell you what it’s a great water purifier for borewell water.
• KENT Pearl uses a highly powerful 11-watt UV lamp for disinfection, while most standard purifiers use an 8-watt lamp.

Easy to Maintain Water Purifier

The KENT Pearl comes with a transparent, detachable tank that enables the convenience of removing and disinfecting as required. These push-fit components ensure a leak-proof performance and reduce the need for frequent maintenance. While it reduces the need for monthly servicing, the KENT Pearl’s maintenance cost is still high. It uses a multi-stage purification technology that requires filter replacements every few months. The sediment filter, activated carbon filter, UV lamp, and RO membrane are slightly costly. They increase the per annum maintenance cost significantly.

The unit also includes an inbuilt auto-flush system that washes the salt deposits on the RO membrane surface. By doing so, it increases the efficiency and product life of the RO system. This unique feature is not available in most other water purifiers.

Zero Water wastage

KENT Pearl is not only a stylishly designed purifier but also incorporates zero water wastage technology. It output 100% pure water and also recirculates the rejected water back to the overhead tank. This system minimizes wastage by 100% and makes for an eco-friendly option. The zero waster wastage feature is very helpful for cities like Chennai where water shortages exist every year.

4-years free service

Kent Pearl comes with 4 years of support from the brand. Most purifier brands offer a one-year comprehensive warranty. KENT not only offers that but provides free of cost servicing for three years! If you’re looking for extended satisfaction, you will not find a better option than KENT.

4. Eureka Forbes AquaSure – Affordable option with RO function

Eureka Forbes AquaSure is one of the best water purifiers under 10000 in India. The highlight of AquaSure is its sleek and modern design that can uplift almost any ordinary-looking space. If you are short of budget and are looking for a RO purifier, Aquasure is the right choice for you.

Multiple Filtration Stage

This amazing water purifier also features a robust filtration system comprising six stages. The pre-filter removes larger particles, while the chemi-block eliminates odour. The RO membrane removes TDS, and the UV chamber disinfects the output by eliminating bacteria and viruses. It also features a membrane life enhancer that prevents scaling caused by magnesium and calcium.

Smart functioning

Eureka Forbes Aquasure comes with smart functioning technologies. One such feature prevents the overflow of water by automatically shutting off once the tank is full. This feature also helps save energy. Then, there is the smart TDS controller that allows users to adjust taste depending on the source of water. The 6000-litres cartridge life gives your family hassle-free protection all year round.

The AquaSure smart indicators use different colours to highlight tank full, low inlet water pressure, no water supply, or error with the machine. Voltage fluctuations are pretty frequent in India. To prevent damage to the system, AquaSure comes protected against voltage fluctuation of 150v-270v.

Best for Small family looking for Budget Choice

The compact-sized filter easily mounts onto the wall without taking up much space. It contains 6-litres of purified water, which is ample for a small family. Many customers swear by the KENT Grand. In all honesty, Eureka Forbes AquaSure is just as good, if not better, that too, at a lower price. This purifier delivers outstanding value for money with its unique features and premium performance!

AquaSure design

This Eureka Forbes water purifier is quite attractive, all thanks to its modern designing. The superior craftsmanship is worthy of praise! However, there are slight mistakes that should be considered before purchasing the product.

1. A major designing flaw with the AquaSure is that it houses a cartridge outside the enclosure, which requires extra wiring. While it causes no issues functionality-wise, we don’t like the idea of extra drills.
2. Moreover, it wastes about 650 ml for every litre of water. That’s no surprise as water wastage is pretty standard with RO purifiers.
3.  It is recommended that you save the reject water separately and use it for household chores to prevent excessive wastage. You may need to add a reject tank to store this water that may take up extra space.

5. KENT Ace Mineral 7-Litre – Best Mid-Range System with RO+UV+UF Capabilities

Kent Ace is a high-quality mid-range water purifier for homes. The Ace Mineral purifier, as the name suggests, maintains the natural minerals in your drinking water. It is the perfect solution for Indian homes and offices as it is suitable for the purification of tap water and municipal supply. The compact design of the purifier allows wall-mountable installation to keep your counters clutter-free. It occupies very little space that way and seems pretty practical for smaller kitchen spaces. The ISI, NSF, and WQA certifications reinforce our trust in the brand. It keeps us at peace, knowing that the water we’re consuming is free from impurities.

Premium Mineral RO

Reverse osmosis membranes have tiny pores to filter out both dissolved and un-dissolved impurities. This process ends up eliminating essential minerals, as well. KENT offers the ultimate resolution by incorporating mineral technology to make up for the lost minerals. It also uses a TDS controller to ensure tasty and odourless H2O.

Convenient computer-controlled operation

Ace Mineral enhances customer convenience and safety by alerting them of filter replacement time. The UV fail alarm notifies the user if the UV lamp becomes inefficient. Without these alerts, it would be quite challenging to keep track of these components and their functioning.

Ample storage and high purification capacity

The purifier contains 7-litres of pure water, which is pretty adequate for small families. Furthermore, it also delivers 15-litres of crystal-clear aqua in an hour. This fast output level makes clean drinking water easily accessible at all times.

Leak-proofing and Energy Saving Purifier

KENT ensures top-class quality by constructing the tank out of ABS food-grade plastic. The push-fit design prevents leakage and safeguards the quality of water. Moreover, the durable and sturdy construction makes the product last a long time. KENT Ace Mineral isn’t only reasonably priced but also high on money-saving as it consumes roughly 60 watts of energy. Moreover, the built-in SMPS helps it cope with voltage fluctuations.

6. HUL Pureit Copper+ – A Trusted Water Purifier Brand for Long-term Use

The HUL Pureit Copper+ is unique among the best water purifiers in India for home use. Firstly, its astonishingly sleek design is the best seen among water purifiers. Other premium features include unique copper technology and auto-cleaning. This is the only water purifier in this list that offers purified water with copper.

HUL Pureit Copper+ uses a 7-stage purification system to give you crystal-clear and 100% pure aqua at the press of a button! Moreover, the double purity lock prevents the consumption of impure water in the case of filter expiry. It alerts consumers 15-days before the expiry and shuts off if the filter is not replaced.

Our favourite feature of this model is its hands-free bottle fill zone. It reduces the hassle of pressing and holding buttons to fill up containers. The hands-free operation can come in handy, especially when multi-tasking.

The perfect purifier to have for immunity-boosting!

• The double-dispensing system gives you a choice between regular RO and copper-infused RO water.
• It delivers just the right dose of immunity-boosting copper.
• Its auto-cleaning feature makes sure to provide fresh copper infusion at all times.
• The Health benefits of this technology include improved digestion and overall well-being.
• Its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties remove all harmful micro-organisms from the water.
• Out of all the copper purifiers available in the market, this one’s the most innovative!

Storage and Purification Capacity

The HUL Pureit is a perfect purchase for Indian households. It offers ample storage space for 8-litres, which is excellent for nuclear families. If you find the storage insufficient, you may want to check out its purification capacity. It can deliver up to 28 litres of pure aqua in one hour! With the hands-free operation and speedy output, refilling should not be a problem! We find this HUL unit to be an ideal choice, even for joint families.

Filtering technology

Its 7-stage system uses Reverse osmosis, ultraviolet light, micro-filter, and ultrafiltration. If your water supply has microorganisms, foul taste and smell, and harmful chemicals, Pureit takes care of it all! However, this comes at a slight cost. The RO system wastes about 650 ml for every litre of pure water. Additionally, you must note that the UF membrane replacements cost a significant amount and require frequent changes.  

7. KENT Maxx 7-Litres – An Excellent Mix of UV and UF for Clean and Tasty Water

KENT Maxx is the best premium UV and UF filter on the lot right now. The sturdy build means it is spill-proof and offers double protection. What’s more, is that the purifier is packed with useful features to increase consumer convenience!

Detachable tank for ease

As with any filter, it is critical to keep the tank spot-free. It keeps bacteria at bay and prevents the spread of water-borne illnesses. To reduce monthly service expenses, KENT offers the perfect solution to its customers! The transparent tank is detachable, making it easy to clean from the inside without the help of a technician. Regular cleaning helps maintain the overall hygiene levels of the tank and the water you drink.

Ideal for water supply with low TDS

As this uses a UV + UF technology, it is best suited for water with a lesser content of dissolved solids. You may use this technology to improve the taste, odour and disinfect the water by eliminating bacteria and viruses. The carbon filter decreases foul taste and scent by providing a filtered output that is delectable and safe to drink.

It uses a high-powered UV lamp of 11-watts, unlike the ordinary purifiers housing an 8-watt lamp. This lamp works effectively in killing all bacteria and preventing reproduction. Since this is not an RO purifier, the water wastage accounts for zero! However, this also means that the dead microbes float in the water and are not filtered out. KENT Maxx is easily manageable with its automated operation. There is no manual intervention required. The only thing manual is the water tap, which is quite useful actually. Most electrical sensors fail to work during a power outage. With a manual tap, you have access to purified water at all times!

Outstanding daily use experience!

With the KENT Maxx, you’ll get the best that you can. We did not experience any functioning problems. The detachable tank made life more comfortable and helped save service charges as well. In case of any complaint, KENT is prompt with its customer service. Overall, I would highly recommend Maxx for users with a low TDS water supply. Please make sure you have moderate water pressure before purchasing this unit. In this price range, we doubt you’ll find one better than this.

8. KENT Ultra – A Budget-friendly Purifier with UV Technology

Kent Ultra is the best UV water purifier in India right now. KENT Ultra might not boast the same features offered by other more expensive models, but it’s still a fantastic option for anyone. If you are looking for a non-electric purifier, this is the ideal choice.

Safety guaranteed

If your local supply is contaminated with microbes and causes hospital visits, a UV filter is what you need. The powerful ultraviolet rays kill the bacteria and also prevent their reproduction. It’s an affordable pick for water sources with low TDS.

Keep in mind UV filters do not treat odour, smell, and toxic contaminations. That is why it is not fit for use for high TDS levels. The KENT Ultra does not store any water, which reduces the chances of double contamination.  It filters as it pours and is more than enough for a nuclear family. However, a different version is available for users in need of storage space. Furthermore, its computer-controlled operations alert the users in case of filter malfunctioning. When the UV features stop functioning, the electricity supply is automatically discontinued to prevent impure water consumption.

Fast purification

If you’re concerned about a lack of storage space, the speedy purification capacity makes the product worthwhile. It delivers a whopping 60-litres of aqua in an hour, which is terrific for cooking purposes. A few users have complained of slow output over time. It can be due to clogging and choking. Through regular maintenance, this issue can be taken care of!

Long-lasting and durable construction

As the purifier does not store any water, consumers will not experience issues like spillage. Besides, robust food-grade plastic prevents any chances of leakage. This sturdy construction makes the product last longer, guaranteeing a worthy investment. KENT Ultra also features the Switching Mode Power Supply technology. It can handle fluctuating voltage without causing any damage to the internal components. The product also meets all testing standards, meaning it is safe and of high quality.

Elegant design, fit for Indian kitchens

KENT Ultra has been designed, keeping in mind the lack of space in most Indian kitchens. The wall-mountable purifier occupies very little space, thanks to its compactness. Moreover, the transparent casing gives it an elegant look.

9. KENT Gold+ – Terrific Non-Electric Purifier for a Large family

Kent Gold+ is a top-selling non-electric purifier in the Indian market. Kent Gold+ uses a hollow fibre ultra-filtration membrane to remove pathogens and microbes. The use of chemicals to purify often leaves behind a bitter aftertaste. However, as Gold+ uses a chemical-free technology, it does not alter the taste in any way. 

If you’re new to the world of purifiers and want a cost-effective solution to contaminated water, this is a fantastic choice! The only problem with non-electrical purifiers is that they do not offer cooling technologies like the other purifiers. If you prefer water at room temperature, you shouldn’t have any problem!

Perfect choice for a big family

KENT Gold+ supplies purified aqua even in the absence of electricity. It holds about 13 litres of purified water and an additional 7 litres of raw water in the upper tank. If you’re looking for a simple-to-operate unit to remove dust and sand impurities, this is a fantastic choice. Keep in mind, as this is a tabletop purifier, you will need to fill the tank manually, which can be slightly inconvenient.

Great product, reasonable price!

KENT Gold+ is a cost-effective solution to purification and comes economically priced. Moreover, the maintenance cost also differs as it has fewer filters and components. It reduces the per annum cost significantly! Hard water often leaves behind salt deposits that clog filters and hinder their performance. Hence, it is crucial to clean and disinfect the purifiers regularly.

Regular cleaning and maintenance can increase costs, notably. That’s why experts recommend opting for units that are easy to assemble and disassemble. KENT Gold’s user-friendly design allows for easy assembling, installation, and cleaning. You will only require servicing every 3-6 months to replace the sediment, carbon, and UF filters.

Convenient and modern design

The transparent aqua blue tank is sure to make your kitchen stand out. Its unbreakable plastic experience ensures a leak-proof experience and long product life. Moreover, the high-base stand enables users to draw water conveniently. Overall, Gold+ does what it’s designed for. It is one of the best in the category of low-cost systems perfect for low TDS water supplies. Moreover, it is the best water purifier in India if you often face power breakdowns.

10. KENT Gold Optima – Compact-sized purifier with gravity-based filtering

Kent Gold Optima is another gravity water purifier that is known for its compact size. It boasts of KENT’s minimalistic purification technique that does not use electricity or chemical. This gravity-based water purifier guarantees 100% microbe-free water, all thanks to its hollow fibre hydrophilic UF membrane. The hollow UF membrane has a pore size of 0.1 microns, which prevents bacteria and cysts from passing through. If electricity load-shedding is a significant concern, KENT Gold Optima is a fantastic option. It is best suited for water with low TDS levels, as it does not have the capability of removing dissolved solids.

Practical design

If limited space is a primary concern for you, you’re going to love the KENT Gold Optima. You can save wall space by mounting the purifier over the tabletop, making it accessible to everyone. Moreover, its functional design makes it easy to disassemble to disinfect. This aspect can help lower the costs of servicing. The purified water gets housed in a sturdy plastic body, protected against dust and other contaminations. The upper tank holds about 4.5 litres of water, while the lower tank contains 5.5 litres of water.

Low maintenance cost

As mentioned above, the purifier functions without electricity, and it is quite easy to install and maintain. By cleaning it yourself, you save a significant amount of money that would otherwise be spent on services. All you pay for, then, is the UF membrane and other filter replacements, which cost pretty low! That places it among the most affordable non-electrical purifiers available in the market. The UF membrane requires replacement after six months or after 4000 litres of filtration. The sediment and carbon filter should be replaced after three months of use.

Adequate capacity for a small family

KENT Gold Optima’s cylindrical design houses raw water in its top-most tank and filtered aqua in the bottom tank. Customers who bought the purifier without prior research felt deceived to know that the purifier had lesser capacity than what was advertised. The reality is that the purifier holds 4.5 litres of raw water in the top tank. It can be refilled and stored throughout the day, as per requirement. The lower tank holds 5.5 litres of purified water. This capacity seems pretty adequate for bachelor and nuclear families!

Types of Water Purifiers

Understanding the types of water purifiers is very important before choosing one for you. This is because the one-type-fits-all formula doesn’t work here! Different purifiers target different water conditions. You need to buy a purifier that works for your home. Here’s a look at the different purifier types:

1.      Reverse Osmosis(RO) Water Purifiers

RO purifying system follows osmosis working. In regular osmosis, water flows through a membrane from a low TDS level area, into an area of high TDS. As the membrane pores are small, smaller water molecules pass through while bacteria and other pathogens are trapped behind. Reverse osmosis, as the name suggests, does the opposite! It pushes molecules from the high TDS area to the low TDS region. This action is performed using high pressures generated through electricity. The pressure helps to reverse the osmosis process and to remove impurities.

Water molecules pass through a semi-permeable membrane while floating dead bacteria, sediments, and other impurities are left behind.  RO purifiers are highly recommended for water sources with high TDS, mud sediments, and other impurities. In fact, this is the top water purifier type in the market. However, the only drawback to RO is that it requires electricity to enhance water pressure. Areas experiencing regular electricity load-shedding should look at other alternatives. Moreover, RO wastes a significant amount of water. While it can be used for other chores, the high TDS content in this reject-water also has several limitations.

2.      Ultraviolet(UV) Water Purifiers

One primary concern Indians have regarding drinking water is widespread in water-borne illnesses. Most of the water sources serve as breeding grounds for microorganisms that lead to life-threatening diseases. Many individuals take to boiling water to filter out these impurities. However, boiling it is not enough, as it can still be prone to contamination. Ultraviolet or UV filters then come in handy as the wavelength scrambles the microorganisms’ DNA. It kills the bacteria, prevents reproduction, and saves you from getting sick. While it deactivates organisms, it cannot separate other particles, or remove bad taste and odor.

The name UV often leaves consumers worried regarding safety. UV treated water is completely safe for consumption. It does not alter the water composition or use any harmful chemicals. The purification system uses a UV-C lamp to disinfect. This UV-C light is as harmful to humans as it is for living organisms. However, you’re in no danger unless you get exposed by touching or directly looking at the UV bulb.

3.      Ultrafiltration(UF)

UF is similar to RO, in that it uses a semi-permeable membrane to separate impurities. But the two aren’t entirely the same. Ultrafiltration uses a membrane with larger pores (0.01) compared to the RO membrane (0.0001). These larger pores mean water can pass through them organically, without the need for any pressure. Moreover, UF filters do not hold back or waste any water as RO does. Those worried about water wastage and electricity cuts can opt for UF. However, we do not recommend UF filters for hard water sources or water with high TDS. Due to the large pore size, it only removes larger-sized impurities and cannot help lower TDS levels.

4.      Gravity-based

If you’re not interested in overly complicated technologies, check out this type that offers a simple form of purification. Typically, these include many filters like sediment, activated carbon, and UF filter. These filters help to remove un-dissolved and large particles, specifically mud, sand, and some microorganisms. Gravity-based purifiers are relatively small in size and can be set over the tabletop. Most importantly, they function without electricity and include an in-built storage facility to store impure water and the output.

In short, it offers low-cost protection and is perfect for areas with power cuts. It’s an excellent alternative to boiling water. If you’re searching for the ultimate all-in-one solution, consider a multi-stage purifier with RO + UV + UF filters.

Why You Should get the “RIGHT” Water Purifier?

Unadulterated drinking water is essential for sound living. Unfortunately, water contamination is a significant concern for people living in India. The presence of bacteria, viruses, and other harmful water impurities lead to serious life-threatening diseases. According to research, a child dies every twenty seconds due to water-borne illnesses in India. That leaves consumers searching for access to clean and safe drinking water.

Tell you what, boiling your drinking water isn’t a practical solution. It may destroy pathogens but cannot remove dissolved solids and other impurities. Instead, a water purifier takes care of those stubborn impurities and particles through its multi-stage filtering processes.

You might be thinking ‘any’ water purifier can help you get away from this serious situation. But, you need to understand that getting the “right one” is vital! The first question that comes to mind is which purifier to pick? For this, you must first test the water source in your area.

1. Polluted water sources contain harmful chemicals and microbes that lead to infections. If the water has plenty of such particles, you must choose RO. If minerals are low, you must buy one with a mineral guard. The KENT grand is an excellent choice!
2. If the tap water is loaded with impurities, it may also affect the taste of your food. With an RO purifier, you get better tasting food as it eliminates odour and bad taste from the aqua.
3. Moreover, water filtration is the first step toward clean water. The next is water storage as if the filtered aqua is not stored safely, the risk of secondary contamination rises. You must look for a filter with appropriate storage space. HUL Pureit uses a unique copper technology to enrich the aqua with the goodness of copper.
4. A water purifier may be a one-time investment, but it does require continuous maintenance. As a consumer, you must opt for a brand that prioritizes quality and customer satisfaction.
5. Another vital comparison to note is that purifiers can be electrical and manual. RO and UV filter use electricity to filter out contaminants.
6. If you face frequent power cuts, you must look for alternatives. Non-electric purifiers use gravity-based filtration techniques. KENT Gold Optima and Gold+ are two fantastic options.
7. Delayed service and malfunctioned filters can lead to us drinking impure water again. That is why servicing is vital! Several purifiers are now available with alerts that warn you about the filter expiry. This system guarantees 100% pure H2O at all times.
8. You must also check for quality standards. The nationally recognized institutes for safety marks include the Water Quality Association (WQA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

How to Buy the Best Water Purifier for Homes

If you are planning to head into the market and get any water purifier, that’s not going to make your drinking water pure. There are a lot of factors to consider before choosing a good water purifier. This includes:

• The source of water
• TDS level
• Water purifier type
• Your family size
• Your budget etc.

Water quality

Getting the tap water tested to determine its hardness and TDS levels is the first and foremost step in the process. This assessment will help you settle on the type of purifier you will need. You may use a digital TDS meter to find out this measure. However, the reading will not offer a thorough breakdown of the impurities present. For a more in-depth analysis, you will require laboratory testing.

You can check out some of the best TDS meters in India here.

Water with a TDS of less than 500 PPM is consumable, whereas 1000 PPM indicates hazardous total dissolved solids. In that case, you must treat the water before consumption. Here’s a rough estimate of different water sources and their TDS levels.

Each of these water sources has different forms of contamination and impurities. Visibly, you may find them looking clean and pure, but the actual reality is far from it. Some visible impurities are sand and other dirt sediments, which give the water a muddy colour. Other invisible particles include dissolved solids, microorganisms, and chemicals like chlorine.

However, here comes the threatening bit! Most ponds, lakes, and borewell sources in industrial zones are also polluted with heavy chemicals like arsenic, mercury, and lead, leading to poisoning. This preliminary assessment will help you find the right technology; discussed below.

• Smell: The smell of bleach indicates the use of chlorine by your local water treatment plant. A rotten-egg odor may result from bacterial growth, while the earthy smell can be due to decayed organic matter.
• Taste: If the aqua tastes foul or metallic, it may contain excess mineral content or low pH value.
• Color: A brown or yellow color is indicative of mud particles or rusty pipes.
• Corrosion of pipes: A great way to find out about contamination is to check your pipes’ quality. Foreign particles often leave behind a white or rusty build-up, indicating corrosion.

Purification Technology

Now that you have established your tap water quality, you must find the appropriate technology to treat it. When your water presents a high concentration of heavy metals, you must treat it using an RO purifier to eliminate the toxins. Reverse osmosis also works well for water with a TDS of over 500 PPM.

Its semi-permeable membrane eliminates dissolved and un-dissolved particles through the use of pressure.  If you’re unable to test the quality of water or are confused, you can opt for a multi-stage purifier that uses both RO and UV. In the case of a TDS of less than 200, we recommend a UV purifier over RO. It does not waste water, retains minerals, and kills bacteria effectively. If you’re worried about the lost mineral content, you can opt for mineralizing technology like Kent Grand, AO Smith Z9, and HUL Pureit.

Storage Capacity of Purifier

If you have a larger family and face extended power cuts, we recommend a purifier with more abundant storage. It ensures access to clean and purified water at all times. You can find 6-8 litres capacity in RO and UV purifiers and a 10-20 litre capacity in non-electrical models. For a family of more than 6, you must opt for a purifier with 10-litres or more.

Tank construction

Almost all brands offer a storage capacity with their purifier, typically made in food-grade plastic, to ensure a toxic-free experience. Other brands go a step ahead and offer stainless-steel tanks or copper in the case of HUL. The copper charge technology ensures copper goodness by infusing anti-microbial properties.

Alerts

Earlier, many users would go without replacements and servicing without knowing that their filter had malfunctioned. Such an error can lead to the consumption of impure H2O, resulting in health hazards. To ensure consumer safety, brands have started incorporating alerts and indicators to notify users ahead of replacements. This function comes in handy to keep track of filter expiry dates and replacement dues. Another useful alert is the tank-full indicator, which helps prevent overflow and water wastage.

Purifying capacity

If yours is a large family, you must consider purification capacity, among other factors. Having a slow output flow can become a serious hassle, especially when juggling with other household chores. We highly recommend looking for a model with a 20-liters/hour flow rate or more like the HUL Pureit Copper+. The purifying capacity of most standard RO models is between 12-15 liters/hour. Make sure to look for the ideal capacity depending on your family size!

Water wastage

By now, you must be aware that RO technology wastes a lot of water. Newer models with advanced technology recover this wastewater, while other older versions waste about 80% of the input. In such a case, you must play your part and make eco-friendly choices. The AO Smith Z9 offers breakthrough advanced recovery technology that saves about 9,000 liters of water/year. Another handy feature present in this model is the child-lock function, which prevents accidental wastage. Furthermore, if your water source has a TDS of less than 500 PPM, look at alternate options before opting for RO purifiers. UF, UV, and gravity-based models do not waste any water and are still useful in eliminating impurities. If you must purchase an RO purifier, look for one with a lower water wastage ratio.

Cost

For any product that you purchase, you must evaluate the cost aspect. Before anything, it is essential to outline your budget and look for products within the range. With water purifiers, you can find models starting as low as Rs. 1,500 (non-electrical/gravity-based). The price can go up to Rs. 30,000, and even more for multi-stage purifiers. While many people make choices by comparing prices, we believe that price shouldn’t be the only criterion. Your family’s health comes first, and so you must consider the kind of technology that best treats your water. Luckily, you can hunt down bargains online, and save a couple of bucks! Moreover, there are plenty of options for RO + UV technology available within Rs. 10,000-20,000.

After-sales service

Regular maintenance and service go hand-in-hand with water purifiers. You simply cannot do without regular replacements, as it can hinder the purifier performance. Moreover, clogging can damage some of its major components, alongside posing a risk to your health. Thus, it is recommended to look for a brand that promises long-term relations with the customer and delivers a smooth experience. Reputed brands like KENT, Eureka Forbes, and HUL offer outstanding customer service and are quite prompt in responding to complaints. These brands also offer free installation post-delivery. Moreover, you also get excellent warranty support with their products!

Filter replacement cost

As the water passes through cartridges, they experience clogging as a result of the heavy-duty. If the filters clog, the quality of water is compromised. To keep drinking safe and pure aqua, you must change and replace the filters regularly. However, this comes with a cost. The cost may vary depending on the number of filters, brand, and purifier type. A smart step is to research the cost to avoid inconvenience in the future.

Installation

Typical Indian households have limited space in the kitchen for the installation of purifiers. The available choices can either be placed over a tabletop or mounted on the wall. Some models offer both modes of installation for customer convenience. If you have very little space over the counter and on the wall, you can opt for under-the-sink installation, perfect for space-saving.

FAQs

Which purifier is most suitable for borewells water?

Several families in major Indian cities like Pune, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai rely on borewell water supplies. While this is typically safe to drink, it can contain several impurities. Moreover, as the wells go deeper and deeper, the water turns hard.

The impurities include bacteria, viruses, lead, and fluoride. According to water quality institutions, you do not need purifiers unless there is metal contamination or a TDS of more than 200. You can get your water tested from any water testing laboratory in your area. Depending on the results, you can consider different types of purifiers.

RO works best for water with TDS under 300 PPM. You can also use a gravity-based purifier if it doesn’t have significant contamination. However, if you ask us the top choice, we recommend an RO + UV purifier.

Which is the best water purifier brand in India?

KENT, A.O. Smith, Eureka Forbes, and HUL are currently some of India’s top water purifier brands. All of these use unique and advanced purification technologies to deliver clean and purified water. They perfectly suit Indian household needs and work with almost all water sources. We have listed the best units of these well-known brands to choose depending on your budget and household needs.

ABS Plastic tank or Copper storage – which one is better?

While food-grade plastic does not cause any harm, the copper storage is a better choice. It infuses the copper goodness into the water and is excellent for your overall well-being.

How to choose between RO and UV?

Both RO and UV purifiers perform the same function of killing bacteria. However, there are several other pointers to consider as well when it comes down to these two.

1. While the UV filter kills pathogens, these dead bacteria remain in the water you drink. RO, on the other hand, removes these floating dead bodies alongside killing them.
2. UV filters do not perform the function of removing dissolved solids and salts, while RO does.
3. If your primary concern is muddy water, you must opt for RO as its pre-filtration system separates the mud from water. Whereas UV filters cannot separate mud sediments.
4. Remember, RO purifiers only work with high water pressure and need electricity to boost pressure. Ultraviolet filters can work with all kinds of water pressure.

However, if you want to get the features of both these water purifiers, you can always get a RO+UV water purifier.

When to replace the water filter?

One way to know about replacement is to check for water flow. If it decreases significantly, it may indicate clogging and contamination. However, according to experts, this method is not the most reliable one. You should typically change the filters every 40 gallons, or every two to three months. However, this also depends on your household needs, the hardness of the water, and unit type. If you have very hard water with large sediments, you should clean the filter weekly. Moreover, if you have a large family, you should consider replacing them every six weeks.

Most modern brands and units come with indicators to alert users regarding cleaning and replacements. They let you know if and when the filters malfunction to prevent users from consuming contaminated water. You may also follow the brand’s instructions for more specific details regarding maintenance.

What is the mineral guard?

As mentioned above that while RO is an effective method of treating tap water, it eliminates several nutrients. It ends up giving a bland taste to the filtered output with zero nutritional value. Thus, several brands incorporate mineral guard technology to ensure that customers get the lost minerals. By adding essential minerals back, it also helps to restore and balance the pH value. 

Do RO units waste water?

The standard RO system discharges about 4 gallons of water per gallon purified. That means the RO system is only about 25% efficient. BUT! “Wasted” isn’t the right term to use as the reject water can be used in multiple ways!

What are the advantages of shopping for water purifier online?

With things heading digital, online shopping is one of the best things to happen to consumers. It allows you to book your order from the comfort of your home!

• The most exciting aspect of shopping for a water purifier online is exploring various options.
• You can read through customer reviews and find comparisons to make an informed decision.
• Moreover, you can also get your hands on exciting offers, discounts, and deals!
• Oh, and you get genuine products directly from the brand, with free installation, warranties, etc. You won’t even have to worry about product and brand authenticity!

Conclusion

Our expert recommendation of the top 10 best water purifiers in India in 2021 is based on extensive research and testing. Whatever may be your criteria, we are sure that you will get a quality purifier from this list. Our number one recommendation is the Kent Grand with its fantastic RO, UV, UF, and mineralizer technology.  Eureka Forbes Aquaguard Smart Plus is the safest bet for budget buyers, which features RO + UV filtering. If you’re looking into non-electrical options, look no further than the Kent Gold+. It is the top choice for gravity-based purifiers and also has a 20-liters capacity. Different water conditions require different technologies and purifying techniques.

Scan through the differences between the major brands and see which option works best for your home or office. A good comparison will always help you to make better choices. You can also use the suggestions present in the buying guide to narrow down your choices.

Before signing off, let me tell you not to forget to get a quality water purifier. Remember, health is wealth!