Review: Bluevua RO100ROPOT Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System

Full Analysis of the Bluevua RO100ROPOT

Filtration: 4.50/5.00

In our analysis, the Bluevua RO100ROPOT achieved a great filtration score of 4.50/5.00. How? It did extremely well in our lab testing and the filtered water provided tasted and smelled perfectly clean. However, we had to deduct points due to missing NSF certifications and incomplete third-party testing for contaminant reduction.

1. Lab Results: 5.00/5.00

In our lab test comparing an unfiltered and a filtered tap water sample, the Bluevua RO100ROPOT could remove nearly all undesirable impurities and contaminants to below the minimum detection level (so essentially to 100%), with 3 exceptions:

• Boron was reduced by 90% so still really good.
• 98% strontium reduction was pretty much perfect.
• For fluoride, the Bluevua achieved a minimum reduction rate of 76%. This means that there was some fluoride left in the filtered water but the lab couldn’t quantify how much exactly. In other words, reduction was anywhere between 76% and 99%, so really good.

We also saw 91% TDS reduction which shows that the RO membrane works as intended.

Lab Results Chart

*100% means reduction to below the minimum detection level. To learn more about our testing procedures check our editorial guidelines.

Link to Filtered Water Report
Link to Unfiltered Water Report

2. NSF Certifications and Other Test Data

The Bluevua RO100ROPOT Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water System does not hold any official certifications against NSF standards for contaminant reduction yet. But apparently, 2 certifications are pending: One against NSF standard 58 for TDS reduction and one for chromium 3 reduction. This is a start but not perfect by any means (chromium 3 is not the most important contaminant to test for, because based on our research it is poorly absorbed by the human body and thus less toxic than chromium 6 – in fact, we couldn’t even find a health guideline for chromium 3 specifically) and we hope for additional certifications being added in future.

A small plus: Bluevua does provide additional test data, but apparently the testing was performed outside the NSF spectrum, and it looks like contaminant reduction was only tested at the start of operating life (whereas genuine NSF certifications require testing throughout the entire filter life).

3. Filtration Process

The Bluevua RO100ROPOT uses the go-to filtration process for RO systems:

• The 5-micron polypropylene pre-filter traps sediment, rust, and other larger particles.
• The 0.5-micron carbon block pre-filter adsorbs chlorine, organic compounds including disinfection byproducts, and bad taste and odor among other stuff, and it also traps undissolved solids that were too small for the sediment pre-filter to catch.
• Next, the pre-conditioned water is treated by the RO membrane. Reverse osmosis is highly effective at rejecting heavy metals such as lead and chromium-6, salts including fluoride and nitrate, overall TDS, and more.
• Last but not least, a 0.1-micron carbon block post-filter takes care of leftover organics, taste, odor, etc.

4. Taste and Odor Test

In our test, the freshly filtered water provided by the Bluevua RO100ROPOT tasted and smelled perfectly clean.

Usability: 5.00/5.00

The Bluevua RO100ROPOT achieved a usability score of 5.00/5.00. Completing the initial setup process including filter priming is straightforward. The same goes for everyday use and filter replacements. Filtration speed is good using the carafe, but dispensing on demand requires some patience.

1. Initial Setup

Setting up the Bluevua RO100ROPOT for the first time takes only a few minutes. Here is a summary of the required steps:

1. Wash feed water tank and glass carafe.
2. Connect the power cord and turn on the switch at the back of the unit.
3. Fill the feed water tank to the MAX line and install it on the system.
4. Put the carafe in place.
5. Press the banana-shaped water volume button until the full carafe icon is flashing.
6. Press the round water-making button to start the filtration process.
7. Wait for the filtration cycle to complete.
8. Empty both feed water tank and glass carafe. Do not use the water!
9. Refill the feed water tank and repeat steps 3 to 8 five times.

2. Everyday Use

Once set up, the Bluevua RO100ROPOT is very easy to use: You simply fill the removable feed water tank and install it on its base. Then you make sure the glass carafe or another container like a large glass is in place to collect the purified RO water. You use the banana-shaped button to select your desired water volume (0.13, 0.26, or 0.45 gallons). Finally, you hit the round button to start the filtration cycle which, based on our speed test, should take around 6.5 minutes to complete – provided you’ve chosen to filter and dispense 0.45 gallon. Simply put, filtration is quite fast. But anyway, you don’t need to stand next to the unit while it’s working.

The included carafe is designed to hold up to 0.45 gallons which feels like a good size for everyday use. And because it’s removable you can store it in your fridge. We also like that the feed water tank has a carrying handle for easy refilling.

Please note: Bluevua recommends that you empty and refill the feed water tank after each filtration cycle. This is because the feed water tank collects the reject water from the RO membrane.

Another core feature of the Bluevua RO100ROPOT is the real-time TDS monitor which shows input and output water TDS. This helps to make sure the system is working as intended.

3. Filtration/Dispensing Speed Test

In our speed test, the Bluevua RO100ROPOT could filter and dispense 12 ounces of water within 1:19 minutes, so quite fast for an RO system but you still have to be patient if you filter on demand.

4. Maintenance (Filter Replacements)

Filter replacements are quick and easy:

1. Turn off the power and empty the feed water tank.
2. Remove the side cover.
3. Lift the filter cartridge to a 45° angle and turn clockwise to remove.
4. Insert the new filter doing step 3 in reverse. You should hear a click and the triangle icons should align.
5. Turn on system power.
6. Pull the reset toggle switch to the right of the filter cartridges for 3 seconds. Choose the filter stage you’ve replaced using the water volume button. Pull the reset toggle switch again.
7. Restart the system.
8. Filter and discard 3 full feed water tanks before use.

Filter stages 1, 2, and 4 are rated at 12 months. The reverse osmosis membrane (stage 3) is rated at 1-2 years. So, you only need to replace them once a year on average. But you don’t really need to remember this thanks to the filter life indicator. In addition, you can use the TDS display to monitor RO membrane performance. As soon as you feel that TDS rejection has dropped too low, it’s time to replace the membrane.

Costs: 3.62/5.00

1. Upfront Price

As of Jan 20, 2025, the Bluevua RO100ROPOT is available for $434 (includes 1-year warranty) which is more on the high end for a countertop reverse osmosis system.

2. Long-Term Expenses for Filter Replacements

For annual filter replacements, we estimate $120-150 based on the rated filter life. However, as mentioned above we lack most NSF certifications, so we think it’s quite possible that the rated filter life is too optimistic and getting the best filtration results would require more frequent replacements adding to the cost.

Additional Ranking Factors

1. Pure-to-Drain Ratio Test

In our wastewater test, the Bluevua RO100ROPOT wasted 1.03 gallons per 1 gallon of filtered water that you can use which, for a countertop RO, is rather high.

2. Materials

Most importantly, the carafe which the Bluevua RO100ROPOT uses to collect and store the filtered water is made from borosilicate glass. As such, you don’t need to worry about microplastics leaching into your drinking water after purification.

3. Frequent Customer Complaints

The only complaint that came up frequently in 3rd-party user ratings was the glass carafe being a bit too fragile.

Bottom Line: Our #1 Countertop RO Alternative to AquaTru

The Bluevua RO100ROPOT Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water System scores a final rating of 4.42 out of 5.00.

It performed exceptionally well in our lab testing. Taste and odor of the filtered water was perfect, too. The system also scored full points for usability being easy to assemble, prime, use, and maintain. On top of that, we have a glass container for filtered water storage!

On the downside, the Bluevua RO100ROPOT lacks NSF certifications (and NSF testing) for contaminant reduction. We also measured a higher wastewater ratio for a countertop RO. What’s more, the Bluevua RO100ROPOT is somewhat more expensive than average and customers complained about the glass carafe being a bit fragile.