Aquasana Clean Water Machine Review: Lab & Hands-On Testing

Full Analysis of the Aquasana Clean Water Machine

Filtration: 4.04/5.00

The Aquasana Clean Water Machine (CWM) scored 4.04/5.00 for filtration. How? Most importantly, it achieved solid results in our 2024 lab testing and the filtered water tasted and smelled perfectly clean. Plus, the system has a high count of NSF/ANSI-certified contaminants, though this is mostly limited to the easier-to-remove organics.

1. Lab Results: 4.26/5.00

In our lab test comparing an unfiltered and a filtered tap water sample, the Aquasana CWM could remove 10 undesirable impurities and contaminants to below the minimum detection level (so essentially to 100%): chlorine, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, chloroform, copper, barium, zinc, lithium, nitrate, and uranium.

The following substances remained in our water (note: in our view, most concentration increases are generally due to leaching, although natural fluctuations cannot be ruled out):

• Boron decreased by 80%.
• Strontium was reduced by 93%.
• Fluoride increased by 50%. That said, we’re confident the Aquasana doesn’t leach fluoride, as we don’t know of any fluoride-containing filter media.

Aside from contaminant reduction, we found the following substances in our filtered water that were not present in the unfiltered water:

• Aluminum – At 0.01 ppm, it was 60x lower than the strictest aluminum health guideline we could find (0.6 ppm, California OEHHA), established to prevent neuro- and immunotoxic effects.
• Methylene chloride – At 0.96 ppb, it was 4.17x lower than the strictest methylene chloride health guideline we could find (4 ppb, California OEHHA). Associated effects above that guideline include an increased risk of cancer.

Lab Results Chart

2. NSF/ANSI Certifications and Other Test Data

The Aquasana is certified by the WQA for the reduction of 76 different contaminants against NSF/ANSI standards 42, 53, and 401. However, this coverage primarily focuses on the easier-to-remove organics.

Reported reduction rates include:

• Chlorine (97.30%)
• Chloramine (91.00%)
• Particulate class I (0.5 to <1 μm – 99.60%)
• Chloroform (99.30%)
• 50 VOCs (via chloroform surrogate testing – 95.00-99.00%+)
• Lead (99.60-99.70%+)
• Mercury (95.40-96.20%+)
• MTBE (85.50%)
• PFOA & PFOS (99.70%)
• Turbidity (99.34%)
• Asbestos (>99.00%)
• Cysts (99.995%)
• Microplastics (0.5 to <1 μm – 99.60%)
• Several other emerging compounds, including pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals (93.90-98.40%+)

Reduction rates are per the official performance data sheet.

3. Filtration Process

The Aquasana filter cartridge has the following features:

• Two types of activated carbon, regular and catalytic carbon, remove things like bad tastes and odors, chlorine/chloramine, disinfection byproducts and other organics, as well as certain metals.
  • Regular activated carbon works mainly by adsorption, trapping impurities inside its microscopic pores until the surface binding sites are fully saturated.
  • Catalytic carbon is processed to enhance its catalytic activity, causing it to outperform regular carbon at breaking down certain substances chemically. These include chloramines and hydrogen sulfide (which causes the rotten egg smell).
  • In addition, the block structure provides fine mechanical filtration due to its smaller pore size compared to granular carbon. It is also responsible for the Aquasana’s absolute submicron filtration rating, which enables it to remove nearly all particles 1 micron or greater (such as microplastics or cysts) from the unfiltered water.
• Ion exchange resin targets dissolved, unwanted ions in the water.

4. Taste and Odor Test

In our test, the filtered water was odorless and had a perfectly clean taste.

Usability: 3.66/5.00

The Aquasana achieved a usability score of 3.66/5.00, based on its performance in the following categories:

1. Initial system assembly including filter priming (1.00/1.00)
2. Everyday use (2.06/3.40)
3. Filter replacements (0.60/0.60)

1. Initial Setup & Filter Priming: 1.00/1.00

Assembling the Aquasana CWM is easy. In addition to clear, illustrated directions in the user manual, a helpful quick start guide is included. Plus, a convenient QR code links users to a tutorial video and online manual.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the setup procedure:

1. Hand-wash the water tank and lid with dish soap and rinse. Fill tank with cold tap water.
2. Place the tank on the dock, making sure it is securely seated.
3. Open filter housing lid and unscrew the filter chamber cap. Use the provided wrench if cap is too tight to unscrew by hand.
4. Remove plastic from filter and press top of filter into the filter chamber cap.
5. Insert filter into chamber, lining up the grooves on the cap with those in the chamber. Twist the cap to the right to lock in place – hand-tightening only – and ensure the arrow points towards the dispenser.
6. Replace the filter housing lid.
7. Plug the system in and place a 64 oz (or larger) container underneath the dispenser.
8. To begin the flush cycle, press dock button 3 times quickly. Light will turn red for 5 seconds.
9. While red light is on, press and hold dock button for 1 second; light will blink red and system will begin flushing.
10. When flush is complete, light will turn blue for 5 seconds. Discard flushed water.
11. Fill the tank again and reinstall on the dock.
12. Now your system is ready to use.

2. Day-to-Day Use: 2.06/3.40

2.1 Speed & Water Capacity: 0.91/1.40

The Aquasana is suited for daily use and offers fast dispensing speed for an “electric” type of countertop water filter. In our speed tests, it filtered and dispensed 1 cup in ~10 sec and 4 cups in ~34.25 sec when starting with a full feed tank. That means it filters fast enough to meet the daily water needs of the average-sized US households (~2.55-3.15 people), including 8-10 cup/hour thirst bursts.

The 8-cup feed tank allows you to easily fill a 40-oz bottle from a single refill and in one continuous pour. Plus, most standard 40-oz bottles should fit under the spout without tilting, as its height is 9.9″ from the base.

However, you can’t fit a standard 2-quart carafe under the spout, as it’s not high enough. You could still dispense 2 quarts without refilling the feed tank, assuming you found a container that would fit – it would just require two button pushes.

More specifically, based on a single full feed tank, the system dispensed ~50 oz in one button press in our test before the pump stopped automatically after 60 seconds to prevent flooding. A second button press produced the remaining ~14 oz, at which point the feed tank was essentially empty and required refilling.

Assuming 25.5–31.5 cups of daily water consumption for the average US households, we estimate 4 daily refills when filling the feed tank nearly to the top – above average for the electric countertop filters we tested.

Unfortunately, the system lacks volume presets, which are especially handy when dispensing larger quantities. Instead, you’ll have to supervise the entire pour or make do with the fixed volume produced by the 60-second dispense feature.

2.2 Dispensing: 0.90/1.00

Dispensing water is easy and splash-free. The dispense button is responsive, but the system takes a moment to ramp down when it is pressed, meaning the flow doesn’t stop instantly. We got the hang of it quickly, but you might overfill a glass or two if you aren’t prepared.

You may either press and hold the button to dispense your desired volume or quickly press and release to prompt the system to continuously dispense for up to 1 minute.

One minor, niggling aggravation – there always seemed to be a water droplet clinging to the spout that would fall shortly after dispensing had finished. There’s no drip tray with this system, so if you move your cup immediately after filling, you may find the occasional spot on your counter.

2.3 Refilling & Size: 0.55/0.80

Refilling the Aquasana is straightforward, as the feed water tank is easy to remove and place back on its base.

While there is no labeled max fill line and instructions do not specify a fill amount, an unmarked line (possibly just a design element) near the top of the feed tank serves as a convenient guide.

Frustratingly, the feed tank leaks when it is lifted off the base, even when it is empty. On the plus side, its translucent construction allows you to see how much water remains inside – especially helpful as there is no water shortage indicator light to alert you to refill.

Measuring 9.7″x11.6″x7.85″ (WxHxD), the Aquasana Clean Water Machine fits under most kitchen cabinets (18″ clearance). At 6.6 lbs with a wet filter installed and occupying ~76.15 in² (~0.53 ft²), both its weight and footprint are about average for the electric-type countertop systems we tested. But at nearly 10″ wide, it is not streamlined enough to fit in narrow spots.

2.4 Other: -0.30/0.20

A couple other factors adversely impact the Aquasana’s overall usability:

• Its tall feed tank doesn’t sit very securely in the dock and seems prone to getting knocked over if bumped.
• It makes a slightly annoying noise when dispensing, though we didn’t find it to be overly bothersome.

3. Filter Replacements: 0.60/0.60

Filter replacements are very simple: the filter is easily accessible through the housing lid and quickly twists in/out. A filter wrench is included if additional leverage is needed for removal, and the filter change indicator light alerts you when it is time to change it.

Rated filter life is 300 gal or 6 months.

Assuming 500 gallons of yearly water consumption for the average household, we predict the frequency of your filter changes will be dictated by filter age rather than water consumption. Therefore, expect to replace it twice annually.

Costs: 4.51/5.00

Based on value for money, the Aquasana Clean Water Machine achieved a cost score of 4.51 out of 5.00, indicating it is priced below average for what it offers compared to competing systems (a score of 4.00 represents average value). Notably, its upfront price is well above average, but its annual filter replacement costs are well below average compared to the other countertop water filters we tested.

1. Upfront Price

As of Jul 13, 2026, the Aquasana is priced at $399.99. Using our discount code, you can save up to 50% off, reducing the upfront cost to $199.99. This is well above the $150 average we estimate for this type of water filter. Alternatively, you can save up to 54% with a filter subscription, though this won’t stack with other discounts.

2. Long-Term Expenses for Filter Replacements

Based on 500 gallons consumption and a 300-gal or 6-month filter life for the filter cartridge, we estimate $73 in annual filter replacement costs, which is well below the $120.11 average across all the tested countertop water filters. Plus, you can save an additional 15% with a filter subscription.

3. Product Warranty

The Aquasana comes with a 1-year warranty and 90-day satisfaction guarantee.

Additional

1. Construction

The unit has a modern, appealing look. Its BPA-free plastic construction feels sturdy and well-built, and the rubber-gripped bottom keeps it from sliding around on your countertop.

2. Frequent Customer Complaints

We read about issues with dripping/pouring that continues for a while after dispensing, systems that died after ~1 year, loud pump noise, and leaking.

We did notice a tiny amount of dripping post-dispensing and leaking from the feed tank when it was removed from the dock to refill. However, we did not encounter leaking when the feed tank was installed. Additionally, we found the pump to be somewhat noisy during operation.

Bottom Line: Our #1 Overall Regular Countertop Water Filter (4.06/5.00)

Filtration weighted at 60%, and usability and cost at 20% each, the Aquasana Clean Water Machine scored a final rating of 4.06 out of 5.00.

The Aquasana clinches the title for best overall regular countertop water filter.

Filtration performance was solid on the whole. While the system completely removed 10 contaminants in our lab test and produced filtered water that tasted and smelled perfectly clean, it showed evidence of potential methylene chloride leaching – but fortunately, below the strictest health guidelines. On the plus side, it has a high number of NSF/ANSI-certified contaminants (76), though coverage skews towards easier-to-remove organics and skimps on some important impurities, including most heavy metals.

Usability is adequate: it’s very easy to set up, and filter changes are simple with a helpful indicator light to remind you. It also dispenses water pretty quickly and without splashing, and refilling is straightforward. While it lacks a water shortage indicator, you can see the water level in the feed tank through the semitransparent plastic. However, the feed tank’s 8-cup capacity necessitates more frequent refills and it fits shallowly into the dock – especially given its height, we feel it’s susceptible to tipping. It also leaks a little when removed, even when empty.

There are no volume presets, so you must supervise the entire pour or use the 60-second dispense function (the pump automatically stops after 1 minute to prevent spills). Plus, the system ramps down the pour and tends to drip a tiny bit after dispensing stops – and there’s no drip tray to catch runoff. Finally, it’s somewhat noisy while in use, though still tolerable.

Build quality is good with its stylish, BPA-free plastic construction, and the 90-day satisfaction guarantee is reassuring.

While upfront price is well above average, ongoing filter replacement costs are well below average.

Despite a few usability quirks, the Aquasana is our top pick among the regular countertop water filters thanks to its long-term value and solid filtration performance.

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