Sans Water Purifier Review: Lab Analysis & Hands-On Testing

Full Analysis of the Sans Water Purifier

Filtration: 4.33/5.00

The Sans Water Purifier scored 4.33/5.00 for filtration. How? Most importantly, it achieved solid to excellent results in our 2024 and 2025 lab testing and the filtered water had a clean taste and no odor. However, the system has no NSF/ANSI-certified contaminants; plus, its 3rd party testing for contaminant reduction lacks most organics and at least some wasn’t performed to full filter life.

1. Lab Results: 5.00/5.00 (2025) & 4.19/5.00 (2024)

In our lab test comparing an unfiltered and a filtered tap water sample, the Sans could remove 13 undesirable impurities and contaminants to below the minimum detection level (so essentially to 100%): chlorine, bromodichloromethane, bromoform, dibromochloromethane, chloroform, copper, barium, lithium, iron, manganese, zinc, nitrate, and uranium.

The following substances remained in our water:

• Boron was reduced by a moderate 50% in 2024 and a solid 76% in 2025.
• Strontium was reduced by a very high 97% in 2024 and was completely removed in 2025.
• Fluoride was reduced by a minimum of 86% (high) and up to 99% (very high) in 2024. This range indicates some fluoride remained in the water but it was so little that the lab couldn’t quantify precisely how much was left. In our 2025 lab test, we used a different and presumably more precise fluoride detection method and fluoride was completely eliminated.

Finally, TDS decreased by 96% in 2024 and 93% in 2025. While TDS should not be interpreted independently, as it does not override inadequate removal of individual contaminants, ≥90% TDS reduction is high (≥95% is very high) and shows that the RO membrane works as intended.

Aside from contaminant reduction, we found methylene chloride in our 2024 filtered water that was not present in the unfiltered water, suggesting potential leaching. At 3.22 ppb, it neared but did not exceed the strictest health guideline of 4 ppb published by the OEHHA – not ideal.

There was no evidence of potential leaching in 2025.

Lab Results Charts

2. NSF/ANSI Certifications and Other Test Data

The Sans does not have any NSF/ANSI certifications for contaminant reduction. While it has third-party testing for the reduction of several contaminants, it misses most organics and at least some was not performed to full filter life.

Reported reduction rates include:

• Free chloride (>99.00%)
• Fluoride (>99.90%)
• Nitrate (>99.90%)
• TDS (>98.60%)
• Copper (>99.60%)
• Arsenic (>97.20%)
• Selenium (>95.00%)
• Mercury (>90.90%)
• Total chromium (>96.80%)
• Chromium 6 (98.60%)
• Lead (>99.30%)
• Barium (>99.90%)
• Chlorate (>99.80%)
• PFOA (>98.80%)
• PFOS (>99.00%)
• Microplastics (0.5µm) (99.90%)
• Total Coliform (99.9999%)
• MS2 Coliphage (surrogate test for human enteric viruses – 99.99922%)

Reduction rates are per Sans’s performance data sheet.

3. Filtration Process

We have 3 filter cartridges and a UV light post-filter, which comprise 5 filtration stages:

• Stages 1+2 are performed by the sediment/carbon composite pre-filter. The sediment pre-filter layer is mechanical filtration, which acts like a sieve to remove solid, undissolved particulates such as dirt or rust. Activated carbon removes things like bad tastes and odors, chlorine/chloramine, disinfection byproducts and other organics, as well as certain metals. By removing chlorine and other contaminants, this pre-filter protects the RO membrane from damage.
• Stage 3 is the RO membrane, which uses reverse osmosis to effectively remove the vast majority of contaminants and minerals.
• Stage 4 is the carbon post-filter which primarily removes lingering bad tastes/odors and VOCs.
• Stage 5 is the UV post-filter, which exposes the filtered water to germicidal UV radiation prior to dispensing, inactivating microorganisms. This provides chemical-free disinfection; however, in our view, it should not be relied upon to make non-potable water safe to drink, but rather to help control microbial regrowth in stored water and prevent off-tastes from stagnation.

4. Taste and Odor Tests

In our 2024 and 2025 tests, the filtered water was odorless and had a perfectly clean taste.

Usability: 4.04/5.00

The Sans achieved a usability score of 4.04/5.00, based on its performance in the following categories:

1. Initial system assembly including filter priming (0.65/0.80)
2. Everyday use (2.99/3.70)
3. Filter replacements (0.40/0.50)

1. Initial Setup: 0.65/0.80

Assembling the Sans Water Purifier is pretty easy. The basic quick-start sheet features a QR code which links you to the online manual. This user manual is more detailed than the quick-start guide, though not to the extent of some of the other tested systems – it has fewer illustrations as well. Unfortunately, there isn’t a tutorial video on YouTube or the manufacturer’s website for the visual learners.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the setup procedure:

1. Install the drip tray via its clips. Remove tape securing filters.
2. Wash both the feed tank and pitcher with soap and water. Fill the feed tank with cold water to the max fill line, then reinstall the feed tank into the unit.
3. Place pitcher on drip tray.
4. Plug power cord into an electrical outlet.
5. With the pitcher in place, filtration will begin automatically. Allow a moment for the internal pure tank to fill.
6. To fully flush the new filters, complete four cycles of filling the feed tank and allowing it to dispense into the pitcher. Discard the water in the pitcher each time it fills. Discard the wastewater in the feed tank prior to refilling each time as well.
7. Now your system is ready to use.

2. Day-to-Day Use: 2.99/3.70

2.1 Speed & Water Capacity: 0.88/1.12

The Sans is generally suited for daily use. Firstly, its glass carafe, though quite small, stores ambient water for later – up to ~6.1 cups (~0.38 gal). Consequently, you can fill a 40-oz bottle on a single refill all in one pour – no need to refill the feed tank in between or wait for additional cycles of water processing.

Alternatively, you can dispense straight into your glass or bottle with a push of a button, though this pump-driven dispensing speed is much slower than pouring from the carafe – for both ambient and hot water.

We were able to fill our 40-oz bottle directly from the spout without tilting or holding it at an angle. However, you can’t fit a standard 2-quart carafe under the spout, as its height is only 9.5” from the base.

You could still dispense 2 quarts without refilling the feed tank, assuming you found a carafe that would fit – and it would only require a single push of the dispense button.

Using a full feed tank (~0.88 gal), in our test the system could dispense 74 oz of ambient water or 88 oz of the hottest water in one continuous dispense. The latter should be plenty for pretty much all beverages and instant food.

We also investigated how much ambient filtered water could be produced from one full feed tank, regardless of how much time or how many button pushes it took to fully process and dispense this entire volume. For the Sans, this maximum volume was 78 oz (9.75 cups). Assuming 25.5 cups or 31.5 cups of daily water consumption for the average US and US-family households, respectively, and 9.75 cups filtered water per full feed tank, we estimate 3-4 daily refills – average to above-average for the countertop ROs we tested.

The Sans also filters fast enough to meet the daily water needs of the average-sized US households, and it can handle thirst bursts. In our ambient water speed tests, it could dispense 1 or 4 cups instantly when poured from a full carafe. Dispensing into a glass took 40.5 sec for 1 cup when the water was pre-processed, meaning the feed tank was filled and allowed to filter this water first. Upon refilling the tank, it took 4:00 min to dispense 4 cups of water.

Hot water took 45 sec to dispense 1 cup of pre-processed water, which is pretty standard amongst the “hot water” countertop RO systems we tested. Hot water is particularly slow to dispense because it must be heated on-demand; flow must be slow enough to give it time to reach the desired temperature.

As dispensing into a glass is slow and the Sans does not provide volume presets, you will have to patiently supervise the pour.

2.2 Dispensing: 0.72/0.80

The included carafe has a comfortable handle, slides in and out of the base easily, and provides a smooth stream without splashing, even when pouring fast. The system senses the carafe and immediately starts refilling when it is placed on the clip-in drip tray. Dispensing automatically stops when the carafe is full.

As the auto dispense feature is controlled by the float sensor in the carafe’s lid, you must ensure the lid is oriented correctly for it to work properly. If the lid is installed backwards, the auto dispense cycle won’t start. In that case, pressing “Dispense” will activate manual dispensing, and the unit will not stop automatically based on the fill level, which can cause the carafe to overflow and spill onto the counter.

Alternatively, you can dispense ambient or hot water up to 201 °F directly into a glass – which is splash-free – using the simple yet responsive touch screen; you can’t dispense hot water into the carafe.

The system lacks volume and temperature presets, there is no display reading for hot water temperature, and we’d prefer a child safety lock option for the hot water.

2.3 Hot Water: 0.43/0.74

More on the hot water:

As mentioned, the Sans can dispense enough hot water for virtually all typical household use cases – which we define as at least 32 oz at a time. In other words, it can produce sufficient hot water for beverages like tea, coffee or hot chocolate (8-16 oz), instant noodles/soup (14-20 oz), and cooking assist/pot jump-start (16–32 oz). In fact, in our test it could dispense up to 88 oz of hot water at one time.

This unit only has one hot water temperature option of 201 °F as advertised by the manufacturer. There is no temperature reading on the display, but the Hot icon illuminates red on the control panel when Hot Mode has been activated. The actual temperature of the dispensed hot water was several degrees lower when measured with our thermometer, ranging from 192.9-195 °F.

Assuming 190–195 °F is sufficiently warm for most beverages and instant foods, with ≥200 °F being the optimal, kettle-equivalent performance, this system earned a solid score for hot water temperature.

2.4 Refilling & Size: 0.56/0.56

Refilling the Sans is a breeze. The small size of the feed water tank makes it especially easy to remove, refill, and put back on its base. The water shortage/change indicator also alerts you when it’s time to empty the wastewater and refill.

Measuring 6.75″x11.3″x15.5″ (WxHxD), the Sans fits under standard height (18”) kitchen cabinets, and at 13.8 lbs, its weight is below average for the countertop ROs we tested. Occupying a compact ~104.63 in² (~0.73 ft²), its small footprint saves space on your counter. Plus, at a mere 6.75” wide it is streamlined enough to fit in narrow spots.

2.5 Other: 0.40/0.48

The glass carafe can be stored in the fridge for chilling.

The Sans also provides TDS monitoring of the filtered water, enabling you to keep an eye on its filtration performance over time. We found the TDS readings to be fairly accurate – within 15-20 ppb of a separate meter.

3. Filter Replacements: 0.40/0.50

Filter replacements are fairly easy, as the filters are readily accessible after removing the feed tank — just lift the hinged tab securing the filter (note that the tabs on the PPC and RO filters can be somewhat difficult to pull open), pull the filter out, and replace it with the new one. The VOC post-filter, however, is located behind the sediment/carbon (PPC) and RO filters, so those two must first be removed to access it.

The filter change indicator lights on the display screen alert you when it is time to change each filter. Rated filter life for the composite pre-filter and VOC carbon post-filter are 600 gallons or 12 months and the RO filter is 1,200 gal or 2 years.

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 these components every 12-24 months if following the manufacturer’s recommendations.

However, given the lack of NSF/ANSI certifications or comprehensive third-party testing, we feel more frequent filter changes might be a safer choice. Specifically, a 6-month lifespan may be more realistic for the composite pre-filter. Therefore, filter changes would be required 1-2x yearly.

Costs: 4.39/5.00

Based on value for money, the Sans achieved a cost score of 4.39 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, while its upfront price is around average, its annual filter replacement costs are slightly below average compared to the other ambient/hot water countertop RO systems we tested.

1. Upfront Price

As of November 4, 2025, the Sans is priced at $499.99. However, the manufacturer frequently offers sales, so you can purchase the system for as little as $399.99 – around the $415.64 average across all the tested countertop RO systems that produce ambient and hot water.

2. Long-Term Expenses for Filter Replacements

Based on 500 gallons consumption and a 600-gal or 12-month rated filter life (composite pre-filter/VOC carbon post-filter) and 1,200-gal or 2-year filter life (RO filter), we estimate $97.50 in annual filter replacement costs, which is well below the $149.47 average across all the tested countertop ROs.

However, given the lack of NSF/ANSI certifications for contaminant reduction, replacing the composite pre-filter twice yearly might be a safer choice, which would bring annual filter costs to a slightly below-average $132.50 per year.

You can save 10% with a filter subscription.

3. Product Warranty

The system is covered by a long 3-year warranty.

4. Other Cost Factors

Other features which we feel affect the Sans’s value include:

• UV light may reduce microbial regrowth in stored water and prevent off-tastes from stagnation.
• Accurate TDS measurements of the filtered water.
• Glass carafe stores water for later and fits the fridge.
• Only 1 hot water temp and no temp readout on the display – less versatile than other systems with multiple temp presets/customization.
• Auto-dispensing feature when using the Sans Carafe.

Additional

1. Pure-to-Drain Ratio Tests

We measured a pure-to-drain ratio of ~1:0.45 (2024) and ~1:0.44 (2025), which is low wastewater for RO systems in general and better than the average ~1:0.61 across the countertop RO systems we tested.

2. Construction

The system feels sturdy and well built, including the glass carafe.

3. Design Elements

The Sans has a simple, modern appearance and comes in two color options.

4. Frequent Customer Complaints

Negative reviews were hard to find, as the customer feedback on Sans’s own website is extremely positive. However, on Reddit we read about leaking, malfunctioning systems, and weird noises. Other users complained of the hot water not being hot or bad customer service.

We did not experience these issues firsthand.

Bottom Line: Good but Not Our Favorite Hot Water Countertop RO (4.29/5.00)

Filtration weighted at 60%, and usability and cost at 20% each, the Sans Water Purifier scored a final rating of 4.29 out of 5.00.

This system achieved a solid 4.33/5.00 in our filtration analysis. It produced odorless, clean-tasting water and completely removed most contaminants in our 2024 and 2025 lab tests. However, it has no NSF/ANSI-certified contaminants, and its 3rd party testing for contaminant reduction lacks most organics and at least some was not performed to full filter life. In addition, it showed evidence of potential leaching of methylene chloride in 2024, albeit below the strictest health guideline.

Usability is also solid. It’s easy to set up but the manual could use more illustrations. Its small and handy glass carafe stores ambient water for later, with the auto dispense feature filling it automatically when it’s placed on the drip tray. Refilling is a cinch, as the small feed tank is easily removed for emptying and the water change indicator alerts you. Filter changes are pretty simple as well, though the clips can be a little hard to open.

However, it’s slow to dispense into a glass, particularly for hot water, and there are no volume presets to compensate for the added wait time. There’s no child safety lock and only 1 hot temperature option, but it produces plenty of water that is hot enough for most typical uses. Plus, it has a modern appearance along with a few helpful features – filter replacement indicators, compact size, low wastewater, UV light, and filtered TDS readings.

With an average upfront price, lower ongoing costs and long 3-year warranty, the Sans is a good hot water countertop reverse osmosis system, just not our favorite.