SimPure Y9A Review: Lab Analysis & Hands-On Testing

Full Analysis of the SimPure Y9A

Filtration: 4.50/5.00

The SimPure Y9A countertop RO system scored 4.50/5.00 for filtration. How? Most importantly, it achieved excellent results in our lab testing and the filtered water was odorless and tasted perfectly clean. 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)

In our lab test comparing an unfiltered and a filtered tap water sample, the SimPure Y9A could remove 10 undesirable impurities and contaminants to below the minimum detection level (so essentially to 100%): chlorine, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, chloroform, copper, strontium, iron, manganese, nitrate, and fluoride.

The following substances remained in our water:

• Barium was reduced by a very high 96%.
• Boron was also reduced by a very high 94%.

Finally, TDS decreased by 93%. While TDS should not be interpreted independently, as it does not override inadequate removal of individual contaminants, ≥90% TDS reduction is high and shows that the RO membrane works as intended. That said, the Y9A features remineralization which adds beneficial minerals back into the water and increases its TDS. Consequently, we actually expect a slightly lower amount of TDS removal in this setting.

Remineralization Results

We measured 1.18 ppm magnesium and 1.17 ppm calcium post-filtration, neither of which were within their respective WHO health guidelines (minimum 10 ppm, optimal 20-30 ppm for magnesium and minimum 20 ppm, optimal ~50 ppm for calcium). While these levels were higher than those observed in the non-remineralized RO systems we tested (average of 0.11123 ppm magnesium and 0.47253 ppm calcium), they still reflect limited mineral restoration.

Although pH should not be interpreted as an indicator of adequate mineral content in general, post-remineralization it slightly increased to 7.1 (compared to an average of 6.72 without remineralization), and alkalinity rose to 8 ppm – considerably lower than the IDPH-recommended range of 30–400 ppm but higher than the 2.2 ppm average of non-remineralized systems.

Overall, the mineral cartridge minimally improved buffering capacity and taste-related parameters, but did not meaningfully restore essential minerals to health-recommended levels.

That said, our remineralization lab results represent a standardized, worst-case scenario designed to reflect the shortest possible contact time between purified RO water and remineralization media, ensuring consistency across all tested systems. Additional testing using TDS meters and extended contact times showed considerably higher TDS levels, suggesting increased mineral dissolution under those conditions. This minimal-contact approach may therefore underrepresent real-world remineralization performance.

In the SimPure Y9A, water is remineralized inline before dispensing. A small amount of purified water remains in and around the internal mineral cartridge after each use. If the unit sits idle, that water stays in contact with the media longer, which may allow additional mineral dissolution.

Users who dispense small amounts at a time and allow the system to rest between uses may therefore see somewhat higher mineral levels than observed under our minimal-contact lab conditions. In contrast, dispensing larger volumes at once results in shorter contact time and performance closer to our test results.

We did not measure the cartridge’s internal hold-up volume, so while real-world mineral levels may exceed our lab findings under certain usage patterns, the extent of that increase remains unknown.

Lab Results Charts

2. NSF/ANSI Certifications and Other Test Data

The SimPure has no NSF/ANSI certifications for contaminant reduction.

While it has 3rd party testing for the reduction of 17 contaminants, it lacks most organics, it doesn’t reference NSF/ANSI standards for all impurities, and at least some wasn’t performed to full filter life.

Reported reduction rates include:

• TDS (99.88%)
• Total Chromium (>99.70%)
• Cadmium (>99.46%)
• PFOA (>99.09%)
• PFOS (>98.78%)
• Total coliforms (>99.99%)
• Fluoride (>99.89)
• Nitrate (99.96%)
• Arsenic (>99.94%)
• Lead (>99.88%)
• Mercury (>98.47%)
• Copper (>99.83%)
• Barium (>99.53%)
• Selenium (>99.19%)
• Chlorate (>90.90%)
• Dissociate chlorine residue (>99.47%)

Reduction rates are per SimPure’s test reports.

3. Filtration Process

We have a filter screen, 2 filter cartridges and a UV-C light which comprise 6 filtration stages:

• Stage 1 is a stainless steel mesh filter screen inserted in the bottom of the feed tank, which performs mechanical filtration to remove solid, undissolved particulates such as sediment, dirt or rust.
• Stages 2+3 is the composite pre-filter (PP + activated carbon). Like the stage 1 mesh, the PP pre-filter also performs mechanical filtration, acting like a sieve to remove larger particulates. 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 4 is performed by the RO membrane, which uses reverse osmosis to effectively remove the vast majority of contaminants and minerals.
• Stage 5 is the remineralization post-filter, which restores minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, raises the pH, and boosts the water’s flavor.
• Stage 6 is a UV post-filter which exposes the filtered water to germicidal UVC 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 test, the filtered water was odorless and had a perfectly clean taste.

Usability: 3.53/5.00

The SimPure achieved a usability score of 3.53/5.00, based on its performance in the following categories:

1. Initial system assembly including filter priming (0.80/0.80)
2. Everyday use (2.23/3.70)
3. Filter replacements (0.50/0.50)

1. Initial Setup: 0.80/0.80

Assembling the SimPure is easy. In addition to clear, illustrated directions in the user manual, there is a tutorial video on YouTube.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the setup procedure:

1. Install drip tray beneath the spout; note that the filters come pre-installed.
2. Remove, rinse, and fill the feed water tank with tap water to the MAX level, then reinstall into the base and close the cover.
3. Place a large container on the drip tray and have another ready to alternate.
4. Plug the power cord into a power outlet to turn unit on; all indicator lights will turn on briefly.
5. The system will automatically begin flushing the membrane for 30 seconds – this process is internal and the water will be returned to the feed tank.
6. Press the “Dispense” button; you will hear a beep. The system will continuously filter and dispense pure water until the feed water tank reaches the minimum water level. You can press again to stop if needed.
7. The “Change Water” indicator will light up when the feed water tank reaches the minimum water level. Empty the remaining water in the feed tank and refill it.
8. Repeat steps 6-7 for a minimum of 3-5 cycles to fully flush out the filter cartridges.
9. Now your system is ready to use.

2. Day-to-Day Use: 2.23/3.70

2.1 Speed & Water Capacity: 1.03/1.40

The Y9A is generally suited for daily use to produce ambient water. However, the system lacks a carafe or pure tank for instantly-accessible water, and its pump-driven dispensing speed is relatively slow – not uncommon for this type of RO system. Plus, it lacks volume presets which normally help offset the tediousness of waiting on the slower dispense.

On the plus side, you can fill a 40-oz bottle from a single feed tank all in one continuous dispense – no need to refill the feed tank in-between. However, we had to tilt our bottle to get it to fit under the spout, as its height is fairly low – only 7.75” from the base.

Likewise, you can’t fit a standard 2-quart carafe under the spout, as it’s not high enough. However, assuming you found a container that would fit, you could still dispense 2 quarts in a single button push without refilling the feed tank.

By design, the maximum amount of water that can be dispensed by the SimPure at one time also happens to be the amount of filtered water produced by a single full feed tank. In our test, 128 oz (16 cups) of ambient water could be dispensed all in one continuous pour.

Assuming 25.5 cups or 31.5 cups of daily water consumption for the average US and US-family households, respectively, and ~16 cups filtered water per full feed tank, we estimate 2 daily refills – fewer than average for the countertop ROs we tested.

Even for a relatively slow pump-driven system, the SimPure still 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 cup in ~22-27 sec and 4 cups in 1:15 min.

Note: The system doesn’t pre-process the water. Therefore, dispensing speed is not influenced by whether you just refilled an empty feed tank.

2.2 Dispensing: 0.70/1.00

Dispensing water is easy and splash-free and there’s no ramp up or down to the pour. It dispenses as soon as the button is activated, and stops immediately when the button is pushed again to stop. That said, the simple-to-use touch screen is not always responsive – in our test, we had to push the screen harder than the other tested systems to get it to engage.

You can dispense your desired volume using the “Dispense” button – simply press once to start and once to stop. As mentioned before, there are no volume presets, which is a bit frustrating. However, the magnetic drip tray to catch excess runoff is a nice bonus.

2.3 Refilling & Size: 0.70/0.70

Refilling is straightforward. The feed water tank is easy to remove, refill, and place back on the base because it is located on the side of the unit. “Max,” “Medium,” and “Min.” fill lines also ensure you add the appropriate amount of water every time.

It’s also simple to keep track of when it’s time to empty the wastewater and refill the feed tank, as the system has a water shortage/change indicator light on the LED display.

Measuring 9.25″x14.25″x14.2″ (WxHxD), the SimPure fits under standard height (18”) kitchen cabinets, and at 19.8 lbs, it’s a bit weightier than the average countertop ROs we tested – though we wouldn’t describe it as “heavy.” Its footprint is about average compared to the other tested systems, occupying 131.35 in2 (~0.91 ft2), and at over 9” wide it is not streamlined enough to fit in narrow spaces.

2.3 Other: -0.20/0.60

The SimPure doesn’t provide TDS readings and, as already mentioned, there is no portable clean water tank, which lowered its usability score in our analysis. What’s more, it makes an unpleasant grating noise when dispensing. It’s not too loud, but it does detract from the user experience.

3. Filter Replacements: 0.50/0.50

Filter replacements are simple, though we did have to consult the user manual to figure out how to remove the side panel to do so. The filters are easily accessible and quickly twist in/out. The manufacturer recommends draining the filters before changing them, which takes about 5 minutes. Otherwise, you may get some water leakage when you remove the old filters.

The filter change indicator lights on the control panel alert you when it is time to change each filter. Rated filter life for the composite pre-filter and remineralization post-filter is 6 months and the RO membrane is 9 months. Therefore, expect to replace these components every 6-9 months as indicated. We feel this is a reasonably accurate estimate of filter lifespan, assuming 500 gallons of yearly water consumption for the average household.

Costs: 3.78/5.00

Based on value for money, the SimPure Y9A achieved a cost score of 3.78 out of 5.00, indicating it is priced above 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, annual filter replacement costs are slightly above-average for the countertop RO systems we tested.

1. Upfront Price

As of November 4, 2025, the SimPure is priced at $439.99. However, the manufacturer frequently offers sales and so you can purchase the Y9A for as little as $339.99. This is around the $321.89 average across all the ambient-only countertop RO systems we tested.

2. Long-Term Expenses for Filter Replacements

Based on 500 gallons consumption and a 6-month filter life (composite pre-filter and remineralization post-filter) and a 9-month RO membrane life, we estimate $175 in annual filter replacement costs, which is slightly above the $149.47 average across all the countertop ROs we tested.

3. Product Warranty

The system is covered by a 1-year warranty. However, this is increased to a longer 2-year warranty upon product registration.

4. Other Cost Factors

• We have UV post-treatment.

Additional

1. Pure-to-Drain Ratio Test

We measured a pure-to-drain ratio of ~1:0.39, which is very 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.

3. Flushing

This system performs automatic flushing for 30 seconds when powering it on (plugging in) and for 8 seconds after stopping each dispense. You can also manually flush the RO membrane for 30 seconds or up to 5 minutes using the “Flushing” button.

While flushing counters TDS creep and extends RO membrane life, it may also waste water; however, the manufacturer states this process is internal and the flushed water will return to the feed tank for recirculation. They also recommend manual flushing daily or weekly to extend the life of the filter cartridges.

4. Frequent Customer Complaints

We read about issues with leaking and dripping. Other customers complained of water with a bad taste or odor.

We did not experience these issues firsthand.

Bottom Line: Solid But No Match for the Best Countertop ROs (4.16/5.00)

Filtration weighted at 60%, and usability and cost at 20% each, the SimPure Y9A scored a final rating of 4.16 out of 5.00.

The SimPure Y9A performed excellently in our lab testing, applies remineralization, and produced clean-tasting water. However, it lacks NSF/ANSI-certified contaminants, and at least some of its third-party testing was not done to full filter life.

Usability is also ho-hum; without a pure tank or carafe, the system filters and dispenses water in real time. In other words, it’s a bit slow – no instantly accessible water here – and no volume presets to offset that inconvenience. Though not speedy, it’s still fast enough to meet the daily water demands of most households, and requires fewer refills than average for a countertop RO. The touchscreen is a little glitchy though simple to navigate and offers helpful filter/water change indicators. It’s slightly noisy but otherwise easy to maintain and use and has low wastewater to boot.

With average upfront and slightly higher ongoing costs, we feel this system is solid but there are better options for the money.