APEC Vs. Express Water: Which Reverse Osmosis System Is Better?

Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are an effective way to filter water and remove impurities, but with so many options on the market, it can be tricky to choose the right one. Two popular brands, APEC and Express Water, both offer high-quality RO systems at reasonable prices.

But which one is the better option? Here is a detailed comparison of APEC and Express Water RO systems to help you decide.

A Brief Comparison Table

Feature	APEC	Express Water
Filtration Stages	5	4
RO Membrane Quality	Excellent	Very Good
Filtration Capacity	90 GPD	50 GPD
Tank Size	3.2 Gallons	2.5 Gallons
Installation	Moderate	Easy
Warranty	1 Year	1 Year
Price	$$	$
Filtration Technology	Advanced	Standard
Certifications	FDA, NSF	NSF
Maintenance	Moderate	Low
Feed Water Options	Standard Only	Connect to Icemaker
Dimensions	15 x 5.2 x 18in	11 x 5.25 x 14in

Overview of APEC RO Systems

APEC water systems feature advanced 5-stage reverse osmosis technology and premium components for superior contaminant removal. Here are some key details about APEC RO systems:

5 filtration stages – Each system uses 5 stages of filtration including sediment pre-filter, carbon block, granulated carbon, RO membrane, and final polishing filter. This thorough filtration removes up to 99% of contaminants.
High capacity RO membrane – The included RO membrane can process up to 90 gallons of water per day, ideal for households with high water usage.
Large storage tank – The 3.2 gallon tank allows filtered water to be stored for convenient access. The tank has a slim design to fit under sinks.

NSF & FDA certified – All components are rigorously tested and certified by NSF and FDA standards for safety and performance.
1-year warranty – APEC offers a 1-year warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. They also provide lifetime support.
Moderate installation – The unit includes color tubing and fittings for a DIY installation. Some plumbing skill is needed to connect under the sink.

Overview of Express Water RO Systems

Express Water systems use a streamlined 4-stage filtration process with quality components at an affordable price point. Key features include:

4 filtration stages – Express Water systems use sediment pre-filter, carbon block, 50 GPD RO membrane, and inline carbon post-filter. This removes most major contaminants.
NSF certified filters – The filters used are tested to NSF standards to verify removal of lead, chlorine, bacteria and other impurities.

50 gallon per day membrane – The RO membrane is lower capacity than APEC but still suitable for most households with 1-3 people.
2.5 gallon storage tank – The slim tank can fit under most sinks but has less storage volume than APEC’s tank.
Quick connect fittings – Push-to-connect fittings make installation very quick and easy with no plumbing skills needed.

1-year warranty – Express Water also provides a 1-year warranty and customer support.
Budget price – These systems are very affordably priced, nearly half the cost of APEC. Great for buyers on a budget.

Also Read: Choose Between APEC ROES 50 And RO 90.

Key Comparison Between APEC and Express Water

Now let’s take a deeper look at how APEC and Express Water systems compare across some key factors:

Filtration Performance

APEC systems use a more thorough 5-stage filtration process compared to 4 stages in Express Water systems.
The extra pre-filter and mineralization stage in APEC systems help extend filter life and enhance water taste.

Both use similar sediment and carbon block pre-filters, but APEC also adds a granulated carbon filter for further adsorbing chlorine and chemicals.
APEC systems include a higher 90 GPD RO membrane that can handle more water usage and waste than Express Water’s 50 GPD membrane.
The end result is APEC systems achieve slightly better filtration, removing up to 99% of contaminants versus 95% for Express Water.

Ease of Installation

Express Water systems are designed for quick “DIY” installation with push-to-connect fittings. No plumbing skills are required.
APEC includes some push-to-connect parts but also requires cutting tubing and installing adapters. Moderate plumbing skills are needed.
The Express Water housings snap together instantly while APEC requires screwing filters into housings.

Overall, Express Water systems can be installed in under 30 minutes with no experience needed. APEC may take 1-2 hours for inexperienced installers.

Quality & Durability

Both APEC and Express Water use high quality components that are NSF certified and tested.
APEC uses premium Dow Filmtec membranes made in the USA versus Express Water’s membranes made in Korea.

Express Water filters tend to have a shorter 6 month lifespan while APEC’s large filters can last 1 year or longer.
The tanks are comparable but APEC’s holds more water. The housings and fittings are robust in both systems.
Overall build quality favors APEC but Express Water is still solidly constructed given the lower price point.

Water Storage & Delivery

The APEC system features a larger 3.2 gallon tank so it can produce and store more filtered water.
Express Water’s 2.5 gallon tank requires more frequent refills but is very space efficient.
APEC faucets are metal while Express Water uses plastic push button faucets.

APEC faucets allow filling water pitchers while Express Water has a direct flow design.
APEC systems recirculate more water through the RO membrane for optimal performance.
Overall APEC systems provide bigger water capacity and better delivery for high usage households.

Filtration Technology

APEC systems utilize more advanced technology like the booster pump and permeate pump for increased efficiency.
Features like the built-in flow restrictor and automatic shut off valve give APEC better filtration control.
Express Water uses a more basic 4-stage process that relies on water pressure alone to run the RO membrane.

The APEC systems are able to achieve finer filtration and remove a broader range of contaminants than Express Water.
Express Water systems still effectively remove most major contaminants but APEC systems perform better overall.

Maintenance & Support

Filter changes in Express Water systems only need quick cartridge replacements every 6-12 months.

APEC systems require more complex filter housing openings and membrane sanitization yearly.
Both brands provide video tutorials and customer phone support for assistance with repairs.
APEC includes a more comprehensive user manual and their support team is very responsive.

Overall Express Water systems need less frequent maintenance due to quick connect filters. But APEC provides better technical support.

Also Read: Is Apec RO-Hi Better Than RO-90?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which is better alkaline or RO water?

RO water is generally considered better because it removes far more contaminants than alkaline water filters. RO filters out heavy metals, chemicals, microbes and other impurities that alkaline filters cannot. RO water also has a neutral pH that is optimal for drinking. The addition of minerals in alkaline water may even produce undesirable effects.

What is the best reverse osmosis system for drinking water?

The APEC Ultimate RO-90 system is among the best for drinking water due to its superior 5-stage filtration, high capacity membrane, and large storage tank. It produces the cleanest and purest water by removing up to 99% of contaminants. The advanced filters improve water taste as well.

Where is APEC water made?

APEC water treatment systems are designed and engineered in California, USA. The company’s headquarter office and production facility is located in City of Industry, CA. All system components and parts are sourced from vendors located in the USA or trusted partners in South Korea and Japan.

What is the difference between reverse osmosis and filtered water?

Reverse osmosis uses high pressure to force water through a semipermeable membrane that filters out contaminants. This removes far more impurities than basic filtration methods like activated carbon filters. RO can eliminate microbes, chemicals, metals and other smaller particles that make it through basic filters. RO water is cleaner and safer than standard filtered water.

Also Watch This Review Video:

Final Thoughts

While both APEC and Express Water offer quality reverse osmosis systems, APEC systems perform better overall thanks to superior filtration technology, better water delivery, and robust construction.

For high water quality and usage households, the APEC Ultimate 90 is a top choice despite the higher price. Express Water systems provide decent water filtration at a budget price point for light usage. Choosing between premium performance and value depends on your needs.