3M Aqua-Pure 3M FF100 Under Sink Drinking and Cooking Water Filter System, Reduces Lead, Microplastics, Chlorine Taste and Odor, Cysts, Select VOCs. 2.5 GPM Full Flow

Excellent water filter. The filtered water tastes just like bottled water. I can say this because after installation we did a blind taste-test. My wife only drinks bottled water because she hates the taste of tap water, and she thought the water from the filter was the bottled water. Now we don't need to buy bottled water anymore. The filter is NSF certified so performance and specifications can be trusted. As expected, water flow from the sink faucet was reduced a bit since water is now going thru a filter, but it was not reduced significantly from 1.7 to 1.4 gal/min. The water flow is fine. The replacement filter cartridge uses a 1/4-turn quick-connect mechanism so it will be easy to replace in 1 yr (or 6,000 Gal). IMPORTANT INSTALLATION GUIDANCE: The filter is very easy to install. However, DO NOT install it as shown in the Installation Instructions that come with the filter or the 3M video that is found online. They both show Polyethylene Tube (i.e. Plastic Tube) being used to make the water connections, and we initially installed it that way but learned that there are several reasons not to use the tubing: 1) The main reason not to use the plastic tubing is the risk of a major water flood situation. This is because the coupling of the tubes into the compression fittings can be flaky since the tube is just pushed in and compressed. In our installation, one of the tubes popped out after 48 hours. Fortunately we were near the kitchen so we heard the water flow, and were able to quickly shut-off the water. In just a short amount of time, we had water all over the floors. If we hadn't been home, it would have been a major and expensive flooding disaster. 2) Other reasons are that there is a safer, cheaper, and easier way to install the filter. This installation uses standard braided water supply lines connected directly to the filter (see pictures). This is safer because all water connections are screwed-in so they cannot pop out. The installation is cheaper and easier because there are less parts and less connection points. A description of two filter installations with the list of parts required follows. 1st Installation to Faucet (Pictures 1 thru 3): --------------------------------------------------- The first filter was installed to feed a kitchen faucet. Parts required were purchased at HomeDepot: • Qty 2 of Everbilt Lead-Free Compression Adapter 3/8" OD x 3/8" MIP (Model #800669) $4.43/ea (Note: These fittings are used to connect the water supply lines to the filter. The MIP side of the fitting screws into filter head; one for the input and one for the output. You will unscrew and not use the pieces in the 3/8" OD side of the fitting because the supply lines will connect directly to the male end left after unscrewing the pieces). • Qty 1 of Oatey Fast Tape 1/2 in. x 260 in. PTFE Thread Seal Tape (Model #306212) $2.97 (Note: This is the teflon PTFE tape to wrap the 3/8" MIP end of the fitting that screws into filter head to make it leak proof. We wrapped it using 5 loops around. If the MIP connection develops a slow leak, the thing to do is to unscrew it and rewrap it with new PTFE tape and perhaps add one or more loops of tape. Trying to over tighten the fitting connection doesn't fix the leak. If you use the white PTFE tape that is very thin instead of this Oatey tape, you may not be able to stop the leak. We experienced this with one side of the filter, and wasted lots of time redoing it over and over. Online we read about people fixing leaks with higher-quality, thicker PTFE tape. We got the Oatey tape and wrapped it 5 times around the fitting, and it immediately fixed the leak. This tape is color grey). • Qty 1 of BrassCraft 3/8" Comp x 3/8" Comp x 20" Braided Polymer Dishwasher Connector (Model #B1-20DW F) $4.58 (Note: This is the water supply line to connect the filter to the incoming water valve at the wall. Only one water line is needed if you already had a line going from wall to faucet. That existing line will now go from the output of the filter to the faucet). 2nd Installation to Faucet & Ice Maker (Picture 4 with brass Tee-connector): -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We liked the filter so much that we got a second one. This one was installed to feed a faucet and an ice machine so the water needed to be diverted with a tee-connection. The ice machine was far from the sink so had to route a long water line on the back of the cabinets behind the drawers. In addition to the parts and installation done in the first two bullets of the 1st installation above, the following parts were ordered from Amazon: • Qty 1 of BrassCraft GIDDS-131737 Female Compression Tee, 3/8" Od x 3/8" Od x 1/4" Od, Lead Free $5.98 (Note: The 3/8" OD female side of this fitting was connected directly to the Everbilt compression adapter that is screwed to the filter head as described in the first bullet of the 1st installation above (see pic 4). The 3/8" OD male is connected to the water line going to the faucet. The 1/4" OD male is connected to the water line going to the ice maker. Since the two fittings attached together extend a pretty good amount from the filter head, the existing water line going to the faucet was creating strain. We got a longer and more flexible line to eliminate the unwanted strain; see below Fluidmaster B1F30) • Qty 1 of Certified Appliance IM180SS Braided Stainless Steel Ice Maker Connector (15-foot) $13.43 (Note: The ice maker line has 1/4" female compression fittings on both ends. One end hooks to the 1/4" OD in the compression tee, and the other end connects to the ice machine. There are other lengths in the Amazon listing). • Qty 1 of Fluidmaster B6F16 Faucet Connector, Braided Stainless Steel - 3/8" Female Compression Thread x 3/8" Female Compression Thread, 16" Length $4.29 (Note: This is the water supply line to connect the filter to the incoming water valve at the wall. There are other lengths in the Amazon listing. Only one water line is needed if you already had a line going from wall to faucet. That existing line will now go from the output of the filter to the faucet). • Qty 1 of Fluidmaster B1F30 Faucet Connector, Braided Stainless Steel - 3/8" Female Compression Thread x 1/2" I.P. Female Straight Thread, 30" Length $7.51 (Note: New longer line going to faucet to replace existing line).

First off this is about $100 more than every other filter thats on the market, but they say it'll last for 9-12 months, so once a year replacement is about what I wanted for an under sink filter. I replace a 5 year old 50k gallon filter and you can easily taste the water quality difference, at least I can. I will also likely not use the filter this kit comes with an opt for a cheaper version. $250 for a single filter once a year is insane, there are a few on here that are just under $100 that fit and have similar specifications that I'll likely get instead, unless I can find the OEM filter for substantially cheaper. When I did research before buying people were saying you can buy it at Walmart but who knows. These filters are this price seem like a racket. Install: If you didn't already do so, you need to figure out what size water hose you need, most will be 3/8 and you'll need buy a second one, this can be done at any home Depot or Lowes type store. You're going to need to buy 3/8 Tube OD to 3/8 NPT - male to male. I got it off Amazon, it's a 5 pack but cheaper than two at your local store, so you figure out how that works. You're gana need a roll of fasttape or something similar, two full wraps of this on each thread (clockwise) and then hand tighten into the filter flow device thing. Once you attach the water hoses you'll need pliers to tighten it, it will move the adapter as well, that's fine, just tighten it until you get the center part right against the plastic. Be careful because too much torque will absolutely break the plastic, especially using metal adapters. The three screws they included don't do much in terms of attachment and most people have drywall or sheet rock under their sink, use some kind of anchor. Make sure you measure at least 18 inches from the bottom of the cabinet, you want enough clearance in the future. After I measured with a level I used EZ Ancor stud silver (it's metal) and each one is rated for 50lb. Total overkill but I figure I'll have this under my sink for the foreseeable. Attach the head flow piece with the screws, and installed the filter with a simple turn. It's pretty self explanatory. You have to run the water for a few minutes. I ran it for two minutes and took a glass filled it half way, it was obviously cloudy and turned clear. I kept the water running for another two minutes and checked the water it was clear. Tasted it and it was good to go. Random thoughts: Water flow is fine, plenty of pressure. The taste was obviously different so it's clearly functional, I'll have to check it periodically to see if it changes. It was easy to install so I assume it'll be easy to change. Remember to turn off your water flow before you install and when you replace. When I replace the filter I'll update this review.

Full disclosure - I worked for 3M Company who makes this product for 37 years, which makes me biased. But that also makes me knowledgeable. In this case this filter will attach to the cold water line under your sink and provide full flow (2.5 gpm) filtered water for drinking and cooking. This is SO much better than installing a “shepherds crook” faucet on top of your counter that filters well but takes forever to even fill a glass. You can also use the same water line to feed your ice maker. It removes all the bad stuff you would worry about and makes the water taste great too. I believe the life of the filter is about 10,000 gallons or so. I replace mine every year. The replacement is very easy - a twist off/twist on process. Have recommended to all my friends and everyone that tries it loves it. Replacement cartridges are expensive but the ease and utility makes it worthwhile for us.

Ease of installation, and good-tasting clear water. I followed instructions of others who have purchased this product: - use braided 3/8 " dishwasher hoses (2) as connectors to & from water filter - use (2) Everbilt compression adaptors 3/8" OD x 3/8 " in MIP ( you won't need the ferrule or nut) - use (1) Everbilt compression coupling 3/8" OD (you won't need the ferrule or nut) to join one of the dishwasher hoses to the original cold water line to the faucet - use PTFE tape for all joints Make sure the dishwasher hose connectors are both 3/8" "garden hose " connectors - don't get hoses with compression fittings ( ferrule and nut). The second of these dishwasher hoses, connected between the filter outlet and the original cold water line( to the faucet), avoids kinking of the cold water line (to the faucet).

I was hesitant to give 4 stars, but I don't want to deter future buyers because of the poor flow of water. This unit is rated at 2.5 GPM and my sink is rated at 2.2 GPM. After installing this on my cold water line for my sink faucet, there was a noticeable drop in pressure. I'd estimate about 25-30% of the flow has been reduced by the filter. This is easily fixed by turning the water to the middle so that hot and cold are combine, but I bought this filter specifically for its 2.5 GPM since I didn't want to impede the water flow when doing dishes. Pros: -Easy to install -Water tastes excellent and the odor was gone Cons: -Fittings are not included, this is not a con, the con is using the fittings. Push in tubing is a known leak point. I would have paid extra for 2 water lines that are factory crimped so I don't have to rely on push fittings. Mine leaks and it just an extra hassle to go to the home depot for extra fittings.

This 3M water filter is a game-changer! It easily lasts a full year and supplies a convenient beverage fountain right at my kitchen sink. I adore using this fountain to fill up glasses, bottles, and cooking pots with clean, filtered water. Compared to other systems I looked into, the 3M filter offers great value for its price. It effectively removes harmful chemicals from the water, giving you peace of mind about the quality of your drinking water. What sets it apart from Reverse Osmosis systems is that it retains essential natural minerals necessary for optimal nutrition. I highly recommend this filter for anyone looking for a reliable and cost-effective water filtration solution.

I purchased this product to replace a faucet attached pur filter system when I replaced my new kitchen faucet and sink. I thought this product would work great. I had it professionally installed last weekend and it did not work. This product is complete garbage and now I'm out $240. When a licensed plumber couldn't make it work, you know it's trash. It leaked a gooey sticky residue and would not allow water to pass through. Save yourself the time money and frustration. Do not buy. The worst part is due to timing I'm eating the cost of this since I am beyond my return window. Very unhappy costumer.

(Changed to 5 star rating as it works as advertised. July 4 2016) Would have given 5 stars without so much comment if installation kit was available. Sure, everyone's faucet is different, but why not add one in for most people to use it? We have to buy it anyway. Many filter companies do so nowadays. Installation advice: You need to go to your nearest ACE hardware, and get some advice on how to fit this in. bring along the head unit (not the heavy filter), and also snap a photo of the kitchen sink underneath, so that you don't mix up male and female socket. Best is to close the water valve, unscrew the valve to the faucet, snap a photo with your smartphone of how it looks like from inside, bring that photo along. That way you don't have to go back and forth like I almost did. After installation: Okay here on is 5 STAR rating. NO MORE taste of chlorine. I hate smelling or drinking chlorine, to me drinking chlorine water is like eating McDonalds burgers with the wrapper that comes along it. Can't emphasise how much it is to kill germs in water along the way to the household, but definitely not meant for our body. Lots of filter out there, but it is the ONLY NSF certified, lead and chemical reducing, high speed undersink filter there is for under $200 in the market (I mean... Amazon... haha). It doesn't reduce your ppm much if it your tap water hovers around 150 ppm like mine (it does reduces to 130 ppm- TDS reading), so you gotta really trust what is going on inside is really reduced in lead, and those particulates are harmless minerals that is neutral (even good, in the case of calcium) for the body. That is where the NSF certification comes handy to drink with confidence. High flow speed... well I don't plan to run all 6000 gallon in a month so I put the flow rate kinda slow, but I plan to replace it every six month and use water to wash my dishes, drink from tap, cook food, power my sodastream, and do everything I wanted to do with unlimited amount of bottled water. That, my friends, is called good quality of life.