Aquasana SmartFlow® Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Review
Aquasana SmartFlow® Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Review
As a wellness-minded mom who cares deeply about what goes into our bodies and what runs through our home, I’ve been slowly upgrading the everyday essentials that make the biggest impact. From cookware and cleaning products to, most recently, the water we drink, each small change adds up to a healthier home.
I never thought much about our tap water until I noticed Olive’s water cup sitting half full on the counter every day. She usually drinks plenty of water, so it caught my attention.
I feel like everyone has a Brita filter for their filtered drinking water but here's the problem with those. They mainly reduce chlorine taste and odor, and some models remove a small amount of lead, copper, and mercury but they do not remove: Fluoride, Arsenic, PFAS (“forever chemicals”), Microplastics, Pharmaceutical residues and Heavy metals like chromium-6.
Gross. That’s not what I want to have going in my body, or my daughters body. If you really think about it when you taste tap water or “filtered water” that isn't really filtered, it has a faint metallic aftertaste. My pasta water was quite cloudy, and my ice cubes had a strange smell. Once you notice, you can’t un-notice.
That’s when I began researching the best reverse osmosis systems and stumbled across the Aquasana SmartFlow® Reverse Osmosis Water Filter. I also looked into the differences between a whole house reverse osmosis system and a point-of-use RO system for the kitchen. After weeks of reading and comparing options, we decided to install the Aquasana SmartFlow® RO System under our kitchen sink, and it’s been a game-changer for our family.
Interested in a Whole House Water Filter? Read my full review of the Aquasana Whole House Water Filter here.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.
Why I Upgraded Our Kitchen Water
I don’t follow every wellness trend, but I do love changes that make daily life easier and healthier. Bottled water was never a sustainable plan. Too much waste, microplastics, too many grocery trips, and too many single-use plastics piling up.
I wanted a system that gave us:
Pure water with no chlorine taste or odor
High-efficiency filtration technology to remove specific contaminants like PFAS, fluoride, lead, and arsenic
Great-tasting water that even Olive would love
A simple, long-term solution without constant maintenance
Reverse osmosis, or RO filtration, kept coming up as the gold standard for clean water. It uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove a wide range of contaminants from your water supply. When I found Aquasana’s brand-new SmartFlow® Reverse Osmosis System, it checked every box. It promised advanced filtration, remineralization technology, and up to 99.99% removal of 90 contaminants, including fluoride, arsenic, lead, chlorine, microplastics, and PFOA/PFOS, all with 57% greater efficiency and a 93% higher daily production rate than Aquasana’s previous reverse osmosis system.
What Makes the Aquasana SmartFlow® Reverse Osmosis System Different
The Aquasana SmartFlow® Reverse Osmosis Water Filter is an under-sink, point-of-use system that delivers pure, healthy water right from your kitchen sink faucet. It combines a multi-stage filtration process with remineralization to give you cleaner, better-tasting water instantly, and it’s certified to reduce 89 more contaminants than Amazon’s top-selling RO system.
Tested and Certified for the Highest Water Standards
Because I always want proof that what I’m using actually works, I love that the SmartFlow® Reverse Osmosis is independently tested and certified by the Water Quality Association (WQA) to NSF/ANSI Standards 42, 53 (including P473), 58, 401, and CSA B483.1.
That means it’s verified to remove over 90 contaminants, including 99% of lead, VOCs, and microplastics, 96% of chlorine, arsenic, and pesticides, and 90% of fluoride, while also restoring healthy minerals like calcium and magnesium for balanced, great-tasting water.
Here’s what’s inside this high-efficiency reverse osmosis system:
Stage 1: Carbon Block Filter – Reduces chlorine, taste, and odor before reverse osmosis filtration.
Stage 2: SmartFlow® Membrane – Patented SmartFlow® technology efficiently reduces fluoride, nitrates, nitrites, arsenic, PFOA/PFOS, and more.
Stage 3: Advanced Carbon Block (Claryum®) – Combines activated and catalytic carbon filtration with ion-exchange and sub-micron filtration to target lead, VOCs, mercury, microplastics, and other contaminants.
Stage 4: Remineralizer – Adds back beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium to improve pH balance and water alkalinity.
This reverse osmosis technology ensures every drop that passes through your system is clean, crisp, and mineral-rich.
Installation and First Impressions
When the box arrived, I felt like it was Christmas morning. The system was compact and included everything needed for installation, including filters, tubing, and a dedicated all-metal air gap faucet. Aquasana offers four faucet finishes: Chrome, Brushed Nickel, Matte Black, and Oil Rubbed Bronze, or you can choose the “No Faucet” option if you prefer to use your own. That is what we did because I wanted a hot and cold knob for my morning tea!
We hired a plumber to handle the installation. He connected the cold water valve, installed the water tank and drain line, and had everything running in under an hour.
That first glass of water was crystal clear with no odor and no metallic aftertaste. It was immediately noticeable, and the best part was watching Olive happily drink her water!
What Changed After Installing the Aquasana RO System
5 Things I Noticed After Switching to Reverse Osmosis Water
1. My Coffee, Tea, and Smoothies Taste Way Better
I didn’t realize how much our tap water affected the taste of everything until we switched. My matcha tastes smoother, Troy’s coffee is richer, and even Olive’s smoothies taste fresher. It’s amazing how much difference clean water makes.
2. My Skin Feels More Hydrated
I didn’t expect this one. I think it’s because the system removes chlorine and fluoride, which can be drying. Drinking and cooking with clean water all day has made my skin feel softer and more hydrated.
3. Olive Actually Drinks More Water
Her water cup used to sit half full on the counter all day. Now she finishes it without me asking. It tastes clean, has no smell, and she loves it. It feels good knowing she’s drinking water that’s truly safe.
4. Cooking Tastes Cleaner
Cooking with purified water makes a noticeable difference. Rice and pasta come out lighter, and soups taste fresher. Even oatmeal in the morning has a cleaner flavor. I’ve learned that good cooking really does start with good water.
5. Life Got Simpler
We stopped buying bottled water completely. No more carrying heavy cases or dealing with piles of plastic. Now we just fill our reusable bottles from the faucet. It’s easier, cheaper, and feels better for our family and the planet.
What Surprised Me Most About the Aquasana System
The installation was quick. Our plumber had it running in under an hour.
The SmartFlow® technology uses less water than most reverse osmosis systems.
The filters last longer than I expected, and replacements are quick and easy to do yourself.
The Pros: Why I Recommend the Aquasana SmartFlow RO System
High contaminant removal for PFAS, lead, fluoride, and other harmful contaminants
Longer filter life compared to average RO filters
Remineralization technology for better taste and balanced pH
Compact design that fits under most sinks
Easy filter replacement with twist-out cartridges
High daily production rate for immediate access to clean water
Less water waste than older reverse osmosis systems
Peace of mind knowing every sip is safe and healthy
The Cons (and How We Solved Them)
1. It’s Not a Whole-House Reverse Osmosis System
The Aquasana SmartFlow RO System is designed as a point-of-use water filtration system for your kitchen sink, not a full whole house reverse osmosis system. For whole-home coverage, including showers, laundry, and bathroom sinks, we installed the Aquasana Whole House Water Filter. You can read that full review here.
2. Professional Installation Recommended
While it is DIY-capable, proper installation (especially the drain line, air-gap faucet, and storage tank) often benefits from a plumber or someone comfortable with plumbing connections to ensure correct setup and avoid leaks or flow issues. The owner’s manual emphasizes following plumbing codes.
3. Some Wastewater Waste Is Inevitable
The SmartFlow® technology is engineered to use less wastewater compared with many older RO systems (“more pure water, less water waste”). But like all reverse osmosis systems, it still generates some drain water, so this remains a valid con to note.
4. Regular Filter & Membrane Maintenance Required
Like all reverse osmosis systems, the SmartFlow® needs periodic filter changes to keep it performing its best. The carbon and remineralizer filters should be replaced about every six months, and the RO membrane annually. The process is quick and simple, but it’s still something to keep on your radar.
SmartFlow vs. Whole-House Reverse Osmosis Systems
If you’re wondering whether to invest in a whole-house reverse osmosis system or a point-of-use RO filter, here’s how to decide:
Choose SmartFlow RO if you want purified drinking and cooking water directly from your kitchen sink.
Choose a whole house reverse osmosis system if your water issues affect your entire house or you have hard water or well water.
We use both. The whole-house water filter keeps the water soft and clean throughout our home, while the Aquasana RO System gives us pure, great-tasting water for cooking and hydration.
10 Things I Do for My Wellness Every Day
Small things that keep my energy, mood, and hormones balanced (and how clean water fits in).
Ever since installing the Aquasana SmartFlow® system, I’ve started noticing how the smallest daily choices make the biggest difference. Clean water has become the foundation for many of the habits that keep me feeling balanced. Here are a few simple things I try to do every day to support my energy, mood, and hormones.
1. Start My Morning With Clean, Filtered Water
I fill a big glass from our Aquasana reverse osmosis system before my morning bone broth or matcha. It filters out 99% of contaminants like fluoride and microplastics, and I notice a real difference in my energy, skin, and digestion.
2. Prioritize Protein in Every Meal
Simple breakfasts like smoothies, eggs, or cottage cheese keep my energy steady and my mood even.
3. Get Morning Sunlight
Olive and I go outside for 10 to 15 minutes while I sip my water or matcha. It helps wake us up naturally and sets the tone for the day.
4. Cook With Whole Ingredients
No seed oils, minimal packaged food, and quick, nourishing meals that take under 30 minutes.
5. Hydrate All Day
Clean water and electrolytes keep me feeling clear and focused. I keep a full water bottle by my desk and make sure Olive’s cup is always nearby.
6. Keep My Home Low-Tox
We use Branch Basics for cleaning and run an air purifier daily. I care about what’s in our air and water just as much as what’s in our food.
7. Move My Body Every Day
Even a short walk, stretch, or quick workout makes a difference. Movement keeps my mind calm and my energy steady.
8. End the Day Calmly
An Epsom salt bath, acupressure mat, and a few minutes of gratitude help me wind down and sleep better.
The Aquasana SmartFlow® Reverse Osmosis System has completely changed how we use and enjoy water at home. It delivers pure water instantly, saves money over bottled options, and gives our family lasting peace of mind about what we’re drinking. It’s not the cheapest upgrade, but it’s one of those investments that pays you back every single day.
If you’re starting your water treatment journey, this is the first step I’d recommend. Begin in the kitchen with a reverse osmosis water filter that’s efficient, compact, and built to last.
FAQ
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The ingredients are romaine lettuce, shredded carrots, green onion, cilantro, sesame seeds, rotisserie chicken, coconut wraps, and rice noodles. The sauce includes avocado oil, olive oil, rice vinegar, honey, soy sauce, salt, garlic, and ginger powder.
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This copycat version is not gluten free, but you can certainly make some changes to it to make it gluten free! You can use gluten free coconut wraps and gluten free rice noodles. Additionally, ensure that the soy sauce you use is specifically labeled as gluten-free, as some soy sauces may contain wheat.
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It does not contain dairy products. It is made with a combination of romaine lettuce, shredded carrots, green onions, cilantro, sesame seeds, and rotisserie chicken. The dressing for the salad includes olive oil, rice vinegar, honey, soy sauce, salt, garlic, and ginger powder.
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There are no nuts in the copycat Chinese Chicken Salad recipe.
Hey, I’m Jazz
I’m a nutritional therapist practitioner and spent 3 years as a personal chef to NBA athletes. Follow along for easy, attainable and healthy recipes in under 30 minutes!
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