HoMedics Restore Clean Water Purification System Review

If you have ever wanted to have cleaner, safer water or if you are one of those people who buys bottled water you will want to read this review. HoMedics sent me their Restore Clean Water Purification system to try out and this is what I thought of this product.

Disclosure: This product was sent to me from Homedics to test, review and keep at no cost. I was not compensated in any other way.

About the HoMedics Unit

Right out of the box I found that the HoMedics water system was a quality product. It’s solid construction tells me it will last for a very long time. Unlike some units, the Restore unit has a smoky finish (blue) that helps to keep it cleaner looking than most pitchers that are clear plastic.

What’s in the box:

• Pitcher
• Reservoir
• Removable top cover
• Adapter with retractable cord
• Filter
• Manual
• Comes with a three-year limited warranty

How to use the HoMedics Restore Purification System

It is very easy to setup and use this unit. If you are unsure there are 2 pages in the manual with step-by-step instructions that include pictures. Here is a summary.

Initial Setup

1. Wash unit first.
2. Remove filter from wrapper. Black carbon dust inside is normal. Immerse in water for 15 minutes.
3. Place filter in the reservoir (removable piece at the top of the pitcher).
4. Move valve on handle down to the Fill position.
5. Fill the reservoir to the 4-cup fill line with cool tap water.
6. Wait until the water flows through the filter into the pitcher body.
7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 until it fills to the 8-cup capacity.
8. Discard the first two pitchers of filtered. It is normal for carbon dust to appear in the first fillings.
9. Continue below to purify the water.

Everyday Use

1. Move the valve on the handle to the Fill position.
2. Fill the reservoir (top area of pitcher) with clean tap water.
3. Use the fill lines on the reservoir area to show you how much to add. There is an 8-cup capacity in the pitcher.
4. Wait until the water is in the pitcher area and replace the lid.
5. Plug the adapter into an outlet and then into the unit.
6. Slide the valve up to Purify. and press the Purify button on the adapter to begin the process.
7. After the Purify light is off, unplug the adapter from the system and retract the cord.
8. Water is now ready to drink.

You may choose to store your pitcher in the refrigerator. If you decide to let your water sit out unrefrigerated you will want to re-purify it within 2 days.

From HoMedics

• Unlike leading brands of water filtration pitchers such as Brita and PUR, Restore takes clean water to a new level by removing bacteria and viruses.
• Delivering cleaner, great-tasting water right from the tap, Restore water is cheaper than bottled water.
• 8 cup capacity pitcher with built-in UV lamp, replaceable filter, 1 power adaptor
• The HoMedics Restore Clean Water System was designed to eliminate up to 99.9999% of bacteria, 99.99% of viruses and 99.95% of microbial cysts

Beyond the quality construction and usability features, I was impressed with the fact that not only does the HoMedics Restore system clean the water and remove impurities, it also remove bacteria, viruses, and microbial cysts. It is one of the first water filtration pitchers to combine germ-killing UV Clean technology with a water filtration system that filters and purifies ordinary tap water. Most water filtration pitchers filter out chlorine, heavy metals and some pollutants, but this innovative pitcher goes one step further and destroys viruses, bacteria and microbial cysts too.

I wouldn’t suggest this unit to be used by younger children as it is heavier than a standard water filter pitcher and the top falls off if you don’t hold it on with your other hand.

The markings for 2, 4 or 6 cups on the pitcher are on the side when the handle is to your left. That is great for me since I am left-handed but not so good for right-handed people. The cup indicators for the cups on the reservoir, however are on the side when the handle is to the right.

Make sure you have the valve on the handle in the Filler position if you want to measure the water into the pitcher or it will drip as you are pouring it in.

PROS

• 3-year warranty
• Easy grip, rubberized handle
• Not only cleans but purifies the water from bacteria, viruses and microbial cysts
• Unique UVC light technology
• The UVC technology works in 1 minute to kill bacteria (and the light is cool looking)
• Cheaper than bottled water and helps promote green living because you don’t have to throw away or recycle bottles
• Although filters have to be replaced it is only once every 3 months
• You are notified when to replace the filter with a light indicator on the adapter
• Quality construction and visually pleasing to look at

CONS

• You still have to replace filters
• Heavy to hold for younger children and some adults. It weighs almost 6 lbs once the water is in it
• It takes awhile for the water to drip down into the pitcher (walk away and do something else while this is happening and it is not a con)
• The top does not click in place so you would have to hold your hand on it or it will fall off when pouring water out of it (the only real thing I see that could be changed on this item)

With the threat of H1N1 and the Swine Flu at our doorstep this is definitely an added feature. You don’t just want clean water, you want water that is safe and won’t promote disease. Even the smallest bacteria or virus can creep in and cause sickness. Using the HoMedics Restore Clean Water Purification System is just another thing we can do to protect our family.