A lot of fighting in the main water filter thread mainly due to competition, though I noticed most are discussing the high-end water filters costing above RM1,000. I am just looking at a cheaper water filter for basic filtering for an apartment in the price range of RM100-200+. Would like to ask if there is anybody who has used any of the Panasonic water filters, of if there are any other brands in the similar price range worth looking at.

In the Panasonic Malaysia website, there is this model that costs RM169 retail


And this one costing RM196


And this one is RM217


Has anybody used these water filters? Are they reliable? Any other brands worth looking at? Thanks.

u get clearer water n no chlorine smell.
pana use carbon/charcoal inside.
need to boil water before drink.

apartment water comes from tank above.
the contamination is much higher than those direct water in terrace house.
in this application , i'll rate a 1/10 in using this filter

This post has been edited by goohtj: Jun 3 2017, 11:04 PM

Thanks for the response. I always boil filtered water from the tap before drinking, that's a habit.

Can you clarify why the water quality from apartment is different from that of terrace houses. The water is from the same source and would still go to the water tank of the landed properties and apartments.

my take in water filtration is that to reduce as much contaminants as possible. entry range is pretty much good however, having something that filters more gives a peace of mind at least. i'm not talking about price but what the filtration capabilities and getting it from proven brands too like panasonic,3m etc etc..

i've been using PJ-6RF for 5 years now, 6 months filter life is an economy approach. i'm considering removal of lead in my apartment water (because we do not know what are in the pipes)

cheers!

Thanks for the response. Yes, the basic water filter such as the one you have right now only filters sediments, fine particles, chlorine rust and odour. If you want more filtration to filter other chemicals such as lead and iron, we will need to go higher up the line. Just checked on Panasonic and the water filter that is able to filter soluble lead, iron and aluminum is the TK-AJ11-PNMA, and it costs RM1,839.

May I know for your water filter, how much is the cost of the filter replacement? It can only last 6 months?

If you are into DIY own filter, I've shared a 3-stage DIY filter for under RM200. PP > ceramics > active carbon. I use NSF certified Doulton carbon cartridge.
https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...post&p=81965725

The 3-stage DIY filter looks great. Good job.

Reading more about the bits that have gone into the DIY filter, if I am not mistaken it is doing the same job of filtration as the Panasonic's RM196 filter .

The first stage filters sediment and coarse particles, the 2nd stage (ceramic) filters finer sediments, dirt, debris and bacteria, and the final 3rd stage (active carbon) filters or absorbs chlorine, red rust and mold. The cheaper Panasonic filter (RM200+/-) also has the same filtration functions. May I ask what is the advantage of this DIY setup over the Panasonic equivalent?

It's only the costlier Panasonic filter which has the added benefits by filtering iron and metal such as lead, apart from adding some alkalinity to the water. The cost is also comparatively higher at above RM1,500.

Just found out that the higher-end Panasonic filter (photo below) that filters iron and metal and adding alkalinity to the water is made in Japan. That may explain on the higher cost >RM1,500. The cheaper RM200+/- Panasonic water filter must be assembled locally in Malaysia (or China).



This post has been edited by ryder_78: Jun 4 2017, 11:00 AM

Hi,

I have been using Panasonic water filter for years, so far so good.

In my previous apartment, i have the PJ-5RF panasonic + Amway water filter. Btw, my apartment's kitchen tap water was 'direct from Syabas', only the toilet water from water tank.

After moved to landed place, i use PJ5RF + TK-AS40 panasonic filters, the PJ5RF for cooking, vege/fruit washing, TK-AS40 for drinking directly (no boiling).

Filter replace for PJ5RF is about rm50 (about 6,000), TK-AS40 is about rm250 (12,000 liter).

Hope the info helps.

This post has been edited by clickNsnap: Jun 4 2017, 03:22 PM

The advantages over the Panasonic are:
1) Neat under-sink installation. No messy tubings at the faucet and save counter top space.(unless your prefer counter top)
2) Can filter larger volume of water, good for washing, cleaning, cooking at wet kitchen.
3) Can change any replacement cartridges you want, 10" cartridges are the easiest to buy in the market and there are not expensive.
4) I use NSF certified Doulton carbon cartridge at 3rd stage filtering, so my filtered water "technically" NSF certified.

Panasonic has its advantages though, ready to use off the shelve, no dedicated faucet needed, easier to instal, Panasonic brand name, easy availability of replacement cartridges, easier cartridge replacement to name a few.
I started off with Panasonic too, served me well for couple of years but because I wanted the convenience of drinking water directly from the tap without boiling it, I upgraded to 3M NSF certified filter. The DIY filter was installed at wet kitchen for cleaning, washing, cooking.

I have been Panasonic Filter (Picture 3) for 3 years and more.
The filter need to be changed when using for a long usage.

Great product, using with no problems for more than 3 years already.

Thanks for all responses. Think I'll be getting either 1 or 2 of these Panasonic filters. If I get the cheap one RM200+/-, it will be used for everything from washing vegetables, rice, fruits and also as drinking water. Of course, the water will be boiled before it is used for drinking. If getting the expensive one, I understand that the water need not be boiled for drinking. Personally I have boiled water before drinking throughout my whole life, so it's something new to me. However, due to the expensive replacement cartridge, it is not cost-efficient to use the costly water filter for all purpose which includes washing raw food such as vegetables, meat, rice, fruits etc. In the end, the cheap water filter (RM200) is still mandatory for all-purpose use. Will see how it goes.

Thanks for all the advice and information.

i used that cheapest one (first one in your pics) for many years. No problem. Just change the filter when it is due
panasonic is good enough and you can easily find the replacement filter

This post has been edited by idoblu: Jun 5 2017, 07:46 AM

Will compare this cheapest Panasonic model with the RM200 one and see what's the difference. Will surely get one of these.

A point which I forgot to mention is I don't drink room-temperature water. I always drink warm water, closer to hot. If I drink cold water, it will be ice-cold water and not room temperature, but I rarely drink cold water as it's not good for health. Hence, boiled water is necessary in my case. If I am in the office, the source for warm/hot water is the water dispenser with a large water bottle turned upside down, slotted into the water dispenser.

i still boil the water after the filter. one thing though, the instructions says not to use filtered water for your ice cubes or store it too long

Okay thanks for the information. To not use filtered water for ice cubes is something new to me. It has to be filtered water since it can't be tap water. Not too sure on the reason though.

Yes, the water is always boiled too in my case (drinking water) as it's a norm. Anyway since we are using the cheap water filter and not the expensive one which is claimed to remove virtually "everything", we have to boil the water anyway. Though sometimes when we think about it, it doesn't quite make sense whether to boil the water or not even if using the cheap water filter. My reasoning is this.

The cheap water filter and expensive water filter basically perform the same basic functions in removing sediment, dirt and even mold and bacteria. The only added difference with the expensive water filter is it removes other substances such as iron or metal such as lead, apart from the feature of changing the water properties to higher alkalinity. Boiling water is mainly to kill bacteria. But that is already covered even with the cheap water filter. Boiling water does nothing to remove iron or metal. In other words, what I am implying is it may be acceptable to drink water from the cheap water filter without boiling it. However, this practice is not a norm.

Now that brings us to the question of drinking water from an expensive water filter without boiling it. Do most folks actually do this? Are there people who still boil water even when the water is filtered with an expensive water filter?

This post has been edited by ryder_78: Jun 5 2017, 08:57 AM

im using the red model model MRF , its better than those RF series. can use for drinking. been using for 7 years now.

Huh, drinking cold water not good for health ? Where you get such infor?

For long run and cheaper cost, I think aeiou228 way is better. Those are the common filter and easily available. Beside that, it place below the table to free up the table space. The bad is, changing the filter take little bit longer time.

But thumb of rule, still better to boil the water before drink.

Many those expensive filter dispenser is either cost 10% only. Remain 90% is profit. Or mlm style business.

oh there is also a 3M table top/wall mount filter but quite expensive compare to the Panasonic. Also bigger

http://www.3m.com.my/3M/en_MY/company-my/a...91210533&rt=rud

around Rm370 at Lazada

This post has been edited by idoblu: Jun 5 2017, 09:28 AM

u can get at RM299 now at hypermarket

That is messy piping flying around.

Hate such piping which make the kitchen ugly.

yah hate that too but no choice if you want table top filter. I dont even use one now. Just using those backwash type for whole house filteration (in my case, condo)

This post has been edited by idoblu: Jun 5 2017, 09:33 AM

It is general knowledge that cold water is not good for health in the long-run that can bring many illnesses. When one is young he can be immune but getting older the effects can translate to many negatives. You can google on the effects of cold water to health in general. There are many messages on the detrimental effects of ice cold water to healthy being circulated on Whatsapp social media. You ddin't get any? If still in doubt you can consult with any doctor or specialist to get general advice. Though the ill-effects of cold water to the body is general knowledge.

This setup surely looks messy with tubes hanging around.

If I have to get such type of filter, will modify place below the sink. Get a faucet place on the sink.

That will look neat.

But makesure the filter can stand the continues pressure. Some will burst.

Sorry, I won't believe general knowledge and message flying around. I need scientific proof. And so far nothing is 100% proof.

And it depend on which race and continental place you influence in the web. But I understand mostly Asean people prefer hot water.

I ve been drinking cold water for over 30yrs. Either room temp water or fridge. Even food also have to cold down before eat. Porridge have to put into freezer for a while before I can eat.

You can choose to believe what you believe. There is always a scientific explanation to the detrimental effects of cold water, but as you said, nothing is 100%. It's a choice that you would have to make. As for scientific "proof", the cases would usually be documented unofficially. There is no "official scientific proof" other than evidences or cases of people who fall sick easier or being unhealthy or getting all sort of sicknesses practicing an unhealthy lifestyle of frequently drinking ice-cold water. Of course, you can refute that saying you rarely fall sick or are healthy even though you frequently drink cold water or cold food, but that will not apply to everyone.

Sometimes you need to have some general knowledge and not just asking for scientific evidence or proof. It's just like when a teenager wants to cycle on public roads, the parent advised him not to cycle on public road due to the danger. The teenager then asks for the reason. There is no "scientific explanation" but common sense. Of course common sense will also relate to statistics on accidents which involve cyclists on roads. The danger will always be there whether it is common sense or not, and the only issue is whether the teenager takes the advice or not. Of course he can be safe by continuing to cycle on public roads, but that does not mean the danger is not there. It's the same with taking cold water frequently. You can say it is not harmful and wants "scientific explanation" to prove a point. Sometimes it is just general knowledge or common sense if one is aware about it. As I have mentioned, you can seek advice from those in the industry if you are not aware about this - doctors or specialists. That may not be scientific proof but it would be solid advice.

The above is just one simple analogy as there can be many other analogies that may be more appropriate to illustrate on the irrelevance of people asking for scientific proof and not wanting to take "general knowledge" or common sense as advice.

This post has been edited by ryder_78: Jun 5 2017, 10:58 AM

I believe most parents or elderly people would be aware that ice-cold water is harmful and not good for the body if taken frequently or on long-term basis and would advise their children not to take cold water too frequently. Of course, the kids obeying the instruction would be another matter altogether.

The net is too crowd with false and true information. You have to need more evident and proof to defend.

A simple "cold drink not good for health" word is carry nothing information in there. Too general. Easy get con.

It is not nothing is 100%. If they do research and publish the work and recognize by the doc and scientist, that is 100% proof.

If over 30yrs drinking cold drink and no health problem related to cold drink to me, should I still believe such no proof flying around? I already use my body to conduct research.

My average sick is once every 2yrs. Improve very much from my young age. Beside high cholestrol, there is nothing health problem to me.

BTW, I didn't drink tap water or boiled water. Been drinking mineral water for the pass 20yrs.

As I said before, there is no need for evidence and proof as it is general knowledge. It is silly to ask for evidence and proof for this. You can ask any doctor if you want to seek advice. The effects are cumulative. You may not get any sickness now but may get the effects during the later stages. It's the same with other food intake such as excessive consumption of sugar, salt or oil.

Your over 30 years of drinking cold water and do not not have major problems does not suggest that others will experience the same thing. It only apply to you. Taking cold water is not as severe as excessive sugar intake but it will build up throughout the years. Generally it is not a healthy lifestyle to take ice cold water on a frequent basis.

11street also selling 299, free delivery somemore
http://www.11street.my/productdetail/3m-ct...system-16586634

Discard the housing it will be similar to 3M C-Complete undersink filter (around Rm800 to RM900).
Once 3M CTM-01 (RM299) due for cartridge replacement, replace it with NSF/ANSI Standard 42 & 53 certified 3M C-Complete cardtrige. Can withstand constant water pressure undersink because both C-CTM-01 and C-Complete cartridges are designed for undersink and countertop installation.
I'm using NSF/ANSI standard certified 3M easy complete filter undersink installation currently. Drink directly from the tap.

Panasonic is going to be the same. The tubing is about 3 times bigger than the 3M tubing.

Very cheap and can be even cheaper if use discount voucher.
I bought 2 units at Tesco with introductory offer price more than a year ago at RM330.

Yup! It can be quite messy...I managed to make it look a bit nicer with my current setup

Have been drinking water directly without boiling since 2005, started with Amway eSpring water filter, now with Panasonic Akaline water filer.

This post has been edited by clickNsnap: Jun 7 2017, 02:08 AM


Attached thumbnail(s)

Just wondering why switch from Amway to Panasonic? Any health benefit that u really can feel after drinking alkaline water? I used to have a RUBINE alkaline machine but mom cant drink direct without boiling bcoz diarrhea and grandma cough whille others are OK with it. Tested for 6 months, dont c any health benefit, hence replaced the filter with the high end ones for better filtration instead of alkaline

This post has been edited by zheilwane: Jun 7 2017, 09:07 PM

Switching from Amway to Panasonic, because...
1) Amway filter and the uv light more costly - about RM600 vs Panasonic about RM250-300
2) the filter & uv light must get from Amway vs Panasonic filter can get almost every where
3) mine Amway water filter machine was the 2nd generation unit, I felt Amway was forcing old customer changing to newer water filter every few years...worry no more supply or price hike for the older generation filter replacement

I have no experience with the RUBINE alkaline water filter system, I can't comment about it.

I picked Panasonic alkaline because I was introduced the "Kangen water system" by a friend and I cannot afford the Kangen product (about 6-7 times more costly than the Panasonic), the Panasonic machine and filter replacement are made in Japan, same origin as Kangen, Its quality should be on par as Kangen (or quite close to Kangen) Further more, I have been using the cheap Panasonic filter system (also made in Japan) for years... and my house has full of Panasonic products... full of confidence...haha

The Panasonic alkaline water system can choose 3 levels of Alkaline value and a purified water (non-electrolyzed), my family drink about 70% of purified water (non-electrolyzed) and 30% alkaline a day, so far we don't have diarrhea or cough... but we notice when we are having sore throat, by drinking more alkaline water, it helps fast recovering discomfort of our throat

This post has been edited by clickNsnap: Jun 8 2017, 12:50 AM

thanks for the feedback bro

Check your urine PH level. Or your medical checkup have the report of urine test.

i no longer drinking alkaline water . . .

Moreover, i drink it hoping to cure my skin problem but it didnt, hence just replace it with high quality filtration rather than alkaline water

If your Amway water filter is 2nd generation, it is not eSpring. It's WTS 2

WTS is around 20+ years old, eSpring is about 10+ years old. Technology evolve from time to adjust changes.
The reason why you can only get the filters from Amway is because of quality assurance. For WTS 2 actually you can get at outside which not manufactured by Amway with lower price, but for eSpring you can't as it got microchips to identify genuineness of the cartridge.

Yup! This was the one, i bought it in 2005 and changed to Panasonic in 2014. It serve me well and it was time to change a new one, I opted Panasonic over the Amway.

Good that it serve you for 9 years, this older model parts will be discontinued by July upon stocks depletion. Do you still have it with you??

No, i return it to the Amway agent who sold the unit to me.

The 3M CTM-01 can use 3M C-Complete cardtrige? Same size?

Yes, both sharing the same filter head but you need to remove the CTM-01 housing in order to fit in c-complete cartridge because c-complete cartridge is bigger.

ok cool

Hi all, panasonic tk as 40, beside changing water filter cartridge, anything need to change for maintenance? Coz im thinking does it work like amway water filter, one uv light and one filter, 2 things to change...

Hi,

I am using the tk as 40, only need to change one water filter cartridge, no uv light to be changed. Btw, you can use tk as 45 cartridge (Cartridge TK-AS45C1 at about RM450), the cartridge have better purification, it removes 13+4 substences.

Hope the above info helps

This post has been edited by clickNsnap: Mar 27 2018, 01:55 PM

Just an update. Instead of the cheaper Panasonic water filters I had in mind much earlier. I ended up with this model instead, the PJ-37MRF after having a chat with the store seller. Apparently this red-coloured model is said to have better filtration properties and one can actually drink the tap water directly after being filtered by this water filter without having to boil the water. Unlike the other cheaper water filters, the water needs to be boiled before drinking.

The PJ-37MRF red-coloured water filter I am talking about.


Does anyone have any experience with this water filter? Do you drink the tap water directly without boiling with this water filter? I am not decided whether to try drinking the water without boiling since I've drunk boiled water all my life.

This water filter is slightly more than 3 times the price of the cheaper Panasonic water filters. I was also informed that the replacement filter for this PJ-37MRF costs RM218 or 228 (forgotten) whereas the replacement filter for the cheaper Panasonic water filters only costs RM60+. The replacement filter of the this red-coloured water filter is close to 4 times the price of the replacement filter of the cheaper models.

If the RC is RM228, then you might as well buy 3M easy complete which has NSF standard 42 & 53 certified and drink directly from tap. Go visit the water filter main thread for more worthy options.

i think this is around 1k option right? not same price range as cheap panasonic

I've ordered it already. Pretty much made up my mind on the Panasonic red-coloured water filter as shown above. I am aware on some of the myriad of options which are talked about in the main water filter thread, though mostly are DIY options. Although claimed to be good or better than the Panasonic, I've decided to go with a branded one and not a DIY. If branded, brands such as 3M or others are rather costly I think. The Panasonic red-coloured water filter costs RM400+ which is pretty much the ceiling price I would like to pay for a water filter. Costlier water filters costing up to RM1k or more add more features such as adding alkaline, ions or other stuff to the water though I'm just looking for a basic one for good filtering.

I have no issues of boiling water for drinking even though the particular water filter claims to produce safe drinking water without boiling. I've often read about NSF standards 42 and 53 but cannot find the specs of the PJ-37MRF's replacement filter, though I was told that with the additional filtration properties of the unit in comparison to the cheaper Panasonic water filters costing RM200 and below), water that is filtered through this water filter does not need to be boiled for drinking.

Right, about RM800+, but one can lower down the startup cost via 3M CTM-01 (RM300) method or buy the AP2 filter head separately like what you did to 3M AP3 filter head.
How much you can save from RM2600 DWS2500T using your method ?

u really did your homework.
your suggestion is to hook up in series like this right? using 2 AP3 head and some hoses



can 3m system (2 filter) like dws2500 challange the aquaphor 3 filter system in terms of water filtration performance if cost is similar? lets say both are 1k each.

This post has been edited by ar188: Apr 24 2018, 10:16 AM

Actually, you need only 1 AP3 filter head. You can replace the pre filter PFS2500-C-CN with a good quality standard 10" pleated pre-filter. You probably can save close to RM2k in this mod.

3M DWS2500T Double replacement Cartridges @ RM640.
PFS2500-C-CN
DWS2500-C-CN

Between 3M dws2500 and Aquaphor Crystal Eco, I would go for aquaphor because hestati's price for Aquaphor RC is quite reasonable @ RM350. But you have to go for dws2500 since you already have a cheap AP3 filter head and you can replace 3M first stage filter with standard 10" pre filter.

Actually, hestati's Fresca Distruptor 3-stage standard 10" is pretty interesting too, RC for 3 stages @ RM300.

as per your suggestion, 3m already got such solution. cheap also.!

pic is showing ap2 head but, that prefilter from 3m is available, can easily hook up to my ap3 head +cyst cartridge. hehe





This post has been edited by ar188: Apr 24 2018, 11:11 AM

If you don't mind to use non branded 10" pre filter housing + 3M cyst cartridge, I think the entire system would not cost you more than RM500 right ?

just for the sake of quality ma

by the way, why the aquaphor RC 3 pieces is rm350
but the filter head which is just some plastic cost 800+?
(full set is 1200 right?)

That's the price of Proprietary. Same la, 3M is even worst in doing this kind of nonsense.
Best is standard 10" housing. Can mod as many stages you like, can put the best quality cartridge you can afford.

Got kantao where to buy aquaphor's filter head cheap cheap ?

This post has been edited by aeiou228: Apr 24 2018, 12:29 PM

i think for asia region these branded companies sell kau kau markup. maybe filtered drinking water is premium here

i see in usa/uk their price is very competitive.
even aquaphor is cheap there.. (inline prices with rm350 for 3 filter)
maybe their filter head also cheap ma. but importer here dont want to sell to u. u ask guy la. why he dont sell cheaper. why must be over 1k for the set?

Been using the Panasonic red water filter for few years.. its on the more expensive side...
Think the difference is that its supposedly can filter bacteria.. as per the note on the packaging and filter.
That the extra I think from the cheaper Panasonic.
Think what its lacking from the more expensive filter is virus killing which mostly done from the UV light. this one not fitted with UV light.

As for me, old habit .. still boil the water....

That's good to hear. Similarly I think I'll also boil the water with this red-coloured Panasonic water filter although the store seller mentioned there is no need to boil water with this product. After reading your post, I"ve gone back to Panasonic Malaysia and looked at the costlier water filter costing RM2,700 and you are right that this one has the UV filter with the NSF42 certification proudly displayed on that page. They have explicitly mentioned that "you can enjoy safe water without the bother of boiling it" so I guess it is pretty much confirmed that there isn't any need to boil water for drinking with this model.

But at a price of RM2,700 which is 6 times the price of the red-coloured water filter, I'd happily settle with the latter.

Currently planning and saving up to purchase this more expensive item. Mainly for its alkaline and other function. Its an expensive outlay but as comfort its a more premium item. One thing good is that the replacement filter element is just slightly more than the price of the red filter element. So not that expensive to maintain.

wah you also use pana PJ-6RF my dad also use that model too before but it cracked already after 8 year of use