3M offers a wide range of filters including under the sink, table top and for the fridge. For the purpose of this article we focus on the most purchased under the sink filter by 3M. Specifically Aqua-Pure AP-DWS1000 but the comparison is valid for most 3M filters sold globally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
TAPP Water also offers several variants of its filters and so for simplicity we are using TAPP 2<\/a> as the benchmark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We compare the 6 most important aspects including simplicity to install and use, taste of the water, filter efficiency, flow rate, capacity and price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the biggest differences between water filters is where and how they are installed. Under the sink water filters like 3M have the advantage of being hidden but with this comes a much more challenging installation. TAPP Water filters are visible but much easier to install.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3M:<\/span> TAPP Water: Winner: TAPP 2 by far thanks to its simplicity <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n First of all this comparison is a bit more complicated and the relevancy of specific filtration depends on your local water quality. Both 3M and TAPP Water recommend that you check your local water quality before choosing a water filter. Generally for public tap water a high quality carbon block filter is more than enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3M: <\/span> TAPP Water:<\/span> Winner: It\u2019s a draw. Both 3M and TAPP Water offer similar type water filtration depending on what filter you choose. TAPP 2 offers the added advantage of limescale filtration.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Although taste can be subjective we\u2019ve found that it\u2019s very consistent when it comes to tap water. With a high quality carbon block filter people can immediately taste the difference. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 3M: TAPP Water: Winner: Draw as both filters deliver great tasting tap water <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This is one of the most important aspects of a good user experience. High flowrate means you can seamlessly fill up a glass of water, carafe, water kettle or coffee machine. Low water flow can be very annoying. The normal tap water flow without a filter is typically around 8-10 L\/min.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSimplicity to install and use 3M water filters vs TAPP Water <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Although 3M claims DIY this is really only a true claim if you\u2019re a hobby plumber. The filters are difficult to install, usually require drilling a new hole for the faucet and even changing the cartridges once it\u2019s installed can be difficult. Many people attempting to do the work themselves reported leakage issues after a few weeks of use. In summary under the sink filters like the 3M Aquapure requires a professional plumber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"TAPP](\"https:\/\/backup.tappwater.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2021\/02\/image-2.png\")
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<\/span>Pretty much anyone can install in less than 1 min without tools<\/a>. In case it doesn\u2019t fit straight away adapters are provided free of charge. TAPP filters have an on\/off switch to change between filtered and unfiltered water. <\/p>\n\n\n\nFiltration efficiency of 3M water filters compare to TAPP Water<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The under the sink 3M AquaPure filters generally filter everything activated carbon filters<\/a> do including 80+ substances such as chlorine, pesticides, herbicides, etc but also heavy metals. Most of the filters have a 0.5 micron rating which provides a higher level of bacteria filtration but also reduces the flowrate (see below).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The TAPP 2 5-stage filters 100+ substances including chlorine<\/a>, pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, microplastics<\/a> etc. In addition to this the proprietary inhibition technology vastly reduces limescale<\/a>. TAPP 2 uses a 1-2 micron filter which is more than sufficient for chlorinated tap water. For non-potable tap water TAPP Water also offers TAPP Ultrafiltration<\/a> with a 0.02 micron rating. <\/p>\n\n\n\nTaste of the filtered water<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Based on our tests the 3M AquaPure efficiently a remove all the chlorine taste and some common metalic taste from iron rich tap water. Overall the filtered water tastes goos to great.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Great taste has always been one of the core priorities for TAPP Water. From day one we\u2019ve done blind tasting benchmarking different filters and bottled water. TAPP 2 almost always comes out at top. Many customers point out that the improvement in taste is almost magical for this little device.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFlow-rate of 3M AquPure filters vs TAPP Water<\/h2>\n\n\n\n