Commercial water filters and purifiers

The after effect of America's industrial age has environmentalists as well as consumers looking for better-tasting water that is free from harmful contaminants. Today, four out of ten Americans are using water filters to remove bad-tasting chemicals. Rising to the challenge, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has enforced stricter guidelines to help address these potential health concerns. For these reasons, an increasing number of businesses are using commercial water filters and purifiers to comply with the EPA standards and provide a better-tasting product to their customers. The purpose of this buying guide is to explain the various types of commercial water filters and to help you decide which filter is best for your needs.

What is a water filter?

A water filter is a cylindrical unit designed to remove sediment and harmful contaminants from your water. It has an internal screen with microscopic holes designed to trap harmful bacteria and minerals as the water passes through it. Some of these contaminants include:

• Giardia lamblia
• Viruses
• Arsenic
• Lead
• Nitrates
• Radium
• Radon
• Pesticides

Not only do these contaminants affect the flavor of your food, but they also affect the longevity of your equipment. Coffee machines, ice machines, and steam tables use water regularly, and over time, minerals like calcium will create a sediment build-up around their heating elements resulting in expensive repairs. Fortunately, water filters are a relatively inexpensive purchase that will pay for themselves many times over.

Types of commercial water filters

Sediment filters

Sediment filters are commonly found in new homes and remove large particles of sediment from the water supply. These filters keep the flow moving inside your equipment, preventing blockages in strainers and valves from unwanted build-up.

Carbon filters

Carbon filters work by utilizing a bed of activated carbon that is designed to remove contaminants and impurities. Through this process, impurities are trapped inside the pore structure of the carbon. Though effective for removing chlorine which negatively impacts the taste and odor of your water, these filters are not effective at removing minerals, salts, and dissolved inorganic compounds.

Reverse osmosis

Reverse Osmosis is probably the most well-known and effective water purification system available. It works by forcing water across a membrane that traps harmful contaminants. Though reverse osmosis units use around three times as much water as other filtering methods, it is highly effective and one of the market's best water filters and purifiers.

Changing your water filter

Changing your water filter will increase the quality of your product, add to the longevity of your equipment and prevent your equipment from breaking down. In other words, changing your water filter regularly doesn't cost – it pays. Listed below are some additional reasons to change your water filter.

Taste

Geography plays a significant role in the types of minerals found in your local tap water, and visitors from out of town will notice the difference. A freshwater filter will ensure that the water you use in your beverages like coffee and blended drinks will be chlorine-free and delicious every time.

Efficiency

Water filters that haven't been changed regularly will eventually clog with mineral sediment resulting in reduced water pressure, and the release of chemical contaminates. A freshwater filter will keep the tubing and valves in your equipment clear from residue and mineral build-up, so they require less power to function properly.

Longevity

Restaurant equipment is expensive, and part of maintaining your bottom line is getting the most use out of your equipment. Much like an oil change for your car, regularly replacing water filters will ensure that their internal mechanisms operate smoothly.

Uses for your commercial water filters

You've probably seen residential water filters. They come in all shapes and sizes, from pitchers with built-in filters to larger units designed to purify water for the entire house. But you might be surprised to learn that most of the equipment in your commercial kitchen also uses water filters. Here are a few examples.

Ice machines

It wouldn't be possible to operate a successful restaurant without an ice machine. Water filters not only keep your ice tasting good but also block harmful mineral deposits from corroding the inside of the motor. A clean ice machine means fewer breakdowns and fewer repair bills.

Steam equipment

The humid operating conditions of steam equipment are the perfect breeding ground for harmful mineral deposits. Adding a water filter removes harmful contaminants creating cleaner, purer steam and ensuring the machine's longevity.

Coffee, espresso, tea brewers

A good cup of coffee starts with two essential components: filtered water and high-quality coffee beans. Ensuring that your coffee maker has a water filter to prevent mineral build-up is important, but a true coffee drinker will tell you that it's not the most important function. Filtered water creates a smooth flavor that is impossible to match with unfiltered water.

Beverage machine

A highly chlorinated beverage or a beverage that leaves a funny aftertaste is the last thing anyone wants. Both of these issues are easily eliminated when you use purified water from a high-quality commercial water filter. Your customers and your beverage machine will both be glad that you made the investment.

Replacing your water filters

On average, you should replace your water filter every six months because it will eventually become clogged, reducing its ability to remove bacteria and other contaminants. The best part about replacing your water filter is that it's a quick and easy DIY job that can be done by anyone in the back of the house. The better you get at maintaining your equipment, the more money you'll save on service calls. Browse the information listed below and add your favorite items to your shopping cart.