WaterFilterComparisons’ Review

The CuZn UC-200 is a good choice for anyone that’s looking for an affordable under sink water filter for their kitchen or bathroom. The system is easy to install, has very little maintenance with a long filter lifespan, and features a flow rate of 2gpm that’s more than double the average of comparable under sink systems. However, we did find a few areas lacking such as performance and certifications.

In this review, we’ll discuss details of the system and share our opinions to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your home.

Product Specs

• Size: 16 x 4.5 x 16 inches; 8 Pounds
• Capacity: 50,000 gallons, or a lifespan of up to 5 years
• Filtration Technology: 3-stages of filtration including a micro-sediment membrane, acid-washed coconut shell activated carbon filter, and KDF-55 filter
• Water Type Filtered: Public tap water (not suitable for wells)
• Contaminants Addressed: chlorine, water-soluble cation heavy metals (lead, mercury, chromium VI, cadmium, etc…), herbicides, pesticides, sediment, algae, mold
• Certifications: NSF/ANSI Standards 42 and 61
• Flow Rate: 2 gpm
• Installation: Easy, do-it-yourself process that takes about 30 minutes to complete
• Warranty: 5 years (prorated with purchase)

Performance

The CuZn UC-200 features three stages of filtration, which each use a different method to address a specific type of contaminant:

• Stage 1: A micro-sediment membrane that removes solids such as sand, dirt, and rust. Removing these contaminants at the beginning improves the performance and lifespan of filters in the next two stages.
• Stage 2: An acid-washed coconut shell activated carbon filter that removed organic contaminants such as chlorine, herbicides, pesticides, and THMs. Removing these contaminants improves the safety, taste, and clarity of water.
• Stage 3: A KDF-55 filter made from copper-zinc granules that prevent bacterial growth in water and remove inorganic chemicals like heavy metals including lead and mercury.

Together, these filtration stages remove or reduce the following contaminants:

• Chlorine
• Water-soluble cation heavy metals (lead, mercury, chromium VI, cadmium)
• Herbicides
• Pesticides
• Trihalomethanes (THMs)
• Sediment
• Algae
• Mold

Certifications

For any water filter you’re considering, it’s important to look at certifications by an unbiased, third-party testing organization to ensure the system will address the contaminants it claims to. The CuZn UC-200 is certified for two standards by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

• NSF/ANSI 42: Certification to this standard verifies the filter removes aesthetic impurities that contribute to a bad taste, smell, and appearance of water.
• NSF/ANSI 61: Certification to this standard ensures the components of the filter do not contain any contaminants.

Flow Rate

The CuZn UC-200 has a maximum flow rate of 2 gallons per minute (gpm), which is significantly higher than the average 0.5-0.75 gpm flow rate of most other under counter water filters. This means you shouldn’t really notice a difference in your sink’s flow rate, as long as you have decent water pressure in your home.

Limitations

According to the manufacturer, the CuZn UC-200 should only be used with city-treated water supplies; it is not suitable for private well water. The system does not address hard water, and consumers with this issue will need to purchase a different system equipped with a softener or conditioner. This filter will also not reduce TDS or chloramines, so consumers with those contaminants will need to choose a different system.

Installation and Maintenance

The installation process for the CuZn UC-200 is fast and easy, requiring only an adjustable wrench and about 30 minutes to complete. A step-by-step video guide is available online, but here’s an overview of the process:

1. Determine the hot and cold water lines for the sink you are installing the filter
2. Turn the cold water valve clockwise to close it, then turn the cold water on your faucet to verify water has been cut off from the line.
3. Disconnect the water supply line hose using your adjustable wrench and attach it to the CuZn UC-200 with the system standing up vertically.
4. Connect the hose that comes with the filter to the water supply line
5. Reopen the cold water valve, and let water run for 30 seconds to purge the filter

Maintenance for the system is fairly easy, since you only need to replace the main filter block once every 50,000 gallons or 5 years (whichever comes first).

Pros and Cons

The CuZn UC-200 excels in a few areas, but falls short in others. Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of this system:

Pros

• Easy installation: 30 minutes, DIY process
• High flow rate: 2 gpm, more than double of comparable systems
• Low-maintenance: Only a single filter swap every 50,000 gallons or 5 years
• Great support: CuZn offers exceptional customer service and the system comes with a 5-year warranty

Cons

• Lower-tier performance: Only addresses 10 contaminants, and doesn’t remove chloramines or TDS. The system is also not suitable for private wells.
• Doesn’t address hard water: The system doesn’t have an option for a softener or conditioner add-on, meaning it cannot address hard water minerals like calcium and magnesium
• Lacks certifications: The system is NSF/ANSI certified to standards 42 and 61, but is not certified to other important standards like 53 and 401
• Large size: The system is larger than most other under sink filters, so it may not be suitable if you have limited space below your sink.

FAQs

What is the flow rate of the CuZn UC-200?

The CuZn UC-200 has a flow rate of 2 gpm, which is in the higher range of under sink filters and more than double the average of comparable systems (typically 0.5-0.75 gpm).

What does the CuZn UC-200 remove?

The CuZn UC-200 removes 10 contaminants including chlorine, water soluble cation heavy metals, herbicides, pesticides, Trihalomethanes (THMs), sediment, algae, and mold.

How long does the CuZn UC-200 last?

The CuZn UC-200 has a filter that will last for 50,000 gallons of usage, or up to 5 years (whichever comes first). After this point, the main filter block will need to be replaced.

Summary

The CuZn UC-200 is a popular under sink water filter that features easy installation, a long lifespan, a high flow rate, and great support — at an affordable price <$200 that won’t break the bank (especially if you can get it on sale).

However, the filter may not be the right choice if performance is your top priority. The system lacks certifications and only addresses 10 contaminants, while other comparable systems like the Aquasana Claryum® 3-Stage Max Flow can tackle 78 contaminants and are certified to additional NSF/ANSI standards. The Aquasana system offers similar benefits and is in the same price range, so we’d recommend it over the CuZn UC-200 if you want more protection against contaminants.

If you’re still unsure about the system and want to do more research, check out our buyer’s guide for purchasing an under sink water filter and see how it compares to other popular options.