Though it produces more wastewater than we’d like, the Home Master TMAFC Artesian is a very affordable reverse osmosis system. It makes some of the best-tasting water of any type of under-sink filter.
What We Like
- Extra-long 5 year warranty
- Once yearly filter replacements
- Remineralization makes for great tasting water
What We Don’t Like
- Challenging installation
- Large wastewater production
- Takes up a lot of space under the sink
Among Home Master’s large catalog of reverse osmosis filters, the Artesian occupies a safe middle ground. It’s not as expensive as the more thorough Hydroperfection series, and it has fuller filtering capabilities than their basic TM series.
Our team has researched, tested, and compared each of Home Master’s offerings to what’s available on the market today. And in this Home Master Artesian review, we’ll share our candid observations on who it’s great for — and who might want to choose a different under sink filter system.
Components
As with other reverse osmosis systems, the Home Master TMAFC Artesian comes with a lot in the box.
An external reserve tank means you won’t have to wait for the water to fill each time you pour. That’s paired with the wall-mounted filters and tubing. Metal fittings connect everything together, running water from your existing line through a dedicated faucet.
All of these parts mean that the Artesian full contact filter system takes up a fair bit of space under the sink. But its 7 stages of filtration more than make up for this. In short, the larger size of this system means that it’s capable of purifying even the muckiest of water.
How It Works
The Home Master Artesian reverse osmosis water filter uses 7 stages of filtration.
Stage 1 is a dedicated sediment filter. This filters down to 5 microns, effectively removing larger contaminants that could otherwise clog the system.
Stage 2 is a catalytic carbon filter. This step removes common contaminants like chlorine. It leaves your water smelling, tasting, and looking better.
Stage 3 is a .0001 Micron Dow membrane. It catches even the smallest of contaminants like bacteria, cysts, and chemical runoff.
Stages 4 and 5 are a pair of coconut shell-activated carbon filters. These provide the final barrier of defense against any other contaminants that might have slipped through.
Stages 6 and 7 are a pair of artesian remineralization filters. They add in the delicious and beneficial minerals which would otherwise be lost through filtration.
It takes up a fair bit of space under the sink because of all these filter stages. But all of this taken together makes the Artesian an impressively well-equipped filter.
Performance
Our team generally looks for NSF and ANSI-certified systems above all else. That’s because they’re independently verified for effectiveness. And therefore very trustworthy.
Home Master’s products are not fully verified for NSF and ANSI standards. But in an interesting twist, each of the components they’re made of are certified. So rather than go through the rigamarole of another round of independent testing, the company simply builds their systems from fully certified parts.
This means that while it may not have the seal of approval written on its box, the Artesian is well equipped for filtering contaminants. Its 7 stages of filtration remove up to 99% of chlorine, chloramines, chemicals, heavy metals, lead, fluoride, dissolved solids, pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and thousands of other contaminants.
Flow Rate
Flow rate and water pressure are common issues with any reverse osmosis system. Because the reserve tank has to refill in between pours, the flow rate can be the first thing to be negatively affected.
The Home Master TMAFC Artesian system makes a respectable 50 gallons of water per day, though.
If you pair this with the optional permeate pump, you’re fairly well guaranteed to have good water pressure and flow. That’s also because Home Master’s tubing is extra wide, allowing for a quicker flow no matter what.
Installation
Installing the Home Master Artesian is a complex job. This is due in large part to the dedicated faucet it pours through. If you don’t already have an extra hole in your sink, you’ll need to cut or punch one out.
To get a feel for whether your DIY skills are up to the task, watch the company’s installation video:
Needless to say, this will require a fair investment of your time. And if you’re not ready to learn how to do all of this, you’ll need to hire a plumber to help. That can cost anywhere from $100 to $500 depending on where you live.
Filter Replacement
Compared to Home Master’s other reverse osmosis systems (like the Hydroperfection), the Artesian is easier to keep track of replacements for.
Everything but the RO membrane should be replaced yearly. And the RO membrane should be replaced every 3 to 5 years.
Replacements for this Home Master system cost $80 once per year. And they’re certified to filter 2000 gallons. When it’s time to replace them, it’s as easy as screwing off the old filters by hand and screwing in the new ones.
Build Quality
The quality of parts used in Home Master’s filter systems is a big draw. The hoses, fittings, and housings all feel very solid and durable. Having a lot of metal parts makes it feel like it’s going to last for well over a decade of use.
Warranty & Support
Home Master’s best-in-class 5 year warranty sets their systems apart from the competition. This means that if any problems in manufacturing or workmanship show up in the first 60 months, Home Master will repair or replace the system at no cost to you.
And the Home Master support line is an excellent resource as well. They’re based in the U.S. and very responsive via phone or email. This is especially nice during installation, as putting it under your sink can be tricky.
Recap
In short, the Home Master TMAFC Artesian Reverse Osmosis system is a nice middle-ground for under sink filters. It’s not as expensive or bulky as the larger Hydroperfection, but it still offers incredible filtering capabilities. If you have the room under your sink and want a more affordable option than the company’s larger systems, it’s a great choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Home Master TMAFC cost per gallon?
Filter replacements for this system cost $80 and filter 2000 gallons. That means each gallon of water costs 4 cents.
What contaminants does the Home Master TMAFC remove?
The Home Master TMAFC uses 7 stages of filtration to remove up to 99% of chlorine, chloramines, chemicals, heavy metals, lead, fluoride, dissolved solids, pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and thousands of other contaminants.
How long does the Home Master TMAFC last?
Filters for the Home Master Artesian system last for 12 months.