Types of Commercial Water Filters: Buying Guide
Whether it's for specific kitchen equipment or your entire facility, filtration ensures that your water is as clean as possible. A water filtration system helps remove most contaminants, bacteria and other harmful sediments, ensuring that your water is safe, tastes delicious and is free of odors. There are many types of filters on the market, but what makes each of them unique? This quick guide breaks down different types of commercial water filters and how they benefit multiple pieces of equipment.
Common Types of Commercial Water Filters
Below are common water filters used in commercial kitchens:
Activated Carbon Filters
What is an Activated Carbon Filter?
Also known as a charcoal filter, an activated carbon filter uses granular or powdered carbon that has been treated to be extra porous. This allows certain water or airborne contaminants, such as dust, mold spores and lint, to stick to the filter via a chemical reaction.
Notable Manufacturers
Activated carbon water filters are made by various manufacturers, including:
*3M offers various carbon filters, including the Zeta Plus™, that combine carbon with cellulose fibers and a positively charged binder resin to reduce carbon dust and increase filtration efficiency.
What is a Carbonless Water Filter?
A carbonless water filter lets chlorine and monochloramine from local water systems pass through. The filter not only preserves sterilization of incoming water, but it also protects ice machines, steamers and other equipment from scale damage. This helps reduce frequent maintenance and high energy costs in your equipment.
Notable Manufacturers
Carbonless water filters are made by various manufacturers, including:
*Follett has a special carbonless filter system that removes up to 99.9 percent of particles that are 0.5 microns or larger.
Reverse Osmosis Systems
What is a Reverse Osmosis System?
A reverse osmosis (RO) system purifies water by filtering out residue, chlorine and other particles through a semipermeable membrane. The system uses an applied pressure to push water through the membrane to remove these impure sediments, allowing only pure water molecules to pass through.
Notable Manufacturers
Reverse osmosis systems are made by various manufacturers, including:
*Everpure makes an RO filter that removes at least 90% plus of all dissolved solids through Reverse Osmosis Separation Technology. The reduction in total dissolved solids keeps undesirable tastes out of water.
When is a Water Filter Required?
Commercial kitchen equipment that uses water typically requires a water filter. For instance, commercial ice machines and beverage dispensers use filters to ensure that ice and drinks use the cleanest possible water. Different types of commercial water filters are used in cooking equipment as well. The following are common pieces of equipment that use filters:
Commercial Kitchen Equipment with Water Filtration
Filters should also be used in areas where there is hard water or other high levels of contaminants. Impurities in your water not only affect taste and odor, but they also can break down equipment by causing scale buildup that damages certain parts and components in the unit.