Aquasana AQ-5300 3-Stage Under-Sink Water Filter System
Aquasana AQ-5300 3-Stage Under-Sink Water Filter System Review
Aquasana AQ-5300: Under-Sink 3-Stage Filtration with Dedicated Faucet
The Aquasana AQ-5300 routes cold water through a 3-stage under-sink housing before delivering it through a dedicated brushed nickel faucet that mounts separately at the sink deck. This configuration delivers filtered water at normal sink pressure (not the slower 0.5 GPM of faucet-mount units) while keeping the filtration hidden under the cabinet. The main kitchen faucet continues to operate on unfiltered water for cooking, cleaning, and dishwashing.
Three Filtration Stages
Pre-filter: removes sediment and rust. Primary stage: activated carbon + ion exchange (chlorine, lead, mercury, pharmaceuticals). Post-filter: sub-micron coconut carbon block (taste polish, cysts). NSF 42 and 53 certified. The 600-gallon system serves a family of four for approximately 6 months. Aquasana publishes third-party NSF test reports for each claimed contaminant.
Installation
The AQ-5300 connects to the cold-water supply line under the sink via standard 1/4-inch quick-connect fittings. The dedicated faucet requires a separate 1/2-inch countertop hole -- most sinks include a pre-punched side hole from the manufacturer. No special tools required. Aquasana includes a filter status indicator LED on the unit that changes color at 75% and 100% depletion.
- Filtered water at normal pressure via dedicated faucet
- NSF 42 + 53 certified -- third-party lab reports available
- LED filter status indicator
- Main faucet unaffected -- use both simultaneously
- Requires additional countertop hole for dedicated faucet
- $60 filter replacement every 6 months