My Thoughts on the Waterdrop WD-A2 Countertop Reverse Osmosis System (after 3-weeks of daily use)

I’ve spent several weeks testing the Waterdrop WD-A2 Countertop Reverse Osmosis system, and it’s changed how I think about home water filtration.

As someone who’s tried numerous water purification solutions, I was skeptical about a countertop unit that promised both convenience and thorough filtration.

What I discovered about its performance, especially regarding its temperature control features and space-saving design, might surprise you – just as it surprised me.

What I Liked

Offers Cooling, Heating, and Purification

While many water filters focus solely on purification, the Waterdrop WD-A2 stands out by offering an impressive range of temperature settings alongside its filtration capabilities.

I love that I can choose from six different temperatures, ranging from a cool 57 degrees to a steaming 203 degrees for my tea. Whether I need room temperature water, warm formula for my baby (113°), hot water for oatmeal (149°), or the perfect coffee temperature (185°), it’s all available at the touch of a button.

The volume options are equally nice to have, letting me dispense anywhere from 4 to 24 ounces.

What makes this system truly special is how it combines these convenient temperature and volume controls with powerful reverse osmosis filtration, removing everything from TDS to PFOA through its 4-in-1 composite filter.

This is true filtration that removes virtually everything from the water that you don’t want in it. The result is crisp, clean tasting water that exceeds any bottled water I’ve ever tasted.

Compact Size and Simple Installation

Two major advantages immediately stand out with the WD-A2: its remarkably compact size and hassle-free setup.

I love that this system measures just 15.7 inches tall, 15.9 inches deep, and 8.2 inches wide, making it perfect for any space from your kitchen counter to your RV. You won’t need to worry about complicated installations or calling a plumber.

I was impressed by how quickly I could get the system up and running – it took less than 30 minutes from unboxing to producing clean water that was ready to drink.

The setup process couldn’t be simpler: just remove it from the box, take off some tape, unwrap the filter cartridge, and run an initial flushing process. This installation-free design means you can easily move it between different locations whenever needed. It’s a huge relief considering that many RO systems require extensive alterations to your home’s plumbing.

Economical

Beyond its space-saving design, the WD-A2’s economic benefits really caught my attention. With the ability to save over 4,000 plastic bottles annually, I’m not just reducing my environmental footprint but also saving money on bottled water purchases.

The system’s efficient 3:1 pure water ratio and 1200% water savings compared to traditional RO systems means I’m cutting down on water waste and utility costs.

What I especially appreciate is the A2RF filter’s 12-month lifespan, which means fewer replacements and lower maintenance costs throughout the year.

The 159oz water tank capacity guarantees I always have plenty of filtered water on hand, eliminating the need for constant bottled water runs to the store. This is a huge capacity that means you don’t have to manually fill a water tank very often.

All in all, it’s a smart investment that pays for itself through reduced water and bottled water expenses.

Display and Control

The sleek touch-panel display stands out as one of my favorite features on the WD-A2. I’m impressed by how it clearly shows all the essential information you need – from your Favorite mode settings to TDS levels, temperature readings, and filter life status.

What I especially appreciate is its visibility in various lighting conditions. Even when direct sunlight streams through my windows, I can still read the display without any issues. The display’s modern, futuristic design is another big plus. It’s not just functional; it’s also aesthetically pleasing.

I love how it seamlessly blends with any home décor without becoming an eyesore. Whether your kitchen style is contemporary or traditional, this touch panel adds a sophisticated touch while maintaining its practical purpose.

Quiet

Something that caught me off guard about the WD-A2 was its impressively low noise level. Unlike many water filtration systems that can be disruptively loud, this unit operates with remarkable quietness.

During my testing, I noticed only a gentle humming sound while the machine was running. It has a small fan on the back that’s barely audible, with only a slight noise while water is heating up. This quiet operation makes the WD-A2 especially suitable for open-concept living spaces or small apartments where a noisy water filter could be bothersome.

I can easily have conversations near the unit without raising my voice, and it won’t disturb anyone working or relaxing nearby. If you’re sensitive to noise or want a water filtration system that won’t compete with your daily activities, you’ll appreciate how Waterdrop has managed to engineer such a quiet performer.

What I Didn’t Like

Slightly Inaccurate Temperatures

Perhaps most somewhat disappointing about the WD-A2 is its failure to deliver on advertised temperatures.

While Waterdrop claims the unit can heat water to 203 degrees Fahrenheit, I couldn’t get it above 186 degrees in my testing. This might be due to my elevation of 2,500 feet, but Waterdrop should clearly disclose these elevation limitations on their product page.

The cold water performance is a bit off, too. In my repeated tests, the coldest setting only reached 61 degrees. That’s not especially cold, particularly if you’re hoping for a truly invigorating drink.

These temperature shortcomings are a bit disappointing because accurate hot and cold water delivery is a key feature of this system, and it simply doesn’t precisely meet the advertised specifications.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I’ve found the Waterdrop WD-A2 to be a solid investment for anyone seeking clean, temperature-controlled water without complex installation.

While it’s not perfect, especially with its temperature accuracy issues, I’m impressed by its compact design, quiet operation, and efficient filtration.

If you’re renting or don’t want permanent installation, I’d recommend this countertop RO system despite its very minor shortcomings.

Most of it checks out just fine. I’d say it’s definitely a great unit, overall. Just be aware that there may be slight temperature differences.