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pH boosted RO system
Sorso RO System
The Sorso RO system is an under-the-counter RO with fantastic purification performance. In our tests, it was able to reduce or remove the majority of contaminants that could negatively affect health. While it did increase pH levels, Sorso states this is for your benefit. It uses a 5-part filtration system to purify the water. Setup and maintenance are a bit complicated, but Sorso can manage that for you for an additional charge.
Pros
- Fantastically healthy water, 99/99 in our 3rd party lab tests
- Relatively inexpensive filters compared to other water options
- Free installation if you live in Toronto, New York, Orange County, or South Florida
- 90 day trial period
Cons
- Setup and maintenance can be complicated to complete by yourself
- Increased pH levels, which can affect taste
Scoring
Under-the-counter RO with healthy water
-
Design - 97%
97%
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Performance - 98%
98%
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Quality - 97%
97%
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Usability - 93%
93%
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Value - 96%
96%
Summary
The Sorso RO system creates incredibly healthy water. It is an under-the-counter reverse osmosis system that uses a 5-part filtration system to provide purified water. Our laboratory tests showed that Sorso achieved a 99/99 water health score. Replacement filters are relatively cheap and ultimately it’s a simple solution for purified water.
In This Review
Purification Test | Filters | Waste Water | Filter Cost | Usability | Size | Summary
Sorso has a more unique and complex system than many others on the market. Click here to jump down page for a complete explanation of the system design.
Purification Test
To test the purification performance of the Sorso we partnered with SimpleLab, who provide a water testing service called TapScore. They send you a kit to gather your water and you send it back to them for laboratory testing.
After testing, you get a detailed report on the various aspects of your water. These reports provide an overall TapScore as well as information on 3 main categories: health, aesthetic, and plumbing.
For this test, we used softened unfiltered tap water from my home as the baseline. We filled a baseline testing kit, and after getting the RO system set up, we filled a separate kit with that water as well.
Below is an overview of how Sorso’s filtered water performed based on 3rd party laboratory analysis.
Health Risk
None
Plumbing Risk
Low
Taste & Aesthetics
Average
The comparison of the unfiltered vs. Sorso filtered results helps us further see purification performance.
| Contaminants | Unfiltered water | Sorso RO water | Sorso Removed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total THMs | 48.0 ppb | 0.0 ppb | 100% |
| Dibromochloromethane | 17.6 ppb | 0.0 ppb | 100% |
| Bromodichloromethane | 13.8 ppb | 0.0 ppb | 100% |
| Chloroform | 9.18 ppb | 0.00 ppb | 100% |
| Bromoform | 7.45 ppb | 0.0 ppb | 100% |
| Molybdenum | 0.0045 ppm | 0.0 ppm | 100% |
| Uranium | 0.0034 ppm | 0.0 ppm | 100% |
| Nickel | 0.0025 ppm | 0.0 ppm | 100% |
| Chromium | 0.0021 ppm | 0.0 ppm | 100% |
| Selenium | 0.0019 ppm | 0.0 ppm | 100% |
| Lead | 0.001 ppm | 0.0 ppm | 100% |
| Copper | 0.936 ppm | 0.0041 ppm | 99.6% |
| Strontium | 0.932 ppm | 0.0 ppm | 100% |
| Nitrate | 0.3 ppm | 0.0 ppm | 100% |
| Barium | 0.108 ppm | 0.0045 ppm | 95.8% |
| Boron | 0.142 ppm | 0.0 ppm | 100% |
| Zinc | 0.102 ppm | 0.0 ppm | 100% |
Health Risk Analysis
The Sorso has fantastic results when it comes to health. In the unfiltered water we had tested there were many harmful materials that could negatively affect a person’s health. In addition to having known carcinogens, it can impact:
- Kidney health
- Liver health
- Developmental outcomes
- Immune systems
- Gastrointestinal systems
- Reproductive systems
- Blood systems
- Nervous systems
- Cardiovascular health
- Skeletal health
In comparison, the majority of these harmful materials were not found in the Sorso’s water sample.
These graphs display the differences between the unfiltered water and Sorso water as tested by SimpleLab. These graphs don’t include all the information provided by TapScore, but rather the information that most impacted health.
You can view the complete laboratory report and analysis of the unfiltered water here, and the Sorso RO here.
Aesthetic Risk Analysis
Aesthetic is where the Sorso failed to shine as bright, even falling behind the unfiltered water, according to Tap Score. However, aesthetics are all about the taste and feel of the water. So this score is preferential to some degree.
In the unfiltered water, they found sodium, magnesium, and copper, which all affect taste. These were not found in large amounts in the Sorso water, which is a positive note.
On the flip side, the pH level in the Sorso had increased when compared to the unfiltered water.
The increase of pH from 7.9 to 9.4 could account for a bitter or baking-soda like taste and a possible slippery feel to the water.
This is negligible in regards to health, but worth noting for those who prefer their water to taste a specific way.
I would also add, while the 3rd party laboratory indicated a potential aesthetic / taste issue resulting from the heighted pH, in experience, I thought the taste was perfectly fine. The water tasted just as good as any RO water I’ve had.
Plumbing Risk Analysis
Plumbing is another area where the Sorso had less than stellar performance. It still performed better than the unfiltered water, but there are still places it could improve.
The Alkalinity and CSMR were highlighted due to their likelihood of causing corrosion in your plumbing.
That said, these issues, while they apply to piping, don’t apply to the Sorso RO system. Due to it being installed under the sink, it doesn’t flow any of the filtered water through home piping. Therefore, these issues hold virtually no weight in our analysis.
Sorso Water Filter Explained
The following is a direct quote from representative’s at Sorso:
“Our water system is quite unique. Unlike other systems our system has a quite comprehensive process.
We purify the water first to remove all contaminants but as you know once water is purified it becomes acidic (Demineralized) and it is very important to reestablish a healthy pH in your water to ensure that your water will not take anything away from you.
We elevate the pH to 9.5, this is the optimal level as we want the water to make us as alkaline as possible. Due to this level of pH our water tends to taste sweeter. The more alkaline our bodies the less chance for diseases to live and thrive.
We naturally ionize your water to increase its ability to absorb and hydrate at a cellular level for better detoxification and hydration. Our minerals add back molecular hydrogen to your water enriching it to become antioxidant.”
Sorso vs. Brita vs. PUR vs. ZeroWater (& 7 Other Popular Brands)
We previously worked with SimpleLab to test many popular water filters for pitchers. Below is a table comparing the scores we received for those pitchers to the scores we received for Sorso.
| Contaminants | Sorso RO water | AquaTru Classic | Waterdrop | EpicWater | Amazon Basics | Brita | PUR | ZeroWater |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total THMs | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 40.6% |
| Dibromochloromethane | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Bromodichloromethane | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Chloroform | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 40.6% |
| Bromoform | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Molybdenum | 100% | 100% | 47.3% | 60.8% | 44.6% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Uranium | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Nickel | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Chromium | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Selenium | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | Added 0.0021 ppm | 100% |
| Lead | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | Added 0.0007 ppm | 100% |
| Copper | 99.6% | 100% | 92.4% | 100% | 95.8% | 95.6% | 95.3% | 95.9% |
| Strontium | 100% | 98.0% | 72.5% | 16.6% | 76.3% | 72.5% | 91.7% | 100% |
| Nitrate | 100% | 100% | Added 0.2 ppm | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Barium | 94.8% | 100% | 99.5% | 82.4% | 88.7% | 99.7% | 92.4% | 100% |
| Boron | 100% | 100% | 3.25% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Zinc | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Fluoride | 100% | 100% | 0.0% | 66.7% | 33.3% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 100% |
The Filters
The Sorso uses a 5-part filtration system to purify the water. It includes:
- Pre-carbon
- Post-carbon
- HE reverse osmosis membrane
- Alkaline PH Booster
- Ionizer
The pre-carbon removes larger particles from the water, while the post-carbon removes Chlorine and Chloramines.
The main reverse osmosis membrane does the majority of the work, removing harmful inorganic materials like lead, arsenic, or uranium.
Following this are the alkaline pH booster and the ionizer. The alkaline pH booster adds back minerals to increase the pH to 8.5 – 9.5. This is where they believe the optimal pH water level resides.
Next, the ionizer, through a process of electrolysis, helps ensure your body will absorb the helpful minerals
Filter Replacement Cost Analysis
We also performed an analysis of how much it costs per gallon of purified water and compared it to other filters and water solutions. These numbers are based on 600 gallons of water per year put through the system or the manufacturers recommendation.
The Sorso isn’t the absolute cheapest option, falling somewhere in the middle. That said, it is still notably cheaper than many other options.
Keep in mind, this is a strict comparison of the price of the filter or purified water option, and the amount of drinkable water you get from it.
Waste Water Test
With RO systems, waste water is created during filtration. Reverse osmosis systems can vary on how much waste water they produce.
Some of the worst have a 10 : 1 ratio meaning they produce 10 gallons of wastewater for every 1 gallon of purified water, while the best RO systems promise a 1 : 1 ratio.
The system complexity and purified water reservoir prevented us from testing this in-house. However, according to Sorso, all of their RO systems create wastewater at a 1 : 1 ratio, which is excellent.
Usability Tests
Usability for the Sorso is quite good. It is an under-the-counter RO system, which is great for those who want to maximize counter space.
Setup
Setup is either incredibly simple, but will cost you some money, or incredibly complex.
Free Setup – If you live in Toronto, New York, Orange County, or South Florida, setup is free and included with your purchase.
Plumber Setup – If you don’t live in one of these cities you’ll need to find a local handyman / plumber and have them set the system up for you.
Solo Setup – If you would rather set up the Sorso yourself, you will need a fair bit of time and a few tools. It’s not an easy setup, so you really need to know what you’re doing to get it properly installed.
Either way, with the device setup you will need to follow a few steps before the water is safe to drink:
- Wait 1 hour until the tank fills up
- Turn on the tap and drain the tank (10 mins)
- Turn off tap and let tank fill up (1 hour)
- Drain the tank again
From there the water should be safe to drink and use.
Maintenance
Maintenance is complicated, but infrequent. The only task really needed is replacing the filters.
Pre-Carbon & Post-Carbon
1 year
pH Booster & Ionizer
2 years
High Efficiency RO Membrane
4 years
Upon purchasing replacement filters you can have them do the process for you, for an additional charge.
If you would rather replace them yourself, it will require tools and time, but cost you less. While the replacement process is complicated, it isn’t as complicated as setting up the system itself.
Notably, the faucet has a blue indicator light on the handle itself. The indicator light will alert you when it’s time to replace the filters.
Size & Dimensions
The Sorso RO system is an under-the-counter RO system. Therefore, the majority of the bulk is placed under the sink. This can take up space, so it is something to be aware of.
Otherwise the only interactable piece for most users will be the faucet on top. This comes in 4 different colors that you choose between when purchasing.
These include:
- Matte black
- Chrome plated
- Brushed nickel
- Brushed Gold
We chose matte black for our version, and it looks nice with our kitchen décor. The faucet is easy to use, by simply twisting it you start or stop the flow of water.
Sorso Mini vs. Premio vs. Pro
Sorso has 3 different versions of their RO system: the Sorso Mini, Premio, and Pro.
| Contaminants | Sorso Mini | Sorso Premio | Sorso Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viruses | 99% | 99% | 99% |
| Lead | 99% | 99% | 99% |
| Fluoride | NA | 90-95% | 90-95% |
| Chlorine | 99% | 99% | 99% |
| PFAS | NA | 95-99% | 95-99% |
| THM's | 99% | 95-99% | 95-99% |
| VOC's | 99% | 95-99% | 95-99% |
| Arsenic +3 | NA | 95-99% | 95-99% |
| Rust | 99% | 99% | 99% |
| Cryptosporidium | NA | 100% | 100% |
| E. coli | NA | 99% | 99% |
| Mercury | 99% | 99% | 99% |
| Aluminum | NA | 95-99% | 95-99% |
| Radioactivity | NA | 99% | 99% |
| Ammonium | NA | 95-99% | 95-99% |
| Barium | NA | 95-99% | 95-99% |
| Benzene | 99% | 95-99% | 95-99% |
The Mini is the smallest, and does not include tanks which makes it great for smaller space.
The Premio is the model we tested, and is larger including tanks and more filters than the Mini.
The final model, the Pro, has a dual lever faucet system that lets you choose between pure water for washing, or ionized water for drinking.
Should you buy the Sorso RO System?
I would recommend the Sorso RO System if you are looking for the following features:
- Healthy drinking water: The Sorso RO had fantastically healthy purified water. The laboratory testing showed it was able to remove the vast majority of harmful contaminants that were found in our unfiltered water.
- Infrequent and cheap filter replacement: The filters in the Sorso need to be replaced every year or less depending on the filter. In addition, the filters are relatively cheap to replace. Furthermore, if you would rather not replace the filters yourself, Sorso will provide that service to you, for an additional charge.
For more information or to buy the Sorso RO System, click here.