Waterdrop M6HG review: Is this mineralised RO system worth your countertop space?
The Waterdrop M6HG provides excellent mineralised water and quick heating for coffee or herbal teas, though its large footprint and lower temperature might not suit every kitchen or household. Picture: Waterdrop
I have spent the last decade using various water filtration systems, from basic jugs to expensive under-sink setups. My tap water isn't terrible, but there’s a distinctive tap water taste that isn’t desirable for drinking straight or in hot drinks. I know a lot of people who spend a lot of money and effort buying bottled water. Still, a filtered water system produces much-needed peace of mind regarding contaminants like chlorine, lead, or fluoride and is far more convenient. However, there’s a common downside to standard Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems. By stripping everything out to ensure purity, they often remove the essential minerals that give water its flavour and health benefits, sometimes leaving it tasting flat or even slightly acidic. The Waterdrop M6HG is designed to solve this by re-mineralising the water as it is filtered.
The Waterdrop M6HG is a substantial piece of equipment. Be mindful of your kitchen layout, as it takes up a lot of space. In my kitchen, the unit fit under the cabinets, but it still takes up valuable worktop space permanently – it’s not something you can store away. Also, like any other kitchen appliance, you will need a power socket nearby to plug it in.
The water container located on the back of the unit is large and feels a little awkward to handle. While I didn't have any major issues lifting and filling it at the sink, the design could be improved. It would be much more efficient if the tap water and waste water compartments were separate. As it stands, when the wastewater compartment becomes full, you have to empty the entire container, even if there is still fresh tap water left in the other section.
On a more positive note, the 1.2L glass pitcher is excellent. I love that it is made from glass rather than plastic. The system keeps it nearly full, so fresh water is always ready for drinking or for the hot water feature.
The colour display on the front is excellent, with large icons and text that make it very easy to read. It is also quite responsive to touch, which makes navigating the settings feel smooth.
The M6HG uses an 8-stage RO filtration process combined with UV sterilisation. This setup is designed to reduce a wide range of substances, including TDS, PFOA, PFOS, nitrate, fluoride, arsenic, lead, copper, turbidity, and chlorine. It is certified to NSF/ANSI 58 and 372, which ensures the materials are lead-free and the filtration is reliable.
A key part of the experience is the 1.2L BPA-free glass pitcher. This lets you move purified water from the machine to the dining table, office, or even the fridge. For those who need heat, the system offers five preset temperatures, from room temperature to 95°C. This is intended to make preparing baby formula, tea, or coffee much faster. The system also ensures total separation of pure and waste water, meaning you can safely reuse the waste water for plants or cleaning.
I wanted to see how the heating element performed in a real kitchen environment. I compared it against my standard 3kW kettle. When boiling 350ml of water, my kettle reached 92°C in 1 minute and 30 seconds. The M6HG was faster, boiling the same 350ml in just 54 seconds, but it only reached 82°C.
I also noticed that the first couple of seconds of water dispensed were only lukewarm. This is likely just the residual water sitting in the internal pipes, but it is something to be aware of. These temperature results created a divide in my household. I found the water incredibly convenient for my herbal teas, and instant coffee drinkers found the temperature ideal. However, those who prefer a traditional cup of black tea were not as impressed. They still prefer the rolling boil of a kettle and found 82°C a bit underwhelming for a proper brew.
Regarding maintenance, the filter is rated for 12 months. When it's time to replace it, budget €89 for a new filter.
The Waterdrop M6HG produces excellent drinking water quality. The mineralisation process makes a noticeable difference to the taste, providing a much more pleasant experience than standard RO systems. It’s a premium, well-designed appliance, but it isn't without its quirks.
If you enjoy herbal teas, instant coffee, or need quick hot water for other tasks, it is a brilliant addition to your countertop. However, it isn't the ideal solution for a household of traditional black tea drinkers. The water output is perfect for one or two people, but for a larger, busier household, you might find yourself reaching for the kettle anyway.
€499 Amazon
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