AO Smith X8 RO|9 L storage|100% RO+SCMT (Silver Charged Membrane Tech.)|Mineraliser Tech| High Water saving| suitable for more than 200 TDS | Wall…

After much research, I ordered this AO Smith X8 model water filter for use at home.
It was important for me to have drinking water that retained natural taste and also a filter system that did not waste a lot of water in the filtration process. AO Smith Model X8 met both parameters and exceeded my expectations.
To be honest I was hesitant to order AO Smith after reading many negative reviews posted on Amazon for service and installation.
However, I was blown away by how efficient AO Smith and their technicians were in doing their job. I ordered through Amazon and within an hour of delivery, I received a call from their technician for installation. I scheduled my installation the same evening at 6:30 pm and their technician was there prompt on time with all equipment. Had a full set of gear including a drilling machine, and other pipes and joints to complete the installation. It was over under 30 minutes and the new filter was up and running. The filter comes with a 1-year comprehensive warranty including for the filter membrane. What really amazed me that AO Smith provided top-class service even though I did not buy directly from their website. I must clarify that I live in the city fo Joy – Kolkata. Service may not be so prompt in smaller towns and suburban areas.

[11-Jan-2023] Paid Rs. 5500 again for the annual maintenance contract again this year. Next year will dismantle it and replace it with an alternative product with lower maintenance cost. Parts are not available in the market, and even the replacement of filters is so expensive that it would burn a hole in your pocket. As far as I know, you may not even continue using it without replacing some of the filters because it is programmed to stop working after specified liters and will show red warning lights. I shouldn’t have bought the product in the first place. Having said that if I overlook the expenses the machine just works. The major drawback is the TDS is not adjustable and it just reduces to 10% of the input TDS. If you have low TDS already then must not buy it. There will be no minerals in the water after passing through the machine making it very unhealthy.

[Original Review – Revised on 11-Jan-23] I used to be a happy customer of AO Smith Geysers but considering the durability of their products I am not happy anymore. I bought this item from Amazon just before the lockdown. The product was installed and it worked great initially. The water at my complex has high TDS(1000-1300), and I already have an iron remover (ion exchange) for the entire home so don’t have a separate iron remover with this machine. The purifier comes with a regular filter connected to the inlet. However, I started getting issues a few months after the installation. The RO, the motor, and all the filters were replaced by the company for free as it was covered under warranty at that time. I had to get it serviced twice in the first 6 months. Now the warranty is just over, and the RO and one more light are blinking which is an indication that something is wrong or these need to be replaced. I haven’t used so much water that the RO will go wrong. The system can’t be repaired outside as no part is available in the market. Moreover, the annual maintenance contract is Rs. 5500+ and I find it very expensive. Also, I am told that the RO and SCMT together cost close to 6 to 8 thousand if you don’t have the warranty. I have never had such issues with other reputed purifier brands. My previous purifier was less fragile and less expensive to maintain. This machine may be technically best, but please remember that such rankings are sometimes only on paper. Having said that, if you are willing to spend 16K+ upfront and 55000+ more for maintaining it for 10 years then go ahead and buy it. If you are looking for quality water at a reasonable price then either buy a good RO from Kent/Ureka Forbes (don’t buy the cheapest one, those don’t last long) or get one assembled by a water purifier technician.

It is a warning not only for this water purifier but also for other AO Smith products and services. I would better avoid this brand moving forward.

The purifier is working good and no issues so far in the last 8 months. After sales service is nice. The Aosmith guys reminded me timely for service due and carried out free service on time without my enquiries.

The inlet sediment filter got rusted within 6 months of installation. The water filter is excellent except the inlet filter.