Maybe I didn't do a good job scanning the comments, but I'm surprised nobody (not even the article) mentions the NSF certification body.
Taste is important but very subjective.
I don't buy a water filter unless it shows up as certified by NSF[1].
A few years ago I almost fell for a "water purification system" on Amazon, with stellar reviews that was supposed to filter out everything. With a baby on the way I figured it was worth the price tag. Good thing I did my research. The water filtration system was not certified or verified by anybody.
edit:
Same thing applies to humidifiers, air cleaners, air conditioners, etc. Don't buy unless it has been certified[2].
Taste is important but very subjective. I don't buy a water filter unless it shows up as certified by NSF[1].
A few years ago I almost fell for a "water purification system" on Amazon, with stellar reviews that was supposed to filter out everything. With a baby on the way I figured it was worth the price tag. Good thing I did my research. The water filtration system was not certified or verified by anybody.
edit:
Same thing applies to humidifiers, air cleaners, air conditioners, etc. Don't buy unless it has been certified[2].
[1] http://info.nsf.org/Certified/DWTU/
[2] http://ahamverifide.org/