Saturday, 6 October 2018

Comparing the various Brita MAXTRA filter cartridges

BY Cavarii IN , , , , 3 comments

Brita Maxtra filter cartridges 

There are 3 different types MAXTRA crtridges released by Brita

1) Brita MAXTRA Water filter cartridge



2) Brita MAXTRA+ Water filter cartridge




BRITA MAXTRA+ water filters provide an easy but highly effective way to provide you and your family with great tasting filtered water by reducing a number of impurities that exist in our tap water.

Here’s how the MAXTRA+ Filter works 


The unique MicroFlow technology features a mixture of Ion Exchange Pearls and Micro Carbon Pearls, formulated especially to provide expert levels of filtration for different water conditions around the world, including Australia. 

As soon as the water comes into contact with the Ion Exchange Pearls, they bind and reduce any metals such as lead and copper that may possibly be present in household pipes. In addition, they also ensure reliable protection from limescale build-up by reducing any carbonate hardness of the water (calcium and magnesium ions) in the mains water. This is particularly important for certain areas of Australia and New Zealand where hard water is present as it acts as a “water softener”. 

Meanwhile, the Micro Carbon Pearls, made from the carbon in natural coconut shells, absorb and lock away substances such as chlorine and chlorine compounds that impair the taste of drinking water. 

Furthermore, the MAXTRA+ filter also contains a fine Micro Mesh for reduction of rough particles and a fine cartridge grid which effectively controls the exit of fine particles.


3) Brita MAXTRA+ Limescale Water filter cartridge 


Introducing the latest advancement in-home water filtration, the MAXTRA+ Limescale filter, which removes 50% more limescale than the standard MAXTRA+ filter, whilst effectively reduces heavy metals such as Lead and Copper, chemicals such as Chlorine and other sediment. 

The new MAXTRA+ Limescale filter is the premium filter in the range. It is especially formulated to suit those living in areas with moderate to hard water where the quality of drinking water and appliances such as kettle or coffee maker can be affected due to limescale build-up.

What’s Limescale?
While Australian household mains water is strictly controlled, limescale build-up could be a constant issue for those living in moderate to hard water areas such as Perth, Adelaide and parts of Queensland.
Hard water refers to water which contains a high mineral count and occurs when water passes through soft rocks like chalk or limestone and picking up the minerals from them. In these areas, you might find soap doesn’t lather as much and there are visible spots on glasses or shower screens due to the high mineral content left behind after the water is evaporated. Whilst this isn’t harmful, hard water often results in the unpleasant smell, taste and mouthfeel when drinking.


How does Limescale build-up affect coffee machines and kettles?
Limescale is the stubborn residue that builds up on surfaces which are repeatedly exposed to heated hard water such as the boilers inside coffee machines or heating elements inside kettles. As hard water runs through the heating element, it leaves behind sediments which over a period, can damage your machine or kettle.

Consequently, the Limescale build up can have a large effect on how your coffee machine functions: the temperature consistency of your machine, the efficiency of the pump and your final coffee volume. You might also notice excess steam, as well as increased noise.

This is why it’s important to regularly descale your coffee machine (as recommended by most manufacturers), however, this process can be both time consuming and costly over time. Depending on your coffee machine brand and the descaling agent used, each cycle can take up to one hour to complete while the cost ranges from $2 – 20 per treatment. What’s more? To avoid lingering chemical taste in the boiler, it is recommended to repeat the rinse cycle a few more times to ensure the residual descaling agent is flushed out.
How does BRITA MAXTRA+ Limescale filter work? 
Prevention is the key! The new MAXTRA+ Limescale filter is our most powerful filter to date in tackling limescale build up. It features the powerful ion exchange pearls to effectively reduce 50% more limescale build up*, and heavy metals such as Lead and Copper while the fine mesh and grid effectively trap other sediment and impurities. As such, prolonging the life of household appliances such as kettles and coffee machines and providing cleaner drinking water for your family.

*vs the standard MAXTRA+ filter

How often should I replace MAXTRA+ water filter?

BY Cavarii 3 comments

There are different types of mechanism deployed by Brita to keep track and remind user on the time required to change the filter cartridges

Brita pitcher filters may feature two different ways of noting when to change your filter. The filter cartridges should be replaced after 150 Litres, which the average family should use in 4 weeks, according to Brita.

The first method Brita uses is a fairly basic one. You just indicate the month you started using that filter, and then change it yourself after two months.



a) BRITA MEMO


The first method is a bit more accurate. The Smart Pitcher series like Aluna, Fjord and Marella uses an electronic change indicator, called Brita memo. When you first press the start button, all four bars will flash, showing that you have full filter life.

Every week, one bar will disappear to show the remaining cartridge life.  After four weeks, all four  bars will disappear. This, and a flashing arrow, indicate that the cartridge should now be changed.  Insert a new cartridge according to the instructions, and reactivate the Memo as described above .

Unfortunately, since both methods operate on time and not on how much water has passed through, neither are entirely accurate. That being said, they do give a good idea of when to change your Brita pitcher filter.

How do I activate BRITA MEMO?

Simply press and hold the start button on the lid until four bars appear on the display and flash twice. Now BRITA MEMO will start the countdown. The flashing dot in the display's bottom right-hand corner indicates BRITA MEMO is working. The number of bars on the display indicates the remaining lifetime of the cartridge in weeks, with one bar disappearing each week.
You should replace your filter cartridge at least every four weeks. That way you'll enjoy optimum performance from your BRITA cartridge.


b) Brita Elemaris meter 2
The BRITA Elemaris Meter XL jug has an intelligent indicator for optimum BRITA water quality. It measures water hardness, volume and time.



c) Brita Style Jug's Smart LED 


As filtered water consumption is increasing, Brita recommend replacing your MAXTRA+ filter every 4 weeks or 150 litres of water usage. This is based on the average  household size of 2.6 people* and consumption of the recommended intake of 8 glasses per day** (based on an average glass size of 240ml).

As a starting point, Brita had developed the table below to help you calculate the recommended filter exchange frequency for your household. Of course, this timing can vary per household depending on your family size and water drinking rates of each person. At a maximum, we recommend to replace it no longer than 8 weeks to maintain optimum filtration results.


Don’t worry if you can’t keep track of when to replace your MAXTRA+ filter, BRITA has specifically designed a filter reminder indicator built into the BRITA STYLE water jugs to remind you when it’s time to replace your filter. 

This is developed to help families make better decisions on when to replace their filter in order to maintain optimal levels of filtration.

How do I activate or re-set the BRITA smart light?
Press and hold the LED button on top of the lid until you see the light blinking 3 times in green. The BRITA Smart Light is now set and ready to use. The LED button will start flashing yellow during usage if it is time to stock-up with a new cartridge. As soon as it is flashing red, it is time to replace your cartridge. 

How can I monitor the status of my filter performance?
You can check the status of your filtration performance any time. Simply press the LED button on top of the lid to see the current filter status. 

What do the different colours of the Smart Light system mean?
Green light: MAXTRA+ Universal cartridge filters with optimum performance.  Yellow light: It is nearly time to replace your cartridge, please stock up. Red light: Please exchange your cartridge. (This will be the case after either 4 weeks or 150L of filtered water) 

How long does the filter change indicator last?
Approximately 5 years.