TL;DR: Desktop RO water purifier with UV and hot water for $346 offers compact solution for small spaces - buy recommendation for apartment dwellers.
What are the key specifications and features?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Filtration | RO (reverse osmosis) + UV sterilization |
| Hot water | Yes (3 temperature settings) |
| Water source | Water bottle attachment / tank |
| Discount | 20% off |
| Original price | $432.38 |
| Sale price | $345.90 |
| Store | Popo Store |
An all-in-one desktop unit: RO filtration strips out impurities, UV kills bacteria, and the built-in heater gives you near-boiling water on demand.
Does this work for small spaces without installing big systems?
My apartment is tiny. Like, really tiny. A regular water purifier was completely out of the question — there's no counter space and definitely no plumbing hookup to spare. I'd been buying bottled water for months, which was costing me about $30 a month and creating a mountain of plastic waste. So I started looking for a compact, countertop solution and found this mini RO purifier on AliExpress. It has reverse osmosis filtration, UV sterilization, AND a hot water function — all in a desktop unit. At $345.90 (20% off from $432.38), it's significantly cheaper than similar models from Korean brands.
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How was the delivery and unboxing experience?
Arrived in about two weeks, packed in thick styrofoam — no damage at all despite the weight. It's more compact than I expected; roughly the size of a large coffee maker. The white minimalist design looks clean on a desk or countertop. The coolest part is the water bottle attachment: you flip a standard water bottle upside down and plug it right in. No plumbing, no installation.
How well does the filtration actually work?
I tested tap water with a TDS meter before and after. Tap water measured around 130 ppm; after running through the RO filter, it dropped below 15 ppm. That's seriously clean water. The UV sterilization kicks in automatically after filtration, adding another layer of safety. The water tastes noticeably cleaner and smoother — no more chlorine aftertaste.
The hot water function has three settings: 45°C, 65°C, and 95°C. The 95°C water comes out in about 3 seconds, which means instant coffee, tea, or even cup noodles without needing a separate kettle. That alone has been a game-changer for my desk setup.
How does it perform after a month of use?
I've been using it daily for over a month now. Filter replacement is recommended every 6 months, depending on usage. After one month, the filter still looked clean. The motor makes a soft hum during filtration but nothing distracting — I use it during video calls without any issues. The wastewater ratio is typical for RO systems, so you'll need to empty the drain tank regularly.
How does the price compare to other options?
| Store | Price |
|---|---|
| AliExpress (sale) | $345.90 |
| AliExpress (original) | $432.38 |
| Coupang (similar) | $415~$600 |
| Naver Shopping (similar) | $450~$675 |
For a desktop RO purifier with UV and hot water, $345.90 is 30~40% cheaper than comparable options on Korean platforms.
Pros and cons
Pros
- True RO filtration with proven TDS reduction
- UV sterilization for extra safety
- 3-temperature hot water eliminates need for a kettle
- No plumbing needed — just attach a water bottle
- Compact enough for desks and small kitchens
- 30~40% cheaper than similar domestic products
Cons
- $345.90 is still a significant investment
- Filtration speed is slower than direct-flow systems
- Produces wastewater (needs regular draining)
- Replacement filter costs add up over time
- New listing with limited user reviews
Who is this desktop purifier best for?
- Small apartment or dorm residents who can't install a full purifier
- Office workers who want clean drinking water at their desk
- Anyone who wants purified water plus instant hot water in one device
- People looking to cut down on bottled water expenses and plastic waste
What maintenance does this purifier need?
Run 2~3 cycles of purified water through the system and discard before first use — there may be some carbon residue from the new filter. Empty the wastewater tank daily to keep things hygienic. Clean the rubber gasket on the bottle connection once a month. And when it's time to replace the filter, order it early — shipping from China takes a couple of weeks.
Final verdict
At $345.90, this mini RO purifier packs a lot into a small footprint: reverse osmosis filtration, UV sterilization, and three hot water temperatures. No plumbing required — just plug in a water bottle and go. It's not cheap, but compared to similar products on the domestic market, it's a solid deal. If you're in a small space and want clean, hot water without the hassle of a full-size purifier, this is worth serious consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are AliExpress home appliances good quality?
Many are surprisingly good for the price. Focus on products with high sales volume (1,000+) and positive reviews (90%+). The key is doing your research before buying.
Q: Do I have to pay customs duty in Korea?
Orders under $150 (about 200,000 KRW) are duty-free. Above that, you may pay 8-13% customs duty depending on the product category.
Q: What if the product arrives damaged or defective?
AliExpress has a Buyer Protection policy. You can open a dispute within 15 days of delivery for a refund or replacement. Always save photos and videos as evidence.
What are some similar alternatives to consider?
This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. This does not influence my review or product selection.
