Choose a country: United States
Brondell Circle Reverse Osmosis
- Under-sink
- Point of use
- City water
- Well water
- Complete system
- Listed
$359.99as of 2026-09-09MSRP $449.99 as of 2026-09-09
Primary sourceVerified 2026-09-09Brand official
Affiliate disclosure: We earn a commission on purchases made through these links, at no extra cost to you. It pays for the directory lookups and price checks on this page. Learn more.
Our verdict on the Brondell Circle Reverse Osmosis
The Brondell Circle RC100 is a 40 GPD under-sink reverse osmosis system listed by WQA under NSF/ANSI 42, NSF/ANSI 53, NSF/ANSI 58, and NSF/ANSI 372 as of 2026-09-09; it needs a drain, 40–120 psi feed pressure, and water within Brondell's published feed limits.[1][2][3][4][5]
Best for
- Households wanting WQA-listed point-of-use reverse osmosis at one under-sink faucet, with 40 GPD production and a 1.6-gallon storage tank.
- Municipal or adequately disinfected well-water supplies that stay within the published feed-water limits.
Not for
- Homes without an under-sink drain connection or with feed pressure outside 40–120 psi.
- Microbiologically unsafe or unknown-quality water without adequate disinfection, or feed water outside the published iron, chlorine, turbidity, hardness, pH, or temperature limits.
Primary sourceVerified 2026-09-09WQA listingManufacturer datasheet
Certification check: Brondell Circle Reverse Osmosis
Listed by WQA under NSF/ANSI 372, NSF/ANSI 42, NSF/ANSI 53, and NSF/ANSI 58, checked in the certifier directories as of 2026-09-09.
- WQA
- NSF/ANSI 372NSF/ANSI 42NSF/ANSI 53NSF/ANSI 58
IAPMO R&T and WQA certify products against the same NSF/ANSI standards as NSF, so a listing from either one is an equivalent third-party certification, not a lesser one.
| Directory | Result | Listing |
|---|---|---|
| NSF | No listing found (checked 2026-09-09) | View listing |
| IAPMO R&T | No listing found (checked 2026-09-09) | No URL recorded |
| WQA | Listing found (checked 2026-09-09) | View listing |
Claimed vs. certified: Brondell Circle Reverse Osmosis
| Contaminant | Status | Third-party listing | What the brand says |
|---|---|---|---|
| aesthetic chlorine, atrazine, barium, benzene, cadmium, chlorobenzene, copper, cysts, DCPB, endrin, fluoride, hexavalent and trivalent chromium, lead, methoxychlor, pentavalent arsenic, radium, trihalomethanes, and 2,4-D | Marketed only | No entry |
|
| chlorine | Marketed only | No entry |
|
| pentavalent arsenic | Marketed only | No entry |
|
| aesthetic chlorine | Certified and marketed |
|
|
| barium | Certified and marketed |
|
|
| cadmium | Certified and marketed |
|
|
| copper | Certified and marketed |
|
|
| cyst | Certified and marketed |
|
|
| fluoride | Certified and marketed |
|
|
| hexavalent chromium | Certified and marketed |
|
|
| lead | Certified and marketed |
|
|
| radium 226/228 | Certified and marketed |
|
|
| selenium | Certified and marketed |
|
|
| total dissolved solids | Certified and marketed |
|
|
| trivalent chromium | Certified and marketed |
|
|
| volatile organic compounds | Certified and marketed |
|
|
| arsenic | Certified only |
| No entry |
| lead content | Certified only |
| No entry |
| taste and odor | Certified only |
| No entry |
What the Brondell Circle Reverse Osmosis does not do
The RC100 does not convert trivalent arsenic to pentavalent arsenic; Brondell's arsenic reduction data apply to pentavalent arsenic. The Brondell Circle Reverse Osmosis's recorded operating limits are iron up to 2 mg/L, chlorine up to 2 mg/L, turbidity up to 1 NTU, hardness up to 1,000 mg/L, pH at least 7 pH and up to 8 pH, verified 2026-09-09.
The RC100 does not convert trivalent arsenic to pentavalent arsenic; Brondell's arsenic reduction data apply to pentavalent arsenic.[1]
Primary sourceVerified 2026-09-09Manufacturer datasheet
Chloramine treatment is not sufficient to assure complete conversion of trivalent arsenic to pentavalent arsenic.[1]
Primary sourceVerified 2026-09-09Manufacturer datasheet
Brondell's standard feed-water conditions specify no organic solvents, so performance is not established for feed water containing them.[1]
Primary sourceVerified 2026-09-09Manufacturer datasheet
Operating limits
| Parameter | Limit | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| iron | up to 2 mg/L[1] | Brondell states less than 2 mg/L; 2 mg/L itself is outside the stated condition. Primary sourceVerified 2026-09-09Manufacturer datasheet |
| chlorine | up to 2 mg/L[1] | Brondell states less than 2 mg/L; 2 mg/L itself is outside the stated condition. Primary sourceVerified 2026-09-09Manufacturer datasheet |
| turbidity | up to 1 NTU[1] | Brondell states less than 1 NTU; 1 NTU itself is outside the stated condition. Primary sourceVerified 2026-09-09Manufacturer datasheet |
| hardness | up to 1,000 mg/L[1] | Brondell states less than 1000 mg/L; 1000 mg/L itself is outside the stated condition. Primary sourceVerified 2026-09-09Manufacturer datasheet |
| pH | at least 7 pH and up to 8 pH[1] | Brondell's standard feed-water range. Primary sourceVerified 2026-09-09Manufacturer datasheet |
Do not buy it for these situations
DrainInstallation requires attaching the system's drain tubing to a drain clamp on the sink drain pipe.[1]
Primary sourceVerified 2026-09-09Manufacturer datasheet
Water pressureDo not install where inlet water pressure is below 40 psi or above 120 psi.[1]
Primary sourceVerified 2026-09-09Manufacturer datasheet
Well waterDo not use on microbiologically unsafe water or water of unknown quality without adequate disinfection before or after the system.[1]
Primary sourceVerified 2026-09-09Manufacturer datasheet
How the Brondell Circle Reverse Osmosis works
The Brondell Circle Reverse Osmosis treats water in four stages: Sediment filtration, then Activated carbon, then Reverse osmosis, then Activated carbon, verified 2026-09-09.[1]
| Stage | Method | Media | Micron rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sediment filtration | Sediment Filter | Not recorded |
| 2 | Activated carbon | Pre-Carbon Plus Filter | Not recorded |
| 3 | Reverse osmosis | Reverse Osmosis Membrane Filter | Not recorded |
| 4 | Activated carbon | Post Carbon Block Filter | Not recorded |
Primary sourceVerified 2026-09-09Manufacturer datasheet
Fit and sizing: Brondell Circle Reverse Osmosis
The Brondell Circle Reverse Osmosis is a under-sink unit installed at the point of use, for city water and well water. It is rated for 0.07 gpm of service flow and 40 gpd of membrane output, verified 2026-09-09.
| Form factor | Under-sink |
|---|---|
| Installed at | Point of use (one fixture) |
| Water source | City water and Well water |
| Service flow | 0.07 gpm[1] Primary sourceVerified 2026-09-09WQA listing |
| Membrane output | 40 gpd[1] Primary sourceVerified 2026-09-09WQA listing |
| Storage tank | 1.6 gallons[1] Primary sourceVerified 2026-09-09Manufacturer datasheet |
| Dimensions | 16.5 in H × 9.25 in W × 13.8 in D[1] Primary sourceVerified 2026-09-09Manufacturer datasheet |
| Operating pressure | 40–120 psi[1] Primary sourceVerified 2026-09-09Manufacturer datasheet |
| Operating temperature | 41–95 °F[1] Primary sourceVerified 2026-09-09Manufacturer datasheet |
| Connection size | 0.375 in[1] Primary sourceVerified 2026-09-09Manufacturer datasheet |
| Needs electricity | No[1] Primary sourceVerified 2026-09-09Brand official |
| Needs a drain | Yes[1] Primary sourceVerified 2026-09-09Manufacturer datasheet |
What the Brondell Circle Reverse Osmosis really costs
The Brondell Circle Reverse Osmosis costs $359.99 as of 2026-09-09. Over ten years, including installation and replacement elements, the recorded total is $2,409.74.
DIY install[1]
Primary sourceVerified 2026-09-09Brand official
Replacement schedule
| Element | Replace | Cost per year |
|---|---|---|
| RF-20 | every 6 months | $159.98 |
| RF-40 | every 24 months | $45.00 |
EstimatedVerified 2026-09-09Manufacturer datasheetBrand official
Ten-year cost of ownership
| Purchase price (as of 2026-09-09) | $359.99 |
|---|---|
| Replacement elements, 10 × $204.98/year | $2,049.75 |
| Sum of the lines above (as of 2026-09-09) | $2,409.74 |
| Recorded ten-year total | $2,409.74 |
Waste ratio: 2.4:1 (water sent to drain per unit of filtered water)[1]
Primary sourceVerified 2026-09-09Manufacturer datasheet
Warranty: One-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship; expendable filters are excluded. (1 years)[1]
Primary sourceVerified 2026-09-09Manufacturer datasheet
Money-back guarantee: Returns must be initiated within 30 days; used Drink water filters cannot be returned after water has run through them, and accepted refunds are reduced by a 10% restocking fee. (30 days)[1]
Primary sourceVerified 2026-09-09Brand official
Installing the Brondell Circle Reverse Osmosis
Installing the Brondell Circle Reverse Osmosis is an easy job. DIY install, verified 2026-09-09.
Tools required
- Phillips screwdriver
- adjustable wrench
- drill and 1/4-inch drill bit
- thin screwdriver, straw, or similar item less than 1/4 inch in diameter
- towel and bucket
- safety glasses
- scissors for cutting zip ties
Primary sourceVerified 2026-09-09Manufacturer datasheet
Manufacturer documentation
- Install manual: https://store-mpfo2gcqca.mybigcommerce.com/content/Brondell_Drink_Circle%20RC100%20Reverse%20Osmosis%20Water%20Filtration%20Sysem_User%20Manual_020625_1581663757.pdf (accessed 2026-09-09)
- Install video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5R0SXjK_sdk (accessed 2026-09-09)
Ongoing maintenance
- Replace the RF-20 sediment, pre-carbon, and post-carbon filters. — every 6 months
- Replace the RF-40 reverse osmosis membrane. — every 24 months
- Test the treated water for total dissolved solids. — every 6 months
Primary sourceVerified 2026-09-09Manufacturer datasheet
Track record: Brondell Circle Reverse Osmosis
Brondell shows 4.8 out of 5 from 87 reviews as of 2026-09-09; Amazon shows 4 out of 5 from 583 reviews as of 2026-09-09.
What owners praise
Amazon's customer summary says buyers commonly praise the system's compact size, straightforward installation, and water taste.[1]
Secondary sourceVerified 2026-09-09Amazon review
What owners complain about
Amazon's customer summary reports mixed feedback on flow and refill speed and recurring concern about replacement-filter cost.[1]
Secondary sourceVerified 2026-09-09Amazon review
The Brondell Circle Reverse Osmosis against its family and its rivals
The Brondell Circle Reverse Osmosis has one sibling in its family: RC250 Capella.
The rest of the family
| Model | What differs |
|---|---|
| RC250 Capella | A separate Brondell under-counter reverse osmosis model sold as Capella rather than Circle. |
Brondell Circle Reverse Osmosis questions, answered
Is Brondell Circle reverse osmosis Water Filtration System good?
How long do Brondell filters last?
The RF-20 filter set is scheduled for replacement every 6 months, and the RF-40 reverse osmosis membrane every 24 months. Actual filter life can vary with feed-water quality and use.
Sources: [1]
How to replace Brondell Circle filter?
Drain the tank with the faucet fully open; only then close the T-valve and turn the faucet off. Turn each old filter a quarter-turn to remove it, install the matching replacement, flush as directed, and replace the faucet battery to reset the indicator. The RF-20 set contains three filters; RF-40 is the reverse osmosis membrane.
Sources: [1]
Is the Brondell Circle reverse osmosis system slow to flow?
Does the Brondell Circle work on well water?
Verified health claim
It can be used only when the feed water meets Brondell's published conditions and microbiologically unsafe or unknown-quality water receives adequate disinfection before or after the system. Well owners evaluating arsenic must also account for Brondell's pentavalent-versus-trivalent arsenic limitation.
Sources: [1]
Sources and data report: Brondell Circle Reverse Osmosis
Every figure above is taken from the highest-trust source that carries it and re-derived from that source by a separate check. How we verify product data.
What we could not establish, and why
| Field | Why it is blank |
|---|---|
| identity.upc | The Brondell product page, RC100 manual, specification sheet, performance sheet, and exact Amazon B011T65J9A page did not publish a carton UPC or GTIN. |
| fit.bathroomsServed | Brondell's product page, manual, specification sheet, and performance sheet size this point-of-use system by tank, flow, and daily production rather than bathroom count. |
| fit.householdSize | Brondell's product page, manual, specification sheet, and performance sheet do not publish a household-size range for the RC100. |
| install.estimatedHours | The RC100 manual and Brondell installation video provide installation steps but no total installation-time estimate. |
| comparisons.familyCertNote | The live WQA listings establish claims for exact model RC100; no opened certifier source extends that scope to a wider Circle family or to RC250. |
| seo.verification | The research stage leaves the verification stamp null for the independent verify loop to populate. |
Every source behind this page
- Brand officialaccessed: 2026-09-09https://www.brondell.com/circle-reverse-osmosis-water-filter-system/
- Brondell's live RC100 product page offered the system for sale at $359.99.
- Brondell states that the Circle operates without electricity.
- Brondell displayed $449.99 as the original price.
- Brondell displayed a $359.99 sale price for RC100.
- Brondell presents RC100 as an easy-install under-counter system and provides a consumer installation guide.
- Brondell priced RF-20 at $79.99 and RF-40 at $89.99 on 2026-09-09.
- Brondell markets the Circle installation as easy.
- WQA listingaccessed: 2026-09-09https://find.wqa.org/find-products/ctl/detail/mid/1054/cid/brondell_inc/sid/1
- WQA lists RC100 under NSF/ANSI 42 at a rated service flow of 0.07 gpm.
- The WQA listing reports a 0.07 gpm rated service flow for RC100.
- The WQA listing reports a 0.07 gpm rated service flow.
- WQA listingaccessed: 2026-09-09https://find.wqa.org/find-products/ctl/detail/mid/1054/cid/brondell_inc/sid/3
- WQA lists RC100 under NSF/ANSI 53.
- WQA listingaccessed: 2026-09-09https://find.wqa.org/find-products/ctl/detail/mid/1054/cid/brondell_inc/sid/5
- WQA lists RC100 under NSF/ANSI 58 at 40 gallons per day.
- The WQA NSF/ANSI 58 listing reports daily production of 40 gallons per day.
- WQA lists RC100 under NSF/ANSI 58 with 40 gallons per day production.
- WQA listingaccessed: 2026-09-09https://find.wqa.org/find-products/ctl/detail/mid/1054/cid/brondell_inc/sid/29
- WQA lists RC100 under its material-safety standard page for NSF/ANSI/CAN 372.
- Manufacturer datasheetaccessed: 2026-09-09https://store-mpfo2gcqca.mybigcommerce.com/content/Brondell_Drink_Circle%20RC100%20Reverse%20Osmosis%20Water%20Filtration%20Sysem_User%20Manual_020625_1581663757.pdf
- The manual specifies a 1.6-gallon tank, an under-sink installation with drain tubing, a 40–120 psi working range, and feed-water conditions for public and well water.
- The manual names the four stages in order as Sediment, Pre-Carbon Plus, Reverse Osmosis Membrane, and Post Carbon Block filters.
- The installation instructions require a drain clamp and drain tubing connection.
- The manual gives a 40 psi minimum and 120 psi maximum inlet pressure.
- The manual requires adequate disinfection for microbiologically unsafe water or water of unknown quality.
- The manual specifies a 1.6-gallon tank.
- The manual specifies dimensions of 9.25 inches wide by 13.8 inches deep by 16.5 inches high.
- The manual specifies a working pressure range of 40–120 psi.
- The manual specifies a working temperature range of 41–95°F.
- The manual identifies a 3/8-inch supply T-valve and included 3/8-inch-to-1/2-inch adapters.
- The installation procedure connects drain tubing to a drain clamp.
- The manual schedules RF-20 every 6 months and RF-40 every 24 months.
- The manual gives the RC100 a one-year limited warranty and excludes expendable filters.
- The manual's tools-needed list includes a Phillips screwdriver, adjustable wrench, drill and 1/4-inch drill bit, thin screwdriver or straw under 1/4 inch in diameter, towel and bucket, safety glasses, and scissors for cutting zip ties.
- Brondell RC100 owner and installation manual.
- The manual schedules RF-20 at 6 months, RF-40 at 24 months, and treated-water testing every 6 months.
- The manual supplies the drain, pressure, temperature, and feed-water requirements used to qualify the answer.
- The manual specifies 6 months for RF-20 and 24 months for RF-40 and notes that feed-water quality and use affect filter life.
- The manual provides the shutoff, removal, color-matching, installation, flushing, and indicator-reset procedure.
- The manual addresses well-water testing, requires disinfection for unsafe or unknown-quality water, and explains the arsenic speciation limitation.
- Manufacturer datasheetaccessed: 2026-09-09https://store-mpfo2gcqca.mybigcommerce.com/content/Brondell_Drink_Circle%20RC100%20Reverse%20Osmosis%20Water%20Filtration%20System_PDS_020625_1580665846.pdf
- Brondell states that RC100 does not convert trivalent arsenic to pentavalent arsenic and reports arsenic reduction for pentavalent arsenic.
- The performance sheet says chloramine treatment is not sufficient to assure complete conversion of trivalent arsenic to pentavalent arsenic.
- The standard feed-water conditions specify no organic solvents.
- The standard feed-water conditions specify iron below 2 mg/L.
- The standard feed-water conditions specify chlorine below 2 mg/L.
- The standard feed-water conditions specify turbidity below 1 NTU.
- The standard feed-water conditions specify hardness below 1000 mg/L.
- The standard feed-water conditions specify pH 7–8.
- Manufacturer datasheetaccessed: 2026-09-09https://store-mpfo2gcqca.mybigcommerce.com/content/Brondell_Drink_Circle%20Reverse%20Osmosis%20Water%20Filtration%20Sysgtem_White%20Paper%20Brand%20Update_112023_1176686593.pdf
- Brondell's white paper reports an average of 2.4 liters of drain water per liter of filtered water in its top-off-efficiency test.
- Brand officialaccessed: 2026-09-09https://help.brondell.com/hc/en-us/articles/34576253455245-Return-Exchange-Policy
- Brondell's return policy requires initiation within 30 days, excludes used Drink water filters once water has passed through, and applies a 10% restocking fee.
- Brand officialaccessed: 2026-09-09https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5R0SXjK_sdk
- Official Brondell Circle Reverse Osmosis RC100 installation guide.
- Amazon reviewaccessed: 2026-09-09https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011T65J9A?tag=waterfilte0f3-20
- Amazon's review summary characterizes compactness, installation, and water taste as recurring positive themes for the Circle RC100 listing.
- Amazon's review summary identifies flow, refill speed, and replacement-filter cost as mixed or negative themes for the exact RC100 listing.
- Government agencyaccessed: 2026-09-09https://www.cpsc.gov/search?search_api_fulltext=Brondell%20RC100
- The CPSC search for Brondell RC100 returned no results on 2026-09-09.
- Unverifiedaccessed: 2026-09-09https://www.bing.com/news/search?q=%22Brondell%22+%22RC100%22&FORM=HDRSC6
- An exact Bing News search for Brondell and RC100 returned “We didn't find any results” on 2026-09-09.
- Manufacturer datasheetaccessed: 2026-09-09https://store-mpfo2gcqca.mybigcommerce.com/content/Brondell_Drink_RC100_Circle_Spec-Sheet_021825_1595784108.pdf
- The spec sheet reports 0.26–0.37 gpm flow at the faucet with filtered water in the tank.
Cite this page
TapWaterData Editorial. "Brondell Circle Reverse Osmosis Review: Cert Check." TapWaterData, verified 2026-09-09. https://www.tapwaterdata.com/filters/brand/brondell/circle
Get the Weekly Water Brief
One email a week on water testing, treatment, and what water-quality data means for your home.
One email a week. Unsubscribe anytime.