I just received my unit and I have a couple questions I have not been able to find answer for: 1. How long does the water hold on to its new "structure." Does it last or do we need to drink it right away? Does putting it in the fridge help? Is it OK to put the pitcher (with the cube) in the fridge?2. Is it OK to use cold water in it when making the water? I just received my unit and I have a couple questions I have not been able to find answer for: 1. How long does the water hold on to its new "structure." Does it last or do... » Read More I just received my unit and I have a couple questions I have not been able to find answer for: 1. How long does the water hold on to its new "structure." Does it last or do we need to drink it right away? Does putting it in the fridge help? Is it OK to put the pitcher (with the cube) in the fridge?2. Is it OK to use cold water in it when making the water? « Show Less
789700
The structure should be good for a couple of days. water temp shouldn't make a difference. Check with the manufacturer on storing in the fridge.
1113138
As long as you keep it out of direct sunlight, the water will hold it's new structure for quite awhile...I think the manual that comes with the unit addresses this. If you want to get the 'oxygen' benefit, you need to drink it right away, as it doesn't maintain that aspect for very long (20 minutes if I remember correctly). You don't want to leave it in the pitcher...it causes the mineral cube to not last as long....I transfer mine into a glass pitcher I got at Walmart for $5.00. I don't think the manual said anything about using cold water....putting it in the fridge afterwards helps keep it out of the sunlight As long as you keep it out of direct sunlight, the water will hold it's new structure for quite awhile...I think the manual that comes with the unit addresses this. If you want to get the 'oxygen' benefit, you need to drink it right away, as it doesn't maintain that aspect for very long (20 minutes if I remember correctly). You don't want to leave it in the pitcher...it causes the mineral cube to not last as long....I transfer mine into a glass pitcher I got at Walmart for $5.00. I don't think the manual said anything about using cold water....putting it in the fridge afterwards helps keep... » Read More As long as you keep it out of direct sunlight, the water will hold it's new structure for quite awhile...I think the manual that comes with the unit addresses this. If you want to get the 'oxygen' benefit, you need to drink it right away, as it doesn't maintain that aspect for very long (20 minutes if I remember correctly). You don't want to leave it in the pitcher...it causes the mineral cube to not last as long....I transfer mine into a glass pitcher I got at Walmart for $5.00. I don't think the manual said anything about using cold water....putting it in the fridge afterwards helps keep it out of the sunlight « Show Less
2050667
I don't regularly drink the water itself as we mostly use it for coffee and tea. I have occasionally used it for ice cubes and they had no real taste. I would make sure that the container that you put the water in is not the problem. The charcoal filter is small but important. If the still is not used regularly, the filter might develop something that affects the taste. I am on my third still in about 30 years and none have had this problem with my water, which is hard. I also usually fill my still with hot water, which will remove most of the chlorine and it will finish a bit sooner that using cold water. I don't regularly drink the water itself as we mostly use it for coffee and tea. I have occasionally used it for ice cubes and they had no real taste. I would make sure that the container that you put the water in is not the problem. The charcoal filter is small but important. If the still is not used regularly, the filter might develop something that affects the taste. I am on my third still in about 30 years and none have had this problem with my water, which is hard. I also usually fill my still with hot water, which will remove most of the chlorine and it will finish a bit sooner that... » Read More I don't regularly drink the water itself as we mostly use it for coffee and tea. I have occasionally used it for ice cubes and they had no real taste. I would make sure that the container that you put the water in is not the problem. The charcoal filter is small but important. If the still is not used regularly, the filter might develop something that affects the taste. I am on my third still in about 30 years and none have had this problem with my water, which is hard. I also usually fill my still with hot water, which will remove most of the chlorine and it will finish a bit sooner that using cold water. « Show Less
2171548
I fill mine completely with ice then add ice cold water from the fridge, when it is kept in an air conditioned setting I have had ice last to the next day. When I add room temp water to the ice I still have ice at the end of the day, but not much.
1550509
I use tap water, but I only make enough to last me a few days. Then the container is cleaned and I start again. If you want to make it last longer, use distilled or purified water. Or boil water and let cool.
970050
Hi Janice... I keep the water in the cleaner side if some left over from first cleaning. I use it later so it is cold and I've found itto work well... not sure if that is what manufacturer had in mind, but my experience shows it works. Perhaps mix in warm water and then let it cool???
2238034
Hi! I think between 1-2 minutes should be good. You can fill either a pitcher (or gallon container) twice, and just empty that water out. Your filter should be good to go after that. Hope this helps!
1188955
If you purchased a "portable unit" it DOES NOT get Installed....you just keep it handy and run water through it, into a jug or a glass or a Britta pitcher...and Bingo...you are drinking "structured water." &lt;3
1533689
Yes, I have. I let the water run until I know its cold enough. Its been 2 yrs. since I have had mine. Knock on wood, mine is doing good, no problems or issues with it. It has paid for itself, since I don't have a ice maker on my apt. refrigerator. Forget ice cube trays, they don't make enough, take too long to freeze. I make around 3-4 gallon size freezer bags full of ice. This can take all day and into the evening to get nice full bags of ice. You can leave the ice maker if you have to leave to do something. I have, and when I get back its waiting for me to empty the ice and/or add water. Doesn't overheat either, as it shuts down automatically.
1318747
Because the water is stored in a water bottle, there is no holding tank to clean like a larger unit. The area the water flows into is very small, and I've never cleaned it! I just lifted the top of the unit to inspect since you asked and it's as white and clean inside as when I got it months ago and I use it almost every night. I do only use distilled water in it though which may be why.I buy "simple truth vapor distilled water" in the 33.8 oz(1liter) size, but refill it from one gallon jugs which are inexpensive.I just pulled out the instructions and it shows to clean with included brush and to soak with a solution of "EZ Cal" (I assume this is a commercially available mineral deposit cleaner) for 30 minutes. But like I said, its like new inside.
1003381
I love mine! Never, ever have I had a single problem with this pitcher. It works very well for various purposes. We really enjoy the fruit infusions. The price is really fair. In my humble opinion it's a great deal. It's a great gift. Hope this helps.
1226553
I'm on my second unit in 6 years. I'm afraid they don't last very long. I have somewhat hard water and use the unit about once or twice a day. I haven't been able to find anyone who has replacement parts or offers service. There's not a whole lot inside - just the tank and heating element but the only option I've found is to replace it. Wish they lasted longer.
1469383
It's been 4 months and my water filter still seems to be working great (2 person household.) Would be great if someone could post a link to a consumer reports type article about this subject. Of course the mnfctr is going to recommend faster changes than are necessary to get you to buy more. I just set up 3 month regular shipment from Amazon, to be safe.
260715
I would not keep the fruit in the holder for more than 3 refrigerated days, especially with raspberries or strawberries. Fruit like lemons, limes, or oranges can be left in longer. If I pour out a glass to drink, what I do is immediately fill it with another glass of fresh water. That way, the new water will infuse with the water and fruit already in it. I would not wait until the water is all gone to refill. In other words, fill the pitcher as you drink. If you notice the pitcher water getting quite weak, depending on how much you drink in a day, then it is time for more fresh fruit. Experience for yourself and have fun and happy drinking.!. I would not keep the fruit in the holder for more than 3 refrigerated days, especially with raspberries or strawberries. Fruit like lemons, limes, or oranges can be left in longer. If I pour out a glass to drink, what I do is immediately fill it with another glass of fresh water. That way, the new water will infuse with the water and fruit already in it. I would not wait until the water is all gone to refill. In other words, fill the pitcher as you drink. If you notice the pitcher water getting quite weak, depending on how much you drink in a day, then it is time for more fresh fruit.... » Read More I would not keep the fruit in the holder for more than 3 refrigerated days, especially with raspberries or strawberries. Fruit like lemons, limes, or oranges can be left in longer. If I pour out a glass to drink, what I do is immediately fill it with another glass of fresh water. That way, the new water will infuse with the water and fruit already in it. I would not wait until the water is all gone to refill. In other words, fill the pitcher as you drink. If you notice the pitcher water getting quite weak, depending on how much you drink in a day, then it is time for more fresh fruit. Experience for yourself and have fun and happy drinking.!. « Show Less
2094555
Yes, you can store water in it. I frequently refill my pitcher after I use the water in it, and I store it in my refrigerator. From what I can tell, soaking keeping water in it all the time is not bad for the filter. Just make sure you change the filter as often as it says on the packaging, which I believe is about every two months.
192103
I have looked and looked for a glass pitcher that will withstand boiling water, but have found very few that do. This particular pitcher is well made, but I've never attempted to put billing water in it. I use it for iced tea. I make the tea in a separate kettle and allow it to cool a bit before I pour it into the pitcher. Also, I put hot water from the tap in the pitcher before I pour the tea into it in order to help warm up the glass. As I understand it, the reason many glass pitchers crack from boiling water is because of the temperature difference between the glass and the water...so, I always warm up the pitcher a bit first. I have looked and looked for a glass pitcher that will withstand boiling water, but have found very few that do. This particular pitcher is well made, but I've never attempted to put billing water in it. I use it for iced tea. I make the tea in a separate kettle and allow it to cool a bit before I pour it into the pitcher. Also, I put hot water from the tap in the pitcher before I pour the tea into it in order to help warm up the glass. As I understand it, the reason many glass pitchers crack from boiling water is because of the temperature difference between the glass and the water...so, I... » Read More I have looked and looked for a glass pitcher that will withstand boiling water, but have found very few that do. This particular pitcher is well made, but I've never attempted to put billing water in it. I use it for iced tea. I make the tea in a separate kettle and allow it to cool a bit before I pour it into the pitcher. Also, I put hot water from the tap in the pitcher before I pour the tea into it in order to help warm up the glass. As I understand it, the reason many glass pitchers crack from boiling water is because of the temperature difference between the glass and the water...so, I always warm up the pitcher a bit first. « Show Less
443977
My unit stopped working after only a month. I tried to follow all the steps to fix it, but none of them worked. You may want to see if you have some hard water deposits. I decided to use distilled water to keep the deposits from building up. It worked...until the unit itself stopped working altogether.
1777561
It probably depends on it you put ice in it. My ice water keeps ice in it at least 6 hours. I never use it without ice so I hope I helped in some way. It also depends if it is in a hot environment. But it does have good insulation. :)