Brondell · Pitcher Water Filters & Cartridges
Brondell Circle Reverse Osmosis Under Counter Water Filtration System RC100-BN
Lower PFAS concern; reverse osmosis systems use conventional filter media, though RO membranes may contain trace Teflon-family coating, brand transparency absent.
The Brondell Circle RC100-BN is a standard under-counter RO filtration system with carbon and membrane cartridges. Reverse osmosis membranes are generally considered lower-risk for PFAS leaching into output water, but Brondell provides no public disclosure of membrane composition or PFAS testing.
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RO membrane, carbon filter media, stainless steel housing
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Uncoated safe material
Bare, uncoated material (cast iron, stainless, carbon steel, or glass) with no surface treatment to contain PFAS.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Brondell Circle RC100-BN uses a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane as its primary barrier, paired with sediment pre-filters and activated carbon cartridges. RO membranes are typically thin-film composites (polyamide) and do not leach into water under normal operating pressure (40-60 psi). The stainless steel housing resists corrosion and does not contribute lead, cadmium, or aluminum to treated water. Carbon filter media is inert when wet and does not release volatile compounds into water.
The brand's record and disclosure
Brondell does not publicly disclose independent NSF or WQA certification for the RC100-BN, nor does the brand publish third-party test results for contaminant removal claims. The company's website and documentation do not address PFAS removal or mention whether RO membranes contain Teflon-family coating binders. No major safety recalls for this model are on record. Brondell's general stance on PFAS and filter material transparency is minimal, limiting independent verification of claims.
How it compares in its category
Under-counter RO systems are among the most effective filter types for removing PFAS, metals, and dissolved solids compared to pitcher filters and faucet-mount alternatives. However, the RC100-BN lacks third-party certification (NSF/ANSI Standard 58 for RO systems), which competing brands often display. It occupies the mid-market tier: more capable than pitcher filters but less transparent than certified competitors like Aquasana or Culligan models.
If you buy it
Replace pre-filters every 6 months and RO membranes every 2-3 years, or sooner if water pressure drops noticeably. Install on cold-water lines only; hot water can degrade the membrane. Drain and flush the system for 2-3 minutes after extended non-use (weeks) to prevent bacterial biofilm in the storage tank. Monitor for slow flow rate, which signals membrane fouling and reduced contaminant removal efficacy.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Bacterial growth in storage tank
All RO systems with holding tanks can harbor Legionella or heterotrophic bacteria if stagnant water sits unmaintained. The RC100-BN does not appear to include a UV sterilizer or scheduled flush feature, increasing risk in warm climates or after travel.
Membrane degradation and leaching
No documented cases of polyamide RO membrane leaching or shedding microplastics into water under normal residential pressure. However, membranes exposed to chlorine, high temperature, or physical damage may degrade; Brondell does not specify pre-treatment requirements.
Stainless steel housing leaching
Stainless steel used in housing does not leach nickel, chromium, or iron into water at neutral pH. No documented issues for this product or class.
Activated carbon dust or fines
Carbon cartridges may shed fine particles during initial use; most are captured by post-filters. No toxicity risk, but can affect water clarity temporarily. Flushing the system before first use mitigates this.
Lack of independent certification and contaminant claims verification
Brondell does not provide NSF/ANSI 58 certification or third-party test data for the RC100-BN, making removal rate claims unverifiable. Purchasers cannot confirm whether PFAS, arsenic, or other specific contaminants are actually reduced to safe levels.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
More pitcher water filters & cartridges grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.