Convenient Smart Home

Giving up counter space for reverse osmosis: Living with Waterdrop M6H in NYC

A 7-stage filtration system

Published

April 28, 2026

Chay Lazaro

Living in New York City means two things when it comes to the kitchen: constantly negotiating with counter space and having the best drinking water in the country.

That’s exactly where a countertop reverse osmosis system like the Waterdrop M6H finds its place. It fits into apartment life surprisingly well, though not without tradeoffs.

Peace of mind

New York City is known for having some of the best drinking water in the country, and for most people, straight-from-the-tap is perfectly safe and dare I say: tastes the best, too.

But using a reverse osmosis system isn’t necessarily about fixing bad water. It can also take already good water and filtering it down to a much finer level.

The Waterdrop M6H uses a 7-stage filtration system, which goes beyond basic filtration to remove things like heavy metals, chlorine, PFAS, and microplastics, which you might not think about daily but are still present in trace amounts. It also has UV sterilization, adding another layer of protection by targeting bacteria that may not be caught in filtration alone.

That extra layer of filtration becomes especially helpful when you have guests or family visiting. My parents, for example, have more sensitive stomachs, so even small differences in water quality can matter.

One tradeoff with reverse osmosis is that it also removes naturally occurring minerals like calcium and magnesium. In practice, it shouldn’t be a major concern for most people. Food, not water, should be the primary source of these nutrients.

Built for apartment living

One of the biggest advantages of the Waterdrop M6H is how easy it is to set up. There’s no installation, no need to touch your plumbing, and if you’re renting: no back-and-forth with a landlord.

It sits on my counter like any other appliance. It’s roughly the size of my super automatic coffee machine, which makes it feel familiar and non-invasive. And just like my coffee machine, I get access to great drinking water with just a few presses.

For apartment dwellers like me, that plug-and-play design is a huge win. I could be living in my current home for years, but will likely still need to move out at some point. That means I can take the M6H with me no matter where life takes me.

Compact is both good and bad

That small footprint is what makes it viable in a city kitchen, but it also introduces the biggest inconvenience.

Because the unit is compact, the water tank isn’t huge, and neither is the wastewater capacity. The built-in 135oz water tank capacity is large enough to get you through a good portion of the day.

In practice, that means you’ll be refilling clean water and emptying the waste tank regularly, sometimes more than two times a day depending on usage.

It’s not difficult, but it’s definitely more hands-on than a built-in system that runs continuously in the background.

Eats up precious counter space

Beyond just physically occupying counter space, the machine changed how I use my kitchen.

The spot it takes is often the same area I would use for prepping food, whether that’s chopping vegetables, rolling or kneading dough, and plating meals. It’s also the same spot I use for putting dirty dishes before they get washed.

So while it technically fits, it reduced my working surface in a noticeable way. In a New York kitchen, losing even a small section of prep space can have a huge impact on one’s daily routine.

Bottle compatibility can be hit or miss

Another noticeable drawback of its compact size is the height clearance under the spout. If you tend to use taller insulated bottles, especially the narrow ones, they won’t always fit comfortably underneath.

I have a combination of tall and short ones, and so that means having to tilt the taller ones or filling them in stages, which interrupts an otherwise convenient experience.

Well thought-out experience

Where the Waterdrop M6H really stands out is in how easy it is to use. The touchscreen is intuitive without feeling overdesigned, and the preset buttons for coffee and tea temperatures are more than welcome. Thanks to its instant heating, I’m never waiting around for hot water when I want a comforting cup of tea after a chilly day out.

One of my favorite features is the ability to customize how many ounces of water you want dispensed. You can set it, place your glass or bottle underneath — as long as it fits — and walk away while it fills because it stops on its own. It’s a small detail that makes drinking clean water convenient.

It’s just a bonus that I’m more conscious of the amount of water I’m drinking on a daily basis.

The detachable glass pitcher is another thoughtful touch. You can take it off and pour directly to your vessel of choice, store it in the fridge for cold water, or use it directly for cooking.

Better than a filter pitcher

If you’ve used a standard filter pitcher before, the difference is immediate.

With something like a Brita, you’re constantly refilling and waiting for water to slowly drip through the filter before you can use it. The Waterdrop M6H produces purified water much faster and on demand.

Even though I have to refill the tank daily, it’s still far less frequent, and far less tedious, than topping off a pitcher multiple times a day.

Cost-wise, it also evens out over time. Instead of repeatedly buying smaller filters, you’re replacing one larger filter less often, with a more advanced level of filtration to show for it.

Is the Waterdrop M6H your GadgetMatch?

Even in a city with excellent tap water, a reverse osmosis system like the Waterdrop M6H can be helpful. It makes the most sense if you’re renting but still want better-than-tap filtration without dealing with permanent changes.

While not as inconvenient as a Brita pitcher, it still requires daily maintenance. It is not the best fit if you’re already tight on counter space, cook frequently and rely heavily on your prep area.

A permanently installed reverse osmosis system will always win when it comes to pure convenience, and Waterdrop has great options for that. It runs continuously, requires less day-to-day interaction that you just forget about it, and it doesn’t take up precious counter space.

For my current setup, the Waterdrop M6H is a practical middle ground. It delivers many of the same benefits in a flexible, renter-friendly form.

The Waterdrop M6H retails for US$429 before tax. Maintenance is straightforward: the replacement filter costs $79.99 and lasts about 12 months or roughly 1,100 gallons of water.

It isn’t cheap, but you can think of it as a long-term investment in your health. Its benefits aren’t immediate or obvious day-to-day, but something you’ll likely appreciate over time and thank yourself for later.

Buy the WaterdropM6H on waterdropfilter.com

Convenient Smart Home

Your Samsung fridge might know what’s for dinner

Smarter food decisions

Published

October 15, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

Deciding what to eat can be surprisingly difficult. Sometimes, you have a fridge full of ingredients but no idea what to make. Other times, you’re at the supermarket trying to remember whether you still have eggs at home.

Samsung thinks a little technology can help.

During my recent visit to Samsung’s showcase in Hanoi, Vietnam, its smart refrigerator stood out as one of the more interesting appliances on display. Its built-in screen offered plenty of opportunities for interaction, hinting at how a refrigerator can do more than simply keep food cold.

On supported Samsung models, AI-powered features can help users keep track of ingredients, discover recipes, and manage compatible smart appliances.

And honestly, anything that makes the daily routine a little less tedious deserves a closer look.

A little help deciding what’s for dinner

Samsung’s AI Food Manager helps users manage ingredients and discover what they can cook with what’s already available.

On supported Bespoke AI Refrigerator Family Hub models, an internal camera can recognize selected food items as they enter or leave the refrigerator. Users can check their food list through the SmartThings app, making it easier to remember what they have when planning their next grocery run.

The system isn’t infallible. Some items may not be recognized correctly, and users may need to review and adjust the list. Still, it’s a useful starting point for avoiding unnecessary purchases and making better use of ingredients already at home.

AI Food Manager can also recommend recipes based on available ingredients. Meanwhile, What’s for Today, available on select models, suggests menus based on the user’s chosen options, including available refrigerator contents.

Neither feature will magically turn anyone into a chef. But if you’ve ever stared into your fridge hoping dinner ideas would materialize, a little inspiration might help.

More than a refrigerator with a screen

The display has another practical purpose: controlling compatible connected appliances.

On supported Samsung side-by-side refrigerators with the 9-inch Family Hub display, users can access compatible Samsung smart appliances and supported third-party devices through SmartThings. Bixby also provides voice interaction for supported functions, offering another way to access controls while cooking or preparing meals.

It’s part of Samsung’s broader connected-home approach, where compatible devices work together to simplify everyday routines.

Of course, not everyone needs every appliance in their home connected to one another. A refrigerator that keeps food fresh is already doing its most important job.

But for households that use smart appliances, having ingredient information, recipe ideas, and device controls accessible from one place could be convenient.

And speaking of that screen…

You know me. If there’s a screen, best believe I’ll find a way to put a STAYC Isa fancam on it.

Anyway, back to the bigger question.

Can a smarter fridge help you live better?

Healthier living involves more than diet and exercise. Everyday routines matter, too, including planning meals, keeping track of groceries, and figuring out what to cook.

Samsung’s AI-powered refrigerator features won’t automatically make anyone eat healthier. What they can do is make information easier to access and some everyday decisions less tedious.

For someone who regularly cooks at home, that could mean making better use of ingredients already in the fridge. For a busy household, it might mean spending less time planning meals or remembering what to buy.

These features remain tools, not guarantees. Their usefulness depends on how accurately they work, which features a particular model supports, and whether they fit into your routine.

Still, I like the idea of technology that takes a little friction out of everyday life. A refrigerator doesn’t need to reinvent cooking to be useful. Sometimes, helping you remember what you bought last weekend or suggesting what to make with it is already a good start.

And if it happens to have a screen where you can watch a STAYC fancam while deciding what’s for dinner? Well, I’m certainly not going to complain.

Accessories

Spotlight: Marshall Heston 60

More than just your any typical soundbar!

Published

October 9, 2026

GadgetMatch and Michael Josh Villanueva

Living in New York means making every square foot count, so why own multiple gadgets when one can do the job?

In this video, THE Michael Josh takes a look at the Marshall Heston 60. It’s a premium TV soundbar that brings more to the living room than just better sound.

With its sophisticated design, powerful audio, and versatile features, it sits in his living room while doing much more than you might expect from a soundbar.

CHECK IT OUT HERE: https://bit.ly/MarshallHeston

Convenient Smart Home

30 days with the LG AeroMini

The upgrade my new space ~badly~ needed

Published

October 5, 2026

Noela

Moving into a new space comes with a long list of things to figure out, and lately, I’ve been paying more attention to something that’s easy to overlook: air quality.

After using the LG AeroMini for about a month, it has become a subtle but welcome addition to my space. It helps make the room feel fresher, while its compact and stylish design fits naturally into my setup. Here are the things that stood out to me most after living with it for a month.

360° purification for a fresher space

One of the things I appreciate about the AeroMini is its 360° air purification, designed to bring purified air in every direction.

For me, this is particularly useful in a new space where I’m spending a lot of time working, relaxing, and just settling in.

Combined with its True HEPA filter, which is designed to remove 99.999% of 0.01μm fine dust and allergens, it gives me added peace of mind about the air I’m breathing every day.

After a month, I can genuinely say that the space feels fresher with it running.

Surprisingly quiet

This is probably my favorite feature.

The LG AeroMini operates at just 26dB, and after using it for a month, what stands out is how easy it is to forget that it’s even running.

I can have it running while I’m working or sleeping without the noise becoming a distraction. For an appliance that’s designed to continuously improve the air around you, I think that’s a big deal.

Sometimes, the best feature is the one you barely notice.

Design that fits my space

Since I recently moved, I’ve been pretty conscious about what I bring into the space. I want things to be functional, but I also don’t want appliances that feel like they’re taking over the room.

The AeroMini’s slim and compact design makes it easy to incorporate into my setup. It doesn’t feel bulky or industrial, and I like that I can leave it out without feeling like I need to hide it away.

For me, that balance between functionality and aesthetics makes it feel more like part of the space rather than just another appliance.

Air quality at a glance

Another feature I’ve found convenient is its Smart Control. Through the app, I can monitor and control the AeroMini while getting real-time updates on the indoor air quality.

It’s a small convenience, but being able to check the air quality without having to interact with the purifier directly makes it easier to keep track of what’s happening in the room.

Easy to maintain

I also appreciate that the AeroMini is designed with an all-in-one dust and deodorization filter that makes replacement and maintenance easier.

That matters to me because the best home gadgets are the ones that don’t create another complicated chore. I want something I can set up, use regularly, and maintain without too much fuss.

After a month, would I keep it?

Yes, and mainly because it quietly fits into my everyday routine.

The LG AeroMini has helped make my new space feel fresher and more comfortable, while its compact design means it doesn’t compromise the look of the room. But if I had to pick just one thing I appreciate most, it’s still how incredibly quiet it is.

It’s one of those upgrades that doesn’t demand your attention. It simply works in the background.

If you’re also looking to make your home a fresher and more comfortable space for yourself and your family, visit https://www.lg.com/ph/ to learn more about the LG AeroMini and how it can fit into your everyday life.