While hygiene and health have been the main reasons for water purifiers to take on the home appliance space, many still wouldn't know what kind to opt for. Water purifiers basically, come in two types. These are UV purification and Reverse Osmosis. UV purification-based water purifiers come in various kinds again – they are different primarily on the number of purification stages it follows.

UV purification
These water purifiers usually follow a three-step or four-step purification process. The three-step purification is seen in the Eureka Forbes Aquaguard Classic for Rs 7,190 and the Kenstar WP-117 available for Rs 3,200. The water is first passed through the basic pre-filter where silt, dirt particles and dust in water are destroyed before water enters into the main filter. After this, water passes through the candle-filter, which has a special multi-layer micro porous candle filter to remove all suspended impurities. And here on, the water passes through the UV purification stage. Simply speaking, a UV bulb is light in that kills water-borne bacteria that may cause serious illnesses that may have been missed in the previous by its rays.

The four-step purification process usually would have water go through the Silver-Impregnated Activated Carbon purification stage. This carbon chamber is fitted to eliminate bad odour and to free chlorine content in the water. Eureka Forbes Aquaguard Hi-Flo – Rs 9,190 and Ultra Guard UV 2001 for Rs 5,950 are such purifiers.

The five step purification process usually also involves water scanning as the last stage of purification. This method clear water from bacteria, excess chlorine, pesticides and herbicides which might add taste, colour and bad odour to water. The options for five-step UV purification are Aqura Drink Easy for Rs 7,350.

Reverse Osmosis
This technology removes dissolved solids from water by using pressure to force water molecules through a semi-permeable membrane. Basically, this means that a membrane is situated on the base of the water purifier and water is kept under pressure. When this pressure is released, water rushes upwards. This leads to the pure contents of water go upwards and the impurities remain at the base. The impurities are then flushed out via the drain pipe and the purified water is kept in.

Some types of Reverse Osmosis water purifiers are Eureka Forbes SPRINGFRESH (R.O.) priced at Rs 14,000, Eureka Forbes Aquaguard Reviva available for Rs 14,500, Eureka Forbes AQUAGUARD INTEGRA7 for Rs 24,900, Eureka Forbes AQUAGUARD TOTAL RO SMART for Rs 9,150 and Aqura Reverse Osmosis for Rs 10,500.

If you're skeptical of just a single-step purification process, opt for the UV purifiers. Else, must suggest that the reverse osmosis work really well too, and are, therefore, priced higher than UV purification. They are a serious recommendation. While buying always get a servicing agreement by the company.