Everpure H-104 Replacement Cartridge: Complete Distributor Guide

The Everpure H-104 is the compact workhorse of the Everpure lineup — smaller than the H-300, more affordable, and found in millions of ice makers, drinking fountains, and under-counter systems worldwide.

For distributors, the H-104 is a volume play: lower unit price than the H-300, but higher turnover because it’s installed in more locations per service route.

H-104 Specifications

Spec	Value
Part number	EV9605-01
Diameter	79 mm (3.125”)
Length	~229 mm (9”)
Connection	Bayonet twist-lock (QL2 / QL3 head)
Media	Granular activated carbon (GAC)
Rated capacity	20,000 L (5,280 gal) at 1.1 L/min
Chlorine reduction	>97%
Operating pressure	10–125 psi
Net weight	~1.8 kg

The H-104 uses granular activated carbon (GAC) rather than a solid carbon block. This gives it higher flow capacity in a smaller package, at the cost of slightly lower particulate filtration compared to the H-300’s 0.5-micron block.

H-104 vs H-300: Which to Stock

Feature	H-104	H-300
Diameter	79 mm	79 mm
Length	229 mm (9”)	254 mm (10”)
Media	GAC (granular)	Carbon block
Capacity	20,000 L	30,000 L
Flow rate	1.1 L/min	1.9 L/min
Particulate rating	5 μm	0.5 μm
Original price	$50–70	$80–120
Compatible FOB (1,000)	$10–15	$12–15
Best for	Ice makers, fountains	Coffee, espresso, combi ovens

Rule of thumb for distributors: Stock both. H-300 for coffee/espresso accounts (high margin), H-104 for ice maker/fountain accounts (high volume). A service company with 100 accounts typically uses 60% H-300 and 40% H-104.

Where H-104 Is Installed

Application	Typical brands
Cube ice makers	Manitowoc, Hoshizaki, Scotsman, Ice-O-Matic
Drinking fountains	Elkay, Halsey Taylor, Haws, Oasis
Under-counter filtration	Everpure QC7I, Pentair EZ-RO
Water coolers (point-of-use)	Clover, Avalon, Brio, Primo
Coffee brewers (low volume)	Bunn, Curtis, Fetco

The H-104 is also widely used as the second stage in two-stage Everpure systems (pre-filter + H-104 polish), particularly in ice maker installations where particulate pre-filtration happens upstream.

OEM-Compatible H-104: What Matters

1. Carbon quality. Original H-104 uses 12 × 40 mesh coconut GAC. Iodine value ≥1000 mg/g. XZH compatible uses ≥1100 mg/g.
2. Bed compaction. GAC must be properly compacted to prevent channeling. Inconsistent compaction = bypass.
3. End-cap seal. The top end-cap includes the bayonet lock mechanism and O-ring. Must be ultrasonically welded — not glued.
4. Weight consistency. A properly filled H-104 compatible should weigh ~1.8 kg ±50g. Underweight = insufficient carbon.
5. No fine dust. GAC cartridges should be rinsed at factory. Visible carbon dust in the packaging = poor QC.

Pricing: Original vs Compatible

Quantity	Original (distributor)	XZH Compatible (FOB)	Savings
100 pcs	$55–65	$18–22	65%
500 pcs	$50–55	$13–16	72%
1,000 pcs	$45–50	$10–15	73%
5,000 pcs	$40–45	$8–12	77%

H-104 Replacement Interval

Water quality	Replace every
Soft (<60 ppm)	12 months or 20,000 L
Moderate (60–120 ppm)	9 months
Hard (>120 ppm)	6 months
Commercial ice maker (heavy use)	4–6 months

The H-104 does NOT have the auto-shutoff valve found in the H-300. Customers must track replacement manually or by calendar. This creates an opportunity for service companies to offer subscription replacement programs — automatic shipments every 6/9/12 months.

Business Model: H-104 Service Contracts

A typical service company with 50 ice maker accounts:

50 accounts × 2 H-104 replacements/year = 100 cartridges/year
Cost (XZH compatible, 500 pcs): 100 × $14 = $1,400
Revenue (retail installed): 100 × $60 = $6,000
Gross margin: $4,600 (77%)

+ Service call fee ($85 × 100 visits) = $8,500 additional revenue
Total annual revenue from H-104 alone: $14,500

The cartridge is the hook; the service visit is the profit.

Why XZH H-104 Compatibles

• Same 79mm bayonet fit for QL2/QL3 heads
• Coconut-shell GAC, iodine ≥1100 mg/g
• Ultrasonic-welded end caps — not glued
• 100% leak tested, factory-rinsed (zero carbon dust)
• OEM labeling available, MOQ 2,000 pcs
• Free samples for compatibility testing

Request H-104 quote →

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See also: Everpure cross-reference chart · H-300 vs H-104 vs i2000 · H-300 replacement guide