Best Refrigerator Water Filter

If you own a refrigerator with an ice maker and water dispenser, you know about the importance of having proper filtration for both.
Refrigerator filters need to be changed after either six months or after a couple hundred gallons of water, and the prices and quality can vary greatly.
These filters will typically remove contaminants, like chlorine, heavy metals, chemicals and debris. So the frequency of filter changes will also depend on water quality going into the filter.
It is important to know which type of filter you are using in order to be more successful at filtering contaminants from your water.
How Does a Refrigerator Water Filter Work?
Refrigerator water filters are placed either inside your fridge or on the outside of it.
They connect to the water line that runs through your fridge and force contaminants in their media when they are flushed.
This means that water coming out of your refrigerator’s dispenser or ice maker will be clean and healthy.
What is the Best Refrigerator Water Filter
There are a variety of water filters on the market, so it can be difficult to determine which one is right for you. To simplify your search, we’ve compiled this list of Best Aftermarket Refrigerator Water Filters that will help you find the right fit.
AQUACREST DA29-00020B Refrigerator Water Filter
This DA29 filter from Aquacrest has effortless installation and is our top choice overall. It has three certifications from NSF international: NSF 53, reduces contaminants like lead, cysts, and VOCs; NSF 42 certified, reduces chlorine, taste, and odors; and NSF 372, certified lead free.
The filter will work with up to 300 gallons of water or around six months of regular use. The filter is also guaranteed not to affect water flow while staying leak-free. Many users report that the water tastes better through this filter than the original factory-installed filter they were previously using.
Some customers report a sandy residue left at the bottom of their water from the filter and a slow GPM water output rate. A few also say a plastic taste inside the water or ice.
Features
- The Samsung DA29-00020B refrigerator water filter uses a solid carbon block for effective contaminant removal.
- It has proven to remove 97.4% of chlorine for great-tasting water without any unpleasant odors. Above that, it’s capable of removing 99.0% asbestos, 99.99% cysts, and several other harmful substances, most notably lead (at least 99.0%).
- The filter is NSF-certified against Standard 42, 53, and 401.
- Healthy minerals remain in the water.
- The filter provides a reasonable flow rate.
- Installation won’t take more than 10 seconds. You just need to remember to flush the filter afterward and before using the water.
- 300-gallon filtration capacity (up to 6 months) is about average saving you from frequent replacements.
- Backed by thousands upon thousands of 5-star customer ratings.
- Three different NSF certifications
- 300-gallon use cycle
- Inexpensive
- Leak-free
- May leave a sandy residue
- Slow water flow rate at times
GE RPWFE Refrigerator Water Filter
Certified by the NSF and ANSI, this refrigerator water filter provides a tension-free and hassle-free experience. The filter is compatible with most GE french door refrigerators and operates at a water pressure level between 25 and 120 psi.
Apart from removing chloramines and chlorine from the water, it also reduces Bisphenol A by 99%. This results in clean and better-tasting water. For best results, change the filter every six months.
Each filter has a lifetime of 6 months. With this incredible pack of 2, you’ll have one consecutive year of clean water and free of unpleasant smells and flavors.
Original General Electric filters can filter traces of drugs such as:
- Fluoxetine
- Trimethoprim
- Atenolol
- Progesterone
- Ibuprofen
It also removes other common contaminants such as:
- Pesticides
- Asbestos
- Mercury
- Lead
- Cysts
Without a doubt, original GE filters have a more excellent filtering capability in contrast to generic products. Indeed, you can notice it in water quality. You won’t find any residues or dissolved substances. Although you’ll undoubtedly pay more, this product is worth every penny you spend.
Features
- It eliminates terrible stinks and flavors from water.
- It eliminates dangerous substances and drug traces.
- 6 Months of lifespan.
- Advanced filtration system
- Reduces 99% PFOA and PFOS
- Easy installation
- Filter 5 trace pharmaceuticals
- It may not last six months under heavy usage
Samsung Refrigerator Water Filter
This refrigerator water filter by Samsung delivers crystal clear and clean water free from sediments and harmful agents.
Apart from filtering the water, it also removes the taste and odor of chlorine from water. Samsung french door refrigerators support this filter.
This eco-friendly alternative not only helps you save water and money but also keeps the environment free from plastic bottles.
The installation of the filter is relatively straightforward. If you have trouble finding its port, your fridge’s manual will tell you where it goes. Just make sure it’s seated securely, and there are no cracks in the filter casing. Some customers have reported leaks or flooding because of a broken outer casing.
Once in place, you’ll need to run several liters of water through to rinse the filter. All carbon-based filters will cloud up the first bit of water with charcoal dust. This is normal and reportedly harmless, but it doesn’t look very nice. Once the water starts coming out clear, you’re ready to go.
The HAF-CIF filter should cover roughly 300 gallons worth of water. That’s a better capacity than some refrigerator filters, but not quite on par with a quality countertop unit.
Features
- Custom-fit for your fridge
- Stays out of sight and out of mind
- Hard to bypass if you don’t need the filtration
- Filter light indicator
- Reduces 99% contaminants
- NSF 401, 53, 42 certified
- Self-installation
- Might be prone to leaks
Water specialist Refrigerator Water Filter
This precision-engineered filter has been designed to fit safely in your refrigerator without leaking. The filter can be easily installed in several Samsung branded refrigerators.
The advanced and professional water purification system eliminates the taste and odor of chlorine while delivering clean water free of impurities and sediments.
To ensure the smooth operation of the filter, it is advisable to replace it after six months of usage.
It eliminates unpleasant chlorine taste and odor from other dissolved compounds. While it does not filter microorganisms, you will be glad about the significant improvement in the quality of your drinking water.
Families who seek eco-friendly products will like the coconut carbon filter block of this refrigerator water filter.
There are no substances that can harm the environment when you dispose of the filter. The carbon block also improves the filtration capabilities of the system. It provides fresh and great-tasting drinking water for everyone.
The canister features environmentally safe and non-toxic compounds. None of these chemicals will ever leech into the water and compromise your health.
It is a good replacement filter for homes that use a water filter for Samsung fridges. You can also use it on other brands and models of refrigerators.
Third-party laboratories test and certify the filtration performance of each product. You will feel more confident knowing that the filter you use is effective.
The product also comes with appropriate certifications from the National Sanitation Foundation.
Some customers observed that the filter cartridge could be challenging to install. There are issues about leaks and how the product does not sit well in their refrigerator.
You can avoid this problem by using the company’s refrigerator Model Identifier. It helps in the determination of the compatibility of the product with your refrigerator.
Features
- The filter performs like original brands.
- It provides fresh and clean drinking water.
- It features eco-friendly materials for better safety.
- All filters come with third-party laboratory certification.
- It comes with a food-grade and BPA-free filter housing.
- Lead-free material
- NSF 372 and 42 certified
- 100% coconut shell carbon block
- BPA-free and food-grade filter housing
- It may have a slow flow rate
General Electric MWF Refrigerator Water Filter
Owners of a General Electric refrigerator will love the MWF Refrigerator Water Filter. It is an original part that is compatible with many GE bottom-freezer and side-by-side refrigerators.
The company provides a model identifier to help families determine the specific water filter for their refrigerator model.
What differentiates this refrigerator water filter from other products is its filtration capability. It can filter at least 20 water contaminants.
We particularly like the product’s ability to filter progesterone, ibuprofen, and three other everyday pharmaceutical products. Most water filters on the market only remove heavy metals and other dissolved substances.
Not only does the product filter common pharmaceutical substances, but it can also eliminate lead and chlorine-resistant cysts. You will notice an improvement in your drinking water right after the installation of the filter.
The filter lasts about six months of average use, which is equivalent to about 300 gallons. The company designed the filter to optimize water flow, allowing you to enjoy fresh drinking water on demand.
We also like the product’s innovative twist-and-lock design. Installing the filter into your refrigerator is never a hassle. You can effectively replace it without calling a professional plumber.
It is also more secure than generic water filters. The canister is also tough and will never crack if you accidentally drop it.
The obvious drawback of this product is its brand-specificity. If you are looking for a refrigerator water filter for LG, this product is not for you.
As a branded product, expect it to be more expensive than your traditional generic refrigerator water filter.
Features
- Ideal for General Electric bottom-freeze and side-by-side refrigerators
- Effectively filters at least 20 water contaminants, including certain medicines.
- It comes with a secure and straightforward twist-and-lock design.
- The filter has a long service lifespan.
- Each filter features a robust construction.
- Actual GE component
- Guaranteed fit for GE appliances
- Filters pharmaceuticals
- NSF certified to reduce 14 contaminants
- Overpriced
EveryDrop Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Filter 3
If your goal is to have clean water that tastes clean, then better bring home the EveryDrop Refrigerator Water Filter of Whirlpool. It is duly approved by known brands like Amana, Maytag, JennAir, and KitchenAid.
Not only will you have better-tasting water but also cleaner water since it effectively reduces the potentially unsafe contaminants found in water. It is competent in removing up to 71 impurities like lead, fluoride, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides. It is proven to reduce lead by up to 99%.
Additionally, it uses Triple Filtration Technology to ensure that all the contaminants in your water and ice are removed.
For your peace of mind, this refrigerator water filter is NFS tested. It is independently certified against NSF/ANSI Standards 4, 53, and 401.
With an operating pressure of 30 to 120, this can be a cost-effective way to enjoy clean water. You can save up to 1,500 water bottles when you have this at home.
You not only save financially, but you also become a more responsible eco-warrior. Imagine all the plastic wastes that need to be disposed of when you purchase bottled water every day.
Whirlpool’s EveryDrop inline refrigerator water filter is compatible with side-by-side fridges that accept and use Filter 3. These filter compartments are usually at the bottom left corner of your appliance.
For best results and a continuous fresh-tasting water flow, ensure that you have your EveryDrop Water Filter replaced every six months. This is still cost-efficient for you and can add up to your savings.
Features
- NFS tested and certified.
- Uses Triple Filtration Technology to reduce 99% of lead and 71 other impurities.
- Approved by Whirlpool, Amana, Maytag, JennAir, and KitchenAid.
- It needs replacement only every six months, thus cost-saving.
- NSF 42, 53 and 372
- WQT Gold Star
- UPC certified
- Sustainable Bamboo Carbon
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- NFS 401 Pro Version only
FilterLogic Refrigerator Water Filter
If you’re looking for the best refrigerator water filter, this one by FilterLogic may just be the one for you. Its well-planned design minimizes the chances of leakages, and its premium filtration system removes harmful substances from water.
The result is a glass of clean and crystal clear water that tastes as good as it looks. The filter manages to eliminate the taste and odor of chlorine that is used during the filtration process. Give this water filter a try and have peace of mind every time you pour yourself a glass of water.
Features
- NSF 53, 42, and 372 certified
- Carbon filter from high-grade coconut shell
- Amazing price
- Simple replacement process
- Leak-free fit
- It lasts up to 6 months or 300 gallons
- Lead-free material
- NSF 372 and 42 certified
- Coconut activated carbon block
- Quick installation
- It may not last for six months
Buyers Guide for Best Buy Refrigerator Water Filter
Here is a list of some essential features and aspects that you must check out in a water filter before purchasing it:
1. Contaminants Removal
The sole purpose of getting a refrigerator water filter is to remove most of the contaminants from water.
Having said that, the first suggestion from my side is to test your tap water and find out the concentration of contaminants in it first.
Once you find out which contaminants are in higher proportion, you can thus make a better decision.
Just make sure that the water filter you are about to purchase can remove the contaminants you are more concerned with, and you are good to go.
2. Filtration Life
The filtration life of a fridge water filter also matters a lot. It is the total life of a water filter before it gives up removing contaminants from water.
Most of the water filters available in the market offer a six-month filtration life. Be it the most prestigious brand or an unpopular one, experiments have shown that a water filter can no longer filter out most of the residue in water after six months.
Therefore, different brands always recommend replacing the water filters once they are done with filtering out the water for a long time.
3. Universal Compatibility
This is very important. A water filter with higher or universal compatibility can adjust in most refrigerator models without any hassle.
Your priority should be to get a compatible filter with almost all of the fridge models available in the market.
You can also run a search test to find out the perfect water filters for your refrigerator.
The endnote is that you must get a water filter that is compatible with whatever fridge model you are using.
4. Easy Assembly and Installation
One other important aspect that you should be looking out for in a refrigerator water filter is that it must come with easy installation.
The most common water filters available in the market have this trait you can manually install within two to three minutes.
In this regard, I would recommend purchasing a water filter that comes with a twist and inserts design. These filters are the easiest to install, and they could easily be removed at the same time.
5. Check the Micron Rating
Before you consider getting a water filter for your fridge, make sure that you check its micron rating.
Micron rating, in simple words, is the measurements of different contaminants such as bacteria or chlorine in the water.
Getting an idea of the micron rating ensures a better cleaning perspective as per the water source’s needs.
So, it’s essential to get an overview of what type of contaminants you want to be removed from the water and then crosscheck the micron rating of the water filter for better purification.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will All Filters Work With My Refrigerator?
No, all filters may not work with your refrigerator. While all refrigerator water filters use a similar filtration process, they are not universally compatible.
This is because they come not only in different sizes but are also company and model-specific. It is essential to check the compatibility list of the water filter before purchasing it.
2. Where Do I Find My Model Number?
The model number of your refrigerator water filter can be found on the sticker placed on it. And for your refrigerator, it can be found on the instructional manual of the refrigerator.
3. When Do I Need To Replace My Fridge Filter?
While most companies suggest changing the water filter in your refrigerator after six months or after filtering 200 gallons of water, it is best to change it after four months or after 100 gallons of water.
A good indicator of when to change your water filter is when the water tends to get cloudy. However, a rough estimation is around four months. Do bear in mind that this might vary from brand to brand.
4. How often to change the fridge water filter?
Every six months is advised, though some filters may last for less time than this if you use your fridge for water and ice a lot. There are a couple of refrigerator filters with 12-month lifespans, but this is about as long as they’ll last.
5. Do any fridge filters remove chloride?
No, not that we’ve found. Perhaps it’ll be possible in the future, but for now, if you’re looking for fluoride removal, you need a whole home or reverse osmosis filter.
Wrap Up
There are the best refrigerator water filters that you can use for side-by-side and French Door refrigerators. Also, these are installable for bottom-freezer refrigerators.
The filters use premium quality materials and 100% natural coconut shell carbon blocks. We have the top list for you with a buying guide.
Hence, you can select the one that you seem fit for installation. Always check the compatibility with your refrigerator’s model number. Most of the filters need changing after six months of use. It keeps your drinking water clean and fresh.
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