A fridge without a water filter is like a phone without a case. You can get by without it but eventually, something bad is going to happen. If you don’t want chlorine, lead, and other harmful particles in your glass of water from the fridge, opt for the best refrigerator water filters.
We’ve gathered 25 products and put them through a rigorous testing process to find 10 best of the best. The winner is the EveryDrop by Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Filter 1. Refrigerator model compatibility is the first thing we considered as some filters are only compatible with specific models. We’ve also looked at the filtration performance and the ability to remove contaminants like chlorine, lead, and cysts. Finally, we checked the filter life as you don’t want to be constantly replacing the filters.
More features: reduces 24 contaminants including lead
The first product on our list is the EveryDrop by Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Filter 1. Versatile, durable, and incredibly efficient, this water filter is our top pick and we promise you that it will completely handle your refrigerator’s filtration needs. Being a versatile model, it can be used with different types of refrigerators, including KitchenAid, Whirpool, Jenn Air Maytag, and Amana. Moreover, it works with refrigerators with bottom freezer, top freezer, and side by side designs.
The filter is designed to remove the majority of your water contaminants, guaranteeing you of clean, clear drinking water. Not only that, but it uses Triple Filtration Technology, which consists of micro-filtration, absorption-filtration, and particle-filtration. While absorption filtration blocks microscopic contaminants, micro filtration absorbs medium-sized particles. The particle filtration, in its turn, captures larger particles. With this technology, you’re guaranteed of thorough and more efficient filtration process.
This NSF certified filter is sure to get rid of up to 24 contaminants in your water. Actually, it targets lead, mercury, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and also herbicides and pesticides. Also, it removes chlorine taste and odor from water, which makes it taste and look like mineral water. According to the manufacturer, the filter should be replaced after it has filtered up to 200 gallons of water or after six months. However, despite how great this filter is, it is somewhat expensive, which is probably the only drawback we noticed.
More features: 34-100F operating temperature
Of course, almost everyone in the world knows that Samsung is one of the leading companies when it comes to the manufacturing of electronics. What most people don’t know, however, is that the company also produces refrigerator water filters. If you own a Samsung refrigerator, this might be the ideal option for you as this water filter is suitable for an extensive range of Samsung fridges. Apart from delivering clear and clean water with an excellent taste, this filter also protects your refrigerator components from sediment accumulation.
Furthermore, this product comes with a revolutionary technology, which helps it to eliminate all your water impurities. While it will remove all the bad things that your water may contain, it won’t remove fluoride, as it is beneficial. This model also features a remarkable light indicator, which allows you to know the filter’s condition. The indicator enables you to know when it’s time to change the filter.
This NSF certified filter is produced using a high-quality carbon block, which allows it to remove up to 99 percent of harmful contaminants in the water. Besides, this water filter is easy to change since you only have to open the compartment of the filter, remove the worn out one, and then twist the new one in. After that, you will be ready to go. Obviously, this filter isn’t without a flaw, which is typical of everything that is man-made. A lot of users reported a slight leak, regardless of how properly installed it is.
More features: 34-100F operating temperature
Of course, almost everyone in the world knows that Samsung is one of the leading companies when it comes to the manufacturing of electronics. What most people don’t know, however, is that the company also produces refrigerator water filters. If you own a Samsung refrigerator, this might be the ideal option for you as this water filter is suitable for an extensive range of Samsung fridges. Apart from delivering clear and clean water with an excellent taste, this filter also protects your refrigerator components from sediment accumulation.
Furthermore, this product comes with a revolutionary technology, which helps it to eliminate all your water impurities. While it will remove all the bad things that your water may contain, it won’t remove fluoride, as it is beneficial. This model also features a remarkable light indicator, which allows you to know the filter’s condition. The indicator enables you to know when it’s time to change the filter.
This NSF certified filter is produced using a high-quality carbon block, which allows it to remove up to 99 percent of harmful contaminants in the water. Besides, this water filter is easy to change since you only have to open the compartment of the filter, remove the worn out one, and then twist the new one in. After that, you will be ready to go. Obviously, this filter isn’t without a flaw, which is typical of everything that is man-made. A lot of users reported a slight leak, regardless of how properly installed it is.
More features: coconut carbon block for advanced filtration; comes in a pack of 3
Efficient, long-lasting, and easy to install, the PureLine PL-100 is a decent addition to Pureline’s long list of high-quality water filters. While it doesn’t have a super thorough high-end filtration process, that’s nothing surprising considering the fact that it is an aftermarket replacement refrigerator water filter. Apart from that though, it has all the certifications usually issued by independent labs, which makes us fairly confident about its performance. While it’s not really suited to many refrigerators, it performs decently on the ones it works with.
Furthermore, apart from making sure that your water tastes very fresh and clean, the Pureline PL-100 also removes 99 percent of herbicides, chromium, lead mercury, and pesticides. For advanced filtration, the product is made using Coconut Carbon Block, which is among the most premium materials on the market. It allows for the filtration pores to be sufficiently tiny to trap the smallest particles. The filter is also long-lasting. In fact, it’s recommended by the manufacturers to replace the filter every six months or every 300 gallons, based on whichever one that comes first.
While this model comes with a couple of shortcomings, it surely provides a decent performance for the money. It’s an excellent option if you’re just looking for your water to taste better and looking for an affordable choice.
More features: filters chlorine taste and odor
Like Samsung, LG is also a manufacturer that is primarily known for electronics. However, they also produce refrigerator water filters, and they are quite good at it. The LG LT800P is one of their inventions, and it’s designed with LG refrigerators in mind. Apart from being compact, this product is also lightweight, which makes it seem appealing to a lot of people. Not only that, but it is also easy to install, so you don’t need any special tools to start enjoying fresh and clean water.
Of course, the fact that it is a water filter doesn’t mean it has to be flimsy. Nobody understands this better than LG, and that is why they have made this product to be very sturdy. Moreover, the model has a quite reliable filtration mechanism, which makes it most people’s preferred option when looking for an LG refrigerator water filter. It promises to remove almost all the contaminants, leaving you with clean and safe drinking water.
In terms of the filtration capacity, this model has a capacity of 200 gallons, which is equivalent to about six months. After six months or 200 gallons, then you need to replace it if you want your water to remain clean and safe. In terms of drawbacks, the only one we found with this model is that it gives the water a strange taste in the first few days. However, the taste naturally goes away very soon, making this shortcoming a negligible one.
More features: no tools or water-turnoff required to replace cartridge inside refrigerator; filters 50+ impurities
Featuring some of the best features you will ever find in a refrigerator water filter, the GE RPWFE Refrigerator Water Filter is one of the first options you should look at when choosing the right water filter for your fridge. Equipped with the advanced premium filtration system, this system is capable of eliminating up to five pharmaceutical contaminants from your water. Apart from that, it also helps to eliminate chlorine and heavy metals, leaving you with a super-clean, safe water.
In addition, this model also promises to eliminate bad odor from your water, so you don’t need to cope with the chlorine smell or anything like that. Moreover, it’s outfitted with a unique technology which helps it to retain the essential minerals. While some other models on the market usually remove everything, including the vital minerals, this one is designed to automatically detect them and spare then.
Apart from the filter’s ability to efficiently clean your water, it is also super easy to install and set up. You don’t need to call a professional for the installation process. The package includes the installation instructions, which you can easily follow without having any special skills. However, this model is also costly, which is probably the only drawback it has.
More features: comes in a pack of 3; made of lead-free material
Waterdrop is a brand renowned for its production of water filters that fit an extensive array of refrigerators, and the Waterdrop UKF8001 shows exactly why. Whether you own a Maytag, Kitchenaid, or Kenmore refrigerator, this super-efficient model from Waterdrop is the perfect replacement model for you. It’s designed to deliver safe, great-tasting water and ice directly from your fridge to you and your family.
The Waterdrop UKF8001 is an excellent choice for three primary reasons. First of all, it comes with three filters at a fraction of the price of one OEM filter. With this, you are supported for almost one and a half year as one unit is expected to spend up to six months. Secondly, the filters fit an extensive variety of models, which includes Whirlpool refrigerators. Thirdly, it provides a lot of value for the money. Apart from using coconut carbon blocks for absorbing unhealthy contaminants, the filter is also NSF certified.
The coconut shell technology the filter is equipped with will help clean your water from benzene, chlorine taste and odor, lead, cysts, asbestos, and many others. The filter also has a simple and easy-to-install design – you only need to twist and snap it in. Although, it doesn’t fit snuggly and may leak a bit. While the water could turn black immediately after the installation, there is no cause for alarm. That is absolutely normal for charcoal filters like this. Just keep running the water until it’s become clean.
More features: leak-proof fit
The Mist by ClearWater is another premium-quality refrigerator water filter on our list. With its activated carbon and leak-proof filter, this model is capable of trapping contaminants and offering a new taste and freshness to the water, which conveniently makes it safe for drinking. In all honesty, it is one of the best water filters you can use for your refrigerator. While it’s best suited for Samsung refrigerators, it actually works with a wide range of other brands, making it a perfect fit for a lot of users.
Made with high-quality carbon, this water filter features 0.5-micron small pore size. Not only that, but it is also NSF certified up to 42 to capture microbes, VOCs, heavy metals, industrial chemicals, and pharmaceutical chemicals. It perfectly fits into the refrigerator and is completely leak-free. And since no tools are required, installing or setting it up is quite straightforward.
After it’s been installed, you don’t really have need reason to interfere with it again as it’s guaranteed to function correctly for six months or until it has dispensed 300 gallons of water. Moreover, the product comes at an extremely reasonable price, which makes it an appealing choice for a lot of people. However, it’s been reported that this model may be too slow in its operation, which is a concern for people whose focus is speed.
More features: leak-free fit; comes in a pack of 3
FilterLogic is one of the most prominent manufacturers in the business, and yet again, they have come through with a premium-quality refrigerator water filter. While this one is a budget-friendly option, it’s still capable of going toe-to-toe with some expensive models is nothing short of sensational. The filter delivers clear, clean water that tastes and looks excellent and protects your refrigerator components from potential sediment.
Like most premium-quality water filters, this one is also made with high-quality coconut carbon block, which helps it to reduce chlorine, odor, and taste in your water, giving you fresh and clean drinking water. Simply put, this water filter allows you to enjoy clean water right from the dispenser of your refrigerator without needing to worry whatsoever, and while costing a lot less than the original.
Furthermore, this premium filter is certified by NSF International to NSF 42 for the reduction of taste, odor, and chlorine. In addition to that, it’s been tested rigorously for safety, and it is also certified to NSF 372 for lead-free material. Moreover, this model is very easy to install without needing any tools. While a lot of customers reported that it gave a funny taste to their water for the first few days of its installation, the taste went away after a while.
More features: filters lead, mercury, cysts and emerging contaminants
Another excellent water filter on our list is the Kenmore Elite ADQ73613402, which also comes with an array of functions and features that make it a worthy pick. Efficient, long-lasting, and durable, this model from Kenmore has everything to provide you with clean and safe drinking water for many months to come. In fact, this refrigerator water filter doesn’t only clean your water and make it safe for consumption, it also gets rid of strange tastes.
What’s more, the product has a capacity of 200 gallons, which means you only need to replace the water after it has filtered 200 gallons of water. Since keeping a tab of this may be fairly complicated, it is recommended by the manufacturers to replace the filter after every six months. However, some users feel it doesn’t last for six months, so we advise you to stick to the rule of changing the water filter as soon as you detect a significant decrease in water flow.
The Kenmore has also earned two NSF certifications – 42, and 53. According to NSF lab reports, this filter reduces lead and asbestos by 99 percent on an average, while it reduces chlorine odor and taste by 97 percent. It is also easy to install, as you only need to slide the filter in until it snaps. The only point of criticism is the jackhammer noise you may hear, which is usually caused by air pockets in the water line or filter.
As shown by our reviews, refrigerator water filters are designed to remove diverse water contaminants and have different longevities, even though they often look alike. As a result of this, finding the right model may be difficult for you.
In the section below, we explain extensively how to find the right model for your refrigerator, and we answer some questions you may have.
Having a good refrigerator water filter comes with many advantages. First of all, they’re very convenient as they provide clean, great-tasting water right from the water dispenser of your refrigerator. Also, they filter the water used by your fridge to produce ice, so you can expect your ices to be crystal clear and free of odors and off-tastes.
Drinking filtered water also comes with health benefits for your family as filter usually eliminates potential illness-causing contaminants from your water. If you’re using city water, there are chances that it contains chloramines or chlorine due to sanitization, and those chemicals can leave a strong odor and taste behind, and may even result in health problems over time. These water filters eliminate up to 99 percent of chlorine, leaving you with great-tasting and smelling water.
However, it removes more than chlorine from your water. Since water filters utilize activated carbon filtration, they’re also capable of effectively eliminating harmful compounds such as mercury, lead, and other metals. They also reduce chemicals and pharmaceuticals, such as pesticides. In fact, some water filters even get rid of bacteria and viruses.
Also, your family will be encouraged to consume more water since there is unlimited chilled water right at the dispenser of your refrigerator. Drinking a lot of water is vital for brain health and cardiovascular. In fact, one of the most popular causes of low energy levels and challenges with concentration and focus is dehydration. Being able to get cold, clean water makes it effortless for you and your family to consume water rather than sugary drinks.
While you’ll need to replace your water filter a few times every year, your filtered water will still cost only pennies for every gallon. Of course, that’s a lot less expensive than purchasing bottled water all the time. Besides, there is no need to carry large bottles of water home every week.
Moreover, you won’t need to be throwing plastic bottles of water away, so you are doing your bit to save the environment as well. Simply buy refillable bottles for your whole family, and they can have clean drinking water with them at all times.
Buying the right refrigerator water filter can be a big challenge because of the embarrassment of options on the market. Thus, you need to be well equipped with all the information necessary when choosing the right model for your needs and for your refrigerator.
There are many factors that need to be considered when finding the right refrigerator water filter. The main factors you need to consider include the following:
First of all, you need to ensure that the water filter you’re getting is compatible with your specific refrigerator. This is because some of these water filters are engineered to work with certain kinds of fridges. For some, you even need to enter the part number before making your purchase so that you will be able to get the ideal one for your refrigerator.
It would be vital to make sure the model’s compatibility is right before shelling your money on it. We advise you to look for models that can work with a wide range of brands and models without any problem, such as the EveryDrop by Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Filter 1.
You could also visit the Amazon links of all the models to verify if it really works with your specific refrigerator.
Each refrigerator water filter comes with different amounts of usage ascribed to them, either in terms of the amount of water they will filter effectively or the longevity of the filter itself. Most of them will enable you to replace a filter while others may need you to replace the enter filtration system. In an ideal world, you’ll want a system that’ll last six months at least.
Various refrigerator water filters come with different flow rates and operating pressure. Keep in mind that any unit that has low numbers next to these specifications listed on the package will probably be inconvenient. The speed or flow rate of the water filter will depend hugely on its type. Thus, get a filter that features a high flow rate if you’re looking for something convenient to use.
In your bid to determine the model that will deliver the kind of performance you need, you must take the capacity into consideration. For the majority of water filters like the Mist by ClearWater and the LG LT800P, you will realize that they come with 200 to 300 gallons water capacity. In other words, they are expected to last for about six months at least before needing to be replaced.
Your failure to replace such filter after six months means you shouldn’t expect to your refrigerator to dispense clean, filtered water any longer. Keep in mind, that if you consume more than 300 gallons in 6 months, it means you need to replace your filter more frequently.
Without a doubt, the filtration technology is something that needs to be considered. It is important to find a model that comes with the right filtration technology as the technology is responsible for how well the product removes contaminants from your water. Of course, everybody wants a refrigerator water filter that will efficiently filter their water. So, it is crucial to consider the filtration technology the water filter you are looking at is equipped with.
In the past, anyone could manufacturer any water filter and claim that it would be effective at producing safe water. However, with the emergence of independent authorities nowadays, you can easily find out if their claims are true or not.
The American National Standards Institute and NSF International are the major two organizations that test and give certifications to refrigerator water filters. Therefore, if a model has been certified by either of the organizations or even both, there are chances that the model will give you the performance you are looking for.
While NSF standard No. 42 handles chlorine reduction, standard No. 53 deals with heavy metals such as mercury and lead.
It is always a great thing when you are protected to a degree should your refrigerator water filter stop working as it should be or stops working totally. With a warranty, you will be adequately protected in the event that you receive a faulty product or it stops functioning appropriately after a particular period of time.
In general, the longer the warranty period, the more assured or confident a company is in their product, so you need to always look for a model that comes with a decent warranty period. With such warranty period, you can be rest assured that the company will replace or repair your product should you encounter any problem with it.
Apart from the obvious, there are also some extra features you need to consider when buying a refrigerator water filter. Ideally, you should look for one that is made with coconut shell carbon as it’s the best material for manufacturing water filters. Besides, you also need to check the number of units included in the package, as some models like the Waterdrop UKF8001 and the FilterLogic FL-RF13 often come with up to three units in a single package.
In order to fix the problem, hold the old water filter in the locking system and keep twisting it before allowing it to come out. With this, you are kind of utilizing the old water filter as a screwdriver for opening the locking mechanism.
If that doesn’t work, however, most of these products often come with a money-back guarantee. With the guarantee, you can easily return it and get a full refund within the stipulated period. Usually, between 30 to 90 days.
Versatility is often the number one feature that water filter buyers look for, and there is no model that is more versatile than our top pick, the EveryDrop by Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Filter 1. Apart from being equipped with a unique technology that allows it to remove all water contaminants, this model is also versatile enough to work with almost all brands and types of refrigerators. It’s the best refrigerator water filter on this list by a considerable margin.
Samsung is a brand that is widely known for its excellence, so it shouldn’t surprise anyone that their Samsung HAF-CIN/EXP is our second pick here. Featuring a revolutionary technology, this model promises to provide you with super-clean and safe drinking water for up to six months.
Our third pick is the Frigidaire WF3CB, which with its NSF 42, 53, and 401 certifications guarantees to provide the best performance. Despite the high performance it offers, however, it won’t leave a big hole in your pocket, which is a remarkable attribute that attracts a lot of customers.
