Under sink water filters have become more efficient than ever in recent years and as such, they provide any household with multiple benefits. A water filter placed under your sink is a great way to get clean, great tasting water right from your tap, without the need of any other filters. By choosing this device, you no longer need to buy bottled water, which is not only a good way to save money, but you also do your part when it comes to saving the environment because you use less plastic. The best under sink water filters can remove chemicals such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and chlorine from the water, together with any bad taste or odors.
Because they come with multiple technical features, it is not always easy to find the best under sink water filter for your needs. We took it upon us to find and review some of the most popular under sink water filters on the market, by taking into account multiple features such as filter stages, lifetime and capacity of the filter, flow rate, what chemicals it eliminates and more.
For our research, we spent days testing the products and reading dozens of reviews from both professionals and consumers who have used these filters in their homes. Below you will find a comparison table of the ten best under sink water filters on the market, together with comprehensive reviews for each of them and a buying guide that will make your selection easier. Now let’s have a look at the reviews for the best under sink water filters out there.
Extra features: comes with lead-free faucet, 6th stage PH+ alkaline re-mineralizing calcium filter increases water alkalinity
Rated for up to 75 gallons per day, the APEC ESSENCE ROES-PH75 is different from other under sink water filters because it includes a mineralization stage. This option is a popular add-on for filters with reverse osmosis because in many cases water that has been purified through these systems may have a bland taste. With a re-mineralization filter, you get all the safe and healthy minerals back into the water while also getting the pH of the water raised so the liquid is more alkaline. The final result is a fresher tasting mineral water that resembles the water you get in bottled form.
Users have mentioned that they like the way this compact system can be installed in a small undercounted space. Because this is a RO system, a quantity of the incoming water is used to create back pressure and flush the RO membrane. Users liked that you can reroute this wasted water for non-drinking use such as watering your garden, instead of sending it down the drain.
The APEC ESSENCE ROES-PH75 comes with a detailed manual and is easy to install even without the help of a specialist. While the filters don’t have an indicator, so you can see when they need changing, you can use a TDS meter to check if they are due for replacement.
Extra features: bacteriostatic filtration system
The CuZn UC-200 is an excellent choice for those who are looking for an under-sink water filter with a long life. This three-stage filtration system will last for five years, and it is very easy to install by simply connecting it to the cold waterline of your kitchen sink. Because this is a bacteriostatic filtration system, it means that it is not susceptible to bacteria growth or mold like carbon-only filters. Moreover, the filter purifies the water without removing any of the beneficial minerals that make the liquid healthy.
According to user reviews, the water obtained with the CuZn UC-200 has an exceptional taste, because the filter eliminates the chemical taste and smell associated with municipal water sources. Users also like that you can get different hoses or fittings to fit your particular type of waterline and sink, and you can get them by contacting the company that will send them to you for no extra charge.
The instructions for installing the CuZn UC-200 are very easy to follow and the company has a video guide available, so you can get your water filtered in no time. Users also like that once the filter was installed, it had almost no impact on water flow, which is something that many filters struggle with. The only tool required to install this filter is a crescent wrench.
Extra features: comes with faucet, tank and 4 replacement filters
Another budget choice, the Express Water RO5DX is easy to install and small enough to fit into any kitchen cabinet. This filter is an excellent option for those who are looking for an inexpensive filtration system that comes with its own faucet. With a flow rate of 0.8 GPM, the system uses high-quality filters that remove up to 99.99% of the contaminants in your water. Users liked that the filters are easy to replace, and they are inexpensive.
The installation of this unit is simple enough and the most cases you won’t need the help of a plumber. Because all the elements are color-coded, many users mention that assembling the water filter was a very easy process. What we liked about the Express Water RO5DX is that it is a very efficient unit with a 3:1 waste water to pure water ratio, which may not look perfect the first sight, but considering that some reverse osmosis systems can waste more than 20 gallons of water for every gallon filter, this one scores high on the efficiency scale.
The system uses a standout five-step filtration process to provide you with pure water, and the filters can remove chlorine, nitrates, bacteria, fluoride, and more. Users like that the system comes with a spare set of filters, so you can benefit from freshwater for at least 12 months before having to purchase other filters.
Extra features: lead-free faucet included, as well as everything needed for installation
This five-stage reverse osmosis water filter is our choice for the best under sink water filter with RO membrane as it has a longer membrane life and faster water flow than other models of this kind. Producing up to 75 gallons of drinking water per day, this under sink water filter removes sediments, sand, dust, and rust from water at the first stage, progressing to eliminating chlorine, cloudiness, colors, and any possible residual taste when it reaches the fifth stage, which is the inline carbon filter.
Users who tested this product in their homes liked its efficiency and the fact that the system comes with a good-looking faucet. Featuring a solid brass construction with a brushed nickel finish, the faucet is bound to look great in just about any kitchen.
The iSpring RCC7 is easy to install by yourself, and it shouldn’t take more than two hours to get it working, especially if you already have some DIY skills. This is despite the manual being rather poorly written, as mentioned by multiple users. However, some consumers have mentioned that iSpring’s customer service is very helpful if you call them for extra information regarding installation. The filtration system comes with Teflon tape included, so you can be sure nothing leaks after the installation.
Extra features: UV sterilization for maximum contaminant elimination, comes with installation DVD, PPM meter, faucet and tank
The NU Aqua Platinum Series 7 features a premium seven stage alkaline filter that provides you with healthier water with added minerals and increased antioxidants. While this may look like a more complicated under sink water filter, it is one of the best choices out there if you are looking for a reverse osmosis system that increases natural minerals such as iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, selenium, and copper.
Besides demineralizing your water, this filter kills up to 99% of bacteria and viruses and protects your family with ultraviolet sterilization. Some of the viruses and bacteria this filter can eliminate include fungi, E. coli, algae, and various types of microorganisms. Users like that this filtration system comes with an installation DVD, so you don’t necessarily need to employ the services of a plumber to have it installed, even though it is a more complicated affair. Moreover, users love that the system comes with free PPM meters that allow you to test the quality of your water quickly.
The seven-stage system consists of three pre-filters, two HydroCoil Technology carbon filters, one sediment filter, and a UV filter. After the water is pre-filtered, it is then processed by the TFC reverse osmosis membrane, refined by a carbon filter and sterilized with ultraviolet before reaching your glass. Many users have raved about the customer service of the manufacturer, who provided lots of help for those who encountered problems during the installation process.
Extra features: includes lead-free faucet
Another under sink water filter that is good value for money, the APEC WFS-1000 does an exceptional job at filtering out land and chlorine. While it is not as efficient at removing minerals from water, this water filter is a great option for those who are looking for an inexpensive solution to eliminate chlorine and lead from their water. The final result is water that is not salty as in the case of other filters that claim to eliminate chlorine, and the flow is one of the best we have seen in our tests.
This is a three-stage water filter system with long-lasting filters and made from high caliber components for reliable performance. The system is designed and engineered in the USA, and it provides a continuous supply of quality filtered water for your kitchen tap. The filters last for over 12 months and the system is very easy to install. Because it doesn’t require filter flushing on a regular basis, this system does not waste water, so you can be sure that everything goes straight into your cup, which is also good for the planet.
Even though users have mentioned that the filter is not the best when it comes to water that is full of minerals, it is still the best option out there for eliminating chlorine and lead while leaving you with spring-fresh water. Users like that the filter removes tastes, odors, and chemicals from the water, while still keeping the important minerals and alkalinity.
Extra features: comes as a complete assembled kit
The Woder 10K-Gen3 is a budget choice with an extremely effective filtering system. It comes with all the pieces and accessories you need to install it yourself and provides results you can obtain with more expensive models, at a fraction of the price. This NSF-approved system has been praised by users for its easy installation and use, as all you need is an adjustable wrench and you can install it yourself.
This inline water filter is marketed to last for up to 10,000 gallons of water, which means approximately three years of regular use. By using the Woder 10K-Gen3 filter, you only eliminate contaminants from the water, but leave in the essential minerals required for crisp and clean water. Some of the components eliminated include lead, chlorine, heavy metals, mercury, carcinogens, and volatile organic compounds. The result is pure fresh water from the tap that has the same taste and is as healthy as bottled water.
Users have often mentioned that by using this filter, the coffee and tea no longer have a metallic taste and that the dishes are cleaner, with no water spots on them. They also liked that the affirmation of the manufacturer that the filter does not affect the flow rate is indeed true. Both the cold and hot water pressure remain largely unaffected.
Extra features: eco-friendly, activated coconut carbon filter
The Epic Smart Shield removes 99.99% of the tap water contaminants and has an average filter life of 12+ months. Using an eco-friendly activated coconut carbon block filter media, this under sink filter eliminates more than 70 known water contaminants including some that most filters don’t tackle, such as traces of pharmaceuticals and MTBE, a gasoline fuel additive that is known to be present in tap water.
The design of the water filter has received lots of praise from users, mostly because it is unobtrusive and very easy to install. With light use, such as in the case of a single person, you can expect the filter to last for 14 to 16 months, while for heavier use, such as for a larger family or a couple with pets or many plants, you can expect to have to change it every nine to 12 months.
Users also liked that the filter preserves the high flow and pressure of the water, and that it connects to existing plumbing, so you don’t need to purchase any extra parts for installation. The selective filtration technology of this filter retains all the naturally occurring minerals in the water that are beneficial, such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium, something that you don’t usually get with RO-filtered water.
Extra features: certified filtration ratings – tested by the Water Quality Association
One of the best solutions out there for larger households, the Brondell Coral UC300 comes complete with an elegant chrome faucet with a built-in LED filter change indicator that lets you know when you should replace the filter. The powerful three-stage filtration system of this device eliminates most biological and chemical contaminants from your water without removing beneficial minerals. The superior filtration performance is due to certified carbon block filters. Users liked that the high filtration volume it is suitable for high use households, and you can get a 600-gallon capacity from one filter, which is designed to last for approximately one year.
This is one of the few under sink water filters out there that eliminates chloramines, which are highly corrosive and can affect human health. Because they are more stable than chlorine, they are more difficult to remove, which is the reason many filters are unable to eliminate them.
Users love the simplified installation process required for this filter, which comes with a faucet hose, a T-valve and several adapters. The twist and seal replacement system makes the filter replacement quick and easy, while the Brondell Coral UC300 fits well under sinks and counters and takes very little space. In our opinion, this filter system is a good choice for water treated with chloramine and for those who are looking for a system for larger households.
Extra features: different placing/installation options
Our budget choice is the Hansing Under Sink Water Filter that removes 99.9% lead, 99% chloramine, and 99.5% chlorine, together with bacteria, bad taste, rust, odors, and various heavy metals. Because it comes with brackets and flex hoses, you can install this water filtration system in just 10 minutes without any previous experience. Even though this is one of the least expensive under the sink water filters on the market, users raved about how easy it is to fit and how great the water tastes. Many of them mentioned that this filter removed metallic taste from water and that is a great replacement for buying water drugs with filters.
You can install this filter either horizontally or vertically and you can expect to obtain a 13,000-gallon capacity before needing to replace the filter cartridge. This is the equivalent of approximately three years of use, which means that you’ll get great value for your money. Because the filter doesn’t contain a reverse osmosis filter, it doesn’t remove fluoride, but it is still one of the best choices out there for those who don’t want to spend a lot on a basic filter that can improve the taste and quality of their water significantly.
Tap water is generally safe to drink, but it may still contain unhealthy levels of contaminants such as lead, bacteria, chlorine, and pesticides, especially in metropolitan areas. To remove these pollutants from your water and improve both the health of your family and the taste of the water you drink every day, an under sink water filter is one of the best options on the market. In this guide, we’ll go over the A-Z of choosing the best model for your needs.
A top quality under sink water filter is an excellent choice for the health of your family regardless of where you live. Even though in most cities and states the water is clean and filtered by the municipality, a good home water filter can further improve the quality of your tap water by eliminating lots of contaminants that can affect your family’s wellbeing. Besides making water safe to drink, these filters also improve the water taste and come with the added benefits of being easy to install. Most of them don’t require any additional space because you can fit them under any countertop.
Under sink water filters are more complicated systems than jug filters, and as such, you need to take into account multiple features before making a purchase. From the number of filter stages to the flow rate, from size to warranty, make sure that you consider every aspect before deciding which water filter would be a good choice for your kitchen.
Many of the water filter systems available on the market consists of several water filter cartridges that correspond to a specific filtration stage. When you browse for a water filter system, you’ll notice that units have varying stages of filtration that range from two-stage filters to 6+ stage ones. While systems with more filter cartridges are believed to do a better job when it comes to removing contaminants, they may reduce flow rates and are generally more expensive. Single-stage systems are also available, and they do a good job at removing taste and order filters, but they may not be as effective at removing chemical substances and bacteria from water.
Some under sink water filter systems may interfere with the flow rates of your tap water, so you should always check the specifications of the system to learn about the expected flow rates. For example, the APEC ROES-PH75 has a flow rate of 75 GPM (gallons per month), while the NU Aqua Platinum Series has a flow rate of 3 GPM.
The lifetime your water filter is a term that refers to the number of years you can expect the set to work overall.
You will need to replace the filters on a regular basis, with many of them being suitable for just one year of use.
However, some of the filters we reviewed come with enough replacements for over five years of use.
Different under sink water filters eliminate various types of contaminants, so you should check that the model you choose eliminates everything that you consider important, whether that is chlorine or fluorides. Keep in mind that not all filters eliminate all contaminants, with fluoride being an example of a substance that many of them do not remove. However, you should expect most of them to eliminate dust, rust, and the most common contaminants found in tap water.
Many water filters for tap water use TDS as a quality testing method. However, many consider that this is not a completely reliable measure, and the benefits of dissolved solids are currently an area of debate. The choice to remove dissolved solids is a very individual one, and it should be based on your preferences. However, keep in mind that even RO filters are not able to remove 100% of dissolved solids, and many consider that water without dissolved solids is considered to be “dead” water, without the nutritional benefits that your body requires.
Consider the temperature of the water you decide to use the filter with before purchase, by keeping in mind that many of them only work with cold water.
For some filters, manufacturers specify that they do not work with well water, whereas others mention that the water needs to be disinfected before filtration.
The size of the filters differs according to the model, but most of them can be fitted under any kitchen sink comfortably. Check how much space you have available before you settle on a model, to make sure that your chosen filter can be installed without issues.
Most under sink water filter systems come with all the parts that you need to install them by yourself, but some may require extra tubes or brackets depending on your plumbing system. Some models come with extras such as tanks or lead-free faucets.
The warranty of water filters differs from one manufacturer to another, but as a rule of thumb, you should expect to get a one-year warranty for parts and repairs.
After completing our thorough research, we concluded that the APEC ROES-PH75 is the best all-around under sink water filter on the market because it combines a compact size and easy installation with a thorough 6-stage filtration, giving you the purest, healthiest drinking water. If you are interested in a water filter with bacteriostatic filtration properties, we recommend the CuZn UC-200 that comes with the added advantage of being easy to install and use. If you’re looking for one of the most complete sets on the market, with everything you need for high quality water filtration, then the Express Water RO5DX would be a great option for you. No matter what kind of filtration system you require for your household, make sure that you do your research find a model that suits your particular needs and provides healthy water for your entire family.
