7 best water filters for sinks, refrigerators and more

It is easy to believe that the water that flows from your faucet is perfectly clean and safe to drink. But, unfortunately, decades of lax water quality standards mean that most, if not all, water sources in the United States contain at least some contaminants. This makes the water filter an indispensable element in any healthy home.
Save yourself the hassle of buying expensive and unsustainable bottled water with these filtration systems, certified to remove toxins by drinking water experts.
There are two main types of water filters on the market: carbon filters and reverse osmosis filters. Most jugs, bottles and dispensers are equipped with carbon filters.
They have an activated carbon layer that traps larger impurities such as lead. Sydney Evans, a science analyst at the Environmental Working Group (EWG) on tap water pollution, notes that these are more accessible, understandable and inexpensive types of filters. The caveat is that they can only handle a certain amount of contaminants. They also need to be replaced regularly as contaminants can build up inside the carbon filter and degrade water quality over time.
Reverse osmosis filters contain a carbon filter and another membrane to trap smaller contaminants that charcoal cannot. “It will filter almost everything out of your water, to the point where you might want to add things like salt or minerals to give it some flavor,” explained Eric D. Olson. Council (Council for the Protection of Natural Resources).
While these filters are more effective at capturing fine particles, they tend to be more expensive and more difficult to install. Evans also notes that they use up a lot of water while they work, something to keep in mind if you live in a water scarce area.
As for which type of filter to choose, it depends on the contaminants in your water source. Every major water utility in the United States (serving over 50,000 people) is required by law to test their water annually and publish a report of the results. It is called the Annual Water Quality Report, the Right to Know Report, or the Consumer Confidence Report. It should be easily accessible on the utility’s website. You can also check out the EWG tap water database for a quick look at the latest discoveries in your area. (These reports do not take into account contaminants that may be coming from your plumbing system; to get a complete picture of them, you will need professional water testing in your home,1 which is very expensive.)
Be prepared: your water quality report can contain a lot of information. Of the more than 300 contaminants that have been found in US drinking water systems, Evans explained, “only about 90 of them are actually regulated (legislative restrictions) doesn’t necessarily mean it’s safe.”
Olson noted that many of the country’s drinking water safety standards have not been updated since the 1970s and 1980s and are not keeping up with the latest scientific discoveries. They also do not always take into account the fact that although the substance is safe to drink in low doses, it can cause unwanted effects if taken daily, several times a day. “You have a number of things that have an immediate impact, but also things that show up years later, but are very serious, like cancer,” he said.
Those who use well water or use a small municipal system that they suspect is poorly maintained may also want to look into water filters. In addition to filtering out chemical pollutants, they also kill waterborne pathogens that can cause diseases such as legionella. However, most water treatment systems remove them, so they are not a problem for most people.
Both Olson and Evans are reluctant to recommend one filter over another, as your best choice will depend on your water source. Your lifestyle also plays a role, as some people are fine with a small jug filled every day, while others get annoyed and need a larger filtration system. Maintenance and budget are other considerations; Although reverse osmosis systems are more expensive, they do not require as much maintenance and filter replacement.
With that in mind, we went ahead and looked for seven water filters that purify water in slightly different ways, but they all do the job well. We have carefully studied customer reviews to find products that have the fewest problems and make everyday use easy.
The options below cover budget, size, and system, but they all score highly for ease of installation, use, and replacement as needed. Each company is transparent about the contaminants their filters reduce and have them independently certified by third party testers for what they say they do.
“It’s important that people don’t buy filters just because [the company] says it’s a good filter. You need to get a certified filter,” Olson said. As such, all of the products on this list have been certified by NSF International or the Water Quality Association (WSA), the two leading independent testing organizations in the tap water industry. You will not find ambiguous statements that are not supported by third party testing.
All of these filters have been independently tested to prove they reduce claimed contaminants. We identify some of the major contaminants in our product descriptions.
All of these filters are designed to last longer than their competitors and can be easily and intuitively replaced when needed.
In this list, you’ll find a filter to suit your preferences, from small cooler jars to whole-house systems.
We will definitely include carbon filters and reverse osmosis filters in our list for every taste and budget.
The PUR charcoal filter comes with three screw mounts and is easy to install on most faucets (just don’t try to install it on pull-out or hand faucets). Reviewers note that it is easy to install in minutes and produces noticeably cleaner water. The standout feature of this product is a built-in light that will alert you when the filter needs to be replaced, reducing the chance of water contamination from a dirty filter. Each filter typically purifies about 100 gallons of water and lasts for three months. Certified by NSF to remove 70 contaminants (see full list here), this filter is ideal for those who want to protect their kitchen tap water from lead, pesticides and disinfection by-products without the need for a more comprehensive filter. It is a good choice for reverse osmosis system.
If you always prefer cold, filtered water in the fridge (and don’t mind constantly refilling the kettle), then this option is for you. It’s lightweight and features a unique top spout and side tap design that allows you to fill your water bottle quickly and access clean water while the top compartment is still filtering. Reviewers appreciated the stylish design and the included water quality tester that helps you determine when to change the filter. (You can expect to get 20 gallons of clean water from each filter, and they usually last about one to two months, depending on how often you use them.) Be sure to replace filters regularly, and clean and wipe the inside of the filter. . also dry the jug so that mold does not form. This filter is NSF certified to reduce PFOS/PFOA, lead and listed pollutants.
The APEC system is ideal for installing disposable wash filters. Its reverse osmosis design includes five stages of filtration to reduce over 1,000 contaminants in drinking water. The only drawback is that each filter must be replaced individually, but not more than once a year. While there is a setup guide to do it yourself, you may need to call in a professional if you’re not that accommodating. Once installed, reviewers appreciated that the system is reinforced to prevent leaks and deliver ultra-pure water beyond the capabilities of a standard carbon filter.
This whole house system will keep your water filtered for up to six years and can handle 600,000 gallons without replacement. Its multi-slot design filters chemical contaminants, softens and purifies water while removing microbes, viruses and bacteria. It is designed to provide quick access to water without clogging and is treated to prevent the growth of bacteria and algae. Reviewers note that once installed (you might want to call in a professional), the system mostly works by itself and requires minimal maintenance.
This durable stainless steel water bottle filters 23 contaminants from the faucet, including lead, chlorine and pesticides, and the bottle itself is BPA free. Its filter can agitate up to 30 gallons of water and typically lasts about three months. It is recommended to stock up on replacement filters in advance, they cost $12.99 each. Reviewers praise the bottle’s sleek and durable design, but be aware that it takes some effort to pump the filtered water through the straw. This is a great option to take with you if you are traveling to a new area and are not sure about the water.
Vacationers who need to quickly clear and purify fresh water sources will want to check out GRAYL. This powerful cleaner removes pathogens and bacteria as well as chlorine, pesticides and some heavy metals. You simply fill the bottle with water from the river or tap, press the cap for eight seconds, then release, and three glasses of pure water are right at your fingertips. Each carbon filter can use approximately 65 gallons of water before it needs to be replaced. Reviewers note that it works well on multi-day hikes, but keep in mind that when you’re heading into a remote area, you’ll always need to carry a spare source of water with you just in case.
This BPA-free water dispenser can be placed on your countertop or in your refrigerator for quick access to clean water. It holds 18 glasses of water, and reviewers note that it’s easy to pour down the sink. We recommend using it with an NSF-certified Brita longlast+ filter to remove chlorine, lead and mercury for up to six months (120 gallons). Bonus: Unlike most carbon filters, which have to be thrown in the trash, they can be recycled using the TerraCycle program.
In short, yes. “Despite some regulations, the water that flows from your tap does carry a certain level of health risk, depending on the contaminants found in your drinking water and their levels,” Evans repeated. “I don’t think that in all my research I’ve come across water that doesn’t have contaminants in it. There might be something worth filtering.”
Because of the huge gap between legal and safe drinking water, it pays to be careful and filter the water you drink every day.
Filtering your water with one of these seven certified systems is one way to make sure you don’t accidentally drink anything that could make you sick. Once you have made your personal choice to purchase a filter, you may also want to consider taking steps to clean up your entire water supply.
“The best solution for everyone is to have access to safe and well-tested tap water, so not every man, woman and child has to buy and maintain a household filter themselves,” Olson said.
Tightening drinking water regulations in the United States is no doubt a long and complicated process, but you can show your support by contacting your local member of Congress or EPA representative and asking your community to develop safer drinking water standards. Hopefully one day we won’t need to filter our drinking water at all.


Post time: Jan-04-2023