Best Home Water Filtration System – Recommended Water filters
Best Home Water Filtration System – Recommended Water filters
It’s important to know what, if any, contaminants are in your water before you buy a filter. Then you can match the filter to the problem. Also consider how much water you consume vs. how much effort and disruption to your daily routine you’re willing to tolerate. Generally, the more contaminants you need to remove, the more complicated the filter, though there are trade-offs to every choice.
Our top picks tend to be excellent at removing those impurities their makers claim they remove. Don’t forget installation costs, which could be $150 to $300 for an undersink or reverse-osmosis system.
The Ratings rank filters within a type by performance.
In our lab tests, Water filters are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.
Lead removal: Lead removal indicates the percentage of lead that was removed by each filter.
Flow rate: Flow rate is how fast a gallon of water filtered through the cartridge. The criteria for flow rate scores differ between different types of filters. Faucet-mount, countertop, and undersink models have the same criterion; carafes and reverse osmosis models each have their own.
Clogging: Clogging measures how well the filter retains its flow rate over time and whether it stopped flowing completely before its claimed life span.
Home Water Filtration System – Best Water filter Pitcher
Clear2O Water Pitcher filters to reduce up to 53 contaminants, its block carbon filter cleans 50-gallon (that's 88+ refills.), the equivalent of 378 disposable half-liter water bottles. Adapts easily to a number of faucets with the simple faucet connector
Lead removal
9.5
Chloroform removal
9.5
Flow rate
9.5
Clogging
8.8
PROS
Clear2O’s carafe-based filter was superb at removing lead and organic compounds in our tests and costs relatively little per year to do it. There’s also a filter-life indicator that tells you when it’s time to change the filter. You fill the carafe by removing your kitchen faucet’s aerator and connecting the attached hose to your faucet, which allows quicker fill-ups than you typically get from a carafe filter.
CONS
The included adapters may not be compatible with spray-type faucets, and you can’t fill the carafe manually. Note that a number of user reviews from subscribers cited complaints for this model related to connecting the filter to their existing faucet. Some reported having to purchase an additional hose extension to successfully fill their carafe.
ZeroWater's 10 Cup Water Filtration Pitcher features a one-hand, push to dispense spigot that allows you to fill your cup or favorite water bottle without any lifting. The 5-stage filter transforms your tap water into delicious, TDS-free drinking water. All ZeroWater products include a free Water Quality Meter to test your water to ensure the highest quality filtration on the market. Get more out of your water with ZeroWater's 5- Stage Water Filtration.
Lead removal
8.5
Chloroform removal
8.8
Flow rate
8.5
Clogging
8.8
PROS
It also maintained a consistent flow rate with practically no clogging when we overloaded it with contaminants. As with both the carafe filters we've recommended, there's a filter-life indicator that tells you when it's time to change the filter.
CONS
ZeroWater's 10-cup, carafe-based filter doesn't claim to remove organic compounds but was impressive at filtering out lead in our tests.
Note that a number of user reviews from subscribers cited complaints for this model related to the quality of the components, as well as the taste of the water, though our tests have found that all carafe filters are only mediocre at improving taste.
Features & Specs
NSF certified for lead removal
Yes
NSF certified for organic contaminants removal
No
Filter cost
180
Filter-life indicator
Yes
ZeroWater 10 Cup Pitcher with Free Water Quality Meter
Tested and certified by the Water Quality Association and NSF International for removal of several minerals, ZeroWater is the only filtration system that fits the FDA definition of purified bottled water. The ZeroWater pitcher not only improves the taste of your tap water, it also helps to improve the environment. When you use the ZeroWater Pitcher, you'll reduce your use of plastic water bottles that clog up landfills and harm ecosystems. You'll also contribute to water conservation, because unlike reverse-osmosis systems, ZeroWater is gravity operated and doesn't waste electricity or water.
Lead removal
8.5
Chloroform removal
8.3
Flow rate
8.5
Clogging
8.6
PROS
It also maintained a consistent flow rate with practically no clogging when we overloaded it with contaminants. As with both the carafe filters we've recommended, there's a filter-life indicator that tells you when it's time to change the filter.
CONS
ZeroWater's 10-cup, carafe-based filter doesn't claim to remove organic compounds but was impressive at filtering out lead in our tests.
Note that a number of user reviews from subscribers cited complaints for this model related to the quality of the components, as well as the taste of the water, though our tests have found that all carafe filters are only mediocre at improving taste.
Home Water Filtration System – Best Faucet-mounted water filters
1CulliganFM-15A
CulliganFM-15A
8.5Expert Score
The Culligan FM-25 faucet mount filter kit is compact and mounts directly onto your existing faucets with no tools in seconds. The filter switches easily from unfiltered to filtered water by simply pulling the diverter valve stem to provide a simple solution for healthier and cleaner drinking water. The Culligan FM-25 filter reduces cryptosporidium, giardia cysts, lead, chlorine, and other bad tastes and odors.
Lead removal
8.8
Chloroform removal
8.8
Flow rate
7.8
Clogging
8.6
PROS
This low-priced, faucet-mounted filter from Culligan was top-notch in our tests for removing lead and organic compounds, and its annual filter costs are low as well. It also did its job without clogging.
CONS
On the minus side, there’s no filter-life indicator, and you’ll have to wait for your filtered water, as its flow rate was notably slow..
The Culligan FM-15A faucet mount filter kit is compact and mounts directly onto your existing faucets with no tools in seconds. The filter switches easily from unfiltered to filtered water by simply pulling the diverter valve stem to provide a simple solution for healthier and cleaner drinking water. The Culligan FM-15A filter reduces cryptosporidium, giardia cysts, lead, chlorine, and other bad tastes and odors.
Lead removal
8.8
Chloroform removal
8.8
Flow rate
7.8
Clogging
8.6
PROS
This low-priced, faucet-mounted filter from Culligan was top-notch in our tests for removing lead and organic compounds, and its annual filter costs are low as well. It also did its job without clogging.
CONS
On the minus side, there’s no filter-life indicator, and you’ll have to wait for your filtered water, as its flow rate was notably slow..
Home Water Filtration System – Best Countertop water filters
1Amway eSpring 10-0188
Amway eSpring 10-0188
8.7Expert Score
This in-home water treatment system, with a patented cartridge design incorporates a carbon-block filter and UV light, reduces potential health-effect impurities, and destroys microorganisms. This unit comes with the eSpring Diverter Kit for quick connection to your existing faucet.<br />
Lead removal
8.9
Chloroform removal
8.9
Flow rate
8.5
Clogging
8.9
PROS
This Amway countertop water filter did great at removing lead and organic compounds in our tests, but its performance--along with niceties like ultraviolet light and other means of purification--comes at a high cost for both the the initial unit and annual filter replacement. A little larger than a half-gallon container, the unit filtered clog-free, and its flow rate was impressive. There's also a filter-life indicator.
This in-home water treatment system, with a patented cartridge design incorporates a carbon-block filter and UV light, reduces potential health-effect impurities, and destroys microorganisms. This unit comes with the eSpring Diverter Kit for quick connection to your existing faucet.<br />
Lead removal
8.9
Chloroform removal
8.9
Flow rate
8.0
Clogging
8.9
PROS
Shaklee’s countertop water filter did great at filtering out lead and organic compounds in our tests, and it costs less than average for annual filter costs. While its flow rate was mediocre, it filtered clog-free through our tests.
CONS
One minus: There’s no filter-life indicator, which tells you when it’s time to change the filter.
Multipure's Aquaversa Drinking Water System offers a powerful and convenient method to obtain cleaner, healthier drinking water in your home or office. The Aquaversa features a stainless-steel housing and is designed for versatile installation options. This Multipure Model MP750 Drinking Water System comes with a Below Sink Kit and Chrome Faucet.
Lead removal
8.7
Chloroform removal
8.8
Flow rate
8.3
Clogging
8.4
PROS
This undersink filter from Multi-Pure is on the pricey side but delivered top-notch, clog-free filtering of lead and organic compounds in our tests. Its flow rate was impressive, better than most other undersink filters. Another plus: Its annual filter costs are below-average for this type of filter.
The 3M Aqua-Pure AP-DWS1000 Under Sink Dedicated Faucet Water Filter System includes everything needed for most installations, including: a polished chrome dedicated faucet, quick-connect fittings, an attached mounting bracket, shroud and tubing. Also included is a built-in shut-off valve that allows for changing the Sanitary Quick Change filters without shutting off the water supply.
Lead removal
8.7
Chloroform removal
8.8
Flow rate
8.1
Clogging
8.6
PROS
Aqua-Pure’s undersink water filter delivered stellar, clog-free filtering but at high initial and annual costs. On the minus side: Its flow rate was so-so.
CONS
There’s also no filter-life indicator, but the product automatically shuts off the system after 625 gallons to remind you to change cartridges.
Features & Specs
NSF certified for lead removal
Yes
NSF certified for organic contaminants removal
Yes
Filter cost
116
Filter-life indicator
No
3M Aqua-Pure Under Sink Water Filtration System – Model AP-DWS1000
American Plumber WLCS-1000 Under-Sink Water Filter System.
Lead removal
8.5
Chloroform removal
8.6
Flow rate
7.7
Clogging
8.6
PROS
If you’re okay with a plodding flow rate, there’s plenty to like about this American Plumber undersink filter. Superb, clog-free filtering of lead and organic compounds in our tests is a top attraction. It’s also well-priced, with low annual filter costs, and has a filter-life indicator, which tells you when it’s time to change the filter.
Home Water Filtration System -Best Reverse osmosis water filters
1Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Station
8.7Expert Score
The K5 is smartly designed to be convenient and economical, provide an abundant supply of high-quality water, be easy to use and maintain, and provide the best-tasting water. When you own a K5, you know you are doing all you can to provide your family with the highest water quality at the best price.
Lead removal
9.0
Chloroform removal
9.0
Flow rate
8.5
Clogging
8.8
PROS
If water contamination is a serious concern, Kinetico's reverse-osmosis filtering system had the best possible filtration overall--though it's the priciest we tested even before the hundreds you'll pay annually for parts and labor to change its filters. Its flow rate, though slight compared with other types of filters, was best of all the reverse-osmosis systems we tested. And it has a filter-life indicator, which tells you when it's time to have filters changed.
Features & Specs
NSF certified for lead removal
No
NSF certified for organic contaminants removal
No
Filter cost
Professional service (PS) is recommended by the manufacturer.
CuZn's Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System is your classic RO with all the bells and whistles for an unbelievable price. If you have your heart set on an RO system, you will not be disappointed! As a matter of fact, CuZn guarantees satisfaction and backs this system with a full 1 year warranty and 90 Day Money Back Guarantee. Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration Systems without a doubt remove the greatest variety of contaminants at the highest possible percentage when compared to any other type of residential water treatment system. The highly advanced Reverse Osmosis Filtration Process will also strip the water of TDS (Minerals/Electrolytes - Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Chloride).
Home Water Filtration System – Recommended Water filters.
Buying, Testing, and Rating
We buy and test thousands of products every year to generate reviews and ratings to help consumers, support our investigative journalism and trusted consumer guidance, and advocate for consumer-friendly marketplace practices. Before any product even enters one of the dozens of labs we considerable research — gathering data about products and services, consumer demand in the marketplace, and what our members care about most. Editorial, technical, and research staff then scrutinize that material, along with suggestions from our members, to develop our testing protocols and schedule.
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