Best Kitchen Water Filters and Buyer’s Guide
We've researched the best Kitchen Water Filters for your home giving you clean fresh and filtered water.
By Kitchen Gadget Box
In recent years, kitchen water filters have become more and more mandatory in homes. Although the city’s water treatment plant process generally removes rust, lead, and other dangerous contaminants from water, it doesn’t always eliminate 100%, or even 80%, of bacteria found in it.
This is where water filters come in.
These miracle devices not only improve your overall health but also save you a ton of money in the long run.
In the following guide, I present to you the best kitchen water filters you can buy right now, including individual pros and cons. I’ve also added a handy buyer’s guide to ensure you’re buying the right one for your home.
Top 5 Kitchen Water Filters of 2020
No two water filters are exactly alike, which is why I’ve scoured the ‘net for the best water filters that actually get the job done and get it done well. Here are five of the best I’ve found!
Brondell Circle Reverse Osmosis System – Best Overall
The Brondell water filter is one of the most powerful and aesthetically pleasing reverse osmosis systems I’ve laid my eyes on.
One of the reasons why some people steer clear of RO filters is because they’re so bulky and “messy” to look at. While the Brondel box isn’t small by any means, it’s quite elegant and takes up less space under your sink than conventional RO filters.
This system utilizes four separate water filters to reduce and remove contaminants from your drinking water effectively. It performs so well that the WQA gave it the Gold Seal-certification. To give you further peace of mind, it’s certified for NSF standards 42, 53, 58, and 372, as well.
Furthermore, as it automatically flushes its RO membrane, the filter’s life is extended significantly. You can go for as long as two years without replacing or buying a new replacement filter!
Pros
- Comes with an LED “change” indicator, so you don’t have to guess when it’s time to replace the filters
- Has an incredibly fast refill rate
- Compact design takes up less space under your counter
- Saves water and money by eliminating backpressure
Cons
- Replacement filters cost slightly more than traditional RO systems
Clearly Filtered Triple Stage Kitchen Faucet Filtration System – Runner Up
I can genuinely say that Clearly Filtered is one of the most effective water filters in the US.
It comes with three filters that target specific types of contaminants such as PFOA/PFAS, lead, pharmaceuticals, fluoride, and 230 other harmful particles from your cold water line. It has an efficiency rate of 99.7%, which is impressive for such a small device. More importantly, it has been tested to NSF and EPA standards, and it’s 100% American-made.
The long-lasting filtration system is what attracts most buyers from purchasing this unit. Compared to other three-stage filter units, Clearly Filtered can last an average of 9 to 15 months before needing to be replaced.
Best of all, the manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty on their product. If something seems amiss, call their customer service hotline, and they’ll be glad to help.
Pros
- Long filter life; lasts nine months for big families, 12 for small, and 15 for individual users
- Installation takes no more than 10 minutes; no plumber required
- Does a wonderful job in thoroughly eliminating basic known contaminants in water
Cons
- Filter doesn’t have a bypass valve, meaning it’ll always be filled and in use
- Water pressure drops slightly after installation
APEC Water Systems ROES-50 Essence Series – Best Value
The APEC Water System combines functionality and efficiency in an extremely affordable package. It removes as many as 1,000 different unwanted water contaminants, making it one of the most efficient on this list.
This reverse osmosis filter delivers high-quality clean water with the use of its five-stage filtration process. On top of the reverse filter, it also has a sediment filter, a coconut fiber filter, and two stages of carbon filters. The first three need to be replaced at least once every 6 to 12 months, while the two other stages can last up to 2 to 4 years.
Installation isn’t as easy as one might like, however. It may even require a plumber if you don’t already have a hole drilled in your counter or sink to accommodate the new faucet. But if you’re handy with your hands, APEC provides clear, step-by-step installation instructions in their manual.
Pros
- The purification level is exceptionally high
- Reasonably low maintenance
- Excellent quality for its price
- Installation parts included in the instruction manual
- Fits in even the tightest of spaces
Cons
- The ball valve is made of plastic, which makes it prone to damage
Woder WD-S-8K-DC Water Filtration System – Best for Small Storage Spaces
The Woder WD-S-8K-DC is perfect for homeowners who don’t have much space underneath their sinks. It’s straightforward, compact, and maintenance-free after initial installation.
According to the manufacturers, this device removes over 95% of all contaminants, which is as good as any water filter can get.
This unit can last for a minimum of 8480 gallons with everyday use, which is more than any single filter I’ve seen.
It also doesn’t affect the flow rate significantly, which is undoubtedly a plus.
Pros
- Ideal for off-grid living and homes with small kitchen sink space
- Effortless installation
- Cartilage lasts up to 2 to 3 years
Cons
- Doesn’t work well with water coming from a well
- Can’t be used with hot water
iSpring RCC7AK 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filter – Best RO Filter
The iSpring water filter isn’t the most beautiful or compact. Despite that, its performance will undoubtedly impress you.
Similar to the ROES-50 Essence, this unit filters up to 1,000 different known contaminants. This feat is achieved by its six-stage filtering process, which not only produces balanced alkalinity but restores healthy minerals, as well.
Along with three large pre-filters, the iSpring has an ultra-fine RO filter that removes contaminants down to 0.0001 Microns. The sixth GAC filter delivers pure, natural tasting water, even more so than standard three or five-stage RO systems.
Installation is relatively straightforward, which isn’t what you’d normally expect from an RO system with this many filters. Color-coded tubing is provided for easy identification and replacement. Included is a brushed nickel faucet to prevent any leakage. The maximum water product per day is 75 gallons, which is more than enough for any family.
Pros
- Water tastes significantly better compared to standard RO systems due to the 6th GEC filter
- The multi-layer system removes up to 1,000 contaminants
- Alkaline Remineralization filter ensures a natural alkaline balance and restores healthy minerals
- Installation is fairly straightforward
Cons
- A bit larger than average
Features and Factors to Consider When Buying a Water Filter
Before buying a water filter, you’ll need to make sure it actually suits your household needs. Here are some things you need to consider first:
Impurities Filtered
Some water filters are more efficient and thorough than others. The filtering capacity all depends on the unit cartridge’s Micron ratings. For instance, if a filter has a rating of 0.5 Micron, this means that it won’t be able to filter anything smaller than 0.5. Therefore, the smaller the number, the better.
Some filters are able to remove specific types of water contaminants. This is why it’s always recommended to test your water using a water testing kit before buying to see what bacteria or particles you have most in your drinking water.
Filter Life
The only downside of having a water filter is that you have to regularly replace the actual filter residing in the unit. Replacement itself takes a bit of time, which is why you need to search for a product that has a long filter life.
Water filters shouldn’t be replaced more than two to three times a year, so make sure to buy the most modern sediment or carbon filter available.
Size
Advanced filter systems come with more than three or four water filters. Generally, the higher the filtration system is, the better.
But there’s the size you need to consider.
If you have little space beneath your sink or counter, perhaps it’s best to stick to a smaller unit. If you’re planning to buy a reverse osmosis water system, keep in mind that you’ll need to have enough space for a tank.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do with the used filters?
Instead of throwing your old filters away, it’s a good idea to recycle them as most of the newer filters are recyclable. Some companies ask their customers to send the filters back to them so they can recycle them properly. If your manufacturer doesn’t have this option, you can send it off to your nearest recycling center.
What do the numbers in NSF testing mean?
The numbers in NSF testing help consumers buy the right water filter according to the contaminants most present in their drinking water.
For example, NSF 42 covers the water aesthetic, meaning it improves the taste and odor of water. Standard 53 means the filter is tested to effectively filter heavy metals such as copper, lead, mercury, along with inorganics like nitrate and fluoride.
Final Thoughts
Water filters are a must in every home. We can’t always guarantee public water-treatment plants’ water regulation, so it’s better safe than sorry!
My personal choice for the best kitchen water filter is hands down the Brondell Circle Reverse Osmosis System.
Other than its sleek, luxurious design, it’s incredibly efficient. Plus, by eliminating backpressure, this unit will save more water, which isn’t only good for the environment, but for your pockets, as well.