Under sink water filters are a cost-efficient and easy way to ensure the water you use in your home is clean and void of anything that can contaminate your water. Water is essential for our health. Whether we drink it, bathe in it or use it to wash our dishes, it’s important to ensure that the water we use is as clean and pure as possible.
Under sink water filters are the easiest way to ensure this as once they are installed under your sink, they’ll do the job for you automatically. They work by getting water from the water pipe in your kitchen and filtering it through its own system, then pouring that water through to your sink when you turn on the taps.
There are many different types of models when it comes to under sink water filters. In this article, we will be listing some of the most reliable ones so that you can find the best under sink water filter that will be the most suitable for your needs.Best Pick
Our best buy is the iSpring RCC7AK 6-Stage Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filtration System. This is due to its thorough 6-stage design that ensures your water is the cleanest and purest. This filtration system also ensures that the essential minerals found in water are not filtered out either, so you get as many health benefits as possible through this product.
Budget Pick
Our best budget is the Filtrete Advanced Under Sink Water Filtration System. This product can easily be changed if the need arises and will not require a plumber to do the work for you. It is compact, won’t need any drilling or work done in your kitchen, and comes with a 6 months lifespan.
Quick Comparison: Top 10 Best Under Sink Water Filters
1. iSpring RCC7AK 6-Stage Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filter System
This under sink water filter by iSpring works through 6 stages to ensure the water is as clean as possible. It has alkaline remineralization and offers a natural PH balance in your water.
It removes up to 99% of the 1000s of contaminants that are found in unfiltered water, especially lead, chlorine, fluoride, asbestos, calcium, sodium, unwanted bacteria, viruses and much more.
The reverse osmosis in under sink water filters can work so efficiently that they remove some essential minerals too. The iSpring filter system always ensures that the PH balance of the water is always at a healthy level thanks to its 6-stage system. This not only makes your water healthier but ensures it tastes the best it can too.
It comes with a clear housing which helps when inspecting the state of the filter if the need arises. This filter is made to fit almost all sinks and can be installed by yourself at home within a few hours. The clear and easy to understand instructions make this process complication-free.
This product also comes with PVC (polyvinyl chloride) which is the go-to material used in many pipes and plumbing in most establishments. This ensures that the product is BPA free and no unwanted chemicals will leak into your water.Pros
Cons
2. Filtrete Advanced Under Sink Quick Change Water Filtration System
If you’re looking for a smaller filter system the Filtrete water filtration may be one to consider. It can easily be installed under your kitchen sink or bath faucet. of time, as the lifespan of this product is around 6 months. This means you won’t need to i
This product is ideal if you will be living at a particular accommodation for a shorter period to invest in a more expensive product that is made to last several years.
This filter reduces the amount of chlorine, microbial cysts, sand, soil, rust, silt, odour and ensures the water tastes crisp and clean and maintains a full water flow. The Filtrete is NSF certified and offers a maximum, advanced, and standard under interchangeable sink replacements.
Pros
Cons
3. Woder 10K-Gen3 Ultra High Capacity Direct Connect Water Filtration System
Lasting for at least 3 years (or roughly around producing about 10,000 gallons of water), the Woder 10K-Gen3 must be used with water that has been purified previously, especially in urban environments.
This filter also doesn’t work well against salty or softened water either, so please be wary of that before considering to purchase this product. Though some under sink water filters can be used for several purposes, the Woder 10K-Gen3 is intended to be used only for drinking cold water.
This filter eliminates 99.9% of lead, chlorine, mercury, chromium 6, carcinogens, and much more which leaves the water tasting clean without any bad odours. This filter does not include reverse osmosis (RO) as the process of RO removes even the essential minerals in water along with the bad stuff. The Woder ensures that these essential minerals do not get filtered out thanks to its unique technology. It is also certified by the American National Standard Institute which ensures that the water is safe.
Installing this filter is rather easy as it comes with ‘direct connect’ hoses that simply need to be connected to the already existing water valve and faucet stems under your kitchen sink. Because of this, you won’t find yourself having to call the plumbing service to install this filter for you.Pros
Cons
4. CuZn UC-200 Under Counter Water Filter
This water filter has a lifespan of 5 years (or around 50,000 gallons of water) and can only be used municipal water. Make sure to not use this product with private well water for your safety. With this being said, this filter is not a water softening system to be wary.
It’s super easy to work and install this CuZn under sink water filter. All you have to do is connect it to the cold water line under your kitchen sink which will take only a few minutes to install. You will, however, need an adjustable wrench to lock the connections together.
You’ll be glad to know that this filter does not eliminate the ‘good’ elements already found in water and instead only removes the bad chemicals. Using a PPM or TDS meter to test the water won’t work with the product too. Instead, you can use chlorine test strips to test for the amount of chlorine that may be in your water.
It is easy for mould or bacteria to grow in large bulks in under sink water filters. Thankfully, the CuZn filter has a bacteriostatic filtration system which prevents such bacteria and mould from existing in this filter.Pros
Cons
5. Aquasana 3-Stage Under Counter Water Filter System
This is a unique filter as it comes with a nickel faucet (in a variety of colours including brushed nickel, chrome and oil-rubbed bronze). The faucet allows instant access to water at any hour of the day and is very easy to use. You can pick a colour to suit the decor in your kitchen which is unique to Aquasana.
This filter removes 99% of 77 chemicals and contaminants in your water. Some examples of these contaminants are lead, mercury, pharmaceuticals, pesticides alongside many more.
Some water filters, though they may do a great job at filtering your water, also waste a whole bunch of water in the process. This Aquasana water filter system does none of that and no water is wasted while it is in process. Not only is this great for the environment but it also ensures that no harmful chemicals go back into your water during the filtration process.
This is backed-up by the fact that this product is NSF certified to standards 42, 53, P473 and 401. This filter can also be installed at home with ease as it comes with all of the necessary parts to do so. No plumber has required thanks to this.
Finally, the 3 stages of water filtration the Aquasana offers is 1) the pre-filter. This catches the rust, silt and sediment that is found in water and makes removing heavy chemicals and metals easily. 2) Then the carbon is activated. This focuses on removing the organic compounds in your water such as pesticides and pharmaceuticals and ultimately ensures your water tastes great. 3) Finally, the catalytic carbon ensures that all heavy metals and chlorine is completely diminished from your water.Pros
Cons
6. APEC WFS-1000 Under Sink Water Filtration System
If you’re looking for long-lasting filters this APEC WFS-1000 water filtration system may be one to consider.
It can be used on both well water and tap water and works to remove chemicals and odours to provide great tasting and healthy water. There is also no limit with how much water this filter can provide either, giving you some peace of mind if you opt for the APEC filter.
This product also comes with a chrome faucet that is lead-free and has an FDA approved (and JG Food Grade) tubing to ensure safe and pure water that is free from contamination.
Pros
Cons
7. Frizzlife Under Sink Water Filter System
The Frizzlife under sink water filtration system removes 99.99% of lead and can be easily connected and installed in the cabinet under your kitchen sink.
This filter includes a 2 stage water purifier that effectively removes lead, chlorine, mercury, chromium 6, rust, carcinogens, volatile organic compounds, odours and more.
This product can easily be attached to the cold water line whether its ½” or ⅜” and comes with a direct hose that can be used to easily connect the filter under your sink. This installation process only takes a few minutes and there is no need to call up a plumber to do the work for you.
This filter comes with an auto shut design which is great for when you’re installing or replacing the filter. This guarantees that you won’t flood your kitchen when fiddling around with the filter. Another unique feature the Frizzlife filtration system provides is its core filter cartridge.
If this product ever stops working all you’ll need to do is replace the core filter cartridge rather than investing in an entirely new filtration system. Each cartridge lasts around 2 years (roughly 1600 gallons of water).
Pros
Cons
8. 3M Aqua-Pure 3MFF100 Drinking Water Filter System
The 3M AquaPure 3MFF100 reduces the amount of chlorine, odour, select volatile organic compounds such as toxaphene, benzene and p-Dichlorobenzene and more.
You won’t have to worry about the filter slowing down the flow of your water as the filter allows your water to flow at the same rate as your usual water flow. This also helps reduce the amount of water that is wasted through the filtration process.
This filter is easy to install by yourself as you will only need to connect it to the water line that exists already in under your kitchen sink. You won’t need to invest in an additional faucet or spend time and money drilling holes in your countertop to install this filtration system.
Like the previous filtration system mentioned in this article, the 3M AquaPure also comes with an auto shut-off design that allows changing the filter to be mess-free. It also has a carbon block filtration to ensure an extra layer of purity for the water that is being filtered out.
You’ll be glad to know that this filter is also NSF certified to 42 and 53. This product also comes with a filter-head assembly, mounting screws and the filter itself, making installing the filter at home a breeze.
Pros
Cons
9. Doulton W9330958 SuperCarb Under Sink Filter System
Including an installation kit, this product won't have you calling a plumber to install the filter or having you stressing overpaying for additional parts.
It comes with ⅜" push-fit connectors that make connecting this filter to your existing water line a breeze and is made from acetal/polyester. The plastic housing is convenient and protects the ceramic filter candle while it works.
The ceramic filter can be cleaned with a brush if the need arises, allowing you to remove any dirt that may get stuck in the filter. This filter removes suspended solids, cloudiness in the water, parasites, chlorine, bad tasting water and pathogenic bacteria.
When the time comes that you find your water not taste as great as it once did, simply replace the cartridge candle. This allows for 80% less plastic waste which is great for the environment.Pros
Cons
10. AO Smith 2-Stage Water Filter System
You can choose either a 2-stage or 4-stage water filtration system with this product. This filter removes 99.99% of 77 bad compounds that are found in water. Such chemicals include lead, mercury, pesticides, asbestos, chlorine, pharmaceuticals and more.
This filter also doesn’t waste any water during the filtration process and does not leak anything back into the water. It is NSF certified to standards 42, 53, 401 and +P473
This filter is also another product which is great if you are living in a temporary location as the lifespan of this filter is around 6 months (or 500 gallons of water). The 4-stage filtration system comes with a reverse osmosis system that returns the good minerals essential to water to the filtered water.
The carbon and claryum filter in the 4-stage system lasts around 6 months (or 365 gallons) and comes with the first full set of filters, RO tank and lead-free faucet.Pros
Cons
Things to Consider Before Buying an Under Sink Water Filter
It is believed that water filters were first invented in 500 BC by a Greek scientist. It was essentially a bag made from cloth that was used to filter out the impurities of the water. You would first need to boil the water and then pour it through the cloth-bag which acted as a sieve to remove impurities in the water. Though it was a simple solution and was not the most effective water filter, it was essential in understanding the importance of using a water filter.
Thanks to the development of technology over the years, water filters have evolved a great deal since 500 BC and we now understand which compounds we do and don’t need in our water. Kitchens have also changed and improved a great deal and it is now incredible functional to install a water filtration system that both connects to the necessary pipes but also keep out of view.
But of course not all under sink water filters are the same, and some products offer varying qualities that are best suited in some homes rather than others. It all depends on what you intend of using the under sink water filtration system for and how much you will be using it.
Here we’ve listed some essential points to consider before investing a filter system to ensure you buy a product that is easily installed, doesn’t flood your entire house, is easy to use and provides the best water for your needs.
The Size of the Filter
Considering these filters need to be installed under the sink and in a cabinet, it’s essential to get a filtration system that can fit into your cupboard and hide from view with ease. The last thing you’d want to do get a filtration system and realise it’s too big to fit into your cupboard.
The size of the filter may also determine the longevity of the filter but this is not always the case. Reverse Osmosis filters oftentimes need to be drilled into your cabinet and will also still take up quite a bit of room under your sink in the cabinet. If you’re looking for a smaller filtration system, there are ones that do not require any work needing to be done on your kitchen surfaces and can simply be attached to the cold water line in that already exists under your sink.
The Stages of the Filtration Process
With the constant development of technology, many things are evolving and water filters are no different. There are now many water filters that have several stages that offer an added security of filtration. Some water filters offer Reverse Osmosis (RO) which means that pushes the unwanted chemicals and compounds found in water and pushes it through a semipermeable membrane. RO filters are a great option if you are looking to filter out very specific compounds from your water rather than a more general approach that filters without RO offer.
How Long the Filters Lasts
The longevity of the under sink water filter is a crucial factor to consider before buying one. If you are in temporary accommodation where you will only need a filtration system for several months, filters with a 6-month lifespan may be an option to consider. However, if you live in a big household and will still live there for multiple years, investing in a filter that can last for several years is a safer bet.
With certain filters, you will also not need to change or replace the entire filter once it stops working. Instead, you will only need to switch the candle cartridge instead of the entire thing. This is not only more cost-effective but better for the environment too as you won't be wasting a lot of plastic in the process.
Installation
There's probably no one that you know who enjoys the process of having to install a new piece of equipment in their home. It is oftentimes long, tedious, confusing and frustrating to do so. The last thing you'd want to do is spend an entire working on installing a piece of equipment into your home and feeling stressed because of it.
It is crucial to know how long it will take to install an under sink water filter system. This can range from several hours to only a few minutes and is heavily dependent on what kind of system you opt for. Larger and more complex systems may require more time and effort to install and smaller filter systems may demand a shorter amount of time to install but this is not always the case.
Oftentimes water systems that take a while to install may have a longer lifespan but once again this is not always the case.
When it comes to the installation process, it is also important to know whether or not a plumber is necessary to aid in the process. You may need to work your schedule around installing the water filter in your kitchen if this is the case and this is especially important if you tend to have a tight schedule.
Lastly, it is important to consider whether you can install the water filter in your bathroom as well as your kitchen, and how this is done. If you will be installing the filter at home by yourself please check to see if the product comes with an installation kit or any additional parts. If you will be installing the filter by yourself without a plumber it will be best to opt for filters that come with all of the additional parts and spares so you won't have to make several trips to the home depot store.
What it Removes
The main role and purpose of a filtration system are to filter out chemicals and compounds that could be harmful to your health. Unfortunately, not all filtration systems are made equally and some filter out chemicals better than others.
The exact chemicals and compounds that a filter can filter out depend on the product. Though there are some general compounds that most filtration systems will most likely filter out such as chlorine, lead and mercury, this is not the case for every filter that exists. It is vital that you thoroughly research which compounds a filter will work to release from your water and to what degree it does so.
It may also be beneficial to understand what the most common compounds found in water can do to your health and why it is important to avoid consuming them. Mercury, for instance, can lead to a form of poisoning that can have a greatly negative impact on your body and health. Many faucets provide a guaranteed lead-free product which is essential too but it is always a good idea to check whether this is the case beforehand just in case.
Most filtration systems will filter out 99% of particular chemicals but some are a little more effective than others. No filtration system will provide 100% of the unhealthy chemicals in your water but some offer a minimum of 99.99% of filtration. Think about your needs in the home and where you are currently located. Oftentimes, where you are residing in the world will affect how much purification your water will need.
It is also important to understand whether a particular filtration system works with several types of water. For example, tap water and well water are very different from each other and sometimes a filter won’t work to filter out a particular type. Once again, it is crucial to thoroughly research the product beforehand to make sure you’re investing in a product that is perfect for your home.
Conclusion
As we’ve covered in this article, there are many types of under sink water systems that you can choose from. They all offer varying levels of filtration and each system is specific to certain types of compounds found in water.
The lifespan of a filter, installation process and the size of the filter are all areas that you must consider before investing in an under sink water filter. We hope that through this article you have now understood the different types of filters that exist and which one to go for when it's time to upgrade the water you drink, to pick the best under sink water filter that works for you and your lifestyle.
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