Our favorite water filters from Brita and Culligan were easy to install, looked good, and have certifications that ensure their quality,
UVDF supply professional and honest service.
The importance of having access to clean, filtered water in everyday kitchens can make all the difference. While most tap water is safe to imbibe, whatever chemicals are used to clean it (cough chlorine cough) can affect its flavor. Not only can a glass of water taste bleh, but it can also actually negatively impact the taste of tea and coffee.
This is why we set out to find the best faucet filter by testing four popular models. We examined how easy they were to install and use, the effectiveness of the filter, how much replacement filters cost, and what certifications they had.
One of our favorite filters, from DuPont, was discontinued. We've removed it as a winner and added a high-performer from Culligan in its place.
The Winners, at a Glance
The Brita is a solid all-around choice. This particular filter had the second fastest flow rate, was lightweight and sleek in appearance, and included a button that changes colors depending on how close the filter is to expiration. It also boasted the longest time between filter changes in our lineup.
The Culligan impressed us with its speedy flow rate and sleek look. It's a reasonably-priced option that's simple to install, if a bit tricky to master while in use (to activate the filter, a pin must be pulled out mid-stream). Replacement filters are affordable, last for up to 200 gallons, and are easy to find online.
The Different Kinds of Water Filters
While it can be easy to recognize why you may want to filter water, choosing a filter type and model can be unduly complicated. Here are the general types and how they work:
What Water Filter Certifications Mean
Faucet filters often promise to filter out unsavory ingredients such as lead, chlorine, cadmium, and mercury from water. It&#;s important to make sure this is true. The authorities on water quality are the Water Quality Association (WQA), the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Each institution ensures that filters have undergone rigorous testing to meet qualifications. Some certifications to look for are NSF/ANSI Standard 53, NSF/ANSI Standard 42, NSF/ANSI 401, and NSF/ANSI 372.
We would like to note that although most faucet filters remove a lot of chemicals and unsavory things from water, they&#;re unable to remove perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, or PFAs. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, PFAs are &#;widely used, long-lasting chemicals, components of which break down very slowly over time.&#; To find all the details about water certifications, check out our review of water filter pitchers.
The Tests
We conducted a taste test with tap, bottled, and facuet-filtered water.
Serious Eats / Abigail Clarkin
What We Learned
How Water Faucet Filters Work
A sediment trap inside the faucet-mounted filter catches impurities.
Serious Eats / Abigail Clarkin
The intricacies of the filtering process can differ depending on the specific model of the water faucet filter, but the basics remain the same. After attaching the filter and mounting base directly to a faucet, you flip a switch (or pull out a pin, in the case of the Culligan). The water then flows until it reaches the filtration section. According to Culligan, &#;the water passes through a &#;sediment trap.&#; This screen helps remove particles of sediment like dirt or sand. After that, the water is typically sent through a block of activated carbon and zeolite, which is full of pores that trap contaminants like chlorine.&#; This process ensures that some of the worst (and perhaps slimiest of) offenders never make it into your drinking glass.
When it comes to brewing coffee, for example, filtered water is essential. &#;Water that&#;s too soft has a hard time actually pulling the good-tasting solids out of the coffee bed,&#; writes former commerce writer Jesse Raub. &#;At the same time, it&#;s really hard to control the chemical makeup of your tap. A good rule of thumb is to start with a carbon water filter.&#;
All But One Filter Removed All Traces of Flavor
The PUR faucet water filter didn't remove off flavors in the water.
Serious Eats / Abigail Clarkin
While conducting the hidden taste test, we found that the Brita, Culligan, and DuPont filtered out all flavors found in the unfiltered water. (We never knew we could describe water in so many ways until this test.) Our untampered and unfiltered water tasted faintly metallic, so we were disappointed that the water filtered by PUR had traces of that flavor.
Setup Was (Almost) Painless
We always enjoy simple instructions when it comes to setting up any kitchen fixture. (We&#;ve banged our heads against enough walls in frustration when building cheap furniture, thank you!) Most setups consisted of loading the filter cartridge into the faucet mount and then screwing on the entire appliance to the faucet itself. The PUR, Brita, and Culligan each included adapters for faucets that are either internally or externally threaded. But everything got a little dicey when we found out the hard way that the Brita cartridge was not screwed on entirely&#;the filter chamber filled with water and then sent the cartridge flying up and off the mount (and into our face). The lesson? Make sure the filter is properly attached before turning on the water.
Each Filter Required An Initial Flush
If you would like to take your filter home, set it up, and guzzle down the very first glass of filtered water, think again. Every filter required running water through the filter for at least five minutes before use. The Culligan&#;s initial flush lasted for even longer, clocking in at 10 minutes (we were baffled to find the flushed water ran a bit warm at first even though we ran cold water through the system). The flush serves two purposes: 1. To activate the filter. 2. To clean out any dust or other debris inside the chamber. Each filter also comes with a warning to only filter cold water&#;since hot water can cause damage to the filter&#;so it&#;s important to change to the &#;unfiltered&#; setting before doing something like washing dishes.
Filters Last Approximately Two to Four Months
If you&#;re staying as hydrated as possible (get that glowing skin, friends!) then odds are you&#;ll be putting your filter through the wringer. Most faucet filters need to be replaced every two to four months, depending on use. The Culligan has the shortest filter usage period since the company recommends swapping out each filter approximately every two months. On the other end of the spectrum, the Brita lasts for a proposed four months. The PUR and DuPont suggest filter changes every three months. Not sure if you&#;ll be able to keep track of time? We recommend the Brita for its indicator light. As the filter loses its life, the light changes from flashing green to flashing amber, to flashing red.
The Criteria: What to Look For in a Faucet Water Filter
Serious Eats / Grace Kelly
During testing, we looked for filters that were easy to install, use, and replace. We also considered how effective the filter is by conducting a blind taste test and checking to make sure that each is officially ANSI/NSI certified.
Our Favorite Faucet Water Filters
What we liked: The Brita&#;s flow rate was the second fastest of the bunch, filtering one gallon in one minute and 24 seconds. Unlike the other filters, this one only needs a filter change every four months. Even better? It comes with a filter light to let you know when the filter needs changing! Overall, the filter is lightweight, simple, and sleek, and it fits in well with other chrome appliances. Plus, at the time of testing, it was half the cost of the DuPont (our previous, now-discontinued winner).
What we didn&#;t like: We found out the hard way that the filter cartridge needed to be fastened very securely to the main section of the filter unit, otherwise the built-up water sent the cartridge flying. Once fastened properly, we did not have this issue again.
Key Specs
Serious Eats / Abigail Clarkin
What we liked: Most importantly, this filter produced clean, neutral-tasting water. We were very impressed with the Culligan&#;s flow rate: It filtered a gallon of water in a mere one minute and 19 seconds, much faster than our previous winner, the DuPont. Replacement filters are $19 per filter, which is relatively affordable. On that note, the filter cartridge should be replaced every 200 gallons, as opposed to Brita's every 100. The filter is sleek and nice-looking.
What we didn't like: Activation of the filter itself&#;once affixed and flushed&#;was not intuitive. We had to pull out a pin on the side of the machine for the filtration to begin. This activation only works if the water is already running relatively steadily.
Key Specs
Are you interested in learning more about Laboratory Water Purification Faucet? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
Serious Eats / Abigail Clarkin
The Competition
FAQs
How does a faucet water filter work?
The filter is attached directly to the faucet itself. As the unfiltered water flows into the filtration section, it is purified by a screen that filters out larger particles. The next part of the process&#;a section often made up of activated carbon and zeolite&#;takes care of smaller impurities.
How much do water faucet filter cartridges cost?
Since every filter is different, replacement cartridges can vary in price. Cartridges can usually be purchased in sets, either directly from the company&#;s website, or online elsewhere. Price can greatly depend on the bulk of cartridges ordered but we have found that the range can go from $13 for two (such as for PUR) to $46 for a set of three (such as for DuPont).
How can I find out what is in my tap water?
There are a couple of ways to determine what exactly is in your water. Many water suppliers provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report. But if this is not the case, we recommend visiting the United States Environmental Protection Agency's website to access the information. You can also use a self-administered test in order to find out if you have hard water (we&#;ve used the Premium Water Hardness Test Kit).
What does a faucet-mounted water filter get rid of?
Faucet filters are excellent for removing both health and non-health-related impurities, depending on their certifications. This means that any certified filter is likely to remove things like lead, chlorine, cadmium, and more. However, most filters are not powerful enough to remove some long-lasting chemicals, such as those that fall under the umbrella of PFAs. Read more about water filtration in our review of water pitcher filters.
Is a PUR or Brita water filter better?
The PUR faucet filter we tested had the right certifications, but it fell short on performance. The water we filtered with it tasted metallic. Regarding aesthetics, It's hard to get used to the enormous attachment. The Brita has a more discreet profile, cleanly filtered water, and only needed to have its filter changed every four months.
Why We're the Experts
Is the water that comes out of the tap in your house safe for drinking? Even after being filtered by a factory, the water that comes out of the fixture may not be completely safe, even though it is treated in municipal water sources and gets transported through pipes before it reaches your faucet. Pipes that are getting on in years can reintroduce contaminants, which makes direct consumption dangerous.
Because of this, the water from the tap in our homes might be safe if we take additional precautions. Determining which type of filtration system to purchase may be challenging when selecting one. Water filters for the faucets? Under-sink water filtration systems or water filters that are placed on the countertop? To acquire a more profound comprehension, continue reading.
In order to enhance the quality of the water that comes out of the tap, a device known as a faucet water filter is designed to remove contaminants and impurities. Most of the time, it is intended to be attached directly to a standard faucet, making it a convenient and easily accessible system for filtering water.
The filter uses various technologies, including activated carbon and other specialized materials, to capture and remove numerous contaminants commonly found in water. Water filters for faucets are well-known for their simplicity of installation, as they require only a few tools and minimal expertise. The use of these products is a solution that is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly for households that are looking for cleaner and safer drinking water that comes directly from the tap.
The quality of the drinking water in your home can be improved in a way that is both discrete and effective by installing water filters placed under the sink. These filters are installed beneath the kitchen sink, and their primary function is to remove contaminants from the water supply.
As a result, the water that comes out of your tap is of the highest possible quality. As a result of their seamless integration into the plumbing already in place, under-sink filters are frequently preferred because they offer a dedicated filtration system without taking up valuable countertop space.
The Waterdrop Reverse Osmosis System X12 offers a high-speed, tankless water filtration at an impressive G with an 11-stage precision filtration mechanism, capable of removing contaminants such as lead, chlorine, and PFAS, while enhancing water with essential alkaline minerals like calcium and magnesium.
It not only improves health, taste of food and beverages, but can also alleviate stomach acid discomfort. Boasting a smart design, the system includes a digital faucet with functions such as precise water dispensing and TDS/filter lifespan monitoring. It's engineered for space-saving and simple DIY installation, re-mineralizing water to create natural-tasting, fresh, and healthy water accessible directly from your kitchen.
With its rapid flow, this RO system can filter 800 gallons of water daily, and it can only produce one cup of water in just six seconds. In addition to having a sterilization rate of up to 99.9%, it is fitted with a long-lasting LED lamp that turns on automatically whenever water flows by.
Both the NSF/ANSI Standard 58 for TDS reduction and the NSF 372 for lead-free material have been met by the Waterdrop G3P800 to receive certification. The results of the WD-G3P800 RO system test can be found here.
Water filters installed on countertops provide a method of flexible and straightforward water filtration method. To facilitate easy access to water that has been purified, these filters are installed directly on the kitchen counter and are connected to the faucet. Countertop water filters are an excellent option for individuals looking for convenience without experiencing a reduction in the water quality they drink because of their straightforward installation and removal process.
A water dispenser that can provide hot and cold water is an excellent choice for households with easy access to water of varying temperatures. This product has completed the SGS testing and the NSF 372 certification for lead-free materials. The answer to your questions about drinking healthy water is right here.
As low as 41 degrees Fahrenheit, this water dispenser can deliver cold water because it is equipped with a high-quality cooling compressor typically found in refrigerators. It is an excellent choice for making tea, coffee, and other beverages and has a temperature adjustment range that goes from 41 degrees to 203 degrees.
Click here to learn more about this upgraded water filtration system.
Using water pitchers with installed filters provides a solution that is both portable and easily accessible for maintaining clean water in the home. These pitchers come equipped with a filter cartridge that effectively reduces impurities, improving the taste of your drinking water and ensuring that it is safe to consume.
This countertop water dispenser is equipped with an electric design and control activated by a single key, providing an experience beyond that of conventional pitchers and dispensers. It offers faster filtration, more precise filter materials, and effortless operation.
Using the NSF/ANSI 401, 53, 42, and 372 standards, the electric water dispenser has been certified by the International Association of Public Water Management Organizations (IAPMO) to reduce 34 substances, including chlorine, lead, mercury, benzene, and bisphenol A. Lab tests conducted by a third party confirmed that it can reduce PFOA and PFOS, thereby ensuring that drinking water is of a high quality.
Faucet filtration systems&#; filtered water can be utilized for a variety of purposes, including but not limited to washing fruits, preparing coffee, brushing teeth, washing the face, and more.
In addition to effectively removing taste and odor, chemicals, heavy metals, estrogen, pesticides, and other contaminants, the faucet filtration system filters out suspended pollutants, insects, algae, and rust. It also removes impurities that are suspended in the water.
Filter media that are commonly used for faucet filtration systems include ceramic, activated carbon fiber (ACF) , carbon-to-carbon block (CTO), and other similar materials. However, not all faucet filtration systems can meet the requirements for drinking directly from the faucet.
When shopping for a water filter for your faucet, there are a few key features that you should take into consideration to ensure that you choose a model that not only satisfies your requirements but also offers you safe and clean drinking water. The following is a list of the essential components that you should concentrate on:
Activated carbon is utilized by the majority of faucet water filters in order to eliminate contaminants such as chlorine, pesticides, and pharmaceutical medicines. Taste and odor are both enhanced as a result of this.
Lead and zinc are two examples of heavy metals that can be successfully removed using this method.
RO can remove a wide variety of contaminants, including fluoride and arsenic, even though it is not as common in faucet-mounted filters due to its size and higher level of complexity.
Acquire an understanding of the contaminants that your water filter is able to remove effectively. An effective filter can reduce sediment, lead, and chlorine at the very least. When looking for filters that can handle heavy metals, chemicals, bacteria, and viruses, you should look for those that can also take these other contaminants.
If you are looking for a filter, you should look for official certifications such as NSF or WQA. These certifications indicate that the filter has been tested independently to remove specific contaminants properly.
A good filter should not significantly reduce the flow rate of your faucet, which is measured in gallons per minute (GPM). A typical home water pressure of 40-60 psi is sufficient for the majority of faucet water filters to function properly. If you want to avoid filter damage or decreased efficiency, ensure that the model you choose is compatible with the water pressure in your home.
It will be necessary to replace the filter cartridges at regular intervals. Verify the estimated lifespan, which can be expressed in terms of the number of months or the number of gallons that have been filtered. Certain models come equipped with electronic indicators or straightforward reminder systems that will alert you whenever a change is required.
It should not be necessary to hire a plumber to attach a user-friendly water filter, and the process of replacing filter cartridges should be uncomplicated and not require any technical tools.
You will be better equipped to choose a high-quality faucet water filter that provides clean, safe water while also providing the performance and dependability you require if you give these key features the priority they deserve.
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