Get the Best Tasting Water from Your Fridge with These Top Refrigerator Water Filters

admin668 September 7, 2023 lowe's

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Having clean, filtered water on demand from your refrigerator can make a big difference in your daily life. No more stocking up on bottled water or waiting for the tap to run cold. With a quality refrigerator water filter, you’ll have great tasting water free of contaminants like lead, pharmaceuticals, chlorine and more.

But not all refrigerator water filters are created equal. You want one that fits your fridge, removes the right contaminants, and is easy to maintain. In this guide, we’ll cover the best refrigerator water filters that provide exceptional performance without breaking the bank.

Why Filtered Refrigerator Water is Better

Before we get into the top filters, let’s discuss why you’d want filtered water from your fridge in the first place. Here are some of the benefits:

Improved taste – Refrigerator filters remove chlorine and sediment that can make water taste bad. The result is clean, refreshing water.
Reduced contaminants – Refrigerator filters remove health hazards like lead, mercury, asbestos fibers and even pharmaceuticals. This gives you peace of mind.
Convenience – Having filtered water ready in your fridge door saves you from stocking up on bottled water or waiting for tap water to run cold.
Cost savings – A refrigerator filter costs just pennies per gallon compared to bottled water. And it’s way more eco-friendly to filter at home.
Enhanced food and drink flavor – Any beverage or food made with filtered water will taste better. Coffee, tea, juices and ice all benefit.

Now that you know the perks, let’s look at the top-rated refrigerator water filters on the market. We evaluated filters based on contaminant removal, durability, ease of use and value for money.

The Best Refrigerator Water Filter Picks

1. GE MWF Refrigerator Water Filter

The GE MWF is one of the most popular refrigerator water filters on the market. Here are its key features and benefits:

Compatible with GE, Hotpoint, RCA, Crosley and Kenmore refrigerators
NSF certified to reduce contaminants including asbestos fibers and pharmaceuticals
Lasts 6 months or 300 gallons before needing replacement
Easy twist-in installation with no tools required
Inexpensive compared to premium models

The GE MWF filter does a solid job removing common contaminants like lead, cysts and chlorine. It’s also widely available from most retailers. The quick installation and affordable price point make it a great choice for GE and other refrigerator brands.

Potential drawbacks are that it doesn’t remove as wide a range of contaminants as premium filters. The filter also needs frequent replacement every 6 months. But for an easy-to-use and affordable filter, the GE MWF is hard to beat.

2. Whirlpool EveryDrop Filter 1

Whirlpool’s EveryDrop Filter 1 is specially designed for Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Amana and JennAir refrigerators. Key features include:

Uses 1 micron filtration to remove sediments and rust particles
Certified to reduce lead, pharmaceuticals, pesticides and microplastics
Lasts 6 months or 300 gallons
Reduces chlorine taste and odor
Twist-in design for straightforward installation

This Whirlpool filter is NSF certified to reduce 66 contaminants, including more pharmaceuticals than basic models remove. The 1 micron filtration provides exceptional removal of particles. And users report it makes a significant improvement in chlorine taste.

Downsides are the higher price point compared to basic filters. It also only fits Whirlpool refrigerator models. But if you have a compatible Whirlpool refrigerator, the EveryDrop Filter 1 is one of the best filters available. The pharmaceutical and chlorine reduction exceeds most competitors.

3. Frigidaire WF2CB

The Frigidaire WF2CB filter is designed for Frigidaire, Electrolux and Crosley refrigerators. Highlights include:

Compatible with new Frigidaire models including Gallery and All Refrigerator models
NSF certified to reduce cysts, turbidity, lead and chlorine
Lasts 6 months or 200 gallons
Purifies at 2.5 gallons per minute flow rate
Twist and lock installation, no tools required

This Frigidaire branded filter is specially engineered to work in Frigidaire fridges. It performs well at removing common contaminants like chlorine and lead. Users note an improvement in water taste with less chemical flavor.

The lifespan is shorter than some premium filters at just 6 months. It also does not remove as wide a range of contaminants compared to high-end filters. But for the affordable price, easy installation and chlorine taste reduction, the Frigidaire WF2CB is a great factory-designed filter for Frigidaire models.

4. AquaFresh Premium Refrigerator Filter

The AquaFresh Premium filter is a high-end model compatible with most major refrigerator brands. Key features:

Designed to work with GE, Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, Kitchenaid, Maytag, Frigidaire, and more
NSF certified to reduce 70+ contaminants including lead and pharmaceuticals
Lasts up to 1 year or 500 gallons
Made in the USA
Higher contaminant removal than cheaper filters
May require purchase of separate adapter for side-by-side refrigerator models

This AquaFresh filter has an impressive contaminant reduction list. The NSF certification verifies it reduces lead, cysts, mercury, pharmaceuticals, chlorine byproducts and more. With double the lifespan of basic filters, it also doesn’t require replacement nearly as often.

On the downside, it has a higher upfront cost than basic models. You may also need to purchase a special adapter for side-by-side refrigerator models. But for whole house water purification, the AquaFresh Premium filter is hard to beat.

How to Choose the Right Filter for You

With so many refrigerator water filter options, how do you choose the right one? Here are some key factors to consider:

Refrigerator model – Check that any filter you’re considering is designed to fit your specific fridge.
Contaminants in your water – Municipal and well water can have different impurities. Check what’s in your supply and choose a filter certified to remove those contaminants.
Desired lifespan – Basic filters under $50 need changing every 6 months. Premium filters can last up to 1 year but have a higher upfront cost. Consider costs over the lifespan when making your choice.
Special contaminant removal – Some filters specifically reduce pharmaceuticals, pesticides or microplastics. Choose one tailored to your water purity priorities.
Your budget – You can get basic water filtration for under $50 or pay over $100 for a premium filter withlonger lifespan and contaminant removal. Decide how much you’re willing to spend upfront.
Ease of installation – Many filters use simple twist-in installation. But some may require adapters for your refrigerator model.

Choosing the right refrigerator water filter for your needs doesn’t have to be complicated. By considering these key factors, you can find the perfect filter to provide clean, great tasting water from your fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do you need to change refrigerator water filters?

Most refrigerator water filters need to be changed every 6 months at a minimum. But filter replacement frequency depends on several factors:

Your water usage – The more water you dispense through the fridge, the faster the filter will become saturated. High water use homes may need changes as often as every 3-4 months.
Filter capacity – Basic filters are usually good for 200-300 gallons or 6 months. Premium filters can last up to a year or 500 gallons before needing a change.
Contaminant level – Heavily contaminated water will clog filters faster than cleaner water supplies. More frequent changes may be needed.
Refrigerator type – Side-by-side models often need filter changes more often than French door or bottom freezer configurations.

To keep your water purification optimal, mark your calendar to change filters at least every 6 months. For heavy use or high contaminant levels, seasonal changes may be best.

How do you know when it’s time to change the filter?

Here are some signs that indicate your fridge filter needs changing:

Reduced water flow – If water flow from the dispenser slows to a trickle, the filter is clogged.
Cloudy ice cubes – Filtered water should produce clear ice. Cloudiness means the filter needs changing.
Return of odors/taste – If water smells like chlorine or has a chemical taste, the filter is no longer working properly.
Filter status light – Many fridges have a replacement indicator light that turns red when the filter needs changing.
Time passed – Replace filters at least every 6 months to be safe. Mark your calendar if your fridge doesn’t have an indicator light.

Changing refrigerator water filters on schedule ensures you continue getting the cleanest, best tasting water from your fridge.

Where is the filter located in the refrigerator?

Most refrigerators have an internal water filter located in the upper right rear corner of the main compartment. It’s usually accessible by removing the top shelf.

However, filter placement can vary by refrigerator model:

French door fridges – Filter is usually behind the top right shelf.
Side-by-side models – Filter is often located in the right hand wall of the refrigerator compartment.
Bottom freezer models – Filter may be behind the bottom crisper drawer.
Built-in models – Filter is often housed in the back upper section, but placement can vary.

If you’re uncertain of your refrigerator filter location, consult your owner’s manual or an online diagram for your specific model. This will show the exact filter placement so you can replace it when needed.

What are the benefits of a refrigerator water filter vs. pitcher or faucet filter?

Refrigerator water filters have some major advantages over other filtration methods:

Convenience – Refrigerator filters deliver clean water through the dispenser. No need to fill pitchers or install anything on your taps.
Taste – Refrigerated water tastes fresher. And filters that remove chlorine provide better tasting cold water.
Built-in filtration – Refrigerator filters work continuously without any extra steps like filling pitchers.
Filtration capacity – Refrigerator filters last longer (6-12 months) than most pitchers (2-3 months).
Reduced plastic waste – They eliminate the need for endless plastic water pitcher filters.
Lower cost – Refrigerator filters deliver more gallons of water over their lifespan compared to pitcher filters.

The only disadvantage is refrigerator filters work slower than faucet filters. But for whole home use, built-in refrigerator filters provide the best combination of convenience, taste and affordability.

Can the refrigerator water filter be used on its own or should it be paired with another filtration system?

Refrigerator water filters are designed to be used as standalone filtration devices. Except for high contaminant levels, they do not necessarily need to be paired with another filtration system.

However, there are some instances where using a secondary filtration system can be beneficial:

If your municipal or well water has very high levels of contaminants like heavy metals, VOCs or pharmaceuticals, a whole house filtration system will provide additional purification. The fridge filter can serve as a final polishing stage.
In homes with old pipes that leach lead, an under sink reverse osmosis system in addition to the refrigerator filter can help remove metals.
For homes with private wells, a sediment filter before the refrigerator filter can improve performance and extend the fridge filter’s lifespan.

Unless you have confirmed high contaminant levels, the refrigerator filter should provide sufficient water purification on its own. But some situations may warrant using two filtration systems for enhanced water quality.

Get Cleaner Water From Your Fridge

Hopefully this guide has helped demystify refrigerator water filters. The right filter can provide your family with cleaner, better tasting water straight from your fridge door.

Choosing a filter specifically designed for your refrigerator model is key. This ensures proper fit and water flow. Consider filters like the GE MWF or Whirlpool EveryDrop for optimal contaminant removal.

Replacing your filters regularly is crucial to keep getting great performance. Mark your calendar every 6 months at minimum to swap in a fresh filter.

Investing in a quality refrigerator water filter is one of the best ways to improve your home’s water. Your drinking and cooking water will taste amazing while being free of hazardous contaminants. Give one of the top filters a try and start enjoying fresher water for healthier living!