Best Refrigerator Water Filters – Reviews and Guide for 2021

Thankfully, most newer refrigerators these days come with a water filtration and ice/water dispenser system built right in. A refrigerator water filter can be advantageous to your family in several ways. Having ice cold, filtered water and clean, fresh ice available right at your refrigerator dispenser is extremely convenient. And, by now we are all aware of how vital drinking plenty of water is for our energy levels and overall health.

Not only that, but these units are good for the environment, too. No more plastic water bottles to throw away! Although water filtration has been around for a long time, technology has improved significantly in recent years. Proper water filtration is becoming even more important as our water supply becomes more contaminated due to agricultural and industrial processes, too.

There are dozens of models on the market; in order to help you make an informed decision about which one is right for your family, our experts have put together this refrigerator water filter reviews article. Use this handy guide to help you choose the best refrigerator water filter for your home in 2021.

 

 

Best Refrigerator Water Filter Reviews

 

1. EveryDrop by Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Filter 4

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The EveryDrop Filter 4 Ice and Water Filter by Whirlpool provides fresh, filtered water right from your refrigerator dispenser. This filter has been guaranteed by the manufacturer to work with Amana, JennAir, KitchenAid, Maytag, and Whirlpool Refrigerators. It can be used in all bottom freezer and side by side refrigerators that accept Filter 4. Always check the model number of your refrigerator to confirm that you are ordering the correct filter for your model.

This product can provide up to 200 gallons of pure, clean, cold water for drinking and making ice before the filter needs to be replaced. Filters should be changed every six months to ensure the best flow rate and contaminant removal. The EveryDrop Filter4 is NSF certified to reduce as many as 23 contaminants in your drinking water, including pharmaceuticals, lead, pesticides, waterborne parasites, chlorine, and mercury.

The EveryDrop Filter4 is very easy to install; as a matter of fact, all it takes is a quarter twist, then snap the cover shut, and it’s ready to provide great tasting, pure water for your family. The flow rate on this filter is .8 gallons per minute so it can fill a glass or the reservoir on your coffee pot in no time.

Although this filter does cost a little more than the generic version, reviewers feel this product is well worth a few extra dollars because it fits well, removes more contaminants, and it provides the best water flow. We were so impressed with the water quality and taste produced by the EveryDrop Filter 4 that it is our top pick refrigerator water filter of 2020!

 

2. Frigidaire UltraWF Refrigerator Water Filter

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The Frigidaire UltraWF Ice and water filter is the only refrigerator water filter that is guaranteed by Frigidaire to work correctly with their French-Door model refrigerators. This push-push filter is designed to completely eliminate unpleasant tastes and odors from your family’s drinking water for up to six months. This filter can be changed in seconds by simply giving it a push to release the current filter, and then pushing the new filter into place.

For your peace of mind, this filter has an NSF Standard 42 Certification and an NSF Standard 53 Certification, which means it removes chlorine taste and odors, as well as contaminants such as lead, asbestos, and volatile organic chemicals. It also has an NSF Standard 401 Certification for its ability to reduce emerging chemical compounds.

The Frigidaire Ultra WF should be changed after 200 gallons of water have been filtered, or once every six months, to maintain the best water flow and contamination removal. The flow rate for this model is .5 gallons per minute so it can fill a water glass reasonably quickly. This is a carbon filter, so be sure to flush a gallon or two of water through the filter upon installation.

This filter provides great tasting water and nice, clean ice right from your refrigerator dispenser at a fraction of the cost of purchasing bottled water. Although most reviewers of this product report that it functions just like it should, some users feel it doesn’t last as long as the manufacturer claims.

 

3. EveryDrop by Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Filter 2

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The EveryDrop 2 Ice and Water Filter by Whirlpool is approved for use in Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana, KitchenAid, and JennAir refrigerators. It is meant for use in bottom freezer refrigerators where the filter compartment is located in the top right corner. Please check your model number to ensure that you are purchasing the correct filter for your refrigerator.

According to the manufacturer, this filter can replace up to 1500 bottles of water. The EveryDrop 2 is certified to reduce 24 different contaminants in your water, including 99% of lead, asbestos, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and water born parasites. This system is NSF 401, 53, and 42 certified.

For the cleanest, freshest tasting water, your EveryDrop Filter should be replaced after filtering 200 gallons of water, or once every six months. The unpleasant taste and odor of chlorine is entirely removed by this filter. The EveryDrop 2 has a flow rate of .8 gallons per minute so it can fill your coffee carafe and your drinking glass quickly.

There are cheaper generic versions of this filter, but reviews report that the manufacturer’s version provides better tasting water, is easier to install, and lasts longer. This filter must be flushed with two to four gallons of water before first use.

 

4. GE RPWFE Refrigerator Water Filter

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The GE RPWFE Ice and Water Refrigerator Water Filter is designed for use with GE French Door Style Refrigerators. It can be used with any GE refrigerator that uses GE’s RPWFE or RPWF filters. Always check your refrigerator’s model number before ordering to ensure that you are purchasing the correct filter.

For the best tasting water and contaminant removal, this filter should be replaced after filtering 300 gallons or water, or once every six months. This unit offers GE’s most advanced filtration. It has been tested and verified to remove pharmaceuticals, cysts, lead, and 15 other contaminants.

The GE RPWFE is easy to install; there’s no need for special tools, and you don’t even have to turn off the water. Just open the filter compartment, pull out the old filter, snap the new one into place, and close the compartment again. It’s really that easy! Be sure to run a couple of gallons of water through the new filter to flush it out before first use.

Unfortunately, this filter is a little on the pricey side, and it doesn’t seem to last as long as the manufacturer claims for many users. Many reviewers were also disappointed that they couldn’t opt for a cheaper, knock-off filter because the water dispenser and ice maker will not function without the RFID chip that this filter is equipped with. That being said, most reviewers reported that their ice and water taste crisper and cleaner with this filter.

 

5. Samsung DA29-00020B Refrigerator Water Filter

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The Samsung DA29-00020B Water Filter is guaranteed to fit Samsung side by side and French Door refrigerators. This filter provides clean, pure, filtered water and ice right from your refrigerator door. Not only does this unit provide great tasting water, it also protects the components of your refrigerator from potential sediment damage, prolonging its longevity. The manufacturer promises to deliver great tasting, pure, filtered water at a fraction of the cost of buying bottled water, without the unnecessary waste.

Samsung has designed this filter with revolutionary water filtration technology, including a high-grade carbon block filter that removes more than 99% of many harmful contaminants. This filter is tested and certified by NSF International Standards 42 and 43. It is designed to remove chlorine odors and tastes left behind in city water during the treatment process. It also removes heavy metals and chemicals, like lead and industrial contaminants. Microbial cysts such as parasites are also removed.

The filter indicator light takes the guesswork out of knowing when it’s time to change the cartridge. You can expect to replace the filter once every six months, or after 300 gallons have been filtered. Installation of the new cartridge is fast and easy, with no tools required.

As an added bonus, this filter is designed to allow healthy minerals to flow freely through the filter while keeping harmful contaminants out. Reviewers report that this high-grade carbon block filter functions exactly as expected, however, some purchasers feel that these filters are overpriced.

 

6.  EveryDrop by Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Filter 3

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The Whirlpool EveryDrop 3 Water and Ice Filter is designed to fit JennAir, KitchenAid, Amana, Maytag, and Whirlpool brand refrigerators. This filter is used in side-by-side refrigerators where the filter compartment is located in the bottom left corner of the refrigerator. Always check your model number to make sure you are ordering the correct filter for your refrigerator.

Whirlpool EveryDrop Filters are NSF 401, 53, and 42 certified. They reduce 71 contaminants in your water, including pesticides, waterborne parasites, and pharmaceuticals. For your peace of mind, this filter also removes 99% of lead from your family’s drinking water. The advanced generation EveryDrop filters use a Triple Filtration Technology that you won’t find in other filters.

According to the manufacturer, the EveryDrop 3 can replace as many as 1500 water bottles. You can expect to replace your filter once every six months, or after 200 gallons of water have been filtered. These filters are easy to install; just give the old filter a quarter twist to take it out and the new filter a quarter twist to snap it into place. The filter should be flushed with two to four gallons of water before first use.

Although many reviewers felt that the price was a little high on these filters, they report that they are worth the extra money because these filters remove more contaminants than cheaper, knock-off filters. They are also guaranteed by Whirlpool not to leak, which is obviously very important.

 

7. LG LT700P Refrigerator Water Filter

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The LG LT700P Refrigerator Water Filter provides clean, healthy water for ice and drinking right at your refrigerator dispenser. This filter is compatible with LG multi-door refrigerators that are equipped with the SlimSpace Plus Ice System. Be sure to check your refrigerator’s model number to ensure that you are ordering the correct filter.

For added peace of mind, this filter is NSF 42 and 53 certified. The LG LT700P is certified to deliver clean, great tasting water with reduced chlorine odor and taste. For your peace of mind, it also removes lead, mercury, asbestos, and benzene from your family’s drinking water and ice. Iron and other particulates are also significantly reduced by this filter.

You can expect to replace your LG LT700P filter once every 6 months, or after 200 gallons of water have been filtered. As with the other units listed, this filter is easy to change; simply remove the cover from the filter compartment, push the old filter cartridge down and pull it out. Then, snap the new filter into place and replace the cover. Finally, prime the filter by running two to four gallons of water through it before first use.

The price of this filter may seem a little high to some, but it’s still much cheaper than purchasing bottled water and there are no plastic bottles to throw away. Reviewers note that there are cheaper, generic versions of this filter, but they don’t work as well or remove as many contaminants.

 

How Refrigerator Water Filters Work

Refrigerator water filters remove contaminants from your drinking water and the water your ice maker uses to make ice. They are usually installed at the factory when your fridge is made, and most use a replaceable filter cartridge that should be changed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In most cases, the filter cartridges last for about 6 months, or until 200-300 gallons of water have been filtered, whichever comes first.

Refrigerator water filters work by forcing your water through an activated carbon filter. The carbon is located inside the replaceable filter cartridge, and it attracts and traps various types of particles, contaminants, and pollutants in the water as it passes through. Once the water passes through the filter, it runs through a line to your ice maker or out the dispenser on the front of your fridge.

Carbon block filters can only remove a certain number of contaminants before they must be changed. When it’s time to change the filter, you may notice that the water pressure at your dispenser is low, or the water may not be as clear or taste as good. In most cases, your refrigerator will also be equipped with an indicator light that tells you when it’s time to change the filter.

Once the carbon inside the filter cartridge becomes clogged with contaminants, it can no longer do its job. If the filter is not changed as required, polluted water may pass right through the filter without being treated, and your family will be drinking unsafe water. Sometimes, overused filters may even release trapped contaminants back into the water as it passes through. As you can imagine, an old filter that is clogged with contaminants will dispense water much more slowly than a new filter, as well.

Thankfully, refrigerator water filters do a great job of providing clean, great tasting ice and water as long as they are maintained properly. Following your manufacturer’s instructions will ensure that your filter is working as intended to remove contaminants.

 

Advantages of a Refrigerator Water Filter

There are multiple advantages to having a refrigerator water filter. First of all, they are extremely convenient because they provide pure, great-tasting water right from your refrigerator water dispenser. They also filter the water that your fridge uses to make ice, so your ice will always be crystal clear and free of off-tastes and odors.

Drinking filtered water is also healthier for your family. Refrigerator water filters remove contaminants from the water that could potentially cause illness. If you are on city water, your water has probably been sanitized with chlorine or chloramines, which can leave behind a strong taste and odor, and may even cause health issues over time. Refrigerator water filters remove up to 99% of chlorine from your water, leaving you with water that tastes and smells clean and pure.

Chlorine isn’t the only contaminant removed by your refrigerator water filter. Since refrigerator water filters use activated carbon filtration, they can also effectively remove dangerous compounds like lead, mercury, and other heavy metals. Pharmaceuticals and chemicals like pesticides are also reduced. Some even remove viruses and bacteria.

Having unlimited, delicious, chilled drinking water right at your refrigerator dispenser will encourage your family to drink more water, too. Drinking plenty of water is essential for cardiovascular and brain health. In fact, dehydration is a leading cause of low energy levels and difficulties with focus and concentration. Having convenient access to cold, filtered water makes it easy for your family to drink water instead of sugary soft drinks.

Although you will have to change your filter cartridge a couple times each year, your filtered water will still only cost pennies per gallon. That’s much cheaper than buying bottled water, and you won’t have to lug bulky cases of water home from the store each week. Even better, you won’t have plastic water bottles to throw away, so you’re doing your part to help the environment, too. Purchase refillable water bottles for your entire family, and they can have filtered water with them wherever they go.

If you like the idea of clean, pure water from your refrigerator but want it somewhere other than the kitchen in your home or office, consider a water cooler; check out our Best Water Coolers article for more detailed information.

Refrigerator Water Filter Installation and Maintenance

Most refrigerator water filters will need to be changed every six months, but this can vary greatly depending on the quality of your water and how much water you use. Many newer refrigerators are equipped with an indicator light that lets you know when it’s time to change the filter cartridge. If you notice a drop in water pressure from your dispenser, or your water or ice has an off-color, taste, or smell, those are all good indicators that it’s time for a filter change.

Keep in mind that the installation process will vary, depending on your refrigerator’s manufacturer. Always refer to your owner’s manual for detailed instructions. When purchasing your new filter cartridge, make sure the filter is compatible with your fridge by checking the model number of your refrigerator against the list of compatible models. Choosing the correct filter is essential for proper fit and preventing leaks.

In most cases, your refrigerator will turn the water off automatically when there’s no filter cartridge present, so you probably won’t need to shut off the water supply to your fridge during installation. To install a new filter cartridge in most refrigerators, merely open the filter compartment and twist the old filter one quarter to one half turn counterclockwise. Pull the old filter out and throw it away. Push the new filter in all the way, and then twist it one quarter to one half turn clockwise to tighten it into place. Now, close the filter compartment, and you’re done!

If you are installing a Frigidaire PureSource or PurSource Plus filter, the process is a little different. Start by unscrewing the filter cup and dumping out the water. Now, remove the old filter by pulling it straight down and throw it away. Place the new filter inside the filter cup with the end of the filter that has the small O-ring pointed up. Now, screw the filter cup and the new filter into its housing. These filters are designed to align themselves into place as the filter cup is tightened.

Some Whirlpool and KitchenAid refrigerator filters are located in the grill at the base of the fridge. These filters are designed with a push-button release system. Simply press the button near the left side of the filter to release the old filter. Pull it out and save the color-keyed, reusable cap from the end of the filter. Throw away the old filter and twist the reusable cap onto the new filter. Now, push the new filter into the housing until you hear it click into place.

Once you have your new filter installed, it should be flushed with water before you use it. Most manufacturers recommend flushing somewhere between two and four gallons of water through newly installed filters. Be sure to reset the filter change indicator light after you flush the new filter.

In areas with a lot of hard water deposits, the water lines going to your water dispenser and ice maker may also need to be cleaned once or twice a year. To do this, you will need to shut off the water supply to your fridge. Remove the lines carefully according to your manufacturer’s instructions and soak them in distilled vinegar for about 10 minutes. While they are soaking, you can clean out your ice cube bin with warm water. Be sure to rinse everything thoroughly with fresh water before reinstalling.

 

Best Refrigerator Water Filter Buyer’s Guide

There are dozens of filter styles and sizes on the market, so choosing the right filter for your refrigerator can seem like a daunting task. When you begin researching replacement filters for your refrigerator, you will notice that there are generic filters available for most models that might be a few dollars cheaper than purchasing the brand name filter. Please use caution when purchasing these knock off filters because many reviewers have reported leaks and problems with fitting them into place during installation. In many cases, these generic filters do not offer the same level of filtration as the brand names do, either.

When choosing a refrigerator water filter, start by considering which contaminants need to be reduced your water. The best way to find out the quality of your water is to have it tested at an independent lab or purchase a testing kit and do it yourself. Once you know which contaminants are in your water, you can decide what level of filtration you need.

The easiest way to determine which contaminants a particular filter can remove is to look at its NSF certifications. An NSF 53 certification means that the filter reduces contaminants like lead, cryptosporidium, giardia, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE). Most refrigerator water filters have this certification.

If you have city water, you should also look for a filter with an NSF 42 certification. This certification means that the filter is capable of removing chlorine from your water. Chlorine is used to sanitize municipal water supplies, and it can leave behind an unpleasant taste and odor.

An NSF 401 certification is also becoming increasingly important these days. This certification means that the filter removes unnatural chemicals that are entering the water system from agriculture and industrial processes. This includes things like pharmaceuticals, pesticides, herbicides, and BPA.

You may also want to consider the flow rate of the filter before making your purchase. The flow rate determines how fast the unit can filter and dispense water to fill your glass. The EveryDrop filters by Whirlpool, three of which show up in this refrigerator water filter reviews article, have an impressive flow rate of .8 gallons per minute, which means they can fill a water glass in seconds.

The longevity of the filter is also an important factor to consider when choosing a water filter. Most refrigerator water filters claim to last for six months, or until 200-300 gallons of water have been filtered. The life of the filter can vary greatly depending on the quality of your water, how many people you have in your household, and how much ice and water you use.

When considering which refrigerator water filter is best for your family, the cheapest one isn’t always the best choice. Make sure the filter you purchase fits your system correctly and removes the right contaminants from your water. You don’t want to take any chances with the quality of the water your family drinks every day!

 

Summing It Up

Although these refrigerator water filters aren’t the investment a whole house water system or under sink water filter is, they’re still an important purchase that deserve a great deal of research before deciding on a unit. While the seven units we have listed above are seven of the best refrigerator water filters on the market, they unfortunately may not fit your particular refrigerator. Using this guide as a stepping stone along the way, our hope is that you feel the confidence and knowhow to make an informed decision that results in clean water for you and yours.