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Countertop water filters have become more popular as compared to their bigger counterparts. Since their design is more compact, they can fit in limited spaces. If you live in a cramped apartment, countertop water filters will save you some much-needed space. Many of them also require no installation, saving you time and effort, which is a great benefit for some.
However, before you spend your money, you need to evaluate your options and choose the best countertop water filter for yourself. Therefore, we have taken into account key features such as the type, material, certification, and filter capacity when examining the effectiveness of a filter. The primary function of a countertop water filter is to remove the contaminants from water, which is why we have paid special attention to the list of pollutants that each filter in the list can remove.
After hours of relentless research, consultations with store owners and scouring e-commerce websites, we have created this comprehensive guide that will allow you to choose the best countertop water filter system for your house. We have included a table listing all our favorite products, and also added in-depth reviews of each. We have concluded the article with a buying guide so that you can take the matter into your own hands.
With this excellent water filtration system, you will have access to delicious and pure drinking water. Not only will the filter ensure that the water is mineralized, but it will also get rid of all the harmful chemicals in the water. This water filter system is perfect if your water supply is full of fluorides.
The filter comes with Activated alumina, which is a common element of good fluoride filtration systems. What makes this model unique is that it eliminates fluoride in the water without leaving behind any aluminum or other contaminants when balancing water pH. This filtration system also makes use of a 0.3-micron filtration media so that there are microplastics in the water that you drink.
The resulting water is clean apart from traces of calcium and magnesium, which add to the taste of the water. The Ceramic Pre-Filter removes rust, sediments, and parasites, followed by the NSF Certified Activated Alumina, which gets rid of fluorides.
The Granular Activated Coconut Carbon eliminates chlorine, chemicals, herbicides, pharmaceuticals, tri-halomethanes, and heavy metals. The Kinetic Degradation Fluxion (KDF) cuts down on chlorine and neutralizes heavy metals. pH Mineral balls are used to restore minerals in the water.
A rather popular choice, you can rely on this model to give you access to clean drinking water that will not harm your health. It performs very well as a countertop faucet water filter, and you will be impressed by the quality of service you will get at such an affordable price. The water filter makes no compromises when it comes to performance, and you will witness its efficiency from the very first go.
One of the main reasons why this water filter has received so much love from consumers everywhere is that it comes with an enormous water filter with a filtering capacity of 10,000 gallons. You will be able to filter such a large amount of water at a go. Considered as one of the cost-effective water filters available, it lives up to the hype.
However, you must be careful because this water filter is known to remove chlorine from the water but is unable to remove the fluorides during the filtration process. If you want to ensure fluoride removal, you must use an activated alumina cartridge, or you can invest in a reverse osmosis system.
This model is easy to install, and you will face no problems even if you are not that great with tools. You will be able to set it up and get it running within a few seconds. All you have to do is place the diverter valve on the faucet itself.
Customers have also raved about the fact that they did not need to invest in replacement filters with this product, making it an environmentally-friendly option. If you have a big family, then you will fall in love with this filter.
Why did it make our list?
Easy to install
Comes with good setup instructions
Has a large filtering capacity
Efficient and gets the job done
In the affordable price range
What is not ideal about it?
No filter change indicator when the filter's 10,000-gallon limit is reached
With the help of this purifier, you will get pure and delicious drinking water, which will be alkaline in nature. Designed to get rid of 99% of all contaminants, this filter will ensure that your family’s health is always secure. You can rely on this filter to remove all the harmful fluorides and heavy metals from the water. It will also eliminate chlorine from the water. Made with BPA free materials, the water filer comes with an NSF/ANSI 58 Certified Reverse Osmosis Membrane.
The water filter has four stages of advanced purification during which the water is cleaned of all its contaminants. Firstly, the Five Micron Sediment Filter, with its unique gradient pore structure, traps sediment and rust. Then, the Activated Carbon Block Filter eliminates all the harmful chemical residues left in the water. It also gets rid of carcinogens.
Thirdly, the Reverse Osmosis Membrane purifies the water further to make it ready for the post-filtration process.
Lastly, the water is remineralized. This means that beneficial minerals such as calcium and magnesium are added back to the water to make it taste better.
With this water filter, you will not have to worry about anything else, because it comes with everything that you might possibly need. The filter system comes with upper and lower stainless steel chambers, two Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements and two Black Berkey Purification Elements.
Moreover, the water filter also has a stainless-steel lid which comes with a handle, a rubber gasket, and a spigot. As soon as you use this filtration system made with highly polished AISI 304 stainless steel, you will understand that it feels premium.
Armed with Fluoride and Arsenic filters, this water filter will be able to remove such heavy ions from the water effortlessly. On the other hand, the Black Berkey purification elements, also called BB9, will purify the water further. These filters have been put through rigorous tests by both the State and EPA accredited laboratories. The reason why the Travel Berkey water filter has become so popular is the variety of filters it has which are able to absorb all the heavy metal ions and leave you with clean water.
You can rely on this water filter to eliminate all the pathogenic bacteria, parasites, and cysts from the water. It is also designed to remove harmful pollutants from the water, such as herbicides, pesticides, organic solvents, and VOCs. This filter will cut down on the concentration of nitrates, nitrite, lead, and mercury in the water. The Black Berkey elements are able to purify 3,000 gallons of water each before they have to be replaced. They are built to handle 100 washes.
The Travel Berkey also comes with a unique feature which allows it to eliminate food coloring from the water, without washing away the beneficial minerals in the process. This water filter was built with the specific purpose for providing customers with the cleanest water possible.
If you want a water filter pitcher that will get the job done no matter what, then you do not have to look beyond this model. Reliable and efficient, Aquagear will supply you with clean and pure water every time.
The water filter is supposed to eliminate 2000% more contaminants as compared to other pitcher water filters on the market. The company has made this claim only after running rigorous tests. This water filter is equipped to remove harmful fluorides, chromium 6, mercury, arsenic, TTHMs, VOCs, lead, and chlorine from the water.
The company has also introduced a trial policy under which you can return the filter and get your money back within a month from purchase in case you are not satisfied. You will be happy to know that this water filter remineralizes water before supply. This means that the water you drink retains beneficial minerals such as calcium and magnesium.
Other filters on the market which can remove dissolved solids end up stripping the water of these minerals, which is why Aquagear is a winner. The premium design is also an advantage.
You can rely on this water filter to deliver nothing but pure water to you. It follows an intricate five-stage filtration process which ensures that your drinking and cooking water is always squeaky clean.
In the first stage, the water filter removes the chloramines and other heavy metals. Microorganisms in the water are also controlled with KDF-55. The second stage sees the filter removing the chlorine and bad odor with the help of the Coconut Shell Activated Carbon. During the third stage, the water filter raises the pH level of the water and removes all the remaining impurities.
The water is also remineralized with magnesium, calcium, and potassium with Alkaline Beads to supply our bodies with hydration and nutrition. The fourth stage includes further removal of the chlorine and bad odor with the help of the Coconut Shell Activated Carbon. Finally, the filter raises the pH value of the water and reduces the acidity with Calcite. During this stage, the alkalinity of the water is also increased, since alkaline water is supposed to be greatly beneficial for health.
With the Apex countertop water filter, you will be able to eliminate up to 99% of the impurities in your drinking water. Whether you are worried about bacteria, parasites, arsenic, fluoride, chlorine, or other harmful minerals and metals; the five-stage filtration process will take care of everything. You will have perfectly balanced water in the end.
This model requires low maintenance, which means that you will not have to clean the filters regularly in spite of the complicated filtration process. The filter will be able to purify around 750 gallons of water at a time. This is a mid-range product, and you will get your money’s worth. The design is convenient and practical.
What are our favorite features?
The filter works for a long time without wearing down
Comes with a lifetime technical support
Produces alkaline water which is a healthier alternative
Easy to install and use on a daily basis
What could be better?
Filter’s tube tends to block the way of the faucet
Rather expensive as compared to other models in the market
With its modern design, this water filter will look great in your kitchen. Built with food-grade glass along with stainless steel, this filter has a design that will stay sturdy for quite a while. You can rely on this filter to not only remove all the harmful contaminants from the water but to also ensure that the filtered water tastes delicious and healthy. It uses alkaline calcium balls to restore the nutrient in the water after it has been filtered.
Moreover, this also increases the pH level of the water. The water filter uses ORP Balls to raise the negative potential so as to create high-antioxidant water. On the other hand, Maifan stones are responsible for adding healthy minerals like selenium, iron, and zinc to the water. The filter also uses ceramic mineral balls to ensure a great taste and scent of the water.
With the help of the Zeolite and Activated Alumina, the filter manages to get rid of the fluorides in the water along with removing heavy metals such as mercury, copper, and arsenic. The best part is that this filter is straightforward to use.
This pitcher water filter gives you the ultimate value for money. You will get a host of advanced features at a reasonable price. This filter comes with a built-in LED light that acts as an indicator as to when you need to change out the filter. The premium carbon water filter ensures that your water is 95% free of mercury.
You can also depend on this water filter to reduce the amount of chlorine in the water. It removes 96% of trace levels of pharmaceuticals from the water so that your drinking water is safe.
The filter infuses the water with beneficial fluoride, which ensures that the water tastes great. The MAXION filter technology was formulated by PUR to blend carbon and ion exchange materials to achieve maximum contaminant reduction. All PUR pitchers come with the MAXION technology and have multiple filters.
What do we love it for?
Filtered water tastes delicious
LED light indicates when you should replace the filter
Sometimes, you need a compact pitcher that will do the job for you without overtaking your entire kitchen. If you live in a small space, and you do not have sufficient counter space beside your sink for a faucet style filter, then this model is what you have been looking for.
This compact pitcher-style filter might appear to be small, but it does not shy away from providing you with the best quality water with a high rate of purity.
You will fall in love with the Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher because it will meet all your requirements without compromising your health. The proprietary filter that can eliminate more than 230 chemicals, contaminants, and toxins from the water that will drink. Most of its competitors in this price range do not give such a great performance.
While ZeroWater and reverse osmosis filter systems may end up eliminating beneficial minerals from the water, the Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher will ensure that your water is healthy and mineralized. The model is built with materials which are recyclable and BPA-free.
It’s FDA-approved, so you know it’s safe to use. The highly-rated filter is loved by many because it is able to purify water so well. The long-lasting design will ensure that you do not have to replace the model anytime soon.
What stands out?
Filter removes over 230 toxins from the water
Made with 100% recyclable materials
Durable design
Water tastes great
What cons did we manage to find?
Small size
Pitcher design could have been better
Things to Consider
If you are planning to invest in a good countertop water filter, do your research. The products on review come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages, and you will have to make a decision based on your individual requirements.
Countertop water filters types: which one to choose?
There are different kinds of countertop water filters available on the market. Two of the most popular kinds of water filters are faucet style filters and pitcher style filters. While both of them will give you great service, there are some key differences that you need to keep in mind.
Pitcher filters are usually cheaper to buy. However, you will also have to replace the filter more often because it wears down faster as compared to faucet style filters. On the other hand, you should look at faucet style filters as an investment for the long run. You might have to pay more upfront, but you will not have to replace the filter as often, which is a big positive.
Water filter pitchers do not have a direct connection to the faucet, but they still do a great job of filtering your water. You might wonder why it can be advantageous to have a water filter that is not linked with your faucet, but you will soon begin to witness the benefits yourself. These models work especially well if the countertop of your sink is too narrow or small. You will be able to install the water filter on any other counter, since it is not connected to the sink. You can also use them in office environments. Pitcher water filters also have to be refilled frequently.
The faucet water filters, as suggested by the name, have a direct connection to the faucet. They perform well in filtering the water. Moreover, these models are easy to use, which means that you will not have to spend time worrying about how to operate them. Your family members might feel more comfortable using faucet filters often as compared to pitcher water filters.
You can easily connect the faucet filters to the faucet’s aerator. The installation process will not take more than a few minutes.
A disadvantage of using faucet filters is that you will not be able to see the quantity of water which was filtered.
Other countertop water filter types that you should consider are:
Filter Dispenser: Effective and affordable, this product runs without electricity. You can easily place it in your kitchen without having to worry about cables.
Water Distiller: When it comes to drinking water, purity should be your first priority. Distillation is a foolproof purification process that will guarantee you clean water. Most water distillers on the market are sized reasonably, and you should face no problem during installation.
Water Ionizer: If you are looking for a more advanced model, then you should consider water ionizers which purify water through electrolysis. However, this model tends to be more expensive.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) filter: This water filter will be able to eliminate almost every possible pollutant that your water might have. Armored with a host of filtration techniques, the filter will take up a considerable amount of space on your countertop.
Features to consider while choosing a countertop water filter
All countertop water filters share a set of basic features irrespective of their type. There are some primary concerns which you should have, and you can base your final decision on these factors.
Contaminants it can filter
When you are choosing a countertop water filter, your primary concern should be the purity of the water you will be drinking. Not all water filters can perform the same when it comes to cleaning the water of all the contaminants. All the water filters listed by us are capable of providing you with fresh drinking water free of bad odors and tastes. They also do not have any sediment residue, and most of the heavy metals are removed during the filtration process.
However, you should check the efficiency of a filter before you make your purchase because different models have different levels of skills in removing the same contaminants from the water. While some water filter models excel at removing chlorine, others are able to remove chloramines easily.
With some models, you will find that they remove almost all the contaminants in the water, but they also end up eliminating the useful minerals during the process. You should pay special attention to the elements which a particular filter will be able to remove from the water.
Most users want their water to be free of chemicals, aside from the beneficial minerals which are good for the human body. You should look into the extraction process used by the water filter for every individual component. Heavy metals such as fluoride and copper are very bad for health, and you should be careful.
Countertop filters are notorious for not being able to filter more than sediments, common VOCs and chlorine in tap water, but we have researched the best models just for you.
A water test kit will help you in the quest by measuring the pH value and the water’s hardness. It will also tell you about the heavy metal concentration in the water you receive.
Once you know what kind of contaminants you are tackling, you will be able to choose a filter easily by taking a look at the filtration capacity of the water filter. If you find that your water has certain elements which need to be removed that cannot be eliminated by a certain water filter, you can stop considering that model as an option.
Be an informed customer. Don’t be fooled by the fancy jargon put forth by companies. Go through the user guide thoroughly and find out limitations of every individual filter in the model. That will tell you which minerals will be eliminated by which filtration technique.
Size and capacity
The size of the water filter you choose will determine how often you will have to change and refill the water in the filter. Also, the size of the water filter is a primary concern, since it will be placed on the countertop. You need to get your measurements right so that you have no problems installing the filter once you have purchased it. In case you are opting for a faucet filter, you will not have the option of placing the water filter on another counter in case it is too big to fit on the counter beside your faucet.
On the other hand, while pitcher filters do not make it compulsory for you to fit the filter beside the sink, you still need to have a countertop that can accommodate the filter. Some countertop water filters come with a small capacity, but there are rather large models available on the market as well so you should be careful.
If you have a big family, then there is no doubt that you should choose a model with higher filter capacity. On the other hand, if you live alone, there is no point investing in a large water filter.
Materials
The materials with which a countertop water filter is made determines how effective it will be at doing its job. Since your drinking water will be passing through the machine, you should find what kind of material makes up the inside of the water filter. It is no surprise that plastic will be one of the used materials, but you should also check the quality of the plastic used.
Low quality plastic can contaminate your water further instead of helping the filtration process. Flimsy construction can lead to the leakage of BPA materials into the containers which will store the water.
You will find some BPA-free countertop water filters on the market that will alleviate all your worries about chemical leakage into your water. The water you drink or cook with will remain untainted. It is somewhat ironic that we have to use plastic water filters when we are trying to get rid of plastic waste from the water. If you want to guarantee clean and pure water for your family, do not forget to check the quality of the plastics before you install the model.
Ease of use
The countertop water filter you install should be easy to use. You should not look at it as another machine that will give you a tough time. The model should be easy to install, and you should check that when you are choosing a model.
Usually, faucet water filters tend to be simpler than pitcher water filters, which is why they are easier to work with. Pitcher water filters are not connected directly to your sink, unlike the faucet filters. If you want to use the latter, all you have to do is turn on your faucet and switch on the water filter.
Filter pitchers are rather high maintenance which can be annoying after a while. If you want to have a constant supply of filtered water, then you will have to make it a point to refill the water filter’s container as frequently as possible. Bigger models with a storage capacity of 5 gallons are easier to manage, but smaller filters can get on your nerves, especially if you want to use the filter in a public space. If the convenient installation is a priority for you, then you have to choose your water filter accordingly.
When you install countertop faucet filters, you might have to hire professional help because the process is rather complicated.
Water taste
Not everyone considers the taste of the filtered water to be a dealbreaker when they are choosing a filter, but you should. The taste of the water is an indication of how pure it actually is. A lot of users complain when they find that the water does not taste good. However, it is important to find out what was giving the taste to the water that was previously being consumed.
Sometimes, people who have drunk chlorinated water for a long time find it difficult to adjust to drinking unchlorinated water initially. You should also be careful about which minerals your water filter is removing from the water you are drinking.
Sometimes, the filter ends up eliminating healthy minerals from the water, which can lead to a lack of taste.
Hard water usually contains large quantities of calcium and magnesium. So, if you have got into the habit of drinking hard water, you will find it difficult to like water that has no traces of calcium and magnesium. When the filters remove the elements, they end up changing the taste of the water.
Moreover, the water will have lesser minerals than before, which means that it will not be as good for your health anymore. Ideally, you should invest in water filters that can re-mineralize the drinking water before supplying it to you.
By adding traces of magnesium and calcium in the water, they will make the water taste better and be healthier. You should check the reviews for water filters to find out more about the taste of the water they turn out.
Keep your water purifier as clean as possible so that you get pure drinking water. You should change your filter as soon as you begin to feel the taste of the water change. Moreover, some models come with a warning signal which tells you to change the filter when it is not functioning well anymore.
Ideally, you should change the filter every 6–8 months instead of waiting for leaks and drips to happen. Your annual maintenance check will also give you a fair idea about the condition of your filter.
Yes. Once the well water undergoes basic purification, it will be in a state to be purified by countertop water filters. Make sure that you test the well water beforehand from the faucet so as to understand its chemical composition.
It cannot be accepted as a universal fact that faucet filters are more efficient than pitchers because it varies from model to model. The comparison must be kept fair. However, one has to admit that faucet filters definitely have the upper hand because they are directly connected to the sink.
They come with better filters which can last for a more extended period of time. The filters in faucet filters can also successfully get rid of contaminants. You might have to pay a little extra, but you do get certain advantages.
Yes, alkaline water will definitely work in your favor. Certain water filters are able to turn your water more alkaline. This alkaline water has inherent anti-aging properties. Moreover, it can also benefit the immune system and the digestive system. Some say that alkaline water also keeps their skin more hydrated and helps them lose weight.
Our Verdict
We have made sure that we cover everything under the sun in relation to countertop water filters so that you feel you are prepared to make your choice. There are some great options in the market, and you should definitely check them out.
If you do not want to settle for anything but the best, you should go for the Santevia Gravity Water System. It takes up more space on your countertop, but boasts of more capacity, effective filters, and minerals that alkalize and mineralize the water.
If you are looking for a compact pitcher water filter for your apartment, then the Clearly Filtered Water Filter Pitcher is a great option because it will fit in easily. Moreover, it has excellent filtration properties.
Water filter pitchers do not have a direct connection to the faucet, but they still do a great job of filtering your water. You might wonder why it can be advantageous to have a water filter that is not linked with your faucet, but you will soon begin to witness the benefits yourself. These models work especially well if the countertop of your sink is too narrow or small. You will be able to install the water filter on any other counter, since it is not connected to the sink. You can also use them in office environments. Pitcher water filters also have to be refilled frequently.
All countertop water filters share a set of basic features irrespective of their type. There are some primary concerns which you should have, and you can base your final decision on these factors.
Countertop filters are notorious for not being able to filter more than sediments, common VOCs and chlorine in tap water, but we have researched the best models just for you.
The materials with which a countertop water filter is made determines how effective it will be at doing its job. Since your drinking water will be passing through the machine, you should find what kind of material makes up the inside of the water filter. It is no surprise that plastic will be one of the used materials, but you should also check the quality of the plastic used.
Filter pitchers are rather high maintenance which can be annoying after a while. If you want to have a constant supply of filtered water, then you will have to make it a point to refill the water filter’s container as frequently as possible. Bigger models with a storage capacity of 5 gallons are easier to manage, but smaller filters can get on your nerves, especially if you want to use the filter in a public space. If the convenient installation is a priority for you, then you have to choose your water filter accordingly.
