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From ultra - dissolute filtration to protection against the most harmful contamination , our favored countertop water supply filter put the hurler to shame .
In This Article
Better Homes & Gardens
When was the last prison term you changed your fridge H2O filter ? If you ca n’t remember , you ’re likely drinking contaminants . As nifty as in - door orpitcher - style water filterscan be , they take up so much fridge material estate . And it ’s comfortable to forget to replace those cartridges , which typically only last two calendar month .
get into the countertop water filter . These appliances are the antidote to out of sight , out of mind . “ Countertop water filters murder contamination from tap water to improve its prophylactic , taste perception , appearance and aroma , ” saysGary McCoy , Lowe ’s store manager .
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
The appliances can be freestanding or colligate to your sink spigot . They act just like a mound , easily filtering out granular activate atomic number 6 ( GAC ) elements or using an ion exchange resin to draw specific ion and exchange them for others .
But while countertop water filter save up quad in the fridge ( and money if you ’ve been buy bottled water in bulk ) , you likely do n’t want a bulky , eyesore on your counter either . To witness the advantageously available , we try out nine model in our own kitchens .
What We Tested
We cautiously selected the best countertop water filter for every kitchen pauperization , take into considerationfiltration certifications , overallcost , water content , andease of use . For more information on how we test countertop water supply filter , control outour examination processbelow .
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Aquasana Clean Water Machine
It ’s lightning tight and can filter eight ounces of urine in just eight seconds .
The unit itself is compact and the water army tank only hold up 64 ounces of water at a time .
It ’s not the cheapest on our list , but it ’s an investing worth the price . The Aquasana Clean Water Machine is our filling for " best overall " due to its solid performance . Its one - button design is visceral , it takes up minimum counter distance , and it ’s faster than any other auto we quiz — you canfill up your tumblerin 40 seconds .
Credit: Amazon
You ’d only have about a washing soda can ’s worth of water left afterward , as the weewee tank only hold up 64 ounces at a time . But given how lightning - fast this appliance act upon , you ’d have a full twirler again in less than a minute .
The removable mound is satiny and New and does n’t look like an eyesore on the countertop . As for filtration , the rap water we tested was noticeably cloudy and had a fainthearted Cl odor . The filtered water was clean and odor - devoid . We had friends over while pass judgment and were instill by how much everyone do it the water .
The good part about the Aquasana is its easy sustentation . Some water filters require multiple different cartridges with varying replacement times . That ’s heavy to remember and more expensive to maintain . The Aquasana only usesone proprietary filterand each filter lasts for 300 gallons , or about six months .
The Aquasana is compact at less than 10 inches deep and wide.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Product Details : Dimensions:9.69 x 7.96 x 11.61 in . |Contaminants dispatch : Chlorine , tether , PFOS , PFOA |Filtration Process : Claryum filtration |Certifications : NSF , ANSI |Tank Capacity:8 cups |Filter Capacity:300 gallon |Warranty:1 year
Best Budget
Brita Countertop Water Filtration
The price is right and the machine fill feature make it a more high - technical school option than you ’d expect for the monetary value .
It ’s loud and it splashes .
This unit does n’t have a silky glass decanter or cool digital displays , but it is less than half the toll of other system . And the transposition carbon copy filter are cheaper than other system – though they do n’t last as long as some , with just a 120 - gallon filter capacity .
Still , this unit has a high-pitched - tech feature we did n’t have a bun in the oven for the Mary Leontyne Price : auto - filling . you may press and take the air away and the Brita Hub will fill up up your glass or bottle . That ’s a nice perk if you hate digest around and squash a button . But be warned : The pee comes out tight and furious and we noticed we had more splashes to clean from this unit .
We loved how childlike and well-fixed assembly was , and if you ’re shortsighted on counter blank space , you ’ll love the vertical design , too . It shores up more space compared to other weewee filter that hold around the same amount of water supply .
One thing we did n’t like : the noise . When water is running through the filter , it ’s as loud as acoffee maker . So if you live in a small space or your sleeping accommodation is correctly off the kitchen , this is not the best filter for your middle - of - the - Nox glass of water as you ’ll likely wake up the whole household .
mathematical product Details : Dimensions:14.4 x 7.5 x 11.4 in . |Contaminants take away : Chlorine , wind , microplastics , others |Filtration Process : Carbon filter |Certifications : NSF , ANSI |Tank Capacity:12 cups |Filter Capacity:120 gallons |Warranty:2 years limited
Best Reverse Osmosis
AquaTru Countertop Water Filtration System
The armoured combat vehicle is removable so you could store it in the electric refrigerator for colder water .
It create more water waste matter than other picks .
One of the biggest complaints about countertop piddle filter is that you ca n’t booze the filtered water decently off if you desire chilled body of water , as most of these appliances useroom - temperature water . However , this AquaTru manikin features a obliterable storage tank that you may pop right into the fridge .
This is a nice pick if you assay to hit most of your water goals in the morning and need to chill the tank overnight .
The AquaTrue produced some of the best - try and odor - detached piss in our test . The water went from nebulous to crystal percipient and truly tasted refreshing . But assembly was a scrap tricksy , and it does take up a mint of counter space .
Due to its sizing and reverse osmosis designing , that also means it produces a hatful of waste water supply so this may not be the best filter or filtration style if you ’re trying to conserve water and limit your home ’s gray H2O .
production Details : Dimensions:14 x 14 x 12 in . |Contaminants Removed : Arsenic , star , chlorine , fluoride |Filtration procedure : invert osmosis |Certifications : NSF |Tank Capacity : Not listed |Filter Capacity:600 - 1,200 gallon |Warranty:1 year
Best Large
Big Berkey Water Filter
It can carry more than two gallons of filtered water supply , making it great for big , busy family .
The intention is a bit clunky because it hangs over the lip of the counter .
This viral filter is beloved by householder and office managing director alike because it can harbour 288 ounce of filtered H2O . And it lives up to the hype . It ’s perfect for larger family — specially those with kids in summercater — where you ’re filling up lots of water nursing bottle for body of work , schooltime , and traveling .
We noticed a massive conflict in smell with the Berkey . Before filtration , the spigot water supply had a noticeable metallic scent . After filtration , it was odor - free . The taste perception , however , still had a flimsy metallic bite . It was far good than the unfiltered rap water system , but not as tasteless as bottled body of water .
One affair to notice about the Berkey blueprint is that the tap is n’t as countertop - friendly as other models . It hang off over the counter like a party carafe which means you ca n’t campaign the filter back against a bulwark or backsplash and it could also potentially hang over a draftsman , which is cumbersome as you likely do n’t desire anything brushing up against it .
Product Details : Dimensions:8.5 x 8.5 x 21 in . |Contaminants remove : Chlorine and chloramine , weed killer and pesticide , and VOCs |Filtration procedure : Ion exchange resin |Certifications : Not listed |Tank Capacity:2.25 gal . |Filter Capacity:3,000 gallons |Warranty : Lifetime
Credit: Brita
Best Small
Bluevua Reverse Osmosis Countertop Water Filter
The filtered water decanter is attractive and durable borosilicate glass instead of plastic .
polish off the urine man-made lake is n’t that gentle .
bet to make the permutation from a urine filter pitcher ? The Bluevua sport a pitcher - like water man-made lake without the pouring . Plus , the amount of filtered water you get per footrace is about the same as a pitcherful filter . We thought the water tasted more refreshing , too , than water from a Brita hurler .
The Brita Hub’s auto-fill feature set it apart from other options we tested.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
It also trickle faster than a pitcher and does n’t require filter replacement as frequently . However , it ’s important to mention that the Bluevua features three unlike proprietary filter which are replaced at dissimilar times , so the maintenance is n’t as elementary as others with one - and - done filters , and it leave in additional costs .
The water reservoir was also a bit sticky for us to remove and put back — we had to wrestle with it . While the body of water carafe is n’t big enough for swelled families or multiple athletes with really high daily water goals , it ’s thoroughgoing for couples or singles as it ’s about the size of a coffee tree sens .
And we love that , unlike so many formative piss armored combat vehicle we ’ve screen , the decanter is drinking glass and would n’t be an eyesore on the table for entertain .
Product Details : Dimensions:14.3 x 10.9 x 15.4 in . |Contaminants transfer : PFOA , PFOS , Cl |Filtration Process : repeal osmosis |Certifications : NSF , ANSI |Tank Capacity:7.2 cup |Filter Capacity : Not listed ( every 12 - 24 months ) |Warranty:1 yr
Best with Faucet Connection
Brondell Countertop Water Filtration System
No refilling necessary , as it connects to your kitchen sink .
Multiple filters are involve for this unit and they have different timetable for replacement .
Faucet - fed filterscan be clunky eyesores , but not the Cypress . It ’s less than four column inch blanket and top-notch sleek . This is a Brobdingnagian bonus because if you ’re going to have to drill a trap in your counter , it should be for an appliance that looks squeamish . And the water system tastes nice , too .
We detect a huge difference in the chlorine - smack pat water compare to the tasteless and odorless separate out water . If you have a sozzled bar or beverage stripe , it would be a cracking addition for entertaining , as it ’s smaller than a Keurig and provide filtered water supply for better - tasting coffee , tea , or that splash of water system to open up up whiskey notes .
While the Cypress claims to fit99 percent of kitchen sink , it was n’t compatible with our test sinkhole and we had to order an additional adapter valve from the maker for about $ 20 .
Once the part was delivered , we find the setup to be comparatively straightforward , though , it did take about 30 minutes to put in . However , at less than half the toll of some of these filter , it ’s worth half an hour of DIY .
Cartesian product detail : Dimensions:3.75 x 10.5 x 13.5 in . |Contaminants Removed : atomic number 17 , VOCs |Filtration Process : C filter |Certifications : WGA , NSF , ANSI |Tank Capacity : N / A |Filter Capacity:5,000 gallon for aesthetic atomic number 17 , 150 gallon for VOCs |Warranty:1 class
The Bottom Line
For fast filtration , minimal counter space , and easy - to - purpose invention , theAquasana Clean Water Machinechecks all the box . But for budget , theBrita Hub insistent Powerful Countertop Water Filtrationis a square option at under $ 180 . And it was the only auto we present a perfect sexual conquest for ease of use .
Our Testing Process
To find the best countertop water filter , we evaluated nine dissimilar water filter – both spigot - fed and freestanding – using a predetermined methodological analysis . We appraise each water filter based on five factor : water olfactory sensation , water taste , ease of economic consumption , plan , and the value for price .
Expert guidance was also provided byDaniel L. McCurry , Ph.D. , assistant professor , Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering , University of Southern California .
We first examine unfiltered pat water , mark any cloudiness or smell . Then we compared the filtered water for each widget , noting any changes in appearance or apparent gustation . We valuate the filtration performance further by timing each filter and ranking how quick each widget could dribble a glass of piss .
We also try out the assembly for each water filter and how light it is to instal spigot - feed social unit to common kitchen cesspool faucets . After each water filter was psychoanalyze and rate for each of the five examination categories , an mean , overall mark was cipher for each appliance .
What to Know About Countertop Water Filters Before Shopping
Freestanding vs. Faucet-fed
“ They may be confiscate flat to a faucet to bring home the bacon filter water straight from the tap or come as a standalone dispenser with a source that can be placed anywhere , ” tell McCoy .
A spigot - fed filter means you do n’t have to worry about refilling all the time , especially if the building block is little . But it ’s not renter - well-disposed , as most advocate drilling a hole in your counterpunch to eat the metro from under the cesspool to the appliance . ( If you have an old in - sinkhole soap dispenser you could sometimes bypass this process and use that hole . )
If you’reshort on counter spaceand do n’t have elbow room aright by your kitchen swallow hole , a freestanding countertop water filter is more portable and practical . It ’s also great to employ on your nightstand if you ’d wish to have fresh water at night .
Dimensions
Depending on the design , countertop water filters can be as diminished as a wassailer or as large as a mini fridge . We tested XL unit at two understructure magniloquent but also tested super - small compact filters less than three inches wide .
“ It can vary , ” say McCoy . “We carry a filter that is roughly 17 column inch improbable by 22 inch wide , and another that is much more compact at 11 inches tall by 3 inches wide . Both are dandy options . You really just need to consider the available infinite on your counter before pick out a filter . ”
Capacity
Beyond the dimensions , it ’s important to look at the capacity of the water source , as this will tell you how much filter body of water the appliance can hold back at a time . Sydney Evans , senior science psychoanalyst at the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) , said the weewee filters the EWG has consider reach from 6 cups to over a gallon .
It ’s also crucial to note the filter capacity , which is often confused with the water tank capacity . The filter electrical capacity indicate close to how much water the gizmo can separate out effectively before it needs replace .
And like the sizing of the piss filter , the capacity varies widely base on the exemplar and brand . “ At Lowe ’s , we have options range from this Home Master countertop filter — which has a 750 - gal capacity — to an APEC Water countertop filter with a 6,000 - gallon capacity and a Mist countertop filter , which has an 8,000 - gallon capacity , ” said McCoy .
Credit: Amazon
And if you ca n’t chance a specific number of congius to watch for , some manufacturers will number the approximate filter capacity in quantity of time . And that can vary from six months to two years .
Certifications
There are so many contaminants that show up in pat water , from leash to microplastics . Manufacturers make wildly different claims about what filters can tighten or eliminate . So , how do you know if the filter you choose is removing dangerous contamination ? And , equally as of import , are the manufacturer ’s claims legit ?
“ you’re able to seem for National Sanitation Foundation ( NSF ) corroboration , which suggest the filter has been independently test to swan , among other thing , that it slim down the contaminants it lay claim to reduce , ” McCoy aver .
Another mutual certification is from the American National Standards Institute or ANSI . However , Evans notes that not all filter work on all contamination and a corroboration from NSF or WQA does n’t imply that a filter can remove all contaminants .
The dispenser is lower than on other models, so you’ll need to hold taller cups or pitchers while filling.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
“ Some constitution like NSF and WQA provide some level of third - party verification that the filter really assemble the maker ’s claims , ” she say . “ But it is authoritative to find out exactly what those manufacturer ’s claims are when shopping for a H2O filter . ”
You ’ll often see NSF or ANSI certification listed with a specific routine . standard 42 , 53 , and 401 are considered the industriousness trifecta for removing weird taste and odors ( 42 ) , traces of medicine and other chemicals ( 401 ) , and major health business organization ( 53 ) such as asbestos , precede , and mercury .
It ’s important to wait for these specific Book of Numbers if a manufacturer list an gismo as being NSF certify to understand which contaminants the water filter will slay .
Filter Lifespan
Like a water filter pitcher , the filter ingredient do n’t last constantly . It ’s important to think how oft you ’ll postulate to replace a filter . Most of the countertop H2O filters we tested require replacement after six months , but some claim to last intimately two years .
It ’s all dependent on how much water has gone through the filter , aka the filter piddle capacity , because the old the filter gets , the less knock-down it becomes — especially for granulose activated carbon ( GAC ) filters .
“ Over time , contaminants take up more and more blank space and these filters become less and less good , and the filter cartridge needs to be replaced , ” Evans enunciate .
“ Ion exchange rosin , on the other hand , is a different kind of medium designed to attract specific ions and exchange them for others . These resins also become saturated over clock time and need to be maintained . They are effectual for some contaminants , and are commonly used as water softeners as well . ”
Evans also take note that the lifespan of a countertop water filter magazine can alter significantly depending on the sword , model , and filter type .
“ It ’s important to mention that in our report , we assessed each filter ’s performance after it had strain 10 gallons of water . We did not evaluate how in force these filter were at the end of their estimated lifespan . It ’s reasonable to expect that filter efficacy may decrease over time , highlighting the importance of even cartridge replacement to keep optimal water calibre . ”
Ease of Use and Maintenance
The best countertop piss filter should be as sluttish to apply as a Keurig in terms of refill water . We tested several different pattern , noting which appliances were too big to fit under the sink and fill now with faucet water .
For removable water tanks , we noted how easy they were to grip , fill , and pour . If humbled mobility is a concern , you may want to consider a faucet - fed filter to shunt carrying heavy water cooler . However , for faucet - fed filter , the initial installation can be a pain , and agree a hosiery to your kitchen sink may not be ideal .
disregarding of ergonomics , it ’s crucial to note the specific cleaning instructions for the urine man-made lake and filtered water storage tank as they change by firebrand and purpose . Several units that we tested require hebdomadal cleaning for all water tanks .
Other Countertop Water Filters We Tested
RKIN AlcaPure Reverse Osmosis Countertop Water Filter
This water filter gain top marks as it ’s ready to go straight out of the box . And while we eff the taste of the filtered water , the sizing of this appliance just is n’t practical for most kitchens . At about 2 understructure tall , 2 feet wide , and 1 metrical unit long , the unit is massive and take on up so much retort space .
You do n’t even get that much urine : the tank only holds about half a gallon of filtered water . So if one person in your household fills up a large roller , there ’s only about a soda can ’s worth of water left , which makes this a regretful choice for big household , or even couples who pledge lots of water throughout the twenty-four hours .
Santevia Gravity Water System with Fluoride Removal Filter
assemblage for this one is complex and one of us phone it a total incubus . Even worse : It takes so long for the water to filter . tot up to the fact that this unit has ceramic pieces , mineral stones , and fluoride removal filters , which all necessitate replacement at different metre , and this unit quickly realise a mellow maintenance badge .
However , it may not be deserving all the squabble because , despite all the fancy bell and whistles , it ’s so bulky and just take up too much countertop space .
Your Questions, Answered
What are the advantages and disadvantages of countertop water filters?
“ Countertop pitcher and dispenser - style filters are more often than not easy to set up , ” Evans said . “ They can be more affordable on norm compared to more complex systems like whole - theatre orunder - sink pee filter . They also do n’t produce any wastefulness water like reverse osmosis systems do . "
As for the hustle , " They do by nature have a special capacity and expect replenish , they take up blank on your heel counter , and filters have to be maintained and supersede for them to be effective . ”
Another pain point for some is temperature . While the best countertop water filters save electric refrigerator space , they do n’t chill filtered piddle . Most countertop water filters command room temperature piss and keep dribble water at way temperature .
What common contaminants do countertop water filters remove?
“ Some are certified to simply reduce contamination that affect taste and smack , while others can reduce contaminants that impact your wellness , ” McCoy says . “ The most rough-cut contaminants the countertop water filter can slay are lead , hydrargyrum , and Cl , although this can vary based on the filter you purchase . ”
Do countertop water filters connect to all kitchen faucets?
“ Most of our countertop piss filters plug in to almostall kitchen faucets , ” McCoy said . “ But you should double - tally the product specifications before purchasing . ”
Most spigot - fed water filters come with multiple adapters to get the right conniption , and our option for " full overall " claims to work with 99 percent of all kitchen spigot .
Can I connect a countertop water filter to multiple faucets?
If you ’re go for to practice a countertop water filter at place as well as in an RV or another room in your home , forked - check the installation outfit for arranger accessories .
“ Some water filters can be connected to multiple faucet , but it really will depend on the model you are buy , ” McCoy says .
What is the healthiest way to filter tap water?
Is a countertop water filter better than a twirler or a icebox filter ? depend . Are you more probable to remember to change a filter if you see the appliance on display on your counter ?
Because Evans says what weigh most is how well you keep up the instruction . “ It ’s authoritative to accentuate that the potency of any filter relies on consistent and correct use , ” she allege . " After all , the most efficient filters can only deliver their full benefits when used as intended . ”
Who We Are
Deanne Revelis an award - winning journalist and master of ceremonies found in Seattle . She cover home and design shopping , admit home appliances , and did important research on the best countertop water filter for this account . She also spoke toSydney Evans , Senior Science Analyst at the Environmental Working Group , as well asGary McCoy , a store director at Lowe ’s .
Daniel L. McCurry , Ph.D. , helper professor , Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering , University of Southern California , also provided expert steering .
What Is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the product on this inclination , you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of favourable reception . merchandise that pull in the cachet have been put through rigorous testing to verify they ’re deserving a berth in your home . We corrupt most of the mathematical product we test ourselves , but now and again we are provided sample by companies if buying is n’t an option . In these cases , we employ the same examination criteria we use to screen the purchased merchandise .
Credit: Amazon
The Big Berkey water filter can hold up to 288 ounces of water.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Amazon
The Bluevua system looks similar to a traditional coffee maker.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Amazon
Because it connects through the faucet, the Brondell Cypress is limited when it comes to placement.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
