Best Refrigerator Water Filter Review & 10 Important Factors

The refrigerator’s water filter may be its most underappreciated component.

Your refrigerator can still capably store your food without it being at 100 percent, leaving you unaware that something’s wrong.

However, you will be able to notice something wrong the moment you taste the cold water or the ice coming from your fridge. The filter works around the clock to provide you with the finest quality. You don’t always think about the flavor of water being a big deal, but it changing can definitely affect you.

That’s why you need to seek out the best refrigerator water filter. The life-giving liquid you consume on a regular basis must always be at its best. This thing will help with that.

The Products To Consider

Check 6 refrigerator water filter comparison

1. General Electric MWF RefrigerAtor Water Filter

Before the water filter can start doing its job, you first have to get it installed. In that regard, General Electric’s MWF Filter has a leg up on the competition.

It won’t take you several frustrating hours for this process. Because of the way it’s designed, you should be able to get it up and running relatively quickly. That’s a nice bonus if you’re not particularly handy.

This GE filter is also worth taking a closer look at because it does a lot to ensure the water made accessible to you and your family is a clean as it can be. It can filter out chlorine-resistant cysts along with numerous other contaminants that can pose a threat to the health of your family.

This filter is also designed to last for quite some time inside your home. You should be able to get great value out of it.

• Remarkably easy to install
• NSF certified filter
• Expected to remain in prime working condition for up to six months
• Flow rate of 0.5 GPM

2. Samsung DA29-00020B Refrigerator Water Filter

The Samsung DA29-00020B Refrigerator Filter is designed to be used on Samsung French door refrigerators. The newer French door models from Samsung are equipped with ice and water dispensers. Those will free you from having to stock up on bottles of purified water.

You’ll likely be pleased with the way this performs. The difference is the notable taste. When it goes through this filter simply tastes cleaner.

Now, it is a bit of a hassle to install on your fridge. Still, that won’t discourage you from purchasing this item.

I also appreciate the fact that the people over at Samsung have included an indicator. The indicator will make it easier to tell if this filter needs to be replaced. It’s a minor addition, but one that makes things more convenient for you.

• Excels at blocking numerous contaminants
• NSF certified filter
• Indicator light will tell you if the filter needs to be replaced
• Operating temperature of 34 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit

3. Frigidaire ULTRAWF Filter

Frigidaire’s ULTRAWF Filter is designed to be used with a wide range of appliances. If the manufacturer of the refrigerator you’re using does not offer a specific kind that can be used together with it, going with this item from Frigidaire is not a bad move.

This is another one that excels at finding and eliminating potential contaminants. Any unusual odors and tastes will be removed from your water. You will also be able to down as many glasses you like without having to worry about getting sick.

I just wish this filter could last longer. If you don’t use you refrigerator’s water and ice dispensing features often, this filter should probably last for about six months. However, don’t be surprised if it fails to last that long if you use those dispensing features a lot.

• Consistently produces plenty of clean and great-tasting
• NSF certified filter
• Designed to work with a wide variety of refrigerators
• List ElemOperating temperature of 33 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheitent

4. Whirlpool EveryDrop Refrigerator Water Filter

It sounds weird to say, but the flavor of the water you are drinking at home really can make a difference. Some filters don’t do enough to clean the water coming from your fridge. That can result in it continuing to have an almost plastic-like flavor. You can still drink that water fine, but you may not always enjoy doing so.

Whirlpool’s EveryDrop Refrigerator Filter is designed to change that by offering you better-taste. The difference is quickly noticeable. The unpleasant taste will be eliminated in a hurry. Nothing takes its place. You are just downing cleaner-tasting water.

Durability is a bit of an issue with this one. By the time it hits the six-month mark, it will struggle to provide you with the same quality you previously enjoyed. It’s easy enough to replace, but it still would have been better if it could last longer.

• Provides you with delicious taste
• NSF certified filter
• Filters out a wide variety of contaminants
• Flow rate of 0.75 GPM

5. Best GE MWF Refrigerator Water Filter

The Best GE MWF Refrigerator Filter is meant to be an alternative for those who don’t want to spend on the first item featured in this article.

It should probably come as no surprise that this alternative lags a little behind the original in terms of performance. It doesn’t filter out as many contaminants as the item it attempts to replicate. Even so, it remains capable of providing you with better-taste on a daily basis.

It also manages to last a good amount of time, but it still falls behind the original in that department.

There’s no getting around the drop-off in performance. It is very easy to notice. However, if you can live with the dip in performance, you can get yourself a filter that works well at a very affordable price.

• Capable of giving you good-taste
• NSF certified
• One of the most affordable refrigerator filters on the market
• Comes with a 100 percent lifetime money-back guarantee

6. Waterdrop DA29-00020B Refrigerator Water Filter

The last item we’ll be discussing is the DA29-00020B Refrigerator Filter from Waterdrop. Similar to the item listed above, this is another substitute for a more expensive filter. In this case, Waterdrop’s offering is an alternative to the Samsung filter we discussed previously.

The benefit of going with this alternative is that you can end up with a more cost-effective item. Although, it is worth pointing out that the savings are not too significant. You could argue that the improved performance of the original filter is well worth the few extra bucks you have to pay.

All that said, this is still a quality purifier. It will reliably deliver all the clean water you will need.

It’s also pretty easy to install. This purifier can start working for you not long after you purchase it.

• Suitable replacement for Samsung
• NSF certified
• Can be installed in a relatively short amount of time
• Up to 300 gallons of water

How to Identify the Best Refrigerator Water Filter?

Above everything else, you obviously need the best water filter for refrigerator which is compatible. With that done, you can take a look at some other factors. They will help determine if this product you’re considering getting will work great for your needs.

I would look for NSF certification in anyone of these while buying. That certification lets you know if a specific purifier will actually deliver clean water when you need it. You also must check for best refrigerator water filter reviews to make sure which one will be perfect for you.

It’s also a good idea to check how much work the filter can put in before it starts to degrade. By doing so, you will be able to keep an eye on the filter and replace it before it stops working for good.

Other Qualities of the Best Fridge Water Filter

Being NSF certified essentially means the water filter you’re looking at functions as expected. Beyond that, you should still weigh other factors before making any final purchase.

Take into account how the filter changes the flavor of the water. See if it’s to your liking. Also, pay attention to which contaminants are eliminated by the purifier. Look for the ones that eliminate the most contaminants.

Do Refrigerator Water Filters Actually Work?

It doesn’t take much to prove that refrigerator water filters are capable of delivering what they promise. If you want proof, simply try the water dispensed by your refrigerator with no purifier installed and then do so again with the filter on. You’ll quickly notice the difference in the taste that indicates a difference in the contaminant content between the two glasses of water.

How Exactly do the Filters Clean Up Your Water?

Refrigerator filters work to clean the water being made available to you in one of two ways.

The first way they work is through physically purifying the water that is dispensed. Some purifier make use of a thin material to strain the miniscule debris flowing in the water.

The second way they work is through using an active material. The active material sets into motion a chemical process that will ultimately lead to the elimination of the contaminants in the water.

What Do the Refrigerator Filters Take Out of the Water?

Refrigerator water filters are designed to take out the substances known as contaminants. But what exactly are those contaminants?

Just to give you an idea of what purifier do, they target the chlorine, lead, mercury, parasites, and pharmaceuticals that may be present in regular tap water.  If dust particles are floating in the water, you can be confident that the filter will remove those too.

Where is the Refrigerator Water Filter Installed?

There are several possible locations for the water filter depending on the model in your possession. The refrigerator you have will also determine the location of the filter.

If what you have in your possession is an in-line water purifier, you will likely find the spot for it at the back of the refrigerator. The filter is likely designed to be connected to the incoming water line. These types are a bit tougher to install. You will have to move the entire refrigerator itself to do that.

The second type of filter is known as a push-in filter. This filter may be installed in the upper right corner of the refrigerator’s interior, in a compartment, or behind the grill. Installing this type of filter is an easier process compared to what you have to do with the in-line filters.

The last type is the twist-in filter. You’ll be able to find this filter installed in the upper right corner of the refrigerator. It’s also easy to work with because it makes use of a twisting mechanism.

Do You Really Have to Change Your Water Filter?

Similar to most pieces of cleaning equipment you use in and around your home, water filters are expected to be replaced after some time has passed.

But do you really need to replace the filter working in your refrigerator? The answer to that question is a definite yes.

If it is asked to work long after it’s supposed to, it will simply no longer function as expected.

The contaminants that were previously being blocked by the filter will be able to get through again. As a result of that, the water you and your family members  drink will no longer be completely clean.

If you fail to replace the purifier, the flavor of the water will change and you are again exposing yourself to chemicals that could cause you to fall ill.

How Often Should You Replace Your Refrigerator’s Water Filter?

We’ve already determined that replacing the refrigerator water filter is important, but how often do you need to do that in order to ensure the item will work well?

Ultimately, the lasting power depend on the product itself. Most manufacturers design these to last for around six months in service. At the six-month mark, you are urged to check the status of the purifier and see if it’s still functioning as designed.

It is worth noting that the purifier may start to degrade even before six months of usage if it’s meant to process a set amount of water.

There are some water purifier designed to last well over six months. Check with the manufacturers to see exactly how long these are supposed to be used so that you are better prepared moving forward.

When Should You Replace the Refrigerator’s Water Filter?

Some manufacturers make it easy for you to find out if the water filter needs to be replaced. They will include indicators that tell you if it’s time to change the filter. Make sure you keep an eye on those indicators. The best way to ensure only clean water will be flowing through your refrigerator at all times is by referring to them.

Unfortunately, not all manufacturers will include those indicators in their filters. In that case, you will need to refer to something else.

The calendar can also tell you if it’s time to replace the filter. If six months have passed since you first installed the water filter, you can feel free to install a replacement.

You may have forgotten exactly when you first installed the current refrigerator filter. In that case, your best bet is to refer to the quality of the water.

Water that tastes different and even unpleasant is a symptom of a filter that must be replaced. The same holds true if the water coming from your refrigerator has an unpleasant odor.

Lower than usual water pressure is yet another clear indicator that the current filter must be replaced.

How Do You Install/Replace a Refrigerator Water Filter?

How difficult the installation process depend on which model you have on hand.

Changing an in-line refrigerator filter is often a complicated process. You will have to do things like shut off the water supply and make use of tube cutters.

Push-in types are significantly easier to install because they come with an eject button included.

After you press the eject button, the water filter will come loose and you can slide the replacement into the spot it previously occupied.

Twist-in water filters are just as easy to remove and replace. You will first have to turn them using either your hands or a wrench. With the filter twisted loose, you can replace it with a new filter that can easily be slid in to the original’s old spot.

What are the Benefits of Installing a New Refrigerator Water Filter?

The main benefit of having a new water filter working inside your refrigerator is being granted easy and constant access to clean water. Most of the time, you can drink water from the tap and end up fine. However, if one of those dangerous contaminants gets through, you may end up spending a few days at the hospital.

The filter ensures the water you’re getting from your refrigerator is as clean as it can possibly be.

Another huge benefit of having a filter installed is that it will help your fridge provide better-tasting and odor-free water. If you simply cannot stand that plastic taste/smell accompanying you, installing a filter on your fridge is a must.

1. What Filter Medium Is Used?

Most modern filters make use of activated carbon to strain the contaminants. That’s a good thing. Activated carbon is very reliable when it comes to filtering out contaminants. It ensures that you’re getting clean water 24/7.

Also, the activated carbon can improve the flavor of the water you’re drinking.

2. What Will The Filter Take Out Of The Water?

Refrigerator filters are capable of getting rid of the many contaminants people often worry about such as parasites and stray pharmaceuticals. Water filters will also take out lead and mercury, among other metallic substances.

Crucially, you should also try to look for filters which won’t take out substances such as fluorine because that substance can actually help you.

How Can You Get the Best Water Filter for Your Home?

One thing you can do to make sure your water filter is a good fit for your home is to get your water tested. Some people may only have a few contaminants present in the water flowing into their homes. Because of that, they can get a slightly more affordable filter. The more affordable can still specifically target the contaminants present in the water despite being cheaper.

1. Is It Safe to Get Generic Refrigerator Water Filters?

While shopping for a new refrigerator filter, you’ll likely encounter generic options. The main selling point of a generic water filter is its price.

You will likely end up saving more money if you choose to purchase a generic filter. These filters can still provide adequate protection. However, they are often behind their original counterparts in terms of performance.

Using a generic filter is not a bad idea especially if you need a replacement in a hurry. It would still be best to save up for the original options though. Aside from the step up in performance, they are also built to last longer.

2. Will the Water Filter Even Work?

When you hear the description of what a water filter is supposed to do, it can sound too good to be true. An item that can get rid of numerous chemicals and even make your taste better must be hard to manufacture.

You can rest easy knowing quality filters are available. The quality on the market are indeed capable of doing those things. Some of the filters may not be able to strain out all the contaminants in the water, but they will still do enough to clean it up.

You can even have the water tested with and without the filter installed to see if it really works.

3. Should I be Concerned about Drinking the Filtered Water?

The water that comes directly from your tap is safe to drink. You should encounter no issues even if you drink it on a regular basis. However, tap water is not the best kind of water you could be drinking.

When water passes through the filter installed, the contaminants that may have previously been floating in it are removed. As a result, the water is made safer than ever for you to drink.

Now, if you don’t have a lot of experience drinking filtered water, the way it tastes will be different. In the long run though, you should still find it better-taste.

4. How much Time should Pass before I Replace the Refrigerator Water Filter?

The manufacturers will often let you know if the time is right to replace the refrigerator filter. Check the manual included with the filter you bought. In it, you should find the expected lifespan for the filter.

More often than not, the lifespan of the filter is conveyed in months. If the manufacturers omitted that detail, you can refer to the typical filter lifespan instead. Six months is the usual lifespan for a refrigerator filter.

Other manufacturers may opt to use the number of gallons filtered as the lifespan of their product.

10 Factors to Consider Before Purchasing a Water Filter

1. Is the Filter Compatible with Your Refrigerator?

Obviously, a water filter won’t be able to function properly if it can’t even fit on your fridge. Compatibility is important.

Before you stress out about having to put in extra work just to find out if the filter will work with your refrigerator, you should know that most manufacturers have you covered.

If you check out online listings for a specific one, many of them will provide you with a link to a website. The link usually allows you to see if your refrigerator can work with that filter. Make sure to use that tool before making any purchase.

2. What Is a Good Capacity Rating for a Refrigerator Water Filter?

The capacity rating of the water filter is the clearest indicator of how long it can stay on your fridge and still work as expected.

So, what do you need to look for with regarding the capacity? If the filter can process 200 to 300 gallons of water, take that as an indicator saying it will be able to remain functional for about six months.

Notably, there are filters that can handle even larger quantities of water. Try to acquire one of those if you can.

3. What Technology Should My Filter Use?

Physical filters work pretty well, but they can only do so much. The smallest contaminants will be able to get through a physical filter even if it features only tiny holes.

That is why you should prioritize purchasing a water filter which makes use of active carbon. The active carbon used in filters can strain even microscopic particles. Because of that, the water passing through will be remarkably clean.

Let modern technology work for you and just get the filters that feature the active carbon. Doing so will ensure you are getting the finest quality water all the time.

4. Is The Brand of the Water Filter Important?

I absolutely understand wanting to save a few bucks on the water filter. Even if you have to only replace it twice a year at most, you may still want to save some money if possible.

While that desire to save money is perfectly reasonable, you should not shy away from spending the money needed to get only the best water filters currently available.

Even if you get an off-brand or knockoff filter, you can still end up spending more money in the long run. That inferior filter may stop working earlier than expected. It’s better to just purchase the more expensive, brand-name filter and save yourself the trouble.

5. How Difficult is the Filter to Install?

Given that water filters have to be replaced after a few months, it would be ideal if you didn’t have to go through a troublesome ordeal each time you needed to do that.

To make sure installing is not something you will have to worry about in the future, you need to get either a push-in or twist-in filter. Those filter types are very easy to work with.

Removing those filters from the refrigerators will only take a few minutes. Installing them can also be done in a short amount of time. Go with those filter types if you never want to worry about installation again.

6. How Thorough are the Water Filters?

Not all water filters work the same way. Some of them may not remove heavy metals, while others may allow chlorine to pass through.

The filters that eliminate all the potential contaminants in the water are harder to find and they are often more expensive as well. I wouldn’t feel bad about spending the extra money on them though.

You want nothing but the best quality water for you and your family members. You can do that by getting only the most thorough refrigerator filters on the market.

7. How Much Does the Water Filter Cost?

As I mentioned above, I have no qualms about spending money to get only the best purifier on the market because they are well worth the money.

If money’s tight though, some of the replacement filters perform reasonably well and they should still be able to help you out.

8. How Well Does the Water Filter Perform?

Check out which contaminants the water filter targets. Also, look at how much water the filter can process before it stops working properly.

Take both of those factors into consideration while shopping for a filter. Doing so will increase the odds that you’re getting a good one.

9. What is the Warranty Provided for the Water Filter?

You shouldn’t be surprised if the majority of the water filters you see come with lifetime warranties. Manufacturers are more amenable to offering that. They know that even a good filter has to be replaced after a few months.

Just make sure the purifier you’re getting does have some kind of warranty so that you’re better protected.

10. How Easy is the Water Filter to Use?

No quality water filter should be difficult for you to use. If you’re thinking about purchasing is tough to operate, I would suggest looking elsewhere. A water filter like that is probably not made properly and it may also not work well after it has been installed.

Something as simple as a water filter can make a huge difference in your daily life. You may think that it won’t make much of an impact, but once you get the chance to taste properly filtered, you will quickly change your mind.

Hopefully, this article will help you find the exact type you need.