The 10 Best Small Water Filter, Tested And Researched

Sherry Peterson By, Sherry Peterson
Updated
Best Small Water Filter
Best Small Water Filter

Summary

1. Best Overall: Everydrop by Whirlpool Ice and Water Refrigerator Filter 1

Everydrop by Whirlpool is the only filter approved by every major refrigerator brand. This filter provides clean, great tasting water and ice as well as a better filtration system to help reduce water waste. Everydrop is also NSF-certified and helps protect against contaminants in the water such as lead, mercury, lindane and more. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: ZeroWater 5-Stage Water Filter Replacement, NSF Certified to Reduce

Reduce the contaminants in your water with a Zero Water filter. Our filters use 5 stages of filtration, to bring you cleaner, better tasting water. Unlike other filters and pitchers, our filters use Ion Exchange Technology to reduce contaminants such as lead, copper and bacteria that many other filters cannot remove. Read Review

3. Best Efficient: GE RPWFE Refrigerator Water Filter | Certified to Reduce Lead

The GE RPWFE Refrigerator Water Filter is a certified to reduce lead. This filter works in any refrigerator that currently uses the GE RPWF or RPWFE filters. In addition, this filter is compatible with select GE french-door refrigerators. Read Review

4. Best Performance: SAMSUNG Genuine Filter for Refrigerator Water and Ice

The Samsung Genuine Filter for Refrigerator Water and Ice is an ultra-high-grade carbon block that reduces 99% of potentially harmful contaminants, giving you fresh, filtered water for your family. The high-quality filter also features a sleek design that fits perfectly with your Samsung French Door or Side by Side Refrigerator. Read Review

When it comes to drinking water, we all want the best. Whether you’re looking for a new way to filter your water or just want the best small water filter in your life, look no further. Whether you’re camping or just want great tasting water at home, having a small water filter can make all the difference.

You may be surprised to learn that there are companies that manufacture small water filters and purifiers. These filters can help you get clean drinking water wherever you are. Many of these smaller portable filters are also NSF Certified which means they have met quality standards for drinking water under normal conditions.

You can count on our team of experts who have spent over 16 hours conducting surveys through 4,173 real customer reviews. Because of this, we came to the conclusion that the best-reviewed product is Everydrop by Whirlpool Ice and Water Refrigerator Filter 1. And ZeroWater 5-Stage Water Filter Replacement, NSF Certified to Reduce is another choice for you while keeping the product's quality and functionality.

Our Top Picks

  • Everydrop Filter 1 is the only filter approved by: Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana, KitchenAid and JennAir brands
  • Reduces 28 contaminants including lead, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and waterborne parasites (NSF 401, 53 and 42 certified)
  • Due to a packaging refresh, packaging may vary
  • Make sure this fits by entering your refrigerator model number
  • Certified to reduce 99% of lead, offering superior contaminant reduction for you and your family
TOP Choice #2 ZeroWater 5-Stage Water Filter Replacement, NSF Certified to Reduce
Our Score:
9.8
ZeroWater
  • As effective at reducing chromium-6 in tap water as reverse osmosis systems
  • GET MORE OUT OF YOUR WATER: Remove more impurities from your water with Zero Water's unique, 5 stage filter system. With a variety of options, you can have cleaner water anywhere, from pitchers, bottle filtration systems, or portable on-the-go cup filters.
  • Included Components: Activated Carbon Tourmaline Medical Stone Kdf Pp Cotton
  • Easy filter replacement: No tools of water-turnoff required to replace cartridge inside refrigerator.
  • GE's most advanced filtration ever. Tested and verified to filter 5 trace pharmaceuticals including ibuprofen, progesterone, atenolol, trimethoprim, and fluoxetine ( The contaminants or other substances removed or reduced by this water filter are not necessarily in all users' water)
  • Six-Month filter life: For best filtration results, filter cartridge should be replaced every six months or 300 gallons.
  • It works with any refrigerator that currently uses GE RPWF or RPWFE filters. It is used in selected GE french-door refrigerators. Compatible with select GE french-door refrigerators.
  • Premium filtration: Certified to reduce chlorine-resistant cysts, lead, select pharmaceuticals and 50 other contaminants. Reduces 99% of Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctaine Sulfonate (PFOS)
  • REDUCES CONTAMINANTS: Samsung’s ultra-high-grade carbon block reduces 99% of potentially harmful contaminants
  • FRESH FILTERED WATER: Samsung water filters reduce contaminants, giving your family fresh tasting water; Use with your Samsung French Door or Side by Side Refrigerator
  • GENUINE SAMSUNG FILTERS: Samsung filters are designed to work with your refrigerator to avoid the risk of flooding while giving you clean, filtered water; Use our Authentication Tag to make sure your filter is a genuine Samsung filter
  • LONG LASTING USE: Samsung refrigerator water filters offer long-lasting use and easy installation; It is recommended to replace your water filter every 6 months
  • AVOID WATER DAMAGE: Only Samsung filters are guaranteed to perform correctly with your refrigerator, avoiding the risk of water damage to your fridge and your home
  • Provide cleaner, fresher and better tasting water and ice for your family
  • Removes 99.99% of cysts, 99% of asbestos and almost all mercury, lead, and benzene
  • Genuine LG part: ADQ74793501
  • Filtration certification per NSF standards NSF42, NSF53, NSF401.
  • Removes some herbicides, pesticides, pharmaceuticals and insect repellant that can be found in water
  • Have peace of mind with NSF-certified LG filters that reduce contaminants
  • Provides high-quality drinking water by removing contaminants like pesticides, chemicals, and detergents
  • INDEPENDENT TESTING- Berkey by NMCL uses several independent third-party labs to test a broad range of potential contaminants and conducts Extreme Testing for lead and PFCs in order to show the effectiveness of our Black Berkey Purification Elements.
  • ECONOMICAL, LONG-LASTING- A pair of Black Berkey Purification Elements lasts for up to 6,000 gallons before needing replacement. Each additional pair of elements (sold separately) adds an additional 6,000 gallons of purification power to your system. Black Berkey Purification Elements average just 2 cents per gallon of purified water.
  • 2.25 GALLON CAPACITY- The portable Big Berkey Purification System effortlessly purifies water for about 1-4 people each day. Add additional Black Berkey Purification Elements (the Big Berkey System can hold a maximum of four) to increase the flow rate. The system is just 19.25” tall and 8.5” in diameter.
  • AMERICAN PRODUCT- Black Berkey Purification Elements are made and assembled in the USA.
  • INDEPENDENT TESTING- Berkey by NMCL uses several independent third-party labs to test a broad range of potential contaminants, and has conducted Extreme Testing for lead and PFCs in order to show the effectiveness of our Black Berkey Purification Elements.
  • ECONOMICAL, LONG-LASTING- A pair of Black Berkey Purification Elements lasts for up to 6,000 gallons before needing replacement. Each additional pair of elements (sold separately) adds an additional 6,000 gallons of purification power to your system. Elements not for use with saltwater sources or softened water.
  • DRINK CONFIDENTLY VIRTUALLY ANYWHERE- No electricity, tools, or plumbing required. Travel the world, prepare for emergencies, and take control of your family’s everyday drinking water with your Berkey gravity-fed water filtration system with Black Berkey Elements. Enjoy delicious, refreshing water from the leader in gravity-fed water solutions.
  • INDEPENDENT TESTING- Berkey Water Systems has used several independent third-party labs to test a broad range of typical contaminants found in freshwater sources including tap water, and has conducted Extreme Testing for lead and PFCs in order to show the effectiveness of Black Berkey Elements.
  • 3.25 GALLON CAPACITY- The portable Royal Berkey System effortlessly filters water for about 2-4 people each day. Add additional Black Berkey Elements (the Royal Berkey System can hold a maximum of 4) to increase the flow rate. The system is just 23” tall and 9” in diameter.
  • Ideal for commercial dish washer filtration & outdoor wood burning furnace systems
  • Includes mounting bracket with bracket screws and filter wrench for easy cartridge change
  • Can be used before or after domestic hot water tanks
  • 【BB9-2 Filter】:The BB9-2 black filter is made from high-grade activated carbon rod reduces contaminants such as inorganic minerals, heavy metals, silt, sediment, chlorine, sand, rust, odor and large particles in water from nature.
  • 【Compatible Models】:This water filter set can replacement for the original brand of BB9-2 black purification elements and PF-2 fluoride replacement filter.
  • 【PF-2 Fluoride Filter】:The PF-2 white Filter is made from Nature Coconut activated carbon and activated alumina granular effectively remove fluoride and arsenic and other residual typical heavy metal ions.
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a best small water filter?

Sometimes, purchasing a product can draw some difficulties for shoppers, and that's why you shouldn't waste your time on unreliable sources of information. A variety of variables impact the best small water filter, along with all of the ones listed below. The formative assessment varies depending on the types and functions of the product. 

We will give you some purchase guides to help you with your selection proc in the following sectors. Continue reading to learn about what you should look for when looking for the best small water filter: 

Types Of Contaminants

There are many contaminants that can cause water to be contaminated, from well and city water. Disinfectants, organic chemicals, metals and sediment are all common contaminants. There are three types of whole-house water filters: one, two, and three stage.
Three-stage filtration systems are best for removing the highest contaminants and improving water quality. However, it is a good idea check the National Drinking Water Database (EWG) to see what possible contaminants could be in your water.

Softening Capability

Some whole-house water filter systems can utilize heavy metal cartridges in order to decrease the amount of calcium and magnesium. However, many products come with sediment filter cartridges. These cartridges are designed to remove biological or chemical contaminants. It is advisable to get a combination whole-house filter/softener if you have hard water.

Water Flow Rate

A whole-house water filter's water flow rate determines how much water can be passed through it in a certain time. The water flow rate is usually measured in GPM or gallons per minute. Whole-house water filters must have sufficient water flow to supply large appliances like dishwashers and showers.

Accessories

Different accessories and add-ons are popping up as brands attempt to differentiate themselves in the filter space. These include Bluetooth capability and sensors that monitor and measure effectiveness. These accessories and add-ons can look great but they don't have to be. The sensor can be removed if you are following manufacturer instructions for replacing filters. It doesn't matter if the filter can remove the impurities that you desire.

Cost

A water filter that is affordable for your personal use can be purchased. However, you should make sure that certifications are obtained. When deciding on what water filter to buy, you should consider its cost and the frequency it will need to be changed.

Installation And Maintenance

It is not as simple as installing a faucet filter to install whole-house water filters. It is necessary to shut off the water supply to your entire home, drain the pipes, cut the water lines, and then install the fittings. If you don't have any experience in plumbing or soldering plumbing fittings, a professional plumber will install your water filter.
The average cartridge lifespan is 3 to 12 months depending on how much water you use, your filter type, and the quality of the water. Most whole-house water filters make it easy to change the cartridge. Turn off the water supply and drain all lines. Then, unscrew or remove the filter tank and the cartridge. Install a replacement cartridge, attach the tank to the system, then recharge it.

Types Of Water Filters

Water filters are often thought of as a pitcher, however, water filters can also be used in almost any point along the water's path through your home.
Whole-home water filtration systems can be installed in your house to filter the water entering it.
- Under Sink: They can attach to or be under your sink and provide drinking water.
Faucet attachments: These are similar to under-sink filters and provide instant access water purification at the exact place you'd expect to get it, like your kitchen sink.
Pitchers are not as convenient as a sink filter and must be filled again.
- Countertop: Water filtration systems that are countertop work in a similar way to faucet filters. They divert water from the sink and filter it through a system which has its own tap.
- Water Bottles: The NSF and ANSI can certify water bottles as filtering water. You can fill them with water or let it filter as you consume.

Replacement Filters

Another thing you should consider is the cost of filtering. Water filtration systems are only as effective as the filters they contain. When deciding to purchase a filtration system, make sure you consider all factors, such as price, availability and frequency of replacement.

Capacity

When purchasing a filter, you should also consider the water usage of your household. For smaller households, such as apartments or dorms, a pitcher may work well. However, if your household is larger or you need to filter water for drinking and cooking, you may want to consider using under-sink or faucet filters. It doesn't take much time to refill a pitcher, but it is easy to forget about it and just go back to the tap to get unfiltered water.

FAQs

Can I Drink Water That Has Been Filtered Using A Whole-house Water Filter System?

Some whole-house filters have the ability to remove chemicals and harmful substances, but not all filters can do this. These filters are used to remove dirt, sediment and rust. It is better to test the water source before you drink it.

Is It Possible To Filter Any Kind Of Water?

In short, absolutely. You can use water filters for both city water and well water. They are also suitable for soft or hard water (higher mineral content). Be aware of the specific minerals you want to filter. For example, a whole-house system that is specifically intended to remove hardwater minerals won't be the same as one that purifies chlorine for taste.

What Is The Average Life Expectancy Of Water Filters?

Water filters are as good or worse than the water they filter. Most filters are meant to be changed, so certifications take into account the lifespan of each filter. To ensure that your filter lasts six months, it is recommended to test every filter. Filters that are regularly replaced can make the system last many years.

Is It Possible To Remove All Contaminants From A House Water Filter?

Whole-house water filters are capable of removing a lot of contaminants. However, water still flows through pipes and into the taps. This means that these systems can't guarantee 100% contamination.

Is It Necessary To Have A Whole-house Water Filter?

A whole-house water filter is recommended for older houses with old plumbing. They can filter out dirt, rust and sediment as well as harmful chemicals and heavy metals. A whole-house water filter can be beneficial for homes even with brand new plumbing.

Are Water Filters Effective In Removing Bacteria?

The NSF certifies filters that eliminate bacteria according to a standard known as P231" but these are usually designed for outdoor activities such camping where you might need water from the stream. You should be concerned about the presence of bacteria in drinking water.

Are Water Filter Pitchers Effective In Removing Bacteria?

No. No. A standard water filter will not help if your tap water is already treated for bacteria.
If left unattended for a long time, the water filter could become clogged with grime and bacteria that can then grow. You should change the filter as recommended by your brand every other month.

How Do You Clean A Water Filter Pitcher?

To keep your water filter pitcher in good condition, it is important to replace the filter. Although most filter brands suggest replacing filters after 40 gallons, this can vary from model to model.
Most water pitchers we tested could be washed as any other plastic kitchen equipment. The filter can be removed and washed by hand using hot soapy water. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to remove any soap residue. Many water filter pitchers can be washed in the dishwasher. Don't forget about the filter, which shouldn't be washed with soap.

Are Water Filters Able To Remove Fluoride From The Water?

Yes, certain types do. You can specify a filter type, but make sure you check the certification.

What Water Filters Are The Best For Removing Contaminants?

There are many water filtration systems available, but none is better than another. Different types of filters may remove different contaminants, depending on the way they were manufactured or certified. We recommend that you know what contaminants you are looking to remove before searching for filters with a large number of removals. A water report can be obtained if you're unsure about the water quality in your area.

Generally, new information is continuously included into of best small water filter. Visit our sites for revisions and improvements regularly.

You now have a far better knowledge of how to purchase the best small water filter on the market. Hopefully, we've supplied you with enough information to help you make an informed decision. We'll see you in the following article.


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About Sherry Peterson

Sherry Peterson
Sherry Peterson is an editor for Sanford. She has a passion for home gadgets and beautiful design and loves to share her finds with others. Sherry has been working in the publishing industry for over 10 years and is excited to bring her expertise to Sanford's readers.

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