Countertop Water Filters Review 2021
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle - Updated November 18, 2020
Countertop water filters are available in different models and sizes. They remove impurities from water, providing clean and great-tasting water for your family.
Why Should You Use a Water Filter?
Have you ever wondered why a water filter has become such a necessity? The reason is simple: because we all need clean and safe water for drinking and other applications.
So, what is a water filter?
A water filter is a safe and easy method to eliminate contaminants from tap water. With a home water filter system in place, you can conveniently subject your tap water to extensive purification to get safer drinking water.
A carbon water filter, for instance, can easily remove chemicals like arsenic, lead, chlorine, mercury, fluoride, and benzene from your drinking water, ensuring that you and your family consume only clean and pure water.
Water filters are also more economical. You get quality filtered water at a lower cost compared to buying bottled water.
Another plus of using water filters is their eco-friendly nature. Yes, you can choose to buy bottled water. But for every bottle of water you consume, you are contributing to the already-severe environmental pollution situation.
We already have billions of plastic water bottles littered all over the place, so why add to it?
This filtration solution is friendly with your plumbing systems. They get rid of tons of heavy metals, chemicals, and mineral content that stay behind in your plumbing systems.
If these foreign materials continue to accumulate in your plumbing system, the lifespan becomes shortened. You do not have to incur these avoidable expenses on new plumbing systems and repair bills, when you can just get a water filter in place.
Tap Water Is Unclean and Unfit for Drinking – Here Is Why
It is understandable to see people argue how clean tap water is. After all, water that looks and tastes almost nice should be fit for drinking, right?
But the truth is, the water coming out of your tap is not as clean as it seems. Again, appearance can be deceptive – and tap water is another good example of that.
Away from tap water and its degree of purity, let's talk more about water.
Water is one of the most crucial requirements for survival. 70% of our body composition is water. You and I will not have survived till today without the presence of water.
And if you wonder why the two-third of the entire earth's surface is made up of water, that is your cue right there!
But despite the vast amount of water available, only a small amount is useful to us. The larger percentage of the water bodies on earth are not what we can drink directly. Because our body needs ONLY clean water to survive and function effectively.
So, if we cannot drink water from the lake, sea, or ocean directly because it is unhealthy, what do we drink?
It is simple – we refine these raw waters. In other words, we turn these unclean waters into the form where they are clean and fit for drinking, cooking, bathing, and other essential everyday processes.
This is exactly what your municipal water treatment plants do. They take raw water from these direct sources, refine, and dispatch it into our homes as "tap water."
When this water finally gets to you, it looks clean and harmless, right? But that's just on the surface. You will be surprised to learn that chlorine-treated water is not entirely pure for drinking.
There are tons of scientific checks confirming the presence of harmful contaminants in the so-called treated water from the municipal water.
From different bacteria to dirt, chemicals, and sediments, the impurities in the tap water contribute to its seldom bad taste and odor. This is why your tap water tastes funny sometimes.
Still on the quest to get clean and pure drinking water, we are left with two options.
The first is finding a way to re-purify the water from the municipal plant until they are 100% free of contaminants.
The other option, which is not exactly advisable, is to buy bottled water.
Let's compare these options.
Option 1 – Buying bottled water
No doubt, bottled water is a purer and cleaner alternative to tap water. And this is because the manufacturers have subjected the packaged water to an industrial purification process.
The extra purification has removed those harmful contaminants from the water.
But…before you settle for this option, here is what you should know.
Can you afford bottled water?
If you are looking to move from tap to bottled water, you should be ready for the serious financial commitment that comes with this transition.
Bottled waters are expensive! It is even more expensive if you are running a larger family.
For context, a family of four will spend way more buying bottled water than a family of two.
Family size asides, bottled water is the clearly more expensive of the two options we are considering.
Do you want to add to environmental pollution?
Another thing to note about bottled water is its adverse effects on our environment. There is no bottled water without bottle. Bottles are made from plastic.
At the moment, over 50 billion bottles are used in packaging bottled every year in the United States.
So, when you buy bottled water, remember that you are indirectly contributing to the increasing global environmental pollution. Click to learn more on why you need to stop drinking bottled water.
Option 2 – Water treatment system for homes
Obviously, if you are not buying bottled water, you are left with one other option – household water purification.
Interestingly, you need an industrial water filtration system to treat your water.
Thanks to special water treatment systems for homes, you can subject your tap water to efficient filtration processes. Such processes filter off these harmful impurities and make your tap water fit for drinking.
You love varieties, don't you?
Water treatment systems for homes run on different water filtration processes, including ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, etc.
Are these household filtration solutions expensive?
Not exactly.
While most water filtration systems for home in the current market are expensive, they are not as expensive as buying bottled water.
Yes, it will cost you a good amount of money, both for purchase and installation.
Oh…you also need space to accommodate them. You may need to create a considerable amount of space in your kitchen to accommodate these water treatment systems.
But here is something even better…
A few water filtration systems do not have the shortcomings listed above, e.g., the countertop water filters.
These water treatment systems are affordable and easy to install. You can install and maintain your countertop water filter singlehandedly.
They are built to be portable – so you need only a little kitchen space. So, if your apartment is a condo, RV, or a setting where you do not have too much space to spare, a countertop water filter is the perfect fit.
There is a lot more to unwrap about countertop water filters, which is why you should read on…
What Is a Countertop Water Filter?
Countertop water filters are an excellent and reliable method of providing purified drinking water for your family.
They are simple yet efficient – and that is the most succinct description you can get.
What do they do?
These water filtration systems work by filtering out a wide range of impurities from your tap water.
Yes, you will find tons of water treatment systems out there. But the countertop water filtration system stands out for the obvious reasons.
It is a point-of-use water filtration system that requires only a little space to sit. So, if you are worried about your already-perfect interior being tampered, do not!
As you may have guessed from the name, countertop water filter systems are installed directly to the faucet, where it filters off 99% impurities from the water coming out of such faucets.
You do not like faucet attachments? Not to worry, they can be stand-alone devices that work without being fitted or linked to the home plumbing. You will prefer this installation option if you want to keep your plumbing connection contact.
You are not just getting clean water with improved quality; you are getting it conveniently.
Convenience asides, you can also do away with bottled water, thus saving more money and protecting the environment.
What Are the Types of Countertop Water Filter and How Do They Work?
You can never run out of countertop water filter options. Yes, they are that many.
Each of them falls into one of four distinct categories.
We have a group comprising the models that are designed to sit on your countertop. We have another group comprising the models that are connected to a water line.
There is also a distinct group for countertop filters that require you to fill the top holding tank with tap water.
The last category here is the water filter pitchers – mobile water filtration systems you can use indoor and outdoor to get clean and quality water.
Let's see where and how each of these groups outperform each other. You don't want to bank on feelings when making such an important financial decision like buying a countertop water filter.
1. Gravity-fed Countertop Systems
Gravity-fed countertop systems are designed to function without a water line. So, you do not have to attach them to a local water supply.
Instead, there is a holding tank – fill it with water, and allow the water flow down due to gravity. When the water flows, it undergoes filtration. The filtered water is deposited into a holding tank.
But there's something different about gravity-fed countertop systems – their sizes.
Unlike other countertop water filter types with water lines, the gravity-fed systems are usually larger.
They also have limited water amounts, although this also means that they are compact enough to be moved around easily.
Bottom Line - If you are looking for a way to make your water of average quality even better, a gravity-fed countertop will be a good option.
These filters are compatible with your pitcher and dispensers.
2. Faucet or Sink-Top Systems
As the name suggests, these types of countertop water filters connect to a water line. They are the most common types of countertop filters out there.
The installation is seamless, and you can DIY just by checking the instruction manual. You can easily connect them to an existing faucet in your kitchen sink.
Another reason you should choose them is their ability to offer an unlimited amount of filtered water. Provided your main sink continues to supply water, the sink-top and faucet filters will always deliver clean filtered water.
Bottom Line: Faucet or sink-top countertop filters are budget-friendly. And despite costing less, they are designed to make your polluted tap water clean and fit for drinking.
3.Countertop Reverse Osmosis Filters
Plain and simple, these are countertop filters that uses the reverse osmosis filtration process to get rid of impurities in your tap water.
How do they do this?
There is a wide range of specialized filters in this system.
By specialized filters, we are talking about the sediment pre-filter, the activated carbon filter, the reverse osmosis membrane, and the second coconut shell filters.
These filters deliver a multi-stage and highly efficient water filtration process.
Countertop Reverse Osmosis Filters commences filtration immediately you turn on the faucet. You can get up to six gallons of filtered water in an hour.
And yes, filtered water is not stored until use. Therefore, there is no risk of re-contamination whatsoever.
Bottom Line: If you are looking for a way to turn your polluted tap water into clean, safe, and great-tasting drinking water, countertop reverse osmosis filters will do just that for you.
4. Water Distiller and Filter Combination
Do you prefer distilled water? Then you have the perfect countertop water filter type here.
When you buy this model of countertop filters, you are getting both distillation and filtration. That is water distillers and water filter in one!
Yes, they are not the most popular, but they definitely come in handy for people who want distilled water.
The impurity-removal process here is interesting. It starts with boiling, then steam filtering, and finally the filtered water settling in the collection tank.
But while these models offer clean and distilled water conveniently, they take much longer to do so.
Bottom Line: If you have no problem with the speed of filtration, this cost-effective countertop filters are the answer to your distilled water need.
5. Water Filter Pitchers
Perhaps, the standout feature of these countertop filters is their design.
They sport a self-contained design, with inbuilt water filters that remove impurities from your tap water to make it clean and fit for drinking.
The container in water filter pitchers are of different sizes. So, your choice will depend on how much water you want to filter at a go.
Let's also mention that the filtration process in water filter pitchers is slower compared to other countertop water filters. The waiting time is due to the feed water flowing through the cartridge.
Bottom Line: If you want a countertop water filter that you can move around, water filter pitchers will be just fine. You get up to 40 gallons of filtered water or two months of excellent filtration. And they are affordable.
We will still discuss how you can shop the perfect countertop for your home. But before then, let's see how these devices work.
How do countertop water filters work?
This question has probably crossed your mind, at least once, or more if you are the curious type.
Interestingly, countertop water filters are designed to work so simply.
For example, you can connect water line connected filters to your faucet using the faucet adapter.
When connected, the water moves from the faucet into the filter where the filtration happens.
When connected, the water moves from the faucet into the filter where the filtration happens.
In every case, the filtered water is available immediately after filtration.
Most countertop water filters come with a dedicated faucet, which is where you collect your purified water.
But several countertop water filters have a water diverter valve, which connects the old faucet with the new filter. You can decide how to get your filtered water with a diverter valve – either from the existing faucet or the new countertop water filter.
When it comes to gravity-fed countertop systems, you have two separate containers for water. Once you load the top of the system with water, it flows downward due to gravity to undergo filtration. After filtration, the filtered water moves into the water collection area or reservoir. You use a spigot to release the filtered water into a suitable container.
They are relatively simpler to install, use, and maintain since no water line is involved.
As promised, the next stop is the failsafe hack to choosing the right countertop water filter for you and your household.
How to Choose a Countertop Water Filtration System for Your Home?
Choosing the right countertop water filters for your home can be a daunting task, no doubt.
It is either you are a newbie in the system or you just can't sieve through the tons of countertop water filtration system options in the current market.
Either way, here is the ultimate solution. Read on as we discuss the comprehensive process of shopping and settling for the right countertop water purifier for your home.
Step 1 –
Set a price range
.Start by assessing your financial capability.
You should know, for sure, how much you can spare for a new countertop system for your home.
While you should be ready to cough up a good amount of money, the exact amount depends on your pockets.
If you fail to set a price range from start, you will likely overspend and hurt yourself financially.
Step 2 –
Test your water
.Next, test your water to know what you are dealing with.
Your water test tells you the contaminants you are trying to fight with your incoming water filter. ).
Thanks to technology, there are tons of water test kits in the market for this. ).
Step 3 –
Understand the contaminants
.Now that you have the results of your water test, you should familiarize yourself with the contaminants present.
From your water test results, you can see if your drinking water is pure or not. If impure, the test kit may reveal the type of contaminants – pharmaceuticals, herbicides, or pesticides.
Go online to check how exactly these contaminants operate.
Are they harmful? If yes, how harmful are they?
For instance, you can easily conclude that Lead is more dangerous than Chlorine. But you can't do the same for other complex impurities.
Sometimes, you may have to choose between chloramines and nitrates.
You see why you need to research?
Step 4 –
Shop for a suitable model
.Considering the information at your disposal now, you can visit the market.
You know the contaminants you are dealing with and how harmful they can be.
So, your priority should be the countertop water filter models that are very effective against these harmful contaminants.
Hack
:If, for any reason, you cannot find a countertop water filter system that can remove all the harmful pollutants, go for a model that can remove the most harmful contaminants.
More Help
…Despite all said and done, chances are you will still have a hard time choosing right among the hundreds of countertop water filters in the market.
This is why we have identified a few must-consider factors when shopping.
1.
Size
How much space do you have to accommodate a countertop water filter?
The available space will determine the size of your countertop water filter.
Do not ignore the weight and height of the model you choose, relative to where you are installing it.
For instance, a light countertop water filter may not fit a glass table, considering how heavy water can be.
2.
Purification rate
This simply means how fast your countertop water filter can filter the water.
You do not want to end up with a water filtration system for home that takes forever to provide filtered water, do you?
So, choose a model with a high purification rate.
3.
Cost
You are not expected to buy a countertop water filter that exceeds your budget. Do not be tempted!
4.
Ease of installation, use, and maintenance
What's good about a countertop filter that is difficult to use, clean, or maintain? Nothing.
This is why you should double-check your prospective choice to be sure it ticks all these boxes Why the extra check? Some models may come with a tight filter that is tricky to change.
Lastly, if possible, go for a model that is easy to install. This will save you time and eliminate any installation costs.
TNSF certifications means your countertop filter has been tested and verified to do what it claims to do.
For starters, watch out for NSF certifications that confirm that the model performs optimally and contains harmless materials.
6.
Filter capacity
The last on the list is filter capacity.
You should know how much water your new filter can handle.
The ideal countertop water filter should deliver between 500-750 gallons of filtered water or three months of optimal performance.
How does countertop stack up against other filtration systems? Find out below.
Countertop Water Filtration vs. Other Filtration Systems
Whether you are curious or just want to put your money to good use, it is normal to compare countertop water purifiers with other filtration systems.
This section of our countertop water filtration guide will discuss how countertop water filters stack up against other filtration systems.
We will focus on the under-sink water filters and the whole house water filters, starting with the former.
Countertop Water Filter Systems and Under-Sink Water Filters – Any Differences?
Essentially, both systems remove impurities from tap water.
However, one doesn't need electricity to purify water; is easy to install, and relatively cheaper.
Which one? Find out below.
Installation
For countertops, they are installed on your kitchen cabinet, while under-sink stays under your sink.
But let's also mention that there are two types of under-sink filters – the smart filter systems and the non-smart single stage filters.
- The smart filter systems are miles ahead of the non-smart models. For instance, the under-sink RO systems offer a more efficient filtration process and are easier to install, use, and maintain. They are also tankless – filtration happens when you turn on the faucet and you get your filtered water instantly.
- Non-smart single stage filters are not efficient. Filtered water are stored in tanks, where it is at the risk of a fresh bacterial contamination.
The smart under-sink water filters are easy to install and use. But the important thing about them is that they do not alter your kitchen design.
Countertop filters, on the other hand, may slightly affect your kitchen cabinet setup. But to make up for this, they provide pure drinking water, as well as water for cleaning and cooking.
Need for electricity
Most countertop systems work without electricity. So, you can install them anywhere without considering the proximity of a wall socket. You will need electricity for your under-sink water filters.
Pricing
Also, if you are on a budget and looking to choose between the under-sink and countertop water filters, countertops are your budget-friendly choice.
Countertop Water Filter Systems and Whole House Water Filters – Any differences?
The comparison here will take a slightly different turn, because there are multiple marked differences between both.
Costs and capabilities
In terms of cost, the whole-house water treatment systems are way more expensive than the countertop models. Sometimes, you get thousands of dollars in the price difference.
Countertop water filtration systems for home are for homeowners on a tight budget but still need clean and pure water for their homes.
All you have to do is get a suitable countertop water filter system, attach it to your sink, and get your drinking and cooking water. It is as simple as that!
Whole-house filtration systems, on the other hand, are not that simple.
They are designed to commence filtration as soon as the tap water gets into your water pipe systems. This means that filtration happens at every point where you can get water in your house. So, you can get filtered water from your kitchen sink, as well as form your bathroom.
Your ultimate choice will depend on your specific needs.
Are you interested in cleaner drinking water only? Get a countertop system - they are simple and get the job done.
But if you need more than that, the whole-house filters would be the way to go, provided you can afford it. With one installed, you can get a comprehensive water treatment system for your home.
This include filtered water for showers, cleaning, handwashing, and of course, drinking.
Moving away from comparisons, next on the list is how to clean and maintain your countertop water filter system.
How Do You Clean and Maintain Your Countertop Water Filter System for Home?
Every household appliance needs proper maintenance to serve for as long as possible.
Your countertop water filter is not an exception.
So, let's quickly discuss the right way to clean and maintain this crucial home fixture.
Countertop water filter systems are easy to clean or maintain. You need no prior plumbing knowledge or experience.
No one is crawling under pipes to fix any issue. Neither are you removing any part of your plumbing system to change the filter cartridge.
It is such a simple water treatment system to use and enjoy.
Maintenance
Here is what you should do for proper maintenance;
- Flush your filters regularly with cold water - this will keep them performing optimally.
- Ensure that you change your filters regularly, so opt for a countertop water filter model that allows you to switch filters easily.
Your countertop filter may have a filter changing reminding system. Take time to master how it works.
It can save you from problems due to late filter changes.
Cleaning
Here is what you should do for proper cleaning;
- Remove old filters when due and maintain your water lines.
- -Ensure that the water line connecting the countertop filter and your home faucet is always clean.
NOTE: If that water becomes contaminated with impurities, it exposes your filtered water as well. So, where possible, choose countertop filter models with anti-bacteriostatic materials as their water lines.
Where they are too expensive, a regular cleaning with cold water will do just fine.
Also, it is rare to find a recyclable filter, so it is better to get a replacement rather than try to recycle an old filter.
Most Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Since this guide is all a bout assisting you with your countertop RO systems, how about a question and answer session?
Here are a few carefully-compiled most frequently asked questions on these filtration systems.
They were sourced from both prospective countertop reverse osmosis water filter buyers and existing users.
It is not just the questions; we also have adequate and detailed answers to each.
Does the countertop water filter need an electricity supply?
No, they do not.
Most countertop water filters out there are designed to work without electricity. So, you do not have to worry about supplying electricity to your cabinets or countertops before you can enjoy clean and pure drinking water.
Even when you have a blackout or other power emergencies, you can rest assured of a constant supply of filtered water through your countertop water filters.
Will the taste and water flow rate help me decide if the filter is due to be replaced?
No, they will not.
You should not rely on the taste of water and the flow rate to determine if your filter is due for a replacement. Instead, you should replace it as and when due, according to the manufacturer's instruction.
You will be surprised to find out that even some carbon filters will continue to deliver great-tasting water for weeks despite losing the ability to remove impurities.
Do I need a big countertop space to install the water filter?
No, you do not.
Most countertop water filters in the market now have compact and simple designs. So, you can easily fit them around your sink.
They do not require much space and are very easy to install and use.
Are there countertop filters that specifically made for alkaline water?
Yes, there are.
You will be surprised to know that we have countertop filters with the capability to increase the pH of the filtered water.
How do they do this? By adding some minerals to the water, making it alkaline in the process.
But you will only find this feature in top-notch countertop filters.
Which countertop filters can I maintain easily?
Almost all countertop filters require very basic maintenance.
You will most likely not do more than flushing the system periodically and replace old filters with new ones.
So, yes, it is easy to maintain your countertop filters, which is one reason it is popular.
What impurities can I remove from my tap water with countertop water filters?
You can remove a lot of impurities.
Countertop water filters are designed to filter off harmful contaminants like lead, chlorine, fluoride, and other toxic chemicals that may be present in your tap water.
You also get rid of bad odor and taste, leaving you with great-tasting, pure, and clean water that is safe for drinking.
Can I use my countertop water filter to multiple faucets?
Unfortunately, you cannot, and here is why:
Countertop water filters are designed to be used with a single faucet. But considering their simple design and installation, you can quickly uninstall it from one faucet and re-install on another in a matter of minutes.
Can bacteria grow in my faucet water filter?
Yes, it is possible.
Despite its filtration capabilities, the faucet in your countertop water filter is prone to bacterial growth and accumulation.
But you can prevent this by regularly flush the water for about 20 seconds before turning on the filter. Follow this up with another 10-seconds flush after turning on the filter.
Moving on, let's round up this exciting journey with excellent countertop recommendations for you.
Editor's Pick
Are you looking to make a quick yet informed purchasing decision on the next countertop water filter for your home? We have you covered.
Our experienced editors have carefully sieved through the tons of options available in the market and come up with top recommendations.
Each countertop water filter on our list was picked after a thorough assessment and met the manufacturers' claim.
1.
Waterdrop M5 Countertop RO System
If there is the ultimate water filtration system out there at the moment, it is the Waterdrop M5 Countertop RO System.
Yes, there are many reasons to love the Waterdrop M5 Countertop RO System. But none beats its super water filtration performance. With an ultimate all-in-one filter that drives the multi-stage filtration process, you get an efficiently-filtered drinking water with no impurities whatsoever.
Talking about the filter setup, the Waterdrop M5 Countertop RO System comprises two layers of sediment PP membrane, premium carbon block, RO membrane, and a post-activated carbon block layer.
This is responsible for its effectiveness against over a thousand harmful contaminants. As you may expect, this countertop RO system will filter off impurities like rust, particulates, sand, lead, chlorine, heavy metals, bad taste, and odor.
But what about the Total Dissolved Substances (TDS)?
The Waterdrop M5 Countertop RO System is very effective against all TDS. It is the only countertop water treatment system on our list that can do that effectively.
What's more?
Despite the rigorous filtration process, this countertop reverse osmosis system requires neither a pump nor electricity to work.
Not even blackouts or power outages can stop you from getting a constant supply of filtered water during blackouts or power outages.
The compact design means you need only a minimum space to fit it in. The extended service life means you get up to 12 months of service life or 550 gallons of water. It comes with an 80 oz tank, large enough to store water yet small enough to be moved around.
The Waterdrop M5 Countertop RO System comes with a filter in the package, and replacement filters are readily available at online retail stores.
Pros
- One of the few countertop reverse osmosis systems out there.
- Comes with an ultrasafe 80oz Tritan plastic water tank.
- Sports an all-in-one filter that delivers an efficient multi-stage filtration system.
- Effective against 1,000 harmful contaminants.
- Works 100% without a pump or electricity.
- User-friendly design that ensures easy installation and use.
- 12 months long-lasting filter life or 550 gallons of filtered water.
- Portable, space-saving, and fridge-friendly design.
Cons
- It is expensive.
- At $199.99, it costs more than other countertop water filter products like the faucet water filter, dispenser, and pitcher systems.
2.
Aquasana Countertop Drinking Water Filter System
With the Aquasana Countertop Drinking Water Filter System, you do not have to break the bank to enjoy quality, great-tasting, and pure filtered water at the comfort of your home. It is the perfect balance between convenience and value.
This efficient countertop water filter system guarantees the removal of up to 97% of the impurities in your tap water. It is effective against pharmaceuticals, lead, chlorine, bacterial, bad tastes, and odor. Although the Aquasana Countertop Drinking Water Filter System removes impurities from your tap water, it retains the healthy minerals. So, you still get the potassium, magnesium, and calcium in your drinking water, making it even healthier and great-tasting.
Installing this countertop drinking water filter system is an easy DIY that takes only minutes. You are not installing any permanent fixtures, so you can move the unit from one faucet to another.
Pros
- It is affordable – costs $99.99.
- Installation is easy; the filter attaches easily and no permanent fixtures.
- No plumber is required for both installations and filter replacements.
- Effective against up to 77 different types of contaminants.
- Retains the healthy minerals in your water – calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
- It is NSF certified and eco-friendly.
- It is 100% fit and compatible with most standard faucets.
Cons
- It has a single point faucet for obtaining filtered water.
- Relatively slow water flow at 0.5 GPM – filtration will take longer than usual.
- The filter life is short – you get just six months of use or 450 gallons of filtered water.
3.
Waterdrop WD-CTF-01 Countertop Faucet Water Filter System
Here is another masterpiece from Waterdrop. The Waterdrop WD-CTF-01 Countertop Faucet Water Filter System is known for its extraordinary filtration performance. Thanks to the six-stage faucet water filtration process, this water filter system effectively filters out the most harmful contaminants from water, including bacteria, chlorine, bad taste and odor, scale, heavy metals, fluoride, arsenic, and hydrogen sulfide.
The best part is the four distinct types of natural mineralization filter materials designed to add beneficial and healthy minerals to the drinking water. This improves the overall taste of the water without adding any chemicals. You can install the Waterdrop WD-CTF-01 Countertop Faucet Water Filter System all by yourself without any extra tools.
Pros
- It is relatively affordable at just $65.99.
- It is made of 304 food-grade stainless steel.
- It is smudge-free, and BPA-free guaranteed.
- Long-lasting filter life –12 months of service or 8000 gallons of filtered water.
- 1.6 GPM fast water flow – you get your filtered water in seconds.
- Installation is seamless and 100% compatible and fit with most standard faucets.
- Natural mineralization filter materials present.
Cons
- It is relatively bigger than other countertop faucet water filter systems.
- It has a single point faucet for the filtered water.
4.
Apex Advanced Alkaline Mineral Countertop Filter System MR-1050
The Apex Advanced Alkaline Mineral Countertop Filter System MR-1050 is no doubt a nice countertop water filters in the market currently. It sports a simple yet efficient design, which houses multiple specialized filters. The five-step advanced filtration process in this countertop water filter can remove up to 99% of contaminants in tap water, including arsenic, chlorine, fluoride, and heavy metals. But that is not all. The filtration process also adds healthy minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium while removing bad taste and odor to give you great-tasting and pure filtered water.
The compact design means you need little space to fit it in. The installation here is seamless. You get all the necessary tools to hook the filter right from the box. You need no additional tools for either installation or filter replacement. You can get up to eight months of optimal performance out of the filter or up to 750 gallons of drinking water.
It is relatively cheaper and available in multiple color choices.
Pros
- It is affordable; retails for $95.6.
- Effective against 99% of contaminants in your tap water.
- Adds healthy minerals to the filtered water.
- Works flawlessly with most standard faucets with zero leakage.
- Easy installation, maintenance, and filter replacement.
Cons
- It offers a single point faucet to access the filtered water.
- It is not the most portable option in the market.
- The water flow rate is low – 0.75 GPM.
- Filtration is slower.
5.
The Waterdrop Chubby 10-Cup Water Filter Pitcher
If you are looking for the right blend of value and money, the Waterdrop Chubby 10-Cup Water Filter Pitcher is your good choice. It costs around $30 and yet offers a seven-layer filtration process. There is also a gravity induction indicator to inform you of an impending filter replacement.
The design of this countertop water filter is durable and sleek. Refilling is seamless, and you do not have to remove the cover. It is also mobile, with a dedicated wooden handle for easy carriage. You can trust the Waterdrop Chubby 10-Cup Water Filter Pitcher to remove impurities like bad taste and odor, chlorine, heavy metals, limescale, and more from your tap water.
Pros
- It is very affordable – retails for around $30 in popular retail stores.
- Runs on a seven-stage filter system to deliver an efficient filtration process.
- Inbuilt filter replacement indicator that tells you when to replace your filters.
- Portable and Fridge-friendly and keeps water cold for long periods
- Offers up to three months of maximum performance or 200 gallons of filtered water.
- NSF 42 and NSF 372 certifications for excellent filtration and lead-free materials.
- Overall excellent user experience.
Cons
6.
Waterdrop Water Filter Dispenser
Suppose you are looking for a simple yet effective water filter dispenser without breaking the bank. In that case, you should consider the Waterdrop Water Filter Dispenser. It sells for a little close to $30 and comes with an extra filter for this price. The advanced seven-stage water filtration in this water filter dispenser effectively removes chlorine, taste and odor, fluoride, aluminum, arsenic, lead, limescale, sediment, and mercury.
It also sports a push-and-pull design that makes it easy to get clean water. The max water level line ensures no leakage whatsoever, with the anti-slip ensuring friendly handling.
Pros
- It is affordable – costs under $30.
- It is NSF 42 certified to reduce chlorine, taste, and odor.
- It is also NSF 372 certified for lead-free materials.
- A large capacity design – up to 20 cups.
- Offers fridge and reservoir compatibility.
- Sports a replaceable filter indicator to show water quality in real-time.
Cons
- Large capacity requires more space compared with water filter pitchers.
- Can't be placed at the side door of refrigerators.
Rounding Up…
So far, we have extensively discussed countertop water filter systems. This special group of water treatment systems is popular for their space-saving design, ease of installation and use, and affordability.
With a countertop water filter system installed, you and your family can rest assured of clean, pure, and great-tasting water at all times.
We have also identified the types of countertop water filter systems for home and how they work, not forgetting our recommendations on shopping for the right countertop water filtration system for your home.
We also touched on how countertop water filters stack up against other common water filtration systems you may consider for your home.
The last port of call was our list of the nice countertop water filters in the current market, as compiled by our experienced and knowledgeable editors.
By now, we are confident that you have all the right information to make an informed purchasing decision when next you are in the market for the ideal countertop water filer system for your household.
Good luck!