The journey of getting healthy does not have to be expensive or mean giving up all of your favorite drinks, which is why countertop water filters are a great option for people who want to start living a healthier lifestyle.
Countertop water filters are not expensive, but they will ensure you have clean, odorless, and healthy drinking water at a fraction of the cost of buying bottled water. Further, they will contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing the amount of waste produced.
In order to choose a countertop water filter that will meet your needs, you need to do a bit of research. Consumer Report says that the first step in determining the type of water filtration system to choose is to determine what is present in the water you wish to filter.
Each community provides a consumer confidence report, or CCR, which lists all contaminants found in your water. Find out what’s in your tap water here.
Table of Contents
Countertop Water Filter Buying Guide
There are different types of countertop water filters on the market. However, if you follow these four guidelines listed below, you will be able to figure out which is the right one for you.
Water filters vary in terms of Price, Filtering Technology, Filter Media, and Micron Rating.
1. Price
In terms of price, there are countertop water filters that have lower initial costs but require frequent replacement. The best buy, are the countertop water filters which are high-quality filters and only need replacing about every 6 months.
2. Filtering technology
Most countertop water filters are often multi-stage or double-stage filters. More is not always better, but more sounds better. The larger the surface area, the longer the contact time of the water and the more effectively the contaminants are eliminated.
Some countertop water filters are limited to a small number of filter media. And one of the two steps can be nothing more than a thin screen that provides low-quality contaminant reduction.
3. Filter media
Filter media include;
- Activated carbon filters
- Ion exchange
- Reverse osmosis filters
Activated Carbon filters treat chlorine residues and other odor issues as well as overall taste. Contaminants adhere or adsorb to the surface of carbon particulates as they pass through the filter.
The activated carbon filter is the best solution to eliminate radon, pesticide residues and other specific organic chemicals.
Reverse osmosis technology uses pressure to force water against a fine semi-permeable membrane that rejects most contaminants and leaves only single molecules through. The oxygen also flows through and saves the dead taste’s water.
Ion exchange eliminates contaminants and naturally balances the necessary pH levels to prevent disease.
Once the water passes through the filtration system, it goes into an ionization chamber where positively charged ions attract harmful bacteria, algae, viruses, and debris.
More specifically, these ions attack and deactivate the life support system of bacteria and algae cells, destroy any viral nucleus, and filter out colloid debris causing cloudy water. The ion-exchange process produces pure, healthy and balanced ionized water.
4. Micron rating
A high-quality system should be NSF certified or should be certified by a credible laboratory. The very best systems will have sub-micron filtration. This means that it will filter out contaminants that are greater than 1 micron in size.
This level of filtration for a countertop water filter is so effective that it is able to remove microbial organisms like cyst parasites, such as giardia and Cryptosporidium.
We have compiled all the information available on the 10 most effective countertop water filter systems on the market. These systems have been tested and certified by NSF to filter drinking water and cooking water to be wholesome, clean, and odorless.
Each manufacturer’s product is offered in an affordable price range and what you will pay for a countertop water filter won’t touch even what you spend in a year on bottled water.
Summary
Best Overall
ZeroWater Filter Pitcher
- ZeroWater eliminates 99% to 100% of heavy metals.
- Best for lead reduction.
- WQA certified to reduce lead and other harmful contaminants LED indicator
- ZeroWater lives up to its reputation.
Runners up
AquaTrue Reverse Osmosis
- NSF/ANSI certified to remove 82 contaminants.
- Exclusive 4-stage Ultra RO technology
- Toll-free assembly and installation
- Its price is worth it.
10 Best Countertop Water Filters
1. ZeroWater 10 Cup Water Filter Pitcher with Water Quality Meter
There is no alternative to pure drinking water and if you are for really pure water, no water filter beats ZeroWater. This Countertop Water Filter has been proven to filter far more contaminants than most water filters you will ever come across.
Used the Brita for years but the lure of 0 TDS (total dissolved solids) was eye catching. Since the pitcher arrived with a meter, it enabled me to test the TDS of my Brita and that was fascinating. Brita is a nice to have but does not compare in terms of results. Hands down the best investment I’ve made this year.
All ZeroWater® water filter pitchers include a 5-stage filtration mechanism that removes 99% to 100% of heavy metals.
Its filtration mechanism is so effective that the TDS meter gets you a 000 reading. No water filter even comes close to being this consistent and reliable.
Because this countertop water filter works so
This produces very pure water, we are very happy with this.
For the people who are reading about the smell and considering buying this- there is a reason that happens.
The filters get rid of pretty much everything, so there is no longer any chemicals in the water to keep it fresh for storage after filtering. The smell comes from bateria that develops when it is standing. This is why you are reading about people having some effects from drinking this.
Zero filter is for chemicals, “dissolved solids” And is excellent for cleaning out fluoride, lead, and chlorine. Amazing and with a measuring meter.
I personally wash the whole thing out with soap every other day and change the filter every three weeks. From this there has been no smell (even when boiling the water), no health problems for me, my housemate and our cat.
The water is very pure and tastes great. Overall after using this for some time the condition of my skin has improved and have become better hydrated.
AND how much is your health worth to you? Zero Water gets rid of all the hard minerals that clog up your system, causing liver issues, calcium deposits, kidney fatigue and kidney stones, etc.
Why di?
- 5 Stage Filtration Process
These five steps comprise a carbon block filter, KDF 55, GAC (Granular Activated Carbon), alkaline beads, calcite layer, and an alkaline layer. This helps eliminate up to 99% of the substances commonly found at the sink tap.
- Filter Housing unit
The Apex uses industry-standard filter housing. You can use any filter element designed to work with industry-standard housings. This means you can always switch to carbon block later (or anything else) if you so wish.
- Mineral Replenishment
The Apex filter element does mineral replenishment after the carbon filter stage. This is very beneficial health-wise and will significantly improve the taste.
Pros
- Tested and certified by NSF and ANSI
- Lightweight
- Uses a five-stage filtration system- filter out contaminants and leaves the natural trace of minerals.
- Set up is simple and very fast.
- The materials are environmentally friendly.
- Excellent packaging
Cons
- The warranty period is only one year
- I found tons of complaints about the fishy smell and quick expiring filters.
2. Aquasana AQ-4000W Countertop Drinking Water Filter System
- Dimensions 12 x 7 x 4 inches
- Purification Method: Ion Exchange
- NSF certified to remove lead, pharmaceuticals and more
- Retains the healthy minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium for the healthiest water.
Aquasana countertop water filters are an affordable water filtration solution. This countertop water filter is one of the ideal items to use at home, in the office, or in a trailer to obtain potable water.
It is NSF/ANSI certified to remove 77 contaminants, including lead, mercury, herbicides, pesticides, and more, and will not release contaminants into the water. Apart from the removal of contaminants, there are positive health effects.
Leaves traces of calcium and magnesium in it. Filtered water has a pH of 8.4 and alkalinity of 40 ppm.
The countertop water filter consists of multiple filtration systems. Not only do they remove harmful metals from water, but they also improve the unnatural odors and tastes that make drinking water repulsive.
Stages include activated carbon, which reduces pharmaceuticals, herbicides, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds. Catalyst carbon, which eliminates chlorine and chloramine.
Ion exchange to filter heavy metals and absolute sub-micron mechanical filtration to trap asbestos- and chlorine-resistant cysts
To keep the water clean and safe, the water filter must be changed after 500 gallons or 6 months of filtration.
Why we choose this product
- NSF 42,53,401 and 473
This system is classified under NSF 42,53,401,473. An NSF value of 473 means that it eliminates PFOA and PFOS. They are flourinated organic chemicals that are part of a wider group of chemicals called perfluoroalkyl substances that cause many horrific diseases.
This filter does excellent work as long as you keep changing the filters as expected.
Installation is very easy, as the pipe ends are color coded. Blue to blue & white to white. No guessing. For those who prefer to learn by sight, Aquasana offers a helpful video on how to change the filter of the unit.
Pros
- Highly endorsed brand; Tested and certified by NSF and ANSI.
- It is easy to assemble and includes a simple guide.
- Uses selective filtration- a better way than distillation and reverse osmosis
- Backed by excellent technical support.
- Has a lifetime warranty.
Con
- It takes a while to filter.
3. Cleanwater4less Countertop Water Filtration System
- Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 9.5 inches
- Purification Method: Activated Carbon
- 10,000 Gallons of Fresh Water
- 97% Chlorine reduction, effectively filters sediment, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), taste and odor from water
The Cleanwater4less system countertop water filter uses 5 stages granulated carbon filtration, which provides 97% effective filtration of harmful chemicals, heavy metals and contaminants.
The chemicals are trapped in the surface membrane while the water flows through them. A carbon block that is also a sedimentary water filter less than a micron in size further reduces chemical contaminants and ensures that every drop is cleaned. Alkalinity is enhanced as well.
The shape of this Countertop Water Filter guarantees optimum efficiency. This is an excellent addition to your kitchen sink.
The uniqueness of this countertop water filter is that there are no replacement filters.
Why did we choose this product?
- 10,000 Gallons of Fresh Water!
The cleanwater4less system can handle approximately 10,000 gallons of water. This means a great deal of water filtration for most households.
The unit is expected to last as long as seven years for a family of four, or a household that uses approximately 1,500 gallons of water a year.
- 5-stage granular activated carbon filter
These 5 steps include an all-in-one sediment pre-filter, a depth pre-filter, a high-quality GAC filter, a depth post-filter and a final micron filter.
The filter is not designed to decrease total dissolved solids (TDS) content. This filter will filter out the bad contaminants and leave the good minerals in the water. Good minerals will supplement your TDS since they are dissolved solids.
To reduce TDS, you will need to eliminate all minerals, including good minerals from your water. This filter utilizes a carbon filter for filtration and since carbon is a mineral, it will add to your TDS reading.
- Water Flow
Excellent water flows through both open tap and water diverters. Even using the 0.5-micron filter for the best purification, water pressure is impressive.
Pros
- Removes impurities from water for clearer, cleaner and safer water
- You can taste the difference between tap water and filtered water
- It’s easy to use. You need to add tap water, and the filtration system does the rest
- Easy to assemble
- Durable
- Ideal for every household
- Value for money
- Very well packaged from factory with lots of bubble wrap
Con
- Unsuitable to filter well water.
4. Amazon Basics 30,000 Gallons Countertop Filter Filtration System
- Product dimension: 4.4 x 4.4 x 12.8 inches
- capacity: 30000 Gallons
- 5 stage water filter
The stylish design of this countertop water filter can supply up to 30,000 gallons of filtered water without requiring a filter change. With its compact and sturdy design, it can sit comfortably anywhere without taking up valuable space.
The filter is also easy to install. This easy installation wins a lot of positive comments. If it was cumbersome, there would be bad reviews.
The reduction of contaminants from the Amazon Basic countertop water filter is based on the combination of the latest and most effective purification mechanisms, such as 5-stage sub-micron filtration.
The 5-step filter stage involves trapping particles, chlorine, lead and other metals, exchanging them for healthy and good minerals. It also enhances the taste and pH.
The Amazon counter water filter addresses a variety of safety problems. It is one of the best water filters built for durable and efficient water filtration.
Countertop filter has an average life of 6 months or 30,000 gallons. After six months or 30,000 gallons, its effectiveness starts to go down. It should be replaced immediately when water quality decreases.
Pros
- Uses a 5 stage filtration system to filter out contaminants and leave the natural trace of minerals.
- More economical than most popular water filtration brand
- Easy to install and easy to maintain
- Only change the filter for about six months
- Holds a large capacity to filter 30,000 gallons
Cons
- Slow filtration process
5. Brondell H630 H2O Cypress Countertop Water Filter System
- Product dimensions: 11.5 x 4.25 x 11 inches
- Purification Method: Reverse Osmosis, Carbon Block
- Item weight: 6.2 Pounds
- NSF/ANSI Standards 42, 53, and 372
Brondell Countertop Water Filter comes in well thought out design; a sturdy, elegant countertop design. Its three-stage patented Nanotrap technology filtration system will you get extremely clean and purified water.
With the Brondell countertop water filter, the three-stage filtration steps, which include composite plus filter, Nanotrap filter, and activated carbon filtration are mainly designed to remove bad taste and odor caused by Chlorine and other minute particles.
With the filtration system, you get a limescale reduction and the reduction of chlorine and some organic impurities to undetectable levels (160 TDS). The water is drinkable and can be used to make coffee.
The Brondell Countertop Water Filter unique feature is its specialized, patented, and innovative nanotechnology filter that reduces turbidity, harmful waterborne microorganisms as well as other numerous particulates.
This advanced filter technology cuts the taste and odor of chlorine and other heavy chemicals to deliver great-tasting water.
Brondell Countertop Water Filter is WQA tested and certified and can also last three times more than an average water filter. Replacement is recommended after 12 months of service. You should use a TDS meter to test your water whenever the water quality drops.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Easy to use
- Durable
- It’s easy to assemble and comes with a straightforward guide
- Inexpensive and Efficient
- Value for money
Con
- Does not effectively remove TDS
6. SimPure Y7 Countertop UV Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
- Dimensions: 16.3 x 7.3 x 15.5 inches
- Purification Method: Reverse Osmosis, Ultraviolet
- Capacity: 1.3 Gallons
- Removes 99.99% of the 1,000+ pollutants & harmful substance
SimPure Y6 Countertop UV Reverse Osmosis Water Filter is a home water filter with a large enough capacity to filter 99.9% of over 1000 plus contaminants compared to its counterparts. It’s certified to get rid of cryptosporidium and giardia and also removes fluoride.
The SimPure Y6 Countertop is best for bacterial reduction up to 99.99% because it rates high for bacteria, cysts, and germs reduction, through sterilization. Moreover, this model balances the water to pH for healthy skin.
Because it is compact, it can be placed neatly near the sink without taking up too much space. It can filter 50 gallons of water per day and with its integral spout cover, secure lid, you could push the button to dispense 8.5 ounces or 35 ounces of pure water.
The filter has an inbuilt filter alert that keeps track of the cartridge life and alerts you when to replace the filter. The period is usually 6 to 12 months, but this depends on the usage of the filter.
What’s most nifty about this countertop water filter is its UV light feature which is approved for disinfection by the FDA. The combination of a UV purification system with a 3-stage RO filtration system will take water purification to another level.
You will have clean, healthy water that is the safest water to drink, without all the expense and trouble of bottled water. You will be amazed at how to clean and smell your filtered water, and you know that the water is healthier.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Value for money
- NSF certified
- Removes 1000+ of contaminants
- Sturdy
- Durable
Con
- Expensive
7. APEX EXPRT 5 Stage Mineral Cartridge Countertop Drinking Water Filter
- Dimensions : 14.8 x 11.06 x 5.31 inches
- Weight: 8.27 Pounds
- Purification Method: Carbon Block, Alkaline
Apex MR-2050 Countertop Water Filter is best known for its updated designs and extensive contaminant reduction while adding back magnesium, potassium, and calcium making good water better.
If you filter tap water, it’ll virtually pull out 99% of all substances commonly found in tap water because of the unique blend of 5 carbon block and 5 stage mineral cartridges.
This model is NSF/ANSI certified, and it filters relatively quickly, pours neatly, and is simple to assemble. The filtration process is done by passing the water through the 5 carbon block and 5 stage mineral cartridges removing harmful contaminants such as chlorine, benzene, radon, and heavy metals.
These are the chemicals that along with chlorine if not removed can be absorbed causing skin, hair, or breathing problems.
After six months it’s essential to replace your filters and you will always have clean water.
The Apex MR-2050 Countertop Water Filter is among the easiest and the best to get better water for cheap. Using this filter is inexpensive compared to bottled water.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Value for money
- The flavors are an ingenious feature.
- Has a long filter life.
- Comes with a 30-day warranty
- Adds minerals back into the water
Con
- Does not decrease TDS
8. iSpring CKC1C Countertop Drinking Water Filter
- Product dimension: 5 x 5 x 12 inches
- Purification Method: Reverse Osmosis, Carbon Block
- weight: 2 kg
- Tested by independent third-party to meet NSF/ANSI Standards.
iSpring countertop water filter is the most inexpensive compared to other brands in the market but that does not mean it does not fit the bill.
Its standard 5-micron carbon block cartridge of iSpring countertop water filter reduces chlorine taste and odor, casts back on sediments, lead, cysts, and a whole bunch of other nasty things.
iSpring countertop water filter is best known for being effective on volatile organic compounds(VOCs) like pesticides, herbicides, and industrial chemicals. This countertop water filter is specially made for drinking water and it comes in a clear housing design.
The clear housing helps to inspect the water filter whenever you should change the filter.
It filters water in two stages, which is 95% safe to drink. With this water filter, it’s essential to follow the instructions, clean it periodically, and replace the filters when the water quality drops.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Value for money
- Its filtered water has novelty flavor options
- It retains the essential minerals that your body needs while eliminating harmful chemicals
- It pours with no issues
Con
- Plastic housing can’t hold properly
9. Big Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter with 2 Black Berkey Purification Elements
- Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 19.25 inches
- Capacity: 2.25 pounds
- Flow rate: 0.03 GPM
- Lasts for up to 6,000 gallons
Berkey’s Filtration is regarded as a purification system instead of a filtration system. This large cylindrical tank features two black filters, two fluoride elements, and a water discharge spout. Apart from being a superior quality water filter, it usually comes with a long-term warranty.
This elegant chrome filter sits above your counter and filters water from your kitchen faucet, providing you with clean drinking water on demand.
Berkey’s reputation is that it promises to eliminate disease-causing bacteria fully. Its reliable 1.0 micron block filter cartridge even removes super tiny particles of impurities, including things such as rust, chlorine and other materials.
After removal of contaminants, the filter also includes a remineralisation phase, which adds calcium to the water to improve its pH and provide a more pleasant taste.
This solid stainless steel water filter lasts much longer than the other filters on this list with a filtration capacity of 1,000 gallons and holds up to 2.25 gallons.
This is a major call as it will ensure that it will have a lot of water handy when you are thirsty. The filter is also available in a variety of colors, so you can customize it for your kitchen. In addition to the best performance results, you should carefully look at how many gallons the cartridge filtered prior to replacement.
Pros
- Last long
- easy to install
- value for money
Con
- Not ideal for daily use
10. AQUA TRU Countertop Water Filtration Purification System
- Dimensions: 14 x 12 x 14 inches
- Purification Method: Reverse Osmosis
- Lasts for 600-1200 gallons
- Removes 83 contaminants
Aquatru removes virtually all toxic chemicals. This includes chlorine, sediment, rust, sand, herbicides and pesticides, and other chemicals. This countertop utilizes an entirely different process for purifying water.
It mimics the complete four-stage ultra reverse osmosis process used by bottled water brands that have proven to eliminate 15 times more contaminants than pitcher filters, so you are guaranteed to get quality water right at home.
Aquatru ultra reverse osmosis is a four-stage purification system that removes 5 microns or larger particles, and the output is very pure, clean water. The system is compatible with any 10-inch cartridge. A larger 10-inch cartridge allows a bigger surface area for more effective filtration.
First, it carries-out mechanical filtration. Mechanical filtration takes advantage of Fickian diffusion. That diffusion process causes the absorption of contaminants whenever contaminated water passes over and moistens fibers.
When water passes over solid absorbent, particles in the water adhere to the surface of the filter. The other three filtration stages combine to cleanse unwanted chemicals while preserving healthy minerals such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
This stylish chrome filter sits atop your counter and filters water from your kitchen tap, and the Clear housing unit allows visiblhttps://www.topadvisor101.com/best-uv-water-sterilizers-for-whole-house-reddit/e monitoring for you to see when the filter is ready to be changed.
The value proposition of this water filter is that you use the system for 6 months to 2 years and then dispose of the whole thing.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Value for money
- Easy to use
Con
- Fragile
Whether you are an American or live in Canada or any other part of the world, a countertop water filter review appears to have little to offer regarding the things that concern you. In a broad general sense, most of the reviews fall short of being informative.
Here’s what some of the best review websites had to say about some water filter pitchers:
- they produce good tasting water
- the pitcher can be stored in the refrigerator
- the filter pitcher should be regularly replaced
However, what should be most of concern to you is the level of effectiveness these water filters have in filtering your drinking water.
The only way to do this is to read the performance data and compare individual brands, but this can be time-consuming. Besides, you also need to consider that various filtration machines are made for different purposes according to the source of your water, so you need to know what you should go for.
Not to get worried, we have done much detailed information on what you should look for whenever you want to buy a countertop water filter. Read on to find out more:
- Your Water-Source
Is it from a reservoir or well? I don’t want to put you off completely, as any type of water filtration system has to be better than none, especially as the water running through your pipes can pick up many toxic substances on the way to your tap. But these include: farm waste, sediment, pesticides, industrial chemicals and heavy metals.
Each source has unique contaminants and different appliances will be needed accordingly. Reading some of the market reviews gave us some insight into this product; a good countertop water filter should have these qualities.
- Tested under more challenging conditions to determine the impact of claims i.e. lead reduction efficiency, the system was tested at a level 10% higher (155-160) than the certification requirement of 150 parts per billion based on a 500-gallon test cycle.
- Tested under real-life conditions by adding challenged chemicals to regular chlorinated tap water.
- Replacement filters
Replacement filters are a necessity for a constant supply of fresh drinking water. How often will you have to replace yours and how much will it cost; if you consider a comparison with other water filters.
The most important thing that is available with some countertop water filter is an automatic monitor gauge which tells the user the time for replacing filters. Also important point is to consider if the countertop water filter cartridge is recyclable. These recycled cartridges are also required to undergo a quality test before they are retailed.
- Does The Appliance De-Mineralize The Water?
The health benefits of getting rid of chlorine and other chemicals from your drinking water are obvious and it’s recommended by many health professionals. But if it strips away the potassium, calcium, and magnesium which are much needed to keep your body healthy, and then you will need to think twice. This applies to reverse osmosis and distillation systems.
Nonetheless, does this go far enough? I don’t think so. Let’s look at the final quality of a good countertop water filter.
- Advanced filtration technology
An advanced filter technology cuts the taste and odor of chlorine to deliver great-tasting water.
The bad taste and odor in tap water are usually caused by chlorine and other minute particles in water. An advanced filtration cartridge helps remove them to undetectable levels. It is also quite useful in removing heavy metals like copper and lead from water.
Conclusion
Drinking clean water is essential for general health and it also good in improving our cognitive function and brain performance. It improves energy levels and bodily functions. Filtered water is the best beverage for your body, your skin, and your organs. Pure water is great for your complexion, helps you lose weight, and keeps you energetic and young.
The cost of a countertop water filter is much higher than a bottled but the performance is worth the extra expense. The only drawback of a countertop water filter over bottled water is the reduced pressure.
You should consider a countertop water filter to enjoy clean water every day. The elegant design of these filtering systems offers a perfect blend of reliability, affordability, and quality and is a perfect addition to your kitchen sink.