Water safety is a genuine concern in the American homes these days, which is why the need for countertop water filters becomes of paramount importance. The benefit of having a countertop water filter is that it efficiently removes a large number of unwanted elements from the water, giving you pure, healthy and safe water for consumption. If you too feel the need of having a countertop water filter, then you can take a look at the copious amount of models that are available on the market. To save yourself from being drowned in the pool of products, you can take my help. I have identified the best countertop water filters for you and reviewed them as well. Therefore, your job now is to check out the reviews of the five best countertop water filter consumer reports and pick the product that resonates with your requirements.
Reviews Of 5 Best Countertop Water Filters
1. Express Water Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
Express Water is a revered company known for manufacturing quality water filter systems, and the model we are discussing testifies for it. This is a 4-stage water filter system, which comes with a faucet. Once this water filter system reaches your home, you don’t have to call a plumber, as there is a 4-point setup that you can follow to set up this filter. The filter system removes 99.99 percent of harmful elements from the water without affecting the taste of water.
With this best countertop reverse osmosis water filter, you can expect the elimination of all types of bacteria, viruses, minerals such as calcium, magnesium, other chemicals such as chlorine, nitrates, chromium, and fluoride. Even hard metals like lead are removed by this filter system, so you can imagine how efficient it is. Moreover, the filter system is compatible with the majority of faucet types. The unit comes with adapters that fit three of the most common faucets.
2. Apex MR-1050 Countertop Drinking Water Filter
This is another model, which has the capability of removing up to 99 percent of unwanted elements present in the water. Elements that this filter will remove include bacteria and microorganisms, parasites, chlorine, fluoride and certain hard metals such as sodium and lead. However, the filter system will not just remove elements from the water, but add a few as well, which are good for your health and make the water more alkaline.
The filter system easily fits into most standard sink faucets, plus the elegant look of the filter system will add an aesthetic appeal sitting on the countertop. With a capability of filtering 750 gallons of water, you don’t have to worry about a replacement until several months. Installation is easy, no foul taste of the filtered water and the water turns to be more alkaline, thus giving health benefits to users. The company offers a 1-year limited warranty on the unit as well.
3. AQUA TRU Countertop Water Filtration Purification System
When your water is filled with hard metals, then you need a highly efficient water filter system such as the one from AQUA TRU. This water filter reportedly removes 96.6 percent of chlorine, 96.4 percent of radium, 93.5 percent of fluoride, 95.2 percent of copper, 97.2 percent of chromium and 99.1 percent of lead. Basically, it will remove all the pollutants that are present in the water. As far as installation is concerned, then you don’t have to worry about it at all, as the filter system takes about 3 minutes to set up with no use of any complicated plumbing tools.
The filter features quick-change and twist-and-seal filters, which can help the unit to last for 6 months to 2 years. This is a sleek and compact filter system, which despite being installed on the countertop will leave ample space for other things. Once installed, the filter will purify 1 gallon of water within 15 minutes. The efficiency of this countertop filter system can be judged from the fact that the company offers 100% money-back guarantee just in case, you don’t love it and want to return the product in first 30 days.
4. SHTFandGO H20 CT 4.0 Countertop Water Filter Purifier
Get this water filter, which doesn’t just remove all the harmful elements from the water, but add useful minerals as well, so that you and your family stay healthy. The water filter system is capable of purifying fresh water in case you need it in emergencies, which certainly gives this unit a definite edge over other filters. The compact design of the filter system fits countertop of any size, leaving you with enough counter space to do other tasks as well. With reusable filters, you don’t have to get into the hassle of buying filters after a certain period of time. The water after going through the purification process turns out to be clean and healthy.
5. Puricom Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System
The speed of this countertop water filter is the main highlight because it fills up a container with 1 gallon of water in 25-30 minutes, and that water will be 100% pure and healthy. The water filter consumes 24-watt of power, which is even less than a light bulb. The installation of this water filter involves no attachment of valves or bulky hoses to the faucet.
Moreover, this is the best countertop water filter pitcher where you can add a pitcher at the inlet in order to collect water for later use. The replacement filters of the unit are easy to clean, and you will be notified via a red blinking light after a year that the filter needs to be replaced. A sleek, compact and elegant looking unit that will add to the aesthetics of your kitchen.
Types Of Countertop Water Filters
If you are thinking of buying a countertop water filter, then you should first know the types that are available on the market, which will make things easier for you.
- Filter Dispenser
This is a highly effective countertop water filter, which is cost and energy effective, and ideal for small and medium families. However, the filter dispenser model is not that portable, but it is definitely going to last for a long period of time. The filter doesn’t run on electricity, thus saving you from hefty power bills.
- Water Ionizer
This water filter belongs to a more advanced group of water processors because of its way of handling the harmful elements. A water ionizer makes use of the process called ‘electrolysis’ in which the positive ions in the water gather negative electrodes to produce cathodic water. At the same time, negative ions make oxidized or anodic water. The water that comes out of the filter is cathodic water, which is sweet in taste and is known to increase your blood pH. While everything is awesome in this type of water filter, but the high price could make you reconsider getting this option.
- Water Distiller
This type of water filter is used when you need water of the utmost purity. This water filter boils the water, runs the steam through the installed coils and then, turns it back into the water, which is as pure as you’ll get. This water filter eliminates all the harmful elements that are present in the water, thus letting you drink the best quality water. Water distillers have a very modest size and is suitable for a family of 2-3 people.
- Sink-top Filter
This is one of the best water filters when it comes to saving space, money and time. you can integrate this water filter into your kitchen faucet system as well. The filter is well suited for houses who need a quick solution for contaminated water and get rid of the icky smell of chlorine.
- Reverse Osmosis (RO) Filter
This is one of the most efficient and reliable water filters, which you can currently find on the market. The RO water filter system is capable of eliminating all kinds of unwanted elements from the water, especially hard metals like mercury and lead. Check out the best Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System here. RO water filter systems are better for spacious kitchen countertops, but you must first check that the water coming in your house contains hard metals because only then, this water filter gives you the best results.
How To Choose The Best Countertop Water Filter: Factors To Consider
Type
When buying a countertop water filter, the first thing you need to check is the type of filter you think is right for you. Refer to the aforementioned section for selecting the right type of countertop water filter.
Size
The next important thing that you need to consider is the size of the water filter. If you are looking to buy a faucet filter, then keep in mind that the model fits beside the faucet, either on the sink or on the counter. The same goes for other types of water filters.
Filtration Capacity
With all water filters capable of removing sediment, foul tastes, bad odors, and heavy metals, it is important for you to know that all filters are not equally efficient in removing those elements. Therefore, you need to find models that are capable of removing more chlorine and chloramines than others. Also, make sure to check that the filter system in the process of removing contaminants doesn’t remove some of the useful minerals in the water. You can check all of that by using a water test kit, which will check the pH level in the water, level of hardness and heavy metal in the water. With such information in your hands, you can decide in a better way as to which water filter will suit you.
Taste
Some water filters despite cleaning the water to a level where it is healthy for human consumption to leave a bad taste in the water. It may not be the problem with the filter but your habit of drinking chlorinated water. If you have been drinking chlorinated water for too long, then unchlorinated water will give you a bad taste. Besides the taste, you need to look for the presence of minerals such as magnesium and calcium, which create limestone. The presence of limestone in water will deteriorate your sink, so make sure the filter is capable of removing it.
Alkaline Water
You will find many water filters with the ability to make water more alkaline, which in turn helps you stay young, boost your digestive system, immune system and keep your skin hydrated. In some water filters, special filter cartridges are used to make water alkaline, so this is a feature that you must pay attention to.
Maintenance
After a certain period of time, you will feel that the water filter is not filtering the water as efficiently as it once used to do. This happens because of the accumulation of dirt and other elements. The mineral deposit is another reason why water filters need maintenance. Make sure to clean your filter system and replace the candles after every year if not early.
Ease Of Use
When it comes to easy usage, faucet water filters are a lot better than pitcher water filters because of their position. To use the faucet filter, you just need to turn a switch and the filter will turn on. You should also keep in mind that the filter you buy has a container where a decent volume of water can be filled (5 gallons or so).
Price
Countertop water filters come in different price range, so you must pay attention to the features of a water filter and match those with your requirements. This is how you can get the best water filter within your budget.
Summing Up
Now that you have gone through the reviews of the five best countertop water filter consumer reports, you are in the best position to decide as to which product you should purchase. If you need a filter system that can connect with your kitchen faucet, then the best countertop water filter for the faucet is reviewed in the above section. Similarly, you can plan to buy the best countertop water filter pitcher as well. The decision is solely yours so make sure you check all the facts and figures before buying the best unit.