Many modern refrigerators now come with a water tap that connects to the water line to provide chilled water on demand. While this system is amazing, you can make it even more convenient with a refrigerator water filter.
Refrigerator water filters are designed to ensure that the water that your fridge dispenses is not only chilled but also free of contaminant, odor and bad tastes. Hence, investing in the best refrigerator water filters is always a wise idea.
There are several types of refrigerator water filters out there, but the most common ones are grille, drop down, slide out and canister filters.
In this piece, we explain the factors to consider when choosing the right one for your home and also reviewing 12 top-rated models to help you make a more informed choice.
What to Check Before Buying Best Refrigerator Water Filters?
1. Compatibility
For the water filter to serve you well, it needs to work with your particular refrigerator brand and model. Hence, compatibility should always be one of the first factors to consider.
Finding a compatible water filter not only makes installation easy but also minimizes the likelihood of leaks and fitting problems.
Some water filters like Culligan IC-EZ-4 will have a universal fit or ideal for use with any refrigerators. But in note that in some cases, this is just a marketing gimmick that you should not fall prey to. So before settling for any water filter, make sure it is compatible with your brand and model number.
2. Filter Capacity
The filter capacity will determine how frequently you will need to change the filters. High capacity filters are the most convenient as they ensure you will go long without having to change them and this can also save you some cash.
While the capacity varies among different water filter types, brands and sizes, something that can filter at least 200 gallons should be good enough as you can go for up to 6 months without having to change the filter.
With that said, there are still some with a super high capacity out there like the Woder 10K-JG that can filter up to 10,000 gallons.
3. Filter Technology
Like with any other filter type, the refrigerator water filters will use different technologies to filter the water depending on the type and brand.
Activated carbon is the most common technology used on these filters. It works with other filtration mediums such as large mechanical filters that will remove the sediments and other large contaminants and the fine mechanical medium for getting rid of smaller elements.
When it comes to the filter technology, the most important thing to consider is its effectiveness in getting rid of different contaminant types. Also, check the size of particles that it can remove and the smaller the better.
4. Brand
Brand plays a crucial role when choosing a refrigerator water filter because not all manufacturers are known to produce high-quality filters.
The well-known companies that have been making these water filters for many years are often the best choice. This is because they have been in the business for long enough to understand what works best and also invest a lot of resources on research and product improvement to ensure they deliver the most efficient water filters.
Some of the best refrigerator water filter brands include Culligan, Frigidaire, General Electric, LG and Samsung. Also, note that most of these top brands are refrigerator manufacturers, and so they understand better what works with their different fridge models.
5. Ease of Use
A good refrigerator water filter is one that is easy to use and this means that it should be straightforward to install and replace.
You do not need to pay someone to install something as simple as this, and so you should always go for something that is not only quick and easy to install/replace but also comes with clear directions.
A simple, efficient, effective and user-friendly refrigerator water filter will always give you the easiest time.
12 Best Refrigerator Water Filters of 2021 Reviewed
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
|---|---|---|
 | 1. LG LT700P (Best Overall) |
|
 | 2. Pure Green Water Filter PG-8001 (Best Value for Money) |
|
 | 3. Aquacrest AQF-GXRTQR (Best Budget) |
|
 | 4. Frigidaire ULTRAWF (Best for French Door Refrigerators) |
|
 | 5. Samsung Genuine DA29-00003G (Best for Samsung Refrigerators) |
|
 | 6. GE GXRTDR (Best Standalone Filtration) |
|
 | 7. Culligan IC-EZ-4 (Best Universally Compatible Filter) |
|
 | 8. Omnipure K2533JJ (Versatile, Inexpensive & Easy to Install) |
|
 | 9. Culligan IC-EZ-1 (Inexpensive High Capacity Filter) |
|
 | 10. CuZn ILFC-200 (Simple but Effective 4-Stage Filtration) |
|
 | 11. General Electric MWF (Super Easy to Install & Highly Effective) |
|
 | 12. Woder 10K-JG (Advanced Filtration Tech, High Capacity & Fast Flow Rate) |
|
1. LG LT700P – Best Overall
- Fits: Select LG multi-door refrigerators
- Filter Capacity: 200 gallons (6 months)
- Flow Rate: 0.5 gallon per minute
If you hate the taste and smell of chlorine in your water, this is the perfect water filter for you if you have an LG multi-door refrigerator as it reduces both significantly.
Installation of the filter is a quick and easy process that should only take a few minutes, and you will not even need to follow any lengthy instructions as it is quite straightforward.
This filter removes up to 90% contaminants and is highly effective in getting rid of harmful substances like lead, asbestos, and mercury. Because it is an NFS/ANSI 53 certified product, you can also be confident that it will get rid of toxins like arsenic.
With this filter on your refrigerator, you will always get clean and healthy water and ice cubes free of bad tastes and odors.
Although for a 200-gallon capacity filter it is a little pricey, the quality of the water that you get makes it worth the extra investment.
Pros:
- Greatly reduces chlorine taste and odor
- Quick and easy to install
- NFS/ANSI 53 certified
- Removes most contaminants and heavy metals
- Wide LG refrigerator compatibility
Cons:
- Relatively smaller filter capacity
- A little pricey
2. Pure Green Water Filter PG-8001 – Best Value for Money
- Fits: Maytag, PUR, Kenmore, and Puriclean filters
- Filter Capacity: 300 gallons (6 months)
- Flow Rate: 0.9 gallon per minute
For a pack of 3 filters, the Pure Green PG-8001 offers one of the best values not only on our refrigerator water filter review but also in the market.
Besides the great value, each of the filters is designed to help improve your water quality significantly by getting rid of most contaminants and chlorine taste and odor. They are NSF 42 certified which is a good proof of their quality and effectiveness.
These filters are compatible with a variety of refrigerator water filter models from top companies like Maytag, Pur and Puriclean. They are also easy to install regardless of your refrigerator model thanks to the twist and lock design.
The 0.9 gallon per minute flow rate is quite good, and it is faster than what you get from most refrigerator water filters in our list.
Although this water filter can be quite loud when filtering, this should not be an issue as you will hardly even notice the noise once you get used to it
Pros:
- Great value for a pack of 3 filters
- Easy tool-free installation
- Good flow rate
- Great tasting and crisp clear water
Cons:
- Can be quite loud when filtering
- Does not specify the number or percentage of contaminants it removes
3. Aquacrest AQF-GXRTQR – Best Budget
- Fits: GE GXRTQR
- Filter Capacity: 2,000 gallons (6 months)
- Flow Rate: 0.5 gallon per minute
Every product in our refrigerator water filter review is top-notch quality and designed to offer the best service but if you are shopping on a tight budget, this Aquacrest filter is what you need as it is our cheapest model.
The exquisite leak-free design ensures that it will be a perfect fit provided you have a compatible refrigerator. And it will filter up to 2,000 gallons or last for 6 months before it requires replacement.
Its built quality and performance makes it one of the best replacement refrigerator water filters for GE GXRTQR, and it is quick and easy to install and operate with no tools and without making a mess.
But, this highly affordable refrigerator water filter seems to require more flushing than most others, and it is significantly smaller than the original ones. However, it still does a great job in cleaning your water and at that price, you will hardly get anything better.
Pros:
- Highly affordable
- Advanced granular activated carbon filter
- Easy no-tool installation
- Exquisite leak-free design
- Designed to retain the beneficial minerals
Cons:
- Requires more flushing before use
- Significantly smaller and with less filtration material
4. Frigidaire ULTRAWF – Best for French Door
- Fits: Frigidaire refrigerators
- Filter Capacity: 200 gallons (6 months)
- Flow Rate: 0.5 gallon per minute
Frigidaire makes this high-quality refrigerator water filter to help you get rid of most of the harmful contaminants while improving water taste and removing unpleasant smells.
The small and compact water filter is super easy and quick to install provided you have a French door or side-by-side refrigerator as you only need to push it in to lock it in place.
Once in place, it will filter up to 200 gallons of water or work for up to 6 months depending on which comes first.
And to give you some assurances that this it is a top-notch and genuine product, it comes with various certifications including NSF/ANSI 42 and 53.
The filter capacity is relatively small when compared to what others in our list have to offer, but what matters more is the water quality that you get.
Also, the fact that you might need to flush it with many gallons of water should not be a concern because all water filters require some flushing before use.
Pros:
- Great choice for French door fridges
- Simple push to lock installation
- Removes 99% of microbiological agents
- NSF tested and certified
Cons:
- Requires a lot of flushing before use
- Relatively smaller filter capacity
5. Samsung Genuine DA29-00003G – Best NSF tested and certified
- Fits: Select Samsung French door and side-by-side refrigerators
- Filter Capacity: 6 months
- Flow Rate: 0.5 GPM
Samsung makes some of the best aftermarket refrigerator water filters and if you have one of their fridges, you can be sure that there are many great Samsung water filters out there like their model DA29-00003G.
The NSF tested and certified water filter will remove up to 99% of the common harmful contaminants found in regular tap water and also reduces the taste and smell of chlorine.
This water filter gets its high effectiveness from the high-grade carbon block which will also get rid of various kinds of heavy metals and chemicals.
Changing the filter will not be guesswork even if your refrigerator’s filter indicator does not work as there is a handy filter change reminder sticker on the package.
Each one of these filters will serve you for at least 6 months. Although installation can be a little hectic due to the design and the instructions being a little off, you should still be able to figure things out.
Pros:
- Wide Samsung filter compatibility
- Removes 99% of harmful contaminants
- Reduces chlorine taste and odor
- NSF tested and certified
- Filter change reminder stickers included
Cons:
- Installation takes quite some effort
- Instructions are a little confusing
6. GE GXRTDR – Best Standalone
- Fits: Select GE side-by-side and top-freezer refrigerators
- Filter Capacity: 2,500 gallons (6 months)
- Flow Rate: 0.5 gallon per minute
If your refrigerator is the type that does not come with a built-in filtration system, this GE standalone water filter is what you need to get.
The filter is designed to attach easily to your existing refrigerator or ice-maker water line, and you will not need to use any special tools.
Being one of the cheapest items on our list, you will also get to save some cash when buying this water filter. It is NSF certified to improve the taste and quality of your water by reducing chlorine odor and taste and removing sediments.
The filter will filter up to 2,500 gallons before requiring replacement which is quite good when compared with others in the same price range.
However, it does not come with a mechanism to tell when you need to replace the filter, but this is not a big deal as you only need to note the date you start using it. And you can easily get better quick connectors if you do not like the included ones.
Pros:
- Efficient standalone filtration
- Easy attachment to the water line
- Relatively more affordable
- Compact design takes up little space
- NFS/ANSI certified
Cons:
- Quality of the quick connectors is wanting
- No way to tell when the filter needs replacement
7. Culligan IC-EZ-4 – Best Universally Compatible
- Fits: Universally Compatible
- Filter Capacity: 500 gallons (6 months)
- Flow Rate: 0.5 gallon per minute
Culligan is not one of the best inline refrigerator water filters manufacture by chance as they make some of the most popular and high performing water filters. The IC-EZ-4 inline filter is just one of their top-notch products.
What many users will love most about it is that it has universal compatibility meaning it will work for a wide range of refrigerator filtration system.
The water filter provides a filter capacity of 500 gallons and will last for up to 6 months. It is an NSF and ANSI certified product that reduces particulates class I, cyst, chloroform, and heavy metals. Also, it is highly effective in reducing chlorine taste and odor.
Installation is quite straightforward as it comes with quick connect fittings for an easy twist on and twist off and filter replacement is also equally easy. You can easily tell when it is time to change the filter as there are some handy filter change reminder stickers in the package.
This water filter is one of the priciest on our list, but it is still quite affordable, and this is more so given its quality. Although it also does not come with the tubing, you can easily get one cheaply at your local hardware store.
More Detailed: Culligan IC-EZ-4 Review
Pros:
- Convenient universal compatibility
- Easy installation and filter change
- Reduces chlorine taste and odor
- NSF tested and certified
- Filter change reminder sticker included
Cons:
- Relatively pricier
- Tubing not provided
8. Omnipure K2533JJ – Versatile, Inexpensive and Easy to Install
- Fits: Universally Compatible
- Filter Capacity: 1,500 gallons (1 year)
- Flow Rate: 0.5 gallon per minute
With the 1/4-inch quick connect fittings that come with the Omipure K2533JJ, installing and replacing it is superfast and easy and hence making it quite a convenient water filter.
Also, it is quite a versatile water filter that you can use for various other things besides your refrigerator and ice maker such as on an under counter system or drinking fountain.
Like many other top quality refrigerator water filters, it is also highly effective in reducing chlorine taste and odor so that you always end up with great tasting and refreshing water.
This water filter is quite affordable when compared to others in our refrigerator water filter review and its design and installation mean that it will work for almost any fridge make and mode.
While the installation instructions are not very clear and useful, this should not be a big deal as you will hardly get any difficulties when installing it.
Pros:
- Ideal for a variety of uses
- Super easy installation and replacement
- Removes chlorine odor and taste
- Quite an affordable filter
Cons:
- Needs better instructions
- No significant TDS reduction
9. Culligan IC-EZ-1 – Inexpensive High Capacity
- Fits: Universally Compatible
- Filter Capacity: 3,000 gallons (12months)
- Flow Rate: 0.5 gallon per minute
The best inline refrigerator water filters are always those that are not only effective in cleaning water but also offer the convenience of easy installation like the Culligan IC-EZ-1.
Because this water filter is not meant for installation inside the fridge, it can also be useful for other purposes such as an under sink water filter.
It has a relatively high-capacity of 3,000 gallons, and it will be at least one year before you need to replace the filter cartridges. It comes with everything that you need to install and use it.
This water filter is NSF/ANSI 42 certified which means that it will be effective in reducing chlorine odor and taste in your water.
Although it can take a huge space behind your refrigerator, there are many ways of mounting it, and so you do not have to keep it behind the fridge.
Pros:
- Relatively affordable given the high capacity
- Removes bad tastes and odor
- Easy filter change
- Double water shutoff
- Connects to both water and ice supply
Cons:
- Takes a lot of space behind the fridge
- Slower water flow
10. CuZn ILFC-200 – Simple but Effective 4-Stage Filtration
- Fits: Universally Compatible
- Filter Capacity: 500 gallons (1 year)
- Flow Rate: 0.5 gallon per minute
CuZn ILFC-200 is another top-rated refrigerator water filter that is designed to work with any make or model to provide contaminant-free and great tasting water.
The refrigerator water filter uses a 4-stage filtration system that is more effective in removing both organic and inorganic contaminants than regular carbon blocks.
The best element about it is that it not only removes the contaminants but also maintains the healthy minerals in the water.
Because this is a bacteriostatic filtration system, it is not susceptible to the growth of mold and bacteria like the generic carbon filters.
Installation is relatively easy as you can have it running in just a few minutes and the manufacturer also has some helpful videos to make things even easier.
Despite this being the priciest filter option in our list, its quality, effectiveness, and convenience are hard to beat, and so it is worth the extra bucks.
Pros:
- Effective 4-stage filtration
- Works with any fridge make or model
- Maintains all the healthy minerals
- Not susceptible to mold/bacteria growth
- Easy installation in minutes
Cons:
- Relatively more expensive
11. General Electric MWF – Super Easy to Install and Highly Effective
- Fits: Select GE side-by-side and bottom-freezer refrigerators
- Filter Capacity: 300 gallons (6 months)
- Flow Rate: 0.5 gallon per minute
The twist and lock design is one of the key elements that will impress most people that buy this General Electric refrigerator water filter as it makes it super easy to install and replace the filter. Installation is a quick tool-free process with no mess.
It is an NSF certified filter that will reduce lead, chlorine and 15 other contaminants in the water. This water filter also gets rid of 5 trace pharmaceuticals including ibuprofen and progesterone to make your water even safer.
Provided you have a compatible refrigerator, this compact water filter will fit perfectly. Like most other GE water filters, you can install it in any directions meaning you will never have to worry about an upside down installation.
The only significant shortcomings with this water filter are the low water pressure and flow rate which are typical of most water filters, and the fact that there are many counterfeits in the market. But, it is quite easy to tell a genuine GE refrigerator water filter before you buy.
Pros:
- Simple tool-free filter installation and replacement
- Filters the 5 common trace pharmaceuticals
- NSF certified
- Compact and fits perfectly
- Installable in any direction
Cons:
- Low water pressure and flow rate
- There are many counterfeits of this filter in the market
12. Woder 10K-JG – Advanced Filtration Tech, High Capacity and Fast Flow Rate
- Fits: Universally Compatible
- Filter Capacity: 10,000 gallons (3 years)
- Flow Rate: 3.0 gallons per minute
The advanced selective filtration technology of the Woder 10K-JG ensures that it will not only get rid of up to 99% of contaminants but also maintains the healthy minerals.
This refrigerator water filter is designed to offer a long service life as it will filter up to 10,000 gallons and last up to 3 years which gives it the longest capacity in our list. It also has a high flow rate of up to 3 gallons per minute.
Your water’s taste and odor are greatly improved when using this water filter so that you get to enjoy some pure and healthy water.
Installation is quite simple, and you can use the water filter for most refrigerators as it will fit different hose types and sizes except the braided ones.
The relatively larger and bulkier design should not put you off because this is an external water filter, and so it will not take up any space inside your fridge.
Pros:
- Advanced filtration technology
- Long filter life and capacity
- Greatly improved water taste and odor
- Fast flow rate
Cons:
- Large and bulkier
Conclusion
A high-quality refrigerator water filter not only provides clean, safe and great tasting water but will also save you a lot of cash as you will not need to buy bottled water.
And you do not have to look far and wide as our review of 12 best refrigerator water filters above will provide some good recommendations.
If you are shopping on a small budget, the inexpensive Aquacrest AQF-GXRTQR will be perfect. But if you are looking for something that is highly effective at removing most contaminants and gives you great tasting water, the LG LT700P is our best overall product.
In this post:
- What to Check Before Buying Best Refrigerator Water Filters?
- 12 Best Refrigerator Water Filters of 2021 Reviewed
- 1. LG LT700P – Best Overall
- 2. Pure Green Water Filter PG-8001 – Best Value for Money
- 3. Aquacrest AQF-GXRTQR – Best Budget
- 4. Frigidaire ULTRAWF – Best for French Door
- 5. Samsung Genuine DA29-00003G – Best NSF tested and certified
- 6. GE GXRTDR – Best Standalone
- 7. Culligan IC-EZ-4 – Best Universally Compatible
- 8. Omnipure K2533JJ – Versatile, Inexpensive and Easy to Install
- 9. Culligan IC-EZ-1 – Inexpensive High Capacity
- 10. CuZn ILFC-200 – Simple but Effective 4-Stage Filtration
- 11. General Electric MWF – Super Easy to Install and Highly Effective
- 12. Woder 10K-JG – Advanced Filtration Tech, High Capacity and Fast Flow Rate
- Conclusion