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Enjoy refreshing water with these easy-to-install filters.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Poczatek says under-sink water filters provide a final barrier of protection from contaminants in the water.
Then, we assessed the installation process, ease of use, and performance, including taste.
For more information on how we tested under-sink water filters, check outour testing processbelow.
PHOTO: The Home Depot
Carbon filtersare also commonly used in under-sink water filters.
Notably, carbon works to remove bad tastes and odors.
There was an immediate and significant improvement after installation: the tap waters normallychlorinated smelland oily taste were gone.
PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens
After filtration, they didnt notice any major changes in look, taste, or smell.
The carbon filter is also made with coconut, which may pose an allergy risk to some.
Our tested noted the resulting taste was similar to distilled water.
Others in the household who tasted the unfiltered and filtered water did not notice a change.
NSF/ANSI 42certifies anaesthetic-relatedcontaminant reduction such as the taste and odor of chlorine and iron.
There are more than 50 possible contaminants addressed underNSF/ANSI 53, which certifieshealth-relatedcontaminant reduction like VOCs and lead.
Reduction of 15 emerging compounds and incidental contaminants, like pesticides or prescription drugs, can be certified underNSF/ANSI401.
In addition, this is acertified lead-freeplumbing product, meeting the requirements of both NSF/ANSI 372 and the U.S.
Safe Drinking Water Act.
Waterdrop:The IAPMO has certifiedthis Waterdrop modelfor aesthetic chlorine, taste, and odor under NSF/ANSI 42.
This product is also certified lead-free and meets both NSF/ANSI 372 and requirements in the U.S.
Safe Drinking Water Act.
It also lowers turbidity for clearer water.
In addition, it tackles sand, rust, and other sediments that are commonly found in well water.
GE:This single-stage filtration systemtargets aesthetic, health, and emerging contaminants for safer and better tasting water.
It reduces aesthetic chlorine taste and odor, removes sediments, and addresses turbidity.
Kitchen sinks typically have a flow ratebetween 2.2 and 1.5 gpm,the lower rates being more water-efficient models.
Brondell:This faucet and filter combocites a flow rate of 0.5 GPM.
During our testing, we didnt note significant changes to water flow rate while testing.
Waterdrop:The highest flow rate on our list,this filtercomes in at 0.75 GPM.
Our tester appreciated that there was no noticeabledifference in water pressuresince installing the under-sink water filter.
GE:This filter with control valvereports a 0.6 GPM flow rate.
Brondell:Each of the three filters inthis systemhas a 12-month life or a 600-gallon capacity.
The Brondell faucet has an LED indicator light to alert you when the filter is spent.
Only two tubing connections were required.
However, the instructions were clear and the manufacturers installation video aided at every step.
The slim, single-lever faucet didnt crowd the sink or countertop after installation.
The chrome control knob is asymmetrically designed to help intuitively guide users for the on-off position.
Pointing toward the sink meant the filter was on, pointing away meant it was off.
The light around the base indicated when the filter needed to be changed.
Our tester did note that the control valve felt lightweight and wondered about the products durability over time.
All the filter required was a twist to install or remove, so replacement is quick and easy.
Our Testing Process
For this test, we wanted to compare popular brands in water filtration.
We evaluated each filter on installation, performance, and ease of use.
Plus, we didnt find certifications to confirm contaminant removal claims.
Your Questions, Answered
What are the benefits of an under-sink water filter?
PHOTO: Amazon
Under-sink water filters offer the convenience of point-of-use filtration but are hidden away under countertops and behind cabinet doors.
Are under-sink water filters better than water filter pitchers?
One is not necessarily better than the other; they are just different, Poczatek says.
PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens
What Is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed ourBHG Recommends seal of approval.
In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.
https://www.nsf.org/knowledge-library/nsf-ansi-42-53-and-401-filtration-systems-standards
https://www.nsf.org/knowledge-library/nsf-ansi-can-372-technical-requirements
https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/overview-safe-drinking-water-act
https://www.brondell.com/content/UC300_Coral_PDS.pdf
https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2023-08/ws-homes-TRM-5-KitchenFaucetsTechSheet_0.pdf
PHOTO: The Home Depot
PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
