Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations.
If you press links we provide, we may receive compensation.
If you cant remember, youre likely drinking contaminants.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens / Michael Navarro
As nifty as in-door orpitcher-style water filterscan be, they take up so much fridge real estate.
And its easy to forget to replace those cartridges, which typically only last two months.
Enter the countertop water filter.
Credit: Amazon
These appliances are the antidote to out of sight, out of mind.
The appliances can be freestanding or connect to your sink faucet.
To find the best available, we tested nine models in our own kitchens.
The Aquasana is compact at less than 10 inches deep and wide.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Michael Navarro
For more information on how we tested countertop water filters, check outour testing processbelow.
The unit itself is compact and the water tank only holds 64 ounces of water at a time.
Its not the cheapest on our list, but its an investment worth the cost.
The Aquasana Clean Water Machine is our pick for “best overall” due to its solid performance.
But given how lightning-fast this appliance works, youd have a full pitcher again in less than a minute.
The removable pitcher is sleek and modern and doesnt look like an eyesore on the countertop.
As for filtration, the tap water we tested was noticeably cloudy and had a faint chlorine smell.
The filtered water was clear and odor-free.
We had friends over while evaluating and were impressed by how much everyone loved the water.
The best part about the Aquasana is its easy upkeep.
Some water filters require multiple different cartridges with varying replacement times.
Thats hard to remember and more expensive to maintain.
The Aquasana only usesone proprietary filterand each filter lasts for 300 gallons, or about six months.
Product Details: Dimensions:9.69 x 7.96 x 11.61 in.
Its loud and it splashes.
Still, this unit has a high-tech feature we didnt expect for the price: auto-fill.
Thats a nice perk if you hate standing around and mashing a button.
It shores up more space compared to other water filters that hold around the same amount of water.
Credit: Brita
One thing we didnt like: the noise.
When water is running through the filter, its as loud as acoffee maker.
Product Details: Dimensions:14.4 x 7.5 x 11.4 in.
The Brita Hub’s auto-fill feature set it apart from other options we tested.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Elena Garcia
It creates more water waste than other picks.
The AquaTrue produced some of the best-tasting and odor-free water in our test.
The water went from cloudy to crystal clear and truly tasted refreshing.
But assembly was a bit tricky, and it does take up a lot of counter space.
Product Details: Dimensions:14 x 14 x 12 in.
The design is a bit clunky because it hangs over the lip of the counter.
And it lives up to the hype.
We noticed a massive difference in smell with the Berkey.
Before filtration, the tap water had a noticeable metallic scent.
After filtration, it was odor-free.
The taste, however, still had a slight metallic bite.
It was far better than the unfiltered tap water, but not as tasteless as bottled water.
One thing to note about the Berkey design is that the spigot isnt as countertop-friendly as other models.
Product Details: Dimensions:8.5 x 8.5 x 21 in.
Removing the water reservoir isnt that easy.
Looking to make the switch from a water filter pitcher?
The Bluevua features a pitcher-like water reservoir without the pouring.
Plus, the amount of filtered water you get per run is about the same as a pitcher filter.
Credit: Amazon
We thought the water tasted more refreshing, too, than water from a Brita pitcher.
It also filters faster than a pitcher and doesnt require filter replacements as frequently.
Product Details: Dimensions:14.3 x 10.9 x 15.4 in.
The dispenser is lower than on other models, so you’ll need to hold taller cups or pitchers while filling.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Tracy Allison
Multiple filters are required for this unit and they have different timetables for replacement.
Faucet-fed filterscan be clunky eyesores, but not the Cypress.
Its less than four inches wide and super sleek.
And the water tastes nice, too.
We noticed a huge difference in the chlorine-smelling tap water compared to the tasteless and odorless filtered water.
Product Details: Dimensions:3.75 x 10.5 x 13.5 in.
But for budget, theBrita Hub Instant Powerful Countertop Water Filtrationis a solid option at under $180.
And it was the only machine we awarded a perfect score for ease of use.
We first examined unfiltered tap water, noting any cloudiness or smell.
Then we compared the filtered water for each appliance, noting any changes in appearance or apparent taste.
Its also great to use on your nightstand if youd like to have fresh water at night.
We tested XL units at two feet tall but also tested super-small compact filters less than three inches wide.
Both are great options.
You really just want to consider the available space on your counter before choosing a filter.
Its also important to note the filter capacity, which is often confused with the water tank capacity.
The filter capacity indicates roughly how much water the appliance can filter effectively before it needs replacing.
And like the size of the water filter, the capacity varies widely based on the model and brand.
And that can vary from six months to two years.
Certifications
There are so many contaminants that show up in tap water, from lead to microplastics.
Manufacturers make wildly different claims about what filters can reduce or eliminate.
So, how do you know if the filter you choose is removing dangerous contaminants?
And, equally as important, are the manufacturers claims legit?
Another common certification is from the American National Standards Institute or ANSI.
Youll often see NSF or ANSI certifications listed with a specific number.
Credit: Amazon
Filter Lifespan
Like a water filter pitcher, the filter components dont last forever.
Its important to consider how frequently youll need to replace a filter.
These resins also become saturated over time and need to be maintained.
The Big Berkey water filter can hold up to 288 ounces of water.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Kim Souza
They are effective for some contaminants, and are commonly used as water softeners as well.
We did not evaluate how effective these filters were at the end of their estimated lifespan.
For removable water tanks, we noted how easy they were to grip, fill, and pour.
Several units that we tested require weekly cleaning for all water tanks.
You dont even get that much water: the tank only holds about half a gallon of filtered water.
Even worse: It takes so long for the water to filter.
Your Questions, Answered
What are the advantages and disadvantages of countertop water filters?
Countertop pitcher and dispenser-style filters are generally easy to set up, Evans said.
They can be more affordable on average compared to more complex systems like whole-house orunder-sink water filters.
They also don’t produce any waste water like reverse osmosis systems do."
Another pain point for some is temperature.
While the best countertop water filters save fridge space, they dont chill filtered water.
Most countertop water filters require room temperature water and keep filtered water at room temperature.
What common contaminants do countertop water filters remove?
Do countertop water filters connect to all kitchen faucets?
Most of our countertop water filters connect to almostall kitchen faucets, McCoy said.
But you should double-check the product specifications before purchasing.
Can I connect a countertop water filter to multiple faucets?
Credit: Amazon
What is the healthiest way to filter tap water?
Is a countertop water filter better than a pitcher or a refrigerator filter?
Because Evans says what matters most is how well you follow the instructions.
The Bluevua system looks similar to a traditional coffee maker.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Megan Wood
“After all, the most efficient filters can only deliver their full benefits when used as intended.
Who We Are
Deanne Revelis an award-winning journalist and host based in Seattle.
What Is BHG Recommends?
In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.
Credit: Amazon
Because it connects through the faucet, the Brondell Cypress is limited when it comes to placement.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Diana Weesner
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens / Kim Souza
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens / Diana Weesner
