Best Water Filtration Systems For Home & Office [Filter, Softener, Purifier]

Why water filter?

You’re here looking for the best water filter system. That could only mean you’re worried about what’s present in your drinking water as it’s no wonder: your water must make a long journey through the pipeline to get to your faucet.

Or, you just always smell chlorine whenever you take a sip from a tap (faucet), or even after you boil the water…

… and you hate it.

Yes!

Installing a water filter system is the solution.

Why do we have this ultimate guide?

Choosing the right water filter system is not easy for everyone. This is especially true when you’re shopping online.

In this guide, you will learn about your drinking water. You’ll also learn what type of filter you want, and what price range you can afford.

In short, you will find the answer to your query:

“What is the best water filter system for me?“.

Let’s look at the different types of water filters, to decide which one is for you.

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WATER FILTERS SYSTEMS

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We have more than the simple term “Water Filters”. Actually, we have up to 8 different water filters systems for home uses.

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The systems are:

Whole House [WHF] | Under-Sink | Reverse Osmosis [RO] | Countertop | Point-Of-Use | Dispenser | Pitcher

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Whole House Water Filter

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Filtering your water for home use is more a necessity than a choice nowadays if you care about your health.

It’s not only for drinking water but also for showering or washing clothes.

Water with contaminants can leave stains on clothes (especially whites) after a while.

Another way you can tell if your water has contaminants is by lather. If the lather from shampoo or soap disappears fast, your water may have contaminants.

That’s the reason why we have whole house water filter systems.

Who Will Need A Whole House Filter?

The answer is anyone, especially if your water is hard or sourced from a well.

Did you know that hard water destroys pipes and sewer systems over time?

Also, as we have seen, there are lots of other things to deal with besides hard water when your source is a well. There’s dirt, chlorine, pesticides, and sediments, and these too can cause problems.

The best thing to do is to decontaminate the water you use at home. In that way, you won’t have to put up with these complications.

There are whole house water filters designed for wells. They reduce iron, catch sediment, soften the water, and remove the sulfur smell. They also reduce the levels of bacteria growth, chlorine, pesticides, and herbicides.

A typical whole house water filter system removes 95-97% of VOCs and chlorine. It also removes sediment and other contaminants without wasting water.

Some of them do not reduce Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). But this point is not a significant factor.

The primary material inside a whole house water filter is charcoal. This material is also known as activated carbon.

These materials help cleanse water by capturing impurities.

Pricing

The typical whole house water filter system costs more than an RO system.

You can find some under $200, but most of them go for more than $500. The prices even go into the thousands.

Most of the RO systems cost on average about $200 – $300.

Both standard whole house filter and RO will have long-term maintenance costs.

Installation

Of course, you must install the whole house filter system on the main pipeline. Once it’s connected, you will get filtered water from any faucet in your house.

You have two options for installing your whole house water filtration system. You can do it yourself or hire a professional.

People often have a plumber install their water treatment systems. They may also use an electrician to do the wiring.

Most of the filtration systems available online have step-by-step instructions. They are easy to install. You won’t need contractors with special training: a regular handyman plumber will do.

Cartridge Replacement

You should replace your whole house water filter cartridges every three months or

You can do it yourself.

First, turn the water supply off.

Next, relieve the water pressure on the lines before unscrewing the holder for the filter.

Remove the old filter and clean the inside of the holder with paper towels.

Put in the new one and screw the holder back in place.

Pros & Cons

The biggest pro of these filters is their health benefits. They filter out dangerous concentrations of sediments, chlorine, and chemicals.

The filters have a long life – five to ten years is typical. Whole house systems also need little or no maintenance. The filters last long and upkeep is negligible. Thus, a whole house filter is a cost-effective solution.

The disadvantage is that you cannot fine-tune your water filtration (Point-of-use filters allow you to take a more targeted approach. You can install these filters under sinks, in showers, or as freestanding units in the kitchen).

You might have to get a plumber to put in your whole house water filter. It requires more plumbing skills than installing a simple under-sink or countertop filter.

6 Best Whole House Water Filters Reviews

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Under-Sink Water Filter

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The under-sink variety can filter lots of water.

They deprive you of space from the cupboard underneath the sink, hence, they don’t clutter the counter.

You may have to drill a hole through the countertop or sink for the dispenser. You may also have to make other specialized plumbing adjustments.

You can use some inline filters for more than one appliance.

For example, you might be able to connect your filtration system to your fridge, water cooler, and kitchen tap. Inline filters are also an inexpensive option.

Most have quick-connect or push fittings that allow a seamless replacement process. They are also known for their durability.

On the downside, inline water filters are not reusable after the end of their service life. You will have to replace it in full when that time comes.

This replacement does not amount to high annual costs, given the durability and low cost of the filter.

Another con is that you must have some basic plumbing knowledge. Installing your inline water filter is technical, so you might have to hire a plumber if it’s too much for you.

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Reverse Osmosis System (RO)

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A reverse osmosis system is the best type of drinking water filter available.

These units produce pure, great-tasting water at a very reasonable cost. They remove solids like sodium, they also remove organic impurities, including chlorine and its byproducts.

They are automatic and trouble-free.

Reverse Osmosis Systems run on water pressure, not electricity.

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10 Best Reverse Osmosis Systems Review

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What Is Reverse Osmosis?

Reverse osmosis occurs when water moves across a membrane. The water must run against the normal concentration gradient for RO to occur.

To illustrate, imagine a membrane separating fresh water from orange juice. With normal osmosis, the fresh water will cross the membrane to dilute the juice.

Reverse osmosis forces the water content from the juice to cross over to the freshwater side.

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How Does A Reverse Osmosis System Work?

Most of the popular reverse osmos systems have five-stage filtration process, but some support up to 6 or 7 stages which adding back alkaline and pH to the water.

A normal reverse osmosis system works like below:

• Stage #1 removes rust and sediments.
• Stages #2 and #3 clear out chlorine and other volatile organic compounds present in the water.
• Stage #4 gets rid of bacteria, viruses, and other tiny particles and pollutants.
• Stage #5 removes any remaining odors and tastes from the purified water.
• Stages #6 and #7 (if applicable) sends the clean water through food-grade calcium carbonate to makes the water more alkaline and gives it a slight mineral taste.

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How Much Does RO Cost?

You can pay as little as $70 for a reverse osmosis water filtration system. The better-quality brands cost a few hundred dollars (between $200 and $400).

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How To Choose An RO Water Filter?

You’ve got a few crucial factors to consider when looking for the right reverse osmosis system.

Number of Stages

You will find most popular RO systems have 5 stages, but if you want your drinking water has more alkaline or pH, try a 6-stage or 7-stage system.

Normal or Full Contact?

With a normal RO system, you must open the housing to replace the membrane inside. It’s quite complicated, and you can make the housing dirty or cause it to leak.

A full contact RO system solves these problems.

Whenever you replace a stage (membrane), you replace the entire housing.

As you can see, a full contact RO system is much more convenient. But the maintenance cost will be higher, and it’s not very friendly to the environment.

How Many Gallons Per Day?

The makers of RO units state the amount of water they expect to produce in gallons per day (GPD).

There are 2 main factors affect the products are water temperature and water pressure. They also include the condition of pre-filters and total dissolved solids.

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Top Brands

iSpring

iSpring under sink reverse osmosis water filters are a great choice.

These filters deliver healthier, safer water. Whenever you open the faucet, you can experience safe, clean, good-tasting water.

The RO membrane eliminates harmful contaminants. However, it also removes a few essential minerals. That’s why iSpring has added a sixth stage in the RO process, to restore these minerals.

Apec Water

Apec Water filters are made in the US and last twice as long as other brands.

These filters remove 99 percent of pollutants including chlorine, arsenic, fluoride, and lead. They also get rid of bacteria, heavy metals, and viruses. They can treat both tap and well water.

Apec Water has been in the business for more than 20 years. They guarantee a noise-free system for pure drinking water. They also assure trouble-free operation for their dependable, long-lasting filters.

Home Master

Home Master under-sink filters boast a superior design.

They use filters built into the housing. This design enables quick and easy annual filter changes. No wrenches are necessary.

The filter removes up to 99.99 percent of microorganisms. It also gets rid of 98 percent of dissolved metals, solids, and harmful chemicals from water.

GE

The GE under sink RO water filtration system removes 96 percent of lead from your drinking water.

It filters water three times for your drinking and cooking needs. It also removes select chemicals, arsenic, and ten other pollutants.

Its twist and lock design allow for easy, tool-free filter replacement.

Brita

Brita’s Redi-Twist 3-Stage Reverse Osmosis drinking water filtration system is a bestseller.

It improves water quality, and the filters are easy to replace – no tools needed.

Filters can last up to a year.

It gets rid of lead, chlorine, and fluorides. It also removes cysts, nitrites/nitrates, pentavalent arsenic, dissolved solids, and particulates.

3M

The 3M reverse osmosis filtration system does not use electricity.

The pressure from your water line powers it. Its quick-change design allows for fast and easy filter replacement.

It has a granulated activated carbon pre-filter to help protect the membrane. You can use it for both chlorinated and non-chlorinated municipal and well water.

Aquasana

Aquasana delivers high-quality drinking water for optimal hydration. It removes, fluoride, mercury, chlorine, arsenic, lead, and asbestos. The osmosis process also removes calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

The Aquasana filter remineralizes water with these three elements. It also improves water pH balance to produce alkaline water.

Culligan

Culligan offers 13 advanced filter options to solve many water problems.

The filter comes with a faucet, available in a variety of colors, styles, and finishes.

It can also work with your current tap, so you won’t have to drill a hole through your countertop. It removes chlorine, lead, and other particles.

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Installation / Replacement

You can install your reverse osmosis system on either side of the sink. You can also place it underneath the sink, inside a cabinet, or in a basement.

Place the faucet on or near the sink where you get cooking and drinking water. Place the bladder tank where convenient, within ten feet of the tap. Most modern models feature easy filter replacement.

Membrane

You can install the membrane once you connect the faucet to your plumbing system. Place the membrane into its housing according to the instructions provided. You may have to remove the housing cap and push the cylinder into the socket until it’s right inside.

Booster Pump

The reverse osmosis booster pump increases water pressure going to the unit. The pump has three elements: a transformer, a pressure switch, and the pump itself. The transformer plugs into a standard wall outlet. The other components are easy to install.

Storage Tank

The storage tank holds the purified water. Ensure that the space under your kitchen sink is adequate for the tank and the other components of the RO system. You’ll need to install a water line into the tank. You may need a plumber to help you with this step.

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Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

• Removes hard to filter elements such as arsenic, fluoride, bacteria, and viruses
• The under-sink option is great for renters.
• These systems are compact and easy to install, operate, and maintain.
• The water produced by RO systems is tasty.
• RO systems are abundant, and buyers have a variety of options from which to choose.

Disadvantages

• The reverse osmosis process takes away most of the minerals from water. You can counter this with a six-stage filter, which remineralizes water.
• The purification process uses a lot of water. Your filter flushes about 4 gallons of water down the drain for every gallon it produces.
• RO systems take a long time to filter water.
• Reverse osmosis systems are quite costly.

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10 Best Reverse Osmosis Systems Review

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Countertop Water Filter

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Want a convenient source of high-quality water in the remote areas of your home?

A good countertop water filter can be your primary source of drinking water, even when you’re away from the kitchen.

Another use is as a portable filter for travel.

Several options are available, including the ubiquitous reverse osmosis type.

Electric Countertop Water Filter

An electric countertop water filtration system can convert regular tap water into alkaline drinking water. The filters come in stylish modern designs that will beautify any kitchen.

Countertop filters are easy to use: no installation required.

You can get BPA free options.

Non-Electric Countertop Water Filter

Non-electric countertop models hook up to your faucet. They deliver all the advantages of RO without the need for an electrical connection.

These systems are perfect for condos, apartments, and motorhomes. Students, seniors, and travelers benefit most from non-electric countertop water filter systems.

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Faucet Mount Water Filter

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As its name suggests, you mount this type of filter on your kitchen faucet.

The water first passes through a non-woven screen around the filter. This screen traps sediments like dirt and sand.

Next, the water passes through a compressed block of zeolite and carbon. These elements remove chemicals such as chlorine.

RO faucet filters use a combination of carbon and sediment to remove a wide range of pollutants.

Top Brands: Brita vs. Pur

Pur is superior to Brita when it comes to getting rid of sediments and chemicals.

Only Pur is guaranteed to remove cryptosporidium and giardia from the water.

According to Consumer Reports, people prefer the taste of Pur over Brita. They conducted blind tests, and most of the participants showed a preference for Pur.

One point on which Brita comes out on top is the speed with which its filters work.

Pros & Cons of Faucet Filters

Pros

• Low initial cost
• Ability to shift between filtered and unfiltered water
• Easy to install
• Ideal for cooking and drinking

Cons

• Susceptible to leaks
• Some filters clog easily
• quick-connector it on all faucets
• Decreases flow rate

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Showerhead Water Filter

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Water Filter Dispenser

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Water dispensers have become office staples, but they’re great for use at home too.

They’re a pro for the environment because their bottles are reusable.

They’re also attractive to look at and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. It’s easy to find a unit that’s the perfect fit for your space.

You also save money. Small disposable bottles are way more expensive than the large reusable ones.

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Where To Use

A water dispenser can be useful almost anywhere. Some offices prefer them because they provide employees and clients with convenient access to water.

They are also common in homes where people do not have access to good drinking water from the tap, or for those who do not like the taste of tap water. Water dispensers can also be used in commercial settings.

Home Uses

You have several options if you’re looking for a home water dispenser.

One of the most common types is the bottled water cooler dispenser. You will need to place a 5-gallon bottle at the top of this dispenser.

If your space is tight, you can get a countertop water dispenser.

Another common type is the point-of-use dispenser. This dispenser does not need a bottle, because it has a continuous water supply.

Office Uses

For awake, healthy, less fatigued employees, it’s a good idea for offices to install a water dispenser.

Like home dispensers, there are several options from which to choose. These options include point of use, countertop, and bottled dispensers.

They are more sanitary than water fountains and are durable.

Besides, they are eco-friendly.

Commercial Uses

Also available are commercial-grade water dispensers.

These dispensers look like ordinary office water coolers but often come with filtration systems. Some keep the bottle design, but they dispense water much faster than the regular coolers.

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Types Of Water Dispenser

Countertop / Tabletop

These water dispensers have small footprints and fit on a counter or tabletop.

The compact design is big enough to house a compressor to cool the water. Some models have only one spigot for cold water, while others have two. Some models need a bottle while others are of the point of use variety.

The advantage of countertop models is that they don’t take up valuable floor space.

Free-Standing

Free-Standing water dispensers are a bit more expensive than countertop models.

They are a good option for spacious offices and homes.

You will need an electrical outlet for both types.

The water in a freestanding unit tends to get colder than that in a countertop model. It gets colder because the former has a larger compressor.

Hot & Cold

Most of the water dispensers on the market are hot and cold models.

The hot water is warm enough to make coffee or soup. That is why these appliances need an electrical outlet: to heat and cool the water.

Some models have a room temperature option. However, it’s easy to achieve room temperature water by mixing hot and cold together.

Bottled [Top load | Bottom Load]

Bottled dispensers are a convenient alternative to bottled water. You just have to flip the tab to access cold water.

They are also cheaper and eco-friendly.

The average person drinks 167 small bottles of water per year. Only 38 of these bottles will get recycled. The rest will end up in landfills.

Bottled dispensers reduce landfill waste. They also give you immediate access to cold, clean water.

Bottom loading water coolers tuck the water bottle out of sight. It stays in the cabinet under the cooler.

This type of cooler uses a pump to push the water up to the dispenser.

Some dispensers feature an empty bottle indicator that will light up when it’s time to change the bottle.

You can also buy one with a built-in nightlight that will make the water spouts visible in low light.

Bottleless [With Filter]

Bottleless water dispensers have even more advantages than their bottled counterparts.

Although the bottles are reusable, at some point they will reach the end of their useful lives.

Bottleless dispensers are better for the environment. Plus, you won’t have to strain to lift a heavy 5-gallon jug of water on to the machine!

Water Dispenser With Ice Maker

In-the-door ice and water dispensers are now almost standard on refrigerators. Side-by-side and bottom freezer models are most likely to have these dispensers.

You can also find countertop ice makers with a water dispenser that portable, you can either use them at home or camping.

It’s nice to press a lever and have your glass filled with cold water and fresh ice.

The water line on most dispensers run through a built-in filter. This filter should capture impurities like lead and mercury.

This filtration system should also improve the taste of your water.

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Sizes

Water coolers and dispensers come in different sizes.

Consider where you will place the dispenser. You also need to take the size of your household or office into account.

A five-gallon bottle might be too much if you live alone or if you have a small office. It might be better to get an 18-cup dispenser instead.

18-Cup

An 18-cup dispenser can fit in your fridge for quick, easy access to clean drinking water.

These dispensers contain filters to get rid of contaminants in your water.

This option is more affordable than bottled water and safer than drinking pure tap water.

3-Gallon / 5-Gallon

3-gallon and 5-gallon water dispensers come in countertop and freestanding models.

They occupy less than a square foot of space. Thus, you can place your cooler wherever it best serves your family or employees.

You can also put it in the customer area of your business.

They come in many different styles, so wherever you place your dispenser, it will fit your décor.

Small / Mini

Mini water coolers come in many different designs.

These coolers hold about 2.5 liters of water – equal to eight glasses.

They are great for personal use at home or in the office.

Some of the designs are appealing to children. For example, there are penguins, elephants, and TV characters like Hello Kitty.

The water in mini dispensers is at room temperature.

Large

Large water dispensers are the most common option for offices. Many homeowners buy them as well.

These large coolers can be bottom loading, but most of them have a gravity feed with the bottle placed on top.

Large dispensers are also an excellent option for commercial use.

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Materials

Plastic water dispensers are very common, especially in offices and commercial spaces.

It’s also common to see stainless steel.

Homeowners seem to prefer stainless steel because it goes well with their kitchen décor.

You can also find water dispensers made from materials such as glass and ceramics.

Plastic

Plastic is by far the most prevalent material used for producing water dispensers.

Most people are familiar with white plastic dispensers, with a blue spigot for cold water and a red one for hot.

The plastic is durable and needs cleaning only about once per month.

Though white is standard, other colors are available.

Stainless Steel

Many point-of-use dispensers are made of stainless steel. This material has several advantages over plastic.

It goes better with the aesthetics of most spaces.

It’s also more durable than plastic.

The water is even better tasting, with no plasticky aftertaste.

Glass

Glass water dispensers are also available.

Caterers often use these dispensers. They are also becoming more popular in hotel lobbies.

This newfound popularity may be due to their aesthetic appeal.

Glass dispensers are an excellent option for upscale houses or apartments.

Ceramic

The idea behind ceramic water dispensers (or crocks, as they are also called) is centuries old.

People used ceramic goblets to keep their water cold in the nineteenth century. Even today, ceramic water dispensers are attractive alternatives to bottle coolers.

Finding countertop and freestanding ceramic water dispensers available for sale is not always easy, but worth the search.

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Top Brands

Brita

Convenient 18-cup options like the Brita Ultramax are hard to beat. Brita water dispensers are perfect for offices, sports teams, and busy families.

Tap water impurities such as copper, chlorine, mercury, and cadmium are no match for Brita. It filters these pollutants and much more.

Culligan

Culligan offers the option of renting or buying a water dispenser. They will deliver the water for a small monthly fee.

Their coolers are energy efficient, and Culligan does all the maintenance for you.

Culligan also offers payment plans and options for households.

Primo

Primo offers various styles and finishes to match your home or office.

Enjoy instant access to cold, room temperature, or piping hot water.

Primo offers everything from premium full-size dispensers to affordable hand pumps. They also provide bottom loading and countertop (with and without stand) options.

Or, you can opt for an automatic water dispenser from Primo.

PUR

Pur water dispensers are small enough to fit in the refrigerator.

They filter the water, and you access it by turning on the spigot.

They offer two options, the “Classic” and the “Ultimate.” Each option has an 18-cup capacity. The Ultimate removes 99 percent lead and reduces mercury, pesticides, and chlorine.

It’s an excellent option for homes and small offices.

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Pros & Cons

Pros

More hygienic than drinking from water fountains

Mobility – dispensers are lightweight, and you can place them where needed

Provide easy access to fresh, chilled water

Also, provide access to hot water on demand

Encourage people to drink water instead of sugary beverages

Cons

Most dispensers must have a supply of electricity to work

Some dispensers are made from cheap plastic. This defeats the purpose of drinking chemical-free water.

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Water Filter Pitcher

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Filter pitchers are great for removing the smell and taste of chlorine from your water. They can also get rid of other chemicals such as fluoride, and heavy metals like lead.

Most pitchers are plastic, but stainless-steel options are also available.

Pitchers are great for improving the taste of your water. They also remove harmful substances.

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Features

Filter pitchers remove chlorine and fluoride. But they also add alkaline, infuser, and ionizer.

The makers of filter pitchers have thought of everything.

They’ve even placed covers over the pouring spout. These caps ensure that particles from the rest of the fridge do not end up in your filtered water.

Pitcher filters can fit in most refrigerators.

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Sizes

Water filter pitchers start at the 5-cup size. This size is manageable for even a child to pour and refill. It’s space efficient, and perfect for small families.

Some models feature a useful status indicator to tell you when you need to change your filter. The average household needs to change the filter on a 5-cup pitcher about once every two months.

Pitchers are also available in the 10-cup size. This larger size has all the features of the 5-cup pitcher but can serve more people. It’s excellent for large families and small offices.

The 10-cup model also fits in most refrigerators. Choose a BPA-free model for best results.

The largest water filter pitcher option is the 18-cup model.

Despite their large size, they are space efficient and fit in most refrigerators.

Most models have a spigot for ease in dispensing water. Their flip-top lids make refilling a breeze. The 18-cup option holds 1.13 gallons of water and is also perfect for large families and small offices.

Slim water filter pitchers have all the features of regular pitchers. They remove impurities and chemicals, and they make your water taste lovely.

Their advantage is their shape. They’re made to fit on one side of the fridge, freeing up the rest of the shelf for your other stuff. Or, you can store your slim pitcher on your refrigerator door.

It’s a good option for people with full refrigerators, and it’s also very convenient.

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Materials

Water filter pitchers come in several different materials.

The most common are plastic, glass, and stainless steel. Each has its pros and cons. Below we discuss the merits of the different pitcher materials.

Most water filter pitchers are made from food-grade BPA-free plastic. Making sure your pitcher is BPA-free is essential. You don’t want to introduce carcinogens and other contaminants into your body.

Glass is an excellent option for water filter pitchers. It has a pleasing aesthetic, and it’s safer than plastic. Glass can also last a long time (once you don’t drop it). Buying a glass pitcher also ensures that your water does not have a plasticky aftertaste.

The aesthetic of the stainless-steel water filter is also pleasing. Like glass pitchers, they give you great-tasting water without the aftertaste. They also reduce chlorine taste and odor.

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Top Brands

Brita

The name Brita has become synonymous with quality water filter pitchers.

Brita has filter pitchers in several sizes that are easy to pour and refill. They give you the opportunity to drink great-tasting, clean water.

Their plastic pitchers are BPA free and remove mercury, copper, and cadmium. They also eliminate the chlorine smell and taste from your water.

Zerowater

Zerowater water filter pitchers fit most refrigerator doors.

Their popular 10-cup model has a five-stage filtration process for cleaner, better-tasting water. The handle features an ergonomic design for easy pouring.

There’s also a spout cover to ensure your H2O stays clean and pure.

Pur

Pur water filter pitchers make it easy for your family to consume more water.

Their filters remove or reduce chlorine and its byproducts, bacteria, and parasites. They also get rid of heavy metals (including lead), and trace levels of pharmaceuticals.

Mavea

Mavea has colorful water filter pitchers. These pitchers come with more accessible and more convenient to use features.

Their pitchers are available in a range of colors and sizes to fit every taste and lifestyle. They are also BPA free for your protection.

TaraPur

The TaraPur pitcher ionizing system enhances water with high levels of antioxidants and hydrogen.

Made of BPA-free plastic, it filters water over three stages.

The product is new, but it has gained a positive reputation among its users.

Laissez-Faire Living Well LLC is the manufacturer of the TaraPur pitcher. They also produce a collection of nutritional supplements. These supplements support brain and joint health.

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Pros & Cons

Pros

• Water filter pitchers are small, lightweight, and portable
• Pitchers are easy to set up and use
• They work almost as well as under counter and faucet filters
• They make water more alkaline
• Pitchers are the least expensive filtration system

Cons

• Most pitchers cannot remove hormonal or pharmaceutical residue
• Filters also do not remove, bacteria, viruses, parasites, or pesticides
• Some water filter pitchers create a favorable environment for bacteria to flourish
• Pitchers take several minutes to filter your water

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WATER SOFTENERS

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Water softeners are a type of filter that softens water by removing or neutralizing minerals. These minerals cause scale and make water hard (known as hard water).

The filtration system treats hard water by using ion exchange and salt resins. This process removes magnesium and calcium hardness.
Most of the water softeners are designed for whole house uses, not specific for under-sink or point-of-use.

There are 2 most popular types of water softeners: salt-based and salt-free.

Salt-Based Water Softeners

Salt-based water softeners remove minerals like magnesium & calcium to make your hard water “be soft”.

This type of water softener also reduces lime-scale in the water, limescale is a chalky off-white crust that stains on surfaces or lurks inside your kettle after a while of boiling water.

Using and maintaining a salt-based water softener will cost you a little bit more than most other water filters.

Salt-free Water Softeners

In fact, these options are known as water conditioners or descalers (Electric or magnetic water descalers), but they are called softeners even they don’t remove the water hardness.

With a salt-free softener, contaminants like magnesium and calcium will not be completely removed but neutralized to reduce the hardness in water.

You may spot limescale build-up from your water but Salt-free Water Softeners are the best options for people who don’t want to add sodium and other chemicals to their water.

One pro of this type of water softener is low installation and maintenance cost compare to salt-based systems.

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WATER PURIFIERS

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Viruses are too minuscule for most filters to catch. Water purifiers fight these pathogens.

Like water filters, purifiers include an internal cartridge or element with microscopic pores. These pores grab bacteria, protozoa, and debris. They also use chemicals such as iodine to kill viruses, or distillation to separate water from contaminants.

There are many options to choose from, such as a pump, gravity, ultraviolet, and bottles. Each type has its pros and cons.

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8 Best Water Distillers Reviews

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BUYER’S GUIDE

(How To Find Your Best Water Filter)

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Know Your Water [The Fact]

We drink and cook with water from a kitchen sink faucet. But few people know about the type of water they are using.

Even fewer know what’s present in the water.

Well Water

If you are using water from a well, you should know that it contains many elements such as metals and dissolved salts.

Their concentrations pose a health concern.

Geologists recently checked wells nationwide for two-dozen trace elements. They found trace elements in most of them.

Thirteen percent had one or more element surpassing federal health recommendations (Scientific American, 2011).

Hard Water

Water is soft as it leaves the heavens in the form of rain, which means it is free of contaminants.

But as it falls, it picks up impurities such as carbon dioxide in the air. It also dissolves magnesium salts and calcium as it penetrates through the earth. These elements remain as it runs off into lakes or rivers and gathers in wells or reservoirs.

The US Geological Survey calculates that 89.3 percent of homes have hard water (The Salt Institute, 2013).

The belt from Kansas and Texas to Southern California has the hardest water in the nation.

Salt Water

If you are living near the seaside and you are using water from a well, your water may contain salt.

Salt-water is corrosive, and it ruins appliances.

The taste of salt water is also undesirable, leading many to buy bottled water.

Tap Water

You can feel safe drinking tap water in most parts of the United States. However, some of it contains chemicals such as chlorine and pesticide residues.

Some states also have to contend with high levels of nitrates, lead, and arsenic.

And who can forget the water crisis in Flint, MI? Cost-cutting measures in 2014 led to the contamination of the city’s water supply (CNN, 2018).

The following video from Environmental Working Group (EWG) provides some numbers you should consider about:

Now you may have an idea about the type of water you are using and what you have in the water.

You may also be ready to install a water filter.

But keep reading.

You should know your needs and know about types of water filter before you can make a purchase…

… and we have all the info in short form right here.

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Know Your Needs

You need to know your needs or how you will you use your water filter.

Do you want a commercial water filter system, or one for home use, or a personal-use water filter for hiking and traveling?

Commercial systems filter and disinfect water used by businesses and other large-scale operations.

Home use filters, as the name implies, are an excellent buy for homeowners. These filters improve the quality and taste of the water.

Personal use filters are for those who want to drink water from natural sources. These filters get rid of Cryptosporidium and other bacteria.

Commercial / Industrial Water Filters

Restaurants, buildings, and hotels often use commercial water filter systems. You can also find them in schools, hospitals, and factories.

A commercial water filter system can filter most contaminants. These systems filter large amounts of water to provide for many people.

The cost of a commercial filter system is prohibitive, but the result is worth it.

Usually, municipalities use this type of filter for well water or salt-water. Factories also use them to clean water for production.

Water Filters for Home Use

Most people buy a home use water filter because they care about the health and quality of life of their family.

Water filter and filtration technologies are growing fast. Thus, you will see many types of filtration systems on the market.

The water is of a much higher quality as the filter removes salt, iron, fluoride, chlorine, and bacteria. It also balances the pH levels and adds alkaline and flavor.

You can buy a whole house filter system, a countertop or under-sink model, or a dispenser. You can even get a pitcher with a filter within a reasonable price range.

You may ask: “What does a water filter system do?”

Let’s take a glance at the water filter functions before we go through all the type of home use filter one by one.

Water Filter For Personal Uses

Travelers and hikers may need a personal water filter when they explore new areas.

It’s a well-known fact that travelers should be wary of drinking from the faucet in some parts of the world.

Hikers also need to be careful, as water that looks pristine can sometimes contain bacteria that cause extreme gastrointestinal discomfort.

Personal water filters look like ordinary water bottles on the outside. They contain filters to purify water for drinking and cooking.

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Functions of Water Filters

Water filters use two different methods to remove impurities.

Some use physical filtration and strain the water to remove larger particles.

The other process is chemical filtration. With this method, the water passes through an active material such as charcoal.

These systems must act as filters, softeners, and purifiers.

A water filter is a system that can remove most contaminants to provide a better quality of water.

A water softener removes or blocks the hardness minerals that make water hard.

A water purifier even produces a pure H2O as the result.

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Final Words

We’ve seen why water filtration is necessary for some areas, and how filters work.

These devices are friendlier to the environment than bottled water. Filtered water also tastes better, encouraging users to drink more.

When you think about the importance of hydration, it’s easy to see how the pros outweigh the cons.

Invest in a drinking water filter, and start seeing benefits right away.

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WATER FILTERS FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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Refrigerator Water Filter

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Setting up a good quality filter in your refrigerator is a cost-effective option. There is the extra advantage that your filtered water will be cold too.

A good fridge water filter will remove the impurities from your ice or water. It will also give you fresh tasting water dispensed straight from your fridge.

The lifespan of refrigerator water filters is also much longer than that of pitchers.

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Personal Water Filter

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Water treatment is essential to maintaining your health when backpacking, hiking or traveling.

When buying, you should know the difference between a water filter and a purifier.

Water filters strain out protozoans (such as Cryptosporidium) and bacteria (like E. coli). Water purifiers also fight viruses, which are too tiny for most filters to catch.

Filters are usually enough for backpacking or hiking. Purifiers are excellent for travel to less-developed parts of the world.

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