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About 60 percent of Americans use a home water treatment unit of some sort, according to the Water Quality Association and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency—and for good reason. Clean drinking water is an essential building block of general health. With hundreds of pollutants in drinking water, including lead and arsenic, buying and installing the best faucet water filter is one of the easiest and most important home improvements to enhance wellness.
While a variety of water filter types are available, including carafes, faucet attachments, under-sink mounts, and countertop varieties, ease of use varies. A faucet attachment is usually easy to install, mounts to any standard kitchen faucet, and filters the tap water as it flows. An under-sink model requires a direct hookup to the plumbing system, which complicates installation. Meanwhile, water carafes with filters have to be manually refilled frequently.
We researched more than 40 top-rated faucet filters and chose the following to personally test. Our selection priorities included product efficacy, customer satisfaction, and value. All of these filters carry independent laboratory certifications for water quality and superior user ratings across multiple review platforms. In our side-by-side comparison, we uncovered several reasons why the most expensive filters, and those with the top certification scores, are not always the best options. Read on to find out how our test parameters revealed the best faucet water filter for each category.
- BEST OVERALL: Brita Complete Faucet Water Filtration System
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Brita Basic Faucet Water Filter System
- BEST ADVANCED FILTRATION: Pur FM-3700 Advanced Faucet Water Filter
- BEST COMPACT: Culligan FM-15A Advanced Faucet Mount Filter
- BEST FOR WELL WATER: Pur PFM150W Faucet Water Filtration System
- BEST FOR LEAD: Culligan FM-25 Faucet Mount Filter
- BEST FOR PESTICIDES: Pur PFM350V Faucet Water Filtration System
- BEST FOR PFOS/PFAS: ZeroWater ExtremeLife Faucet Mount Water Filter
- ALSO CONSIDER: Engdenton Stainless Steel Faucet Water Filter
How We Tested the Best Faucet Water Filters
During our research, we realized that water filter certifications only tell part of the story. While it is important to know which contaminants are present in tap water in order to choose a filter that is capable of removing them, user interface is equally important. A great filter inside a clunky or leaky housing, or one that filters at a super-slow rate, quickly becomes annoying. We trusted the certified lab results for filtration data and focused our at-home testing on practicality, ease of use, durability, and value.
We used a water pressure gauge to test the incoming water pressure at the sink faucet, which was 59 pounds per square inch (PSI). We followed each manufacturer’s assembly instructions and used the same faucet to test each filter. After a 5-minute flush with cold water, we recorded the time it took to fill a 32-ounce water bottle. We performed a blind taste comparison between unfiltered and filtered tap water. We used each model for 3 days, noting any observations related to ease of use, durability, and workflow in the kitchen. Afterward, we scored each filter 1 to 5 in each of five categories: filtration, easy assembly, easy filter changes, durability, and taste.
Our Top Picks
The best faucet-mounted water filter for a specific home or family depends primarily on which contaminants are present in the tap water. Some municipalities have excellent water quality, but a chlorine taste lingers. In other places, the water may have trace levels of different contaminants. We tested a variety of faucet-mounted water filters to accommodate different filtration needs. Read on to learn how each one performed.
Best Overall
Brita Complete Faucet Water Filtration System
This Bob Vila Approved product carries our brand’s highest level of recommendation.
Bob Vila Approved recognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our real-world testing and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand, including craftsmanship, innovation, and value for the dollar. Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review team and are personally approved by Bob Vila.
Our Ratings: Filtration 4/5; Ease of Assembly 5/5; Ease of Filter Change 5/5; Durability 4/5; Taste Test: 4/5
Product Specs
- Filter type: Activated carbon
- Maximum flow rate: 0.5 gallons per minute (GPM)
- Filter replacement: 100 gallons
What We Like
- National Sanitation Foundation/American National Standards Institute (NSF/ANSI) 42, 53, and 401 certified to remove bad tastes and odors, class I particles, and 60 contaminants
- Fast and easy to set up; easy-to-change filter cartridges
- Lightweight faucet-mount filter causes less wear and tear on the faucet
- Faster flow rate than most of the other water filters we tested
- Filter cartridge is recyclable for free with TerraCycle
What We Don’t Like
- The flow rate is constricted when switched to the unfiltered position, compared to the flow with no filtration system
We selected the Brita Complete faucet-mounted filtration system for the top spot because it offers the best combination of certified filtration ability, ease of use, and moderate pricing. Equipped with a Brita Elite filter, it carries NSF/ANSI 42, 53, and 401 certifications to reduce chlorine taste and odor, particles from 0.5 to 1.0 micron, and an impressive 60 contaminants with known health effects. Each filter lasts through 100 gallons of use, which is good for 1 to 4 months depending on individual usage patterns.
Assembling the Brita Complete faucet system took less than 2 minutes, and the chrome finish on the plastic housing matched our faucet nicely. The filter cartridge did not require a presoak or rinse. We simply turned on the water for a few minutes after assembly to flush the system. It took 40 seconds to fill a 32-ounce water bottle from the Brita Complete system, which was slightly slower than the advertised time of 0.58 GPM, and about the middle of the pack when compared with the other filters in the test group. At just 12 ounces (weighed after wetting the filter) it was one of the lightest models as well.
Overall, Brita Complete stood out as an affordable and highly effective filtration system that was easy to use. The water flowed better than that from comparably or more highly certified filters, and it tasted great.
Read our full review: Brita Complete Faucet Water Filtration System
Get the Brita Complete faucet water filter at Amazon or Walmart.
Best Bang for the Buck
Brita Basic Faucet Water Filter System
Our Ratings: Filtration 4/5; Ease of Assembly 5/5; Ease of Filter Change 5/5; Durability 4/5; Taste Test 4/5
Product Specs
- Filter type: Activated carbon
- Maximum flow rate: 0.58 GPM
- Filter replacement: 100 gallons
What We Like
- Removes lead and chlorine to provide clean and safe drinking water
- User-friendly filter-change indicator light eliminates calendar tracking
- Tool-free installation makes initial assembly and filter changes fast and easy
- Offers free recycling program for used filters through TerraCycle
What We Don’t Like
- Plastic components may not provide long-term durability
- Water above 100 degrees Fahrenheit may damage the filter
This affordable Brita faucet water filter has a basic white plastic design that’s resistant to corrosion and rusting. It has a 0.58 GPM flow rate, and it uses an activated-carbon filter cartridge that lasts for up to 4 months or up to 100 gallons of water. The filter works with standard kitchen faucets, but it cannot connect to pull-out or spray-style faucets. The no-tools-required assembly of the popular Brita faucet water filter makes it a perennial favorite. Highly effective at removing lead and chlorine, the Brita faucet water filter improves water’s taste, odor, and clarity. It comes with NSF/ANSI 42, 53, and 401 certifications for reduction of 60 contaminants. Since a filter does no good without regular replacement, it has a green light to indicate when the filter cartridge needs to be replaced.
In testing, this model mirrored the Brita Complete system, with slightly less filtration capability in the Brita Basic filter. The dimensions and weight of both units were identical. Assembly and system flush took about 8 minutes. It filled our 32-ounce water bottle in just 35 seconds, and the water tasted great. Boasting the second lowest price and third highest filtration score among all of our tested models, the Brita Basic earned our Best Bang for the Buck value award.
Get the Brita Basic faucet water filter at Amazon or Walmart.
Best Advanced Filtration
Pur FM-3700 Advanced Faucet Water Filter
Our Ratings: Filtration 5/5; Ease of Assembly 4/5; Ease of Filter Change 5/5; Durability 4/5; Taste Test 4/5
Product Specs
- Filter type: Mineral Core
- Maximum flow rate: 0.52 GPM
- Filter replacement: 100 gallons
What We Like
- Removes chlorine, chloramines, lead, mercury, and 70 other contaminants
- Tool-free installation makes initial assembly and filter changes fast and easy
- Sleek chrome finish matches some kitchens’ current fixtures
What We Don’t Like
- Very slow filtered flow rate in our tests, just under 0.25 GPM
- At a little more than 1 pound, the added weight increases wear on the faucet
The Pur Advanced faucet water filter comes with the company’s proprietary Mineral Core filter, a blend of activated charcoal and minerals that uses ion exchange to remove contaminants from tap water. The filter cartridge can last up to 3 months or 100 gallons of water before replacement. The filter has a maximum flow rate of 0.52 GPM, and the filter cartridge removes chlorine, chloramines, lead, mercury, and more than 70 additional contaminants, including heavy metals, sediment, and rust particles. The faucet-mount water filter is easy to install without the use of tools. Designed to fit standard kitchen faucets only, it is not compatible with pull-out or handheld faucets. Despite the filter being made from plastic, it has a sleek chrome finish so users get the look of metal but the corrosion- and rust resistance of plastic.
Those in need of effective filtration for trace chemical pollutants will want to check out the NSF/ANSI certifications for this filter, as it pulls out a wider variety of contaminants than any other model tested. The system took about 10 minutes to assemble and flush. The filter cartridge fits inside a threaded plastic housing for a sleek appearance and easy access for filter changes. We had two negative feedback points on this filter: weight and rate. The 1-pound system increases wear on the faucet base, which could lead to premature replacement. Also, the slow flow rate of 32 ounces in 59 seconds was a bit frustrating. But for the contaminants that only a PUR filter will remove, the wait and the weight could be worth it.
Get the Pur FM-3700 faucet water filter at Amazon.
Best Compact
Culligan FM-15A Advanced Faucet Mount Filter
Our Ratings: Filtration 3/5; Ease of Assembly 5/5; Ease of Filter Change 4/5; Durability 4/5; Taste Test 4/5
Product Specs
- Filter type: Activated carbon
- Maximum flow rate: 0.5 GPM
- Filter replacement: 200 gallons
What We Like
- Filters out chlorine, atrazine, lindane, lead, particulate matter, turbidity, taste, and odor for overall better tap water
- Water filter lasts for up to 2 months; ideal for small- to medium-size households
- Faucet adapters included; should be able to accommodate most kitchen faucets
- Lightweight design minimizes wear and tear on plumbing fixtures
What We Don’t Like
- Only certified for 5 of the NSF/ANSI 53 standards and 0 of the NSF/ANSI 401 standards
- Filter valve must be activated each time the water is turned off and back on
Chlorine is great for keeping pools clean, but no one wants to think about chlorine levels in their drinking water. A welcome solution to this problem could be the Culligan FM-15A Advanced faucet-mount filter. This unique model reduces not only chlorine but also atrazine, lindane, lead, particulate matter, and turbidity. It also helps improve the taste and odor for cleaner, fresher tap water. As for its user-friendliness, this option has a flow rate of 0.5 GPM at 60 PSI, and the filter lasts for up to 2 months (or 200 gallons of faucet water). Be advised that this filter works best with water that is 40 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, this Culligan tap water filter comes with faucet adapters to work in tandem with most current kitchen faucets. However, as with the others we tested, it will not work with any drop-down faucet varieties.
We were impressed by the Culligan faucet filter’s ease of installation and its appreciable flow rate. We filled our quart bottle in 34 seconds, which was faster than most of the competition. We also found that the filter cartridge was pretty easy to change by unthreading the old one from the underside of the housing and twisting the new one in place. We did not like that using the system required two hands because the filtration valve had to be pulled out each time the water was turned on. Other models could be set to either a “filter” or “unfiltered” setting that stayed put whether or not the water was flowing.
Get the Culligan FM-15A faucet water filter at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best for Well Water
Pur PFM150W Faucet Water Filtration System
Our Ratings: Filtration 5/5; Ease of Assembly 4/5; Ease of Filter Change 5/5; Durability 4/5; Taste Test 4/5
Product Specs
- Filter type: Activated carbon
- Maximum flow rate: 0.52 GPM
- Filter replacement: 100 gallons
What We Like
- Removes lead, mercury, pesticides, and over 70 contaminants
- Filter-change indicator light integrated; conveniently alerts you when the filter expires
- Easy-to-install tool-free design is compatible with most kitchen faucets
What We Don’t Like
- Very slow filtration rate in testing did not match the brand’s stated flow rate
This Pur product is a good option for those who have a well water system because it removes up to 70 contaminants that can leach into groundwater and well water from industrial and agricultural runoff. The activated-carbon filter uses ion exchange to remove lead, mercury, and agricultural pesticides, restoring the drinking water to a safe standard. The activated carbon filter cartridge can be used to filter up to 100 gallons of water before it needs to be changed. If the cartridge has been installed for 3 months, but hasn’t filtered 100 gallons, the manufacturer recommends replacing it anyway to prevent bacteria buildup. The plastic filter has a flow rate of 0.5 GPM.
In our tests, the flow rate from the PUR PFM150W did not match the manufacturer’s stated flow rate. At 59 PSI water pressure, it took 53 seconds to fill a quart-size water bottle, but the wait could be worth it for those dealing with contaminated water. For our relatively clean water supply, we prefer a faster flowing option. The good news is that this unit delivered some of the best tasting water among all of the tested models. The filter cartridge was super easy to change, too.
Get the Pur PFM150W faucet water filter at Amazon or Walmart.
Best for Lead
Culligan FM-25 Faucet Mount Filter
Our Ratings: Filtration 3/5; Ease of Assembly 5/5; Ease of Filter Change 4/5; Durability 4/5; Taste Test 4/5
Product Specs
- Filter type: Activated carbon
- Maximum flow rate: 0.5 GPM
- Filter replacement: 200 gallons
What We Like
- Removes lead as well as the taste and odor of chlorine in tap water
- Stainless steel components should provide long-term durability
- Simple to install; attaches easily to most kitchen faucets
- Faster flow rate than most of the faucet water filtration systems we tested
What We Don’t Like
- Filter valve stem automatically returns to the unfiltered position when the water is turned off
- Not certified to remove as many pollutants as our top picks
The Culligan FM-25 has a sleek chrome-plated finish with stainless steel plumbing connections that can operate at a flow rate of up to 0.5 GPM. The filter cartridge lasts for about 2 months or 200 gallons, depending on the water usage. The carbon-block cartridge reduces lead, atrazine, chlorine, lindane, turbidity, and bad taste, making drinking water safer for the entire family. Its durability, straightforward installation, and ease of use earn the Culligan high marks. If the goal is performance above all other concerns, then this may be the right choice. We liked that the lightweight 12-ounce filter didn’t weigh down the faucet fixture, reducing wear and tear. And, while it is not certified to remove as many pollutants as some of the other tested models, it does the important task of removing lead while flowing at a good rate.
While some may appreciate the automatic-return valve stem, particularly when filtered water is only occasionally required, we saw it as a drawback with this filter. The user must pull out the stem to activate the filtration system each time they turn on the water. We preferred models that allowed us to leave the valve in filter mode, only to switch it off when needed.
Get the Culligan FM-25 faucet water filter at Amazon.
Best for Pesticides
Pur PFM350V Faucet Water Filtration System
Our Ratings: Filtration 5/5; Ease of Assembly 4/5; Ease of Filter Change 5/5; Durability 4/5; Taste Test 4/5
Product Specs
- Filter type: Mineral Core
- Maximum flow rate: 0.52 GPM
- Filter replacement: 100 gallons
What We Like
- Removes the taste and smell of chlorine, plus 70 contaminants including lead, mercury, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals
- Easy to install; compatible with most current kitchen faucet brands and styles
- Sleek gray finish is compatible with most kitchen fixture finishes
What We Don’t Like
- The 1 minute 3 second quart fill rate was the slowest of all the models we tested
- At 1 pound 3 ounces, this system increases strain on the plumbing system
Residents of agricultural regions will benefit from this faucet filtration system that can remove the traces of pesticides and other chemical pollutants that find their way to surface or groundwater sources. This Pur faucet water filter has a Mineral Core filter cartridge that can last for up to 3 months or 100 gallons of filtered water before needing to be replaced. It has a 0.52 GPM flow rate and comes in six color options. This faucet-mount filter is compatible with all standard kitchen faucets, but it doesn’t work with pull-out or handheld faucets. Reducing or entirely eliminating lead, mercury, pesticides, microplastics, and more than 70 other contaminants, the Pur water filtration system stands out for its sleek design, effortless installation, and general durability. It was easy to install and the water tasted great, but it may not be the perfect option. In our flow test, it worked at about half the manufacturer’s stated flow rate, so be prepared to wait a little longer for that deliciously clean water.
Get the Pur PFM350V faucet water filter at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best for Pfos/Pfas
ZeroWater ExtremeLife Faucet Mount Water Filter
Our Ratings: Filtration 3/5; Ease of Assembly 5/5; Ease of Filter Change 4/5; Durability 5/5; Taste Test 4/5
Product Specs
- Filter type: Carbon fiber
- Maximum flow rate: 0.65 GPM
- Filter replacement: 400 gallons
What We Like
- Water Quality Association (WQA) certified to eliminate bad tastes and odors, remove class I particles, and reduce perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)—known as “forever chemicals”
- Third-party tested and certified to remove up to 98 percent of lead from tap water
- One of the fastest filtered water flow rates among our test group: 25 seconds per quart
- Longest-lasting filter cartridge among the test group; filters up to 400 gallons
What We Don’t Like
- Certified for fewer filtration parameters than our top-performing systems
- One of the more expensive options among our test models
The ZeroWater ExtremeLife faucet-mounted water filtration system features a sleek low profile design that works with most standard kitchen faucets. The high-quality carbon fiber filter is NSF/ANSI 42 and 53 certified to remove chlorine taste and odor, class I particles, and PFOA and PFOS, which are known as “forever chemicals.” It is also independently certified to reduce lead. The cartridge filters up to 400 gallons of tap water before it needs to be replaced. This unit weighs just 13 ounces. In our tests, the ZeroWater ExtremeLife faucet filter was one of the easiest to assemble, allowed a strong 25 seconds per 32 ounces fill rate, and produced great-tasting water. We knocked off a few points because it doesn’t carry certifications for removing pesticides or pharmaceuticals, but it’s a great long-lasting option for areas with known forever chemical contamination.
Get the ZeroWater faucet water filter at Amazon or The Home Depot.
ALSO TESTED
Waterdrop NSF-Certified Water Faucet Filtration
The inexpensive Waterdrop faucet water filter is constructed of white plastic and uses an activated-carbon filter that claims to be effective for up to 320 gallons. It only carries NSF/ANSI certification to eliminate chlorine taste and smell. We had hoped that although it carries minimal filtration certifications, perhaps it would be a good solution for highly chlorinated water.
Unfortunately, this faucet water filter did not meet our testing standards. We discovered that it imparted a plastic taste to the water, both after the initial 5-minute water flush and still after filtering 5 gallons of water. In our opinion, the budget-friendly cost and long-lasting filter did not justify the purchase since it didn’t perform the basic function as needed.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Faucet Water Filter
Before deciding on a filter, consider some important factors that can help you make the best decision, including the type of filter, material, flow rate, and installation requirements. By understanding these features, it’s easier to decide which option would be the best faucet water filter for your home.
Water Contaminants
There is a wide range of contaminants that can be present in tap water, including pesticides, microorganisms, organic compounds, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and harmful heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic. Water contaminants vary by community, and knowledge is power. Start by researching what’s affecting your own water supply through the National Drinking Water Database created by the Environmental Working Group.
- Chlorine and chloramine are two common substances used to disinfect public water supplies. They help to make the water safe to drink, but if the levels of chlorine and chloramine are too high, they can cause eye and nose irritation as well as stomach discomfort. Due to their use in water treatment, these contaminants can be found in the drinking water of most communities.
- Fluoride is another chemical that some municipalities choose to add to the drinking water because fluoride, in small amounts, may be good for dental health. However, if the level of fluoride increases, it can actually cause pitting and staining of tooth enamel or even bone issues in adults who have experienced long-term exposure. Naturally occurring fluoride can also sometimes be found in groundwater sources in the western United States and around the Great Lakes regions.
- Lead leaches into the water through the public water supply when aging pipes begin to corrode. This is a common contaminant across the country because lead pipes were a popular choice for city infrastructures before it was discovered that lead is a toxic chemical that can cause neurological damage, impaired formation of blood cells, and impaired function of blood cells.
- Agricultural chemicals like herbicides, insecticides, and pesticides are used in rural communities to protect crops. However, these chemicals can seep into the groundwater, contaminating nearby wells. Contaminated well water can cause headaches, skin rash, eye irritation, cancer, endocrine disruption, and birth defects.
- Industrial chemicals are known for producing harmful runoff that can contaminate nearby well water systems and groundwater. Those who have wells will want to consider the possibility of contamination, especially if there is an industrial processing facility nearby. Contaminated well water can cause skin discoloration, nervous system damage, organ failure, developmental delays, birth defects, and reproductive issues.
Type
Always check to make sure the filtration system removes or reduces the contaminants you’re most concerned about. Regardless of which microscopic contaminants the product is best at eliminating, faucet-mounted filters considerably improve the taste of H2O.
- Reverse osmosis filters are the most effective option for treating home water because these systems can use more than seven different filters to remove up to 99 percent of contaminants. However, these systems are not made to be mounted to a faucet. Connect reverse osmosis filters directly to the incoming water supply.
- Carbon filters are commonly used in faucet-mounted products. These filters absorb and release water, trapping chlorine, pesticides, and solvents within the carbon. They aren’t as effective at removing nitrates and sodium.
- Ultraviolet filters are another type of filter that doesn’t attach to the faucet. However, connecting one of these filtration systems to the incoming water source is a good idea. The ultraviolet rays kill bacteria, parasites, and viruses. These filters are essentially useless at filtering mineral contaminants, so it’s advised to pair this system with a reverse osmosis system.
- Gravity water filters are one of the most common types of filters used in water pitcher systems. As their name indicates, these filters work by using gravity to pass water through activated carbon to remove contaminants. Some gravity filters feature ion exchange resins to capture heavy metals. Ion exchange is a chemical process that removes dissolved ionic contaminants from the water. During this process, ions are swapped for better ones that won’t degrade the quality of the water.
- Mixed-media filtration systems use multiple types of filtration. These filters can be a combination of activated carbon, reverse osmosis, gravity, minerals, and more to remove contaminants from water.
Material
Faucet water filters are typically made with either plastic or stainless steel. Some manufacturers may offer a range of different finishes, but these are usually stainless steel filters that have metal plating over the original material just to give it a different look. So the decision comes down to plastic or stainless steel.
- Plastic faucet water filters are inexpensive and resistant to corrosion and rusting. Some products are thick and durable, but the average plastic filter will need to be replaced more frequently than stainless steel filters because they don’t have the same durability.
- Stainless steel faucet water filters cost a bit more initially but last longer and tend to do a better job, with fewer leaks. These filters can also blend in with the faucet and sink to match the kitchen aesthetics.
Flow Rate
Flow rate refers to the amount of water that flows through the filter within a set time period and it’s typically measured in gallons per minute. Whole-home water filters must be capable of filtering many gallons of water per minute since most showers and dishwashers can use up to 5 GPM.
However, faucet water filters don’t have the same water pressure demands. Most of these smaller filters have a set flow rate of 0.5 GPM with very few exceptions. This is about enough to fill up seven or eight standard glasses of water in 1 minute.
Filter Life and Usage
The filter life is typically indicated in the product information or on the manufacturer’s website. After this time period, the filter becomes less effective until it does very little except get in the way of regular faucet use. However, the total life of one filter can differ significantly from other, even identical products. This is due to usage.
Filter life is tied directly to usage. When the faucet is left running, it wastes water and also reduces the filter life, forcing the user to replace the filter cartridge at a higher frequency. By using the filter only for drinking water or cooking water, you can extend the life of the filter, saving time and money.
Filter Cartridges
When the filter starts to lose its effectiveness, the entire faucet-mounted filter system does not need to be replaced. Simply remove the filter cartridge and replace it with a new cartridge. Most manufacturers also produce cartridge replacements, so it’s easy to find a compatible option.
These cartridges typically have a lifespan measured in gallons of water that can range from 100 to 1,000 gallons, depending on the product. After a certain amount of water has been filtered through the cartridge, it begins to lose effectiveness. Some filters also come with cartridge replacement recommendations from 1 month to 3 months so it’s not necessary to try and measure the amount of water flowing through the filter.
Style and Finish
Most faucet water filters have a plastic or stainless steel design, but this doesn’t prevent manufacturers from adding additional color and metal finishes, providing options to match the aesthetics of a home.
- Plastic filters can theoretically have a wide range of color choices because plastic is simple to dye during the manufacturing process. However, most producers offer standard kitchen and bathroom colors like black, gray, and white.
- Stainless steel filters have a sleek appearance already, but if the kitchen has bronze, copper, brushed gold, or other finishes, then finding a faucet water filter that matches may be an ideal solution. The number of finishes available for a specific product depends on the manufacturer. Some producers prefer to only make stainless steel and chrome-plated products.
Additional Features
After sorting through the nitty-gritty details of filter types, filter materials, flow rate, and filter cartridges, there are just a few more things to consider before deciding on the best faucet water filter. The filter size, the filter-change sensor, and the replacement filter cartridges also can affect the decision on the best filter.
- Filter size is key for people who have smaller sink areas. Oversize filters may not fit properly and could cause problems. Even with a larger sink space, some filters can look out of place simply because they dwarf the faucet. Keep in mind the scale of a sink and faucet when choosing a faucet water filter, and invest in an adaptor if necessary.
- Filter-change sensors notify the user when the filter cartridge needs to be replaced. This is typically indicated by a small light on the side of the filter that can either activate when the filter needs an immediate cartridge change or a few weeks prior, providing time to get a new cartridge before the old one is rendered useless.
- Replacement filter cartridges come in a range of different types. Costs can vary depending on the manufacturer. Look for the appropriate cartridge for a faucet water filter by checking the product information and the manufacturer’s website.
Installation Requirements
A faucet-mount attachment generally offers a quick installation. Unscrew the aerator and then swap in an adapter provided with the faucet-mount water filter. Models often include multiple sizes to offer options that may best fit a faucet. The body of the faucet-mount filter snaps into place.
Manufacturer instructions will cover how to check that the filter inside the model is good to go. It only takes a matter of minutes to get the best faucet water filters fully functional. Once installed, many offer the option to toggle between filtered and unfiltered water.
FAQs
If you’d still like more information about what type of tap water filter is best, or if you aren’t quite sure exactly how to connect the faucet water filter system, then read on to learn the answers to these concerns and other commonly asked questions.
Whether tap water should be filtered or not is a matter of personal discretion. Filtering tap water helps to remove contaminants from the water and it can improve the taste, though filters do have cartridges that need to be changed regularly to remain effective.
Faucet filters and pitcher filters are similar in filtration capability, so the decision comes down to a few key features. Faucet filters attach to the faucet, giving an essentially unlimited supply of filtered water, though they can get in the way of regular faucet use. Pitcher filters need to be filled regularly, but the water can be kept cold in the fridge or set out on a table or a counter for easy access.
Reverse osmosis systems are generally the most effective type of water filter. They can include more than seven filtration stages and use a reverse osmosis process that allows them to remove 99 percent of contaminants from the water, including chlorine, heavy metals, pesticides, and herbicides.
Faucet-mount filters can typically be removed from the faucet so you can take them with you to a new home.
A faucet water filter isn’t designed to connect to a fridge, but it is possible to connect some water purifier systems directly to a fridge. This depends on the specific water purifier and the fridge.
You’ll want to replace faucet water filter cartridges every 2 to 3 months to ensure that the drinking water is properly cleaned when passing through the water filtration system. Faucet-mount filters can last up to 4 years if properly maintained.
Meet the Tester
Mark Wolfe is a writer with an extensive background in the green industry and an avid DIYer who lives in a 50-year-old home. When he isn’t writing, he spends his time upgrading, repairing, and replacing anything and everything in his home, yard, and garden. He tests and writes reviews about hand tools, lawn-care and home-repair products, and outdoor-living goods.
Additional research provided by Timothy Dale and Amy Lynch.
