GE and Whirlpool refrigerator filters removed more than 96 percent of trace organic contaminants, better than the three pitcher filters tested. ZeroWater caught 93 percent, PUR 84 percent, and Brita only 50 percent by the time the filter needed to be replaced.
Are refrigerator water filters effective? As long as quality refrigerator water filters are maintained and replaced, they are effective at reducing contaminants in your tap water. What a filter is able to remove depends on the make and model, along with other factors such as the initial water quality.
Refrigerator air filters are necessary for maintaining a clean and healthy environment inside your fridge. They play a crucial role in keeping your food fresh and safe to eat by preventing the buildup of mold, bacteria, and unwanted odors. Failing to change your refrigerator air filter can have serious consequences.
It's not fine enough to remove bacteria and it won't remove hard water sediments dissolved in the water. If your water supply is typically good its probably safe to drink filtered or tap. If the water is dangerously bad then maybe you should consider getting a filter better than the fridge filter.
Reverse osmosis filters will remove some types of chemicals from water, including lead, copper, chromium, chloride, and sodium. These filters may also reduce arsenic, fluoride, radium, sulfate, calcium, magnesium, potassium, nitrate, and phosphorous. Check the filter's label for the specific chemicals it can remove.
If you are looking for water with a high degree of cleanliness, reverse osmosis is the best option. A Brio Stage-3 reverse osmosis membrane filter set is a perfect addition to any kitchen, ensuring your water will maintain a healthy level of salts and minerals while eliminating most dangerous contaminants.
The Best Water Filters
We found the iSpring RCC7 is the best under-sink option for most people. It scored at the top for contaminant removal and taste and is relatively inexpensive to operate. Our favorite pitcher is the ZeroWater 10-Cup 5-Stage Pitcher.
Overall, a refrigerator filter has an average rating of 20 microns, which is considerably higher than more cutting-edge filtration options. The true effectiveness of a fridge filter relies on the water being in contact with the carbon for extended periods of time.
Fridge water filters may not be effective for removing all chemicals or toxins, including chromium, cadmium, arsenic, and selenium, as well as asbestos, bacteria, and pharmaceuticals.
While most fridge water filters are effective at reducing common contaminants like chlorine, sediment, and certain chemicals, their ability to significantly reduce fluoride varies. Fluoride molecules are relatively small and require specialized filtration methods to effectively remove them from water.
It may surprise you, but the answer is yes, if the refrigerator or any appliance has a filter, it needs to be replaced according to the manufacturer's specifications. And here's why. These filters typically have carbon in them.
The fundamental answer is this: They don't do much. They are usually just carbon filters that remove a few contaminants that affect the taste and smell of their water. They will usually remove: Chlorine.
While some might perform as well as or even better than the OEM filters, others may fall short in terms of filtration capability and durability. Additionally, not all aftermarket filters have undergone the same rigorous testing as brand-name filters, which can sometimes be a concern.
Although both filtered water and bottled water can provide healthier, better-tasting water, the cost-effectiveness and smaller environmental impact of filtered water beats out bottled water at every turn.
Most refrigerator water filters aren't meant to filter out such harmful contaminants, as the EPA is supposed to be purifying the water before it makes it to the refrigerator. Waterborne bacteria need fungus and moisture to survive, making your refrigerator water filter the perfect place for them to bloom.
The short answer is that fridge water filters do work for some simple needs — mainly those related to chlorine, like unpleasant tastes and odors. However, the list of things a refrigerator filter can't do is far longer. For example, fridge systems won't reduce contaminants like arsenic, pharmaceuticals and fluoride.
The Brita Elite Filter (formerly the Longlast+) is ANSI/NSF-certified for more than 30 contaminants (PDF), including lead, mercury, microplastics, asbestos, and two common PFAS: perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS).
Most refrigerator filters use an activated carbon core that reduces contaminants in water via adsorption. The average micron rating of a refrigerator filter is 20, but some options offer a much lower rating. A filter with a 5 micron rating, for example, will remove some microplastics from water and not others.
If you do not use the water dispenser for 2-3 days, the dispensed water may have an abnormal smell or taste. This is not a system failure. It is recommended to discard the first 1-2 glasses of water. For other situations, please check below.
Potential Contaminants in Refrigerator Water Filters
If the filter is not changed as advised, bacteria, mold, and other dangerous microorganisms may find a home there. There might be major health hazards if these chemicals are discharged into the water you consume.
EWG has named reverse osmosis as the most effective filtration system. These systems can also be installed under specific sinks or for a whole house.
Reverse Osmosis Systems
A reverse osmosis system combined with a carbon filter is most effective at removing water contaminants.