Consumer Reports have shown that while some off-brand filters can perform reasonably well, brand name filters consistently outperform their generic counterparts in both filter quality and water purity.
It's ideal to buy a water filter that is of the same brand as your fridge. But if you're going with another brand, ensure that the specifications are compatible with your refrigerator.
You'll see that the main difference is quality. Aftermarket filters may often be cheaper, but they typically don't work as effectively and can even damage your refrigerator. OEM filters also go through rigorous testing to ensure your water will be safe, while with counterfeit filters you have no guarantee.
Sometimes affordable products can give you similar results, or even better if used properly. Usually, low-priced water purification systems are considered not to be effective. However, a machine can do a great job depending on the quality of the water.
Always use Samsung brand filters. Filters from other manufacturers, even if they indicate compatibility, may damage your fridge and water filter housing, or break off and leave pieces of the filter inside (like the cap), preventing a new filter from being inserted.
Some generic filters may not filter water as effectively as brand-name ones, leading to possible differences in water quality and taste. Additionally, certain generic filters might have a shorter lifespan, necessitating more frequent replacements.
Comparison of Generic Filters to Whirlpool Filters
Generic water filters are designed to fit and function just like their branded counterparts.
Any generic XWFE water filter that is not directly from the manufacturer will not work.
Cheap air filters don't last as long, are less efficient at trapping particles, and have a smaller surface area to filter. This can lead to poor indoor air quality and increased health risks.
Selvage is correct as to why they are more costly. The Everydrop filter does much more than the cheaper filters, reducing many contaminants that the others let through. (And the published data on Amazon and elsewhere from honest less expensive brands will not deny that fact.)
Look for NSF certification
Filtration products that are certified NSF 42 are able to reduce chlorine, chloramines, iron, manganese, and a few other contaminants. NSF certification 53 includes heavy metals, lead, and VOCs on this list.
Often OEM filters are certified against Standard 42 for the reduction of chlorine and Standard 53 for the reduction of lead, turbidity, cysts (microorganisms) and chemicals. Aftermarket filters also undergo testing, but not all may be certified by NSF International.
Different water filters have different functions. Some make your water taste better, others remove harmful chemicals, and others remove certain germs. Filters cannot remove some types of harmful substances, so you may also consider other water treatment systems.
Carbon water filters aren't the only type of filter you can use in your refrigerator. One option is a reverse osmosis filter, which filters out everything from giardia to E. coli through a semipermeable membrane with pores as small as 0.0001 microns.
How often should I replace my refrigerator water filter? Refrigerator filters should be replaced every 6 months. Never leave a filter in place longer than a year. The longer you use a carbon filter beyond its maximum capacity, the more harmful your water could become.
But do consider that if you go with a High-Efficiency Particulate Filter (HEPA), the most expensive on the market, they typically last twice as long as a regular filter. So if you choose to go expensive, it might make sense to go all out on HEPA filters and buy filters less often.
Buy cheap filters and you usually get increasing and excessively high dirt loading in the lube oil over the drain interval. High dirt concentration shortens oil life and performance in numerous ways.
Filters used in commercial settings should be changed every 4 to 6 months. Filters in residential settings should be changed every 6 to 12 months. Reverse osmosis, membranes, and additional alkalisers only need to be changed ever 2 years or 4 years, respectively.
The Refrigerator has the option to use a filter bypass plug, should you not want to use a genuine GE Appliances water filter.
The built-in water filter light on your refrigerator serves as a convenient reminder for this replacement schedule and should be reset each time you install a new filter. For guaranteed quality and compatibility, use only Samsung Genuine Water Filters available on our official website.
An unchanged water filter can produce water with a foul odour or a strange taste. A dirty or clogged water filter can also affect the mechanical actions within your refrigerator, such as the Ice dispenser. A refrigerator with a water dispensing function is a significant investment and really should be treated as such.
About EveryDrop™ Filters by Whirlpool® Water
EveryDrop™ Filters by Whirlpool® Water is a water filtration company, including refrigerator water filters and the EveryDrop™ Portable Water Filter.
Compatible or look-alike filters aren't guaranteed to offer the same water quality. It's always important to use the same filter type that is currently in your refrigerator. Most Owner's Manuals will provide you the water filter information specific to your model.
Removal of impurities
Whirlpool refrigerator water filters are renowned for their filter effectiveness, providing you with clean water that's free from harmful contaminants.