What does OEM mean in filters?

Author: Mr. Selmer Mueller  |  Last update: Thursday, November 6, 2025

OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer. In the world of refrigerator water filters, an OEM filter is a water filter manufactured by the same company that made your refrigerator.

What is the difference between OEM and aftermarket filters?

OEM and Aftermarket Differences

OEM filters typically cost more, as many carry the brand name of the manufacturer of a given piece of cleaning equipment. These can be up to 60 percent higher in cost than aftermarket filters, simply because of the brand name. Supply chain and other factors contribute to this cost.

Which is better, OE or OEM?

Generally, OE parts tend to be more expensive than OEM parts due to the branding and packaging by the manufacturer. However, both types maintain high quality and performance standards. Choosing between the two often comes down to cost preference and brand loyalty.

What is the difference between OEM and generic water filters?

A product labeled as OEM or factory original means it has been made by, or officially authorized by, the company that manufactured the refrigerator's original filter. An aftermarket product is a generic product made by a third-party manufacturer, designed to replace the factory original.

Do I have to use OEM air filter?

It's not only imperative to replace your filters at the right times and frequencies, but with the right type: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) filters are a far better option than “knockoff” brands.

My Rant on Cheap Oil Filters and why I use OEM

Are OEM filters worth it?

You bet your new car warranty and the long life of your engine! An OEM filter is designed to handle the exact flow rates, pressures, temperatures, and filtration requirements demanded by your performance engine. Going with anything less than OEM quality can lead to costly repairs.

What is an OEM air filter?

OEM air filters are built to OEM specs, making them direct fits. There are no gaps. Aftermarket engine air filters have a track record of not fitting perfectly, even those that come with claims that they're designed just for your Toyota model.

What is the meaning of OEM filter?

OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer. In the world of refrigerator water filters, an OEM filter is a water filter manufactured by the same company that made your refrigerator.

What is the best filter grade?

MERV 17 to 20: Offers the best filtration of particles 0.3 to 1 micron and up, with the ability to trap viruses, carbon dust and all bacteria. These air filters are used in clean room environments.

Are generic water filters OK?

Generic filters typically fail to meet U.S. standards for safety, including the NSF/ANSI standards for lead reduction. That matters because even though home tap water may look clean, lead and other contaminants can get into your water through leaching lead service lines.

What is the disadvantage of OEM?

Cons of OEM

While there are many benefits associated with using an OEM, one of the main drawbacks is that it typically has a higher cost than white-label manufacturing. This is due to the extra time and resources needed to produce custom products from scratch.

Is OEM high-quality?

But genuine, high-quality original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts offer value that goes far beyond their initial cost. They will perform as designed in your engine and they are built to last, which means they can save you money in the long run.

Who is the best OEM?

Showing 10 out of 25 companies. Volkswagen AG, Toyota Motor Corp, Stellantis NV, Mercedes-Benz Group AG, and Ford Motor Co are the top 5 automotive OEMs in the world in 2021 by revenue.

How long does OEM air filter last?

Service experts generally recommend changing an engine air filter every 30,000 miles, or sometimes, every 45,000 miles. Still, even this range can vary depending on how you drive. Read on or contact our service experts to learn more about engine air filter maintenance and replacement.

Is there a difference between cheap and expensive oil filters?

Cheap and economy oil filters use inferior-quality materials like plastic and have cardboard end discs that can not withstand long service intervals, repeated shocks, vibrations, and thermal cycles.

Is it worth buying a premium air filter?

If your air filter has a higher MERV rating, then you will have more surface area to filter particulate matter. A high-quality air filter that costs a few more dollars can help keep the dust and other contaminants out of your lungs while also helping reduce allergens in the home.

What is the highest grade filter?

H13-H14 HEPA are within the highest tier of HEPA air filtration and are considered medical-grade. “A HEPA grade of H13 can remove 99.95% of all particles in the air measuring 0.2 microns in diameter, while a HEPA grade H14 removes 99.995%,” says Nagl.

How do I choose a good filter?

10 helpful tips for choosing a filter
  1. Identify Your Liquid: The type of liquid being filtered is paramount. ...
  2. Particle Size: Micron rating matters. ...
  3. Flow Rate: Calculate the flow rate your application requires. ...
  4. Compatibility: Ensure the filter materials are compatible with the liquid and won't corrode or contaminate it.

Is a 5 or 50 micron filter better?

Generally, filters with a lower micron rating provide better protection against harmful pollutants like bacteria, sediment, and heavy metals. In contrast, higher-rated filters may let some of these contaminants slip through.

Are aftermarket air filters as good as OEM?

Aftermarket air filters are notorious for being low quality. It's common for aftermarket air filters to have thin, cheap filter media that tears easily. Aftermarket air filters can also have shallow, widely spaced pleats.

What does OEM stand for?

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. It is a term used in the manufacturing industry to describe companies that produce components or products that are sold to other companies to be integrated into their own products.

What are the three types of filters?

Terminology
  • Low-pass filter – low frequencies are passed, high frequencies are attenuated.
  • High-pass filter – high frequencies are passed, low frequencies are attenuated.
  • Band-pass filter – only frequencies in a frequency band are passed.

What is the highest quality air filter?

The 17 Best Air Purifiers of 2024
  • The Best Overall. IQ Air Atem X. Read more. $1,400 at Amazon.
  • Best Air Purifier for Small Rooms. Coway Airmega 200M. Read more. $230 $199 at Amazon.
  • Best for Large Rooms With High Ceilings. Coway Airmega ProX. Read more. ...
  • A Budget Large-Room Option. Bosch Air 6000 Air Purifier. Read more.

What does OEM mean in HVAC?

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) parts are designed and manufactured by the same company that produced the original equipment.

How do you clean an OEM air filter?

Directions for Cleaning an Air Filter:
  1. Remove the filter. Take the air filter out, taking care to make sure no dirt or debris falls into the airbox or intake. ...
  2. Apply cleaning solution. Spray the filter with Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner and let it soak.
  3. Rinse. ...
  4. Dry. ...
  5. Oil and replace.

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