What is the difference between OEM and generic water filters?

Author: Cedrick Reichel  |  Last update: Saturday, April 5, 2025

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.

Are generic water filters as good as brand names?

You might not get the same level of quality with generic filters. These may be less efficient at removing impurities as well as chlorine, bad tastes, and odors. It may also not filter out the heavy metals and all the other harmful pollutants that the brand-name water filters remove.

What is the difference between OEM and aftermarket refrigerator water filters?

OEM Filters: OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. This means that an OEM filter is one made and sold by the same manufacturer as the original piece of equipment. Compatible or Aftermarket Filters: Filters that are made to fit a certain product made by another company or manufacturer.

Is it okay to use a generic water filter in a Samsung refrigerator?

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.

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.

OEM vs Counterfeit Refrigerator Water Filters

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.

Are OEM parts better than aftermarket?

Quality. OEM parts offer greater assurance of quality than aftermarket parts because they are the same as the parts on new cars and offer the same level of performance. Aftermarket parts, however, vary greatly in terms of quality, so there is a higher level of uncertainty concerning the quality of aftermarket parts.

What is the best brand of water filters for refrigerators?

The Best Refrigerator Water Filters Buyer's Guide & Reviews
  • Waterdrop Advanced ‎WD-F07. Best for Whirlpool and Maytag. ...
  • Culligan IC-EZ-1. Best Inline Refrigerator Water Filter. ...
  • PureLine Refrigerator Replacement Water Filter. Best GE MWF and Kenmore. ...
  • Waterdrop Advanced WD-F32. ...
  • EcoAqua Refrigerator Water Filter.

Can I use a generic water filter in my GE refrigerator?

Owners of GE refrigerators tend to look for generic replacement filters that are cheaper than the XWFE water filters. However, even if they find these generic replacements, they cannot effectively replace the GE WFE filters. This is because of the RFID chip integration.

Do refrigerator water filters make a difference?

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.

What are the three best types of water filters?

Understanding the different types of water filtration systems is key to choosing the right one for your home. Countertop filters offer convenience and affordability, under sink water filters provide advanced filtration with minimal intrusion, and reverse osmosis systems deliver unparalleled contaminant removal.

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.

How to tell if a GE water filter is genuine?

Counterfeit water filters often feel lighter than their legitimate equivalents and will typically not filter nearly as well. Lack of certification: Real water filters should have certification symbols from agencies like the NSF International or WQA Gold Seal, ensuring the filter meets certain standards.

Should you buy OEM refrigerator water filters from your fridge manufacturer?

Many people believe this means they need to buy OEM filters - which for the uninitiated, stands for 'original equipment manufacturer'. This means they stick with the branded filters when in many cases a generic or non-manufacturer-branded refrigerator water filter would work just as well (or better) - and be cheaper.

What type of filter is best for drinking water?

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.

Why is Everydrop so expensive?

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.)

Are generic refrigerator water filters ok?

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.

Why are GE XWFe filters so expensive?

A: The 'E" stands for EVIL. The XWFE filter has RFID built into the label, forcing you top buy these expensive filters if your fridge has a XWFE filter system. This is not an improvement filter but one to force a monopoly where the customer now HAS to buy the overpriced GE filters for the lifetime of their fridge.

Can I use a generic water filter in my Samsung refrigerator?

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.

Are generic water filters as good as brand name Whirlpool?

Generic water filters are designed to fit and function just like their branded counterparts. However, the materials and technology used can vary significantly. Whirlpool filters are known for their rigorous quality control, ensuring contaminants are effectively reduced, thus providing safe, clean drinking water.

How long are refrigerator water filters really good for?

Refrigerator water filters should usually be replaced every six months for easy and reliable access to fresh drinking water for the entire family. Learn more about fridge water filters and how they work.

What are the disadvantages of OEM parts?

Cons
  • More expensive: OEM parts usually cost more than an aftermarket part. ...
  • Need to be bought at the dealership: There are other ways to buy OEM parts (eBay, online wholesalers), but most people will visit a dealership to buy their parts.

Is it worth it to buy OEM products?

Guaranteed Quality

First and foremost, OEM parts are guaranteed to be a perfect fit and function properly. This high-quality standard is way worth it because there's nothing worse than spending money on a part that ends up not being compatible with your vehicle or not working the way it should.

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.

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