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.) EveryDrop meets NSF/ANSI Standards 42, 53 & 402 while the less expensive do not.
Comparison of Generic Filters to Whirlpool Filters
 Generic water filters are designed to fit and function just like their branded counterparts.
Customers say the EveryDrop Ice and Water Refrigerator Filter is easy to install and effectively improves the taste and clarity of water and ice. However, many users find the price to be high, especially given that the filter typically needs replacement every 3 to 6 months.
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.
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.
Once the filter has been replaced, it is important to flush the water system. This process removes excess air, prepares the filter for use, and removes excess carbon. The air in the water system may cause dripping at the dispenser, small/hollow ice cubes, or a cloudy appearance in the water quality.
Featuring signature Triple Filtration Technology, water filters by Whirlpool brand reduce up to 73 contaminants1, depending on your refrigerator type. This includes removing up to 99.9% of lead from both your water and ice.
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.
The HDX label on the side says it is rated for 300 gallons whereas the Everydrop filter is rated for 100-200 gallons. Both filters have the same NSF/ANSI certifications (42,53,401). The HDX has a working pressure range 20-100PSI. The Everydrop just lists the max pressure at 120PSI.
A: While I agree that the EveryDrop filters are priced too high (and unfortunately they keep going up), the first answer from D. 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.
For clean, fresh tasting water, Whirlpool recommends replacing your water filter every 6 months. It may need to be changed more frequently depending on your usage and water quality.
A: Hello JCL, this does not remove fluoride. We hope this helps.
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.
With the filter removed, the water system will continue to operate, bypassing the filter, and the clogged filter will not cause slow water dispensing or low ice production. However, you will need to install a new filter to have filtered water. REMINDER: Make sure you flush the system after replacing your water filter.
Most refrigerators will have an indicator light to tell you when it's time to replace the water filter. The water filter should be changed when the filter status light/indicator (if applicable) located on the temperature control panel alerts you that the filter needs to be changed.
Your refrigerator water filter works hard to keep your drinking water clean and tasting fresh. In order to keep it that way, it needs to be routinely changed—we recommend once about every six months. It's easy to locate your filter and replace it with a fresh one.
Depending on your refrigerator type, everydrop® water filters reduce up to 73 contaminants3, including lead, chlorine, pesticides and pharmaceuticals.
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.
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.
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.
However, several brands consistently receive high marks for their reliability and performance. Brands such as LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, GE, Bosch, KitchenAid, Sub-Zero, and Monogram are frequently praised for their dependable appliances and excellent customer satisfaction ratings.
It doesn't seem to cause any issues. 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.
The link above will redirect you from the Whirlpool® brand website to the website of Water Channel Partners, which manufactures Whirlpool Water Filtration products under license. Kemflo sells Whirlpool water filtration products including: Whole Home Filtration.