Why We Chose It:
- Big capacity.
- Long lifespan.
- Easy to install.
Technical Specifications:
- 4.5 x 4.5 x 15 inches.
- 8 Pounds.
- Catalytic carbon filter media and micro sediment membranes.
Filtered water is one of those little luxuries that everyone should be able to enjoy. The only problem with it, in most cases, is that it’s a little more difficult to get than it is to enjoy. Most people tend to use a carafe that has to be constantly refilled or an attachment that requires constant cleaning, both options that make getting pure water more of a hassle than it’s often worth. Fortunately, there’s a better option – the under sink water filter.
Under sink water filters solve most of the common problems with the common water filter. The best choice for those who want filtered water at a moment’s notice, these filters stay out of the way but do their jobs incredibly well. Typically higher-quality than most other filters, these filters also tend to get more out of your water to give you a healthier drinking experience. If you’re looking for a way to get the best water from your sink, you’ll want to take a look at the list of the best under sink water filter units on the market.
The Best Under Sink Water Filters
1. CuZn UC-200
If you take a look at under sink water filter reviews, you’ll see this model pop up again and again. It’s rare to see a filter that is so universally loved, but this model manages to do it with gusto. It’s not just the fact that the price is right, either – this is the kind of fully-featured unit that is sure to please most customers. By combining great technology and a solid warranty, users get one of the best filters on the market. Taking a closer look at what you get with this purchase definitely shows that all of the reviews are on to something.
This water filter starts out by being very simple to install. If you have access to a wrench, you’ll probably be able to get this unit installed in just a few minutes. Have a complicated set-up under your sink? No problem – the manufacturer will send you a free install kit to help you out. Once you have the unit installed, you will have access to a three-stage water filter that gets out more sediment and other particulate matter than most other filters. You’ll even get a fairly long lifespan out of this unit at five years, all of which are covered under the unit’s warranty.
When problems do occur with this water filter, the manufacturer is very quick to respond. The company has a vested interest in maintaining a good reputation, so there’s no issue too small for them to resolve. If you are looking to make a great under sink water filter purchase, this is absolutely where you need to start.
2. Home Master TMAFC
Home Master’s reverse osmosis system seeks to fix many of the problems which have plagued the average under sink water filter. This water filter has such a singular mission that you’ll find it hard to go back to traditional systems, something that was obviously the plan when this water filter design was conceived. Fortunately, fixing problems is not the only thing this water filter does well – the under sink unit is also an outstanding water filter even for those who have never used an under sink reverse osmosis unit before. It combines solid engineering and good features to make a great water filter.
One of the major features of this water filter is that it adds extra mineral to the water instead of just filtering out particulate matter. This means that the water tastes much better than typical filtered water, something you’ll notice if you ever try to go back to another filter. It’s also a very long lasting unit, something that helps make it one of the best on the market. It even goes several steps beyond the average water filter by having a seven-stage filtration process – one of the best in the business when it comes to removing chemicals.
If you look at the reviews, you will find few complaints with this unit. Some aren’t too happy with the idea that the unit adds minerals to the water, even if it is beneficial. There are also some minor installation issues, all of which can be overcome with a little work and following the instructions precisely.
3. Woder In-Line Filter
One of the things that tend to scare buyers off of purchasing an under sink water filter is the difficulty of installation. While the average water filter really isn’t that hard to install under your sink, the units look complicated and deal with plumbing – both problems with which the average consumer doesn’t want to deal. That’s like why Woder created this In-Line filter, which boasts the ability to be installed in under five minutes. One of the fastest install times you’ll find on a water filter, it’s a fantastic device that most reviews love.
Woder’s water filter does more than just simplify the install process, though. It also manages to use a selective filtration system that takes out all of the bad chemicals in water and leaves in the good minerals. This makes for healthy water and a much better drinking experience for the average consumer. The water filter also puts out water at a very steady pace, allowing you to quickly fill up cups and pitchers with pure water. It’s one of the more consumer-friendly products out there, dealing with all of the major issues that tend to plague most other water filters.
The issues with this water filter are minor, but they matter. It has a relatively short shelf-life at just three years, though proper maintenance can keep it going just a little longer. It’s also prone to adding an unusual taste to a home’s water, which might turn off many users. Even so, the filter remains very good at filtering out things that shouldn’t be in your water.
4. APEC WFS-1000
When you’re looking for an under sink water filter, you need something that will just work. That’s what APEC brings to the table – a water filter that can be installed easily and that will keep your water clean. It eschews most of the current advertising buzz words for simple functionality, something that really helps users. This is one of the best when it comes to simply making sure that your water is pure and that harmful chemicals have been removed.
If there’s a continuous thread through user reviews of this water filter, it is that it is easy to use. One of the best filters for those who just don’t want to deal with a complicated install, you’ll have it up and running far more quickly than you might imagine. Once that’s done, you’ll have access to incredibly clean water at a very reasonable pace. It’s slower than just running water through your tap, but the end result is water that tastes great and that is better for you. This under sink water filter is a fantastic fit for most homes.
Reviews of this product tend to be mostly positive, but a few flaws have been called out. There are definite issues with the connection tubing for this water filter, which can be changed out easily. There are also some issues with filtering very salty water, which is only a problem for a minority of customers. Even with that said, most reviews show that customers tend to love this water filter.
5. Filtrete Advanced
Filtrete is all about making sure that your water is healthy. The Advanced system is a strong step in the right direction, allowing consumers a chance to use one of the best water filters currently on the market. The water filter, with its easy-to-install nature and its long-lasting filters, is one of the more user-friendly models on the market. If you’re looking for something that will ensure your ability to get clean drinking water without requiring you to have a degree in engineering, this is a fantastic place to start.
Filtrete claims that you can install this unit in roughly thirty minutes, something that most reviews tend to peg as truthful. Once you’ve got it installed, you won’t have to do much work – just change out the filter component about once every six months. While your filter’s working, you’ll get access to some fairly high-tech filtration, a process that removes a significant amount of the particulate matter and chemicals from your water. It’s a fantastic filter that will help you to get the water you need without making you do a great deal of work.
The biggest problem noted in reviews has nothing to do with the under sink unit itself. Instead, it has to do with the replacement filters. These don’t tend to be of the highest quality, so always make sure that you buy them from a store with a good return policy. When you get a good filter to work with the installed unit, though, you’ll have a great experience.
6. iSpring 3-Stage
A good 3-stage under sink water filter can be a great way to ensure that you are getting the purest water possible. Not only does it send your water through a pair of carbon filters, but it also adds a sediment filter to ensure that you’re not picking up any excess particulates along the way. iSpring has taken the standard 3-stage water filter and made something that most reviews tend to look favorably upon. This unit not only looks futuristic, but it often feels like it’s ahead of the curve as well. If you want pure water fast, this is a good place to start.
One of the things that iSpring manages to do very well with its water filter is to get water out of the tap quickly. Its quick-flow technology means that you’re not going to see the usual slow speeds, something that’s a relief for anyone who has ever waited to fill up a pitcher with fresh water. Beyond the speed, you’ll also get excellent filtration – the three-stage system does work as advertised, and it feels like iSpring went the extra mile to ensure that you’ll get a great taste as well.
While the water filter itself is great, the same can’t be said for the company’s customer service. Most reviews recommend buying the product through Amazon because you won’t get the best shipping quality otherwise. Trying to call the company is also very difficult – it’s much easier to go online and figure out repairs on your own. When this unit works, though, it does do a fantastic job.
7. Costway 5-Stage
It’s frankly amazing what you can get from some of the technological advances available in water filtration. This is easily one of the best units on the market, at least when it comes to pure tech. This filter is touted as having the ability to remove just about anything from your water. While this is obviously the goal of almost every water filter on the market today, it seems like Costway’s system comes as close as it can get to making that goal into a reality. If you’re looking for a way to get the purest water possible, you should start here.
There is a lot to like here. Not only is this unit fairly high-tech in terms of how it gets rid of pollutants, but it’s also surprisingly easy to install. Water flow from the unit is faster than you’d imagine from a five-filter unit, and the quality of water you get is top-notch. There’s nothing here that hasn’t been done in more expensive filters, but what you get for your price with this unit really should be applauded by anyone who wants a good, reasonably-priced filter.
As with every water filter, there are problems with this Costway unit. While very few instances are reported, there are those who note that the system tends to ship with the wrong parts for installation. This is usually remedied quickly, but it’s not something you want to find while you’re putting the unit together. Even with that said, you’re still looking at a great water filter.
8. Culligan EZ Change
Culligan and filters go together like peanut butter and jelly. The brand name is a good place to start when you’re shopping for a water filter, and in this case you shouldn’t be disappointed. Culligan’s always made getting clean water easy, and this EZ Change unit is no different. Featuring a filter cartridge that will keep going for up to a year, it’s one of the easiest units to use that’s currently available. Fortunately, it’s also one of the best-priced water filters out there, capable of bringing clean water to homes for a fraction of the price you might expect.
Culligan’s claims for this water filter are simple, but they make sense. The filter technology used here isn’t the most advanced, but it does help your water to taste better and to remain healthier. The under sink unit also makes it easier to change the filter than most would guess, with a virtually mess-free process each time you switch out the filter. Finally, the unit is largely one about which you can forget – so long as you change the filter once a year, you should be in good shape.
There problems with this one are minor, but they matter. It does require a dedicated faucet, which is something that industry seems to be getting away from. Installation isn’t as easy as you’d hope, but that’s also a one-time issue. If you’re looking for a good water filter that will stand up to repeated use and that can be changed easily, this might be the filter for you.
9. Aquasana 2-Stage
You don’t always want to get rid of everything when you filter your water. That’s why this 2-stage water filter from Aquasana works to take the bad stuff out and to keep the good stuff in. If you’re looking for a simple filter that has everything you need in one package, this water filter is where you should start. While it might eschew fancy design, it certainly gets your water clean.
One of the best parts about Aquasana’s design is how easy it is to install. While under sink water filters can look scary, this one can be installed with anyone who has even a slight bit of mechanical aptitude. Once the unit is installed, you’ll be able to change filters in and out without any major problems. The filtered water tastes great and flows relatively quickly, keeping healthy minerals in the water while filtering out pollutants. If you’re looking to drink pure water that still tastes good, this water filter may work for you.
Unfortunately, some of these filters do have a tendency to leak. This isn’t a problem with all of the filters, though, and Aquasauna will replace defective units easily. It’s something about which you should know, though, so that you can call the right company to fix the problem.
10. American Plumber WLCS-1000
It’s important to have healthy drinking water. It is also, however, very important to be able to get water at a reasonable speed. If you’ve ever used a water filter before, you know that some filters have a tendency to be a bit slower than you’d like. If you care about speed, though, you should absolutely look at this unit from American Plumber.
This water filter is one of the fastest on the markets. Those in the know typically claim that this unit dispenses water about twice as fast as similar units, and the actual speed really is quite fast. In addition to being fast, though, it also does its job of filtering water quite well. Able to get out most pollutants and particulates, it will change the way that you look at water. It’s certainly one of the best filters you’ll be able to find at its price point, and definitely one of the best at getting you the drinking water you need at a reasonable speed.
The only real problem with this filter is the instructions. It’s not hard to install once you figure them out, but it will take you some time to figure out all the labels in the instruction booklet. If you want to get the most out of this filter, go online and read a walkthrough – it’s faster and more efficient than trying to figure out any of the instructions included in the book!
11. Culligan US-600A
Another great unit from Culligan, the 600A is about as simple as they come. While other filters might have more moving parts and a more impressive outward appearance, this filter makes installation a breeze by keeping all of the components in one place. A perfect choice for anyone who wants their water healthier without having to do much under-the-sink work, this filter really is as easy to use as it looks.
The first thing you’ll notice with this filter is that installation is a snap. It comes equipped with brackets and hooks into your existing sink line, no extra work needed. Once you’ve got it hooked up, it’s easy to get water. The only real maintenance that has to be done is changing out filters, which is just as easy as installation.
The biggest problems with the water filter come from overestimating the ease of installation. If you don’t follow the directions, you will cause leaks. This is more of a user-error problem than a problem with the filter, but it’s important ot keep in mind.
12. 3M Aqua-Pure
3M is a company well-known for quality. Their Aqua-Pure water filter definitely lives up to the company’s standards by being an excellent product that tends to work very well. Compact enough to fit under even a crowded sink, this filter helps to purify water quickly and efficiently. In short, it’s everything that most want in a simple filter.
You’re not going to see a lot of complicated parts in this filter, and that’s not a bad thing. The unit is very easy to install and use, and most of the time you won’t even notice that it’s under your sink. The only real sign that it’s attached is the fact that your water will taste far better than usual. Changing out filters isn’t difficult and there are few mechanical problems with the unit, so you’ll generally be able to have pure water whenever you want.
The only real downside to this filter is that it’s virtually impossible to find replacement parts. If you have an issue with the filter, you’ll need to go directly to 3M for help. Once you’re out of warranty, it’s better to replace the unit than to repair it – most shops don’t sell replacement parts and those that do have them at a premium price point. The unit is, however, fantastic during its normal lifespan.
13. Aquasana 3-Stage
The under sink water filter can be scary to those who don’t do a lot of plumbing work. Installation looks complicated, and in some cases, it is harder than it needs to be. Fortunately, this product from Aquasana has greatly simplified installation. If you know how to use a wrench, you can get clean and pure water in under an hour. It’s one of the easiest units to install, and most reviews agree that it’s also one of the best-looking.
Easy to install and elegant are two words that you’ll see quite often in reviews of this water filter. In truth, the under sink unit does look very nice – and so does the faucet. What you’re getting, though, is something that’s not going to drive you crazy when you finally get it attached to your existing sink set-up. Even a novice can make this one work and your reward for installation will be consistent high-quality water. The filtration process is excellent, of course, but there’s something to be said for getting water without having to do a ton of work under the sink.
Quality control is not, however, a strong suit of Aquasana. There are many reviews that claim that consumers have received missing or defective parts. While the manufacturer does seem to eventually remedy these issues, that process isn’t quite as quick as you might hope. Once all the parts are available and the filter has arrived, though, most still enjoy how well it works.
14. Whirlpool 3-Stage
If you’re using any kind of water-based product, Whirlpool is a name you’ll see in your search. The company is already well-trusted and has fantastic products, so seeking out an under sink water filter from the company does feel like a no-brainer. While Whirlpool may not be quite as big a name in the world of water filtration, it nonetheless continues to live up to its great reputation. The company manages to do so by making a great three-stage water filter that really can live up to significant usage.
There’s an awful lot to like here, which makes this unit one of the best available. Whirlpool’s unique design makes it easier for the filter to remove chemicals from water while still saving users space. This means less complicated steps during the filtration process and fewer points of failure. The unit is also incredibly easy to change out, getting rid of most excuses for forgetting to change out the filter. It’s a great under sink water filter that makes great tasting water, which is exactly what most consumers want when trying to find this kind of product. Whirlpool has managed to make a water filter that just works.
Unfortunately, Whirlpool doesn’t do a great job of honoring its warranty. While this water filter does work very well, many reviews have noted that problems are virtually ignored by the company. This makes the filter one of the best out there when working, but one of the hardest to get fixed if there is a problem.
Buying Guide: How To Find The Best Under Sink Water Filter
It’s always a good idea to know a little about what you’re buying before you make a purchase. There are plenty of under sink filters out there, and most of them look virtually the same to the untrained eye. If you want to make the purchase that’s right for your home and family, you’ll need to know the factors that actually separate the great filters from those that don’t work quite as well. Below are a handful of things at which you’ll want to look before you decide to hit the buy button on your new under sink filter.
Brand
Brand name does mean something when it comes to under sink water filters, though you might not always want to admit that. The brand on the box isn’t always a guarantee of how that particular model functions, but it can tell you a great deal about how you’ll deal with that company in the future. A good brand name can tell you a lot about how the company’s customer service will deal with problems, returns, and even warranty requests. You always want to look into the history of how a company treats its customers before you make a purchase.
It’s also a good idea to look at the products from a company to figure out how well they’re likely to work. Do they have a reputation for using more water than advertised? Do they tend to break easily, or to have specific parts that don’t work? Is there a history of bad shipping with the company, or does it always tend to go the extra mile to get the product to your home? It’s something at which you’ll want to look before you make the purchase because there’s nothing you’ll be able to do once it arrives at your home.
Don’t buy a filter just because of a brand name. You may, however, want to stay away from certain models because of bad associations. If you are willing to put in the time to do a little brand research, you should be able to find a brand that will fit your needs.
Filter Stages
The number of filter stages is really one of the most important factors at which you’ll look when you are buying an under sink filter. Filter stages typically tell you not only how well the filter gets rid of unwanted matter in your water, but also what types of contaminants it removes. Filters with more stages tend to get rid of more contaminants, but they also tend to be a bit more expensive and a lot more complicated in terms of maintenance and installation. If you are looking for the purest drinking experience, though, you’ll want more rather than less.
Single-stage filters are usually a simple carbon filter, similar to what you’d find in a carafe. Two-stage filters either double-down on the carbon filter to take out more of the same materials or add a sediment filter to catch any sediment build-up in your water. Three-stage filters tend to have two carbon filters and a single sediment filter, allowing you to get the most out of your filtration experience and go longer between changing out filters.
More filtration may not matter much to you, but pay attention to what you’re buying. The more filters, the purer the experience – and often the more expensive. There’s a lot of room for differentiation between filter types, so look at what’s available. If it turns out you may be looking for a bigger system, check out our buying guide for some more extensive systems.
Water Usage
This is probably the easiest to explain – a filter that uses more water is going to drive up your water bills. Pay attention to how much water your filter uses before it gets to your glass, as this will play a role in both conservation and your utility bills. Most filters are usually fairly conservative in terms of usage, but some multi-stage filters do tend to use quite a bit of water just to get something into your glass.
Most filters are very up-front about usage. Filters that are marketed as greener or more environmentally-friendly do tend to use less water overall, but this might mean filtering out less particulate matter before it gets to you. If you are able to find a good balance between the two factors, you’ll get clean water that won’t cause your bill (or water usage in general) to skyrocket after installation.
Filter Life
How long do you expect your filter to last? This is an important question to ask, especially if you plan on being in the same home for a significant period of time. Generally speaking, a filter that lasts longer is better than a filter with a short life. Unfortunately, longer life-spans generally mean a higher price, so you might not want to invest in something that’s proven to last for longer than you’ll actually need the filter. In fact, you may want to look at your living situation to figure out exactly how long you’ll need the filter and at what price you’d be willing to replace the filter when and if it reaches the end of its lifespan.
If you’re a renter, you may not want to worry about a filter that lasts longer than your current lease. Replacing your filter is easier if you know you’re going to have to move, after all, and you might not care about installing something that’s going to benefit the people who live in a home after you. If you own your home, though, a filter with a longer life means spending less money over time and ultimately allows you to do less work when it comes to filtering your water. Finding the right balance is up to the individual.
Try to find a filter that has a lifespan that fits within your needs. Cheaper filters tend to last for a shorter period of time, but this might not be such a bad thing to certain buyers. No matter what the case, though, you’ll want to find a filter that’s reliable enough to last through its intended lifespan.
Ease of Installation
As you might expect, installing an under sink filter does take a little bit of work. In most cases, though, the installation can be done by someone who isn’t that familiar with plumbing. In fact, a few tools and the instruction booklet should be all that most people need. Some of these filters are more complex, though, and might require you to go outside of your comfort zone in order to complete the installation. In some cases, this might even mean getting a plumber to come to do the job. It’s up to you to determine exactly how much work is too much when it comes to filter installation.
If you are particularly handy, this factor shouldn’t be that important. Again, most filters are fairly simple to install if you’ve ever worked with basic plumbing in the past. If you don’t feel comfortable touching the area under your sink, though, you’ll want to look for something that’s a bit simpler than most of what’s on the market. If you need something fully-featured, though, you may have to turn to professional help. This will increase the overall price of the filter and might cause you to make hard choices when it comes to other features.
Maintenance
How much work are you going to have to put into your filter once it is installed? These filters aren’t entirely install-and-forget models, and you will have to put in at least a little work in order to keep it working. It’s up to you to figure out how much work is a reasonable amount, as well as how much work is too much. This is very much a personal issue, something that will vary from individual to individual. If you’re willing to do more maintenance, you might be able to find more features at a lower price. Be wary, though, as even lower-priced filters may end up being maintenance heavy.
Look at the maintenance schedule before you make a purchase. Some filters need maintenance more often than others, which will give you a good idea of how much time you’re actually going to spend under your sink. The maintenance differs from model to model, so even more frequent maintenance on the filter might not equal more actual work. Figure out what you’re going to have to do each time the filter needs to be cleaned or if components need to be replaced. A little bit of work on a regular basis really might be a better option than a huge production every time something needs to be done to the filter.
There’s no such thing as a maintenance-free filter, so be prepared to do at least a little work. The less the better for most, but those that require more work generally do have a lower price point. If you want to save money, you might want to look at a filter that is a bit more hands-on.
Price
Price is perhaps the most important factor in shopping for a water filter because you really can’t pay more than you can afford. This is the factor above all others, the one that’s set in stone. You simply shouldn’t go over your budget when you’re shopping, even if doing so will help you to get a filter with all the features that you’ve dreamed of having. Instead of trying to break the bank, it’s important that you do some product research to find out exactly how much the filters you want cost. Once you have a good idea of that cost, you should be able to figure out whether or not you can afford what you need.
Don’t be afraid to look for sales. A number of the filters on the list below fluctuate in price, especially around big holidays or sale periods. Keeping track of how these filters move can be a good idea, especially if you want to get a better filter at a lower price. If you can’t find a sale, though, be sure to look at the features first – you may be able to find a brand that has great features for a lower price than you had initially imagined. While the highest-end filters may always be a bit more pricey, there’s a good chance that middle-tier filters might have most of the same features.
Don’t let yourself be fooled by the idea that a higher price tag means a better filter. Take a look at all of the other qualities on this list and see how they line up with your budget. You might be surprised by what you can find while still spending less than you had imagined.
Warranty
As you might imagine, a warranty can be an incredibly important detail when you’re looking at an under sink water filter. It’s not that these devices are especially prone to breaking, but rather that they’re a bit more difficult to replace on the fly than the average filter. Once you have the filter, you’re fairly likely to become dependent upon it – something that will require you to get a replacement as soon as possible. If you have a good warranty, you’ll be able to get replacement parts or a replacement unit as soon as it can ship out. Without a good warranty, though, you’ll be going back to the list of best filters to find a new model.
Warranties vary by product, so don’t get too caught up in numbers. Yes, a longer warranty is better than a shorter warranty but make sure you know exactly what the warranty covers before you base your purchase on this factor. A short-term, unlimited warranty might be more useful than a long-term limited warranty, especially if price is a major factor for you. Lifetime warranties are great, but they often come with a number of major caveats. Do a little research into how well the manufacturer actually honors its warranty, and be sure that you’re actually getting the kind of protection that you think you’re getting from the guarantee.
Though important, this factor should be near the bottom of your list. If you get a product that’s defective, it should already be covered by the seller. Use the length and quality of your warranty to make a decision between two similarly-priced and featured filters.
Conclusions
If you’re looking for better drinking water, you’ll find the best under sink water filter here. These units filter water well, are generally easy to install and maintain, and are supported by great manufacturers. Whether your goal is healthier water or better taste, the reviews on these units don’t lie – they’re the best of the best. If you’re in the market for a filter or are just looking for a way to make sure that your water lives up the highest standards, these are the filters at which you should look.
