A countertop water filter is a fantastic addition to any household, providing a safe, compact way of removing harmful bacteria and other contaminants from the water that you drink and cook with.
The best place to start is by explaining what a countertop water filter is and in essence, it is a small filtration device that sits next to your existing faucets or sink area, and will have either its own spout which will dispense save and healthy drinking water, or act as a pitcher type system.
These devices are designed to fit in smaller spaces, alongside the existing sink and so no matter the size of the property, it is likely that you will be able to install one of these. Furthermore, many consumers take these when they travel in mobile homes or boats due to their portable nature and filtration process.
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Top 10 Countertop Water Filters
We have put together 10 of our favourite models of countertop water filters, both faucet type and pitcher type, to provide you with multiple options to choose from. Each has been reviewed, assessed and compared with its competitors to help guide you on the best option for your household.
1. Ecosoft Countertop Drinking Water Filter System
We start off with a fantastic solution for those on a budget, who still wish to have healthy, clean drinking water in their home.
Filtration:
Its filtration system will remove the majority of harmful contaminants including sediment, heavy metals and chlorine.
Installation:
When the product arrives, it will have everything you need in the box to easily install it, including a small wrench, so you literally have everything you need – a really nice touch from the team at Ecosoft.
Maintenance:
Once installed, you won’t need to worry about maintenance except to change the filter every 1500 gallons, which is roughly 6 months depending on the water usage in your household.
As with any option that is at the budget end of the scale, you will find others that offer better filtration, improved build quality etc, but it really does depend on what you wish to spend.
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2. iSpring CKC1C Countertop Water Filter Dispenser
We turn our attention to a countertop water filter dispenser from one of the market leaders, iSpring.
Installation:
The standout feature on this product is its installation and the ability to take it with you when you travel. It comes with everything you need for a smooth installation, with clear guidance on fitting the filter, getting the clamp correct etc.
Filtration:
In terms of filtration, this system is designed to protect you from any particles bigger than 5 microns, which includes all of the usual pesticides, sediment, chemicals, chlorine and more, so you will get a reasonable taste and smell, as well as a healthy drinking supply.
Maintenance:
One minor concern here is that the filters last 500 gallons, which is less than some of the other models, so for those with high usage, it may not be for you.
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3. Aquasana Countertop Drinking Water Filter System
Another fantastic filter for those with a limited budget, as this is still a very efficient model compared to the others on our best countertop water filter review list.
Filtration:
You will get protection from up to 97% of the harmful contaminants found in a household’s water supply. This means that the chlorine, pharmaceuticals, heavy metals etc will be removed, leaving a better tasting and smelling supply of water that is safe to drink and use in cooking.
A lovely extra with this countertop water filter is that it keeps in some of the healthy minerals you want, such as calcium and magnesium, which play an important part in nutrition and wellbeing.
Installation:
In terms of installation, it’s another device that can be set up easily and without requiring expert knowledge.
Speed:
However, once installed, you may find the speed that it filters water a little frustrating, a downside of it being so efficient at filtering.
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4. Apex Countertop Drinking Water Filter
One of the most efficient filtering systems on our list next, with this product from Apex stating it will remove up to 99% of the harmful contaminants found in your water supply.
Filtration:
This means it will remove harmful bacteria, heavy metals fluoride, chlorine and others, all of which means you can drink some seriously clean and healthy water.
Remineralization:
It is another that adds minerals back into the water after the filtration process, making it alkaline and healthier in general, so you don’t lose anything by running the water through such an effective filter.
Maintenance:
Its filters last up to 750 gallons of water before replacing and other than that, it requires minimal maintenance.
Designs:
The only real downside with this countertop filtration system from Apex is that designs aren’t the best with this type of system and this one could be improved. However, it is probably just a minor worry or frustration for most.
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5. Home Master Jr F2 Sinktop Water Filtration System
A truly compact and efficient system up next from Home Master, with the F2 fitting, perfectly alongside your existing faucet.
Installation:
Extremely easy to install, this countertop water filter can be taken with you on your travels, such as in an RV or boat, easily enough.
Filtration:
Aside from its installation and flexibility, you won’t be let down by its filtration either, with this model removing up to 93% of the contaminants and minerals in the water supply. This means it will remove fluoride, bacteria, heavy metals and parasites.
Features:
We have found some customers report the attachment faucet can sometimes bend out of shape a little, which could be a disappointment, but it doesn’t necessarily seem to impact the performance of the unit.
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6. CleanWater4Less® Countertop Water Filtration System
This countertop water filter is a real heavyweight when it comes to its filters and one of the best countertop filtration systems.
Filtration:
They are a very efficient filtration system. CleanWater4Less Countertop Filters know how to effectively eliminate the contaminants and minerals that may occur in the water supply, such as bacteria and chemicals, making safe, clean water a reality.
Maintenance:
On top of that, the filters inside last a superb 10,000 gallons of water, many times more than the majority of its competitors. If we had to find a fault with this model, it would be that it doesn’t warn you when the filter needs replacing, so you need to keep some kind of track or just change it periodically to be safe as the filter longevity and low maintenance can cause you to forget!
Installation:
Throw in easy installation, clean and compact design, and you have a very long-lasting, efficient filtration system that will provide clean drinking water for you and your family.
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7. Home Master Jr F2 Elite Sinktop Water Filtration System
You may wonder why we have added this model to our list when a near-identical one has already been included, but there is a method to our madness.
Filtration:
This is a new and improved version, offering the same great filtration levels of its predecessor, but it has improved when it comes to chlorine and chloramine removal.
On top of that, it has been designed so that it’s filters remove microcontaminants like pharmaceuticals, that some other models struggle with. We love this attention to detail and attempt to increase the performance, making for a healthier product for customers.
Flow Rate:
Throw in a pretty decent flow rate when compared to others, you won’t get quite as frustrated waiting for this one if you use plenty of water or are in a rush.
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8. New Wave Enviro 10 Stage Water Filter System
The New Wave Enviro uses a 10 stage filtration process to give you clean, safe and healthy drinking water. This process will remove harmful bacteria and chemicals, as well as heavy metals found in the water supply.
Installation:
We love the easy installation process for this filter, simply requiring you to connect the water filter to the faucet spout and you are ready to get clean, filtered drinking water almost immediately.
Speed:
Furthermore, they have thought about the speed of filtering, with this system offering a fantastic gallon of filtered water in approximately 90 seconds, far quicker than many of its competitors.
Leakage:
We have noticed some of the filters drip for a while after turning off the faucet but it shouldn’t be for a prolonged period.
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9. AQUASPREE Exclusive 7 Stage Alkaline Water Filter
This is one of the biggest countertop water filters on the market, with an impressive five-gallon storage tank, perfect for those who drink a lot of water or who have a busier household. The manufacturers have thought about the design and functionality in both the container and how water is dispensed, by simply pushing a glass against the lever.
Filtration:
We believe this is a top option for offices who wish for a countertop water filter and no matter whether you’re a household or business, the alkaline filtered water is a healthy solution to your water needs.
Installation:
Sadly, the priming process for the filter is somewhat confusing and complicated, due to poor instructions, so you may need to speak to their customer service team if you struggle, or find a helpful person to assist!
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10. Royal Berkey Water Filter 3 Gallon System Bundle
We think the final system on our list offers a more stylish solution, whilst still being compact, efficient and cost-effective.
Capacity:
This model from Royal Berkey has a three-gallon stainless steel container that is sturdy and smart, with a filter inside that will work for up to 3,000 gallons before needing to be replaced.
Filtration:
The water produced from this system has a great taste to it, because of the way it filters the harmful bacteria and will remove contaminants, such as pesticides and herbicides, and nitrates, without removing any healthy minerals.
Installation:
Once more, the only downside here is the quality of the instructions for the installation and priming. Sadly, many manufacturers don’t seem to consider the consumer with this but they have at least provided helpful video guides online if you struggle.
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Summary
We hope you’ve found our guide to the best countertop water filters useful and it has helped you choose the right model for your household. These are a fantastic filter solution for those wanting a water filter system. New water filters come in all shapes, whether a sink top faucet, water pitcher, reverse osmosis system or water distiller. They are all designed to produce clean water and you can get one of the best without spending a lot of money. Don’t be alarmed though, these are still highly efficient, sturdy systems that will be an investment for now and the future.
What is a countertop water filter?
Fundamentally we all want our drinking water to go through a water filter. A countertop water filter is simply any type of filtration system, such as reverse osmosis filtration system, an activated carbon filter, kitchen faucet filter or counter top water pitcher that sits on the countertop. This is as opposed to the systems that are under sink water filters or whole house filtration systems.
These types of countertop water filters will normally filter water whenever you use them, as opposed to having some kind of storage tank. However, this is not always the case and it may be that you prefer this method for your household needs. They are usually connected to the cold water supply pipe and when you start the filter or turn on the faucet, then the water goes through the water line into the filter, ending up with clean, safe drinking water. They come in a variety of forms, including reverse osmosis filtration, water distiller, kitchen faucet and water pitcher.
It is important to remember that within the market of countertop water filters, there is a range of systems, performance levels, features and budgets. As a result, you need to do the research first to understand what your household requirements are and which of the products on our best countertop water filter list suit you.
These are a fantastic solution for households that may not have space for an under sink filtration system, or perhaps don’t need the more expensive whole-house solution (such as those who live in small apartments). No matter your circumstances, it is easy to get safe, clean water for your family thanks to the best countertop water filters, whilst saving money on bottled water.
Key Considerations for choosing the best countertop water filter
There are many factors and features to consider when you’re looking for the very best countertop water filters. As a result, we’ve put together a list of the key considerations you will want to think about before buying a water filter. This will allow you to make a shortlist of the most suitable and cost-effective products for your individual needs.
Water Quality
Before you take any kind of action about buying a filter, it is important to make sure you know the water that feeds into your home. You will want to test your water source if you haven’t already done so in order to know what specific water contaminants are in your water. This is particularly important if you live in an area of particularly hard water, utilise well water or simply live in an area that is known to have poor types of water and not the high quality we come to expect.
You have two main options here and the first one is to speak to your local municipal water supplier and ask for a water report. The vast majority will have these on hand or will send them out automatically as many people nowadays are concerned about water quality and want to install a filter.
The second option is to buy a water testing kit for you to perform at home. Once more, these come in a range of kits that will test different levels of water contaminants and can either show results immediately or must be sent off to a laboratory for results. The more efficient kits that test for a lot of minerals and contaminants will need to be sent away but that may be worth it to know exactly what filter you need for maximum performance.
After carrying out a thorough test, you should be armed with the knowledge needed to assess each countertop water filter and shortlist the ones that protect you from the contaminants found in your household water supply.
Types of Water Filters
There are many factors and features to consider when you’re looking for the very best countertop water filters. As a result, we’ve put together a list of the key considerations you will want to think about before buying a water filter. This will allow you to make a shortlist of the most suitable and cost-effective products for your individual needs.
Faucet
As suggested by the name, a faucet water filter is a type of countertop filter that connects to your home’s water supply through the faucet in your kitchen or bathroom. This is generally viewed as the most efficient type of countertop filter because when you turn the faucet on, the water flows through the water pipes, into the filter and out of the faucet. This means you get filtered water immediately, without waiting for a tank or pitcher to fill up.
The second benefit of having a faucet water filter is that they are pretty easy to install thanks to advances in technology and more uniform designs and fittings. This means you don’t need to get a professional plumber in, adding to the overall cost.
Where faucets will fall down is that you are always using the filter (unless it has a feature where you can turn it off). If you can’t switch it off, then all water flowing through the faucet will be filtered, which can waste the filter and so cause you to replace it more frequently than desired.
Water Pitcher
The other main type of best countertop water filter is a water filter pitcher. Most of us will have used one of these in the past and they don’t require any kind of plumbing into the faucet or water system.
The obvious benefit for choosing a water filter pitcher is that it is portable, meaning you can pop it in the fridge to chill or take it with you when travelling. This is a big help for those who like to travel or move around in an RV, knowing you can always have safe, clean drinking water no matter where you are. For those that travel, this filter is the best to aim for.
A water filter pitcher has a few downsides to consider, particularly for those living in busy households with children. Firstly, they take a while to filter the water so if you forget to refill it then you could be waiting 10-20 minutes for filtered water. Secondly, if you have children then they may struggle to lift the pitcher as they get very heavy when full.
Countertop Water Distiller
A countertop water distiller is another in the category of best countertop water filters but it operates in a different way to the previous filter systems. Water distillers turn the water into steam and then turning it back into clear, distilled water again usually into a jug or pot that sits next to it. It can also be fitted to the kitchen faucet depending on the model you buy and your kitchen sink layout.
Water distillers are highly effective filter systems and can also include an activated carbon filter to further clean the water, removing certain minerals found in the gases.
Countertop Reverse Osmosis
These filtration systems won’t often be found in the best countertop water filters unless you are looking at the very high end, as they are expensive. A reverse osmosis water system is normally found in an under sink filtration system and delivers incredibly clean water.
This is one of the most effective ways of filtering water as it has the potential to remove up to 99.9% of contaminants found in your water supply. It works by forcing water through the pipes into a semi-permeable membrane, normally under high pressure. This produces clean tap water but also produces wastewater as a by-product.
Budget
One of the key considerations for any purchase you make and a counter top water filter is no different. There is such a variety to choose from, each with a specific set of characteristics. This includes types of counter top water filter, type of filtration method (e.g. reverse osmosis), capacity, flow rate and remineralization features.
As a result, you could be spending anywhere from $40-$50 all the way into £1000 and over. In reality, the average price ranges from $50 to £300 but for a hardworking, effective filtration for an average household then you are likely to be spending a fair amount.
Fortunately, with improvements in technology and competition from the big manufacturers, the maintenance costs in the form of new filters are coming down in price as the filter life span and performance increase, so the long-term benefits will far outweigh costs.
Filtration performance
The big one – how good is the countertop water filtration system at filtering out the contaminants in your water supply. If you have tested your water source or have a report of what its makeup is, then you will easily be able to evaluate the filtration ratings and performance.
Manufacturers normally choose to develop filters that offer some general performance, clearing the most common contaminants but then focus on other specific issues. For example, many will choose to be efficient at getting rid of chlorine or heavy metals. This is possible because they play a big part in the taste and smell of water, as well as for health reasons.
The most effective filtration systems will also remove the good minerals found in water supplies including calcium and magnesium. So looking for ones that offer a remineralization step where they add back in some of these good minerals may be important for you as it will help move the water back to a more neutral/alkaline water level.
Some countertop filters are gravity fed, reducing the need for water pressure or power connected to them, which can be an important factor in determining the performance.
Installation
This is normally a fairly big consideration when looking at water filtration systems for a household, but for counter top water filters that is not really the case. It is very rare that you will find a countertop water filtration system that is difficult to install, with the vast majority of faucet filters quick and easy to install on your kitchen sink. They should come with clear, easy to follow instructions and most also offer video guides online or customer service helplines to call. If in doubt, ask others how easy it was to install a countertop water filter in their home.
Water filter pitchers will require no installation other than setting them up and following the guidelines, normally involving washing it first and ensuring all the parts are put in the correct way. No matter your choice, do keep an eye on customer countertop water filter reviews and manufacturer comments about installation to make sure you’re happy you can manage the process.
Maintenance
It is very important to remember that buying a countertop water filter is only the starting point and you must maintain it to ensure that you continue getting clean, safe, filtered drinking water. Fortunately, most filters are easy to maintain and require minimal effort thanks to long-lasting filters and smart designs.
The most important aspect of maintenance is ensuring that you monitor the filter and replace it when it’s no longer performing correctly. Some systems will offer an LED light or notification of when this needs to be done but for others, you need to manually check and monitor it. This can be a bit more difficult to do and easy to forget.
Following on from this point, the more effective water filters use more than one filter and so this adds up in terms of cost and effort. However, it is still normally a very cost-effective way of making sure your household has safe, clean drinking water.
The Pros and Cons
There are some fantastic advantages to choosing a countertop water filter, as well as some potential pitfalls that you should consider prior to making a purchase. If these pitfalls don’t affect you, then it is likely that these water filters will fit perfectly into your life.
Pros
Here are some of the main reasons why you should buy a countertop water filter:
Price
Countertop filters are cheap, especially compared to some of the other types of water filtration system on the market and they will still offer very respectable results. You will be looking at paying on average anywhere between $50 to $350 depending on the type, brand and performance. However, there are some high-level systems that go beyond this depending on your specific requirements.
It is also important to remember that you will be saving money by not needing to buy any bottled water from the store, saving both time, money and protecting the environment.
Compact
The majority of countertop water filters are designed to be compact, space-saving solutions for those that don’t want large boxes or storage tanks, or don’t have much space on your countertop. However, some of the countertop options do have small tanks, so it’s important to factor this in.
Works well
Our findings and feedback from others show that these devices perform well at filtering contaminants in your water supply, including heavy metals, pesticides, chlorine, fluoride and many others.
Installation and Maintenance
These are remarkably easy to install, even for those with no experience and so you can buy them with peace of mind that you can get them set up quickly and start filtering water right away. Likewise, these countertop water filters require minimal maintenance other than changing the filter cartridges at the appropriate moment, which the system itself will normally prompt you to do.
Cons
Here are some of the pitfalls to consider before purchasing countertop filters:
Design limitation
Sadly, these filtration systems haven’t been designed to look the most stylish or modern and so you will have to live with it looking slightly out of place, compared to the rest of the kitchen. That being said, they have improved the designs in recent years so there are some that don’t look too bad.
Single faucet
These filters are designed to work with a single faucet and so if you want a filtration system that works with multiple faucets or multiple rooms, then you should look at alternatives. Those alternatives will obviously cost a fair amount more and offer different benefits to these countertop water filters, so think about what you need the system to do.
Slow filtration
As mentioned, these filters are very efficient when it comes to filtering harmful contaminants in your tap water supply, but sadly they are not quick at doing it. So if you use a lot of water or need a quicker solution, this may not be the right choice for you and you will want to think of an alternative water filter, such as a whole-house more powerful system.
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