How to Choose a Countertop Water Filter
In your day to day lives, you hear how our water are considerable becoming more contaminated, as our consumption increases. Yet we need clean water to function at our best. We push our bodies to their fullest potential through physical activity, our careers, and pursuing our wildest aspirations.
Or you are a health-conscious individual that started to notice that your water is different. The water is not as clear as before, and testing the water finds that there are unwanted particles in it. You can buy a filtered bottle water, but let's admit, this is a costly expense. Therefore, you will have to repeatedly buy, and more plastic will be produced and end up in the waters we drink from.
So where can you get purified water without causing more damage to your health and the environment? An excellent solution available is a countertop water filter. You might already know this, and thus have been overwhelmed by the immense number of options available.
This guide will help you choose a countertop water filter for your home so you can change your life for the better.
Why You Need a Countertop Water Filter
Dangers of Unpurified Water
Utilizing water filters will help eliminate impurities from your tap water. Additionally, some of these water filters also can stimulate weight loss and help boost your immune system. The filter removes the contaminants and alkalizes the water, creating an invigorating drinking experience to revitalize your body's cells.
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Unpurified water can have harmful metals, such as lead, which can lead to future medical problems, such as intestinal problems, dehydration, and even death. The water can be further contaminated by the following:
- E. coli
- nitrates
- fluoride
- arsenic
- radium
- radon
- herbicides
- pesticides
- fecal matter
Minerals are common in hard water, and can lead to a copper or other metal taste that is unpleasant to the drinker.
Benefits of Purified Water
Water that has went through the purification process means you will miss out on absorbing the impurities in regular tap water. In different areas, the levels of what might be labeled as contaminants vary. However, we can come to an agreement that we do not want unnecessary chemicals in our water that provides no added benefit. The filters remove heavy metals, chemicals, and other contaminants in ground and tap water.
Some purification systems do this task better than others. A water filter system, like charcoal filters, are able to remove chlorine from the water, which is added to the public water as a disinfectant to remove bacteria. Removing chlorine from the water might interest you, as chlorine has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, such as colorectal cancer. These filters produce a clean tasting water that can be enjoyed at any time right from your very home.
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Countertop Water Filters vs. Faucet Mount Water Filters
Countertop water filters are models that have an adapter with a tube on one end that is attached to a kitchen faucet. The aerator on the faucet is replaced by the tube. The model is positioned to sit next to the sink on the counter.
You then position the unit so the water outflow pours into the sink. Operate the sink like normal, turning the water on and off by using the original sink handle. You are able to switch back and forth from using the water filter to the sink faucet by a diverter incorporated in the water filter.
So, if you do not want to use filtered water when you are cleaning the kitchen, it is possible to do so. As a caution, do not use extreme hot water with the counter top water filter, as this will damage the water filter.
Advantages of Using Countertop Water Filters
When you switch counter top filter in your kitchen, you will notice how it is very convenient to use. There is nothing to refill or replace after many uses. The initial setup is very easy to do and the future maintenance is not a hassle as well. The only maintenance is to change the filter out here and there, depending on the brand of water filter you buy.
The filter units also do not take up a lot of space on the counter. These water filters can be bought at a decent price and still be very effective for you. If you have a vacation home and do not want to buy another filter, you can unscrew the counter top water filter and take it with you.
Disadvantages of Using Countertop Water Filters
There are a few inconveniences with using these filters that some user has noted, so will be added here so you can make the right decision. Understand that these type of water filters can only be used with a standard kitchen faucet, so the fancy faucets users are out of luck with these units.
The tubing can also be awkward, especially if you place the unit in a compromising position on the counter. This will not affect the use of the filter unless the tube is physically knotted.
Small units like these can also eliminate only so many contaminants. They do not produce the dame quality as full house system water filters, but they do get the job done if water that is effectively purified is your desire.
How do Faucet Mount Filters Compare?
For cheap home filters, people usually look towards faucet mount water filters. They attach directly to the faucet, which can lead to problems like increased pressure, cracks, and leaks in the filter. These filters need to be replaced more frequently than countertop water filters. Countertop water filters are more sturdier and cost effective in the long run than faucet mount filters.
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Best Countertop Water Filters
When looking to buy a counter top water filter, there are a few things you should consider before deciding to buy one. You should ask yourself these questions:
What Contaminants are Removed By This Particular Unit and By How Much?
Water filter all have different fulfillments, so it is best to read what each unit offers, as you might want something that does eliminate chlorine. You will also want to look for a counter top filter that is able to reduce at least 90% of the contaminants that concern you the most.
How Long Will the Unit Last?
Countertop filters are units that need to have their filters replaced. Some need to be changed more frequently than others depending on how many contaminants they are able to remove. The average life of most filters are a few months up to a year, and this also depends on usage and quality of the tap water. Filter life will determine how much you will be putting into the filter system.
How Easy is it to Replace the Filter?
Consider if the brand is well known and the filters can be bought easily in store or on-line.
Does it Come with a Warranty?
A warranty of a least 6 months will ensure that you are getting a quality product.
Is it using Reverse Osmosis?
While Reverse Osmosis is an awesome purification feature, you need to be careful to replace minerals lost by the RO process.
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The Top 11 Countertop Water Filters
Now you know the importance of countertop water filters. Here are the top 11 best countertop water filters for your consideration, in no particular order.
APEC Portable Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System
This filter system will be different from the rest, as it is a reverse osmosis system, an extensive method to purify the water. It does sit next to the sink on the counter. If you are looking for an extremely effective method to eliminate contaminants from your tap water, this is the way to go.
[amazon box="B00IB14XDU"]
Pros
Cons
Removes up to 99% of contaminants
Will remove healthy minerals from the water
Filters only need to be replaced every 6 to 8 months for stage 1 and 2 filters
A final product of the filtration process is wasted water
Stage 3 and 4 filters can last up to 2 to 3 years
This unit is quite expensive
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Home Master TMJRF2 Jr F2 Countertop Water Filtration System
This filtration system creates highly pure water and its space saving design means you are still able to utilize your counter.
[amazon box="B005A3WRA8"]
Pros
Cons
Simple and easy installation
Fluoride filter can only work for 3 months before needing to be replaced
Reduces up to 93% of contaminants
Does not reduce micro-organism like E. coli
3 year warranty
Not expensive
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New Wave Enviro 10 Stage Water Filter
You are able to enjoy filtered water that has undergone a 10 stage purification process. The unit is able to eliminate bacteria, lead, and chlorine from tap water.
[amazon box="B018WG5SGY"]
Pros
Cons
Eliminates the harmful contaminants, like trihalomethanes, arsenic,mercury, pesticides, and herbicides
Does not reduce fluoride
Easy installment
Company has not given any available data on how much of the contaminants are reduced
Not expensive, with a 1 year warranty and a 30 day money back guarantee
Unresponsive customer support
Filter last for 1500 gallons or 1 year of use
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CleanWater4Less® Countertop Water Filtration System
A very popular water filtration system, this unit is very cost-effective and will remove most of the contaminants in your tap water.
[amazon box="B00IYT2E12"]
Pros
Cons
Can filter contaminants in 10,000 gallons of water before the filter needs to be replaced
No filter change warning light
Easy installation instructions and not expensive
Does not filter fluoride
Eliminates bacteria, harmful chemicals, and dangerous minerals
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Aquasana Countertop Drinking Water Filter System
This unit is a very budget-friendly solution and is very efficient.
[amazon box="B005V08722"]
Pros
Cons
Removes up to 97% of the contaminants in the water
Slow in filtering the water
Removes chlorine, lead, pharmaceuticals, bad tastes and smells
Does not need any permanent fixtures and suitable for travel
Retains the healthy minerals in the water
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KOR Waterfall I Reusable Countertop Water Filtration System
The water fall uses the power of coconut shells to purify and filter the water, producing a great tasting drink.
[amazon box="B01HC79R8E"]
Pros
Cons
Filter lasts for 80 gallons or 4 months
Slow filtration
Removes bad tastes and smells. chlorine, and chloramines
Beautiful design to fit any kitchen
Can create multiple carafes of water to fit your desires
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Big Berkey BK4X2 Countertop Water Filter System
This popular model will absorb most contaminants in the tap water. The filters also have a long lifespan of 3,000 gallons.
[amazon box="B00R6YVRAU"]
Pros
Cons
Comes in various sizes to fit many different sizes of counters
Expensive
Removes fluoride (but has to be replaced after 1,000 gallons)
Poor instructions
Great taste
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Ecosoft Countertop Drinking Water Filter System for Faucet Mount
This is a high quality filtration system with a European design.
[amazon box="B01GXQX6LE"]
Pros
Cons
Removes chlorine, chloramines, rust, lead, bad taste and odor, and sediment particles in tap water
Poor installation instructions
A filter lasts up to 1,500 gallons or 6 months
Very affordable
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APEX EXPRT MR-2050 Quality Dual Countertop Water Filter
If you want something a bit more powerful in removing the contaminants but still saves space on the counter, then this model could be the right choice for you.
[amazon box="B07GBNB7VG"]
Pros
Cons
Removes 99% of substances found in tap water
Not cost effective
Absorbs chlorines, chloramines, benzene, radon, heavy metals, and microorganisms
Connects to most kitchen faucets with easy installation
Increases the alkalinity of the water by adding potassium, magnesium, and calcium back into the water
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iSpring CKC1C Countertop Drinking Water Filtration System
This interesting filtering system allows you to see the process at work.
[amazon box="B00A2WTLAQ"]
Pros
Cons
Removes 95% of contaminants
Needs an adapter for some faucets
Absorbs chlorine, odors, sand, silt, sediment, rust, volatile organic compounds (pesticides and herbicides)
Does not lower PPM on TDS meter
Easy installation with 1 year warranty
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Brondell H630 H2O+ Cypress Countertop Water Filter System
A very powerful filtration system to bring tasty and pure water into your home.
[amazon box="B00EEDJSES"]
Pros
Cons
Has a convenient faucet attachment
Filter does not remove calcium
Water dispensed quickly like reverse osmosis systems without the hassle
Filters industrial chemicals, chlorine, particulates, and volatile organic compounds
Easy installation
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The Final Verdict
All of the counter top water filters are worth it, and depending on how much you want to spend or how much you want to filter your water, there is one here to fit your desire. A healthy body starts by drinking a filtered glass of water. The filters do an incredible job of removing contaminants out of tap water, creating a better drinking experience, causing you to want to drink more water. Staying hydration will revitalize your body and improve your body's immune system. Consider investing in a countertop water filter system today.
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