When human beings did not have access to advanced technology, they used different indigenous methods to purify water. Contaminants from raw or untreated water were removed by boiling the water. After this, water was used for drinking purposes.
Today, technology has evolved and there are a large number of water filters for you to choose from. Many of these are categorized into different groups based on their design and functionality.
Best Countertop Water Filters boast of simple design and perform their primary function very efficiently. Once you install the filter, you just need to switch on the faucet and let the water flow out of it. Its ease of installation and use makes it one of the most popular types of water filters.
Starting from a list of 20+ of the best selling countertop water filters (excluding countertop water dispensers), we narrowed it down to 8 of the only filters worth looking at, depending on your needs. When it comes to countertop filtration, the important factors are design, filtration levels, and filter lifespan.
Table of Contents
Best Countertop Water Filters: Expert Review
1. APEX EXPRT MR-2050 Dual Countertop Drinking Water Filter
This countertop water filter registers an efficiency of 99 percent in removing contaminated substances from tap water. So, you can be sure about getting the water that is hygienic and safe to drink. Apart from eliminating chemical substances like chlorine, radon, chloramine and heavy metals, it does a very good job of making the water odor-free. The filter is built with a mechanism that adds elements like magnesium, calcium and potassium which contribute to raising the alkaline level of the water. It also prevents the possibility of micro-organisms making their way into the water.
The dual filters are designed to be placed above the kitchen countertop which is usually present closer to the sink. The installation process is very simple and it can be connected to most faucets that one finds in a regular kitchen. The product comes in an elaborate kit that has an instruction manual and all the tools you need to set up the filter. Before installing it in the kitchen, make sure that one of the adapters that have been provided is compatible with your faucet. The dual filters have enough capacity to provide you with as much filtered water you need in a day. This helps you save the money you would otherwise spend on procuring bottled mineral water from the store.
Buying a bottle-less water dispenser not only helps you save money but also makes you an environmentally conscious person. In a small but significant way, you will contribute towards reducing the accumulation of plastic waste. The components of this water filter are of very high quality and in accordance with the quality standards set by NSF/ANSI. The filter is assembled in the company’s manufacturing unit in the USA and each product is approved only after undergoing a quality check. The manufacturer provides the buyer with a one-year limited warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee on the product.
PROS And CONS: APEX EXPRT MR-2050
2. AmazonBasics AMZB-G30CW Filtration System
The AmazonBasics AMZB-G30CW water filter makes untreated water go through five stages of purification that ensures the water coming out of the system is as pure as it gets. This water filter is particularly known for being extremely effective in removing chlorine content from the water. Water that comes out of taps usually has an unpleasant odor to it. This filtration system ensures that the unpleasant smell goes away completely in the filtration process and the water acquires a natural and appealing taste.
The filter has proven to deliver 30,000 gallons of filtered water during its lifespan, which is very impressive. While the installation process is quite easy, you do not have to spend much time or effort in maintaining the system. The device is compatible with most standard-sized faucets but does not fit in with spray style or pull-down faucets. This filtration system consists of a diverter valve that makes the process of switching between filtered and unfiltered water very easy. The filter is very effective at removing heavy or large-sized particulates from the water.
Most filtration systems are compatible with kitchen faucets but not with the ones you find in a bathroom. That is not the case with this filtration system. It can be attached to bathroom faucets with effortless ease. The company has been providing a wide range of filters like faucet filters, shower filters, under the sink filters and whole house filters. All the filters are made with high-grade components and last for very long. The same is the case with this filtration system which does not disappoint at all when it comes to its performance.
PROS And CONS: AmazonBasics AMZB-G30CW Filtration System
3. AQUA TRU Countertop Water Filtration Purification System
This is one of the first countertop reverse osmosis water filtration system to have been certified by reputed agencies that test and exercise quality control over these products. It has been certified to eliminate around 76 contaminants from untreated water. Many people are wary of the hassle involved in installing water filters but this one does not even require any plumbing to be done. If you follow the manual that has been provided with it, you can easily set it up without the help of a professional.
What is unique about this filtration system is that you don’t get one or two but as many as three water filters. Based on how frequently you use them to treat water, these filters could cover a lifespan of 6 months to 2 years. Once you feel they have exhausted themselves, you can easily replace them with new units which are quite budget-friendly. The device features an indicator that will keep you updated about the frequency of filter usage and lets you know when there is a need to replace any of the filters. The machine is primarily built with high-quality, BPA-free Tritan plastic.
If you prefer bottled mineral water for its taste and refined quality, this water filter would serve you well. It filters tap water to such an extent that you get the same taste and feel that you are used to getting from packaged drinking water. Many water filters are effective at eradicating chemical substances and heavy metals but fail to get rid of pathogens and other kinds of micro-pollutants. With this device, you will not face any such issue. The tri-filtration system ensures that every single particulate is accounted for in the cleaning process.
PROS And CONS: AQUA TRU Countertop Water Filtration
4. APEX Quality Countertop Drinking Water Filter
Featuring a mechanism that proves to be 99% efficient when it comes to removing contaminants from the water, the APEX countertop water filter produces crystal clear and hygienic water round the clock. The filtration system boasts of several modern features that not only purifies untreated water properly but also lends it an odor-free, natural taste. It has a compact build which makes it very easy for you to move it from one place to another and set it up wherever you wish to. It is very simple and offers a lot of convenience to the user. You can purify untreated water coming from the kitchen faucet directly. It eliminates the need for refilling the container every time you require filtered water.
It features alkaline technology that contributes significantly towards extracting impurities from tap water and serving safe and hygienic water fit for consumption purposes. Apex, as a company, has been in the production of water filtration devices for over two decades and has manufactured quality products consistently. This particular water filter is one of their best products in the water filtration category. The manual you get with it is very well-written and contains detailed instructions. Anybody who possesses basic DIY skills can get it installed and start using it easily. Being a countertop filter, you will have to put some physical effort in placing it on the countertop.
Though the system features just one filter, it has state-of-the-art technology that ensures the filtration process is as effective as it gets. Giardia cysts and Cryptosporidium are two elements that are found in untreated water that can cause a person serious diseases. You need a robust filtration system to remove these elements and this device is very effective in doing that. The alkaline water system is one of the major strengths of this machine but it needs to be replaced once every 12 months. During this period, it is capable of producing 750 gallons of filtered water. The product is manufactured in the United States under the guidance and observation of technical experts. It has also been granted a certificate by the National Safety Federation which speaks volumes about its quality.
PROS And CONS:
You just need basic DIY skills to install it
Made with good quality and eco-friendly components
Available in a variety of colors
Certified by the National Safety Federation
CONS
Not compatible with all kinds of faucets
Price is relatively high
5. ESOW Countertop Water Filter
Built with premium quality stainless steel, the ESOW countertop water filter boasts of a minimalistic and stylish design that instantly catches your attention. It has the kind of mechanism that ensures that no water leakage happens at any point in time. Apart from being leak proof, it is made with components that let the machine last for a very long time and no cracks appear on it regardless of how extensively you use it. It ensures complete protection from corrosion, deformation and other forms of potential damage. This filtration system features a robust lead and powerful technology that helps in ensuring the absolute removal of these substances from the water. It also has a powerful ACF Faucet Filtration System.
The filtration system features a coconut carbon and ceramic filter inside that ensures the removal of different kinds of impurities like chlorine, sand, sediment, heavy metals and rust from the untreated tap water. It ensures complete eradication of bad odor, if any, from the water and the processed water you get has a pleasant taste to it. The device has a high-flow design and can produce as many as ten cups of filtered water every minute. The filter has an average life expectancy of twelve months and can deliver 1000 gallons of clean water in its entire run. The maintenance cost is quite low and it helps you save up on the money you would have spent on acquiring several bottles of mineral water.
The machine has an ergonomic design which makes it very easy for the user to rotate it in different directions. The installation process is very easy and you would not need any additional hardware for installation. It is compatible with most kitchen faucets and you would not, normally, be required to make any modifications to the kitchen sink. The device adheres to safety standards and ensures that the user does not suffer from any kind of harm while operating it. To ensure further safety, you can place a gasket on the connection that leads to the water purifier. Before the product is sent to a store or shipped by an online store, it is inspected and checked thoroughly by industry experts.
PROS And CONS: ESOW Countertop Water Filter
6. AlcaPure Reverse Osmosis Countertop Water Filter
When you source out water from the municipal line or well, you need a very powerful filtration system to remove large amounts of impurities one finds in them. Experts state that reverse osmosis technology is more effective than other systems when it comes to dealing with large-scale impurities. This is one of the best countertop water filters featuring a reverse osmosis system. It is a high-capacity water filter that can be installed in any area which requires water purification. Kitchen, showerhead, bathroom sink – you can set it up at different points in the house with ease. Its elegant design would add to the visual appeal of the corner you put it in.
A reverse osmosis filtration system comes equipped with an RO membrane and high quality carbon filters and a Zero Installation purifier. You get the same components with this filtration system as well. As stated earlier, it can be installed anywhere in the house but is most appropriate to be used in the kitchen area. It boasts of a sleek and modern design that should complement the decor of the area it is installed in. Apart from removing contaminants from the water, it also works towards softening hard water. The controls are very easy to operate and the manual will help you in familiarizing yourself with the multiple features it offers.
It makes water go through four different stages of purification and registers a high-efficiency rate of 99% when it comes to eliminating impurities. It weighs around 23 pounds and is quite convenient to move from one location to another. The product dimensions are 14.5 x 9.5 x 16.2 inches. The water tank is situated on the front end of the machine. That helps you save some space and do away with the requirement of side or top clearance. The device can be easily installed under a kitchen cabinet. The filtration system comes pre-assembled and you just need to spend a few minutes to set it up in your home or office. Once you open the package, you will not have to worry about any missing component or hardware. The manufacturer offers a warranty of one year and a one-year money-back guarantee which is very rare.
PROS And CONS: AlcaPure Reverse Osmosis Countertop Water Filter
7. Express Water EZRO5 Countertop Reverse Osmosis Filtration System
At first glance, the Express Water EZRO5 might look like a very complex machine but it is not. There are four filter bottles connected to each other and fixed to a metallic tray. The way they have been assembled gives you the impression of it being some kind of a scientific experiment. The 4-point installation system makes the process of setting it up very conveniently. It is compatible with most standard faucets and maintaining it very easy and cost-efficient. It features a unique attachment that enables you to switch from regular water flowing out from the taps to the filtration system’s faucet within a few seconds. As there are four filters, the water passes through four stages of purification before it pours out of the faucet.
In the first stage, water goes through a sediment filter that extracts particles like rust, sand, dust and dirt out of the water. In the second stage, it moves across a carbon filter that helps in eradicating contaminants like chlorine, harmful chemical substances and compounds which create an unpleasant smell in the water. The third stage is very important as it includes the reverse osmosis membrane process wherein the most harmful contaminants like chromium, fluoride, lead, TDS, arsenic and radium are removed. In the last stage, water passes through the activated carbon filter that processes a final purity test on the water and ensures no bad odor is present in it.
The company offers a one-year limited warranty on the product and has a very good support team that is well-equipped to provide you with any assistance you need. On average, the filtration system produces 3-4 gallons of purified water every single hour. The flow rate is not very high but the reason behind is that it takes some time for the water to complete the 4-stage purification process. You might have to wait a little but what you get is pure and hygienic water. The device is quite big in size, so you have to check whether you have enough space in your kitchen area or wherever you wish to install it. Somebody who is not too familiar with new-age technology might take a while to get used to the functioning of the machine but once you have used it for a while, you will not face any difficulty.
PROS And CONS: Express Water EZRO5
8. Brondell H630 H2O+ Cypress Countertop Water Filter
This water filter system features a unique Nanotrap technology which is an exclusive property of this filter and this has been patented by the brand. High-quality filtration processes are more commonly associated with under-counter water filter systems. But, this particular technology enables this countertop water filter to remove all kinds of particles from raw water. It is compatible with most standard faucets. The one thing you would need to facilitate the connection is an adapter. One of the most striking features of this filtration system is its delightfully slim and stylish structure. At 6.2 pounds, it is quite light-weight and easy to carry around.
It features three robust water filters in which the water goes through a three-step filtration process. It is known to effectively treat water filled with heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, pesticides and microorganisms, among others. Many harmful chemicals like methoxychlor, atrazine, endrin, atrazine and trihalomethanes which are found in tap water are successfully eliminated by this filtration system. It takes less than ten minutes to set up the system. The device is compatible with most of the home faucets. You can buy a T-valve that is sold as a separate unit if you wish to install the water connection beneath the sink.
All the units manufactured by the company are tested and approved by the Water Quality Association (WQA). It features a well-designed push button control. You can have access to purified water simply at the push of a single button. Also, unlike reverse osmosis systems, the water comes out in a continuous flow. This filtration system is available in two colors, white and black. The manufacturer offers a warranty of one year on the product. The filters are quite durable and affordable, so you will not go through any hassle while replacing them. The device has enough filtration capacity to provide safe and hygienic water for a small-sized family.
PROS And CONS: Brondell H630 H2O+ Cypress Countertop Water Filter
Buying Guide: Best Countertop Water Filters
Because of the convenience they offer, countertop water filters are fast becoming the recommended choice for water filters. There are a lot of products to choose from – some are worth it while the others are not.
In this section of the article, we’ll take a look at the factors to consider when buying a countertop water filter. When you’re done reading this buying guide, you’ll be able to make the right choice that’ll suit your needs and that of your family. We also recommend looking at some faucet water filters if you plan on putting this in your kitchen.
Type Of Countertop Water Filters
There are two different types of countertop water filters.
- Water Filter Pitchers: This refers to the jug-like water container that comes with its own filters and filters the water entering it. Some are designed to filter the water as it leaves. Water filter pitchers are compact-sized and can hold at most 25 cups of water (8 oz. standard).
- Conventional Countertop Water Filters: This type of water filter comes in two different variants; a tank model or the tankless model. As the name implies, the tank models come with their own tanks which can hold a limited amount of water. On the other hand, the tankless models are directly connected to the water source. This is where the faucet water filter falls under.
A lot of individuals classify the faucet water filter as a countertop water filter. Well, here at Water Filter IQ, we know better which is why we didn’t include it. If you’re interested in owning a faucet water filter, here’s our review on it.
Having decided which type to buy, you should also consider the following.
Size
You should take note of the amount of space you have left on your countertop if you’re interested in getting the models with a tank. This will help you to plan accordingly and leave ample space for other things on your countertop.
Size can really be a deal breaker if you don’t take it seriously.
Capacity
Getting a tank model? What’s the capacity? How often do you use it? How many persons will be using it? These are some of the important questions you need to ask with regards to capacity.
The larger the household, the larger the size of the unit you’ll need.
Filter lifespan
At this juncture, we expect that you’ve seen a handful of units you’re interested in. Now, take a look at their filter lifespan and compare. Opt for models with higher filter lifespan.
In addition to that, getting a replacement filter shouldn’t be as difficult as finding an eagle’s egg. We recommend buying the replacement filters in bulk to ensure that you don’t run out of filters – and you’ll get to save money too.
Contaminants you want to remove
Knowing the contaminants in your water can go a long way in helping you select the perfect water filter. If your water is directly sourced from the city, a trip to the municipality office will furnish you with the list of contaminants in your water.
Most manufacturers indicate the type of contaminants their products can remove. Crosscheck with your list to see if the contaminants in your water can be removed by the countertop water filter or simply measure the drop in Total Dissolved Solids (TDS).
Installation
Although most countertop water filters don’t require installation e.g. the water filter pitcher, the ones that do should be done by either a professional or a DIY enthusiast who has experience in such installations.
This will ensure that the product isn’t damaged and will prevent the warranty from being voided.
Look out for certifications
Certifications help to build consumer confidence in products. Look out for certifications for the filter as well as the water filter in general.
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Countertop Water Filter
1) What are countertop water filters?
A countertop water filter is one that has an elongated spout which can be installed beside the kitchen sink. It is also referred to as a point-of-use filtration system as it can be set up anywhere you need to have access to clean water. These filters are made with the primary goal of removing the impurities that are found in untreated water coming from different sources so that the water can become safe and hygienic enough for consumption. It can be connected directly to a faucet. Water coming out of the faucet can be poured directly into a cup or a glass and be used for drinking purposes.
2) What are the different types of countertop water filters?
Countertop water filters are available in different types. Some of these are listed below.
a) Carbon Filters
This is the kind of filter you need if you are particular about the taste of the water you drink. It eliminates odor and lends a pleasant taste or flavor to the water. Municipal water plants utilize chemical substances like chlorine and chloramine and water which is sourced out from these plants, invariably, contains these elements. The carbon filter has been designed to eradicate these substances from the water. Apart from volatile organic compounds, the carbon filters are good at eradicating herbicides and pesticides. They follow a process called adsorption to reduce the number of contaminants in the water. When natural compounds come closer to carbon, they get attached to it. When water goes through the filter, the contaminants stick to the exterior surface of the carbon. That results in the foul smell or odor going away from the water.
b) Ceramic Filters
If you are concerned over the presence of bacterial content or microbiological organisms in the water, you should opt for a ceramic filter. It uses an infinite number of microscopic pores to extract bacteria and sediments from the water. The porous surface has a micron rating ranging from 0.7-0.5 microns. A bacteria’s size is around one micron and therefore, would not be able to pass through the ceramic casing. The ceramic casing is infused with silver, a material that prevents the growth of microorganisms on the exterior of the filter. Ceramic is an organic filter and can be washed and used multiple times. The durability of ceramic filters makes them very popular.
c) Water Distillers
The process of water distillation is very similar to the traditional methods people adopted to purify water. Water evaporates from natural sources like lakes and oceans due to heat and gets condensed in the outer atmosphere. It precipitates and returns to earth in the form of dew or rain. A water distiller boils water till a point it turns into steam. It then condenses, cools it down and produces it in liquid form. This is one of the most organic methods of purifying water by a water filter.
3) What are the things I need to do before buying a countertop water filter?
Buying a countertop water filter or any product for that matter, requires careful planning. Since you will be paying for it, you have to set aside a budget. Once you do that, you will look for products only in that price range. It will also prevent you from spending more than you intend to. Then, you need to test the water you get at your home with a water test kit. By doing this, you will get to know the kind of contaminants present in your water. For instance, if your water supply has a high amount of chlorine content in it, you must get a countertop water filter that is known to be efficient at dealing with it.
It is important to spend some time doing research on the contaminants as it will give you a good idea about the health of your water. Once you are done with this, go through different brands and models online. You will get enough information about the product from their official website or even from the site which has put them up on sale. Once you are sure that a particular product will meet your requirements, go for it.
Conclusion: Best Countertop Water Filters
Countertop water filters take up minimal space, are mostly portable, and do a good job of purifying the water even when they get limited water pressure. The best part is that you have the freedom to set them up in an area where you actually need fresh and hygienic water. They use a variety of filters to ensure that the water coming out of your taps is devoid of impurities and fit for consumption. There are various types and models to choose from. While most of them are beneficial in some way or the other, look around for a while and settle for the one that you feel would fulfill your needs and expectations best.
Also Read: 10 Best Reverse Osmosis Systems