Pure drinking water is undoubtedly becoming rare with each passing day no matter where you live. A few decades ago, such a thought would have never occurred to us but here we are. Luckily, technology has allowed us to find unique solutions to this problem and Best Under Sink Water Filters are one of them.
Almost every city around the world has water treatment plants but unfortunately, there is no guarantee that the water you get is free from impurities or harmful substances. In today’s age, it is extremely important to have a water filter system in your home.
There are the Best Under Sink Water Filters systems you can buy. Amongst the various types out there, the under-sink water filters are becoming more popular amongst nuclear families. These filters are installed under the sink and help you to save a considerable amount of space. To help you find the right one for your needs, here are the 8 Best Under Sink Water Filters available for purchase.
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Best Under Sink Water Filters With Our Expert Review:
1. Express Water 11 Stage Under Sink Water Filter with Faucet
Featuring a UV purification system, this is an alkaline water filter with Active Mineral Technology, an emergency leak detector, a 0.8 GPM chrome faucet, double-sealed filter housings and a 1-year warranty. Its design is more functional rather than visual but at the same time looks good enough to not be an eyesore. It’s about 15 x 14 x 5 inches in size so make sure that you have sufficient cabinet space before buying it.
One of the best aspects of this filter system is that it provides eleven stages of purification and removes a wide range of impurities and contaminants such as salmonella, fungi, pesticides, lead, chromium, dust, sulfate and more. In the first stage, it filters out dirt, dust and rust. Then in the second and third stages, it filters out pollutants such as chlorine and also unpleasant odors. The fourth stage then removes more dangerous contaminants such as lead and chromium.
Then from the fifth stage to the ninth stage, the alkaline filters add antioxidants and oxygen to the water. This is when the five stages of mineralization also kick in. Once that is done, in the tenth stage, the UV sterilizer removes up to 99 percent of harmful microorganisms such as E.coli and various bacteria. Finally, in the last stage, the post activated carbon filter adds an extra level of filtration to give you a refreshing, safe and purified glass of water.
You also get a few unique features like the double-sealed filters and the leak stop valve which give it added value. The leak stop valve in particular is very useful because it shuts down the water flow as soon as it detects excess water. This is done via a fabric disk that is placed on the floor near the system.
When water gets absorbed by the disk, it will automatically stop the water supply and prevent extra leakage. Apart from the above features, you also get a 0.8 GPM faucet which allows you to always have excellent water flow. It also doesn’t make any sound throughout the filtration process and is known for improving the taste of the water (subjective).
PROS And Cons: Express Water 11 Stage Under Sink Water Filter
2. APEC Water Systems ROES-50 Essence Series Top Tier 5-Stage
With a WQA certified filtration system, lead-free designer faucet, JG food grade tubing, premium quality filters, a high rejection RO membrane and a 2 year extended warranty, this one is perfect for those looking for a high output water filtration system. In terms of size, it measures 16 x 5.25 x 17.5 inches which makes it fairly bigger than other products on this list. It is still small compared to other types of water filtration devices though.
Similar to other RO water filter systems, this one also comes with a 5 stage process. It also comes with a WQA certification which gives it a certain amount of validity as far as removing impurities are concerned. The reverse osmosis process can remove up to 99 percent of various contaminants such as fluoride, lead, heavy metals and undesirable odors. The carbon block filters in particular are very efficient at removing undesirable elements and are designed to last for a long time. When it comes to taste, this product is very unique as it significantly improves the taste due to the mineralization process. It adds calcium carbonate in the alkalization stage which makes the final output tasty and free from any bad odors.
The faucet that comes included in the pack is easily one of the best looking ones amongst its competitors. It looks absolutely gorgeous if you are a fan of minimalist design. It uses a certified JP food-grade tubing that ensures that the water that passes through it is safe. All the fittings come with stainless steel teeth with an excellent grip for holding everything in place properly. You also get a special O-ring with it that helps to prevent leaks from occurring. Having a leak detector will be helpful of course, but it’s not a necessity with this filter system like it is with others.
The installation, however, will take up to 1 or 2 hours depending on how handy you are with tools. If you have installed an under sink water filter system before, it shouldn’t take you much time. If you are inexperienced and don’t know how to do it properly, you can either refer to the online installation videos or contact a plumber to do it more quickly.
PROS And Cons: APEC Water Systems ROES-50 Essence Series
3. iSpring CU-A4 4-Stage High Capacity Under Sink Drinking Water System
This water filter utilizes a 4 stage filtration process and comes with a compact design, 0.1-micron filtration membrane, a chrome faucet, NSF/ANSI certified tubing and parts and simple twist on/twist off cartridges. With only 10.5 x 4.5 x 12.5 inches in size, this under sink water filtration system is ideal for a small family of three or for those who live in small rented apartments. It’s also designed well in terms of practicality and functionality. Each one of its parts has been made to provide a hassle-free experience for the user and its commendable that they did it.
This one isn’t an RO filter system and so doesn’t have as many purification stages; however, it does a good job of removing the maximum contaminants. With its Ultrafiltration process and KDF/GAC stages, it can remove up to 99 percent of the most commonly found pollutants such as chlorine, lead, arsenic and more. Each filter targets specific types of impurities but their longevity will differ. The PP sediment filter, KDF filter (Kinetic Degradation fluxion) and GAC filter (Granular Activated Carbon) last anywhere between 6 to 12 months whereas the ultra-filtration filter will last for up to 1 year. The duration will change of course, based on the volume of water being filtered.
The 4 stage filtration method uses a PP sediment filter (5-micron rating) that removes large particulate matter such as rust, sand and dust. The ultra-filtration filter with its hollow fiber membrane technology (0.1 microns) along with the KDF and GAC filter removes finer undesirable elements such as hydrogen sulfide and chloramine. Finally, in the last stage, the activated carbon filter provides a final layer of filtration.
Installation is very simple and straightforward as it comes with color-coded tubing and simple push-to-connect fittings. The filter cartridges also come with a simple twist on / twist off functionality which makes changing filters extremely easy and quick. However, the instructions aren’t as straightforward as you might expect them to be. So if you haven’t installed any water filter systems before, you might want to check out videos online.
PROS And Cons: iSpring CU-A4 4-Stage
4. Frizzlife Under Sink Water Filter System High Capacity
If its simplicity and convenience you are after, then this one might be worth looking into. It features a two-stage filtration process, 0.5-micron rating filters, very compact design, in-built shut off valve and a good flow rate of 2.0GPM. Right off the bat, it is important to note that this isn’t for those who are very picky about the water they drink. It does a great job of filtering impurities but not at the level of a 5 stage or 11 stage water filter system.
When it comes to filtration quality, it utilizes a two-stage process where it effectively removes a wide variety of undesirable and dangerous contaminants such as lead, heavy metals, chlorine, rust, carcinogens and more. Its only drawback is that it’s not as efficient as other products when it comes to removing the sulfur smell and taste in water. If you don’t have sulfur smelling water, this won’t affect you but if you are one of those who have it, it would be better to go for a heavy-duty water filter system.
Where this product shines is in its ingenuity. Every aspect of its design has a lot of thought behind it and is made to provide better convenience. The design is very simple and highly compact making it perfect for single individuals who live in small apartments. The twist type application allows you to install it in under 5 minutes which is a blessing for those who don’t like spending hours lying down under the sink. You don’t even need to have tools to install this which makes it one of the most convenient and compact water filter systems you can buy today.
It also comes with an in-built shut off valve which allows you to replace the cartridges without shutting down the water supply. Each filter should last up to 1600 gallons of water or two years but you will have to change the cartridges every 4 to 6 months based on usage. Due to its compact design and easy installation process, you can use it for many different purposes. You can install it for your refrigerator, ice maker or in your bathroom. It’s also a great gift to give to your family and friends.
PROS And Cons: Frizzlife Under Sink Water Filter System
5. Waterdrop TSC Under Sink Water Filter System
It features a smart filter life indicator, battery-powered filter system, advanced integrated waterway for preventing leakage, dual carbon filtration system, brushed nickel faucet and a compact, aesthetically pleasing design. It’s also important to note that Waterdrop invests in clean water programs for children, families and communities. So by buying a single filter from them, you will be able to help one child get one day’s worth of clean drinking water.
The filtration system is tested against NSF standards and can remove most of the common harmful contaminants such as chlorine, lead, mercury, arsenic and fluoride. In place of the traditional 3 stage filter system, this one utilizes great quality coconut carbon filters to provide great tasting water. Taste is sometimes overlooked in water filter systems as most consider purity to be more important. Luckily with this one, you get both which is always a plus.
Its most unique aspect is that it is battery-powered. You won’t have to worry about power issues affecting your ability to get clean drinking water. In the long term, this adds a ton of value both in terms of convenience and cost. However, the battery compartment is at the back and you might find it challenging when you need to fix or replace the batteries. Do keep that in mind when installing it. It also comes with an advanced integrated waterway that allows you to change filters without cutting off the water supply and to prevent leakage from occurring.
The vertical design also allows you to save a lot of space as long as your cabinets are tall. As far as installation is concerned, it’s not as quick as the product above but it’s simple enough for anyone to install. Depending on your experience, it can take ½ hour to 1 hour to do the full installation. Filter longevity is pretty standard as the PP filter needs to be replaced every 6 months whereas the CS and CT filters can last up to a full year.
PROS And Cons: Waterdrop TSC Under Sink Water Filter System
6. APEC WFS-1000 Super Capacity 3 Stage Under-Sink Water Filter
It comes with a high-quality stainless steel faucet, long-lasting premium filters, FDA certified JG food grade tubing, dual carbon block filters, lifetime support and a 1-year warranty. The design is simple and similar to other APEC water filter systems. However, it’s not very compact and is almost as big as those that come with four to five filters. At 6 x 15 x 12 inches in size, it would be wise to check your cabinet for sufficient space before buying it. Similar to Waterdrop, APEC also contributes to a clean water program every time you purchase one of their products.
When it comes to filtration, it is easily one of the best in its price range. All three 10 inch filters are high capacity too and need to be replaced only once per year. The PP sediment filter removes large contaminants such as rust, sand and dust. The water then passes through the extruded carbon block filter where undesirable odors and chemicals are eliminated. In the last stage, the other carbon block filter further refines the filtration process and eliminates any remaining impurities. It is also important to note that this filtration process also retains more minerals than other similar products and therefore provides higher alkalinity.
The installation will take some time for inexperienced users but luckily the instructions are straightforward and easy to grasp. You will need to have a basic understanding of the tools though to install it without major hassles. If you are not confident about your installation skills, it would be wiser to hire a plumber than to risk damaging it. If you are somewhat savvy with tools, you should be able to install it within an hour.
Overall, when you look at the performance, this is one of the few water filtration systems out there that is almost as efficient as an RO filter system without the consequence of wasting a lot of water. The filtration system is truly unique in terms of effectiveness. You also get great value with this product because it not only comes with high capacity filters but it also comes with a 1-year warranty and lifetime support from a WQA certified water specialist.
PROS And Cons: APEC WFS-1000 Super Capacity 3 Stage Under-Sink Water Filter
7. Frizzlife Under Sink Drinking Water Filtration
This one is targeted towards those who are looking for a budget water filtration system and a hassle-free installation experience. It comes with two stages of filtration, auto shut off feature, stainless steel faucet, multi-usage capability and a highly compact, cylindrical design. The filtration efficiency of this product won’t be as high as the heavy-duty ones but for its price, it does a great job of removing impurities.
The filtration process is straightforward as it utilizes a simple 2 stage filtration process. The sediment filter cartridge comes with a 5-micron rating and removes large particulate matter such as dust, sand, rust and silt. The carbon block filter (0.5 microns) then removes the finer impurities such as lead, mercury, heavy metal, chlorine and odor. Each filter cartridge will last up to 2 years or 1600 gallons of water. With average usage, you will have to replace the filters every 6 to 8 months.
Where this product differs from the rest is in its unique design. Most Frizzlife water filters have cartridges inside the plastic container and so there is no need to change the container itself. This helps a lot in reducing plastic wastage because you don’t have to keep buying and throwing containers whenever you need to replace the filters.
Installation is extremely easy and similar to other small water filter systems. It will probably take up to 5 minutes and you don’t even need any tools to install it. It’s also ideal for multi-usage due to its compact design and you can set it up for your refrigerator, ice maker, or sink as per your requirements. The filter cap also comes with an automatic shut off valve that stops the water flow when you have to replace the cartridges. The stainless steel faucet can be easily installed in most sinks but you might face some difficulty if you have a thick granite counter. If that’s the case, it would be wiser to hire a plumber to ensure that your counter or faucet won’t get damaged.
PROS And Cons: Frizzlife Under Sink Drinking Water Filtration
8. Waterdrop 10UB Under Sink Water Filter System
If you are on a very tight budget and live in a small apartment with very less cabinet space, then this one might be the one for you. It comes with a very attractive, affordable price tag, amazing design, multi-usage capability, premium looking faucet, BPA-free parts and great indoor/outdoor use too. The black matte finish along with the compact, cylindrical design looks great after installation and is perfect for those who don’t have a closed cabinet under their sink.
Though it may not look like it, it comes with a five-stage filtration process and has been tested against NSF standards to ensure the elimination of common contaminants. Each filter comes with a polyester membrane, activated carbon block, KDF, fluoride remover and a scale inhibitor. The first four stages remove most of the common impurities in water. At the last stage, the scale inhibitor removes large particulate matter build up in the water. So with regular use, any buildup is constantly removed which in turn leads to less maintenance.
It also doesn’t require any electricity making it cost-effective in the long run. Installation is as easy as it can get and will only take you a few minutes to set it up. If you have an RV, you can use it in tandem with Waterdrop’s RV inline water filter to get refreshing and clean drinking water when you are on the road. This is not unique to this product as most similar filter systems can also be used in RVs but it is a nice feature to have for those who like to go camping or on road trips now and then.
With a full flow rate of 2.0 GPM at 60psi, you will get water quickly. It won’t be fast as some of the other filter systems out there but it is solid for a product at such an affordable price point. The filter will last up to 12 months or 8000 gallons of water with average use. Considering everything it provides, it is easily one of the best affordable under sink water filter systems available for purchase today.
PROS And Cons: Waterdrop 10UB Under Sink Water Filter
Buying Guide: Best Under Sink Water Filters
Before buying Best Under Sink Water Filters, there are a few key aspects you need to keep in mind to ensure that your needs are met properly. Here are some of the most important things to consider while buying one.
- Type of Filter – Under the sink water filters come in mainly three types; conventional filters, simple filters and RO filters. The conventional under sink water filter lasts longer but requires an additional faucet for dispensing filtered water and is a little difficult to install. The simple filter, on the other hand, is very easy to install but will require you to change the filters more frequently. The RO filters are one of the most efficient water purification systems but are quite difficult to install.
- Filter Quality – This is of paramount importance as not all filters work in the same way. Some filters are extremely effective and remove most of the contaminants in the water but others are designed to only remove only chlorine or chloramine. The former will be more expensive but it will give you cleaner drinking water. Before buying one, always check for proper certification. You can also check out the Micron ratings of a filter to know how efficient it is. The lower the micron rating, the better it will be at filtering out different types of impurities.
- Life of Best Under Sink Water Filters– If you go for an inline filter, then you don’t want to go through the hassle of installation all over again every few months. Therefore, it would be wiser to go for one that will last for at least six months to a year. Some filter systems provide you with an additional sign up service where they will notify you when it’s time to change your filter. It might not be accurate as it doesn’t take the specific amount of water used in your home daily but it can serve as a reminder of sorts.
- Price Best Under Sink Water Filters – There is a general belief that the more expensive a product is, the more efficient or useful it is. While the quality of an expensive product will always be better than a cheaper one, value-wise it might not. There are some ridiculously expensive water filter systems in the market today and although their quality might be high, you might not even need most of the unique features it offers. It won’t hurt to have extra features of course but will it provide you enough value to justify the price?
- Warranty and Support Best Under Sink Water Filters – Any product that has a warranty or comes with good support will help you a lot in the long run. Most products will have either both or at least one of them but generally, the better the customer service it offers, the more value you will get overtime. It shouldn’t be considered as a pre-requisite, however, as not all products come with such services and you might miss out on a really good product. Instead, think of it as an additional feature and keep it in the back of your mind when perusing through different models.
Final Word: Best Under Sink Water Filters
For the majority of households, you can ensure 100% safety and great taste with our pick for the Best Under Sink Water Filters: The Express Water 11 Stage Under Sink Water Filter. You get full reverse osmosis at an affordable price from a best-selling brand.
If having safe and clean drinking water, Best Under Sink Water Filters is probably the right choice for you. If you are looking for a less expensive solution, you may want to consider a countertop water filter or water filter pitcher.
Also Read: 10 Best Reverse Osmosis Systems