The way to make sure your drinking water is safe is to get a high-quality filter. Not all water filters are the same; unfortunately, your trusty BRITA won’t go too far in keep harmful chemicals out. But any of these certified kitchen-based systems can ensure you have the cleanest drinking water possible.
The best water filters for the kitchen are selected based on how well they reduce contaminants, ease of use, quality of construction, filter longevity, and price. Five different styles are reviewed here, including both reverse osmosis and carbon-based systems.
Best countertop Pitcher
Clearly Filtered #1 Countertop Water Filter
Clearly Filtered makes the hands-down best pitcher style water filter. It uses a combination of activated carbon, ceramic, and other materials to remove up to 99.99% of contaminants commonly found in tap water, including chlorine, lead, mercury, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and other harmful chemicals. The filter also improves the taste and odor of the water by removing any unpleasant tastes and smells.
It’s easy to use. It simply sits on your countertop and connects to your kitchen faucet with a diverter valve. The filter cartridge needs to be replaced every 100 gallons or every six months.
It’s a reliable and convenient solution for anyone looking to improve the quality of their tap water without having to invest in a more complex and expensive filtration system.sing a unique, BPA-free advanced gravity filter technology, this pitcher eliminates harmful contaminants from tap water, including vinyl chloride, PFAS, fluoride, chlorine, chloramines, VOCs, bacteria, pharmaceuticals, heavy metals and dissolved solids. It doesn't require electricity - so you'll have access to clean water even in the event of a power outage.
Contaminants Removed: 365
Certifications or Testing: Independently tested to NSF (42, 53, 401, and 473)
Process: Activated Carbon
Filter Life: 100 gallons or 6 months
Annual Cost: $70-140
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
Pros: Easy to set up. No electricity required.
Best Gravity Filter
Big Gravity Water Filter System
This amazing water filter system uses a gravity-fed filtration process that does not require electricity or plumbing, making it a convenient option for use during power outages or where ever access to clean water is limited.
The Big Gravity System is designed to remove a wide range of contaminants, including chlorine, bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The system uses ProOne® filter elements that are made from a proprietary blend of materials, including activated carbon and infused with silver, to provide long-lasting filtration.
The system features a large, stainless steel container that can hold up to 2.75 gallons of water at a time. The container has a spigot at the bottom that allows for easy dispensing of filtered water. The system also includes a set of filters, including a ProOne® G2.0 filter element, which is designed to remove fluoride and other contaminants.
Overall, the ProOne Big Gravity Water Filter System is a reliable and effective option for anyone looking to improve the quality of their drinking water. The system is easy to use, requires minimal maintenance, and provides long-lasting filtration that can help protect against a wide range of contaminants.
Contaminants Removed: 230+
Certifications or Testing: NSF/ANSI-42 component certified
Process: Activated Carbon + Ion Exchange
Filter Life: 1 year
Annual Cost: ~$80-160
Warranty: 30-Day Risk-Free Guarantee; 1-year limited warranty
Pros: Easy to set up. No electricity or plumbing required.
Best countertop reserve osmosis SYSTEM
Bluevua RO100 ROPOT-LITE, 5 Stage Purification
This countertop system uses a 5-stage purification process to remove impurities and contaminants from tap water. The five stages are:
Sediment filter: The first stage of purification involves passing water through a sediment filter that removes any large particles, such as sand, dust, or rust.
Pre-carbon filter: In the second stage, the water is passed through a pre-carbon filter that removes chlorine, odor, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the water.
RO membrane: In the third stage, the water is passed through a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane that removes dissolved solids, such as salts, minerals, and heavy metals.
Post-carbon filter: The fourth stage involves passing the water through a post-carbon filter that further removes any remaining impurities and improves the taste and odor of the water.
UF membrane: In the final stage, the water is passed through a ultrafiltration (UF) membrane that removes any remaining bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms.
The Bluevua RO100 ROPOT-LITE comprehensive 5-stage purification process ensures clean and safe drinking water, free from impurities, contaminants, and harmful microorganisms.
Contaminants Removed: 1000+
Certifications or Testing: NSF/ANSI-42 component certified
Process: Activated Carbon + Reverse Osmosis
Filter Life: 1 year
Annual Cost: ~$80
Warranty: 30-day full refund and a 1-year warranty
Pros: No installation required
Cons: Requires electricity to work
Best Undersink Reverse Osmosis System
Waterdrop G3P800
This reverse osmosis water filtration system is one of the more advanced models among Waterdrop filtration systems and offers a number of features including:
High Efficiency Filtration: The G3P800 uses a seven-stage filtration process, which includes a sediment filter, a pre-carbon filter, a reverse osmosis membrane, a post-carbon filter, a second reverse osmosis membrane, an activated carbon block filter, and a final polishing filter. This ensures that the water is free of contaminants such as chlorine, lead, arsenic, fluoride, and more.
Smart LED Display: The G3P800 features a smart LED display that provides real-time information on the system's operation, water quality, and filter lifespan. It also alerts users when it's time to change the filters.
Fast Water Flow: The G3P800 can produce up to 800 gallons of water per day, making it ideal for larger households or offices.
Easy Installation: The G3P800 is easy to install and comes with all the necessary components, including a lead-free faucet, storage tank, tubing, and more.
The Waterdrop G3P800 is a high-quality water filtration system that is designed to provide clean and safe drinking water for households. Its advanced filtration process, smart LED display, fast water flow, and easy installation make it a popular choice among homeowners.
Contaminants Removed: 1000+
Certifications or Testing: NSF 58, 372
Process: RO + Carbon + UV
Filter Life: 6-24 months
Annual Cost: ~$145
Warranty: 1 year
Pros: High performing with 3 purification technologies; Easy installation; Space saving design
Cons: Requires electricity
Discount: Save $200 with Code ROOTS
Best Undersink Catalytic Carbon System
5-Stage Under Sink Structured Water Filter
If you have a bit extra room under your sink, this triple stage filtration system creates amazing tasting water that has potential health benefits. It uses the best American water filtration technologies for broad spectrum contaminant removal, including vinyl chloride, fluoride, arsenic, and nitrates. It’s unique system then structures and energizes water back into its originally-charged state to support optimal health and mineral balance.
Contaminants Removed: 200+
Certifications or Testing: NSF 58, 372
Process: Catalytic Carbon
Filter Life: 6-24 months
Annual Cost: ~$145
Warranty: 1 year
Pros: Creates balanced, electronically-charged water
Discount: For %10 off use the link below and code ROOTS
Stay tuned for reviews of whole home filter systems.
Sara Schaefer, PhD is a nutrition research scientist and holistic health advocate and practitioner.