These are the best fridge filters based on performance, customer satisfaction, third-party certifications, longevity, and of course, affordability.
Clearly Filtered Universal Inline Fridge Filter
GE RPWFE Refrigerator Water Filter
EveryDrop by Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Filter
If you’re interested in fridge water filtration, you have good taste. Refrigerator water filters are the most popular at-home filtration option, shortly followed by pitcher filters. Getting clean, filtered water is one thing – but when that water is also refrigerator-cool, you’re winning.
Fridge filters appear to be one of the most abundantly available filtration devices on the market. That’s great, because it means you have lots of choices, but my research quickly highlighted that at least half of these filters aren’t worth your money.
This guide is split into two sections:
- A reviews section, featuring my top 11 refrigerator water filters
- A buyers’ guide, providing all the information you need to know before you make a purchase
Table of Contents
- 🥇 Best Refrigerator Water Filter
- ⭐ Reviews – Best Refrigerator Water Filter 2023
- 📊 Comparison Chart of Refrigerator Water Filters
- 🧾 Refrigerator Water Filter Buyer’s Guide
- 👍 Advantages of a Refrigerator Water Filter
- 👎 Disadvantages of a Fridge Water Filter
- ⚙️ How Does a Refrigerator Water Filter Work?
- 💭 Considerations For Selecting the Best Fridge Water Filter Replacement
- 🔧 How to Install Your Fridge Water Filter Replacement
- 🙋 Frequently Asked Questions
🥇 Best Refrigerator Water Filter
- Best Overall: Clearly Filtered Universal Inline Fridge Filter
- Runner Up: GE RPWFE Refrigerator Water Filter
- Also Great: EveryDrop by Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Filter
- Aesthetic Contaminant Removal: Frigidaire ULTRAWF Refrigerator Water Filter
- High Grade Carbon Filter: Samsung DA29-00020B Refrigerator Water Filter
- Flexible Compatibility: Waterdrop DA29-00020B Refrigerator Water Filter
- BPA-Free Filter: ICEPURE UKF8001 Refrigerator Water Filter
- Best DIY Installation: Kenmore 09083 Replacement Refrigerator Water Filter
- Fits 30+ Refrigerator Models: EcoAqua EFF-6027A
- Best Value for Money: Culligan IC-EZ-1
❗️ Important Refrigerator Water Filter Compatibility Check
Not all replacement fridge filters are the same! Use the handy compatibility checker tool at FiltersFast.com before making any purchase (*not applicable for the universal filters listed below)
The tool looks like this:
👉 Additionally, you can find Non-OEM compatible filters over at Glacierfreshfilter.com using their similar filter search tool:
⭐ Reviews – Best Refrigerator Water Filter 2023
Clearly Filtered Universal Inline Fridge Filter
The Clearly Filtered Inline Fridge Filter is universal and will connect and provide clean water to any fridge, independent of the brand. This filter connects directly to any ¼” waterline, making it compatible with your refrigerator no matter what model it is.
Boasting an easy 5-minute installation, all you have to do is disconnect your fridge’s existing inlet and outlet water lines and connect them up to either end of the filter. That’s it.
Unlike the majority of other refrigerator filters that only improve water’s taste and smell, this filter is capable of reducing 230 different contaminants including fluoride, lead, PFAS, chemicals, and more – providing truly purified, clean water directly from your fridge and icemaker.
With three stages of filtration included inside the single filter unit, this
- Stage one employs an activated carbon media, reducing organic compounds such as chloramine, chlorine, herbicides and pesticides.
- Stage two targets the reduction of inorganic contaminants such as heavy metals, microplastics and pharmaceuticals.
- The final third stage is specifically designed to reduce fluoride and arsenic – notoriously difficult contaminants to reduce.
With a longer lifespan of 365 gallons, you can expect to replace the filter every 12 months, depending on usage.
Because all you are doing is connecting to your water lines, you should actually be able to maintain your refrigerator’s warranty – something that is often overlooked and voided if off-brand filters are installed in the fridge itself.
Finally, the unit itself is covered by a lifetime warranty, in case you experience any issues, you can get it replaced free of charge.
👍 What I Like
- Universal – works with any fridge brand or model
- Reduces 230 contaminants
- Easy install
- Does not void fridge warranty
- Longer filter lifespan
- Lifetime guarantee
👎 What I Don’t Like
- Requires small amount of space behind the fridge
- Not actually NSF certified, just tested to the standards
GE RPWFE Refrigerator Water Filter
The GE fridge water filter can be used in any selected GE french door refrigerator that is compatible with GE RPWFE or RPFW filters. Tested and certified to NSF Standards to remove a range of contaminants, including chlorine, cysts, PFOA, lead, some pharmaceuticals, and PFOS, this filter is one of the better performing fridge filters in the market.
Replacing the GE fridge filter is quick and simple, and you don’t need to use tools or turn off the water for the job. The manufacturer recommends that you change the filter after 6 months or 300 gallons of use, which is standard for the majority of fridge water filters. In most fridges, there is an inside slot that the GE is designed to fit into. You simply take out the old filter and pop the new one in place when it’s time.
👍 What I Like
- Tested and certified to remove an impressive range of contaminants
- Simple installation
👎 What I Don’t Like
- Can only be used in GE appliances
- Countdown timer for replacing filter has been reported as inaccurate
EveryDrop by Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Filter
The EveryDrop is an NSF certified refrigerator water filter that can reduce 28 contaminants, including aesthetic contaminants like chlorine, as well as lead and emerging compounds like ibuprofen, nonylphenol, naproxen and TCPP. It is particularly beneficial for lead removal, having been tested and certified to reduce 99.9% of the metal from water.
You can use the EveryDrop in side-by-side refrigerator units, as well as those with top freezers and bottom freezers. It’s wise to enter your refrigerator’s model number on Amazon to make sure the filter fits before you buy it.
The EveryDrop comes in a single pack of one, and the manufacturer recommends replacing the filter once every 6 months to ensure you continue to enjoy the cleanest water from your fridge. The filter is particularly special in that it has been approved by big brands including Whirlpool, Maytag, and KitchenAid, which no other non-affiliated filter has.
Installation of the EveryDrop varies slightly depending on the model of refrigerator you have. In most fridges, there is a small opening in the inside of the door for you to slot the filter in. You can find instructions in your refrigerator’s owner manual or on YouTube – there is plenty of help out there. In any case, installation is simple enough to do yourself in a 5-minute job. You don’t need to hire a plumber to do it for you.
👍 What I Like
- NSF certified
- Approved by major refrigerator brands
👎 What I Don’t Like
- Quite pricey compared to similar filters
- May not last for 6 months for bigger families with higher water consumption
Frigidaire ULTRAWF Refrigerator Water Filter
The Frigidaire ULTRAWF is a water and ice refrigerator filter that uses a carbon-based filter to remove harmful contaminants from water. With this refrigerator filter, you can benefit from the removal of chlorine odor and taste, as well as the reduction of lead, pesticides, nitrates and mercury, making your water and ice tastier and safer to drink.
It’s easy to install the Frigidaire ULTRAWF in place of your old filter: simply push your old filter to release it from its hold, then click the new one in its place. If you are installing the filter for the first time, your best bet is to refer to your fridge’s user manual, as different fridge models have slightly different filter locations.
If you’re looking for a fridge water filter that works as advertised, the Fridigaire is certified by the NSF for standards 42, 53 and 401, for the removal of aesthetic contaminants like chlorine, as well as lead and emerging compounds, including naproxen, ibuprofen, estrone, linuron, and TECP.
You’ll know exactly when you need to replace the ULTRAWF as most Frigidaire fridges have a reminder light that glows red when a new filter is needed. You’ll need to reset the filter replacement reminder when you replace your filter by pressing the Water Filter button on your fridge until the light goes green.
👍 What I Like
- NSF certified
- Easy to install
👎 What I Don’t Like
- Some users reported the water flow rate was quite slow
- Costlier than similar products
Samsung DA29-00020B Refrigerator Water Filter
The Samsung DA29-00020B is a refrigerator water filter that uses a high grade carbon block filter cartridge, which removes over 99% of contaminants from a fridge’s water and ice, including chlorine taste and odor, heavy metals like lead, chemicals, and microbial cysts. This water filter is compatible with any Samsung side-by-side or French door refrigerator.
You can either install the Samsung filter either inside or outside of your refrigerator, depending on the model you have.
It’s a good idea to replace the Samsung filter every 6 months, or after every 300 gallons of water filtered. To remove the old filter, twist the old filter to the left and pull it out. Once you’ve taken the new filter cartridge out of its packaging and removed the white filter cap, you can simply install it in place of the old one.
The Samsung DA29-00020B is tested and certified by the NSF for Standards 42 and 53, for lead and contaminants that can affect taste and odor in water, including chlorine. You’ll know exactly when the filter needs changing as your Samsung refrigerator has a digital panel that will let you know when it’s time to replace it. The filter also comes with a sticker that you can attach to the cartridge as a reminder.
👍 What I Like
- NSF certified
- Easy to install & replace
👎 What I Don’t Like
- Only compatible with Samsung fridges
- Expensive for the filter’s lifespan
Waterdrop DA29-00020B Refrigerator Water Filte
The Waterdrop DA29-00020B is a refrigerator water filter that’s compatible with a number of Samsung refrigerators, including the DA29-00020B and the DA29-00020A. With certifications by NSF, WQA and IAPMO for NSF Standard 42, this inline refrigerator water filter is guaranteed to remove 97% of chlorine taste and odor as well as rust, cysts, corrosion and sediments. The filter is also NSF 372 certified, ensuring that it’s been made from lead-free material.
You’ll need to replace the Waterdrop fridge filter every 6 months, or after roughly 300 gallons of use. The replacement filters are designed to fit your fridge perfectly, so you’re less likely to face the hassle of leaks and other connection issues.
The Waterdrop’s filter is made from coconut activated carbon block, and has micro pores that match the size of contaminant particles in water, making it very effective in trapping them. You can buy the filter as a replacement for an impressive number of other branded filters, including ClearWater and Maxblue. Just make sure you’re certain that the Waterdrop will fit your fridge before buying it by entering your model number on Amazon.
👍 What I Like
- NSF certified
- Can replace a whole host of other filters
👎 What I Don’t Like
- Filter needs flushing extensively before use
- Some customers experienced some leaking after installation
ICEPURE UKF8001 Refrigerator Water Filter
Compatible with Whirlpool, Everydrop, and Maytag appliances, plus several more, the ICEPURE is a refrigerator filter that works just as well as the big brand refrigerator water filters for a fraction of the price. If you need proof, this system is tested and certified with NSF for Standard 42, for reduction of chlorine taste and odor, as well as Standard 372, for a guaranteed lead-free construction.
The ICEPURE fridge filter is also BPA-free and made from food grade materials, so it won’t put any bad stuff into your water during the filtration process. Installing or replacing the filter is just a matter of clicking the filter into the appropriate slot inside your refrigerator, twisting it to lock it in place, and closing the filter cover to keep it protected. The lifespan of the ICEPURE is about 6 months, and your refrigerator will remind you when you need a new one.
If you are looking for a cost-effective refrigerator filtration solution, the ICEPURE filters are a great option. They are not the cheapest, but they can help you to save cash on repeat filter purchases in the long run when compared to their competitors.
👍 What I Like
- NSF certified
- Cost-effective alternative to big brand filters
👎 What I Don’t Like
- Some users noticed a reduction in water pressure
- Needs flushing for a long time before use
Kenmore 09083 Replacement Refrigerator Water Filter
Kenmore offers a pack of 2 replacement refrigerator filters for select Kenmore side-by-side fridges. The filter also fits some Whirlpool, Maytag and Kitchenaid models, though at a similar price to these branded filters, so you won’t make much of a saving by switching to Kenmore in this case.
Each Kenmore filter is NSF certified for Standards 42, 53, and 401, for reduction of chlorine taste and odor, lead and other metals, and emerging compounds, including estrone, DEET, ibuprofen, naproxen and TCPP
You can check online that the filter fits your fridge model before purchasing. The manufacturer advises replacing the filter every 6 months, which is about the average lifespan of any refrigerator water filter, or replacing it sooner if there is a noticeable drop in water pressure. There are videos online that provide information on how to change the filter, but the process is easy enough to figure out alone, and you won’t need to call a professional to do it for you.
👍 What I Like
- Easy to change the filter
👎 What I Don’t Like
- Some customers received a product that wasn’t genuine Kenmore – so double check your package to ensure you have received the right product
- Can only be used on Kenmore fridges & a select few others
EcoAqua EFF-6027A Refrigerator Water Filter
The EcoAqua is a refrigerator water filter that has been NSF-tested and certified for Standards 42, ensuring the reduction of lead, cysts, benzene, endrin and chlorine odor and taste. It lasts for 300 gallons, giving you 6 months of use before you’ll need to replace it with a new one. The filter is compatible with more than 30 models of refrigerator, and you can enter your model number on Amazon to make sure it fits.
Made with high grade natural coconut shell activated carbon block, the EcoAqua’s filter media traps contaminants using a science-backed process called adsorption. The particles, being too small to pass through the filter’s pores, are trapped in the filter media, thereby cleaning the water.
Like with most refrigerator filters, it takes less than a minute to replace the EcoAqua filter. You simply turn the old one counter-clockwise and pull it out to remove it, then insert the new filter in its place and rotate it clockwise until it stops.
👍 What I Like
- NSF certified
- Cheaper alternative to SAMSUNG filters
👎 What I Don’t Like
- Some users didn’t get the full 6 months of use out of a filter before it needed changing
- Takes up to a week for the air pockets to disperse, which may cause some sputtering & dripping
Culligan IC-EZ-1 Refrigerator Water Filter
The Culligan IC-EZ-1 is a filtration system that can be bought in three options: the basic filter, the advanced filter, and the premium filter.
With The Culligan basic filter, you get one filter change replacement cartridge, which is NSF certified to Standard 42 for reducing chlorine odor and taste. It has a lifespan of up to 12 months, or roughly 3,000 gallons.
The advanced filter is similar, but also reduces lead, sediment, and cysts. This filter only has a 6 month, or 500 gallon, lifespan. The premium filter removes additional contaminants like mercury, chloride, chloroform, and turbidity. Again, this filter has a 6 month or 500 gallon lifespan.
Being able to choose your filter option means you can find the best value for money depending on the contaminants you want to remove from your water. For many people, the basic filter with the longer lifespan will be enough, and this is the cheaper option.
All Culligan filters have twist-on and twist-off mechanisms that make swapping them out simple. If you’re installing a filter for the first time, you’ll need to get the filter with an installation kit, which the manufacturer offers for an extra cost.
👍 What I Like
- 3 filter options depending on budget & requirements
- NSF certified
👎 What I Don’t Like
- All options are fairly costly
- Initial installation may require additional accessories
📊 Comparison Chart of Refrigerator Water Filters
| Product | Clearly Filtered Universal Inline Fridge Filter | GE RPWFE Refrigerator Water Filter | EveryDrop by Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Filter | Frigidaire ULTRAWF Refrigerator Water Filter | Samsung DA29-00020B Refrigerator Water Filter | Waterdrop DA29-00020B Refrigerator Water Filter | ICEPURE UKF8001 Refrigerator Water Filter | Kenmore 09083 Replacement Refrigerator Water Filter | EcoAqua EFF-6027A Refrigerator Water Filter | Culligan IC-EZ-1 Refrigerator Water Filter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9th | 10th | 11th |
| Ratings | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Price | $$ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $$ | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| Contaminants Removed | 232+ | 24 | 28 | 5+ | 5+ | 5+ | 20+ | 30 | 5+ | 1 |
| Certifications or Testing | NSF Standards 42, 53 & 401 | NSF 42, 53, VOC | NSF 401, 53, 42 | NSF 42, 53, 401; WQA 803 | NSF 42, 53 | NSF 53, 42, 372 | NSF 42, 372 | NSF 42, 53, 401; CSA B483 | NSF 42, 372 | NSF 42 |
| Filter Capacity | 365 gal. | 300 gal. | 200 gal. | 200 gal. | 300 gal. | 300 gal. | 300 gal. | 200 gal. | 300 gal. | 3,000 gal. |
| Flow Rate | 0.75 GPM | 0.50 GPM | 0.75 GPM | 0.50 GPM | 0.75 GPM | 0.50 GPM | 0.50 GPM | 0.50 GPM | 0.50 GPM | 0.50 GPM |
🧾 Refrigerator Water Filter Buyer’s Guide
Finding the best fridge water filter replacement for your model can be a bit overwhelming. That’s why we went out and did the homework for you, and built the comprehensive buyer’s guide below to help you make the most informed decision.
👍 Advantages of a Refrigerator Water Filter
If you have a fridge with an optional in-line refrigerator water filter, you should definitely make use of it. There are so many advantages to filtering the water that dispenses out of your fridge, including:
It solves two problems in one
If you like to enjoy cool water, as opposed to the room-temperature water that comes out of your faucet on hot days, it makes sense to use the dispenser in your fridge. But what if you have a water filter at your faucet? A fridge water filter solves both your need for cool water and your need for filtered water in one, by providing you with both at once.
It reduces the health risks of drinking city water
When you drink the water directly from your faucet, you’re introducing your body to contaminants like chlorine, lead and pharmaceuticals. While refrigerator water filters aren’t complex enough to completely eliminate all contaminants in water, they can get rid of the key contaminants that are known to be bad for our health.
It’s relatively efficient
A 6-month lifespan for a filter as small as a fridge filter is actually pretty good. Yes, there are filters in whole-home water systems that last for more than 1 year, but for a smaller, cheaper system, 6 months is a good lifespan. And if you choose wisely, you can find a filter that fits your fridge even if it isn’t the offering by your appliance’s manufacturer. That way, you can save money while still enjoying a high quality product.
It improves your water’s taste
One of the things refrigerator water filters are best at is chlorine removal. Chlorine, even when present in small amounts in your water, can cause it to take on a taste and odor that many people don’t enjoy. Refrigerator water filters can remove nearly all chlorine from water, restoring its natural taste.
👎 Disadvantages of a Fridge Water Filter
Like with every water water filtration product out there, there are some setbacks to owning a fridge water filter, including:
Can be expensive
Many of the big brand refrigerator filters cost around $30 to $50 to replace. Factor in one replacement every 6 months or less, and it’s not the cheapest thing to maintain. That’s why it’s best to look for a filter that has a longer lifespan if you want to get the most value for money.
Don’t connect up to your kitchen sink
This one might be obvious, but your refrigerator water filter can’t be used on, or connected to, the faucet at your kitchen sink. This means that you’ll only really benefit from a refrigerator water filter if you get most of your water from your fridge. If you wanted filtered water for cooking, or any other use around your home, you’d have to take it from your fridge’s dispenser.
May affect water pressure
Water filters naturally slow water down as it passes through the filter media. You shouldn’t notice too much of a reduction in water pressure at your fridge’s water dispenser, but when it’s nearly time for your filter to be changed, your water may become more of a trickle than a stream.
⚙️ How Does a Refrigerator Water Filter Work?
Refrigerator water filters are placed in a designated spot either on the inside or the outside of your fridge. They connect up to the water line that runs through your fridge, and when water is forced through them, they trap contaminants in their media. This means that water coming out of your fridge’s dispenser or ice maker will be clean and healthy.
Continue Reading: How well do refrigerator water filters work?
💭 Considerations For Selecting the Best Fridge Water Filter Replacement
Before buying a fridge water filter, consider the following:
Contaminant Removal
The majority of refrigerator water filters remove chlorine, but some can also remove contaminants like lead, and emerging compounds like ibuprofen. Consider which contaminants you’re most keen to remove from your water, then find a filter that does so.
Note that fridge water filters won’t remove the likes of fluoride, arsenic, chloride, potassium, nitrate and VOCs. You’ll need a much bigger, more advanced filter for this, like a whole home filter or a reverse osmosis filter.
Manufacturer OEM vs Generic brands
You’ll notice that there is more than one filter that is compatible with your fridge, and not all of them are produced by your fridge’s manufacturer.
If you decide to go with a generic branded filter, checking out customer reviews is incredibly important. Even if the filter is certified, it may not be the best option for your fridge – or it could be even better than your manufacturer’s official product. In many cases, taking a risk pays off, as generic branded filters tend to be a lot cheaper than OEM products.
Compatibility
The most important aspect of buying a filter for your refrigerator is ensuring it actually fits.
The simplest way to do this is to head to the filter’s product page on Amazon and type your product’s reference number into the supplied box.
The manufacturer will also list in the product’s description the different models that the filter will fit. For even more reassurance, you could contact the manufacturer directly or ask a question on the product page.
Quality & Certifications
The majority of refrigerator water filters are at least NSF certified for standard 42, so if you find a filter that doesn’t have this certification, it’s best to look elsewhere – you’ll have plenty of options.
A certification is a really good indication that a filter is high quality
Warranty
The average warranty for a refrigerator water filter is 30 days. This effectively means that if you discover the filter is faulty or doesn’t work, you’ll be able to send it back. Note that the filter manufacturer will have most likely outlined some warranty terms and conditions that may be worth asking to see. For instance, returning a water filter because you wrongly assumed it removed lead might not come under the warranty.
Not all fridge filters have a warranty at all. If you don’t want to put all your faith in your product not being defective, it’s best to opt for one with a warranty.
Cost
Refrigerator water filters can cost anything between $30 and $60 per filter. You’ll find it hard to come by a cheap filter for your fridge, though, as we mentioned above, generic branded filters tend to be more affordable. You’ll need to replace your filter every 6 months, and will be required to pay the full cost of a filter replacement every time.
🔧 How to Install Your Fridge Water Filter Replacement
Installation of a fridge water filter replacement varies with the model of your fridge and your filter type. Your filter may need to be installed on the inside of your fridge door, at the very top of the fridge, or on the outside.
Changing water filter in fridge would go a bit like this:
- Turn off your water supply.
- Remove the connections or fittings that hold the filter in place.
- Gently pull the water line on each end of the filter to pop it off.
- Open your new filter and remove the packaging.
- Place the new filter in the slot that fits the old one (if inside the fridge), and attach the water line to the inlet and outlet at each side.
- Attach the connections or fittings to hold the filter in place.
- Turn on your water supply, then run water through your filter for 5 minutes to flush it out, holding a jug underneath your fridge’s dispenser. Pour away the water or use it for your pets or plants.
- You’re good to go!
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions
How often to change fridge water filter?
Every 6 months is advised, though some filters may last for less time than this if you use your fridge for water and ice a lot. There are a couple of refrigerator filters with 12 month lifespans, but this is about as long as they’ll last.
Do any fridge filters remove chloride?
No, not that we’ve found. Perhaps it’ll be possible in the future, but for now, if you’re looking for fluoride removal, you need a whole home or reverse osmosis filter.
Do I need a separate filter for my icemaker and water dispenser?
It depends on the model of your fridge, but 99% of the time, no. The filter is placed at your water line before it splits off to your icemaker and water dispenser, so it should filter the water for both anyway.
Where does the filter fit into my fridge?
Again, this depends on the model of refrigerator you have. Some filters fit inside your fridge in a designated slot. Some are externally fitted, and connect to the water line outside your fridge. Refer to your user manual or contact your manufacturer if you’re not sure.
How can I be sure that my filter is compatible with my fridge model?
It should say quite clearly in a product’s marketing material exactly which models it is compatible with. On Amazon, you can also type in your model on the product’s page, which will tell you whether your model is compatible.
How do I know when my filter needs changing?
Most refrigerators have a filter reminder icon that will turn red when the filter needs changing. If yours doesn’t, mark 6 months from your installation date on your calendar. You should notice when your filter needs changing even without a reminder, as your water pressure will drop.
