If you want to get the cleanest, highest quality water possible, then you need to invest in a good under sink filter.
As the name implies, these filters aren’t installed on your tap, they are instead installed directly onto your pipes.
This is a faster and more efficient way of getting filtered water. However, evaluating under sink filters is more difficult than evaluating other filters.
In this best under sink water filter article, you are going to see five different filters that are worth your time. If you are in a rush, we recommend buying the APEC Top Tier 5-Stage Ultra Safe Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filter System.
A Spotlight On Some of The Best Under Sink Water Filter 2019
Best Under Sink Water Filter 2019 Reviews:
CuZn UC-200 Under Counter Water Filter
We have a lot of filters to review on this best under sink water filter list, but we decided that the best way to kick it off would be by reviewing the CuZn UC-200 Under Counter Water Filter. Why exactly? Well, this is a solid, all-around water filter that works well in any home and is good for a wide variety of different situations.
First off, we need to talk about how well the filter actually does when it comes to filtering water. There are a lot of factors to consider, but the number one priority is always going to be how good the filter is at producing really pure, great tasting water.
In this regard, the CuZn UC-200 Under Counter Water Filter does very well. Like many other high-quality filters, the CuZn has three different stages of filtration.
The first stage of filtration uses micro-sediments, namely sand, which are great for getting out larger contaminants and debris. The second stage uses a mixture of coconut shell and activated carbon.
Activated carbon on its own is already very good when it comes to removing impurities, but when combined with the coconut shell, it becomes even more effective at removing things that impact the taste and purity of your water.
Finally, the last stage consists of KDF-55, which is a filtration device designed to stop any bacteria that may have gotten through the first two stages due to its small size.
Another very important thing to consider is how long the filter will last. You don’t want a filter that is going to need to be replaced after a year or two, you want one that is going to last for a while. The CuZn does not have that problem at all.
It can handle a maximum of 50,000 gallons before needing maintenance. For reference, 50,000 gallons is around 5-years or so of use, depending on the size of the household.
Finally, let’s talk about how easy this filter is to install. If you aren’t familiar with how pipes work, you don’t want to have to struggle to get your filter into place.
Once again, this isn’t an issue that you have to worry about when dealing with the CuZn UC-200 Under Counter Water Filter. All you have to do is quickly attach it to your cold water line. It only requires one tool and there is a tutorial video that makes the whole process easy.
As you can see, the CuZn definitely belongs on our best under sink water filter list and you should really give it some consideration. The only real issue with the filter is that it is a bit on the heavy side.
- Great three stage filtration.
- Lasts for a long time.
- Removes minerals, sediment, debris, and bacteria.
- Easy installation.
- Very heavy and large.
Woder 10K-Gen3 Ultra High Capacity Direct Connect Water Filtration System
Moving on with this list, the next item that we want to review is the Woder 10K-Gen3 Ultra High Capacity Direct Connect Water Filtration System.
This is yet another extremely high-quality water filter that should be highlighted on any list dedicated to finding the best under sink water filter. In this review, you will see why this is such a well-made water filter.
Woder filters use their own patented filtration system, as opposed to more traditional filtration systems that are found on other filters. The Woder filtration system does a fairly good job of delivering clean, pure water for you and your family to drink.
First off, it removes upwards of 99% of all heavy metals. This includes things like lead, rust, zinc, etc. Likewise, it is capable of removing upwards of 99% of chlorine.
Finally, it is also able to remove a large variety of harmful contaminants, including mercury, chromium, and much more. So, on the filtration side of things, the Woder does very well.
In terms of longevity, it isn’t the best entry on our best under sink water filter list, but it isn’t the worst either. It will last you for roughly 3-years (that is about 10,000 or so gallons of water). So, while filters like the CuZn will last you for longer, this one isn’t exactly a slouch either. Getting 3-years of use out of a filter is still pretty good, especially given that this isn’t the most expensive filter either.
This filter is designed to be extremely easy to install. You just have to pop it onto your cold water line. You don’t need experience with plumbing to get the filter working, which is a big plus. So, don’t be afraid to get this filter and install it yourself, even if you have zero knowledge of how plumbing works, you can get it hooked up in no time.
The major issue with the Woder is that it does significantly reduce the flow of your water. Now, all filters impact water flow to some extent, but on some filters, it is a lot more noticeable. With some filters, it almost isn’t noticeable at all, but that isn’t the case with the Woder. Still, if you don’t mind a slower water flow, then this is definitely a great purchase.
- Great filtration capabilities.
- Not too pricey.
- Easy to hook up.
- Removes harmful contaminants and heavy metals.
- Decent lifespan.
- Slows down water flow noticeably.
APEC Top Tier 5-Stage Ultra Safe Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filter System
For this next review, we want to draw your attention to the APEC Top Tier 5-Stage Ultra Safe Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filter System.
This is an extremely heavy-duty water filtration system; in fact, we would even go far enough to say that this is probably the most heavy-duty option on this best under sink water filter list.
A big part of what makes the APEC such a heavy hitter is the method of filtration that it uses. It uses three stage reverse osmosis filtration. Now, we haven’t seen that term before, so let’s briefly explain it. Reverse osmosis involves using extreme filtration to force water through a membrane.
The result is that the liquid passes through the membrane, but any containments, debris, or other nastiness get caught in the membrane. By using this reverse osmosis filtration, the APEC is able to deliver very high-quality water.
It looks great, it tastes great, and it contains minimal amounts of debris, bacteria, contaminants, and more.
Another really nice thing about the APEC is that it has a large, 50-gallon tank. Between the large storage tank and the general quality of the filter itself, there will be a minimal impact on water flow. As we have mentioned in other reviews on this best under sink water filter review list, some filters can really impact the flow of your tap water, but not the APEC. You will always get basically instant access to your water.
In terms of longevity, the APEC does very well. Depending on your water habits and the size of your household, you can easily get anywhere from around 4 to 5-years out of it before serious maintenance is needed.
That’s very good and it makes it among the best on this list when it comes to longevity (only one other under sink filter that we have reviewed so far lasts for 5-years).
There are two issues with the APEC.
First off, it is extremely large. Depending on how your sink is set up, you might have issues fitting it in comfortably. Secondly, the APEC is fairly pricey, especially when compared to a few other under sink filters.
- Extremely good filtration capabilities.
- Removes bacteria, debris, and heavy metals.
- Uses reverse osmosis filtration.
- Lasts 4 to 5-years.
- Very pricey.
- Very large.
iSpring RCC7AK 6-Stage Superb Taste High Capacity Under Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filter System
Staying with the theme of heavy-duty water filters, we are going to be taking an in-depth look at the iSpring RCC7AK 6-Stage Superb Taste High Capacity Under Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filter System.
As you can see from the name, this is the second reverse osmosis filter that we have reviewed on this best under sink water filter list. So, you already have somewhat of an idea of what to expect from the iSpring.
As we said in a previous review of a reverse osmosis filter, they produce really good tasting, pure water. So, we won’t repeat all that. Likewise, we also explained how reverse osmosis works, so we won’t go into detail on that either.
In the end, all you really need to know is that the iSpring delivers extremely great tasting, high-quality water, which is exactly what you want from your filter.
One unique aspect of the iSpring that you haven’t seen on another water filter yet is the remineralization aspect of this filter. For those who aren’t familiar with this, remineralization is where the filter actually adds in healthy minerals and it also keeps the waters pH levels balanced.
This is a highly personal feature; some may like it and some may not. If the concept intrigues you, then this is another good reason to go for this particular under sink filter.
The iSpring does suffer from the same issues that other reverse osmosis filters suffer from, which is that they are very expensive and that they are very large. If you have the sink space and budget for this filter, then it is a great purchase, if you don’t, then you are going to want to search elsewhere.
- Does remineralization.
- Filters water very well.
- Not difficult to install.
- Large capacity.
- Takes up a lot of space.
- Weighs a lot.
- Expensive.
Home Master TMAFC-ERP Artesian Full Contact Undersink Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System
To end off this best under sink water filter review list, we are reviewing the Home Master TMAFC-ERP Artesian Full Contact Undersink Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System. This is a bulky and very pricey water filter, but it delivers nearly unparalleled filtration quality.
As we have covered in a few other reviews, the use of reverse osmosis filtration results in extremely clean water, so that’s definitely a positive.
Likewise, the Home Master also does remineralization, which is another feature that we have talked about before on our best under sink water filter review list. So, on the filtration side of things, there are no complaints to be had about this filter.
It is also a very long-lasting, high-capacity filter. It can hold a lot of water and each filter will last for around 5-years, if not longer. In other words, if you want a filter that requires minimal maintenance and upkeep on your part, then you can’t go wrong with the Home Master.
- Uses reverse osmosis filtration to deliver quality water.
- Very large capacity.
- Lasts for a long time.
- Adds minerals.
- Most expensive item on list.
- Can be a bit tricky to install.
Under Sink Water Filter Buying Guide
Even though we are finished with our review list, that isn’t the end of our best under sink water filter article. As you can see from the sub-heading, in this second section we are going to explain how you should go about picking out a really good water filter.
To be more specific, we are going to focus on the different criteria that you need to consider when buying an under sink water filter on your own.
Filtration Capabilities
Obviously, one of the first things that you want to look for when evaluating a filter is how well it does at filtering water. Different filters use different methods for filtering out contaminants.
As you picked up from the later part of our best under sink water filter list, one of the best methods for filtration is reverse osmosis filtration. However, this does come with downsides, notably cost and the fact that it results in the filter being much bigger.
If you don’t want to invest in a reverse osmosis filter or if you don’t think that your sink can accommodate the size, then there are other filtration methods that work almost as well.
The CuZn filter and the Woder filter that we reviewed at the start of our list were both on the smaller, cheaper side. Despite that, both still managed to do a very good job of producing clean, great tasting water.
Remineralization or Not
Another thing that has to be addressed is remineralization. Some filters, including a few that were reviewed on the best under sink water filter list, have a feature that is called remineralization.
It is quite simple, the filter basically adds in minerals that are healthy for you, while still getting rid of the ones that aren’t. It also helps to keep the water’s acidity levels balanced, which can help result in better tasting water.
So, given that it seems positive, why wouldn’t you want a filter that can do remineralization? Well, first off, it does result in the filter being more costly. Secondly, some may not like the idea of minerals being left in their water.
Some want their tap water to be as pure and undiluted as possible. In the end, it comes down to your own personal preferences. Personally, we would recommend getting a filter that is able to do remineralization, but it is completely up to you.
Longevity
Anyone who has ever used a water filter before can tell you that they don’t last forever. In fact, some lower-quality water filters can end up lasting only a couple of months.
Even when buying heavy-duty under sink water filters, you have to be diligent and buy one that is actually going to last you for a while.
You don’t want to invest a bunch of money into an expensive filter, only to have it last a few months before you have to change a bunch of stuff.
Filter longevity is typically measured in gallons, which can be roughly translated into years.
Typically speaking, higher-end filters will last you for around 4 or 5-years before they need to have maintenance. Lower-end filters can end up lasting you anywhere from 1 to 3-years.
We would recommend only buying filters that last for at least 3-years. The reason being that even cheaper filters should be able to last for that long. If they can’t, it is a sign of poor quality and you should avoid it.
Conclusion
If you have any comments regarding our best under sink water filter list, we would encourage you to leave some comments for us letting us know what you thought.