The countertop water filter is one of the most popular and simplest water filter systems in our homes because it requires no installation. However, buying one for your home or office is a daunting task. We’ve got you covered. Check out the countertop water filter buying guide.
Countertop water filter buying guide
What do you need to look at before buying a countertop water filter?
Space
As the name implies, countertop water filters are placed on the sink top, tabletop, or water filter stand.
You need adequate space on top of your counter to place the filter.
If you do not have enough space on your countertop, you can choose to have a filter stand, desk, or table to place your filter. If not, you might consider installing other types of water filters like under-sink water filters or faucet water filters.
Impurities the system can filter
Every water source has different contaminants, and each countertop water filter brand is meant to remove specific contaminants.
Before buying, know the contaminants that are in your water so that you know the right system to filter the impurities. You can test the quality of your water at home, send the water sample to the laboratory at your request, or contact the local water municipality.
How much water does your family consume every day?
The best countertop water filters can treat water for a family of six.
Also, the more water you consume, the more frequently you will have to change the filter.
The more people you have in your family, the more frequently you will be required to change the filter, and this might be expensive compared to other types of water filters.
Maintenance
Countertop water filters use cartridges and require replacement after a given period of time.
Most brands require cartridges to be replaced every four months, up to one year.
Choose a product that you can easily change or that is stress-free. The replacement filter should be available and the cost is affordable.
I read somewhere that a customer bought a countertop water filter that cost $59 but the replacement filter was not easily available and, wherever you find it, it will cost four times more than the system.
Material
The systems are made of different materials, such as stainless steel, plastic, or even glass.
Choose the material that suits you.
Types of countertop water filter
There are different types of countertop water filters that you can choose from. This includes:
- Countertop gravity water filter
A gravity dispenser uses gravity to pull water through the filter.
It has an upper chamber and a lower chamber.
The upper chamber is where contaminated water is poured, then passes through the filter, which is between the lower and upper.
The filtered water will flow to the lower chamber where it is stored.
The filter dispenser does not require electricity to operate and does not need any installation; it can sit on any countertop, either in the office or kitchen.
The only disadvantage is having to keep on adding water and waiting for a couple of hours for the whole process.
Find out the best countertop gravity water filter.
2. Countertop Water Filter Dispenser
It works on the same principle as the gravity water filter above.
Find the best countertop water filter dispenser.
3. Faucet style hook up
It is a filter installed in your faucet system to clean the water before it runs out of the tap.
Some require a specialized plumber to install the whole system.
Faucet style hook up give you the option to choose from filtered and unfiltered water
Best Countertop water filter faucet style hook-up reviews
4. Countertop reverse osmosis filter
This type uses a reverse osmosis membrane to filter contaminated water.
They are suitable for homes with high exposure to heavy metals (arsenic, lead, fluoride, chromium, radium, and much more) and remove up to 99% of total dissolved solids (TDS).
The best countertop reverse osmosis filter
5. Countertop water filter pitcher
The pitcher is a jug that has a filter and is placed on the countertop or table.
6. Countertop alkaline water filter
This type of filter is connected to the standard kitchen faucet. They not only remove contaminants but have a special filter cartridge that adds important minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium to the regular water, leaving you with alkaline water.
This type has its PH level adjusted.
Advantages of countertop water filter
- It’s easy to install and doesn’t require any plumbing changes or fixes.
- Affordable
- Most countertop water filters use a combination of different filtration methods with multiple stages to provide clean water for drinking.
- The filter is replaced once a year.
- They don’t clog easily when compared with faucet and pitcher filters.
- It keeps reminding you to drink more water. They are placed in more visible places compared to other filters, such as under the sink, a whole house water filter, which is placed under the counter, or a water filter pitcher, which is put in the fridge. So when the water filter is on your countertop, it encourages you to drink the recommended amount of water every day.
Disadvantages of countertop water filter
- They take up countertop space.
- A faucet-style hookup doesn’t fit all faucets, so you need to purchase an adapter/diverter valve.
- They take a long time to filter water. For instance, it can take five hours to filter one gallon.
How to install a countertop water filter
Installing the countertop water filter is simple; no professional or plumbing work is required.
It has a diverter valve to replace. This is the only part you need the most.
Procedure
Unscrew the aerator of the tap.
Screw the water filter diverter and you are done.
Bonus video on how to install
How a countertop water filter works
Most countertop water filters have different stages, and each one of them is responsible for removing specific contaminants present in your water.
Which contaminants does countertop water filter remove?
Countertop water filters help remove chlorine, particulates, volatile organic compounds, radon, turbidity, bacteria, viruses, bad odor, and taste.
If the filter has a reverse osmosis membrane, it helps remove total dissolved solids and other heavy metals like mercury, lead, fluoride, and more.
Which kitchen faucet do countertop water filter connect?
Most countertop water filters connect to standard kitchen faucets but make sure before you purchase that you confirm that it works with a specific faucet type.
If you have a small space and you are looking for a less expensive way to provide your family with clean water for drinking and cooking, using a countertop water filter is a good choice for you.
Make sure you read the buyer’s guide thoroughly so that you choose the best countertop water filter that will remove impurities present in your water.
If you are using a countertop in your house, please let us know which model you are using and how it is doing in the comment section below.
What are the best countertop water filters?
The best countertop water filter includes:
13 Best water countertop water filter
- Watts 500315 Counter-Top Drinking Water Filter
- Aquasana AQ-4000W Countertop Water Filter System
- The Stainless Steel Countertop Water Purifier Filter (10 Micron Carbon Block) lake industries
- Brondell H2O+ Cypress Countertop Water Filter System
- CleanWater4Less® Countertop Water Filtration System
- Coway Aquamega 100 Water Purifier
- Big Berkey BK4X2
- Home Master TMJRF2 Jr F2
- Brita 60258360394 Ultra Max Filtering Dispenser
- ZIP Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter by puricom
- ZEN water systems 4 Gallon
- APEX Countertop Drinking Water Filter
- Aquasana Clean Water Machine, Powered Water Filter Pitcher
