Did you know that you can get safe water and great-tasting water using only faucet-mounted filters? Not only does this eliminate the need for pitcher filters, but you’ll also get to make the most out of your kitchen sink with the use of these great kitchen tools. In this article, we share the best water filters for kitchen faucets that can give you filtered water from your sink whenever you need it.
We also provide you with a quick guide on how to choose the right option for your kitchen, along with other great information.
Table of Contents
Why You Need a Faucet Water Filter
Faucet-mount filters can provide you with filtered water on demand, which makes them a good option for homes that need plenty of drinking water each day, or for homeowners who want to cook dishes with filtered water. This is because they remove more impurities and contaminants compared to many pitcher filters, and because the water pressure inside pipes means that filters can be denser, they’re also more effective. Moreover, filters will last longer compared to pitcher filters since they can be used over 3 months or up to 100 gallons, rather than 2 months or only 40 gallons.
However, there are a few downsides to using faucet filters; they can’t be installed on faucets with pull-out sprayers and will only work with traditional faucets. They also have a slower water delivery rate (often around half a gallon a minute), so it will take a while to fill your bottles or pots. Moreover, many filters will include a way to switch between using your regular tap and the filter, but if you accidentally run some hot water through your filter, it could be damaged.
If these disadvantages stop you from choosing a faucet-mounted filter, then you might want to consider getting under-sink filters as a better option. Because this kind of filter is directly connected to your cold-water line, there’s no risk in using hot water, and an under-sink model isn’t all that complicated. However, it’s worth noting that neither filter can dispense water that’s as cold as you would get from a pitcher inside your fridge.
Why are Water Filters Important?
First things first, you might not even need a water filter — if you’re on a public system, your water utility is required to provide you with a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). This should list every contaminant that’s been tested in your water supply, and whether it meets Environmental Protection Agency standards. You can usually find your local provider’s CCR online, but they may not be easy to track down, so you may need to contact your supplier and ask for it.
A faucet-mounted filter helps to remove impurities from your water by straining it through a carbon filter and sediment trap before dispensing it. The activated carbon contained in the filter works like a magnet, and most models will let you switch between unfiltered and filtered water. Moreover, faucet-mounted filters can be a good option for those inside apartments who might not be able to get more effective water filters.
Compared to other filter types, such as countertop water filters, water filter pitchers, and sink water filters, faucet-mounted filters still come with compromises, but you can still save a lot on buying plastic water bottles while helping the environment.
How the Filters Were Tested
When you want to find the best faucet filter for your kitchen, you’ll need to conduct thorough research into what makes one worth investing in. Fortunately, we took it upon ourselves to test the best options currently available in the market. Whether you’re looking for tap water filters or under-sink filters, we’ve got you covered.
Whenever you look for options, it’s best to look for ANSI/NSF certifications. This indicates that the filter has been tested inside an accredited laboratory and has been certified to lower contaminants to EPA-mandated levels, for safe drinking water. These tests are highly rigorous, presenting elevated levels of contaminants, and are pushed beyond their capabilities, filtering contaminants between 120% to 200% of the amount of tap water they’re rated for.
When it comes to faucet filters, there are only two really viable options that come with certifications: the Pur and the Brita. While there are other choices, they don’t come with as many certifications, and unfortunately, there aren’t any faucet filters that come with a certification against forever chemicals or PFAS. There are, however, under-sink and pitcher-type options that come with certifications for both PFOA and PFOS, which are the most common forever chemicals in drinking water.
The Best Water Filters for Kitchen Faucets
When you want the best water quality for your home and family, it’s best to look at tried and tested options that will filter out all the contaminants found in everyday drinking water.
Pur Plus Faucet Filtration System
Highlights:
- Offers powerful, 3-in-1 water filtration and is the only filter brand certified by NSF and WQA to reduce 70 different substances, including lead
- This water filter is certified to give you cleaner and better-tasting water and is compatible with most standard faucets
- Comes with a Change Filter Light that notifies you once it’s time to change your filter; it can last for up to 3 months of use or 100 gallons of water
- A cost-effective option that can help you save as much as $30 per week and involves a quick and tool-free installation for easy filtered water
- Known as the #1 selling brand in faucet filtration, and has been trusted for more than 35 years, thanks to its rigorous certifications and water filtration standards
With 71 certifications under its belt, the Pur Plus Faucet Filtration System is the best-performing faucet-mounted filter that you can get your hands on. Because it’s both ANSI/NSF certified, it can reduce contaminants such as microplastics, industrial chemicals, multiple pesticides, mercury, and lead. Pur faucet filters are also certified for multiple volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and 12 “emerging compounds”, making them a great choice for any household.
Luckily, installing this filtering system is simple, but keep in mind that it won’t work with pull-out sprayers — with this option, you simply screw the filter housing into place onto the right adapter. Just remember that its filtered-water flow is slower than normal, so if you need a lot of water quickly, you won’t be able to get as much out of this option. The filter will also need to be replaced every 3 months with heavy usage; you can get replacement filters for about $10 for the regular option or $11 for the mineral core filter.
APEC WFS-1000
Highlights:
- This NSF-certified option comes with high-capacity filters that are guaranteed to remove taste, odors, and chemicals
- Boasts a premium build and is a long-lasting filter that’s used for treating well water and tap water to provide you with fresh water
- The whole system comes with a 100% lead-free chrome faucet, along with a NSF Certified JG Food-grade tubing
- Comes with a 1-year satisfaction guarantee and lifetime support from certified WQA water specialists located in CA
- A high-quality filter made in the USA that takes up a smaller footprint compared to other options, so you can make the most of your space
When you want a cost-effective and reliable solution for under the sink, the APEC WFS-1000 can deliver tastier and cleaner water. It comes in a compact and tankless design that makes it an excellent choice for people who want to maximize the space in their kitchen. Moreover, the ongoing and up-front costs are lower compared to others on the market, and the filters are also affordable, making it a great choice for people looking to save money.
This filter provides effective filtration against copper, fluoride, lead, and chlorine, which contribute to its great-tasting water. While it doesn’t perform as well as other brands like the iSpring RCC7, it still does well and offers a wide range of benefits. However, it isn’t a reverse osmosis system, and it won’t be able to filter out high levels of iron and sulfates effectively.
Brita Complete Faucet Filtration System
Highlights:
- Every Brita Complete Faucet Mount Water Filtration System comes with a filter and can be attached directly to your faucet
- Features an Advanced Brita Carbon-Block Technology, which cuts out the taste and odor of chlorine and contaminants
- Allows you to choose from unfiltered spray, unfiltered water, or filtered water to dispense into your tumbler, glass, or pitcher
- Switching to Brita can help you save money while replacing as many as 2,250 standard 16.9-oz. water bottles every year
- With a convenient design, it can be installed without the need for tools, and a filter indicator that tells you when it’s time to replace filters
Unlike other models in Brita’s lineup, the Brita Complete Faucet Filtration System allows you to set your faucet between a normal flow and a spray pattern. While the Pur’s filters come with more ANSI/NSF certifications, the Brita filter delivers filtered water more conveniently and provides a clear and crisp taste. However, it isn’t certified for mercury and can drip a lot, which leads to a pink film around the filter’s housing.
Because it’s so easy to install, you won’t need help from professionals, and you can save on installation. It’s compatible with standard 55/64” size faucets and comes with adaptors for 13/16” and 15/16” sizes, but keep in mind that it won’t fit spray-style or pull-out faucets. To keep your water tasting good, be sure to replace your faucet-mounted Brita water filter once every 4 months or for every 100 gallons.
Waterdrop WD-FC-01
Highlights:
- Has been certified and tested by NSF International against NSF/ANSI for the reduction of odor, taste, and chlorine
- With a longer shelf life, each filter provides 3 months of daily use or 320 gallons of clean water, which is 2x longer compared to other faucet filters
- Provides fast filtration that allows you to fill up to 4 standard-sized water bottles in just 1 minute
- Because it comes with a simple way to switch between regular tap water and filtered water, you can prolong the life of your filter
- Comes with leak-proof technology that can be attached to your faucet and can be installed easily using the many adapters available
When you want an affordable product that not only reduces odor and taste but also reduces lead, be sure to consider the Waterdrop WD-FC-01, which is certified to do so. If you want an upgraded filtration system, you’ll be happy to know that this model comes with Integrated Activated Carbon Fiber filtration technology. This helps to reduce lead and many other contaminants from your water supply, providing efficient filtration.
These high-quality ACF filters can last up to 320 gallons of water or as long as 3 months to meet all of your needs — it can also be used inside kitchens and bathrooms. Because it’s been tested and certified against NSF/ANSI, it can ensure lead-free drinking water for your safety. And because it delivers on fast filtration, you can keep refilling your water bottles, pitchers, and pots as many times as you need, providing the whole family with clean and refreshing drinking water.
Culligan FM-25
Highlights:
- Provides the whole family with great-tasting and visibly clean water for cooking, drinking, and more
- Reduces bad tastes and odors through a carbon block filtration method, which also eliminates turbidity, particulates class I, lead, and more
- Comes with adapters for all standard nozzle sizes (but will not work with drop-down faucets)
- Lasts up to 200 gallons of water or 2 months, depending on the water conditions and usage
- Certified and tested by IAPMO against ANSI Standards 42 and 53
While the Culligan FM-25 isn’t as well-known as other options in this list, it comes with a decent amount of certifications that protect your water from contaminants such as particulate Class I, turbidity, lindane, atrazine, chlorine, lead, tastes, and odors. It comes with a flow rate of 0.5 gpm at 60 psi, along with a temperature range of 40°F to 100°F — it’s so easy to install, you won’t need any tools. With a compact design that allows you to attach it to your faucet in either a left-hand or right-hand orientation, it also comes with a convenient reminder sticker when you need to replace the filter.
You also have the option to get the Culligan FM-25 faucet mount filter kit, which is compact and can be mounted directly to your faucet without the need for professionals. The filter can also be switched easily from filtered to unfiltered water just by pulling the diverter valve for clean and healthy water. Finally, this option also comes with two adapters that allow them to fit in with most kitchen faucets.
Factors to Consider When Picking a Water Filter
Because not all faucet-mounted filters are made the same, there are a few important things to think about when looking for the perfect water filter to use in your kitchen. Different filters will be certified to lower different contaminants, so be sure to choose a high-capacity faucet filter to reduce any impurities that concern you. Below are things you should first consider before buying a water filter for your home.
If you’re not really sure about what you’ll find in your tap water, it’s best to get a water-quality report or a consumer confidence report from your water supplier. This will help you see which contaminants need to be filtered — but if you get water from a well, it’s best to get your water tested through an EPA-certified lab. While you’re shopping, be sure not to fall for manufacturers’ claims that their filter has been “tested against” a specific standard.
Be sure it’s been certified to remove a specific contaminant by an independent testing organization such as the International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), Water Quality Association (WQA), or the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF). A wide range of products certified by these organizations will be regularly monitored and are subject to all kinds of testing over time. Make sure to pay attention to clogging, flow rate, and capacity when it comes to choosing your next water filter.
A filter’s capacity will let you know how many gallons every cartridge can filter, while the flow rate will tell you how long it takes your filter to clean 1 quart of water, and the clogging score will show you how much the flow rate will decrease over your filter’s life span. You may also get a device that comes with an indicator for filter life, so you know exactly when to replace your cartridge. Because there are different types of water filters, it’s best to check how their cartridge is replaced and how often they should be replaced.
What is the Size of Your Household?
Depending on how big your house is, you may want to get a system with a larger capacity. While the ease of use and simplicity of a filter pitcher are great, a bigger house may need to be refilled too many times, especially if you need filtered water for everything. This can include watering your plants, boiling your pasta, and water for drinking water; if you consume a lot of water, getting an under-the-sink option may be the best choice.
It’s also best to consider how much space you have to work with. If you want to keep your counters clutter-free, then look for an under-the-sink option — you can also keep a tank with your filters under the sink.
What Kind of Water Filter is the Best?
While most of us have used pitcher-style filters, there are a wide variety of options for you to choose from, such as reverse osmosis, faucet-mounted, and under-the-sink systems. Deciding on the right filtration system should come down to the amount of contaminants in the water, how much installation is involved, and your budget. If your water supply comes with higher levels of contaminants and you want to cover a bigger range of filtration, getting a reverse osmosis system might be worth the up-front cost.
But if your priority is to get odor-free and clean water, then a water pitcher filter is the best solution.
How to Maintain a Water Filter System?
Giving your water filter system periodic maintenance is the key to getting proper filtration all year round. Some systems will need a change of filter after just two months, while other filters can be used for a whole year before they need to be replaced. Getting a pitcher-style system will only need one kind of filter in general, while a more complex system, such as reverse osmosis filters, will need different replacements depending on its filter stage.
But if you’re undecided on which filtration system to use, be sure to consider it there are extra maintenance costs and whether they’re worth it.
Are You Concerned About Installation?
Installing an under-the-sink system will involve many different parts and will often require drilling and cutting pipe to help install it on the faucet. If you feel like you can tackle DIY projects, then you’ll be happy to know that installing a filtration system can be quick and easy, but if you have limited space below your sink, or are not too keen on self-installations, then be sure to consider options that stay over the counter.
How Water Filters are Tested
Faucet-mounted water filters are tested for odor and flavor reduction, their clogging rate (which indicates when they need replacement), and flow rate. It’s also important to verify if they’ve been independently certified to the accepted standards for a reduction in chlorine, lead, and PFAS. Certification from a third party is the best way to know if a water filter can truly remove contaminants as it claims.
When determining how a faucet-mounted water filter performs, many companies filter hundreds of gallons of water until every filter cartridge reaches the advertised life span. A faucet’s filter flow rate ranges from mediocre to excellent, with the top options not clogging over their life span. However, some faucet filters come with poor clog rates, and some might not come with a filter-life indicator, which is why you will need to closely monitor your cartridges.
Conclusion
When you want to drink safe, clean, and healthy water, you might need more than regular tap water; a water filtering system can reduce the presence of lead, chlorine, and even bad taste. Using a water filter can be an effective way to provide pure drinking water for the whole family; depending on the water filter you choose, you may also get a more affordable way to stay well-hydrated, and it’s also less hassle compared to bottled water. With the great options above, you can be sure that you can enjoy safe and tasty drinking water whenever you want from the comfort of your home.
Sources
- Kitchen Accessory Buying Guides
- Kitchen Appliance Buying Guides
- Kitchen Cookbook Buying Guides
- Kitchen Cookware Buying Guides
- Kitchen Pantry Food Buying Guides
- Does Food Go Bad Articles
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