8 Best Countertop Water Filtration System Reviews 2023 + Guide

Author: Jason Hollow - Published: 2020/12/09 - Updated: 2023/01/05

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Using a countertop water filter is one of the easiest ways to purify your drinking water at home.

What’s more, most units are almost installation-free: They are either standalone or can be quickly connected to any faucet of standard size – without tools. This is perfect for people who don’t want or can’t make permanent changes to their plumbing system.

Another advantage of countertop water filters is that they are often small and lightweight and thus ideal for use in RVs, and small condos.

So, here is our collection of the 8 best countertop water filters of 2023. Enjoy!

Contents

Best Countertop Water Filters – Top Picks

ProductsSpecs & FeaturesWhere to Buy
Best Overall
AquaTru Reverse Osmosis Water System AquaTru Reverse Osmosis Water System

AquaTru

★★★★★
  • Price: $$$
  • Type: Countertop RO
  • Water: 1 Gallon in 10-15 Minutes
  • NSF/ANSI: 42, 53, 58, 401, P473
  • Best For: Most Comprehensive Filtration (NSF-Certified)

Coupon Code (15% Off): WATERMASTERZ

Or read our review

#1 Gravity Filter
Big Berkey Water Filter Big Berkey Water Filter

Big Berkey

★★★★★
  • Price: $$
  • Type: Gravity-Based
  • Water: Up to 7 Gallons Per Hour
  • NSF/ANSI: 42, 53
  • Best For: Microbiologically Unsafe Tap or Well Water

Or read our review

Most Affordable
Aquasana AQ-4000 Countertop Drinking Water Filter Aquasana AQ-4000 Countertop Drinking Water Filter

Aquasana AQ-4000

★★★★☆
  • Price: $
  • Type: Inline Countertop
  • Water: 0.5 Gallons Per Minute
  • NSF/ANSI: 42, 53, 401, P473
  • Best For: Lower Budgets and Crowded Spaces

Or read our review

#1 Countertop Distiller
Megahome Countertop Water DistillerMegahome Countertop Water Distiller

Megahome MH943SBS

★★★★

  • Price: $$
  • Type: Distiller
  • Water: 1 Gallon in 5½ Hours
  • NSF/ANSI:
  • Best For: Distilled Water

Or read our review

Best Countertop Water Filter Reviews

The order of the following countertop water filter reviews is deliberate. Our favorite products are at the top.

1. Best Overall: AquaTru Reverse Osmosis Water System

Coupon Code (15% Off): WATERMASTERZ

In our opinion, the best countertop water filter in 2023 is the AquaTru.

It is NSF-certified against standards 42, 53, 58, 401, and P473 to remove 80+ contaminants that could be present in your water supply. FYI: These NSF/ANSI certifications guarantee that your drinking water will be safe, healthy, and delicious.

Another reason why the AquaTru is our top product is because it is easy to assemble, use, and maintain.

AquaTru Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water System

★★★★★

See More Product Images at waterandwellness.com

Main Specs

  • Price: $$$
  • Filter type: Countertop RO
  • Water flow: 1 gallon of filtered water in 10-15 minutes
  • Estimated annual filter replacement cost: $120
  • NSF: 42, 53, 58, 401, P473
  • Best for: The AquaTru is the best for overall RO purification.

AquaTru Reverse Osmosis Water System a AquaTru Reverse Osmosis Water System b

Pros

  • The AquaTru is easy to use and compact.
  • It uses 4 stages of filtration: At stage 1 and 2, a sediment & granular carbon filter combo removes particles like sand, rust, and silt to prevent clogging of the other filter elements. The carbon also eliminates 96.6% chlorine and all kinds of chemicals and organic contaminants. Filter stage 3 is a reverse osmosis membrane. It reduces up to 99.1% lead, 93.5% fluoride, 97.2% hexavalent chromium, and 96.4% radium among other harmful stuff. Finally, more carbon, but this time in block form, reduces VOCs, pesticides and herbicides, PFOA & PFOS[1], and drug residues.
  • 5 different NSF certifications guarantee that the purification process is effective.
  • The AquaTru uses an internal pressure pump to boost water production. This increases filtration speed and also significantly reduces the amount of water that goes down the drain as wastewater.
  • All clean water collects in the front tank featuring one-button dispensing. The tank is removable for cooling in the fridge.
  • All wastewater collects in a second tank in the bank ready to be discarded.
  • The AquaTru is installation-free. Assembly before first use takes less than 5 minutes and can be done by the Average Joe.
  • System maintenance requirements are low. The filters are long-lasting and replacing them is self-explanatory.
  • Tritan plastic which is used to build the system doesn’t leach BPA or BPS.
  • A limited warranty covers you against defects in materials or workmanship in manufacturing for one year.

Cons

  • There have been issues with leaking systems.
  • A few systems started to malfunction after several months of use.

Or read our complete AquaTru Reverse Osmosis Water System review

2. Best for Microorganisms: Big Berkey Water Filter

Berkeys are gravity-fed water filters – the best ones if you ask us.

Just like the AquaTru, the Big Berkey water filter is easy to assemble & use, and just as easy to service. What’s more, the filter process it applies removes all kinds of contaminants from water: Chlorine and chloramines, tastes and odors, heavy metals, microorganisms, disinfection byproducts, volatile organic compounds, sediments (down to the submicron level)…

In a nutshell, people love the taste of drinking water produced by a Berkey system.

Big Berkey Water Filter

★★★★★

See More Product Images at bigberkeywaterfilters.com

Main Specs

  • Price: $$
  • Filter type: Gravity water filter
  • Water flow: 7 gallon of water per hour
  • Estimated annual filter replacement cost: $40
  • NSF: 42, 53
  • Best for: The Big Berkey system is ideal for water that is microbiologically unsafe.

Pros

  • Big is the most popular of all Berkey system sizes.
  • Its size isn’t overly bulky and fits even small kitchens with ease.
  • Tank storage volume and water filtration speed are ideal for families of up to 4 people. You don’t have to refill too often and avoid long waiting times.
  • It comes with 2 Black Berkey filter elements. The filters remove contaminants like 99.9% lead and mercury, 99.85% chromium 6, 99.7% cadmium, 99.9% arsenic, 99.999% bacteria and viruses, 99.9% of various pharmaceutical drugs, cyst, sediment, and bad taste and odor. In addition, chlorine and chloramine, THMs, and pesticides and VOCs are reduced below their detectable limits.
  • You can upgrade the filters with the PF-2 to remove fluoride (97%).
  • The water tanks are made from 304 food-grade stainless steel for durability.
  • A rubber casket prevents surface scratching.
  • As a standalone unit, the countertop water filter is easy to assemble and use.
  • System maintenance is a piece of cake. Black Berkey filters last for up to 3,000 gallons of water or 3 years[2]. Replacements are highly affordable.
  • A product warranty covers the system throughout the entire lifetime.

Cons

  • There is a small tap near the bottom for one-hand dispensing. However, it seems like it is prone to leaking.
  • Occasionally, you might have to prime the filter elements to maintain fast water flow.

Or read our complete Big Berkey review

3. Best for Alkaline Water: RKIN Zero Installation Purifier Countertop Reverse Osmosis Filter

Coupon Code (8% Off): WM8Percent

The RKIN Zero Installation Purifier (ZIP) is quite similar to the AquaTru from above: Both are standalone countertop RO systems which means they don’t require permanent installation.

One advantage the AquaTru has over the ZIP is that it’s certified against 5 different NSF standards, whereas the ZIP only has one. On the upside, the ZIP features remineralization to enrich the filtered drinking water with healthy minerals.

RKIN Zero Installation Purifier Countertop Water Filter

★★★★☆

See More Product Images at purewaterguys.com

Main Specs

  • Price: $$$
  • Filter type: Reverse osmosis water filter
  • Water flow: System produces one gallon of pure water in 10-20 minutes
  • Estimated filter replacement cost per year: $70
  • NSF: 58
  • Best for: The RKIN ZIP filter is ideal for alkaline water.

Pros

  • The Zero Installation Purifier is easy to use and doesn’t require much space on your kitchen countertop.
  • It uses four filter stages – 5-micron sediment pre-filter, activated coconut shell carbon block pre-filter, RO membrane, and GAC & remineralization post-filter – designed to remove up to 99 percent of impurities that your water might contain, such as: Chlorine taste and odor, sediments, VOCs, heavy metals, and organics. The remineralization filter stage adds essential calcium and magnesium back into the clean water. The latter improves (alkaline) water taste and balances pH.
  • Optionally, you can substitute the sediment and carbon pre-filter with an anti-scale filter. It is better suited for water sources that contain a lot of hard water minerals and overall TDS.
  • An internal pump increases water pressure which in turn increases how much water can be processed within a certain time period. Also, wastewater production goes down significantly.
  • Any material that gets in contact with the water is BPA-free.
  • Easy installation process.
  • Long lasting filters means not much to do in terms of maintenance. Furthermore, each element can be replaced with a simple twist or using the quick-connect fittings. On top of that, you don’t need to write down the date of the last filter replacement. The ZIP will let you know whenever a filter has reached the end of its service life.
  • You can return the ZIP for a full refund within the first year after purchase – think money-back guarantee.
  • A one-year warranty is offered by the manufacturer.

Cons

  • The NSF standard 58 is only for the RO membrane.
  • A few people had issues with leaking from different system parts.
  • Sometimes, the feed water tank can be difficult to insert so that the filtration doesn’t start.

4. Best for Lower Budgets: Aquasana AQ-4000 Countertop Drinking Water Filter

In our opinion, the best regular countertop water filter for tap water filtration is the Aquasana AQ-4000.

Aquasana AQ-4000 Countertop Drinking Water Filter

★★★★☆

See More Product Images at aquasana.com

Main Specs

  • Price: $
  • Type of water filter: Regular inline countertop drinking water filter
  • Water flow rate: 0.5 gallons per minute
  • Estimated filter replacement cost per year: $120
  • NSF: 42, 53, 401, P473
  • Best for: The Aquasana AQ-4000 filter is best for lower budgets and kitchens with little room.

Pros

  • The Aquasana AQ-4000 is highly compact and lightweight and thus portable.
  • The system is based on Claryum filtration. Claryum uses two kinds of filter media: Coconut shell activated carbon and ion exchange resin. In addition to that, we have mechanical sub-micron filtration. Combined together, the two filter stages remove contaminants including chlorine and chloramine, heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides, PFAS, and VOCs.
  • NSF-certified against standards 42, 53, 401, and P473, the effectiveness of the water filtration process is guaranteed.
  • The incoming water line features a diverter valve which allows you to switch between unfiltered and filtered water. This way you can only use filtered water when really needed and save filtering capacity.
  • As with most countertop filters, the AQ-4000 does not require permanent installation. Quite the contrary: It can be hooked up to any faucet or tap with standard size in a few minutes – tools-free! Different faucet adapters are part of the deal.
  • The filters are designed to last a full 450 gallons or 6 months, whichever comes first. Make sure to replace them in a timely manner.
  • We have a 90-day money-back guarantee.
  • A limited manufacturer warranty covers the filter system for one year.

Cons

  • Some people said filter replacements can be more difficult than you might think in case the filter caps get stuck.
  • Another issue with this system is leaking and the diverter valve not working as it should.

Or read our full Aquasana AQ-4000 review

5. Review: Home Master Jr. F2 Elite Sink Top Water Filter

Another solid countertop filter is the Home Master Jr. F2 (TMJRF2) Elite Sink Top Water Filter. The fact that it uses catalytic carbon, KDF, and activated alumina filter media makes it a promising purchase option for people with more stubborn contaminants and for well water treatment – as long as the water is microbiologically safe.

By the way, you can between a white and a black finish to match your kitchen decor.

Home Master Jr. F2 Elite Sink Top Water Filter

★★★★☆

See More Product Images at theperfectwater.com

Main Specs

  • Price: $
  • Filter type: Regular inline countertop water filter
  • Estimated filter replacement cost per year: $120
  • Best for: The Home Master Jr. F2 system is ideal for tight budgets and city or well water.

Pros

  • The Home Master TMJRF2 Elite is small and thus ideal for small apartments.
  • One filter cartridge combines 4 different filter media: Activated carbon, catalytic carbon, KDF-85 (Kinetic Degradation Fluxion), and activated alumina. The carbon filters water disinfectants and their byproducts, herbicides, pesticides, and other chemical and non-chemical substances. KDF removes water soluble heavy metals like iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide. Activated alumina is great for filtering fluoride and arsenic.
  • Filter pads between the different filter media block sediments and prevent water channeling. The latter increases filtration effectiveness and filter life.
  • Installing the countertop water filter is fast and straightforward. You just have to remember that it fits standard size faucets only. Designer faucets, sprayer-type faucets, and pull-out faucets won’t work.
  • One filter cartridge lasts up to 3 months or 500 gallons of water. Replacement cost is about average.
  • Home Master provides a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. If you are unhappy with your purchase you can return the product for a refund.
  • And lastly, the filter system is covered by a limited warranty for 3 years.

Cons

  • Some Amazon customers had problems with leakages and opening the filter casing.
  • We couldn’t find a performance data sheet for the Jr. F2.

6. Best for Distilled Water: Megahome Countertop Water Distiller

This countertop water distiller by Megahome with the model number MH943SBS is among the cream of the crop. And not only that, water distillation provides the purest water of all water purification methods – almost pure H2O!

Megahome Countertop Water Distiller

★★★★

See More Product Images at amazon.com

Main Specs

  • Price: $$
  • Filter type: Water distiller
  • Water produced: 1 gallon of distilled water every 5½ hours
  • Electricity: Around $12 if you distill one gallon per day
  • Best for: The Megahome is best for distilled water.

Pros

  • Water distillers in general are really easy to use. You simply fill the boiling chamber with water, hit the start button, and wait for the distillation process to finish. The purified water collects in a large glass carafe.
  • Activated carbon filter sachets remove volatile substances that might survive the distillation. Enough filter sachets for the first 6 months of use are included.
  • All materials that the water touches are glass, ceramic, or food grade stainless steel. In other words, contamination through cheap plastic parts is impossible.
  • Megahome’s countertop water distiller fulfills UL safety standards.
  • The product warranty lasts one year.

Cons

  • The Megahome MH943SBS cannot be turned off by switch. If you want to avoid burned deposits on the stainless steel you either have to pull the plug or use a timer switch.

7. Best Alkaline Gravity: Santevia Water System

The Santevia is a gravity water filter similar to Berkey. One difference, however, is that it also features remineralization. Personally, we prefer Berkey but in case you are really into alkaline drinking water you might find it worth checking out!

Santevia Water System with Fluoride Filter

★★★

See More Product Images at santevia.com

Main Specs

  • Price: $$
  • Type of water filter: Gravity-fed
  • Estimated annual filter replacement cost: $200
  • NSF: 42, 53
  • Best for: The Santevia Water System is best for gravity filtration and alkaline water.

Pros

  • Three filter stages produce great-tasting drinking water: A ceramic pre-filter removes almost all particles down to a size of .3 microns. This even includes some bacteria. The following fluoride removal stage eliminates fluoride, chlorine, lead (up to 89.1%) and other heavy metals, and various chemical and organic contaminants. The remineralization filter completes the filtration process enriching your water with healthy minerals like calcium and magnesium and also balancing pH.
  • Together the two water tanks can hold up to 2.6 gallons of water which makes the Santevia perfect for family use.
  • We would have preferred steel or glass but at least the plastic is free from BPA and BPS[3].

Cons

  • With 30 days, the product warranty is relatively short. This is especially a problem considering customers have complained about quality issues.
  • Mold can become a problem if you don’t clean the system on a regular basis.
  • The fluoride filter life is short and increases annual filter replacement cost.

8. Best for Travelling: APEC RO-CTOP Portable Countertop Water Filter System

We chose to include the APEC Water Systems RO-CTOP in our guide due to its popularity. The system’s most important advantages are that it is easy to attach and use, portable, and that it gives you access to refreshing drinking water.

APEC Water Systems RO-CTOP Portable Countertop Water Filter System

★★★

See More Product Images at amazon.com

Main Specs

  • Price: $$
  • Type of countertop filter: Reverse osmosis filtration system
  • Water flow: Around 50 gallons per day
  • Estimated annual filter replacement cost: $120
  • NSF: 42
  • Best for: The APEC RO-CTOP is ideal for travelling.

Pros

  • A small and lightweight water filter like this is easily portable.
  • 4 stages of filtration – sediment pre-filter (rated at 5 microns), coconut shell GAC, RO membrane, and another granular activated carbon filter – reduce up to 99 percent of water contaminants, according to the manufacturer. APEC lists fluoride, chlorine, lead, chromium 6, radium, sediment, VOCs and other chemicals, total dissolved solids, viruses, and bacteria.
  • You are free to substitute the fourth filter stage, the granular carbon post-filter, with a remineralization stage. The added calcium will add to your required daily intake and also greatly improve water taste.
  • A diverter valve allows you to switch between filtered and unfiltered water as you wish.
  • Filter installation is only worth mentioning because it’s so simple – as long as your faucet or tap is standardized in terms of size. A set of adapters are part of the package.
  • Both pre-filters need biannual replacement. The reverse osmosis membrane and the GAC post-filter have a much longer filter life. Overall, you don’t have to worry about filter changes too much, thanks to quick-connect fittings and affordable replacements.
  • APEC warrants this product for one year.

Cons

  • For some people, the tubing became brittle and started leaking or blew off after a while.
  • We miss a proper filter dispenser. The permeate water exits via a tube.

Or read our detailed APEC RO-CTOP countertop RO system review

Countertop Water Filtration System Comparison Chart

How do the best countertop water filters perform when directly compared to one another?

Products$$$Filter TypeWater FlowAnnual CostNSFBest ForDetails
AquaTru Water Filtration System$$$Countertop RO1 Gallon of Safe Water in 10-15 Minutes$12042, 53, 58, 401, P473Best Overall4-Stage Water Filter System, Easy to Install, Low Maintenance
Berkey Water Filtration System$$Gravity-Based7 Gallons of Water Per Hour$4042, 53Best for Microbiologically Unsafe WaterFilters Last 3,000 Gallons of Water
RKIN ZIP Alkaline Water Filter$$$Countertop RO1 Gallon of Alkaline Water in 10-20 Minutes$7058Best for Alkaline Water4-Stage Water Filter System, Adds Calcium and Magnesium
Aquasana AQ-4000 Water Filtration System$Inline Countertop0.5 gpm$12042, 53, 401, P473Best for Crowded Kitchens2-Stage Filter
Home Master TMJRF2 Elite Sink Top Water Filtration System$Inline Countertop?$120Best for Low Budgets and Well or City WaterHome Master Support is A+, the Jr. F2 Features Easy Installation, Filter Lasts 500 Gallons or 3 Months
Megahome MH943SBS$$Distiller1 Gallon of Pure Water in 5½ Hours$12 (1 Gallon Per Day)Best for Distilled WaterOne of the Best
Santevia Water Filtration System$$Gravity-Based?$20042, 53Best Gravity Filtration for Alkaline Drinking WaterAdds Beneficial Minerals, Easy Installation
APEC RO-CTOP$$Countertop ROAround 50 gpd$12042Best for TravellingExtremely Easy to Install

Buying Guide – How to Buy a Countertop Water Filtration System (+ How We Tested)

A countertop water filtration system comes with many advantages, given that you choose one that is up to standards. Below is our buyer’s guide which shall help you find the best countertop water filter for your needs.

Water Contaminants

Before you even think about buying a countertop water filter system should you find out – through testing – which contaminants are actually in your water supply and at what concentrations. Armed with this data can you search for a water filter capable of removing any undesirable impurities.

That said, chances are that you might not have to do your own testing. If you are on tap water you can use the free annual water quality report published by your local water utility. Simply visit their website to find out more. Alternatively, your municipality may be able to assist you.

Another option is to visit https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/ and browse for your water utility (just enter your ZIP code and choose the utility from the list). For each utility, the database lists all detected contaminants and how many of them exceeded EWG health guidelines. Towards the bottom of the page, you will find a list of filter types capable of reducing the contaminants in your water.

FYI: The EWG Tap Water Database is based on the thousands upon thousands of water quality reports published by the treatment utilities spread around the U.S. The EWG people don’t do their own testing. Also, a water utility does not have to test for every possible contaminant but only those required by the EPA. This is why hiring an independent laboratory to have your own testing done may provide you with a more complete picture of the situation. And doing your own testing is your only option in case you have your own private well anyway.

If you need help finding a reliable testing laboratory, we recommend Tap Score.

NSF/ANSI Testing and Certificates

You know which harmful contaminants are present in your water source? Then we recommend you go shopping for a countertop drinking water filter that has been tested and possibly even certified against NSF/ANSI standards to remove those exact contaminants.

NSF testing and certifications are the only way to guarantee effective contaminant removal. This is what you should look out for:

  • Standard 42 tests for the removal of chlorine taste and odor as well as large particulates.
  • Standard 53 is for contaminants with health effects, such as: Heavy metals, VOCs, disinfection byproducts, and contaminants originating from agriculture.
  • Standard 401 covers 15 emerging contaminants not yet regulated by the EPA. This includes certain pesticides, herbicides, and prescription drugs.
  • Protocol P473 tests for carcinogenic perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS).

Faucet Connection

Countertop water filter systems are only compatible with standard-sized faucets or taps. Any sprayer-type kitchen faucet, pull-out or pull-down kitchen faucet, or fancy designer kitchen faucet won’t work. So before you spend any money make sure to check if yours is compatible and allows for a standard hose connection.

Faucet adapters are included in most filter packages.

Filter Design

You can’t really hide a countertop water filter system. Therefore, choose one that you can actually bear looking at.

Space Requirements

Most countertop filters are compact but you still need enough space on your countertop.

Water Production

A water filter that cannot meet your daily demand for clean drinking water is no good. If you don’t like the thought of being thirsty while you wait for your new countertop water filter to do its thing, buy one that is fast enough.

Maintenance and Filter Longevity

Countertop filter systems use several filter stages. Each usually lasts 6 to 12 months. Some filter elements like an RO membrane might be good for a couple of years. Bottom line: Maintaining a countertop water filter shouldn’t pose a problem; don’t worry about it!

Budget

There is no need to spend hundreds upon hundreds of dollars. Some high quality water filters are available for much less. However, if you are too stingy you might end up with a model that’s ineffective. We recommend spending between $150 and $450.

Please note: In the long run, even more important than the price tag are the expenses for replacement filters.

What Is a Countertop Water Filter and Why Do You Need One?

Best Countertop Water Filters Thumbnail

A countertop water filter, sometimes misspelled counter top water filter, can be used to purify city water or microbiologically-safe well water. The goal is to get great-tasting and healthy drinking water without contaminants.

How a countertop water filter works depends on the type. We can differentiate between regular filters, filters based on gravity filtration, countertop water distillers, and countertop RO systems. Another way to categorize countertop filter systems is into inline and standalone units.

Advantages of using a countertop-type filter are: They produce clean water while being affordable, space-saving, and easy to use and maintain.

On the downside, countertop filter systems provide filtered water at one faucet only and water production can be slow.

How the Different Types of Countertop Water Filters Work

Regular Filters

Regular countertop filters may use a combination of sediment pre-filters, activated carbon pre-filters, and KDF and exchange resin filter media. A mixture of these can help reduce a whole plethora of contaminants.

Reverse Osmosis Systems

A reverse osmosis system can use some or even all of the filtration methods listed above in addition to the RO purification process. This guarantees the removal of all contaminant types.

Water Distillers

Countertop distillers produce water so pure that it has almost nothing left in it. However, distillation is only really necessary if you cannot get rid of the contaminants in your water any other way. Also, we recommend remineralizing the distilled water for better taste and digestibility.

Gravity Water Filters

This type makes use of gravity to push unfiltered water through its filter elements. Oftentimes, water flow is slower which increases contact time, which in turn results in very thorough filtration.

Standalone vs Inline

We may also group over-the-counter water filters into inline and standalone units.

A standalone filter requires manual filling since it lacks a direct water connection. On the one hand, you don’t have to worry about proximity to a water source. On the other hand, manual refilling can get tiresome.

Inline countertop water filters can be hooked up to a standard-size kitchen faucet or bathroom tap. Water enters via a tube, makes its way through the different filter stages, and can be dispensed using an extra faucet.

Countertop Water Filter Advantages & Disadvantages

Benefits

Healthy and Delicious Drinking Water

Countertop water filters are designed to produce clean drinking water – water that not only tastes and smells great but that also does not affect your health.

Easy to Install/Uninstall

Countertop filters are either entirely installation-free or they are easy to install and uninstall without the need for tools.

Compactness

Especially compared to whole house water filters, most countertop systems are highly compact.

Portability

Compactness paired with low weight and quick faucet installation/removal means high portability.

Easy to Maintain

A countertop water filter is easy to maintain. All you need to do some basic cleaning and replace the filter cartridges once or twice a year.

Low Budget Solution

Even with a limited budget can you find a countertop water filter system of high quality. In fact, you might even save because you don’t have to spend your money on overpriced bottled water any longer.

Drawbacks

Single Point of Use

A countertop water filter system won’t improve your shower water quality nor will it have any effect on the water used by your washing machine or dishwasher. Countertop water filtration means having access to purified water at a single point of use.

Less Convenient

Buying a countertop water filter only makes sense if you use it on a daily basis. After a while, you might find it inconvenient or even annoying if it sits on your countertop all the time. Not only can it be more difficult to wash dishes, the system will also be visible around the clock.

Slow Water Flow

trickling faucet

Unless a system uses an internal pump to boost water pressure, flow from the filters is slow.

Countertop Water Filter Installation

How do you install a countertop water filter?

First of all, if you’ve purchased a standalone system like the AquaTru you don’t have to worry about installation at all. Just follow the manufacturer instructions before using the filter for the first time.

For everyone else, below are our countertop water filter installation instructions. Please regard them as general guidelines. Before installing your system make sure to check the product manual:

  1. Decide where you want to install your new countertop water filter. Installation on any standard-sized faucet is possible.
  2. Remove the faucet’s aerator.
  3. Check if you have to use an adapter.
  4. Connect the incoming water line directly to your faucet.
  5. Slowly open the faucet and check for leaks.
  6. Switch the diverter valve into filtered position.
  7. Flush the filter system as specific by the manufacturer prior to use.

Countertop vs Whole House Water Filters

How do countertop water filters perform when compared to whole house water filters?

  • Most importantly, we find highly effective filter models in both categories. It’s just that whole house water filtration systems provide filtered water for an entire home, whereas counter top filters are for a single faucet only.
  • Which type you should buy depends on your water conditions.
  • Countertop water filters use one or more pre-filter stages and one or more post-filters. The same does not necessarily apply to whole home systems.
  • Although there are budget solutions for both types of water filters, point-of-entry filter systems are way more popular.
  • You have to invest much more time and money to install a whole house filter.

Countertop vs Under Sink Water Filtration Systems

How do countertop water filters perform when compared to water filtration systems that go under the kitchen sink?

  • Again, we find highly effective systems in both categories – multi and single-stage filtration. The former allows you to target a broad range of potentially harmful contaminants in your water.
  • Which type to buy depends on your personal preferences. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
  • There are countertop and under kitchen sink water filters for every budget. Still, under kitchen sink is more popular.
  • Under sink filters certainly require more effort to install.
  • In both groups there are models that come with their own water storage tank and filter dispenser. All other units are to be installed inline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ thumbnail

Do countertop water filters work for all kitchen faucets?

Not for all kitchen faucets, only those that have the standard sized and are not pull-out, pull-down, sprayer, or designer-type faucets.

What common contaminants does a countertop drinking water filter remove?

The best countertop water filters are designed remove all common contaminants including heavy metals like lead, chlorine and sometimes chloramine, disinfection byproducts, volatile organic chemicals, pesticides, and herbicides.

Are countertop water filters BPA free?

Yes, all the filters we know of are BPA-free.

Why are countertop water filters better than bottled water?

For two reasons: 1. Countertop water filters will save you money in the long run. Bottled water is too overpriced to be able to compete with a home water filter. 2. The drinking water standards for bottled water are even lower than those for tap water. Buying bottled water does by no means guarantee that you are drinking quality water.

Can I use my countertop water filter in my RV?

Of course you can! You just need to have enough space to accommodate the unit and sufficient water pressure to fuel the filtration process.

Does a countertop water filter work?

Some countertop water filters are more effective than others. If you want to make sure that the system you purchase works as intended, look out for NSF/ANSI testing and certifications.

Conclusion

The best countertop water filters provide you with healthy and delicious drinking water. You just need to purchase a product that’s up to standards. Our favorite system is the AquaTru. Berkey is one of the best options available if you are into gravity filters. For regular filtration, choose the Aquasana AQ-4000. The Megahome MH943SBS is a great countertop distiller.

If you have questions about the above countertop water filters or any other please leave a comment below!

Further Reading

Resources

Meet Jason Hollow

Jason Hollow Jason is the founder of Water Masterz and head of content creation. After six years in the industry, he has tremendous knowledge and first-hand experience on all things related to water treatment.

His credo: Not a single American should have to drink unhealthy water at home.

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