Having clean, odorless water at home is more than a luxury—it's a necessity. Whether you’re drinking, cooking, or washing produce, ensuring your water is free from contaminants makes a big difference in your health and daily life. Countertop water filters are convenient and efficient, offering purified water without complex installations or hefty costs.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best countertop water filters to help you find the perfect fit for your needs. From advanced filtration systems to compact designs, we’ll cover options that provide clean, great-tasting water straight from your tap. Say goodbye to unpleasant odors and impurities—let’s find the countertop water filter that works best for your home!
Best Countertop Water Filter
1. New Wave Enviro 10 Stage Water Filter
- DRINK SAFE WATER: Enjoy fresh filtered water with the 10 Stage...
- ELIMINATES CONTAINMENTS: 10 Stage works to eliminate harmful...
- EASY INSTALLMENT: The space-saving filter quickly and easily...
- ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE: By using a kitchen water filter at...
- NEW WAVE ENVIRO: New Wave is a family-owned company based in...
New Wave Enviro leads the rest in our list of the best countertop water filters. It has a 10-stage filtration system that ensures your drinking water is clean and safe.
With its filtration system, the process removes most contaminants and bacteria in water. In addition, it filters lead, chlorine, pesticides, herbicides, organic and inorganic arsenic contaminants, mercury, and trihalomethanes.
I really love how simple and easy this filter is to install. You’re also free to switch between tap water or filtered water.
Anion exchange resin and inorganic components eliminate sulfate and phosphate anions in this process. These anions are removed as they can interfere with the effective removal of arsenic.
These contaminants are associated with an increased risk of bladder, skin, lung, kidney, lung, and prostate cancer. Also, iron oxide and hydroxide improve arsenic removal.
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2. Home Master TMJRF2 Jr F2 Counter Top Water Filter
- Highly pure water - three-stage filter removes up to 93 percent...
- Efficient, space-saving design - compact design takes up minimal...
- Simple and easy installation takes only minutes
- Portable - compact unit travels well
The Home Master TMJRF2 Jr. F2 removes most impurities from your drinking water. This design eliminates the majority of germs, parasites, and up to 93 percent of fluoride, chlorine, and other potentially dangerous substances that may be present in the water. Isn't that enough reason to make it qualify in the list of the best countertop water filters?
One major downside of this water filter that discouraged me is that it needs frequent filter replacements. However, as much as this is a major con, it ensures that fluoride is filtered out more effectively.
It has a capacity of only 500 gallons, which is very small. However, for travelers and campers like myself, this is what we need; unless you like bottled water which is less economical and not environmentally friendly.
Besides being suitable for traveling, it is also a great option if you don't like bulky items on your countertop. It takes minimal space and fits well on most sinktops. I like its simplicity and sturdiness, so you will also love its durability.
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3. AquaTru Countertop Water Filtration Purification System
- Is your water safe to drink? AquaTru’s patented Ultra Reverse...
- Tested and Certified by IAPMO according to NSF/ANSI Standards:...
- No plumbing or installation required: Takes minutes to set up....
- Cost-effective & environmentally friendly: AquaTru’s affordable...
- Easy to use: Quick change twist-and-seal filters included with...
Safe cleaning water is what everyone deserves, whether you live in the city or the countryside. You also need the best water filter to access clean, pathogen-free drinking water.
Did you know the AquaTrue water filter uses reverse osmosis filtration to remove impurities? Plus, this RO process is impressively efficient at dealing with pollutants.
Unfortunately, some contaminants include toxins, microplastics, cancer-linked impurities, and other toxins in the water. In addition, municipal water may contain drug residues, arsenic, chromium, and lead.
If you want to drink filtered water, try using this AquaTru filter. You will love how differently your water tastes. Can you imagine this filter is tested and certified to remove up to 82 contaminants? This means that it filters 15% more than most filters.
Some impurities you'll avoid drinking when using this filter include chromium, fluoride, and lead. You do not need installation or plumbing to set it up on your counter.
This water filter comes with easy-to-change filters. Depending on how often you use your device, the filters can last between 6 months to two years before they need replacement.
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4. Cleanwater 4less Countertop Water Filtration System
- No Replacement Filters! Saves Money! Easy to install and comes...
- Granulated Activated Carbon - 97% Chlorine reduction, effectively...
- Stylish diverter valve attaches right to most standard faucets,...
- 10,000 Gallons of Fresh Water! No more lugging cases or bottles...
Would you like a countertop water filter that does not need replacement filters? Well, this is the way to go. I especially loved this water filter because of that feature. Once you get the filter, you are assured of drinking cleaner and more tasty water till it stops working.
One thing that I did not find attractive with this filter is that it does not remove fluoride. However, it removes chlorine efficiently.
In addition, this countertop filter removes other suspended particles, including sediments, volatile organic compounds, odors, and bad taste.
Can you imagine getting 10,000 gallons of fresh water with a Clearwater 4less water filter? This means you won't have to buy bottled water to get the taste you desire from your drinking water.
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5. Royal Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter
- 3.25 GALLON CAPACITY- The portable Royal Berkey System...
- FILTERS TYPICAL CONTAMINANTS THAT COULD BE PRESENT IN TAP WATER...
- FLUORIDE AND ARSENIC REDUCTION- Berkey PF-2 Fluoride and Arsenic...
- ECONOMICAL, LONG-LASTING- A pair of Black Berkey Elements lasts...
- INDEPENDENT TESTING- Berkey Water Systems has used several...
This Royal Berkey water filter comes at a capacity of 4 liters. I like it for its small size because this makes it fit even on small kitchen counters. In dimensions, it is 23 inches tall with a diameter of 9 inches.
Royal Berkey water filter filters typical contaminants in tap water, lakes, rivers, and ponds. It is designed to remove fluoride and arsenic reduction elements.
This is the one to go for if you want a water filter that removes residual typical heavy metal ions, fluoride pre-oxidized arsenic (iii), and arsenic (v). It uses Berkey PF-2 Fluoride and Arsenic reduction elements and black Berkey elements to absorb contaminants.
This filter caught my attention as it is highly economical. Who doesn't like to save money? A pair of Black Berkey elements can last up to 6000 gallons of water before they need replacement.
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Types of Water Filters
Water filters come in different types, ensuring you can choose what you like. Some of the types available on the market include the following;
a) Pitchers
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Pitchers typically include carbon filters inside that enhance the flavor and odor of your water by removing impurities. You can readily install the best water pitcher filter options inside most refrigerators. This is because they are generally smaller.
b) On-Counter
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On-counter filters are kept on the counter and are attached to your faucet via a direct pipe. You can drink filtered or unfiltered water by flipping a switch. This type of water filter is a hassle-free and popular option for getting filtered water quickly and easily.
c) Undersink
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Under-sink filters are put beneath your sink and directly connected to your water line, as the name suggests. Although they can be pricey, they require little upkeep and are installed out of sight.
d) Faucet-Mounted
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You can easily filter drinking water using faucet-mounted filters. Although these filters are relatively easy to install, they might not work with all faucets. The best faucet-water filter systems provide clean water instantaneously.
Advantages of a Countertop Water Filter
Countertop water filters have good and bad sides like any other product. This section will look at some of these filters' advantages, including the following.
a) Ease of Installation
Little to no setup or installation is needed for these filters. Some do not require a connection to the kitchen faucet; you can use them without drilling a hole in the kitchen counter. This is a significant bonus if you rent a home or simply don't want to make long-term modifications to your countertop area.
b) Portable
Most countertop filters are portable and may be taken with you on trips or when you move to a new home because they are not permanently installed.
c) Cost
Countertop filters are frequently more economical than under-sink and whole-house filtration options for families looking for clean water on a budget.
d) Take Up Little Space
Countertop water filters are made to be small and space-efficient. They won't take up a lot of side or storage space and are sleek and attractive.
Even more space-efficient countertop water filters are water pitcher filters. They can be kept in the most suitable location for you, such as your refrigerator, and when not in use, they can be hidden away in a cabinet.
e) Non-Permanent Installation
A countertop water filter is not a permanent installation in the kitchen. Therefore, you can install a countertop water filtration system without cutting into your water supply line.
You have no obligation to maintain a countertop water filter in one location or use it continuously for the rest of your life; you can use it whenever you need clean tap water.
When you are ready to get a different type, you only have to remove it from the countertop and use a different one.
f) Clean Drinking Water
You may get high-quality drinking water with countertop water filters in the comfort of your own home.
At the very least, your countertop water filter should be able to remove chlorine and other contaminants from your water, which will improve its flavor.
Up to 90% of all pollutants and impurities can be removed from water with the best countertop water filter.
Disadvantages of a Countertop Water Filter
a) Small Reservoir
Some independent reservoirs can only hold a small volume of water. Therefore, after using all the water, you must replenish the reservoir and wait for the water to filter before using it again.
b) Filtered Water is Available Only at the Point of Use
Countertop filters simply filter water for one part of the house instead of whole-house water filters that cater to all the water that enters the house.
However, they do tend to remove more impurities than whole-house systems. Thus, even those who have whole-house filters frequently purchase a point-of-use filter for their drinking water.
c) May Require to be Refilled Manually
While some countertop filters are separate reservoirs that must be refilled, others connect straight into the faucet. Getting one directly connected to the faucet will make work easier for you.
Countertop Water Filtration Systems Vs. Under Sink Water Filters
Your kitchen sink's cold water line is connected to under-sink water filters installed underneath the sink. These filters can have their faucet or direct water flow to the faucet on your ordinary sink.
Image Credits: Aquaspace Water Systems.com
Under-sink reverse osmosis filters can remove more impurities from tap water. You might also like that they are kept hidden from view.
Unlike countertop water filters, under-sink filters need installation, which may take up to an hour.
What are the Water Purification Methods?
Drinking contaminated water is among the fastest ways to get stomach infections. So, if you don't want to be a statistic, you must ensure you drink purified water. The following methods can guarantee safe drinking water;
a) Boiling
The simplest and safest way to purify water is to boil it. However, your water may contaminate its distribution methods or water sources. For instance, parasites and bacteria may not be visible to the unaided eye, yet their consequences might be fatal.
b) Filtration
One of the most efficient ways of removing chemicals from water is filtering, especially when the proper filters are used. This procedure purifies water and makes it suitable for human consumption using chemical and physical methods.
With a rapid and easy procedure, filtration eliminates both large chemical molecules and small, harmful pollutants that cause diseases. In addition, filtered water is healthier than water treated in other ways since filtration does not eliminate all the mineral salts.
Water Filtration Methods
How do water filters work? You may need to know this vital information before buying a water filter.
Understanding how filters work is essential because you can easily know what to select while buying a water filter, depending on its filtration method.
i) Reverse Osmosis
To prevent larger, more dangerous molecules from entering, reverse osmosis forces water through a semi-permeable membrane. However, this technique cannot eliminate chlorine and other contaminants with larger molecules since it only blocks molecules bigger than water.
Many favor reverse osmosis systems because they may remove more pollutants than carbon filters. The best countertop reverse osmosis systems are best suited for home use.
ii) Ion Exchange
A resin is used in ion exchange to swap out toxic ions for less hazardous ones. Since ion exchange can swap calcium and magnesium for sodium, it is frequently used to soften water. These filters must be routinely "recharged" with safe replacement ions to function for a long time.
iii) Carbon Block filter
Block-shaped filters made of crushed carbon are known as carbon block filters. Since they have a bigger surface area than other carbon-based filters, they perform better.
The efficacy of these filters is directly related to how quickly water passes through them. Fiber-dyne carbon block filters are better at holding silt than other block filter types.
iv) Mechanical
Mechanical filters are a great choice for users looking to eliminate cysts and sediment from their water, even though they cannot remove chemical contaminants. Small pores in mechanical filters remove these impurities, occasionally employed with other filtration techniques. You may want to get a mechanical filter if the dirt and other particles in your water supply are unfavorable.
v) Ozone
Ozone is frequently used with other technologies and is recognized for its efficiency in killing many bacteria. So, if you are worried about becoming sick from your water, ozone filters may be your best option.
vi) Deionization
To get rid of electrically charged ions and salts, deionization filters increase ion exchange in your water. These filters can get rid of contaminants without an electrical charge. However, these filters won't eliminate living things like viruses and bacteria.
c) Distillation
Heat is used in the water purification process known as distillation to gather pure water in the form of vapor. Water's boiling point is lower than other pollutants and disease-causing components contained in water, making this approach useful.
On reaching the boiling point, it is kept there until it vaporizes. Then, the vapor is sent into a condenser to cool. Finally, the vapor is converted back into pure, drinkable liquid water when it cools. Other materials with a higher boiling point are left in the container as sediments.
d) Chlorination
Many years ago, chlorine, a potent chemical, was used to treat water for domestic use. Chlorine is a powerful water purification technique that effectively eliminates pathogens like parasites and bacteria found in tap or groundwater.
You can use either chlorine tablets or liquid chlorine to clean water. Chlorine is an inexpensive and efficient water purification product that is readily available.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Countertop Water Filters
1. Can I connect my countertop water filter to several faucets?
You cannot connect more than one faucet to your filter. However, if you want to move your filter from one faucet to another, doing so will not take much time, as connecting and disconnecting a countertop filter is not a complex process.
2. Do countertop water filters work for all kitchen faucets?
Countertop water filters don't connect to all kitchen faucets. However, they connect to most brands of faucets. If you're unsure whether your water filter will fit your faucet type, you may need to contact the manufacturer for help.
3. How long does a countertop water filter last?
Different companies have filters that have varying lifespans. This also depends on the quantity of water you consume per day. For example, if you live alone, your filters may last longer than if you live with others.
4. What happens when you use a water filter for too long?
Using a carbon water filter beyond its days will collect a build-up of contaminants and other materials. This build-up will look like goop and leak into your drinking water supply.
5. Can you drink rainwater?
Rainwater can carry parasites, bacteria, viruses, and chemicals that could make you sick and has been linked to disease outbreaks. However, the risk of getting sick from rainwater may differ depending on various things. This includes where you're located, the season, how frequently it rains, and how you collect and store the water.
