That strange hint of swimming pool taste in your tap water should be a warning. The chlorine mixed with the water coming into your home is there to kill bacteria and protozoa. It’s not good for you or your family and no one knows the long-term effects of drinking it.
Combine the chlorine with heavy metals, magnesium, calcium, and up to 50 other chemicals commonly found in city water and you have a problem waiting to happen.
Complete home osmosis systems are expensive and require professional installation. You can improve your water, and by default, your health with a countertop filter. Selecting the best countertop water filter is what we’re about to tell you about.
Countertop water filters are a convenient way to create clean, chemical-free water to drink or cook with. They easily fit onto any kitchen counter giving you quick and easy access to clean drinking water any time of the day. There is no plumbing to hook up, just pour in the dirty water and pour out the clean.
But first, let me explain the different types of countertop filters you’ll come across. And yes, I have drunk a small lake during the process of putting together this review. 🙂
Types of Countertop Filtration System
There are two main types of countertop filtration systems. Their systems that sit upon your countertop that is connected to a water line, are very popular.
There are also systems that you must fill with tap water into the top holding tank, and water will trickle down through filters into a clean water reservoir.
1. Water Line and Faucet Connected Countertop Water Filters (Best for having clean water in the kitchen all the time)
The type of countertop filters that connect to a water line has many benefits, which is why they are so popular. They are easy to install and require virtually no plumbing experience. They connect to your already existing sink’s faucet.
These are a preferred style of countertop filters to many people because there is no limit to the amount of water you have access to. It draws water from your main sinks water supply, making water always available.
A popular unit is the:
- 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐯𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬: The RO drinking water faucet, fitting 0.4 inch to 1.57 inch kitchen sink hole, can be used in various situations, such as with water purifiers RO, under-sink water filtration, ultra-filtration water filtration, kitchens, and RVs to meet different needs. 2 sizes quick connectors (1/4 inch & 3/8 inch PE tubing) are offered to meet your various installation needs.
- 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝-𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝟑𝟎𝟒 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐥: Reverse osmosis faucet by Waterdrop, coming up with two material: Matte Black Finish & Burshed Finish, is made of lead-free 304 stainless steel. So the water dispenser faucet is unlikely to get rust, corrosion, and tarnishing during everyday use. The durable ceramic disc creates a perfect sealing effect, thus achieves a good experience of drinking water.
- 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧: The reverse osmosis faucet stem is integrated with the base for simple installation and the avoid of water leakage. Triple O-ring seals are used to avoid deformation of the faucet and breeding; This drinking water faucet inner is smooth and no rust occurred, thus, the drinking water is safe and clean. ⭐Please Note: This faucet can only be connected to PPE pipes.
- 𝟗𝟎° 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞 & 𝟑𝟔𝟎° 𝐬𝐰𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐮𝐭: This state-of-the-art drinking water faucet with a 360-degree spout swivel and a quarter-turn single lever handle makes sure you get water more easily from each angle and position . Enjoy your clean drinking water offered by reverse osmosis faucet with free rotation.⭐Please Note: No smart filter life indicator. Only for cold water.
- The maximum flow the faucet can withstand is: 1.63 gpm / 6.20 lpm
2. Gravity Fed Countertop Water Filters (Best For Ease of Use)
These systems do not have a water line that must be connected to a local water supply. Rather, they have a holding tank that you can fill with water, and as the water flows down (Gravity!) it goes through a filtering process and into a holding tank.
These are usually larger than water line connected systems, have limited water amounts, but they are mobile. You can bring your clean water supply with you wherever you go. These are not nearly as common as waterline and faucet-connected countertop systems.
A popular unit is the:
- 15 L / 4 GAL MINERALIZED WATER FILTER: Create cleaner, pure tasting water with our BPA-Free, Gravity Water System. Santevia filters first reduce impurities from water and then add back healthy essential minerals to create pure and mineralized water.
- REDUCES LEAD AND FLUORIDE: The Santevia Gravity Water System reduces hazardous chemicals found in tap water like chlorine, pharmaceuticals, and fluoride as well as heavy metals like lead.
- MINERALS IN EVERY GLASS: Santevia water filters add essential minerals like calcium, magnesium and potassium to create water that’s healthier for you. Support your optimal health and love your body from the inside out with clean and mineralized water.
- THE ALKALINE DIFFERENCE: Santevia water filters raise the pH of your water by up to +2.0 units creating a smooth and silky taste. By increasing the alkalinity (resistance to acid) of your water you support your body's ability to fight unhealthy acidity.
- OPTIMIZED FOR TASTE: Adding healthy minerals to water is better for your health and will also make your water taste fresh and delicious. Santevia filtered water tastes so good that you’ll drink more of it and stay better hydrated.
3. Water Distillers and Filter Combinations (Best for Emergency Survival)
For people that rely on distilled water, you can purchase a water distiller that combines with a few filtering features. These are not the most popular choice for people who do not need distilled water, but they are a great option for those who do.
By combining a boiling process, steam filter, and collection tank, water distillers can provide you with clean and distilled water, right from home. They usually take longer but will save you money in the long run on distilled water bottles.
A popular unit is the:
- Stainless Steel Non-Electric Water Distiller/Desalinator Producing 8-10+ Cups per Hour
- Gravity Water Filter Producing upto 6 Gallon per Hour
- Converts from Distiller to High Speed Gravity Water Filter
- Made In USA - Makes All Water Drinkable
How Do Countertop Water Filters Work?
Countertop water filters, compared to water pitchers, are so popular because they work so simply. When it comes to water line connected filters, the way they work is very simple.
The filters come with a water line and faucet adapter so that you can connect your current faucet to the water filter. Water will flow from your existing faucet and into the countertop filtration system where it will be purified, and harmful contaminants will be filtered out. Once the water is done being filtered, it is ready to be used.
Unline countertop water dispensers, most countertop water filters have a dedicated faucet that is attached to the filter. This is entirely separate from your existing faucet and will only produce purified water. One nice feature that many countertop water filters possess is a water diverter valve.
This is the thing that connects your old faucet with the new filter. This diverter valve will allow you to choose where the water will flow, either out of your original existing faucet (unfiltered) or into the new countertop water filter.
Gravity-fed countertop systems are even simpler than the standard countertop filters. They usually contain two separate containers for water. You load the top of the system with water, and the water will flow downward into the filtration stages.
When the water is done being filtered, there is another water collection area, usually called a reservoir. Here is where clean water collects. You then use a spigot to release the clean water into your water bottle or mug. They are popular systems because there is no plumbing needed, and they have no need for a water line.
Should you Install a Countertop Water Filter?
Countertop water filters are a great option for many homeowners and renters. The convenience, affordability, and overall effectiveness against unpurified water make them a wonderful solution for clean drinking water.
If you are someone who (understandably) tends to shy away from plumbing work of any type, then countertop filters are a good option for you. There is no manipulation of your current plumbing, and there is usually no need to even get the toolbox when it comes to installation. The simplicity of their design cannot be overstated.
The biggest reason why someone may want to choose a countertop water filter is because of the cost. A whole-home system can cost thousands of dollars and usually require some know-how when it comes to installation. If your goal is to find a good solution for clean drinking water, then a countertop filtration system can provide that, for a fraction of the cost.
What Common Contaminants Does a Countertop Water Filter Remove?
Standard inline water filters attached to the sink tap are just fiber filters that catch pollutants, chemicals, debris, and small amounts of bacteria by trapping them in activated carbon fibers. They don’t stop all bacteria, only a reverse osmosis filter can do that.
A reverse osmosis style countertop water filter creates distilled water as its final product. The chemicals, including, chlorine, lead, magnesium, and even trace amounts of pharmaceuticals are all removed during the reverse osmosis filtration process.
This popular model from GeekPure is a good example of one of these:
Mechanical filters can remove most of the pollutants from your water, but it takes an osmosis system to remove them all. A full home osmosis system can cost between $10,000 and $20,000 to install. A countertop model is much more affordable, and provides the same product, only on a smaller scale since it process just limited amounts for cooking and drinking.
The Advantages of Countertop Water Filter
- Better Tasting Water
- Healthier Water Sources
- Easier Installation
- Saves Money
- Easy to Maintain
Better Tasting Water
Water without chemicals tastes better. Chlorine with its bitter metallic flavor is the top source of poor tasting water. A countertop water filter removes that taste.
Healthier Water Sources
Water devoid of lead, magnesium, calcium, and pharmaceuticals is just better for you. You won’t ingest these hidden chemicals if your filter traps them first.
Easier Installation
Reviews of the best countertop water filter on the market all have similarities. Put the filter on the countertop, plug it in, fill it with water, push the button, wait a few minutes and you have pristine natural water. Installation is easy because there is none.
Saves Money
Buying bottled water can be expensive, arduous and when you run out, it’s time to haul those heavy jugs back to the store, or to call your delivery service. A countertop filter provides water on demand, no waiting, no lift, just clean water.
Easy to Maintain
The maintenance of a countertop water filter is simple. Pour the tap water in, let the machine work. Pour the clean water out, and pour the waste product down the drain.
Best Countertop Water Filtration System Reviews
⭐ 1. AquaTru – Reverse Osmosism Countertop Water Filtration system Review
It’s time to throw out those plastic water bottles once you taste the water from the AquaTru Reverse Osmosis system. The AquaTru is one of the best countertop reverse osmosis water filter systems you can buy.
The device handles three quarts of water at a time, takes up very little countertop space with a small footprint of 14x12x14 inches, and best of all, the water it produces tastes great.
The AquaTru is designed to removed lead, arsenic, carcinogens, chromium, and drug residue, in addition to the standard threats of calcium, chlorine, and bacteria.
This cost-effective system requires no plumbing. Just fill the three-quarter reservoir and let the machine do its magic.
The system is designed to last six months to two years without changing the filter. That’s the equivalent of 4,500 single-use 16 ounce bottles.
Talk about saving the planet, this little gizmo does exactly that by cleaning pollutants out of your tap water and producing a product that is purer, safer, and tastier than any bottled water product on the market.
Best of all with this system, you’re not filling up landfills with millions of empty plastic bottles, and you’re not polluting the atmosphere with diesel fumes created when these same 16-ounce plastic bottles are transported to market.
The AquaTru is easy to use, with quick-release twist-and-seal filters. The futuristic design can purify a gallon of tap water in just 12 to 15 minutes.
Don’t let the convenient, small design fool you. The AquaTru is a workhorse.
Utilizing a four-stage purification process the tap water first passes through a pair of pre osmotic carbon filters. These twin filters remove larger particles, including rust, sediment, and chlorine. Any other particles in your water are trapped by the carbon filters at this stage.
The third step is an ultra-fine, reverse osmosis filter that cleans out inorganic chemicals like lead, chromium, arsenic, nitrates, and pharmaceutical drug particles.
The final step is the VOC filter where an activated coconut block carbon filter removes hydrocarbons, any remaining prescription drug residue, leaving the thoroughly cleansed water refreshing, good tasting, and safe for you and your family.
2. Brondell H2O+ Countertop Water Filtration System Review
An innovative three-filter design provides quality filtration without the time constraints of smaller reverse osmosis systems.
The Bronell H20 is a continuous flow filtering system that attaches directly to a faucet, providing as much water as you need without the sometimes cumbersome process of filling and emptying the reservoir from a standalone countertop system.
The three-stage filtering system is a patented Nanotrap technology, a process usually found in much more expensive under-the-counter filtering systems.
The small 11.5×4.25×11 inch design takes up only a little of your countertop space but provides a big supply of water.
Simple installation, in under 10 minutes, and equally, easy replacement filter makes this a solid piece of equipment for people worried about the pollutants arriving from their municipal water supply.
The three-step process begins with the composite plus filter. This two-step filter traps rust, fine particles, organic material, and sand. It acts as a pre-filtering agent to screen out all the large particles that can flow into your home.
The nanotech filter is the second stage. Composed of cellulose and alumina fiber, it traps particles down to two microns. This clears your water, reducing turbidity.
The final carbon block filter reduces odor, bad taste, and is the final defense against contaminants such as chlorine, organic compounds, and microscopic particulates.
The composite and carbon filters need replacement every six months, while the recommended replacement interval for the nanotech filter is a year.
The filtering process is effective against bacteria, and other waterborne organisms, but doesn’t have an effect on hard water.
If you have hard water, with heavy iron, calcium, or magnesium content, this three process, the physical filter will not remove or reduce the hard water levels. That’s the job of a water softener in large quantities, or for a reverse osmosis system.
Keep In Mind
This three-filter device does not produce distilled water as a reverse osmosis system does, but it is effective at removing smells, harmful contaminants, and bacteria from a water supply.
The advantages are easy to see. This is a low-cost, high-volume filter that is easy to attach, and provides long shelf life with low-cost replacement filters.
3. RKIN Zero Installation Purifier Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Review
75 gallons a day, from a countertop reverse osmosis filtration, is all you need to know about the AlcaPure by RKIN. This high-capacity countertop filtration system approaches the production level of full home units but at a fraction of the cost.
Weighing just 23 pounds, with a footprint of 14.5×9.5×16.25 this compact unit is a workhorse.
It comes in two varieties, one the AlcaPure edition for countertop alkaline water filter, and the OnliPure edition for zero TDS water.
Both units function the same, they’re just specifically designed to handle the additional challenges water in the PH7 to PH8 alkaline range can present.
This system is small enough to work in any kitchen, it fits compactly in apartments, and it’s even small enough to take with you in your RV.
The supply tank of the unit is located in the front for easy access. Its height allows it to fit under most kitchen cabinets on top of the lower cabinets.
This unit removes chlorine, lead, magnesium, and calcium from water. It is also effective at removing fluoride, other heavy metals, bacteria, and dissolved pharmaceutical drugs which by be dissolved in your municipal water supply.
There is no assembly required, the unit is filled with water by a jug from the tap. In about 15 minutes, you’ll have a half-gallon of pristine water. The system works similarly to a coffee maker.
The four-stage process ensures the best tasting, odor-free water you’ve ever experienced.
Stage one allows the water to pass through a five-micron sediment filter. This removes large particles such as rust, sand, and sediment.
In the second stage, a coconut-based activated carbon block filter removes chemicals, pesticides, and other dangerous dissolved solids floating in your water.
The third stage is the reverse osmosis membrane. The system can produce an amazing 75 gallons of purified water per day.
The final stage applies AlcaPure’s patented post filtering system. In this final step, calcium, magnesium, and other metals common to high alkaline water are filtered out via an ion exchange process.
The resulting water is pure, odorless, chemically free PH balanced.
4. WaterChef C7000 Premium Countertop Water Filter System 1,000 Gallon Review
The WaterChef C7000 is the least expensive of the countertop water filters we’ve reviewed here. Its easy-to-use design allows a homeowner to connect the filter directly to the kitchen faucet.
Not a reverse osmosis filter, but rather a series of physical filters, this device can still remove many of the harmful chemicals found in municipal water supplies.The C7000 removes 99+% of lead in your incoming water.
Weighing just 3.6 pounds, with a dimension of 6.75×4.75×10 inches, this is the lightest and smallest of the countertop water filters we’ve reviewed.
It has a filtering capacity of .75 gallons per minute. It will slow your faucet flow, but the water coming out of it will be vastly superior to the incoming municipal water.
It comes with a pre-installed filter, a battery, and a diverter valve assembly. The built-in mechanism sends a warning to you when it is time to install a new filter.
This is not a reverse osmosis filter so some of the chemicals that the reverse osmosis process filters will get through this system. The most notable is fluoride.
Because of its small footprint, many RV users take this unit with them on the road. It is even popular with boat owners. The filtering system works well with questionable water while camping or boating, providing clean, safe water for you to use.
Keep In Mind
Another common application for the C7000 is to place one in the kitchen, the laundry room, and in every bathroom with a sink in the home. The low cost, combined with the high function make it a perfect addition to any home water supply.
All you need is a pressurized water supply, the provided hose, adapter, and open space on your counter, the C7000 does all the rest. Great tasting, safe water is just a few minutes away after this unit arrives.
5. APEX Quality Countertop Drinking Water Filter Review
Highlighted Features
The APEX countertop filter has a ton of features that any homeowner would love. The chance to match your new filter to the rest of your kitchen is not always possible with other models, that made this system stand out from the start. We were impressed with the flow rate of the system, many times with water filtration systems of all types, you will see a large decrease in water flow rate.
While there was some decrease in the APEX system, it was not noticeable enough to mention, I had complaints about it.
The most important aspect of a countertop filter is its ability to do what it was made to do, filter. The APEX system removed large amounts of fluoride, chlorine, and other heavy traceable heavy metals like lead. The water smelled and tastes much better before.
If you are battling common tap water issues like chlorine smells, limescale build-up, or heavy metal, the APEX is a solid solution.
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6. Big Berkey Countertop Water Filter Review
Highlighted Features
Gravity-fed countertop water filters are becoming more and more popular for several reasons. The mobility and the effectiveness of the water filtration would be at the top of this list.
Some of the most popular usages for the berkey countertop water filter system are by people on the go who want to have access to clean water. It is commonly used in office settings for those that want the cleanest water possible and remote cabin settings where clean water may be at a premium.
Another reason why countertop filters are so popular is that they have an easy-to-use tap built into the system. There is virtually no installation process with these systems.
Do not let the small stature of the Berkey fool you; it is highly effective at removing tons of contaminants from your water supply.
Berkey filter went out of their way to have this system tested by 3rd party companies to ensure that they are not missing a single piece of information that could help them build the best product possible. The filtering elements do an amazing job removing large quantities of lead, chlorine, and other heavy metals that are commonly found in municipal water supplies.
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7. iSpring CKC1C Countertop Drinking Water Filtration System Review
Highlighted Features
No matter which water filtration system type you are investigating, iSpring will always have a quality and reliable product for you. This countertop system is no exception.
The low price of the system is always a shock to people when they realize all the benefits they are getting from the system. Cheaper is not necessarily always better when it comes to water filtration, but the iSpring combines affordability and performance with this system.
Right off the bat, you will notice unique transparent plastic housing. This always allows you to see the filter and keep watch over any possible mildew or mold build-up that could occur. The transparent housing is made from coconut-shell; this helps combat any mildew and mold as well.
The size of the countertop system is great if you are short on counter space. It is around 10″ tall, so it should fit in just about any space.
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8.APEC Water Systems Countertop Water Filter System Review
Highlighted Features
No matter which water filtration system type you are investigating, iSpring will always have a quality and reliable product for you. This countertop system is no exception.
The low price of the system is always a shock to people when they realize all the benefits they are getting from the system. Cheaper is not necessarily always better when it comes to water filtration, but the iSpring combines affordability and performance with this system.
Right off the bat, you will notice unique transparent plastic housing. This always allows you to see the filter and keep watch over any possible mildew or mold build-up that could occur. The transparent housing is made from coconut-shell; this helps combat any mildew and mold as well.
The size of the countertop system is great if you are short on counter space. It is around 10″ tall, so it should fit in just about any space.
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9. Cleanwater4less Countertop Water Filtration System Review
Highlighted Features
The unique water delivery system of this countertop unit stuck out to us. By attaching the water diverter to your existing faucet, the water flows up through 5 stages of filtering and out of the chrome faucet. The chrome faucet features a black rubberized endcap that will help stop the build-up of any bacteria that can form when water is stuck in the faucet.
One thing I liked about this countertop filter was how long the water line is from the faucet diverter to the actual unit. This makes it easy to place the countertop filter anywhere you would like and get into the perfect place on your counter.
When it comes to filtering properties, the system removes chlorine with the best of them, and you can expect great tasting water due to the activated media stage of filtration.
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10. Home Master Sinktop Water Filtration System Review
Highlighted Features
The Home Master system is unique to our list because it is the first connected countertop option. If you have just a few extra inches on your countertop and are looking for a simple and affordable water filter, this could be your choice.
Installing the system is extremely simple, and the water line attachment makes it quick. Once you have installed the waterline, all you need to do is twist the included dedicated tap, and you have a reserved freshwater system on your countertop.
The filter does an admirable job of removing contaminants, and you will see a reduction of about 93% when it comes to removing fluoride. It uses three different filter types, and they all have something they specialize in removing. Minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium will remain in your water supply while the contaminants are removed.
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11. New Wave Enviro 10 Stage Plus Water Filter System
Highlighted Features
We love simple water filtration systems, and the New Wave system definitely checks that box. It was a breeze to install, and the water faucet diverter that is included seems solid, and I do not see any leaks coming from it.
It is hard to ignore the fact that the water will run through 10 unique stages of filtration. That is a high number for a countertop system, and that cannot be ignored.
Any water system that has certifications from both NSF/ANSI and the Gold Seal Association can be trusted to provide you with a safe and reliable recommendation. Filter changes are easy with the New Wave system, and the long-lasting filter life of 1,500 gallons saves you money in new filters in the long run.
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12. Megahome Countertop Water Distiller Review
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