When you are thinking about replacing the expensive bottled water with a home water filtration system, the countertop water filters are the perfect solution. Most of the countertop water filters can remove pollutants like lead, PFAS, pesticides, and other commonly found contaminants in water. In this article, we will explain what a countertop water filter is and introduce you to the three best countertop filters you can find on the market.
Types of Countertop Water Filtration Systems
Like the name suggests, the countertop water filtration system is a water filter that can either be installed or be placed on the top of a counter. This type of filter normally does not require to be connected with water lines and only requires the minimum installation efforts. Below are four types of popular countertop filters.
Pitcher Water Filter
The pitcher water filter is probably the most popular type of countertop water filter around the world. Simply put the filter inside the designated area inside the pitcher, the pitcher water filter then can filter water based on the gravity. The inside filter will trap the impurities and pass through clean water. The famous pitcher water filter brands include Brita, Waterdrop, and ZeroWater, which the pitchers vary from filtration media to filtration speed.
Faucet Water Filter
The faucet water filter is a water filter that is connected to the home faucet. When you turn on the faucet, you will be able to get filtered water through the faucet filter. The biggest advantage of this filter is the fast filtration speed, which delivers clean water as the tap water flows out of the faucet without waiting.
Countertop RO Water Filter
The countertop RO water filter is a type of reverse osmosis water filtration system that be placed and used on the top of counters. Unlike the traditional RO systems that need to be installed under the kitchen sink, this new type of countertop RO water filter requires no drilling and connections to water lines. It looks like a water dispenser and can be used anywhere with an electric socket.
Gravity-Fed Water Filter
The gravity-fed water filter is a water filtration system that works through gravity to remove contaminants in water. The gravity-fed water filters require no electricity and installation. The size of this type of filter is usually quite large and able to serve clean water to a large household.
Advantages of Countertop Water Filters
The countertop water filters are popular for the following benefits:
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Compact Size
Except for the gravity-fed water filter, most of the countertop water filters come with a compact size and can be placed anywhere at your home. The compact size would save you much space and provide more room for storage. -
Portability
The compact and lightweight design of countertop water filters also provide portability. Since no water line connections are needed, you will be able to use the countertop water filters almost anywhere, even in an outdoor setting. It’s a very convenient choice if you would like to access clean water in different environments. -
Affordability
Compare with other under sink water filtration systems, the countertop water filters are more affordable options. The minimum installation efforts and budget-friendly price make countertop water filters very popular among people who live in apartments or rent a place to live.
Countertop Water Filter System Reviews
Now you have learned the basic information about countertop water filters, here are some countertop filter reviews that help you to choose the best countertop water filters on the market.
Waterdrop King Tank Gravity-Fed Countertop Water Filter
The Waterdrop King Tank gravity-fed water filter is equipped with a 2.25-gallon capacity that is able to keep the entire household stay hydrated. The filter is designed to be used in both indoor and outdoor settings without the need for electricity. It’s ideal to use in homes, rental places, and RVs.
Both the tank and water level spigot are made of 304 food-grade stainless steel, which not only ensures the sturdiness of the system but also prevents the system from metal corrosion. The system comes with a complete accessory set that includes everything you would need to operate the system.
The two fluoride removal filters and two activated carbon filters can remove 98% of the initial fluorine and 98.95% of the chlorine in the water. The system is also effective in reducing heavy metals, sediment, rust, soil, and other impurities while improving the odor and taste.
The service life of the fluoride filter is up to 1,000 gallons of water, and the service life of the chlorine filter is up to 6,000 gallons of water. The long water filter lifespan means fewer replacement costs and efforts, making the system popular for a great number of households.
Waterdrop N1 Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter
The Waterdrop N1 countertop water filter is one of the most popular countertop RO systems on the market. One common concern for the RO systems is the high wastewater production, while the Waterdrop N1 system features an impressive 3:1 drain ratio that greatly cut the water waste. The advanced drain water recycling technology allows you to enjoy the cleanest water with the smallest water waste.
The system comes with a UV light that is auto-activated every hour to kill bacteria and viruses from the feed water. The RO membrane achieves a 0.0001-micron filtration accuracy that effectively removes almost all the commonly found contaminants in water as well as a 90% TDS reduction rate.
The N1 countertop water filter is also a smart system with a display panel to allow you to monitor water quality at a glance. You will be able to learn information like the real-time TDS level, the filter life status, the water storage, the auto-flush status, and multiple volume settings.
In terms of the filter lifespan and replacement. The CF filter and MRO filter can last up to 6 and 18 months respectively. The system can also go on standby mode or sleep mode to minimize power consumption. Another great feature about the system is the no installation design, in which you only need to find an electrical socket to plug in and run the system. The system is ideal to use in the living room, RVs, kitchens, offices, and even bedrooms, allowing you to access tasty drinking water anytime, anywhere.
Waterdrop FC-06 Stainless Steel Faucet Water Filter
The Waterdrop FC-06 faucet water filter is built out of food-grade stainless steel and natural activated carbon block. The mineralization filtration media can add more beneficial mineral elements in the filtered water to enhance your body systems.
The system is tested and certified by NSF international for chlorine reduction and lead-free material. The 360-degree swivel angle allows you to control the water flow direction conveniently, The mode switcher on the side allows you to switch tap water to filtered water easily.
Depending on the feedwater flow, the FC-06 faucet water filter can provide a high flow rate of 0.5 gpm and fill a cup of water within 6s. The service life of the filter is about 3 months or 320 gallons of water.