Do Refrigerator Water Filters Really Work?

Having a nice cold glass of water could seem like a luxury—just think about all those times when you get home after a long jog or running chores on a hot summer day. And it’s all the better when it’s coming straight from the water dispenser of your fridge. It’s one of those modern-day conveniences that exist to make your life easier and simpler. After all, why bother opening a fridge door and taking out a bottle of water when a dispenser is right there in front of you?

But water filters need proper care if you intend to use your fridge water dispenser regularly. They need maintenance and on-time replacement to function at their best. If this sounds like a drag on their convenience factor, it’s really not; it’s only a matter of a little TLC with proper understanding. In this article, we’re going to take you through what you should know about maintaining and replacing your fridge’s water filter. We’ll also cover the best replacement water filters on the market so you know what to look for.

Are Refrigerator Water Filters Necessary?

That’s a big resounding “yes”! The main reason is that they make water much safer than what you get from a tap. Although tap water goes through a filtration process, the legalities on this only require a certain level of filtration. So, what you get from a tap still has plenty of particles, pollutants, and chemicals, like chlorine and rust.

But a fridge water dispenser will filter out many of these impurities, so you know what your family’s consuming every day is much healthier. And the technologies used in many modern filters are pretty impressive, and they keep getting better with time.

But it’s not just about making water safe; filtered water tastes better too. This means you’re more likely to keep yourself hydrated, which is essential for healthy lifestyles.

How Often Should You Replace Your Refrigerator Water Filter?

For a household with an average drinking water consumption, the refrigerator water filter needs replacement every 6 months. This is the standard guideline most experts recommend. However, it all depends on the amount of water you use on an average day. So, if you have a larger family, you’ll need to replace the filter more often.

Many refrigerator water dispensers are equipped with a sensor that will alert you when it’s time to change the filter. However, you can also determine this on your own; when there are any unusual changes in taste or smell, then it’s usually time for a filter replacement. And sometimes, the water pressure could also slow down when the filter has run its course. Watch out for these signs if your fridge dispenser doesn’t come with a filter replacement alert system.

The Best Refrigerator Water Filters

Now, let’s take a look at some of the best fridge water filters and what’s keeping them ahead of the competition.

LG LT1000P3 Refrigerator Replacement Water Filter

LG is a world-renowned brand trusted for superior quality and advanced technology. These filters will give you the same assurance and peace of mind, which is exactly why it made our list of the top fridge water filters.

This comes in a pack of three, and each one has a 6-month or 200-gallon usage as recommended by the manufacturer. But according to some customers, the filters have lasted longer, even up to 12 months when the tap water quality was higher and the usage was low.

It’s also NSF-certified and the powerful filtration technology can remove pesticides, chemicals, lead, and a whole other range of contaminants.

To learn more, click here.

MWF Refrigerator Water Filter

These genuine MWF filters are designed for specific GE refrigerator models. It’s manufactured with a double-filtration technology, using active carbon blocks to deliver clean and fresh water.

It’s also super easy to install and will assure a leak-free fit. But remember to replace it every 300 gallons, which will usually last for around six months with average usage. Also, make sure you check the compatible list of refrigerator models before purchase.

To read reviews, click here.

Waterdrop XWF NSF-Certified Refrigerator Water Filter

This is an NSF 42 and NSF 372 certified filter that’s recommended as a replacement for the GE XWF filter. The coconut shell carbon blocks with a large surface area and lots of micropores are designed to remove all sorts of impurities like chlorine, mercury, and heavy metals. So rest assured, it’ll dispense clean and great tasting water every time. And best of all, it will leave all the important minerals intact.

Installation just takes minutes with no tools involved, and it’ll fit perfectly, just like the original filter, with no messy leaks to worry about. But keep in mind that this Waterdrop filter is only compatible with specific side-by-side and bottom-freezer refrigerator models.

Recommended usage is for 6 months or 200 gallons, whichever comes first. It’s also made with food-grade material that is BPA free, making it safe for daily filtration needs. Even better, it’s part of Waterdrop’s Water4Smile program; when you purchase one of these filters, part of the proceeds will go towards providing clean drinking water to children in Africa.

To see pricing, click here.

ICEPURE UKF8001 Refrigerator Water Filter

Here’s a high-quality filter with lots of certifications for your peace of mind. And if you want any added assurance, it’s got a 6-month return policy, warranty, and 24/7 customer support.

This ICEPURE filter comes in a pack of three, making it an economical purchase in the long term. Its usable lifetime is 300 gallons, so it should last for around 6 months in a household with average water consumption. And as with any other filter, check for compatibility before placing your order.

Ready to buy? Click here.

Liebherr 7440000 and 744000200 Refrigerator Water Filter

This is an OEM water filter replacement for specific Liebherr refrigerator models. It’s a well-known German-Swiss brand that has built a reputation for high-quality equipment. This filter delivers on that promise too.

Plus, it’s NSF certified and comes with a six-month life span to provide your family with safe and fresh-tasting drinking water.

To learn more, click here.

PUREPLUS DA29-00020B Replacement Filter

Using multi-layer technology, this filter can remove all sorts of contaminants while perfectly retaining useful minerals in your water. Its performance and filtration efficiency are assured by a range of certifications issued by various organizations, from NSF and IAPMO to European TUV, ROHS, REACH, and Canadian CSA. But it doesn’t stop there. PUREPLUS is also offering customers a six-month warranty and a refund policy, so you know you’re covered in case there’s an issue.

It’s best suited for certain Samsung and Kenmore fridge models – check with the manufacturer or your retailer for compatibility. The recommended usage is 300 gallons, so this four-pack will last for a good couple of years.

To read the latest reviews, click here.

EveryDrop Water Filter 4

EveryDrop is part of the multinational giant Whirlpool that’s known for its technologically advanced products. This is the only OEM filter recommended by Whirlpool for its side-by-side and bottom-freezer refrigerators, including the Maytag, KitchenAid, JennAir, and Amana brands. However, double-check whether your specific fridge model is compatible before purchase.

This filter is designed with advanced filtration technology to reduce 31 types of contaminants, from waterborne parasites and pesticides to lead and mercury. It’s also got NSA certifications for its filtration performance. According to the manufacturer, it needs replacement every 200 gallons, which is usually around 6 months of use.

Like it? Click here to buy now.

AQUACREST WF1CB Refrigerator Water Filter

Designed with coconut shell carbon blocks for superior filtration, this filter can minimize a range of harmful contaminants like copper, chromium, and VOCs.

It fits perfectly with a range of compatible models, and installation is hassle-free too. It has a recommended life span of 200 gallons, so with six filters in this pack, you don’t need to worry about finding a replacement for another few years. Plus, it comes with a set of stickers to remind you when it’s time to change the filter.

Overall, this filter has got some excellent reviews about filtration performance, with one customer even pointing out that it made their water taste like “fresh spring water”.

To see pricing, click here.

To Sum It Up…

A fridge water dispenser is a smart addition to any busy household – it makes getting a nice cold glass of water super easy and convenient. The filtering process minimizes all the contaminants and particles in typical tap water, giving you safer drinking water for daily use.

If you have a fridge water dispenser at home, then make sure you replace the filter when it’s due without fail. All filters come with a lifespan, which is usually around 6 months with average use. But this could be less, depending on the water quality and your family’s consumption. In this article, we’ve listed some of the top filters on the market so you can replace yours on time with a high-quality product and keep your family hydrated with safe and fresh drinking water.

Pssst…..Check out The Coolest Kitchen Gadgets for Busy Moms next!