Marvin McKinney
Countertop water filters are an efficient, easy-to-use way to filter your home’s tap water. They can be installed on a kitchen countertop or under your sink and come with convenient features like ergonomic pour spouts, indicator lights to let you know when it’s time for new filters and attractive castings that blend into almost any décor.
How They Work
The simple fact is that most home water filters, including basic filtration pitchers and countertop systems, are ineffective at filtering dangerous contaminants. Arsenic, fluoride, nitrates, radium, lead, human viruses, microbes, perchlorate and uranium all pass through these simple systems, often into our bodies.
If you’re serious about boosting your health and eliminating harmful chemicals from your drinking water, consider investing in a whole house water filtration system that uses multistage filtration to reduce chlorine, iron, sulfur and more.
A wide range of these systems are available, each offering unique features and benefits. Some are made from stainless steel, while others use a combination of carbon absorption and ion exchange to filter water. Still, others use a semi-permeable membrane to separate contaminated and clean water. Some also have indicators to alert you when it’s time for a new filter.
The best countertop water filter will depend on your specific needs and budget. The first step is to review a water quality report from your local water supplier or to have your home’s water tested independently. This will help you identify which contaminants are a concern and which you can live with.
A good place to start is looking at an independently certified water filtration system to remove certain contaminants. One option is the AquaTru Countertop Water Filter which is independent lab certified to remove all types of fluoride additives (sodium fluoride, sodium fluorosilicate and fluorosilicic acid) up to 99.5%, as well as chromium, arsenic, fluoride, PFOA and PFOS, heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, inorganic minerals and more.
This system also retains healthy, beneficial minerals in the water. It’s a great choice for anyone who wants a high-quality countertop water filter that’s affordable and easy to use. This product is available in white and transparent purple and looks beautiful on any kitchen countertop.
Ease of Use
The best countertop water filters are designed with ease of use in mind. Some have indicator lights to let you know when it’s time to change the filter, can be hooked up to various faucet types, and come in attractive castings that look good on your kitchen counter. They also have ergonomic pour spouts for quick and easy access to clean drinking water.
Other models feature easy-to-open cases that don’t require tools to remove and replace the filter cartridge. Many are independently lab-certified to reduce a wide range of contaminants, including heavy metals like lead, chlorine, and arsenic, all types of fluoride additives (sodium fluoride, fluorosilicate, and fluorosilicic acid) and other harmful chemicals such as haloacetic acids, viruses, cysts, bactria, thorium, and cesium.
Some models have large capacity water reservoirs that can provide a fresh supply of clean, filtered water for several gallons, reducing refilling costs. And, if you’re looking for something that can be taken on the go, some have travel pouches for easy transport.
While it’s important to consider the contaminants your water filter is certified to remove, it’s equally essential to understand what’s in your water. You can usually find this information from your local water utility or by getting a sample tested by a laboratory.
This popular model by Berkey is a top-rated countertop water filter certified to remove 365+ contaminants, including all types of fluoride additives, arsenic, heavy metals, and more. It also retains beneficial minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium so you can be sure you’re still getting all the nutrients your body needs. And, it comes with a lifetime warranty for added peace of mind.
Ease of Maintenance
A countertop water filter, also known as a point-of-use water filtration system, attaches to your faucet to provide on-demand, filtered water. These systems are easy to install and operate, saving time and energy. They use filtration materials such as activated carbon to eliminate contaminants from your drinking water.
Some models require maintenance, including routine filter replacements and the occasional cleaning of the unit. Choose a model that’s independently certified to ensure it meets industry standards. Look for certifications from organizations such as NSF and ANSI.
While most filters work to remove common contaminants, some are more comprehensive than others. Some have multiple filters that use various filtration methods, including carbon absorption and ion exchange. Others have semi-permeable membranes that separate contaminated and clean water.
When comparing systems, check for information on what contaminants are found in your local water supply. This information is typically available on your water supplier’s website or in annual water quality reports sent to you by your water provider.
Some countertop water filters are designed to enrich your drinking water with minerals. This can benefit your health because it enhances energy levels, reduces inflammation and aging, slows down illness and disease and improves mental clarity and focus, according to Invigorated Water. These systems may be more expensive than other countertop water filters, and it’s important to read reviews before purchasing.
Many models of countertop water filters come in attractive castings to match your kitchen’s décor, and many feature indicator lights to remind you when the time comes to replace the filter. They can be hooked up to a wide range of faucet types, and they’re typically made without BPAs. Some feature ergonomic pour spouts for quick, effortless water flow, while others come with a hose and pitcher to easily fill large water containers.
When choosing a countertop water filter, consider your budget and preferred design type. For example, if you’re looking for something compact and portable, consider getting a freestanding countertop water filter like the Big Berkey Gravity-Fed Countertop Water Filter, which is less than $300.
Cost
Drinking clean, filtered water can make a world of difference to health and well-being. It helps to prevent dehydration, reduces the risk of many common illnesses and ailments, supports immunity and reduces waste caused by bottled water (which is bad for the environment). If you’re serious about your wellness, investing in a countertop water filter is one of the best choices for yourself and your family.
There are different countertop filters – from simple pitchers that cost about $30 to sophisticated, whole home filtration systems that can cost hundreds of dollars. When choosing a countertop filter, you should consider the contaminant reduction capabilities of the system, how long it will last before needing to be replaced and its maintenance costs.
A good countertop water filter should be relatively easy to maintain. It should have no complicated parts or crevices that can trap dirt and bacteria, and it should be easy to disassemble for cleaning and refilling. It should also have a built-in reminder to change the filter and a flow valve to divert water from the filter when cooking, washing dishes, or drinking.
The unit’s design should be comfortable and attractive to fit in with the décor of your kitchen. A good filter will also have a large capacity to hold water to ensure it doesn’t need to be manually refilled regularly – although you may need to flush it occasionally to get rid of bacteria that can build up in the reservoir.
Another thing to consider is the space a countertop filter will take up. This can be a problem for some homeowners, especially those who prefer a clutter-free kitchen or have limited counter space. Some countertop filter models hook directly into the faucet and won’t take up space, while others have reservoirs that need to be manually refilled.
The Big Berkey is a great example of a high-quality yet affordable countertop filter system. It offers a huge capacity to hold water and can be used for three months before needing a new filter – so it’s also an excellent choice for frequent travelers who need a reliable source of clean, safe water on the go. Its low annual cost makes it one of the most economical countertop water filters for long-term ownership, and a lifetime warranty from Home Master backs it.