If you think the chilled water or ice cubes coming from your fridge are safe for drinking, think again! Just like the water running through your faucet, the water in your fridge contains various contaminants—heavy metals, microbial cysts, chemicals, etc. Fortunately, installing the best aftermarket refrigerator water filter can remove up to 99.9% of these harmful contaminants. This makes the water and ice cubes safe for human consumption.

The purpose of this post is to teach you everything you need to know about the fridge water filters before buying one.

What’s more, we’ll share with you the 10 BEST filters we’ve carefully selected at the market for you.

Whether you want a new or replacement filter for your fridge, you’ll surely find a suitable model from this list.

Let’s get into more details below.

 Why Do You Need Refrigerator Water Filter? 

During our research for the best aftermarket fridge water filters, we came across many homeowners asking if there’s really a need to install this filter.

“But my municipal water is always clean.” “I don’t think the chilled water flowing out of my fridge is contaminated in any way!”

 One thing most homeowners fail to understand is that fridge water is NOT safe for drinking. 

The tap water from your local water treatments usually come with contaminants such as chlorine, trace pharmaceuticals. They can seriously compromise the safety of your fridge water. Chlorine alone can affect the taste and odor of your water. Besides, heavy metals (like lead and mercury) are often found in drinking water transported using older pipes.

With a great refrigerator water filter, you can easily remove all these contaminants to ensure your family has 100% safe water for drinking.

In 2013, the National Sanitation Foundation did a study on the germiest items in the kitchen. Surprisingly, they found that your refrigerator water filter bears significant amounts of yeast and mold coatings. This further explains the need for a water filter for the refrigerator.

 Most fridge manufacturers incorporate a water filter into their fridge to ensure that you’ve access to healthy water and ice cubes. 

Since installing a refrigerator water filter assures you of healthy water flow for approx. 6 months or more, you’ll save a lot of cash you might have been spending on buying water bottles. You also won’t need to spend on other water filters.

Isn’t that a HUGE save for your finances?

IMPORTANT: if your fridge comes with a filter, knowing when to replace your refrigerator water filter is important to ensure continued efficient water filtration. The standard replacement period falls between 3 and 6 months.

The aftermarket water filters have a lifespan after which we strongly encourage you to replace them with new ones. This will ensure provision of the clean and healthy water supply.

In the next section, we’ll take a closer look at the 10 most used refrigerator water filters across the whole of the US and other parts of the globe.

 Our Best Refrigerator Water Filter Reviews: 

 1. GE RPWFE Refrigerator Water Filter 

Opening our top-rated refrigerator water filter reviews is the GE RPWFE Refrigerator Water Filter. This particular water filter uses the GE’s most advanced filtration technology. It has been tested and verified to filter up to 5 trace pharmaceuticals in your water. These include fluoxetine, trimethoprim, atenolol, progesterone, and ibuprofen.

In addition to the 5 trace elements, this fridge filter has also been certified to significantly reduce chlorine-resistant cysts, lead, mercury, and up to 15 other contaminants usually found in water.

The filter comes designed to work with all the refrigerators that use GE’s RPWF or RPWFE filters. Additionally, it can work with some GE French-door fridges. If you’re not sure whether it’s compatible with your fridge, you can always check by entering your fridge model number here.

Installing the filter is super-easy! No tools are required to put it in place. And once you’ve set it up, it’ll supply you with clean, healthy water for up to 6 months (or 300 gallons of clean water). After this period, we urge you to replace it with a new model to continue enjoying safer water for drinking.

 Highlighted features: 

• GE’s most advanced filtration system
• Tested & verified to remove water contaminants
• 6-month filter lifespan
• Easy, quick filter replacement

 2. Frigidaire ULTRAWF Refrigerator Water Filter 

The Frigidaire ULTRAWF Refrigerator Water Filter comes second in our top-rated filters reviews. This is a push-push filter that comes designed for use with all the French-door and side by side style refrigerators.

When you install it in your fridge, you can rest assured that this filter will remove all the unpleasant odors and taste. Furthermore, it will remove up to 99% of different microbial agents that can threaten your health. In other words, this filter will provide you with crystal clean water for drinking.

Keep in mind that this filter has also undergone rigorous tests to confirm the manufacturer claims of its great filtration capabilities. It comes with NSF certifications which states that it meets all the NSF/ANSI Standards 42 and 53 for water filters.

Like our first filter above, this model also has a filter life of up to 6 months which is equivalent to 200 gallons of water. The push to lock action installation process makes the replacement easy and quick for all homeowners.

 Highlighted features: 

• Genuine Frigidaire fridge water filter
• Rigorously tested for efficient water filtration
• NSF Standard 42 Certified
• Six months lifespan or 200 gallons
• Compatible with all French-door models

 3. Samsung Genuine DA29-00020B Refrigerator Water Filter 

If you’re looking for the perfect replacement filter for your Samsung fridge, then the Samsung DA29-00020B is your perfect choice. A genuine product of Samsung, this filter will easily fit and work with a wide array of Samsung refrigerators.

This filter is loved by many homeowners due to its exceptional water filtration efficiency. It removes all the contaminants present in the water to ensure you and your family have access to fresh-tasting, clean water. THE NSF tested and certified filter employs high-grade carbon block. Carbon block enables it to remove up to 99% potentially harmful contaminants present in the water.

Replacing this filter is the easiest part. You simply need to open the filter compartment in your fridge, remove the expired one, and then set up the new one (by a simple twist in action). It’s that easy. No expertise or experience needed!

Similar to most of the high-end refrigerator water filters you’ll find on the market, this Samsung filter also works for 6 months (or 300 gallons) before you can replace it with a new one.

 Highlighted features: 

• Samsung genuine water filter
• 3-speed electronic controls
• NSF tested and certified
• Removes up to 99% harmful water contaminants
• Available in 2 packaging types
• Lifespan: six months (300 gallons)

 4. GE MWF Refrigerator Water Filter 

Are you on a tight budget? If yes, the GE MWF Filter is one of the most affordable fridge water filters you can buy today without straining your finances. However, it’ll provide you with the same GREAT quality as in the other filters on this list.

One of the top reasons why this water filter is a favorite for many homes is its Superior water filtration technology. It boats of advanced, NSF certified filters that effectively grab out chlorine, pharmaceutical elements, lead, chemicals, and odors present in your water.

The filter lasts for up to 6 months. Like our previous models, it’s incredibly easy to replace. No tools are required for successful installation.

Even with such an incredibly low cost, the manufacturer goes ahead and offers you a 100% money back guarantee. This is to mean that if you’re not satisfied with this filter or if it doesn’t fit your fridge, you can send it back for a full refund of your money.

 Highlighted features: 

• Superior water filtration
• 100% lifetime money back guarantee
• Has 6 months lifespan
• GE MWF compatible filter
• NSF tested and certified

 5. EveryDrop by Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Filter 

EveryDrop by Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Filter also won a spot on our list. Judging by the loads of positive everydrop water filter reviews we saw from previous users, we can assure you that this particular filter will also address your fridge water filtration needs.

The filter comes ready to filter most of the contaminants present in your water, assuring you and your family of clean, safe drinking water. It utilizes Triple Filtration Technology and is NSF certified to remove up to 24 water contaminants—including waterborne parasites, pharmaceuticals, lead, pesticides, to name but a few.

As with all the other filters we’ve discussed so far, this model has a lifespan of 6 months of clean water supply.

Probably the best part about this filter is its versatility. You can use it with refrigerators from a wide variety of brands, like Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Amana, Jenn Air, and Maytag. What’s more, t works with fridges with side by side, bottom freezer, and top freezer designs which accept Filter 1.

 Highlighted features: 

• Triple Filtration Technology
• NSF certified to remove contaminants
• Compatible with multiple refrigerators
• 6-month filter lifespan

 6. Golden IcePure Premium Refrigerator Replacement Water Filter 

The Golden IcePure Premium Refrigerator Water Filter is also an excellent choice for all folks on a budget since it also comes with an incredibly affordable cost.

Despite the low cost, this fridge will also ensure you enjoy clean and safe water at home. It comes tested and certified by both NSF and WQA to remove chlorine, unpleasant odors and taste in water. It employs high-grade carbon block which enables it to remove up to 99% chlorine and other potentially harmful elements in water.

Putting it into place (or replacing it) is easy.  No tools are needed for complete installation. And once set up, it gives you a high flow, without any signs of leaks. The filter has a lifespan of up to 6 months (or 300 gallons of water) after which you’ll replace it with a new one for maximum contaminants reduction.

Keep in mind that this water filter works with nearly all Whirlpool fridges as well as select KitchenAid and Water Sentinel models. It is backed by a money back guarantee, to give you a worry-free shopping experience.

 Highlighted features: 

• Certified NSF42 by NSF & WQA
• Removes up to 99% contaminants
• Easy, tool-free installation
• Lifespan: 6 months or 300 gallons
• Money back guarantee

 7. General Electric MWF Refrigerator Water Filter 

GE appears on our list of the best fridge water filters once more. This MWF Refrigerator Water filter is part of the company’s Smart Water filtration series. It’s simply an improved version of the GWF model that provides you and your loved ones with healthier, healthier, and greater-tasting water.

Like the other GE products, this filter has also been through examined and certified by NSF International to ensure it effectively filters our dangerous elements from your drinking water. You can expect it to effectively filter out mercury, lead, p-dichlorobenzene, toxaphene, carbofuran, benzene, alachlor, cryptosporidium, and giardia—contributing to a healthy lifestyle at your home.

Using the GE’s most advanced filtration system, this filter is also able to remove five trace pharmaceuticals from water, making it even safer for your consumption.

For the best filtration results, the manufacturer recommends you to replace this filter when it hits 6 months or when it filters a total of 300 gallons.

The filter is compatible with select GE bottom-freezer and size by side refrigerators. It has a twist and lock design which makes the installation process easy, quick, and tool-free.

 Highlighted features: 

• Compatible with various GE refrigerators
• Premium filtration system
• NSF certified to reduce harmful contaminants
• Twist & lock design for easy setup/replacement
• Six month or 300 gallons filter life
• Uses GE’s most advanced filtration technology
• Comes with a limited 30-day warranty

 8. Premium Refrigerator Water Filter 

Premium Refrigerator Water Filter comes last in our top-rated refrigerator water filter review list. The water filter comes in a pack of 3 at incredibly low cost, meaning it will give you the REAL bang for your buck.

As we’ve seen with all the other water filters in this list, this model will also ensure you and your loved ones have a supply of clean and great-tasting water. It has undergone rigorous tests and certification by the Water Quality Association and obeys all the NSF/ANSI 42 standards.

It also removes the unpleasant chlorine odor and taste from your water to make it safer for your family ones.

Note that this filter is a perfect replacement for these fridge models… Kenmore models: 46-9910, 469910, and 9910 and Frigidaire models: WF1CB, WFCB, RF100, RG100, NGRG2000, RF-100, RG-100, NGRG-2000.

With 100% Lifetime Money back guarantee, this is a truly risk-free product that you can send back to the manufacturer if not satisfied with it for a full refund of your money.

 Highlighted features: 

• Obeys the NSF/ANSI 42 standards
• Removes chlorine taste & odor
• High flow rate
• 100% lifetime money back guarantee

 Things To Look For Before Buying A Refrigerator Water Filter 

When looking for the best fridge water filter, it’s easy to get confused and make wrong choices due to the many water filter options populating the market right now.

However, you can easily find the perfect filter for your fridge if you focus on the MOST crucial features and aspects of every refrigerator water filter as listed below:

 Water filtering capabilities 

From the 10 filters we’ve just shared with you above, it’s easy to see that different models come with different water filtration capabilities.

It’s, therefore, important that you first understand the kind of pollutants you want to eliminate from the water flowing through your tap. This will make it a whole lot easier to pick the ideal filter that will meet your needs.

For instance, most of the waters contain chlorine which adds to the water’s unpleasant taste and odor. With this in mind, make sure you buy a water filter that’s able to reduce chlorine taste and smell in your water.

While still on it, you should also consider looking at the size of particles the given filter can remove to ensure it gives you excellent filtration results.

 NSF Certification 

Why is the certification important?

Well, the certification means that a product or appliance has undergone rigorous quality, performance, and safety tests.

That said, the most important certification to look for when it comes to the refrigerator water filters is the NSF International (National Sanitation Foundation). This is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that works closely with the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) to set the standards for water filters.

A fridge water filters NSF 42 standard certification means it’s capable of removing aesthetic impurities (undesired smell and taste) in your water such as chlorine. Models with 42 standard certifications only are usually cheaper and can only remove the bad taste and smell in the water.

The NSF/ANSI standard 53 certification, on the other hand, confirms a filter’s ability to remove other harmful contaminants in water.

Overall, a high-end, top-quality water filter should come with both 42 and 53 NFS/ANSI standard certifications.

 Compatibility 

Another crucial factor to keep in mind when looking for an aftermarket refrigerator filter is compatibility with your fridge.

If you’re not careful, you can buy a filter that doesn’t fit your fridge. And if it does, it results in leakage and other compatibility issues.

The filter manufacturers have been receiving complaints and product returns from frustrated customers due to compatibility issues. To solve this issue, they have come up with a way to help you check whether your fridge model number will work with the filter you intend to buy. We strongly urge you to double-check your fridge compatibility to avoid the frustrations and the hassle of returning a product to the manufacturer.

Another TIP you can use to save you the frustrations is buying filters made by the brand as your refrigerator. Most of these brands tend to designed aftermarket accessories that work with most (if not all) their fridges.

Just do everything possible to ensure you buy a filter that’s 100% compatible with your fridge.

 Filter life 

You should also look at how long the filter is designed to last.

A standard fridge water filter should last for approximately 6 months (which is equivalent to 200-300 gallons of water, depending on the filter flow rate).

The longer the lifespan, the longer you’ll enjoy clean and safe drinking water.

NOTE: it’s always important to know when your filter expires. This will help you replace it with a new one on time to ensure maximum reduction of impurities in water.

Expired filters will NEVER do a good job!

 Ease of use/installation 

You’d want to get a water filter that you can install or replace on your own, without experiencing any troubles or having to hire someone to do it for you (or without consulting your user manual).

That’s why it’s also important to look for an easy to use model. For instance, some of the easiest to install filters come with twist and lock designs, where you just open your fridge filter compartment, twist them into position.

Others come with a push and lock installation method which is also easy to do for everyone.

Accordingly, an easy to install filter should take less than 5 minutes and should not require any extra tools.

 Cost 

Finally, come up with a budget of the amount of money you’re willing to spend on that brand new refrigerator water filter.

Generally, the cost of a fridge water filter can run from as small as $15 to as high as $100 or more. The price fluctuations depend on a number of factors such as brand, filter quality and performance, flow rate, filtering technology used, and lifespan.

Obviously, the lower end models will remove common contaminants such as chlorine, lead, microorganisms, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), while the higher-end models will go beyond this and remove even fluoride and arsenic.

Further up, by comparing the list of features and the cost of the filter you plan to buy, you can easily tell if it’ll meet your specific needs or if it’s worth your money.

 Do Fridge Water Filters Really Work? 

This is one of the frequently asked questions about the refrigerator water filters.

The best answer to this question is…

YES, fridge water filters do work, ONLY if you invest in an effective filter and not the junks lying on the market.

 How do they work? 

First of all, most of these filters usually utilize activated carbon as the filtration medium. This type of filter is known to work through a process known as adsorption—where the contaminants present in your water stick to the media. Note that activated carbon is more like a honeycomb with crannies and nooks, enabling it to provide a larger adsorption surface area.

The activated carbon is capable of filtering out volatile organic compounds, chlorine, bad taste and odor, radon, benzene, and many other chemicals usually found in water.

However, there are also highly specialized activated carbon filters which can remove lead and arsenic as well. Needless to mention, such filters will require you to dig dipper into your pockets.

Overall, a great, high-performance refrigerator will filter out the contaminants present in your water to ensure you and your family enjoy clear, clean, safe, and great-tasting drinking water.

 How Long Does a Water Filter in A Refrigerator Last? 

As you might have noted in our reviews of the 10 top-rated products, fridge water filters have a limited lifespan.

Most of them will serve you for around 6 months, after which you’ll need to replace them to continue enjoying clean and healthy drinking water.

As mentioned above, refrigerator water filter makes use of activated carbon which acts as a huge magnetic trap that attracts the pollutants found in water.

With time, the AC filter medium will clog up with contaminants and pollutants. For this reason, you’ll need to replace it after the specified period of time to ensure continued effectiveness at filtering out your drinking water.

It should be noted that most models usually display a RED light to alter you when it’s time to replace your filter with a new one. In accordance, this feature will make it easy for you to know when the time is ripe.

If your refrigerator doesn’t have this feature, it’s upon you to keep track of your filter to ensure you replace it on time.

 Final Verdict 

Considering everything, the best refrigerator water filter is a crucial investment for all homeowners. It helps remove all the trace chemical levels, micro-organisms, chlorine, heavy metals, etc., which tend to make the chilly fridge water and ice cubes for your family health.

In this guide, we’ve discussed with you everything you need to know about these water filters before buying them. Make sure you follow our buying tips and tricks to ensure you easily end up with a genuine, functional filter designed with your fridge in mind.

Our list of the 10 top-rated fridge water filters will expose you to the kind of filters enjoying massive usage across all the homes in the US.

Finally, if you order one of these top-rated filters, you can rest assured that they’ll do their job well and ensure your family has access to clean water throughout.