Review: 3M Aqua-Pure 3MFF100 Under Sink Water Filter System
Written by: Alexandra Uta // Expert Fact-Checking: Buddhini Dolapihilla, MBSS // Last Updated: Sep 12, 2023
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The 3M Aqua-Pure 3MFF100 Under Sink Water Filter System provides cleaner, clearer, and better-tasting drinking water.
The system features a triple-stage filtration process that removes water pollutants like sediments, chlorine taste and odor, lead, VOCs, and protozoan cysts. It’s also easy to install and maintain.
Let’s check the other qualities of the Aqua-Pure 3MFF100 and see if it’s a good buy!
Contents
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3M Aqua-Pure 3MFF100 Under Sink Water Filter System |
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| Price: | $$ |
| Filter Process: | Sediment Pre, 0.2-Micron Membrane, Carbon Block |
| Filter Life: | 6,000 Gallons |
| Flow Rate: | 2.5 Gallons Per Minute |
| Annual Cost: | ~$210 |
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Overall Rating: 4.0/5.0 ⓘRating based on filtration performance, filter life, price and yearly cost, NSF testing/certification, customer support, product warranty, our testing/experience, user feedback, and other factors.
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3M Aqua-Pure 3MFF100 Under Sink Water Filter System – All Specs
- Model: Aqua-Pure 3MFF100
- Annual Maintenance Cost: ~$210
- Filter Media: Sediment Pre, 0.2-Micron Membrane, Activated Carbon Block
- Flow Rate: 2.5 gpm
- Filtering Capacity: 6,000 gal or 12 Months
- WxHxD: 4.5″x16.1″x4.5″
- Water Temperature: 40-100 °F
- Water Pressure: 30-125 psi
- Fitting: 3/8″ NPT
- NSF Certifications: Standard 42, 53, 372
- Other Certifications: CSA Standard B483.1, WQA/ASPE/ANSI S-803
- Warranty: 1 Year
3M Aqua-Pure 3MFF100 – Key Features
The 3M Aqua-Pure 3MFF100 under sink water filter has a fat flow rate of 2.5 gpm which is more than enough for kitchen and bathroom sinks, and it has a filter capacity of 6,000 gallons or 12 months.
But even more importantly, it uses a triple-stage filtration process:
- Stage 1: The pre-filtration stage removes larger particles from water.
- Stage 2: The 0.2-micron pleated membrane removes 99.99% of protozoan cysts (this has been NSF-certified).
- Stage 3: The activated carbon block removes chlorine taste and odor (97.3%), lead (99.3%), and VOCs (like benzene 96.4%).
Besides, has been system is designed with a “Sanitary Quick Change” (SQC) feature that allows for quick and simple filter cartridge replacements with a simple quarter turn (you don’t need to touch the filter media or lift a filter wrench).
The under sink filer also features a built-in shut-off valve that immediately turns off the water supply when you replace the cartridge.
Speaking of, the 3M Aqua-Pure 3MFF100 is an inline filter, meaning it doesn’t come with its own faucet. It connects to your sink’s cold water supply and to the existing faucet for easy installation.
And let’s not forget that this product is made in the US, so you can trust its quality is up to standard.
Warranty: 1 year limited.
3M Under Sink Water Filter Pros
This 3MFF100 comes with plenty of advantages.
For one, it’s super easy to install. It’s also easy to maintain; you can replace the SQC cartridge by giving it a simple turn (this also helps to reduce contamination since there’s minimal contact during installation).
We also love the built-in shut-off valve that automatically turns off the water when you change the SQC cartridge.
Another pro is that the under sink filter can be used on any type of water supply because it’s designed for both chlorinated (municipal) and non-chlorinated water (well water).
And, the 3MFF100 requires minimal under sink space. Plus, there is no need to drill a hole in the sink or countertop for a separate faucet that could affect your kitchen décor – all thanks to the inline design.
Finally, the 3MFF100 is NSF-certified; this means it has been tested and certified to work against different contaminants including sediments, chlorine, lead, and VOCs.
What Contaminants Are Being Removed?
The Aqua-Pure 3MFF100 under sink filter by 3M removes sediment, chlorine taste and odor, lead, and VOCs including benzene.
It also prevents the growth of microorganisms like parasitic protozoan cysts.
The 3M Aqua-Pure 3MFF100 – learn more on Amazon.com
Installation
Again, installing this 3M under sink water filter is easy. The following tools and materials are needed.
Please consider these instructions as a general guideline. Always make sure to check and follow your user manual before getting started.
Included in the package are:
- Filter Head Assembly
- Filter
Items that are needed for the installation but not included are:
- Adjustable wrench
- Cordless drill
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Razor knife or tube cutter
- PTFE Tape
The installation guidelines below are based on copper piping and 3/8″ compression fittings. Follow these steps to install:
- Open the faucet and shut off the cold water supply to release pressure.
- Pick a spot below the sink where you can easily change the filter and connect it to an existing line using 3/8″ tubing and different fittings that are not included in the filter assembly.
- Attach the filter head assembly to the wall with fasteners.
- Place a bowl or a towel under the cold water supply valve and remove the cold side riser tubing.
- Do not overtighten the faucet adapter fitting after installing it on the faucet stem, and make sure the black gasket is in place before putting the faucet adapter together.
- Use the PTFE tape to insert the 3/8 NPT fittings into the filter head (avoid over-tightening).
- Calculate the length of 3/8″ tubing needed from the filter head output to the faucet adapter.
- Use a razor knife to cut the tubing straight and avoid kinking the tubing so it will not obstruct the water flow.
- Connect one end of the tube support to the cold water supply valve using a tube ferrule, slide nut, compression nut and tube support, and ferrule over 3/8″ tubing. Then put the other end into the filter INLET fitting.
- Remove the filter’s hygienic protective cap, and make sure both O-rings are on the filter and placed in the slots; wet the O-rings. (Do NOT lubricate the O-rings with any petroleum-based products).
- Put the filter into the head assembly and turn the filter to the right until it stops. The filter is now set up.
- Open the faucet and turn on the cold water supply valve to remove air from the system. Run water for about two minutes to flush.
- Close the faucet. The system is now set for use.
- Now that the system is pressurized, check for leaks and ensure you fix any.
Note: Allow a minimum of 3″ of clear space under the system to make the filter changes easier. Also, all components must be reachable and have enough space on all sides to make the system easier to service.
Video
The Package (Parts)
- 3M Aqua-Pure 3MFF100
- Screws
- Tubing
Maintenance
You don’t need to be a plumber in order to maintain the 3M Aqua-Pure 3MFF100 filter properly. All that’s really needed are filter replacements about every 12 months, which is a piece of cake.
One drawback is that cartridges are proprietary so you have to stick to 3M replacement filters.
Of course, maintenance should be performed routinely to prevent the system from failing.
Follow these steps to replace your filter:
- Put a towel under the filter to catch any leftover water when replacing.
- Hold the filter and rotate it to the left until it comes to a complete halt (this cuts off the water automatically).
- Pull the filter downwards to remove it.
- Remove the hygienic protective lid from the new replacement filter.
- Make sure both O-rings are on the replacement filter and positioned correctly; wet the O-rings (don’t use any petroleum-based products).
- Put the filter into the head assembly and turn the filter to the right until it stops. The filter is now set up.
- Open the faucet and let 4 gallons (or around 2 minutes) of water go through it (check the system for leaks while flushing and close any leaks where necessary).
- Shut off the filter system faucet.
- Now that the system is under pressure, check for leaks, and fix if need be.
Manual
Here is a link to the official manual:
NSF and Other Certifications
The 3M Aqua-Pure 3MFF100 under sink water filter was tested and certified by the NSF against Standard 42 for chlorine, nominal particulate (Class I), and taste and odor reduction.
The system was also tested and certified against NSF Standard 53 for the removal of benzene and p-Dichlorobenzene (two types of VOCs), cyst, and lead.
It’s also certified against NSF 372, meaning the product is lead-free.
Other certifications are CSA Standard B483.1, that tells us the system is cleared for chlorine reduction, nominal particulate reduction, and taste and odor reduction, and WQA/ASPE/ANSI S-803 which is a standard for “sustainable drinking water treatment systems”. The WQA Sustainability Certification Program is new to the drinking water treatment industry. In a nutshell, it shows retailers and buyers that a product has been designed to meet industry standards for best practices in environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility.
Earlier Product Versions
There are no earlier product versions as far as we know.
3MFF100 Cons
There are a few disadvantages to using the 3M Aqua-Pure 3MFF100 filter.
Firstly, it is not a standard-sized system, so you can only use 3M replacement filters. You can’t customize your system or go off-brand to save money.
What’s more, customers complained that the manual was not simple enough especially for beginners and they did not like having to buy extra installation tools that were not included in the package.
We also found some negative reviews about 3M’S customer service.
3M Aqua-Pure 3MFF100 Review: Our Verdict + Best for
We like that the Aqua-Pure 3MFF100 comes loaded with NSF certifications. It also does a solid job of removing contaminants (especially lead). Its NSF-certified filtration process makes your water healthier, and taste and smell better. The system also has a good flow rate of 2.5 gpm.
However, it is costly for a single-stage filter system with limited contaminant reduction. It’s basically a particulate + carbon filter. Nothing wrong with that, but the price is just a little high. There are cheaper options out there that achieve the same.
Our Rating in Detail:
- Filtration Performance: 4.0/5.0
- Filter Capacity (Life): 5.0/5.0
- Purchase Price: 4.0/5.0
- Annual Cost: 4.0/5.0
- Overall: 4.0/5.0
Comparison to Other Under Sink Water Filters
Let’s compare the 3M Aqua-Pure 3MFF100 Under Sink Water Filter System to the Clearly Filtered 3-Stage and the Epic Smart Shield.
Clearly Filtered 3-Stage |
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| Price: | $$$ |
| Filter Process: | Activated Carbon + Proprietary Blend |
| Filter Life: | 2,000 gal |
| Flow Rate: | Not Specified |
| Annual Cost: | $440 |
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Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRating based on filtration performance, filter life, price and yearly cost, NSF testing/certification, customer support, product warranty, our testing/experience, user feedback, and other factors.
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Epic Smart Shield |
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| Price: | $ |
| Filter Process: | Activated Carbon Block |
| Filter Life: | 651 gal |
| Flow Rate: | 1.25 gpm |
| Annual Cost: | $115 |
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Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0 ⓘRating based on filtration performance, filter life, price and yearly cost, NSF testing/certification, customer support, product warranty, our testing/experience, user feedback, and other factors.
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3M Aqua-Pure 3MFF100 |
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| Price: | $$ |
| Filter Process: | Sediment Pre, 0.2-Micron Membrane, Carbon Block |
| Filter Life: | 6,000 Gallons |
| Flow Rate: | 2.5 Gallons Per Minute |
| Annual Cost: | ~$210 |
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Overall Rating: 4.0/5.0 ⓘRating based on filtration performance, filter life, price and yearly cost, NSF testing/certification, customer support, product warranty, our testing/experience, user feedback, and other factors.
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The Clearly Filtered 3-Stage (full review here) uses different types of filter media. The first stage consists of granular activated carbon. It targets chlorine/chloramine, and all kinds of organic chemicals as well as bad taste and odor. The second stage contains a “special blend” that captures heavy metals, VOCs, radiation, and PFAS (they don’t say what this special blend is). And the final stage binds fluoride and arsenic (again, they don’t tell us what’s in this stage).
All in all, the filtration system is very durable and eliminates a broad range of water contamination. It has been tested against NSF standards (42, 53, 401) for more than 200 pollutants and yielded excellent results. The system also has a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, a limited lifetime warranty, a filter life of 12 months, and an inline design that is easily installed in the same way as the 3M.
The only downside to the Clearly Filtered is that it’s more expensive to buy and maintain than its competitors.
On the other hand, the Epic Smart Shield under sink water filter is another inline system with a single carbon block. It is certified to remove chloramine, chlorine, cysts, asbestos, mercury, lead, MTBE, VOCs, turbidity, pharmaceuticals, Bisphenol A – you name it.
It is cheaper to buy and maintain than both the Clearly Filtered and the 3M (with an annual maintenance cost of $115 only). The Epic is also easy to install, and you get a free filter as a bonus after collecting 3 used ones and mailing them back. To top it off, the system is backed by a lifetime warranty, a satisfaction guarantee, and solid customer support.
The only disadvantage here is the 1.25 gpm flow rate, which is definitely on the lower side.
Bottom line: If you are short on cash and can’t afford the Clearly Filtered system (the best but also most expensive of the three), we would recommend the Epic Smart Shield because it is cheaper and more powerful than the 3M.
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This completes our review of the 3M Aqua-Pure 3MFF100 Under Sink Water Filter System. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Alexandra Uta
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