How Much Does a Countertop Water Filter Cost? Prices 2023
Written by: Gene Fitzgerald // Last Updated: May 17, 2023
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Countertop water filters encompass a wide range of types and thus vary widely in terms of cost. This category includes everything from single-stage countertop gravity units to complex, high-end multi-stage countertop reverse osmosis systems.
The common denominator when it comes to countertop units is that they’re installed on a kitchen countertop rather than under a sink or as point-of-entry systems. This generally makes them simple and easy to set up and maintain, as well as more portable than other systems.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to countertop water filter costs – including maintenance and installation costs – then look no further, you’re in the right place.
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Key Takeaways
- Countertop water filters encompass a range of filter types including multi-stage gravity filters, reverse osmosis systems, and simple one-stage carbon filters. As a result, this category includes a wider array of price points.
- Single-stage countertop filters – the most basic filter type with only a single filter element – typically cost between $50 and $120.
- Multi-stage filters run somewhere between $80 and $150.
- Countertop reverse osmosis systems – the most complex and comprehensive filter type – typically cost up to $300 or more.
- Installation costs are minimal. No need to hire a plumber. The only additional item you may need to purchase is a faucet adapter – which only costs about $10.
- Maintenance cost: Between $40 and $120 annually.
Countertop Water Filter Pricelist 2023
Below is an overview of several popular countertop filter models and their retail price tags.
| Filter Model | Filtration Process | Price Tag |
|---|---|---|
| iSpring CKC1C Countertop Drinking Water Filtration System | 1x Carbon Filter | $49.99 |
| Aquasana Countertop Drinking Water Filter System | 1x Carbon, 1x Ion Exchange, 1x Sub-Micron Filter | $129.99 |
| SimPure Y7P-BW UV Countertop Reverse Osmosis System | RO System | $369.99 |
| Big Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter | Carbon + Ion Exchange + Other | $369.00 |
| Waterdrop N1 Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Dispenser | RO System | $299.00 |
| AquaTru Countertop Water Filter | RO System | $449.00 |
| Invigorated Water pH Regenerate Countertop Water Filter | Filter Media Blend | $74.99 |
| Home Master Jr. F2 Elite Countertop Water Filter System | Filter Media Blend | $92.50 |
How Much Does a Countertop Water Filter Cost?
As mentioned previously, countertop water filter costs will vary depending on what sort of filter your dealing with. Prices range from just $50 or so for single-stage systems to $350+ for a countertop RO unit that includes a pressure pump for reduces water wastage.
Single-Stage Systems
A typical single-stage countertop water filter – which means it only contains a single filter element – will run you between $50 and $120. This is the most basic type of water filter, however, and will often only be able to remove a specific type or group of contaminants.
Multi-Stage Countertop Water Filters
A multi-stage countertop unit will run you somewhere in the neighborhood of $80 to $150. These units feature multiple filter elements rather than just one – which means they’ll remove a wider array of water pollutants.
Reverse Osmosis Systems
While reverse osmosis filter systems are typically installed under a sink or at the point of entry to the entire home, countertop units are also available. These units offer a much easier installation than under-sink units and can be installed without the need for tools or a plumber.
Countertop RO units will generally run you $200-300 or more, although cheaper units are increasingly available.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Countertop Filter System?
One of the advantages of countertop filter systems is that they’re exceptionally easy to install. Unlike a typical under sink RO system, you won’t need any tools or special know-how to get your filter set up.
All that’s needed to get your filter installed is opening up the package, assembling the system as per the manufacturer’s directions, installing the filter(s), and then opening the water flow.
The only additional installation necessary may be installing an adapter/diverter onto your sink’s faucet. This will enable you to send water directly to the countertop system without filling up a pitcher and pouring water manually into the system.
Installing a faucet adapter is a fairly straightforward process that you should be able to complete in a few minutes, possibly using a wrench and other basic tools. The faucet adapter itself will only run you about $10 or so, but many manufacturers will include one bundled with the filter system.
Tools & Supplies
Most countertop units can be installed either by hand or if a faucet connection is needed, then with a few basic tools.
If a faucet adapter/diverter is needed, then you may need the following:
- Adjustable wrench
- Pliers
- Tube cutters or utility knife
- Rags
To install an adapter/diverter, first, you’ll want to turn off the cold-water supply to your faucet. Then use your adjustable wrench or pliers to loosen the existing faucet aerator (the adapter attached to the faucet end). At this point, screw the diverter onto the end of the faucet until it’s tight and has no leaks. The diverter typically has a single barb connection allowing you to connect a tube to your countertop water filter.
As far as assembling the system itself, generally, all you’ll need is a screwdriver, and sometimes not even that.
Can You Install These Yourself?
Installing a countertop water filter is something you can manage yourself without the need for a contractor. These systems are designed to be assembled by the end user, so as long as you can follow basic instructions you should be fine. Cost: $0.
Further Reading:
Countertop Water Filter Maintenance Cost
As far as filter maintenance is concerned, the cost of replacing the filter elements is comparable to under sink filters. Because countertop water filters tend to have fewer filter elements than under sink units, the overall costs tend to be lower, however.
As far as overall maintenance is concerned, countertop units only need regular filter changes and occasional cleaning of the chambers. Under sink units – especially units with storage tanks – require more complex cleaning and sanitizing. This doesn’t necessarily cost more but adds to the overall list of maintenance tasks.
But, of course, you came here for some hard numbers. We estimate countertop water filter maintenance to cost $40-120 a year, depending on system type and the complexity of the filtration process.
If you have any questions about countertop water filter prices in 2023 please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Gene Fitzgerald
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