Culligan IC-EZ-1, IC-EZ-3 & IC-EZ-4 Refrigerator Water Filters Review 2023

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Culligan’s Easy-Change (EZ-Change) icemaker and refrigerator water filter series features 3 models:

  • The IC-EZ-1 which provides only basic filtration but is also the most affordable
  • The IC-EZ-3 for advanced filtration needs
  • And the IC-EZ-4 which is the most costly for premium filtration

This guide discusses their pros and cons.

Culligan IC-EZ-1

Culligan IC-EZ-1

Price: $
Flow Rate: 0.5 gpm
Filter Capacity: 3,000 gal
NSF Certifications: 42
Warranty: 2 Years

Our Rating

Culligan IC-EZ-3

Culligan IC-EZ-3

Price: $$
Flow Rate: 0.5 gpm
Filter Capacity: 500 gal
NSF Certifications: 42 + 53
Warranty: 2 Years

Our Rating

Culligan IC-EZ-4

Culligan IC-EZ-4

Price: $$
Flow Rate: 0.5 gpm
Filter Capacity: 500 gal
NSF Certifications: 42, 53, 401, P473
Warranty: 2 Years

Our Rating

Culligan IC-EZ-1, IC-EZ-3 & IC-EZ-4 Refrigerator Water Filters – Key Features

Each unit is based on carbon filtration, rated at a service flow rate of half a gallon per minute which is more than enough for any refrigerator or icemaker, and requires 30 to 100 psi water pressure.

What impurities will be removed from your water?

As far as the EZ-1 is concerned, it’s NSF Standard 42 certified to reduce chlorine and particulates class III. So if all you care about is how your water tastes and smells this filter is absolutely sufficient. By the way, it’s the most popular of the 3.

In case you wonder, particulates class III have a size of 5 to 15µm which does not include the really small stuff.

Filtration capacity: 3,000 gallons or up to 12 months, whichever comes first.

The EZ-3 can handle particulates class I (0.5µm to 1µm) and, above that, cysts (99.9%), turbidity (98.5%), lead (about 99.0%), atrazine (94.1%) and lindane (98.2%).

*All reduction rates are according to NSF Standard 53.

Due to a more thorough filtration, the amount of water that one cartridge can process is reduced: 500 gallons within 6 months.

If for you the best is just good enough you should opt for the IC-EZ-4. Apart from all substances listed above, it’ll also take care of chloramines, MTBE, mercury, chloroform and dozens of VOCs.

And although it seems like the entire system has not been tested for the reduction of harmful perfluorinated chemicals (PFOA & PFOS) and so-called emerging contaminants at this point, the filter cartridge itself has.

Thus, it has earned NSF certifications for Standard 401 and Protocol P473 which you don’t find very often and speaks for the sophistication of the filtration process.

FYI: Emerging contaminants include Phenytoin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Estrone, Bisphenol A and Nonyl Phenol.

Capacity: 500 gallons or 6 months.

Too confusing? We get it! Maybe this table can help:

(Mobile Hint: Swipe to Scroll)

Contaminants EZ-1 EZ-3 EZ-4
Bad tastes and odors Yes Yes Yes
Particulates 99.9% (class III) 99.9% (class I) 99.9% (class I)
Chlorine 97.4% 97.4% 97.0%
Chloramine 98.0%
Cyst 99.9% 99.9%
Turbidity 98.5% 98.0%
Lead About 99.0% 99.3%
Atrazine 94.1%
Lindane 98.2%
MTBE 96.9%
Mercury 96.6%
Chloroform 99.8%
Emerging contaminants (e.g. Ibuprofen, Phenytoin) >95.4%
PFOA + PFOS >95.8%
VOCs Yes

IC-EZ-1, IC-EZ-3 & IC-EZ-4 Pros

What we like about the IC-EZ series is that no matter which version you choose the head is compatible with all 3 cartridges. In other words, if one day you feel like upgrading (or downgrading) your system you can do so without having to purchase a whole new unit.

What’s more, the head features a simple twist on/off mechanism. This allows for quick and easy filter changes (tool-free) without making a mess with water in your kitchen – it doesn’t get more convenient than this. You don’t even have to turn off the feed water supply!

On top of that, Culligan provides a 2-year limited manufacturer warranty.

Culligan IC-EZ-1

The Culligan IC-EZ-1 – learn more on amazon.com

Culligan IC-EZ-3

The Culligan IC-EZ-3 – learn more on amazon.com

Culligan IC-EZ-4

The Culligan IC-EZ-4 – learn more on amazon.com

Installation Instructions

If you already have connected your refrigerator or icemaker to a feed water supply, the Culligan Easy-Change comes with everything you need for setup and operation.

And if you are a handy with tools there’s absolutely no reason to call for a plumber to do the install for you. Here is what you need to do:

  1. Start by turning off the icemaker in your refrigerator. Store the ice cubes in a clean container in the freezer.
  2. Turn off the cold water supply to the refrigerator and dispense all water.
  3. Select a location where you want to mount the system (under sink, in basement or near the refrigerator).
  4. Mount head using mounting bracket (included) and screws (included).
  5. Determine the length of 5/8″ plastic tubing (not included) needed to connect the inlet and outlet of system. You should use 7 to 8 feet of plastic tubing between the outlet and your refrigerator.
  6. Connect the system inlet to the feed water supply. Pro tip: Place a mark 5/8″ from end of the tubing. Push tubing into push fitting until mark is flush.
  7. If water cannot be flushed through a dispenser, install a T-valve before the filter that allows for flushing.
  8. Connect the system outlet to the refrigerator. Pro tip: Place a mark 5/8″ from end of the tubing. Push tubing into push fitting until mark is flush.
  9. Install the filter cartridge. Line up the arrow on the cartridge with unlocked padlock on head. Insert cartridge and turn arrow to locked padlock.
  10. Turn on the water supply and allow the unit to fill with water. Check for leaks. Tighten connections if need be.
  11. Flush for 10 minutes and discard the water.
  12. Turn on icemaker.

The Package (Parts)

  • Filter head with built-in bracket
  • Filter cartridge
  • Mounting screws
  • Cartridge change reminder sticker

Maintenance

The modular design allows for quick and easy filter changes and avoids the mess that traditional cartridges often make. Simply twist and pull down to remove old. Push up and twist to install new.

How often do you have to change cartridges?

As mentioned before, the IC-EZ-1 lasts for up to 3,000 gallons or 12 months, whereas the IC-EZ-3 and IC-EZ-4 only last for 500 gallons or 6 months.

All in all, the annual maintenance costs seem reasonable.

Manual

Follow this link if you want to take a look at the manual.

IC-EZ-1, IC-EZ-3 & IC-EZ-4 Cons

The inlet and outlet connections are prone leaking. For a handful of users they came loose and flooded half their house. The reason for this is simply poor design so make sure that you push the tubing in as far as possible.

Culligan IC-EZ-1, IC-EZ-3 & IC-EZ-4 Review: Our Verdict + Best for

All in all, great tasting water if you get the tubing connection to stay on. The price is good, easy to install and use, and even easier to replace cartridges.

Most customers would recommend the IC-EZ-1 to 4 to their friends and family – and so do we: 3 stars for the EZ-1, 3.5 stars for the EZ-3, and 4 stars for the EZ-4!

The filters are best for people on a budget who want to improve the quality of water/ice provided by their refrigerator.

More Reviews:

This completes our review of the Culligan IC-EZ-1, IC-EZ-3, and IC-EZ-4. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!

About the Author Gene Fitzgerald

Gene Fitzgerald is one of the founders of BOS and currently head of content creation. She has 8+ years of experience as a water treatment specialist under her belt making her our senior scientist. Outside of BOS, Gene loves reading books on philosophy & social issues, making music, and hiking.
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Gene

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