Written by: Gene Fitzgerald // Expert Fact-Checking: Buddhini Dolapihilla, MBSS // Last Updated: Aug 25, 2023
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Culligan’s Easy-Change (EZ-Change) icemaker and refrigerator water filter series features 3 models:
This guide discusses their pros and cons.
Culligan IC-EZ-1 |
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Price: | $ |
Flow Rate: | 0.5 gpm |
Filter Capacity: | 3,000 gal |
NSF Certifications: | 42 |
Warranty: | 2 Years |
Our Rating
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Culligan IC-EZ-3 |
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Price: | $$ |
Flow Rate: | 0.5 gpm |
Filter Capacity: | 500 gal |
NSF Certifications: | 42 + 53 |
Warranty: | 2 Years |
Our Rating
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Culligan IC-EZ-4 |
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Price: | $$ |
Flow Rate: | 0.5 gpm |
Filter Capacity: | 500 gal |
NSF Certifications: | 42, 53, 401, P473 |
Warranty: | 2 Years |
Our Rating
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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 |
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.
The Culligan IC-EZ-1 – learn more on amazon.com
The Culligan IC-EZ-3 – learn more on amazon.com
The Culligan IC-EZ-4 – learn more on amazon.com
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:
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.
Follow this link if you want to take a look at the manual.
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.
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.
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!
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