Review: Epic Smart Shield Under Sink Water Filter
Written by: Gene Fitzgerald // Expert Fact-Checking: Buddhini Dolapihilla, MBSS // Last Updated: Sep 14, 2023
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In this review, we’ll take a look at the Epic Smart Shield Under Sink Water Filter. It’s a reasonably priced system with a good filter life of 651 gallons, or 12 months, and a powerful filtration process.
We also find it interesting that the filter elements are 100% recyclable. The brand runs a recycling program that allows you to get a free replacement filter in exchange for three used cartridges.
What else does the Epic Smart Shield have in store? Keep reading to find out!
Contents
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Epic Smart Shield Under Sink Water Filter |
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| Price: | $ |
| Filter Process: | Activated Carbon Block |
| Filter Life: | 651 Gallons |
| Flow Rate: | 1.25 Gallons Per Minute |
| 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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Epic Smart Shield Under Sink Water Filter – All Specs
- Model: Epic Smart Shield
- Last Price: $135
- Annual Maintenance Cost: $115
- Filter Media/Process: Carbon Block
- Flow Rate: 1.25 gpm
- Filtering Capacity: 651 gal
- WxHxD: 4.25″x19.75″x4.5″
- Water Temperature: 33-100 °F
- Water Pressure: 40-120 psi
- Fitting: 3/8″ NPT
- NSF Certifications: Standard 42, 53, 401
- Warranty: Lifetime
Epic Water Filters – Discount Code
You can use our code “BOSEpic“ to get a 20% discount on any purchase you make on epicwaterfilters.com.
Epic Smart Shield – Key Features
The Epic Smart Shield Under Sink Water Filter uses a single activated coconut carbon block to remove up to 99.99% of over 70 water contaminants, such as:
- Chlorine Taste & Odor – 95.5%
- Chloramine – 95.5%
- Sediments – 99.9%
- Asbestos – 99.0%
- Cyst – 99.99%
- Lead – 99.3-99.4%
- Mercury – 96.6-96.7%
- MTBE – 86.6%
- Dozens of VOCs – Up to 99%
- Pharmaceuticals and Other So-Called Emerging Compounds – Up to 98.9%
These reduction rates have been tested and certified against NSF standards (42, 53, 401), so you can rest assured that the Epic Smart Shield is indeed effective and does what it’s claimed to do.
What’s more, the system has a flow rate of 1.25 gpm, which is okay, and a long filter life of 12 months (producing 651 water gallons), so maintenance is kept at a bare minimum.
A unique feature of the Epic Smart Shield under sink filter is the company’s recycling program. If you save and mail them three used filter cartridges, you’ll get a new replacement filter for free! How does it work exactly? You save your three used filters and mail them to Epic Smart Shield with your first and last name, shipping address, email address, the filter type you want, and the unwrapped and unboxed filters. Use simple packaging (no bubble wraps, filter boxes/bags, or packing peanuts), and just like that, you can get a free filter replacement!
Alexa’s Video Review
Being an integral member of the BOS team, Alexa has ordered and tested the Epic Smart Shield Under Sink Water Filter at home. She shares her hands-on experience of installing and using the system in the video below:
Epic Under Sink Water Filter Pros
Most importantly, the Epic Smart Shield water filter is affordable — $135 at purchase and $115 per year to maintain is quite a fair price. You can even join the “Clean Water Club” and get a 20% discount on replacement filters.
The system’s quality is also nice — USA-made, BPA-free.
Plus, you get a 100% lifetime warranty and a smooth return policy if you are not satisfied with your purchase.
The system is also easy to install. It’s an inline filter (meaning it works with your existing faucet), uses quick-connect fittings, and comes with an installation kit. It only takes about 20 minutes to set up, even for plumbing newbies. Don’t worry about voiding any warranties – the system is designed to allow DIY installation and can even sit with other household items under your kitchen sink. If you like, you can buy a dedicated polished-chrome faucet kit to install with the filter.
Lastly, the Epic Smart Shield Under Sink Water Filter works for city and well water. If you use well water or have high sediment levels, there’s an additional 5-micron sediment pre-filter by Epic. You can use this to prolong your filter’s lifespan.
What Contaminants Are Being Removed?
As mentioned before, the Smart Shield under sink water filter system by Epic removes up to 99.99% of dozens of contaminants – tested/certified against NSF standards. Specifically, it removes chlorine taste & odor, chloramine, sediments, asbestos, cyst, lead, mercury, MTBE, VOCs, pharmaceuticals, and other (organic) chemicals.
The Epic Smart Shield – learn more on Epicwaterfilters.com
Installation
Installing the Epic under sink filter will take 20 minutes max (even if you’re not plumbing-savvy). It’s designed to encourage DIY installation that can stay under your sink with other household items. You can buy a dedicated faucet if you want, but the filter is inline, meaning it works with your existing faucet.
Please consider these instructions as a general guideline. Always make sure to check and follow your user manual before getting started.
You’ll need these tools:
- Measuring tape
- Screwdriver
- Adjustable wrench
- Towel
- Pencil
- Drill and drill bits (⅛”)
To install:
- Open your cold water faucet and then close your cold water shutoff valve.
- Detach the cold water line from the shutoff valve. Catch any dripping water with your towel.
- You can install the optional dedicated faucet from here or continue with these steps to install the filter in your existing faucet:
- Connect the cold water adapter to the shutoff valve. Ensure the O-ring is in place, and use a wrench to tighten the connection.
- Fix the lower end of the cold water line to the upper end of the water adapter.
- Connect the blue ⅜” tube to the water adapter. Then, connect the white tube. Make sure both connections are secure.
- Firmly twist the filter cartridge to the right to position it correctly.
- At this point, you can either drill holes to fix the filter to the wall or use the optional velcro attachment.
- After setting the system, connect the blue ⅜” tube to the outlet (right) side of the system manifold.
- Connect the white ⅜” hose to the outlet (left) side of the manifold.
- Switch on your water gradually and check for leaks.
- Run the faucet for five to ten minutes to flush out carbon fines.
The Package (Parts)
- Epic Smart Shield filter cartridge
- Filter head
- Installation kit including connector hoses, feed water adapter
Maintenance
The Epic Smart Shield is easy and affordable to maintain ($115 annually). You can even save an additional 20% by subscribing to the automatic filter delivery service. And remember to recycle your used filters!
Follow these easy steps to replace your filter every 12 months:
- Turn off your cold water line and open your faucet to drain excess water.
- Remove the old filter and unbox your new filter.
- Fix the new filter to the system manifold.
- Turn on your cold water line.
- Open your faucet for a few minutes to flush out carbon filters.
- Keep your old filter for recycling.
Manual
Here is a link to the official manual:
https://epicwaterfilters.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360050518014-Instructions-for-Home-Filtration
NSF and Other Certifications
The Epic Smart Shield under sink filter system is independently certified by the IAPMO against NSF 42 (which covers chlorine, chloramine, and Class 1 particulates), NSF 53 (which covers asbestos, cyst, lead, mercury, MTBE, turbidity, and VOCs), and NSF 401 (which covers BPA, estrone, ibuprofen, naproxen, nonyl phenol, and phenytoin).
Earlier Product Versions
To our knowledge, this product has no earlier versions.
Epic Smart Shield Water Filter Cons
The Epic Smart Shield has a 1.25 gpm flow rate, so your water pressure may reduce noticeably after installation. Some users complained of low water pressure, so keep that possibility in mind.
We also found a few complaints saying the tubing was too short. The system would have been easier to place if the included tubing was longer and more flexible.
There were also complaints about water leaking from the fittings.
Epic Smart Shield Review: Our Verdict + Best for
All in all, the Epic Smart Shield Under Sink Water Filter by Epic Water Filters is the best budget choice when it comes to under sink water filters. It has a good filter life plus high effectiveness. It is tested against NSF standards and certified to remove many contaminants. It also has extra features like a lifetime warranty, return policy, and the filter recycling program. All at a fair price.
Our Rating in Detail:
- Filtration Performance: 4.5/5.0
- Filter Capacity (Life): 4.0/5.0
- Purchase Price: 5.0/5.0
- Annual Cost: 5.0/5.0
- Overall: 4.5/5.0
Get 20% Off! Use Code: BOSEpic
Comparison to Other Under Sink Water Filters
Let’s compare the Epic to the Clearly Filtered 3-stage Under-the-Sink Water Filter System.
Clearly Filtered 3-Stage |
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| Price: | $$$ |
| Filter Process: | Activated Carbon + Proprietary Blend |
| Filter Capacity: | 2,000 gal |
| Water Flow: | Not Specified |
| Annually: | $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.
Get 10% Off! Use Code: |
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Epic Smart Shield |
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| Price: | $ |
| Filter Process: | Activated Carbon Block |
| Filter Capacity: | 651 gal |
| Water Flow: | 1.25 gpm |
| Annually: | $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.
Get 20% Off! Use Code: |
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Well, the Clearly Filtered system uses three filter stages instead of one. The first is granular activated carbon, the second a “special blend” that captures heavy metals, VOCs, radiation, and PFAS among other stuff, while the third traps fluoride and arsenic. Overall, the system’s filtration is very broad and powerful – more powerful than the Epic’s. The Clearly Filtered under sink water filter has been tested against NSF standards 42, 53, and 401 for more than 200 contaminants with great results.
Besides, it has features similar to the Epic Smart Shield system, like a 12-month filter life, a limited lifetime warranty, and an inline design (also made in the USA). Additionally, the Clearly Filtered has a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. On the downside, it’s much more expensive to buy and maintain than the Epic.
Our conclusion? The Clearly Filtered under sink water filter is a premium product. It’s the best on the market right now. The Epic Smart Shield is more of an all-rounder: Effective, tested for a decent number of contaminants, and yet affordable.
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This completes our review of the Epic Smart Shield Under Sink Water Filter. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Gene Fitzgerald
Information provided on BOS is for educational purposes only. The products and services we review may not be right for your individual circumstances.
We adhere to strict editorial guidelines. Rest assured, the opinions expressed have not been provided, reviewed, or otherwise endorsed by our partners – they are unbiased, independent, and the author’s alone. Our licensed experts fact-check all content for accuracy. It is accurate as of the date posted and to the best of our knowledge.