Review: Filtrete Maximum Under Sink Water Filter (3US-MAX-S01)
Written by: Gene Fitzgerald // Expert Fact-Checking: Buddhini Dolapihilla, MBSS // Last Updated: Sep 12, 2023
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This review is all about the Filtrete Maximum Under Sink Water Filter System with the model number 3US-MAX-S01.
There are some interesting features to it, which we’re going to explore here.
But not only that, we’ll dissect the system, discussing all its perks and downsides. Let’s get started!
Contents
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Filtrete 3US-MAX-S01 Maximum Under Sink Water Filter |
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| Price: | $ |
| Filter Process: | Mechanical + Chemical Filtration |
| Filter Life: | 1,500 Gallons |
| Flow Rate: | 1.5 Gallons Per Minute |
| Annual Cost: | ~$70 |
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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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Filtrete 3US-MAX-S01 Maximum Under Sink Water Filter System – All Specs
- Model: 3US-MAX-S01
- Annual Maintenance Cost: ~$70
- Filter Media/Process: Mechanical and Chemical Filtration
- Flow Rate: 1.5 gpm
- Filtering Capacity: 1,500 gal
- WxHxD: 3.25”x15.13”x4”
- Water Temperature: 40-100 °F
- Water Pressure: 25-125 psi
- Fitting: 3/8”
- NSF Certifications: Standard 42, 53, 401
- Warranty: 1 Year
Filtrete 3US-MAX-S01 – Key Features
The Filtrete 3US-MAX-S01 Maximum Under Sink Water Filter System uses a single filter stage which is NSF-certified to remove lead, cysts, asbestos, sediments, chlorine taste and odor, and various organic chemicals from water.
The system features an inline design, meaning it works with your existing kitchen faucet.
It has a 1.5 gpm flow rate, which is pretty fast, and a 6-month filter lifespan (up to 1,500 gallons).
Manufacturer warranty: 1-year.
Besides, there are 2 more basic versions of this under sink water filter, the Filtrete 3US-AS01 and the 3US-PS01. The 3US-AS01 is the standard version which only removes sediment + chlorine. The Advanced 3US-PS01 reduces chlorine taste and odor as well as microbial cysts and sediment.
Filtrete Maximum Under Sink Water Filter Pros
One pro about this Filtrete under sink water filter is how easy it is to install (you can install it in 30 minutes). Also, it works with the faucet you already have, so you don’t have to install a new one.
We also love how cheap it is to maintain; it costs $70 yearly, which is a lot more affordable than most of its competitors.
But most important are the NSF certifications: Standards 42, 53, and 401. This essentially guarantees that the Filtrete 3US-MAX-S01 is as effective as claimed and can provide water that is much healthier to consume.
What Contaminants Are Being Removed?
The contaminants removed are 99% lead, atrazine, 97% chlorine taste and odor, 99% microbial cysts, asbestos, sediments down to 0.5 microns, and various organic chemicals (including some pharmaceuticals like atenolol).
The Filtrete 3US-MAX-S01 Maximum – learn more on Amazon.com
Installation
The Filtrete Maximum Under Sink Water Filter is fast and easy to install because you connect it to your existing faucet directly. There’s no need to drill a hole for a new faucet.
Please consider these instructions as a general guideline. Always make sure to check and follow your user manual before getting started.
The tools needed for installation are:
- Adjustable wrench
- #2 Phillips’s head screwdriver
- Drill
- Pencil
Here’s how to install this filter yourself in order to save money:
- Pick a location to install the filter head assembly bracket.
- Use a pencil to mark the location of the two screw holes on the wall.
- Use a Phillips screwdriver and the mounting screws to install the bracket to the wall.
- Make sure the mounting bracket is installed properly.
- Switch off the cold water supply at the shut-off valve under the sink.
- Use a wrench to remove the cold water faucet hose from the shut-off valve. Leave the hose connected to the tap.
- Set up the male water supply line adapter.
- Put one end of one of the lengths of 3/8″ blue tubing into the push-in fitting side of the male water supply line adapter and push it in.
- Put the other end of the 3/8″ blue tubing at the right side of the mounting bracket.
- Put together the compression kit.
- Tighten the compression kit to the 3/8″ cold water supply shut-off valve using a wrench.
- Put the other end of the blue tubing in the left part of the bracket. Do NOT set up the system on the hot water supply lines because the system has a maximum operating water temperature of 100°F (37.8°C).
- Put the filter cartridge in the bracket.
- Push the filter up, and rotate it a quarter turn to the right until it stops. (Make sure there is no gap between the filter cartridge and the bracket so that they are properly connected.)
- Switch on the water at the cold water shut-off valve.
- Flush the system with 10 gallons of water before using it.
- Check for leaks and fix the leaks you find.
- The system is ready for use.
Video
The Package (Parts)
- Filter cartridge
- Filter head assembly
- 2x 3/8″ tubing
- 3/8″ male water supply line adapter
- 3/8″ compression hex nut
- 3/8″ ferrule
- 3/8″ tube insert
- Time strip
- Command mounting strip
- Filter holder
Maintenance
This Filtrete under sink filter is cheap to maintain (it costs only $70 yearly). According to the company, it’s best to replace the cartridge every six months or 1,500 gallons, whichever comes first.
Follow these steps to replace the filter:
- Turn the cartridge to the left until it can no longer rotate.
- Remove the cartridge by pulling it downwards.
- Assemble the tabs of the new filter cartridge with the mounting bracket and put the new filter cartridge inside the bracket, then turn the cartridge to the right till it stops.
- Flush the system with 10 gallons of water before using it.
Note: When changing the cartridge, you don’t need to shut off your water supply because the system automatically shuts it off.
Manual
Here is a link to the official manual:
https://images.homedepot-static.com/catalog/pdfImages/b1/b17c0647-8411-42d7-8c07-f2556588c2a0.pdf
NSF and Other Certifications
The Filtrete Maximum under sink system has been tested and certified against NSF standard 42 for chlorine taste and odor reduction and nominal particulate reduction.
It has also been certified against NSF standard 53 for cyst, lead, asbestos, atrazine, benzene, carbofuran, and P-Dichlorobenzene reduction.
Finally, the filter was tested and certified against NSF standard 401 for the reduction of pharmaceutical chemicals like atenolol, bisphenol, Phenytoin, etc.
Earlier Product Versions
There are no earlier versions of this product.
Filtrete Under Sink Water Filter Cons
While the 3US-MAX-S01 under sink water filter does have some nice benefits, we aren’t totally on board with all its features.
For example, while the cartridge tells us it’s a chemical and mechanical filter, the manufacturers don’t exactly tell us the type of filter media used (our guess is it’s an activated carbon block).
Also, some customers complained that the plastic fittings were poorly made and broke after installation, which made their sinks flood. They also said the system significantly reduced water pressure, and some filters came in damaged.
Filtrete 3US-MAX-S01 Review: Our Verdict + Best for
All in all, the Filtrete 3US-MAX-S01 Maximum Under Sink Water Filter System is quite solid, also for its affordable price. It is NSF-certified which is great. It’s effective for sure and can provide you with healthier and better-tasting drinking water at home.
Our Rating in Detail:
- Filtration Performance: 4.0/5.0
- Filter Capacity (Life): 5.0/5.0
- Purchase Price: 5.0/5.0
- Annual Cost: 5.0/5.0
- Overall: 4.5/5.0
Comparison to Other Under Sink Water Filters
Finally, let’s compare the Filtrete to two of its competitors; the Clearly Filtered 3-Stage under sink water filtration system and the Epic Smart Shield.
Clearly Filtered 3-Stage |
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| Price: | $$$ |
| Filter Process: | Activated Carbon + Proprietary Blend |
| Filter Capacity: | 2,000 gal |
| Water 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 Capacity: | 651 gal |
| Water 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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Filtrete 3US-MAX-S01 Maximum |
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| Price: | $ |
| Filter Process: | Mechanical + Chemical |
| Filter Capacity: | 1,500 gal |
| Water Flow Rate: | 1.5 gpm |
| Annual Cost: | ~$70 |
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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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As the name implies, the Clearly Filtered 3-Stage (detailed review here) has 3 filter stages. The first stage has granular activated carbon filter media which removes chlorine, chloramine, and all kinds of organics. Stages 2 and 3 are proprietary. They reduce radiation, heavy metals, VOCs, PFAS, fluoride, arsenic, and more.
The system has been tested and certified against NSF standards (42, 53, 401) for more than 200 contaminants with impressive results. And just like the Filtrete, the Clearly Filtered has an inline design (which is easy to install). Where it stands out is the 30-day satisfaction guarantee, a limited lifetime warranty, and a filter life of 12 months.
However, the CF costs more to buy and maintain than its counterparts.
The Epic Smart Shield inline under sink water filter (detailed review) uses a carbon block. It’s NSF-certified to reduce chlorine and chloramine, asbestos, mercury, lead, cysts, and dozens of organics. The Epic is cheaper than the Clearly Filtered system but costs almost the same as the Filtrete. It is also easy to install and maintain.
Plus, as a bonus, you receive a free filter after you return three used filters via mail. This system also offers a lifetime warranty, a return policy, and exceptional customer support. The downside: It has a flow rate of 1.25 gpm, which is lower than both the Clearly Filtered and Filtrete systems.
Bottom line: The Clearly Filtered under sink water filter is the best one here since it removes the most contaminants, but it’s also the most expensive option. The Epic and Filtrete systems have similar effectiveness levels, but the Epic has some nice add-ons, like the lifetime warranty and a money-back guarantee. That said, the Filtrete is not a bad product, we just prefer the Epic and Clearly Filtered.
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This completes our review of the Filtrete under sink water filter. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Gene Fitzgerald
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