Review: Frizzlife SK99 Under Sink Water Filter System
Written by: Gene Fitzgerald // Expert Fact-Checking: Buddhini Dolapihilla, MBSS // Last Updated: Sep 12, 2023
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The Frizzlife SK99 Under Sink Water Filter System is a basic 3-stage unit designed to remove contaminants common to municipal water.
While it’s not ground-breaking in terms of filtration, it offers several features that make it an attractive option: The system is remarkably easy to install and maintain, has an impressive flow rate, compact size, and the manufacturer has a reputation for excellent customer service.
Let’s take a closer look at the Frizzlife SK99 and see how it stacks up against some of the competition.
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Frizzlife SK99 Under Sink Water Filter System |
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| Price: | $ |
| Filter Process: | Sediment Pre, Activated Carbon Block, Activated Carbon Block |
| Filter Life: | 3-18 Months |
| Flow Rate: | 2 Gallons Per Minute |
| Annual Cost: | ~$50-100 |
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Overall Rating: 4.0/5.0 ⓘ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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Frizzlife SK99 Under Sink Water Filter System – All Specs
- Model: SK99
- Last Price: $99
- Annual Maintenance Cost: ~$50-100
- Filter Media/Process: Sediment (5-10 Microns), Activated Carbon Block (3-5 Microns), Activated Carbon Block (0.5 Microns)
- Filter Stages: 3
- Flow Rate: 2 gpm
- Filtering Capacity: 3-18 Months
- WxHxD: 14.5″x14.1″x4.7″
- Water Temperature: 38-100.4 °F
- Water Pressure: 20-80 psi
- Fitting: 3/8″
- NSF Certifications: Standard 42, 53
- Warranty: 12-18 Months
Frizzlife SK99 – Key Features
The Frizzlife SK99 Under Sink Water Filter System is a 3-stage filter system designed to make drinking water much healthier, safer, and better-tasting. The three stages are the following:
- The first stage is a 5-10-micron polypropylene sediment filter that removes dirt, rust, sand, and other large particles from your tap water. This also protects the later filter stages from clogging.
- The second filter is an extruded 3-5 micron carbon block that eliminates chlorine, chloramine, sediment, foul taste, and odor, as well as VOCs and other common organic contaminants.
- The final stage is a 0.5-micron carbon filter block to further reduce chlorine/chloramine and organics, but also cysts, VOCs, and heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium.
The 2-gallons-per-minute flow rate provides more than enough flow for a single faucet and everyday usage.
Braided metal hoses come included, providing improved durability and operation. The system is also on the smaller side, making it compact enough to fit in tight spots and smaller under sink cabinets. Speaking of, installation is easy and can be quickly completed on your own – thanks to the inline design.
Finally, the Frizzlife under sink water filter comes with a 12-18-month limited manufacturer warranty.
Gallery
Frizzlife Under Sink Water Filter Pros
For a 3-stage under sink water filter, the Frizzlife SK99 is really inexpensive. And its 2 gpm flow is more than adequate for most applications and is superior to many of its competitors. That equates to filling an 11-oz cup of water within just 3 seconds.
Filter replacement costs are also very reasonable, totaling between $50 and $100 per year, depending on your usage level.
As mentioned previously, installation is simple and can be performed in just 15 minutes or so.
Another positive is that users who had issues with the system tended to be highly satisfied with Frizzlife’s support and customer service.
Did we mention the NSF certifications against standards 42 and 53 for the reduction of chlorine, sediments, lead, and cyst?
What Contaminants Are Being Removed?
The SK99 is primarily designed as a chlorine and chloramine filter that improves how your water tastes and smells. But it will remove additional contaminants as well:
- The sediment filter stage will remove sand, silt, dirt, dust, and other larger particulates down to just 5-10 microns.
- The second and third filter stages will remove lead and few other heavy metals, VOCs and organic chemicals in general, and cysts.
The Frizzlife SK99 – learn more on Frizzlife.com
Installation
Installing the Frizzlife SK99 under sink filter is simple and easy, even for people who don’t have a lot of DIY or plumbing experience.
This is mainly due to the inline design (no dedicated faucet required), but also because all the required components are included in the package.
Please consider these instructions as a general guideline. Always make sure to check and follow your user manual before getting started.
To perform the installation, make sure you have the following:
- Screwdriver
- Drill/driver with drill bits
- Adjustable wrench
- Plumbers tape
Installation step-by-step instructions:
- The first step involves mounting the system to the installation location under your sink. Use the included template to mark the drilling and fastening locations for the two screws.
- Next, install the pressure regulator to the system inlet – making sure that the regulator is facing the correct direction by pointing the arrow on the regulator upward. Use the included blue clip to lock the regulator in place.
- Now, connect the inlet hose to the pressure regulator you just installed in the previous step.
- Then do the same with the outlet hose on the other side of the filter system.
- Now you’ll need to connect the cold water supply with the system.
- First, turn off the cold water valve under your sink, open the faucet to drain the line, and unscrew the water hose.
- Then, fasten the inlet hose with the angle stop valve.
- Now, on the other side of the system, join the outlet hose with the faucet hose.
- At this point, the system is connected and all that’s left to do is turn the cold water supply back on.
- Now, after turning the water supply on, flush the system for 10 minutes before use. Check the entire system for leaks as it flushes. If you locate any leaks, use plumbers tape on the fittings to seal them.
Video
The Package (Parts)
- 3/8″ inlet hose
- 3/8″ outlet hose
- Faucet line converter set
- Pressure regulator
- Plumber’s tape
- Screws
- Manual
Maintenance
Maintenance requirements for the system are very low. All that’s required is changing the filter cartridges periodically. The manufacturer recommends changing the first stage every 3 to 6 months, the second stage every 6 to 12 months, and the third stage every 12 to 18 months.
Again, we estimate $50-$100 in annual cost.
To change the filter cartridges:
- Turn off the water supply to the system.
- Twist off the housing by rotating it counterclockwise.
- Then, using the included filter wrench unscrew the bottom cap from the housing.
- Remove the old filter cartridge from the housing and discard it.
- Replace the old cartridge with a new one and screw it back into the system.
- Turn the water supply back on.
Manual
Here is a link to the official manual:
NSF and Other Certifications
The Frizzlife SK99 is tested and certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 42 for structural integrity and the reduction of chlorine and sediments.
The system is also tested and certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53, which is the standard for the reduction of water contaminants with “health effects”. The SK99 is certified to reduce lead and cyst.
Earlier Product Versions
The Frizzlife SK99 has an earlier product version, also called the SK99. The newer version has been upgraded with stronger casing, bottom caps, an integrated water board, and more.
Frizzlife Under Sink Filter Cons
Perhaps the system’s biggest drawback is its lack of filter variety. While it has three filter stages, there isn’t much variety in terms of filter media, there are only two different carbon block filters along with a sediment pre-filter. As a result, the system isn’t capable of removing a broad range of contaminant types. Ion exchange resin, for example, would have been nice in order to target more heavy metals.
Another issue is with NSF certifications. While the system does have 2, they only pertain to very specific contaminants. More NSF testing and certification would go a long way to improving the system’s reputation.
Additionally, the filter cartridges are not standard-sized. This means you can’t go with off-brand cartridges should you wish to use a specific filter or cut down on cartridge replacement costs.
When it comes to user ratings, the overwhelming majority were highly positive, but a few issues popped up repeatedly: Some users experienced leaking from the regulator, the caps, or the filters. Good news is, those affected overwhelmingly had good experiences dealing with customer service.
Frizzlife SK99 Review: Our Verdict + Best for
All in all, the Frizzlife SK99 Under Sink Water Filter System is affordable yet quite effective. In our opinion, it is good for city water treatment removing the most common contaminants including organics, certain heavy metals like lead, and improving taste and odor.
It’s also easy to install and maintain, making it a solid budget option.
Our Rating in Detail:
- Filtration Performance: 4.0/5.0
- Filter Capacity (Life): 4.0/5.0
- Purchase Price: 5.0/5.0
- Annual Cost: 5.0/5.0
- Overall: 4.0/5.0
Comparison to Other Under Sink Water Filters
One of the best ways to evaluate an under sink water filter is to compare it to similar systems from other manufacturers. Thus, let’s take a look at two popular models offered by the competition – the Clearly Filtered 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 |
| 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.
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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 |
| 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.
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Frizzlife SK99 |
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| Price: | $ |
| Filter Process: | Sediment Pre, 2x Activated Carbon Block |
| Filter Capacity: | 3-18 Months |
| Water Flow Rate: | 2 gpm |
| Annually: | ~$50-100 |
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Overall Rating: 4.0/5.0 ⓘ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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Firstly, the Clearly Filtered (detailed review) is another inline 3-stage system. The first stage is coconut shell GAC that targets chlorine (98.6%), chloramines (95.3%), foul tastes and odors, turbidity as well as VOCs, and other common organics/inorganics. The second stage is proprietary, meaning we don’t know exactly what filter media it contains, but it will remove heavy metals, PFAS, radiological elements, and more. The third and final stage is another proprietary stage designed to remove arsenic and fluoride.
All in all, filtration is really powerful and broad (the Clearly Filtered has been NSF-tested to remove well over 200 water contaminants), plus there’s a limited lifetime warranty and a 30-day money-back satisfaction warranty. The system is also made in the USA and has a 12-month filter cartridge lifespan.
The only downside is that it costs significantly more than the Frizzlife to purchase and maintain.
Let’s move on to the Epic Smart Shield system (full review here). This is a single-stage activated carbon block filter (inline) designed to eliminate chlorine, chloramine, asbestos, lead, cysts, mercury, MTBE, VOCs, BPA, and other chemicals like pharmaceuticals. It’s NSF-tested and certified to Standards 42, 53, and 401.
The Epic Smart Shield is also priced similarly to the Frizzlife and is similarly easy to install and maintain. It features USA manufacturing, top-notch customer service, and a lifetime warranty and return policy. Additionally, the company actively recycles its filters and will send you a new cartridge when you send in three used ones.
One downside: The flow rate is 1.25 gallons per minute, which is considerably less than the Frizzlife’s 2 gpm flow rate.
Overall, comparing the three filters, the Clearly Filtered is the superior under sink system but costs significantly more than the other two. The Epic and the Frizzlife are similar in many ways, but the Epic features a superior warranty/satisfaction guarantee, NSF testing and certification, and is made in the USA.
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This completes our review of the Frizzlife SK99 Under Sink Water Filter System. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Gene Fitzgerald
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