Review: GE SmartWater Dual-Stage Under Sink Water Filter (GNSV70FBL)
Written by: Gene Fitzgerald // Expert Fact-Checking: Buddhini Dolapihilla, MBSS // Last Updated: Sep 12, 2023
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The GE SmartWater GNSV70FBL is an NSF-certified under sink water filter that purifies your water through two stages.
The system removes a wide range of contaminants, including VOCs and lead. It has user-friendly features like the twist and lock cartridge design, which makes filter replacements fast and easy. And it comes included with a dedicated faucet chrome faucet.
So let’s explore all of the features, pros, and cons of the GE SmartWater Dual-Stage Under Sink Water Filter and see if it’s purchase-worthy.
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GE SmartWater GNSV70FBL Dual-Stage Under Sink Water Filter |
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| Price: | $$ |
| Filter Process: | 2x Activated Carbon Stages |
| Filter Life: | 160 Gallons |
| Flow Rate: | 0.6 Gallons Per Minute |
| Annual Cost: | ~$80-160 |
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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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GE SmartWater GNSV70FBL Dual-Stage Under Sink Water Filter – All Specs
- Model: GNSV70FBL
- Annual Maintenance Cost: ~$80-160
- Filter Media/Process: 2x Activated Carbon
- Filter Stages: 2
- Flow Rate: 0.6 gpm
- Filtering Capacity: 160 gal
- WxHxD: 7″x11.5″x4.5″
- Water Temperature: 33-100 °F
- Water Pressure: 35-120 psi
- NSF Certifications: Standards 42, 53
- Warranty: 1 Year
GE SmartWater GNSV70FBL – Key Features
The GE SmartWater Dual-Stage Under Sink Water Filter uses two stages of activated carbon.
As such, it provides better-tasting water and removes potentially harmful contaminants including
- Chlorine (97.41%)
- Lead (99.30-99.32%)
- Cysts (such as cryptosporidium and giardia) (>99.99%)
- Asbestos (99.89%)
- Mercury (94.34%-96.68%)
- Lindane (99%)
- Atrazine
- Benzene
- Chloroform (99.40%) and other VOCs
Sediments will also be removed.
By the way, this is based on test data provided by GE – the GNSV70FBL has been tested against NSF standard 42 and 53.
Also, the system has everything you need to install it, including an extra faucet.
It has a 0.6 gpm flow rate and a filtration capacity of 160 gallons (or 6 months).
GE GNSV70FBL Pros
Two stages of activated carbon are quite nice for an under sink filter system. You’ll greatly improve water aesthetics and remove dangerous pollutants at the same time, especially organic chemicals. All in all, it’s safe to assume that the GE SmartWater GNSV70FBL system makes most tap water supplies safe for cooking and drinking.
And again, we appreciate how the filter has NSF backing for its contaminant reduction claims. It’s tested and certified against NSF/ANSI standards 42 and 53, which cover most of the claimed contaminants. That instills confidence that you can trust this filter’s performance. Plus, the system comes with a 1-year warranty.
Another advantage is that you get a full installation kit when you buy the GE GNSV70FBL. That means you don’t need to buy extra parts or adapters; you have everything you need to install the under sink water filter, which saves costs. The system even comes with a dedicated faucet. This smart faucet let’s you know when it’s time for a filter replacement when flashing blue light. The chrome design also has a fine, reflective finish that adds style to your kitchen.
We also love the user-friendly filter replacement process. The system uses a simple twist-and-lock design, so it’s easy to remove old and install new cartridges.
What Contaminants Are Being Removed?
This GE under sink water filter removes sediments, chlorine taste and odor, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), lead, asbestos, cysts, mercury, turbidity, benzene, lindane, atrazine, and other contaminants. It removes up to 97.41% and 99.32% chlorine and lead, respectively.
Installation
GE allows DIY installation of this water filter. You won’t void the 1-year warranty if you install it on your own. What makes the process a whole lot easier is the included installation kit.
Please consider these instructions as a general guideline. Always make sure to check and follow your user manual before getting started.
Here are the tools you’ll need:
- Two adjustable wrenches
- Phillips screwdriver
- Tape measure
- Electric drill and drill bit (for drilling ¾” hole for faucet)
- 1/16″ drill bit (optional)
- Compressing fitting and other plumbing fittings (only needed if you have a rigid main water line)
Follow these steps to install your GE under sink filter:
- Turn off your cold water supply valve.
- Remove the existing faucet tubing line from the supply valve.
- Connect the adapter to the coupling. First, hand-tighten, then use a wrench to secure the connection.
- Fix the connected adapter to the supply valve. Make sure the gaskets are in place before you make this connection. Use a wrench to tighten it, but don’t overtighten.
- Reattach the faucet tubing line to the top of the adapter.
- Remove the nut and ferrule from the inlet valve. Fix the nut and ferrule to the 4 feet of tubing provided, then connect it to the inlet valve.
- Install the spout to the faucet body.
- Install the faucet in the hole in your sink. If there’s no extra hole, drill a ¾” hole in your sink.
- Mount the system in a clear space under the sink.
- Insert the appropriate tubings into the inlet and outlet valves on the system.
- Install the battery in the system.
- Gradually turn on your cold water supply valve to get the system working.
- Open the faucet and let it run for about five minutes before you start using the filtered water.
The Package (Parts)
- Water filter system assembly
- Mounting screws
- Feed water adapter
- Supply valve
- Faucet assembly with base and tubing
Maintenance
To maintain your GE SmartWater under sink water filter, you must replace the filter cartridges/canisters every six months. To make things easier, a blue light at the faucet base will flash when it’s time to replace, so you get a constant reminder.
Cost? We estimate about $80-160 a year, depending on your water quality and usage. This is acceptable.
You’ll need these tools to change the filters:
- Wrench
- Small towel or bucket
Here’s how to change:
- Turn the filter canister to the left (about ⅓ turn) to remove it from the manifold.
- Unwrap the new filter canister and insert it in the manifold. Turn it to the right until it sits in properly.
- Open your faucet to release air bubbles.
- Drain the water from the faucet for the first five minutes (to remove carbon particles from the new filter).
- Turn off your tap and check for leaks.
- Reset the filter’s timer by replacing the battery.
Manual
Here is a link to the official manual:
NSF and Other Certifications
This system is tested and certified against NSF/ANSI standards 42 and 53.
- NSF 42 covers the removal of chlorine taste and odor, and particulate class I sediments.
- While NSF 53 confirms that this system removes lead, cysts, asbestos, mercury, lindane, atrazine, benzene, and VOCs from water.
Earlier Product Versions
As far as we know, the GE SmartWater GNSV70FBL Dual-Stage Under Sink Water Filter has no earlier product versions.
GE Under Sink Water Filter Cons
The 0.6 gallons per minute flow rate may be too slow for some people. Other under sink water filters are much faster. It’s also why there is a dedicated faucet included.
The system’s filtration capacity is not much better; it’s only 160 gallons. So you’ll probably need to replace filters every three to six months.
Another con is that we couldn’t find the NSF certificates online.
GE SmartWater GNSV70FBL Review: Our Verdict + Best for
The GE SmartWater GNSV70FBL Dual-Stage Under Sink Water Filter seems like a decent product.
We have effective activated carbon filtration, although additional types of filter media would have been nice. We like the semi-thorough testing against NSF standards. The price is fair. Some people might find the 0.6 gpm flow a bit slow, however.
All in all, we would consider the system best for filtration of city water supplies dealing with contamination from organic chemicals. 4 stars.
Our Rating in Detail:
- Filtration Performance: 4.0/5.0
- Filter Capacity (Life): 3.0/5.0
- Purchase Price: 4.0/5.0
- Annual Cost: 4.0/5.0
- Overall: 4.0/5.0
Comparison to Other Under Sink Water Filters
Let’s compare the GE GNSV70FBL to other under sink water filter systems. We’ll take the Clearly Filtered and the Epic Smart Shield as examples.
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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GE SmartWater GNSV70FBL |
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| Price: | $$ |
| Filter Process: | Activated Carbon |
| Filter Capacity: | 160 gal |
| Water Flow Rate: | 0.6 gpm |
| Annual Cost: | ~$80-160 |
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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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The Clearly Filtered system is a triple-stage under sink filter. Each stage features different filter media, so the system can remove various types of water contaminants like chlorine/chloramine, disinfection byproducts, heavy metals, PFAS, VOCs, fluoride, radiation, and arsenic.
Like the GE, the Clearly Filtered has been thoroughly tested against NSF standards (42, 53, 401) – for over 200 different substances. Also, the CF has additional features like a 12 months filter life (3-6 months for GE), a limited lifetime warranty (1 year for GE), and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. The only downside? The Clearly Filtered is more expensive to buy and maintain.
The other filter, Epic Smart Shield (review here), is cheaper than both the Clearly Filtered and GE SmartWater. And it’s effective — NSF tested and certified to remove chlorine, chloramine, cyst, lead, VOCs, pharmaceuticals, and many other contaminants. It’s also easy to install and maintain, Made in USA with great customer support, and it has a satisfaction guarantee and a lifetime warranty. Plus, it has a higher flow rate than the GE system (1.25 gpm).
In our opinion, the Epic Smart Shield is the best if you’re on a budget — affordable and effective. The Clearly Filtered is quite expensive, but if it meets your budget, it’s definitely worth it considering that it removes the most contaminants by far. The GE is also fine for basic filtration needs, but you must install the dedicated faucet. If you don’t want one, you’re better off with Epic Smart Shield or Clearly Filtered.
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This completes our review of the GE 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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