Best Refrigerator Water Filters – Reviews 2021 & Buying Guide
Written by: Gene Fitzgerald // Last Updated:
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If your refrigerator has a built-in water dispenser and/or ice maker, it’s almost guaranteed to use a filter to ensure that the water is clean and tastes fresh at all times. Of course, this filter needs to be changed every now and then.
The question is: Does it make sense to buy an expensive OEM replacement or is a cheap aftermarket model more than enough? What’s the difference anyway, except for the price?
Our buying guide will help you find the best refrigerator water filter!
On This Page You Will…
Best Refrigerator Water Filters – Comparison List
| Model | Our Rating | Price | OEM | Lead Removal | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 For Samsung Side-By-Side + French Door Refrigerators | Read Review | $$ | Yes | >99.0% | 300 Gallons (Up to 6 Months) |
 For GE French Door Refrigerators | Read Review | $$$ | Yes | >98.0% | 300 Gallons (Up to 6 Months) |
 For GE Side-By-Side + Bottom-Freezer Refrigerators | Read Review | $$ | Yes | 99.3% | 300 Gallons (Up to 6 Months) |
 For Frigidaire French Door + Some Side-By-Side Refrigerators | Read Review | $$$ | Yes | Yes | 200 Gallons (Up to 6 Months) |
 For Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, JennAir & Amana Refrigerators | Read Review | $$ | Yes | >98.5% | 200 Gallons (Up to 6 Months) |
Best Refrigerator Water Filters
Order of Reviews
1. Refrigerator Water Filters for Samsung Refrigerators
Best Selling & OEM: Samsung DA29-00020B (Also Replaces DA29-00020A)
For Samsung Side-By-Side + French Door Refrigerator Models
- Price: $$
- OEM:
- Contaminants: 9
- NSF:
- Filter Lifespan: 300 Gallons
The Samsung DA29-00020B is for all side-by-side and French Door refrigerators by Samsung that come with an ice maker/water dispenser.
Pros
The filter uses a carbon block and is rated at 300 gallon which is pretty average. It’s NSF certified against Standard 42 and 53 and has proven to remove 97.4% of chlorine for great-tasting drinking water without any unpleasant odors.
Above that, it’s capable of removing 99.0% of asbestos, 99.99% of cysts and many other harmful substances, most importantly lead (more than 99.0%).
Even in trace amounts lead is highly toxic, which is why you have to make sure that your water is more or less lead-free if you use it for drinking or cooking.
Unfortunately, the filter won’t reduce fluoride – no refrigerator water filter does – if that’s something you are concerned about.
Other than that, it provides a good water flow and is backed by more than 5,000 Amazon customer testimonials. If you like what you hear, visit this page and enter your refrigerator model number into the search bar below the main menu to make sure that the filter is compatible.
And before we forget, installation won’t take more than 10 seconds. You just have to remember to flush the filter afterwards.
Cons
The only downside is that although you can buy in packs of 2 and 3 to get a discount, this filter is not exactly cheap.
Our Verdict
You can’t go wrong with the Samsung DA29-00020B. It’s the best fridge water filter by far and perfect for those concerned about water quality.
Samsung DA29-00020B Substitute: Waterdrop WD-DA29-00020B
For Samsung Side-By-Side + French Door Refrigerator Models
- Price: $
- OEM:
- Contaminants: 6
- NSF:
- Filter Lifespan: 300 Gallons
Obviously, Samsung recommends you to purchase nothing but genuine Samsung filters for “authenticity and guaranteed performance“. However, we don’t mind opting for an imitation as long as it’s compatible and delivers the same or even better water quality.
One of these imitations is the Waterdrop WD-DA29-00020B. You can already tell by the name that it’s pretty similar.
Pros & Cons
The water filter reduces chlorine (97%), bad tastes and odors, lead (99.6%), cysts (99.99%), benzene (96.6%), and pesticides (carbofuran and endrin). Not bad at all and certainly not that far away from the original Samsung water filter.
Capacity is identical (300 gallons or 6 months) and the installation is straightforward. Although, some customers complained about leaks due to a missing O-ring. Others said that their water came out all cloudy and flushing the filter didn’t resolve the issue.
And most importantly: The Waterdrop refrigerator water filter is way more affordable than the OEM version by Samsung. And you can save even more by buying in bulk.
Our Verdict
The Waterdrop is the best aftermarket refrigerator water filter if affordability is your main focus.
Samsung DA29-00020B Substitute: PureLine PL-200
For Samsung Side-By-Side + French Door Refrigerator Models
- Price: $
- OEM:
- Contaminants: 2
- NSF:
- Filter Lifespan: 400 Gallons
Pros & Cons
PureLine’s PL-200 is another popular alternative to the Samsung filter and it is significantly cheaper, too.
The reduction claims are 99% mercury, lead (NSF 53), and chlorine (NSF 42) for improved water taste and smell, 96.9% chromium, plus a bunch of other things that you don’t want in your water.
Two more advantages are the increased water filtration capacity, plus the full refund that the seller offers in case you are not happy with your purchase. This might come in handy in case of leaking with which a handful of customers had to deal with.
Our Verdict
Solid performance and very high customer satisfaction. If you want to save, this refrigerator water filter might be it!
Samsung DA29-00003G
For Samsung Side-By-Side + French Door Refrigerator Models
- Price: $$
- OEM:
- Contaminants: 9
- NSF:
- Filter Lifespan: 300 Gallons
This Samsung water filter fits side-by-side and French Door refrigerators.
Pros
It’s NSF Standard 42 and 53 tested and certified to remove chlorine taste and odor and, in addition to that, also reduce the amount of dissolved lead + other heavy metals and eliminate microbial cysts.
This will greatly improves the taste of your water. But not only that, it’ll also make it safe(r) for consumption and protect your fridge from sediment build-up.
Problems with leaks? Not that we know of.
Cons
There seems to be a design issue with the new and modified version of the filter. While the old filter used to install easily, installing the new one either takes some serious force to push it into the housing, or you have to carefully remove the smallest (left-most) tooth on either side of the filter neck.
Our Verdict
The Samsung DA29-00003G filter does a good job at providing clean and refreshing water. But it’s a joke that due to a redesign it might not fit into your refrig without force or making modifications.
2. Refrigerator Water Filters for GE Refrigerators
GE RPWFE
For GE French Door Refrigerator
- Price: $$$
- OEM:
- Contaminants: 19
- NSF:
- Filter Lifespan: 300 Gallons
GE RPWFE filters fit selected GE refrigerators, including those that use GE’s old RPWF water filter.
Pros
We have the standard filter life of 300 gallons, respectively up to 6 months of use. But some customers noticed a decline in water flow or a change in taste earlier than that, which is a clear sign that the filter has reached the end of its lifetime.
Independent lab tests have shown that the filter which uses a carbon block is capable of reducing chlorine-resistant cysts, lead (>98%), five trace pharmaceuticals including ibuprofen, VOCs (97.7%) and of course chlorine and chloramines for improved water taste.
In addition, more than 10 other contaminants were eliminated in the tests and NSF standards 42 and 53 were met. All in all, filtration performance is outstanding!
We also like that the install is extremely simple. No tools are required to replace the cartridge and there is no need to turn off the water supply.
Cons
It’s not that the GE RPWFE refrigerator water filter leaks or something, but it is quite pricey. And if you own one of the new GE fridges, it doesn’t allow off-brand filters which are usually much cheaper.
Our Verdict
Quality doesn’t come free. If you are willing to pay for it you can’t go wrong GE’s original RPWFE refrigerator water filter. It gives you access to refreshing drinking water freed from many nasty contaminants.
GE MWF
For GE Side-By-Side + Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator Models
- Price: $$
- OEM:
- Contaminants: 20
- NSF:
- Filter Lifespan: 300 Gallons
Pros & Cons
Performance-wise, the GE MWF refrigerator water filter is pretty similar to GE’s RPWFE filter (see review above).
It’s also NSF certified against standards to remove a range of waterborne contaminants including chlorine (97.5%), lead (99.3%), cysts and the same 5 pharmaceuticals. The only difference we could make out is that the RPWFE filter has earned an additional certification for the removal of VOCs. In other words, you can expect almost identical water quality.
With each cartridge you get up to 300 gallons of filtered water and ice which is pretty standard. Thanks to the clever design the cartridge is easy to install, no tools needed.
Most customers have reported an excellent water flow, while for a couple of users the flow was very slow. We suspect that they received a fake filter.
By the way, General Electric recommends the use of this OEM filter to get the highest flow rate. And in case you wonder, here is a list of filters that the MWF refrigerator water filter can replace:
- GWF
- GWFA
- GWF01
- GWF06
- MWFA
Our Verdict
We consider this original GE refrigerator water filter to be worth the cost. It’s saves you from a lot of trouble with possible leaks and poor water flow that come with many of the low-quality compatible cartridges. On top of that, thousands of happy customers vouch for this product on Amazon.
GE MWF Substitute: PureLine PL-100
For GE Side-By-Side + Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator Models
- Price: $
- OEM:
- Contaminants: 2
- NSF:
- Filter Lifespan: 400 Gallons
Pros & Cons
Easy installation, no leaks and a money back guarantee. The PureLine PL-100 seems like a real bargain, and it is.
Contaminant reduction claims are the same as for the PureLine PL-200: 99% of lead, mercury, chlorine, particles, herbicides, and herbicides. Lindane, chromium, cadmium, copper, and arsenic are reduced between 87.8% and 97.2%, says PureLine. We could only find NSF testing (Standard 42 + 53) for chlorine and lead, however.
Disadvantages? We read complains about extremely low flow and incidents where the filtered water started to taste awful after a couple of weeks of using the filter.
Our Verdict
A good substitute for the GE MWF refrigerator water filter if you want better-tasting water and your biggest concern is to spend the least amount possible.
3. Frigidaire Refrigerator Water Filters
Frigidaire ULTRAWF Model
For Frigidaire French Door + Some Side-By-Side Refrigerator Models
- Price: $$$
- OEM:
- Contaminants: ?
- NSF:
- Filter Lifespan: 200 Gallons
Frigidaire is another brand that recommends to only use genuine filters with their fridges to guarantee quality water filtration.
To be honest, this is something we don’t really mind as long as there really is a difference in provided water quality. But is there?
Pros
First of all, the Frigidaire ULTRAWF is for use on all French Door fridges and some side-by-side models.
It’s user friendly, it’s easy to install and it’s NSF Standard 42, 53 and even 401 certified. This guarantees that it can handle chlorine taste and odor, many health related pollutants, and also so called “emerging contaminants” including pharmaceuticals and pesticides.
Unfortunately, we could not find specific reduction rates. However, the 3 certifications are a good indicator that this fridge water filter is indeed reliable and will provide safe drinking water for you and your family.
Cons
On the downside, the filter is rated at no more than 200 gallons of water which is less than what we are used to. As a result, more frequent replacements are necessary which add to the cost.
And last but not least, we read about cheap knockoff filters being shipped. The results were overall poor performance and bad water taste. This is why it’s important that you buy from authorized sellers only.
Our Verdict
The first in our refrigerator water filter reviews to earn 3 different NSF certifications. Performance is truly excellent and customers are more than happy. 4.5 out of 5 stars!
Frigidaire PureSource 3 (WF3CB) Model
For Frigidaire Side-By-Side Refrigerator (After 2009)
- Price: $$
- OEM:
- Contaminants: ?
- NSF:
- Filter Lifespan: 200 Gallons
The PureSource 3 replacement cartridge is used in Frigidaire side-by-side refrigerators after 2009 with the filtration system located in the back, right top.
Pros & Cons
We have certifications for NSF Standard 42 and 53 reducing a total of 15 harmful contaminants, meaning that using this filter your water will taste way better and you will also be protected from cysts, lead, mercury and more.
That being said, the Frigidaire PureSource 3 is pretty similar to Frigidaire’s ULTRAWF. Both are high in quality, provide 200 gallons of chlorine-free water, are easy to install, and need to be properly flushed before you should start using them.
Our Verdict
You can’t go wrong with this filter. But don’t expect it to last up to 6 months as the manufacturer suggests. It most probably won’t.
Frigidaire WF2CB PureSource 2 Model
For Refrigerator After 2004 With Filtration System In Front, Right Top
- Price: $$
- OEM:
- Contaminants: 11
- NSF:
- Filter Lifespan: 400 Gallons
This is the last Frigidaire refrigerator water filter in this review series. It’s designed for use on refrigerators after 2004 with the filtration system located in the front, right top and replaces the following filter models:
- FC-100
- FC100
- WF2CB
- SWF2CB
- NGFC 2000
- NGFC2000
- NGFC-2000
Pros & Cons
The filter meets NSF Standards 42 and 53 reducing lead by 99.30%, mercury by 91% and a bunch of other stuff with names too difficult to pronounce, including pesticides and herbicides.
Of course, the filter also eliminates chlorine, which greatly improves the taste and smell of your water before it goes into the dispenser or ice maker.
Thanks to the slide-in-and-out technology, installation is convenient as long as the filter does not keep kicking out and spray water everywhere. Numerous customers complained about this. Others complained about their water being cloudy.
Our Verdict
There is no point in denying that this fridge water filter has it flaws. But it features a sophisticated filtration process, so we consider it the best choice for Frigidaire, Sears and Kenmore.
4. Whirlpool EveryDrop Refrigerator Water Filters – Filters 1 to 4
For Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, JennAir and Amana Fridges
For Side By Side, Top Freezer & Bottom Freezer Fridges
- $$
- OEM:
- Contaminants: 24
- Certification:
- Filter Life: 200 gal
For Bottom Freezer Refrigerator (Filter System In Top Right)
- $$
- OEM:
- Contaminants: 24
- Certification:
- Filter Life: 200 gal
For Side By Side Refrigerator (Filter In Bottom Left)
- $$$
- OEM:
- Contaminants: 66
- Certification:
- Filter Life: 200 gal
For Side By Side + Bottom Freezer Fridges
- $$
- OEM:
- Contaminants: 23
- Certification:
- Filter Life: 200 gal
EveryDrop, a brand owned by the Whirlpool Corporation, provides the only genuine and certified water filters for Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, JennAir and Amana refrigerators. These 5 brands also belong to the Whirlpool Corp.
Pros & Cons
EveryDrop Filters 1, 2, 3 and 4 are best sellers on Amazon and fit different refrigerator types. They use NSF certified Triple Filtration Technology to reduce a wide range of harmful contaminants, from pharmaceuticals and lead to waterborne parasites, to provide great-tasting drinking water and ice safe for consumption.
All four purifiers are rated at 200 gallons, so a family of 4 would have to replace a filter about every 3 months which means cost will start to add up quickly.
Apart from that, the filters do exactly what they are supposed to do. Water flow is better than what you get with many of the off-brand replacements.
| Model | Replaces | Issues with Products |
|---|---|---|
| Filter 1 | W10295370A Filters | Filter pops out of mount, clogging, hammering noises |
| Filter 2 | W10413645A Filters | Clogging and slowing flow, needs to be properly flushed |
| Filter 3 | 4396841 & 4396710 Filters | Water flow blocked |
| Filter 4 | UKF8001 & 4396395 Filters | Slow flow due to design flaw |
Our Verdict
As with all other genuine filters on this page, if you want the ease of mind of having access to safe water you have to spend more, as cheap substitutes won’t suffice.
Whirlpool EveryDrop Filter 4 Substitute: Mist
For Side-By-Side + Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator Models
- Price: $
- OEM:
- Contaminants: One
- NSF:
- Filter Lifespan: 300 Gallons
Pros & Cons
Mist lists a compatible replacement filter for Whirlpool’s EveryDrop Filter 4 on Amazon. And although it’s way cheaper, it doesn’t come without drawbacks.
As a reminder: Filter 4 is used in bottom freezer and side-by-side refrigerators branded under Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, JennAir and Amana. This also includes the Maytag UKF8001!
The Mist is rated at 300 gallons of water, so 100 gallons more than the original EveryDrop filter.
However, it lacks the effectives that we are looking for, thus the increased water flow. The NSF Standard 42 certification guarantees effective chlorine reduction for better water aesthetics.
Install is quick and easy. Lastly, the seller offers a 100% money back guarantee.
Our Verdict
We would only recommend the Mist refrigerator water filter to those who mostly care about water taste rather than quality.
5. For LG Refrigerators: LG LT700P Refrigerator Water Filter
Best Water Filter for LG Refrigerator: LG LT700P
- Product Price: $$
- OEM:
- Contaminants: 13
- NSF Certified:
- Filter Lifespan: 200 Gallons
Pros & Cons
LG’s genuine LT700P replacement filter is NSF certified to deliver clean, delicious and healthy water by reducing chlorine taste and odor, lead, mercury, asbestos and a lot of the other nasty stuff that might be lurking in your water.
It needs to be replaced every 200 gallons, or 3 to 6 months, to maximize contamination reduction. Other indicators are a change in water and ice taste and a slowing flow rate.
Compatible LG refrigerators:
Our Verdict
This is the best water filter for LG refrigerators. Don’t bother with cheap imitations. They might save you a few bucks but won’t protect your health.
Other Product Reviews:
Detailed Reviews of Refrigerator Filters
Buying Guide: What Water Filter Do You Need for Your Fridge?
Finding a suitable refrigerator water filter can be challenging with such a great number of brands and products on the market. Well, this should help:
OEM vs. Aftermarket Refrigerator Water Filters
OEM stands for “Original Equipment Manufacturer”. In other words, an OEM filter is manufactured and distributed by the same company that made the original refrigerator.
Aftermarket or off-brand fridge water filters are designed to fit a certain model made by another company.
On the upside, buying a filter imitation will save you quite a bit of money. Prices vary, but aftermarket filters are oftentimes 2, 3 or and even up to 4 times cheaper. On the downside, the level of water quality you get might leave a lot to be desired.
Refrigerator Water Filter Compatibility
If a filter is not compatible with your fridge it won’t fit at all or at least not properly. The latter is a common cause for leaks.
Therefore, you need to match your refrigerator’s model number (check owner’s manual or label on fridge) to the list of refrigerators a certain filter supports.
Pro tip: Use Amazon’s Partfinder to ensure compatibility. Simply enter your refrigerator model number into the search bar on top of a filter’s product description page.
Contaminants & Certifications
Only by knowing which potentially harmful contaminants are present in your water supply can you choose the best filtration solution. So consider having your water tested or consult the latest Consumer Confidence Report of your local water utility.
As for product certifications, look for NSF Standards.
- NSF Standard 42 is all about water taste and odor.
- NSF Standard 53 is for contaminants with health effects. This may include cysts, lead and other heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, disinfection byproducts – you name it.
- NSF Standard 401 is for emerging contaminants like pharmaceuticals.
Water Filtration Capacity
The standard capacity is 300 gallons of water.
What we’ve noticed, however, is filters that remove a wide range of contaminants oftentimes have a lower gallon rating. We assume that, due to the thorough filtration process, the cartridges are more prone to clogging. Thus, lower capacity isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
More on Refrigerator Water Filters
Refrigerator Water Filter: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can an old refrigerator water filter make you sick?
Mold, bacteria and other pathogens could have accumulated inside the filter, so yes. - Can I use my fridge without the water filter?
It depends on product design; some units run without filters, others don’t. - What do refrigerator filters filter out?
They all filter chlorine taste and odor, and sediment. Some even help with harmful things – think heavy metals (e.g. lead, mercury), chlorine-resistant cysts, pharmaceuticals (e.g. Ibuprofen) and pesticides. We still have to find a refrigerator water filter that removes fluoride, though. - Do refrigerator filters really work?
They do work, yes. In fact, most of them work great!
Questions? Ask away!
And remember: We will continue adding new refrigerator water filter reviews so make sure to come back.
About the Author Gene Fitzgerald
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