Water Filters : Ratings of Sources

Our AssessmentConsumerReports.org editors test five different types of filtering systems and 27 models. The overall ratings are based on how well each model removes lead, chloroform (as an indicator of ability to remove organic compounds and disinfectant byproducts) and bad taste (using a cabbage-water solution as a test). Editors also compare how quickly a gallon of water flowed through the filter and whether the filter's flow rate decreased or stopped before the manufacturer's recommended timeframe to change the filter. Editors don't necessarily recommend the top-rated model, because they take price into consideration. This website also offers useful buying information, including pros and cons of each type of filtering system.

Our AssessmentThis review reports the results of comparison tests of six carbon and eight reverse-osmosis point-of-use water filters conducted in 2008 by Water Science & Marketing for the State of Minnesota Department of Health. Each filter is tested to find out how well it filters out perfluorochemicals (PFCs), the chemicals used to make Teflon and Gore-Tex. The one carbon filter and six reverse osmosis filters that passed the first laboratory test with higher than normal contaminant levels were the Culligan RC-EZ-4 (now discontinued) carbon filter and the Water Factory SQC-3, EcoWater ERO-375E-CP, Kinetico Plus Deluxe VX, Pentair RO 3500-EX w/GS and Culligan Aqua Cleer reverse osmosis filters. These reverse osmosis filters may be available online but are primarily sold through dealers. In a second laboratory test with normal levels of contamination, the following five other filters passed: Aquion Rainsoft (Hydrefiner P-12 9878), Kinetico MACguard 7500, Sears Kenmore (Elite 625.385010), GE Smartwater (GXRM10GBL) and Watts (Premier WP-4V). These 11 filters moved on to field testing and proved adequate. This article includes links to the full report.

Our AssessmentGood Housekeeping editors select the Clear2O Water Filtration Pitcher as one of eight top products launched in 2007. A link to a short video shows the product being filled by testers. They say the flow rate through the filter is almost as fast as out of the faucet and the pitcher "holds 50 percent more water than older pitchers." The article doesn't disclose to what other pitchers the Clear2O was compared.

Our AssessmentThis retail site sells water filters by Brita, Pur, Culligan and a few other brands. The Pur 2 Stage Water Dispenser DS-1800Z and Brita UltraMax Dispenser both receive an overall rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 from at least 30 owners. Most owners say they are happy with the taste of the water, although some say they prefer Pur over Brita. Several types of Brita pitchers also receive good ratings. The Pur faucet-mounted filters get lower ratings.

Our AssessmentThis lengthy article published by Australia's Choice magazine does not compare specific brands of water filters. It does, however, list the pros and cons of each type of water filter and explain the types of household water treatment systems. It also defines microbiologicals and chemicals that may contaminate water and provides buying advice.

Our AssessmentMaxwell Gillingham-Ryan chooses the Brita Faucet Filtration System with Advanced Features FF-100 as a Best Product, based on experience over the years with a competing Pur model. He says the Brita's faucet-mount shape impedes less on sink workspace and allows you to easily switch between filtered and unfiltered water, and the filter lasts longer. Additionally, several readers posting comments say the flow rate on their Pur slowed considerably after a few weeks of use.

Our AssessmentMost of the water filters sold at Lowe's haven't been rated or have accumulated only a handful of reviews. Owners rate each water filter on five factors and then average the five to get an overall score. With about two dozen reviews, the Whirlpool Reverse Osmosis Filtration System WHER25 has the most reviews among kitchen water filters. Owners are happy with the water quality, but some say the water filters need replacing after as little as two months.

Our AssessmentTarget mainly sells Brita and Pur water filters, and about 20 products have accumulated owner-written reviews. The Pur 2 Stage Water Dispenser DS-1800Z is top-rated with 4.5 stars out of 5 from 35 owners. Some say they have been using it for years without any issues. The Brita Atlantis Pitcher receives the same rating from about 20 owners. Reviewers like the slim shape and the design of the lid. The Pur 2 Stage Water Pitcher CR-6000 and CR-6000C receive an equally high rating from about 5 owners each. The Brita Chrome Pitcher and Brita Ultra Max Dispenser receive 4 stars from about 20 owners each. More notable is the lower ratings on the Brita and Pur faucet models, because owners say they had problems with leaking and cracked housings – even on replacements they received.

Our AssessmentWalmart sells only Pur and Brita water filter products, but owners can rate their purchase on five separate categories: value, meets expectations, features, durability and appearance. Several of the Brita pitchers receive an overall rating of 4.5 stars or higher from at least 10 owners. The Brita and Pur faucet-mounted filters rate lower.

Our AssessmentThis retail site sells a good number of countertop and under-sink water filters. The staff rates each product on a 5-star system and lists the pros and cons in an easy-to-read chart. Most products have at least a 4-star rating. They only carry one faucet-mounted water filter and the two water filter pitchers -- ZeroWater and Aqua Blue Barrier Premia – and both receive 4.5 stars.

Our AssessmentThis anonymous reviewer, known as "Sassy Sally," enlists her boyfriend to help her conduct a blind taste test, comparing tap water, bottled water and water filtered through her new Pur 3 Stage Horizontal Faucet Water Filter FM-9400. They both like the taste of the filtered water, but the author notes that the filter leaks, and quite a few readers comment that they've had the same experience. She also says the design of the filter reduces the clearance under the faucet by approximately 2 inches.