Expert Reviews: Top Countertop Water Filters for Better Filtration

The Water you drink from your faucet or well (or any source) may contain more than you think. How do you know! If you are not a chemist or looking under a microscope with every glass of water filled, you may be polluting your body.

Some pollutants cause illness, disease, and even death. The results may surprise you when you discover more than just H2O in that glass of water.

Expert Picks:

• Best overall: Travel Berkey Water Filter 1.5 Gallon System Bundle
• Best distiller: Megahome Countertop Water Distiller
• Best budget option: Propur Countertop System w/ProMax Technology
• Best for versatility: Apex Countertop Drinking Water Filter
• Best compact design: Home Master Jr F2 Countertop Water Filter
• Best multi-stage filtration: New Wave Enviro 10 Stage Water Filter System
• Best for high-capacity filtration: CleanWater4Less Countertop Water Filtration System

#1. Travel Berkey Water Filter

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Best For: For anyone looking to save money and to own a high-quality long-lasting countertop water filter, needs this – especially renters.

Not Best For: Berkey water filters are not ideal for people who live in areas with extremely hard water. Berkey filters can remove most contaminants, but they may not be able to completely remove all of the minerals in hard water. If you have hard water, it is best to use a different type of water filter.

Pros

• Constructed using stainless steel with a capacity to hold 2.5 gallons of water filtered over each hour, the Travel Berkey Water Filter Bundle is ideal for home or the outdoorsman.
• Designed using technology which completely removes all harmful contaminants from fresh or tap water.
• Included in the bundle are 2 Black Berkey Filters and 2 PF2 Fluoride Filters which cleanse untreated water removing all harmful bacteria and contaminants. The final product allows clean, safe water for consumption to flow.
• Water from your local water supplier, lakes, ponds, streams, and other sources is purified removing harmful bacteria, cyst, parasites and more.
• Not only convenient for the camper, but the Berkey is ideal for a small home, RV, apartment or any location with limited space.
• Does not require electricity or water pressure to clean and sanitize your water source.
• Made in the USA, approved by the EPA and accredited by their laboratories exceeding NSF/ANSI requirements.
• Supplies enough water for up to 30 cups of purified water.

Cons

• Water may become cloudy if filters are not thoroughly cleaned after each use.
• The size could take up a lot of countertop space.
• It cannot remove hard minerals from water.

My Take

Is there a perfect (100%) system guaranteeing all water for consumption will be eliminated so no contaminant remains? No! But these water purification systems are some of the best on the market. The best way to assure you are removing harmful live pathogens is to boil vigorously when possible.

When boiling is not possible, use chlorine tablets. However, the Travel Berkey is one of the best available and is used worldwide by missionaries going into foreign soil with a need to purify water.

What Others Have Said:

Chuck mentioned on 07/11/23: “have been purifying my tap water with my Berkey now for months and if the water is going to go into my mouth, it goes through the Berkey first… drinking, cooking, baking, smoothies, tea, coffee…. when I need water that I will consume, it gets Berkeyed. When you are filling the upper stainless steel chamber with tap water, smell the chlorine… whush. Twenty minutes later, draw a glass from the bottom chamber and smell it… Nice. Taste it… Pure water, no taste. Almost like drinking nothing. I hate drinking water. I love drinking Berkey water.

I have found an easy way to drink 8 glasses of water a day. I keep it on the counter with a small empty glass that I fill and drink every time I walk by. I have no need to cook vinegar in my coffee maker anymore. I quit the $14/ gallon delivered bottled water for 6 cents/gal Berkey water and it is equal. When I hit the road in my motorhome, it goes with me. No battery needed. Just gravity and that is everywhere.”

Berkey Product Updates:

• Now offers a stainless steel spigot.
• Wire stand to mount your filter on top of.

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#2. Megahome Countertop Water Distiller

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Best For: The Megahome Countertop Water Distiller is best for those who want to have clean and pure water to drink. This distiller can remove impurities from water, making it safe for consumption. It is also easy to use and maintain, so you can be sure that your drinking water will always be of the highest quality.

Not Best For: For those who want to make large quantities of distilled water at one time.

Pros

• Approved by Underwriters Laboratories, the Megahome Distiller purifies by reaching 212 degrees Fahrenheit for every one gallon of water every 5.5 hours. At that temperature, toxins are removed, and pathogens are killed.
• Included in the package along with this countertop water filter system are six high-quality charcoal filters. The filters are optional; Meaning they can be used when chlorine or other toxins are present.
• The Megahome Countertop Water Distiller is very affordable and is a great value for the money.
• Research shows this filtration system does remove fluoride from water.
• The filter is ‘optional’ meaning there is no need to use it unless desired.
• The unit is dishwasher safe.

Cons

• The fan is a bit on the loud side.
• Plastic tab is not easy to remove. You have to squeeze the tab, then push the spout to one side, while pulling the other side.
• If not cleaned properly, water may sour but otherwise, no it does not create bitter water.

My Take:

The unit looks like a coffee pot which would go well with those concerned about uniformity and the appeal in the kitchen. Taking 5.5 hours per gallon may be considered a long time to distill water. However, the water is going into your body. Would you rather be safe or sorry?

Megahome Product Updates:

• Nothing new, yet.

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#3. Propur Countertop System

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Best For: Anyone looking cost effective solution to water filtration without the need of a whole house system.

Pros

• Removes over 200 contaminants including lead, fluoride, heavy metals, disinfectants, inorganic non-metallics, pharmaceuticals, micro-organisms, pesticides, etc.
• Life expectancy of the filter is one year. Based on the contaminants in your water, life expectancy can increase or decrease.
• Easy installation. Just remove the attachment at the end of your faucet and screw this system on.
• Removes Fluoride and Chlorine from the water.
• Fits most standard faucets with a 55/64″ thread
• Comes with four additional faucet adapters
• The five stages of this sink water filter effectively reduce the most common impurities found in tap water, such as sediments, hydrogen sulfide, pesticides, chlorine, chloramine, and other harmful chemicals

Cons

• Does not have a way to indicate when your filter must be changed.
• The filter cartridge may only last 4-6 months even though the manufacture claims 1 year.

My Take:

While this unit is very attractive and can be attached to the kitchen faucet with ease, it does not claim to remove all contaminants. The list provided does name 200 contaminants known to be removed when using the Propur Countertop Water Purifier. Review the list to make sure you have a unit meeting your needs.

Propur Product Updates:

• Now offers 4 valve connectors
• Multiple shell styles

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#4. Apex Countertop Filter

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Best For: Those looking to remove harmful contaminants with a affordable solution.

Pros

• Asbestos, chlorine, arsenic, lead, and sodium are just a few of the contaminants in tap water that Apex removes.
• Connect this countertop water filter to your faucet or sit it right on the kitchen sink.
• Easy installation. The package includes all the hardware necessary to connect easily to your household kitchen faucet.
• Eliminates the need to purchase disposable bottled water.
• Helps decrease the impact on the environment by eliminating the need and use of bottled water.
• Apex Countertop Drinking Water Filter System is a great way to get clean, filtered water without having to install an expensive filtration system.
• This countertop water filter is very affordable, making it a great option for those on a budget.
• Compact and takes up very little counter space.
• 30-day manufacture Warranty.

Cons

• Filtering capacity is said to be 750 gallons. Depending on the severity of contaminants, this number may decrease substantially.
• Some users report that the filter does not last as long as expected, needing to be replaced more frequently than other brands.
• System has been known to leak overtime.

My Take:

Reading the Apex Countertop water filter reviews, most consumers appear to love the unit when using it for household water purification. Consumers using this are basically connected to water suppliers and not to well water nor are they using natural water sources. So, when in need of a system to remove hard, dangerous contaminants this system is not recommended.

Apex Product Updates:

• Now offers 8 colors to choose from
• Easy hook up adapters
• 2 faucet adapters are included

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#5. Home Master Jr F2 Filter

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Best For: It’s best for small apartments, condos and offices with 1 to 4 people. This filter will provide clean drinking water for you and your family for up to 6 months before the filter needs replacing.

Pros

• Efficient for household use when cooking. Very easy to install and can be used in the kitchen, bathroom or when traveling.
• Uses a multi-stage granular filter system. Has been backed by ‘Perfect Water Technologies’ with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.
• Can be installed without the use of tools. A video is provided to direct the
• installation process.
• Can be used underneath the sink to complete the water purification process.
• Does filter out fluoride.
• Compact design fits on almost any sinktop
• Advanced multi-stage granular filter removes up to 93% of fluoride and other contaminants
• Filter cartridge is replaceable, and housing does not require a wrench to open

Cons

• Has not been certified by the NSF (National Science Foundation.)
• This cannot filter well water, you would need the F2 Elite or plus models.

My Take:

Today, in order to be confident you are drinking and cooking with pure, clean water a filter is highly recommended. The Home Master Jr. F2 is designed for easy installation and takes up minimal space on your countertop. While recommended for countertop usage, it can be used under the counter as well.

When considering the appeal of a water filter over the benefits, this one is an absolute. However, remember it is guaranteed to remove only up to 93% of contaminants.

Home Master Product Updates:

• Nothing new, yet.

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#6. New Wave Enviro 10 Stage Water Filter System

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Best For: It’s a great affordable choice for anyone who wants fresh, clean water on demand. It’s easy to install and use, and it’s designed to remove a wide range of common contaminants from your water supply.

Pros

• It works to also remove contaminants found in well water.
• The list of contaminants removed includes but is not limited to, herbicides, arsenic, mercury, pesticides, and chlorine.
• Installs easily on your sink faucet by attaching to the nozzle.
• Delivers great tasting odorless water.
• Family owned and operated, New Wave Enviro is focused on supporting and inspiring healthy lifestyles.
• Great tasting, odorless water delivered to your home faucet or anywhere needed.
• Lightweight at 4.06 pounds
• Works as a countertop or under the sink system.
• Filters up to 1500 gallons before filter needs replacing.

Cons

• Does not remove fluoride
• The replacement cartridge is more expensive than some other brands on the market
• Some customers have found that the unit leaks after a few months of use

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My Take:

For the price, this system offers a lot. The 10-Stage water filtration method is not provided by most water filter systems at this level. The stages highlight an important feature regarding removal of cyst and protozoa. Scientifically, the stages are instrumental in the filtration process.

While some or most systems today deliver similar, this system accelerates the process and increases the method by patenting their process. The 10-Stage filtration does work to filter lactose fermentation recipes.

New Wave Product Updates:

• Updated the visual look for the outer shell casing to be translucent.

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#7. CleanWater4Less® Filtration System

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Best For: System is perfect for people who are health conscious and want to drink filtered water that tastes great. This unit is also good for those who want an alternative to more expensive under sink systems, or those whose faucets cannot accommodate one.

Pros

• Don’t let the small system, ease of use and installation fool you. It can provide contamination free water.
• The design requires no cartridges, sets up in minutes with no need to modify existing plumbing and produces 10,000 gallons of clean, delicious water.
• Very lightweight at 3.36 pounds.
• Adapts to filter hot water from the faucet.
• It’s a one-time use and when it has purified 10,000 plus gallons, simply remove and
• replace with a new CleanWater4Less.
• No need to consistently run to the local retail store to purchase bottled water.
• Fill your cup from the faucet.

Cons

• Not manufactured in the US. Made in China.

My take:

Purchasing bottled water on a regular basis can get costly. A family of six requires a lot of water. In addition, the waste from plastics having to be disposed of is creating environmental problems. By using this filter, and it is a little dynamo, you save money and reduce the need to dispose of plastic bottles.

At the maximum, 10,000 gallons of water is an extremely large amount. No other system states this type of ability. The technology to design the system is admirable. Even though manufactured in China, the US could take note to begin manufacturing similar in our country.

CleanWater4Less Product Updates:

• No updates, yet.

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Compare All 7 Countertop Filters

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Bottom Line

After spending some time on this, there are two systems I genuinely feel good about recommending to friends and family:

1. Travel Berkey Water Filter 1.5 Gallon System Bundle: I’ve always been a fan of portability, and this one’s a winner. It’s not just about its compact size; it effectively removes over 200 contaminants. Knowing it’s tested against NSF 53 Standards gives me that extra peace of mind.
2. New Wave Enviro 10 Stage Water Filter System: This one’s a powerhouse with its 10-stage filtration. It’s impressive how it can handle up to 1,500 gallons before needing a switch. And the flexibility? It fits both on the countertop and under the sink.

Honestly, if I were setting up a new space, these would be on my shortlist. Here’s to clean water and peace of mind!

Buyers Guide

So, you’re thinking about getting a water filtration system? Great choice! Let’s walk through this together, step by step.

1. Know What’s in Your Water: Before anything else, let’s figure out what’s actually in your water. Make a list of any chemicals or contaminants you’re concerned about. It’s like going grocery shopping – you wouldn’t head to the store without knowing what you need, right?
2. Get That Water Tested: If you haven’t already, it’s a good idea to test your water. Local labs can help with this. Plus, your water company probably has an annual report they can share. It’s like a health check-up, but for your water!
3. Got the Consumer Confidence Report? If your water company’s a big one (serving over 100,000 customers), the EPA requires them to send out this report every year. It’s a handy little document that tells you all about your water’s quality.
4. Local Health Department to the Rescue: Pop over to your local health department or give them a call. They often have useful resources, maybe even testing kits. It’s like asking a neighbor for a recipe – they’ve got the local scoop!
5. When in Doubt, Call the Pros: Still got questions? The Environmental Protection Agency Hotline (800.426.4891) is there for you. Think of them as that super-knowledgeable friend you call when you’re in a fix.

How We Chose

Hey there, I totally get how daunting it can be to sift through the maze of filtered tap water systems. Believe me, I’ve been there! That’s why I’ve rolled up my sleeves to help you find the perfect fit for your home.

I’ve honed in on 9 game-changing factors: from the system’s inner workings, its certifications, right down to the nitty-gritty like flow rate and long-term costs. And trust me, I’ve done my homework. I’ve scoured user reviews to catch any red flags and even had some candid chats with the folks who make these systems. I wanted to ensure that I only suggest something I’d personally vouch for.

So, relax a bit and know that when I recommend something, it’s coming from a place of thorough research and a genuine desire to help. You’re in good hands!

Key consideration

1. System Process: Understand which contaminant removal system best suits your needs by exploring carbon adsorption, reverse osmosis and distillation options. 
2. Certification: Ensure safety and performance standards are met with a certified product from an independent third-party organization such as NSF International or Water Quality Association (WQA). 
3. Capacity: Choose a system that can handle the contaminants you need removed – larger systems can manage more than smaller ones, while multiple sources may require higher capacity models. 
4. System Size: Make sure the model fits within available countertop space before making your final decision – take measurements! 
5. Ease of Use: Select a system that is easy to use and maintain – technical knowledge or expertise may not be necessary for some models but could be required for others.  
6. Flow-rate: Higher flow rates are generally better in terms of efficiency and effectiveness. 
7. Maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential; look for an easy-to-follow schedule included with the device you choose, as some models require more frequent upkeep than others do.  
8. Warranties: Many manufacturers offer warranties on their products; read through any warranty information carefully before making your final decision. 
9. Long-term Cost: Factor in all costs, including maintenance and replacement parts, when selecting a contaminant removal system – some models may be cheaper upfront but more expensive over time.

Advantages & Disadvantages:

Advantages:

1. Countertop water filtration systems are an affordable and straightforward way to get clean drinking water without the hassle of installing a whole-home system.
2. They can effectively remove contaminants such as chlorine, lead, mercury, and other heavy metals that could be dangerous if ingested over time.
3. These systems also reduce bad tastes and odors in your tap water by eliminating sediment particles like dirt or rust from the source supply.
4. Many countertop filters come with replaceable cartridges for easy maintenance – just swap out the old cartridge when it’s time!
5. Some models even offer additional features such as fluoride removal or alkaline pH adjustment capabilities to further enhance your drinking experience at home or on-the-go!

Disadvantages:

1. Countertop filtration systems may not filter out all types of contaminants from your tap water; some more complex chemicals may still remain after passing through these devices so you should always check with local authorities about what is safe to drink in your area before relying solely on a countertop filter alone.
2. These systems can be slow at filtering water, especially gravity fed type systems –so don’t expect purified water instantly!

How Does a Countertop Water System Work?

1. Understand the Basics:
Countertop water systems are straightforward. Their mission? To filter out contaminants like chlorine, fluoride, bacteria, and more from your tap water.

2. The Diverter Valve Swap:
Your faucet has an aerator at its tip. To set up most systems, you’ll replace this aerator with a “Diverter Valve”. It’s as simple as unscrewing the old and screwing on the new.

3. Meet the MVP – The Filter:
Inside the system, there’s a tube that houses the filter. As water flows through, it gets a makeover, emerging clean and ready for your glass.

4. On or Off? Your Choice:
Some systems let you decide when to filter, with an on/off option. Others run continuously until the filter needs a change. Pick what suits your lifestyle.

5. Double-Check the Filter’s Abilities:
While these systems are great, always check the product guide. Ensure it filters out all the contaminants you’re concerned about.

6. Test Before You Trust:
Even after installation, if you’re wary of certain contaminants, test your water. It’s always better to be sure.

7. Dive into Choices:
Feeling overwhelmed? There are countless systems out there. If you’re a hands-on shopper, local stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s have a range. If you’re an online shopper, dive into reviews, like ours : ) See what others recommend.

8. Make an Informed Decision:
Whether you’re browsing aisles or scrolling through web pages, gather all the info you need. Then, pick the system that feels right for you and your water needs.

9. Cheers to Clean Water:
With your system in place, you can enjoy pure, clean water every day. Here’s to staying hydrated and healthy!

System Type

Depending on which system you choose, finding the right countertop water filter will come down to which contaminants you need to remove, or what your water test shows you.

• Carbon Adsorption: This process uses activated carbon to absorb particles and contaminants, including chlorine and other chemicals, from the water. The pores in the carbon are so small that only contaminants of a certain size can be removed.
• Reverse Osmosis: During this process, water is forced through a semipermeable membrane, which allows only the purest of water molecules to pass through. The contaminants and particles are left behind and disposed of.
• Distillation: This process involves boiling the water and then condensing it into a separate container, leaving most impurities behind in the original container. The condensed water droplets that make up the distillate are pure enough to drink. This process is often used in combination with other methods, such as carbon adsorption and reverse osmosis.

These processes together form the basis of most high-quality countertop water filters, ensuring that you get clean and safe drinking water every time.

Certifications and Testing

Choosing the right filtration system for your home is an important decision. It’s important to select a filter that has been certified by NSF International, Water Quality Association (WQA). Certification from these organizations means that the filter meets their strict guidelines and standards for safely removing harmful contaminants from drinking water.

When selecting a filter, look for NSF International certification with ratings based on Standard 53 (Health Effects), Standard 42 (Aesthetic Effects), and/or Standard 401 (Emerging Contaminants). These standards ensure that the filter reduces specific types of contaminants.

For example, NSF Standard 53 has health effects criteria for filters to reduce chlorine, lead, and other contaminants. Standard 42 focuses on aesthetic effects criteria such as odor, taste, or color of the water; while standard 401 has criteria to reduce specific emerging contaminants like pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and disinfection byproducts.

By selecting a filter that is certified by NSF International, WQA, or another similar organization, you can rest assured that your water will be safe for you and your family to enjoy

Filter Life & Maintenance

Having a water filter with good filter capacity is essential for ensuring you and your family are drinking clean, healthy water. The more gallons per minute (GPMs) that the filter can process, the faster you’ll be filling a glass. Look for a filter with a GPM rating that meets your water consumption needs.

Low maintenance is also important to consider in a countertop water filter. You’ll want one that’s easy to clean and maintain. Also, consider that some filters last between 3-6 months, while others will last up to 12 months.