If you are in the market for a new refrigerator filter in 2024, then this article is for you. Water filtration technology continues to improve year by year–unfortunately, so does the list of human-made synthetic chemicals that we have to be worried about in our water supply. From PFAS to microplastics, our water has a lot that is potentially concerning, making good home filtration all the more important. We’ll cover some of the most important info when it comes to choosing the right filter for your kitchen’s refrigerator.

What Are Refrigerator Water Filters?

Refrigerator water filters can be found in just about every refrigerator that has a built-in water and/or ice dispenser. Typically around 2.5 inches in diameter, and 10 inches long, these cylindrical filters most commonly contain some form of activated carbon. One of the oldest, most reliable, and all-around best forms of water treatment available is filtration via activated carbon. This method has been used since the time of the ancient Sumerians, some 3,000 years ago, to purify water, and to refine metals during the smelting process. The exact same basic materials and processes continue to be used today.

Activated carbon is created by taking natural materials that are rich with the element carbon, such as wood, bamboo, peat, bituminous coal, or–most commonly in modern water filters–coconut husks. The carbonaceous material is burned into charcoal, and then ground down and super-heated with steam. The steam causes the charcoal to expand, forming a huge cracked, pitted, and winding surface area that chemically traps dissolved contaminants through a process called “adsorption.” Even a relatively small amount of activated carbon can have as much surface area as several football fields, allowing a small package to pack a big filtering punch.

Types of Refrigerator Water Filters

Refrigerator filters are, as stated above, usually made with activated carbon as the chief filtration media, but this is not always the only media involved. Some refrigerator filters may also have small polypropylene sediment pads to remove physical particulates from water, and some will have specialty carbon blends, such as catalytic carbon, which is coated with ferrous iron for improved filtration capacities (especially of harsh disinfectants like chloramines), while others may be formulated specifically for iron reduction, or some other specific contaminant. The vast majority, however, will contain some blend of activated carbon, as the refrigerator is a water source solely designated for drinking and creating consumable ice, and carbon is the best way to improve the aesthetic qualities (taste and odour) of water. This is why carbon is the natural choice for just about all refrigerator filters produced.

Key Features to Consider

Refrigerator filters are proprietary and brand-specific, so you can’t just buy any filter for any fridge and expect it to work, even in the case of the same brand. A manufacturer like Whirlpool, for example, makes a number of different refrigerator models, which have variously sized filter cartridges, meaning that not all Whirlpool filters will even work in all Whirlpool refrigerators. When you add in after-market equivalents and competitors, the sheer number of options can be dizzying. It’s not that hard to navigate, however, provided you know the make and model of your refrigerator–just ensure that you are buying a filter, whether OEM or after-market–that actually fits your fridge.

Filtration efficiency (e.g., NSF certification)

Since they are largely made out of activated carbon, refrigerator filters will often have the certification NSF 42, which certifies that the product in question has demonstrable effects on the aesthetic quality of water, i.e., its taste and odour. Carbon fridge filters are a great way to get rid of some of the most common offenders in this department, namely chlorine and other dissolved chemical content in water. You may also look for NSF 372, which is the lead-free certification, and one that will commonly appear on a variety of filtration products.

Lifespan and replacement frequency

Refrigerator filters are generally great ways to improve the taste, odour, and general cleanliness of your water right before you drink it, but they are small in size, and their filtration power will be used up relatively quickly, especially if you use the dispenser daily, and even moreso if you have problematic water. Be attentive to how your water tastes and smells, and any changes in pressure, as these can all be signs that it’s time for a filter replacement. Frequency varies by water quality and usage, but generally, every 3 months is a good time to be thinking about replacing that filter.

Compatibility with refrigerator models

Be wary when choosing filters, especially after-market models, as there are many filters that look nearly identical from the outside, having perhaps only one small design feature to distinguish them from one another, often in a key place, like the o-ring, or the flange where the filter connects to the fridge. Don’t chance it with a “similar” filter, as you will likely only waste money, and possibly damage your refrigerator, incurring costly water damage. Do your research, and make sure you pick a compatible model.

Filter material (carbon, sediment, etc.)

Look for a filter made with coconut-husk-activated carbon, as this tends to make the best base material for high-grade activated carbon. If your area is particularly high in chlorine or chloramines, you may want to find a model with catalytic carbon, if possible.

Flow rate

People are often concerned that a water filter will negatively affect the flow rate of their water. This can be true in some cases, but it generally is not an issue with a refrigerator filter. The water lines within a fridge are quite small to begin with, which is why fridge dispensers have a relatively slow flow rate. A water filter will not negatively affect this in most cases.

Installation and Maintenance

Installing a fridge filter is designed (usually, and ideally, at least) to be easy to do, and something that every fridge owner can manage on their own. Check the manual that came with your refrigerator, and any instructions that ship with your replacement filters. When in doubt, watch YouTube tutorials–seeing it done by someone else is often the best help when we are uncertain of how to proceed.

Popular Brands and Models

The brands you can expect to see in fridge filters will match the appliance brands–Kenmore, LG, Whirlpool, and Electrolux are all big names, and they all have their own lines of proprietary fridge filters. Fortunately, there are also very affordable aftermarket options. Take a look at Allfilters refrigerator water filters, which offer aftermarket equivalents to all major OEM brands at a fraction of the cost.

Cost Considerations

Speaking of cost, there generally isn’t any need to pay an arm and a leg for a refrigerator filter. The materials used in most OEM models are going to be largely indistinguishable from the materials used in aftermarket models most of the time; they are often sourced from the same places, and sometimes may even be made in the same factories. Often times it is the name that one pays more for, as opposed to a different product per se.

Initial cost vs. long-term cost

There are ongoing costs associated with regularly using a fridge filter, but if you buy in bulk, you can usually save. Deciding to go without any home filtration costs as well–you enjoy your waterless and run more of a risk of ingesting contaminants.

Cost of replacement filters

Replacement filters can be pricey, especially the OEM models, so try and find 6-packs, or other bulk buying options, and buy aftermarket when you can. The long-term savings from going with a cheaper alternative will almost always make up for any perceived difference in quality (and chances are there won’t be much, if any).

Value vs. price: finding the best deal

Look for aftermarket filters that are highly rated and reviewed by actual consumer reviewers. There are all sorts of aftermarket filters on the market today, and not all are created equal. Look for well-reviewed, durable, functional filters that get the job done but don’t break the bank.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

The single most common issue people run into with refrigerator filters is accidentally buying a very similar, but not identical product to the one that they need. A lot of these filters look highly similar, even perhaps externally identical. Trust product and serial numbers, not appearances. Make sure you buy the right filter the first time.

Common problems (e.g., slow water flow, bad taste)

You may notice some initial bad taste, or slightly dark colouration in your water after installing a new filter. This is due to carbon fines washing out in the water and is natural. If bad taste persists, or you have incredibly slow flow, then something is likely wrong with the filter, and you should speak to the manufacturer about the issue.

Solutions and troubleshooting tips

Don’t risk running a bad filter–if it shows any signs of leaking, running incorrectly, or if it is making noises or had a rough or suspicious installation, then remove it immediately, ensure that your fridge is not leaking by either bypassing the filter slot, or inserting the old filter temporarily until you can determine what the issue is.

When to call a professional

If any of the above happens, call the manufacturer. If your fridge is leaking, and you can’t get it to stop, call a plumber or other professional right away. Water damage is no laughing matter, so don’t let it get to that point.

Conclusion

Refrigerator filters can be your best friend in the kitchen. Small, powerful, and–given the wide range of excellent aftermarket alternatives to costly OEM filters–relatively inexpensive, these little cylinders can add a lot of value to your life by improving the taste and quality of your water. Get the extra protection afforded you by activated carbon, and enjoy the taste of your water, with a fridge filter.