Best Inline Water Filters Review

You have to agree that clean and pure water is not an easy commodity to secure. With all the additives included these days, you really have to take matters into your own hands. A good inline water filter is all that’s standing between you and that odorless, impurity-free glass of water.
With the hoard of this product available on the market today, finding the right one may seem quite daunting. Nevertheless, through avid research and actual testing, we’ve come up with a compilation of the top contenders out there. You’ll equally find here, a whole lot of information to consider while you’re still searching.

Now that you’ve had a sneak peek at what the best options here can offer you, here is a more up-close and personal look at all the products on our list.

Best Inline Water Filters – Top 5 Reviews

  1.    Overall Best Water Filter – PureWater

It’s hard to reconcile how amazing this product is and the price it comes at. But, one of the major selling points of the PureWater Filters Inline Water Filter Kit for Icemakers, among many others. If your refrigerator is fitted with an ice maker or a dispenser, then this is the product for you. At the end of the day, you can rest assured that you’ll get better-tasting water and ice all thanks to this handy piece of equipment. The fact that it is easy to install is a whole other reason to plant your flag here. As a result of the addition of quick connect fittings to the mix, say goodbye to lengthy installation times and hello to convenience.

Taking it up a notch, you can place this inline water filter in multiple locations, there’s nothing etched in stone on that front. Whether it’s right under your cabinet or in the refrigerator, expect nothing less than stellar results every single time. Furthermore, with approval from NSF after vigorous testing, you can put your trust in this filter and the certification is there to prove it.

You can count on this product to have a service life of 1500 gallons, which is quite impressive. Even more impressive is the free lifetime warranty and phone support that is thrown in to really sweeten the deal.

Features

1. Package Dimensions: 10.3 x 6.4 x 4 inches
2. It weighs one pound
3. Works with a wide range of refrigerators
4. It has a service life of 1500 gallons
5. Certified and tested by NSF International

If you are looking for a product rated 10/10, yet as affordable as they come, then look no further. This is practically the best you will find out there.

  2.   Best Budget Filter – LASCO Filter Review

Here’s an option that is sure to leave you impressed. Everything from price to the all-around design of this device is in the right range and perfect. The 10-inch piece of equipment happens to be fitted with a quarter-inch Od compression fitting. Altogether, this makes it incredibly easy to fix and install. So, if you fancy yourself a DIYer then here’s a project that will really allow your skills to shine forth.

Don’t be mistaken, the physicality of the LASCO 37-1821 Ice Maker Inline Filter with 1/4-Inch Compression Connection is not all it has going for it, there’s so much more to look at. For one, it goes a long way to totally get rid of the unpleasant taste, odor and overall quality quite common with water on a municipal level.

To be more specific, this water filter gets rid of chlorine, unpleasant taste, turbidity, sediments as well as Trihalomethanes. If that’s not impressive then nothing really is. Furthermore, according to the manufacturer’s instructions, it is advised to replace the water after every 2000 gallons, which is quite a lot of water. Based on this, you can rest assured that this device will last for quite some time.

Features

1. Product Dimensions: 2 x 2 x 10.5 inches
2. It weighs 8 ounces
3. It has a 2500 gallon lifespan
4. Makes use of a 1/4-inch OD Compression Connection
5. Mainly used for ice makers

So, if you are looking for something to finally take away those funky odors from your ice cubes, this is a viable choice. Its lengthy span is another reason why you simply can’t go wrong here.

  3.   Best High Capacity Inline Water Filter – Watts Filter Review

There’s a wide range of situations where this device can fit in perfectly. Whether it’s a simple refrigerator or a commercial coffee maker, expect nothing less than excellence. One of the standout points here is the kinetic degradation Fluxion which it relies on to filter water. This process results in the reduction of that pesky chlorine taste as well as the odor.

It equally tackles the growth of bacteria so as to leave you with nothing less than clean and taste-free water. The fact that the Watts Inline Water Filter can filter up to a total of 20000 gallons makes all of this even more interesting. Based on that, you can make use of this filter for quite some time before opting for a replacement. If that’s not convenient, then nothing actually is.

There’s more, to ensure that it’s easy to set up and make use of, this water filter is accompanied by a KDF Inline cartridge as well as quarter-inch brass connectors. As such, there’s really no hassle involved when connecting this filter to your existing plumbing. Even better, you only need to take a look at it every six months. Otherwise, this device practically runs smoothly on its own till 20000 gallons is finished.

Thanks to the addition of what the manufacturers refer to as a special filtration media, you can expect quite great results from this device. For one, this media ensures that the entire system is completely certified when it comes to bacteriostatic properties. This, in turn, goes a long way to ensure that you enjoy every second of this 20000-gallon capacity.

With dedicated customer service and tech support teams constantly on-site to streamline the whole process, you’ll have nothing short of a wholesome experience with this one.

Features 

1. Compatible with a wide range of equipment
2. Filters water using Kinetic Degradation Fluxion process
3. Works using 1/4 inch lines
4. Has a 20,000-gallon lifespan
5. Has an array of certifications

If you are looking for a product you can really get behind in terms of trust, this is ‘the one’. It has so many certifications, it’s by far one of the safest on the market.

  4.   Best Easy to Use System – Culligan EZ-Change

Clean, healthy and odor-free water should be a given, but unfortunately, it’s quite far from that these days. After rigorous testing and research, the Culligan IC 1 EZ-Change Inline Icemaker and Refrigerator Filtration System was born to address the ever-rising issue. Making use of a straightforward and basic EZ system, this device is sure to provide you with clean and healthy water and ice.

For that extra convenience, this device is designed in such a way that you can bypass the usual mess that comes with changing cartridges. That’s not all, it equally takes the need for buckets, wrenches, towels and a wide range of items and tools out of the equation. There’s even the addition of a handy mounting bracket as well as an array of other hardware to be used during the installation process. Now, if that’s not convenience all wrapped up with a big bow, then nothing really is.

To further make sure that installation is a breeze, there’s the addition of a twist-on, twist-off filter mechanism to the mix. All in all, this is incredibly easy to change and replace once the need arises. We can’t leave out the quick connect fittings here which ensures that the whole process is as easy as ABCs. There’s no need to pay a professional to get this done, let the DIYer in you shine forth.

Features

1. It has a 3000-gallon lifespan
2. Certified by NSF
3. Makes use of a twist on-twist off mechanism
4. Equipped with quick-connect fittings
5. Comes with an upgradable cartridge

If you’re in the market for a well-designed and well-thought-out product, look no further. Fret not, it’s as effective as it is well-designed and a breeze to install.

  5.   Best Efficient Filter – Woder WD-10K

By now it should be evident that clean water is not that easy to come by, but that’s not the way Mother Nature intended it. Thankfully, the Woder WD-10K with JG-1/4 Ultra High Capacity Refrigerator Water Filter is here to take things back to the basics. To this end, it makes use of a one of a kind technology that extracts more than 99.99% of the contaminants in your water.

That’s not all though, this device does not just take out, but it discerningly leaves something in the mix. All the essential minerals already present in the water are left behind to ensure you have access to a healthy source of water. There’s everything ranging from potassium to calcium and even magnesium left in there for you at the end of the day.

Even more, the one of a kind selective filtration technology used here has quite the affinity for impurities. In other words, it practically beckons them and best believes that they answer. This same affinity does not extend to healthy compounds and as such, they remain in the composition of your water.

To further ensure that you can rely on this increasingly healthy system, it has practically been cured through fire. There’s been a lot of testing of this product, mostly done by independent labs. All this is to ensure that the standards here meet the expectations of ANSI. The fact that they do just translates to the fact that you can rely on this option.

Features

1. It is manufactured and distributed in the USA
2. Has a minimum lifespan of 10000 gallons
3. Makes use of Advanced Selective Filtration
4. Product Dimensions: 12.2 x 2.8 x 2.8 inches
5. It weighs 1.35 pounds

If you’re on the lookout for the healthiest option out there, then you’ve got yourself a winner.

Buyers’ Guide

How Does An Inline Water Filter Work?

It’s always a good idea to know the mechanisms at play when it comes to the little ‘doodads’ and ‘thingamabobs’ you use. In the case of Inline filters, it’s actually a lot simpler than you think. This device basically functions by first and foremost becoming an integral part of any type of water supply. They actually sit right in the waterline as the water passes through it and then into the water supply appliance. For the most part of it, it’s installed under the sink because of its dainty size. Through this method, the usual culprits you’d find in water are taken out.

Over the years, it has become apparent that the water you get on the municipal level is riddled with odors, tastes, not to talk of the chlorine (amongst other chemicals). The straightforward process listed above is all you need to ensure that what goes in your mouth is not just contaminant-free, but equally easy on the tongue.

What Are Some Things to Look for When Buying One?

Cost Vs Replacement period

If there’s one definite thing about inline filters it’s the fact that they don’t have an infinite lifespan. No matter how effective it is, that’s all going to come to an end at some point. So, before you actually make your choice, it’s important to gauge both the lifespan and the cost of replacement. Is the lifespan too short in comparison to the price of replacement? Then that’s probably not the best option to go for.

Look at it this way, if you get saddled with a pricey product that needs replacing on a regular basis, this could potentially drill a hole in your pocket. With the hoard of good options out there, this could be a major factor that really separates the ‘good’ from the ‘great’. There’s nothing as satisfying as getting value for your money and then some. When it comes to buying inline water filters one of the main ways to achieve this is to look out for something that’s not only cost-effective in the present, but also in the long run.

Effectiveness

Ask yourself this, what’s the use of getting yourself an inline water filter that does not remove contaminants from your water supply? Needless to say, that defeats the entire purpose. There are so many contaminants, both biological and chemical present in the water we drink. Some of these products have side effects in real-time, while the others show up further down the road. Everything ranging from high cholesterol to hormonal imbalance, among many others, can be linked to the water we drink. There’s also a range of heavy, and dangerous metals in unfiltered water. Based on this alone, it’s really not worth the risk.

So, choosing an inline water filter that actually gets the job done is not just about getting your money’s worth, but mainly about getting clean water. There are so many different types out there and this is another good way to narrow down your list. Only a cross-section of these devices actually removes a substantial percentage of impurities. Some extract, 40%, there’s even 60% and so on. There’s equally some that only concentrate on certain types of impurities, so choose accordingly.

Installation Process

For the most part of it, installation should not be a hassle when it comes to these devices. In this age of DIYers, a lot of people have taken to installing a wide range of equipment themselves. Based on this, it’s wise to get something that does not only give you topnotch performance but also offers up easy installation. There’s really no need to take hours to install a little piece of equipment, convenience is key whenever you’re making any purchase.

That’s why you’ll find that all the products listed above can boast of an easy installation process. This is one process you shouldn’t need to outsource to a handyman or work in for hours at an end. You should have the above-listed products up and running in 15 to 35 minutes. Which is quite impressive as far as these devices go. Even better is the fact that all of them come with all the components needed to put the whole set up together. If anything external tool or component is needed, it will probably be something minor that you already have lying around the house.

Filtration Rate

This is an obvious feature to look out for, but you’d be surprised at how easy it is to stray away from the basics when making a purchase. In a nutshell, when it comes to form and function, all filters are quite similar. If there are any differences, it won’t be anything major. Nevertheless, there are equally a handful of factors that make each of them stand out. One of these differentiating factors is the daily filtration rate and it happens to be one of the most important things to consider altogether. Before making a choice be sure to have substantial information on the daily filtration rate.

If you’re clueless on this issue, it’s important to look out for the acronym, GDP which stands for gallons per day. Any figure you see attached to this will surely give you a clear picture of what to expect. All in all, more powerful filters offer up a higher filtration rate and vice versa.

What are Some Advantages of Having One?

Durability

It’s no secret that there’s a wide range of systems out there when it comes to water filtration. There’s coffee machine water filters, fridge filters, drop-in filters, among many others. By far, inline water filters are the most durable means of filtering water out there. The great thing about this filtering system is, all you have to do is set it up once and you can use it for months and sometimes even up to a year. If you go for the right brand, you can get the very best out of your inline water filter. So, if you’re looking for convenience and good smelling/tasting water, you can’t go wrong with a great inline water filter.

Comes in a Compact design

In this day and age, the smaller an appliance is, the better. We had monstrosities as computers before, but now laptops are as dainty and sleek as ever. That’s just one example of how things have shrunk down over time. When it comes to water filtration, the inline water filter is one of the smallest devices you can find. Even better, they can do their job while remaining out of sight.

This is a great quality altogether since it makes it a lot easier to figure out where to put it. Regardless of whether you’re using this filter for an icemaker, water fountain or a refrigerator, it’s so dainty you’ll find a place to keep it.

Affordable and Easy to Replace

Now, this is a winning quality altogether, after all, who doesn’t love a good deal? This is one of the most affordable ways to get clean and healthy water. Even when it comes to the best of the best, the prices are still quite humble compared to other modes of water filtration. That’s not all though, they are equally easy to replace when the time comes. Your heart doesn’t have to skip a beat every time your filter requires replacing, simply make like Nike and ‘do it’. Thanks to the fact that most designs come with quick-connect or push fittings, taking out your filter and replacing it is nothing short of a walk in the park.

Efficient and Accessible

Efficiency is something you shouldn’t sacrifice as a whole when on the lookout for any product. So, it’s a good thing inline water filters are as effective as they come. Though these devices are typically out of sight, they are still up to the task. You can rest assured they are effectively extracting all sorts of contaminants from your water supply. As long as you get yourself a good product, except nothing less than stellar results. Making them an even better route to take is the fact that they can be found just about anywhere. It’s like looking for meat at the butcher’s shop. You don’t have to go far to find one of these, whether it’s online or in-store, these devices are scattered across the market.

What are the Different Types of Filters?

Dual Tank Inline Water Filters

If you’re looking for something heavy-duty and just as effective, then this is the way to go. As such, it is better suited for large homes and households. So, there’s no need to get one of these if you live all by yourself in a studio apartment.

It is fitted with a total of 2 hefty iron tanks as well as a brine tank. You’ll also find on this device resin filter cartridges which actually have the ability to regenerate every now and then. Note that during this process, you may experience a slight pause in the all-around filtering. But fret not, regeneration takes place in different tanks at different times to ensure that you have a steady supply of clean water.

Salt-free Pure Water Filter

Unlike the dual tank inline filter, this particular water filter is not equipped with a brine tank. As such, they make use of different methods and techniques to actually filter your water. Nevertheless, you’ll like the fact that this particular inline filter connects seamlessly to all sorts of household plumbing. On the flip side, you should equally note that when it comes to reverse osmosis water filters don’t actually remedy the issue of hard water. So, compounds such as magnesium and calcium will still be quite present in your water supply.

Magnetic Water Descalers

You may not be able to find this option as commonly as the others on this list. It’s actually the least common when it comes to water filters and you’ll see why in a minute. The name is quite self-explanatory here, this type of filter manipulates magnetic field effects in order to extract metal ions from your water supply. The end result here is something in the semblance of soft water. As such, you’ll have no issues getting it to lather up. While it’s great for doing laundry, this kind of water is not the best for cooking and drinking. In fact, it’s simply not advisable to ingest it.

What do These Filters Typically Remove From Water?

It’s simple really, inline water filters solve some of the most common problems people are faced with when it comes to water consumption. These devices take out that pesky chlorine taste, bad odors, and even bacteria. With all these out of the way, you can really enjoy your water.

FAQs

Are Inline Filters Good?

There are several benefits to using inline water filters, but whether they are good or not is quite subjective. One of their chief advantages is how budget-friendly they are, compared to other types of under-sink filters. Another good thing about these appliances is their versatility; one inline filter can be put to use as a water cooler filter or a filter for a refrigerator, in addition to under-sink filtration.

They are also discreet and save surface space in your kitchen as they are installed under the counter, and since they do not require any exceptional action after set up, you can easily install and forget about them until it is time to change. Speaking of time, these filters are designed to be as durable as they are convenient. In fact, some models can be used without changing for several months.

They work well, even with low water pressure, and though the water only goes through one stage of filtration, they are still highly efficient because they make use of a combination of filter media. What’s more? There is no need to deform your kitchen sink with another tap when using these filters, unlike their counterparts that require extra taps, inline filters allow for the continued use of your existing tap if you so wish.

If your definition of good matches the above benefits, then yes, inline filters are good.

Does it Work for Hard Water?

Inline filters will purify your water by removing contaminants such as lead, chlorine, iron, as well as cysts borne in water, odor-causing bacteria, parasites, and most of the other pollutants. However, to remove contaminants deposited by hard water minerals such as limescale, magnesium, and calcium compounds, you may need to install water softeners or other systems designed for treating hard water-related issues.

For the complete decontamination and water softening experience, it is advisable to opt for a whole house water filtration system, which is often combined with a water softener system. Therefore, the short answer would be no, inline water filters do not work for hard water. However, if you or your plumber can find a way to install a water softener system to work alongside it, then you can enjoy the benefits of pure water and be rid of hard water deposit problems as well.

How Do I Install an Inline Filter?

Inline filters are generally easy to install, and the best brands come with an installation kit, including a manual that makes this even easier. However, some models, especially those with many parts, can be a bit tricky for a layperson to install, even with the help of an installation manual. Compared to the ones installed under the kitchen sink, shower and refrigerator inline filters are a lot easier to fit. But even the under-sink filter can be installed in these four easy steps:

• The location you want to place your filter is the first big concern, is it under the sink or behind the fridge? Do you have enough space? For under-sink filtration, target the pipe supplying the kitchen sink with cold water and set it up there.
• The next thing is to turn the cold water supply off so you can remove the pipe without flooding your kitchen. Then use a pipe cutter to cut between the tap and the supply valve.
• Next, install the filter in the new gap you just created and set up the connections. The instructions on the installation manual should come in handy at this point, look for a symbol that signifies inlet on the filter and connect that part to the water connection line. Similarly, the filter outlet should also be marked, find it, and connect with the main kitchen pipes.
• The fourth and last step will require a bit of screwing and drilling, so make sure you have the necessary tools nearby. The filters usually come with the brackets you need to place them properly, all you have to do is drill some holes in the compartment wall and attach your filter with some screws.

Make sure to leave some spaces between screws to make changing the filter convenient in the future. Your filter should be good to go at this point, so turn the water supply back on and double-check for leaks.

How Long Do These Filters Normally Last?

Depending on the model you opt for, these filters can last anytime between 3 – 36 months. How long they last are alluded to by how many gallons of water they filter, hence how long your filter last is directly related to how much water you use. While some basic ones have a capacity as low as just over 700 gallons, some can go as high as 20,000.

It is recommended to go for filters that offer long service life to save both time and money on filter replacement. Still, users are advised to carefully monitor the quality of water they get. Once the odor, sediments, or other contaminants return, it is best to change the filter even if it hasn’t been used for the expected amount of time yet.

How Do I Clean it?

Compared to other forms of traditional household filters with replaceable cartridges, inline filters are relatively easy to clean. First, turn the water supply off and take out the filter, you may need to unscrew to do this, so get your screwdriver ready. If your filter has a plastic netting, remove it and then wash the gunk off with a hose, preferably one with a strong spray.

Depending on the type of filter – pleated or carbon-based, you can soak the filter in an oxalic acid or bleach solution for some minutes until clean, then rinse thoroughly afterward. Also, clean the housing with a little bit of bleach to kill off all the unwanted microbes and rinse properly before inserting the filter back.

Not to worry, though, if the above guide does not seem compatible with your filter, each maker has their instructions to make cleaning easy for users, so your inline filter will most likely come with its cleaning instructions and probably even tools.

How Frequently Should I Clean my Inline Filter?

Now, this is completely relative and depends heavily on the brand and manufacturer. The capacity of your inline water filter has already been specified by the manufacturer, so you could just go by that. Another way to go about this is to be observant. Once the water doesn’t taste as good anymore, it’s time to move on.

Can a Filter Help Cure Acne Problems?

Very much so, the quality of water you bathe with and consume does have an adverse effect on your skin. So, it’s in your best interest to use a water filter for both your drinking and bathing water. You’ll begin to see the difference once you make the switch.

Can This Type of Filter act as a Replacement for my Water Softener?

As aforementioned, you are highly unlikely to get soft water with an inline water filter. The two can work together to give you an enhanced experience, but don’t expect soft water while using one of these devices.

What is the Best Capacity for My Home?

This is incredibly relative, there’s really no one answer to this question. A studio apartment will obviously not require the same option as a 2 bedroom apartment. A little reading and asking of questions here and there should get you exact figures.

How Durable Is It?

That is all dependent on a range of factors. First and foremost, how many gallons can it filter? The brand and model equally have a part to play in all this.

Final Verdict

Considering all the information you’ve come across here, getting an inline filter is a ‘no-brainer’ type of decision. Not only are they accessible and affordable, but they also get the job done flawlessly. That all points to the star here, which is the PureWater Filters Inline Water Filter Kit for Icemakers. This device is as affordable as they come yet offers up top-notch services. With a lifespan of 1500 gallons, its versatility, and all-around design, this is hands down one of the best on the market. Don’t take the company’s word for it, check out the certifications that this device comes along with. Only rigorous testing, corrections and meticulous application of knowledge can be behind what it offers. In addition to that, it’s as versatile as they come and can be stored in more than one location within the household. On that note, the chapter has been closed on inline filters. Nevertheless, don’t be a stranger, let us get to know what type of inline model you own in your home.