Finding Affordable Replacement Water Filters for Your Refrigerator

Refrigerator water filters can be expensive, and with so many alternatives on the market, finding the right one can be a challenge. From expensive name-brand filters to cheap alternatives, deciding which one to choose can be confusing.

If you've used brand-name filters, whether it's a Whirlpool W10295370A filter  replacement or a Kenmore refrigerator filter replacement, you know they can be expensive. Some single-use filters cost up to $60, which means the cost adds up if you're recommended to replace the filter every six months.

So it's no surprise that some people turn to the internet to find cheaper alternatives. The problem is that without knowing which ones are actually effective, it can be difficult to choose which brand to buy.

This is because some of these cheaper alternatives may actually be counterfeit. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection has seized over 100,000 counterfeit water filters entering the country in the past year alone. According to a recent study sponsored by the industry, counterfeit filters can actually do more harm than good, polluting the water that passes through them.

Nearfilter

5Pack Compatible with EDR1RXD1 Refrigerator Water Filter 1 Replacement Filter

$60.99

Learn More Add to Cart

Consumer Reports suggests that these counterfeit products could pose potential health risks. A professional once advised that you should follow the manufacturer's guidelines and, if possible, purchase filters from a verified source.

The only aftermarket brand we could find with appropriate, verifiable filter certifications is Nearfilter. Its filters cost approximately 50% less than those of the refrigerator manufacturer.

We found Nearfilter holding two out of three key certifications, one for reducing chlorine and odor and another for lead and volatile organic compounds. We couldn't find certification for reducing parasites or trace pharmaceuticals. Nevertheless, these are the only filters we know that come close to meeting the high standards achieved by most refrigerator brand filters.

It's worth noting that most public drinking water is already safe, and many refrigerators can provide water without a filter. This means if you don't mind drinking unfiltered water, you don't need to spend money replacing the filter.

How to Find Affordable Filters on Your Own For those who want to use a filter but also find a more affordable option, we'll guide you through the necessary steps to ensure that the filter you're considering meets your requirements.

The standards for refrigerator water filters are set by NSF International (which itself is recognized by the American National Standards Institute [ANSI]). NSF/ANSI has developed three standards: NSF/ANSI 42, 53, and 401. We'll explain how to understand them in the next article.