The Best Under Sink Water Filters for Safer, Great-Tasting Tap Water

Water quality is a niche yet always interesting topic of conversation. No matter which state (or country, for that matter) you travel to, the locals are going to have strong opinions. The water that flows out of your kitchen sink might taste fine, but it could still contain bacteria, heavy metals, and other unwanted contaminants. Or, maybe tap water actually doesn’t taste good to you, which is all the more reason not to consume it. In any case, there are simple solutions around the problem. When you travel, you might opt to buy bottles of filtered water, but thankfully, there’s a much easier and less costly solution infor your regular day-to-day: You can equip your home with a filter. Below, you’ll find five of our top under-sink filter recommendations, as well as some info on what makes each one so great. After all, staying hydrated shouldn’t be complicated!

When you hear “filter,” you probably think of a pitcher filter, like a Brita or a Pur. Those certainly have their advantages, but you should also keep in mind that pitchers have to be refilled on a daily basis, and they can take up excess room in your fridge or on your countertop. On a more serious note, many pitchers aren’t designed to remove significant contaminants, so although they might make your water look and taste cleaner, the effect doesn’t always go beyond that. For more comprehensive filtration, you’ll want to invest in an under-sink filter. The right one will remove all those unwanted particles far more effectively, and it stays out of your way as you work in the kitchen. Plus, your water will still taste great — like bottled water, but much fresher!

The biggest downside of an under-sink water filter is that you have to research which one is best for your specific kitchen. Not every model is compatible with every faucet, and if your home naturally has low water pressure, you’ll want to be extra conscious of this when selecting your filter type. Specifically, there are four main types (more on this below). The filter you choose also needs to fit in your under-sink cabinet, so some measuring is in order. A smaller, low-capacity filter could free up more space, but it won’t release as much water as quickly as a high-capacity filter would. Plus, the bigger the filter, often the more expensive it is, so that’s something to keep in mind, as well. Size and price also factor into how frequently you’ll need to maintain or replace your filter.

• Carbon Block: One of the more basic types of filtration, carbon block filters attract contaminants only to then remove them from the water. As a result, they improve your water’s taste, but don’t always remove tougher bacteria or viruses. You might opt for this type if you’re confident in your state’s water filtration system and just want to improve the general look and taste of your tap water.
• Reverse Osmosis: This method is one of the more foolproof options. Reverse osmosis uses external pressure to rid your water of contaminants, and it can target a wider variety of unwanted particles and substances, including bacteria, pesticides, heavy metals, and chlorine.
• Multi-Stage: As its name suggests, a multi-stage filter doesn’t merely eliminate impurities in one go like the other filter types. Instead, you’ll find this kind of filter to have multiple cartridges, each of which targets a different kind of pollutant in subsequent stages.
• Ultrafiltration: Although ultrafiltration systems typically aren’t quite as effective as removing impurities as reverse osmosis, they do retain minerals that can affect the taste of your water. In other words, whereas RO can eliminate both healthy and unhealthy substances in the water, ultrafiltration leaves certain healthy minerals behind.

Depending on the type of filter you choose, you’ll need to change it anywhere from every six months to every four years. Reverse osmosis filters typically last the longest, having to be replaced every two to four years. You must also consider how many people live in your household and how frequently you all use the sink in question. A sink used by five people will need to have its filter replaced more frequently than one used by two, for example. Some filters have a set replacement time outlined in their instructions, while others might have a built-in indicator telling you when it’s time to get a new filter.

Another factor you’ll want to consider before buying an under-sink filter is whether you need it to be renter-friendly. When it comes to installation, many filters require you to drill an extra faucet hole into your sink. You might also have to drill the body of the filter into the side of the cabinet and drill a hole into your sink’s drain pipe. Make sure to read the installation instructions before purchasing, and, when in doubt, remember that you can always enlist the help of a professional! If you’re worried about risking your security deposit, an under-sink filter might not be right for you.