Countertop water filters - What to look for before I buy

Many people prefer to buy a countertop water filter because it's very easy to install them in just a few minutes. You don't even need a plumber to isntall a countertop water filter, all you need is one minute of spare time.

Countertop water filters are devices (housings) that are placed on your kithcen counter, right next to your sink and remove chlorine and a wide list of chemicals from your drinking water. Inside this housing, there is usually a carbon block cartridge that does all the dirty job of cleaning your water. This will only work if you switch the diverter (picture) to "filtered water". If you don't switch the diverter to "filtered" then you can use your tap as usual (cleaning the dishes etc). This diverter is connected to the water filter via a thin white tube, through which water passes and goes to the water filter. The countertop water filter then cleans the water and you can have clean water from the water filter's own tap.

Cartridges are usually carbon block filters that need to be replaced at least once every year, depending of course on your water quality.

What you should look for:

About the housing: Your housing should be made of high quality materials and not some cheap recycled plastic that is only good for a very short period of time. The best plastics are made of PolyPropylene (PP for short). BPA's are plastics that are often found in food and water containers. Phthalates (usually in PVC products ) are linked to cancers, fertility problems, obesity and other problems. The problem with these plastics is that they leach into the food or liquid they're holding. PolyPropolene housings don't contain BPA's or Phthalates and are extremely safe.

About the cartridge: To choose the right cartridge, you should know your water's quality. If you just want to reduce chlorine and some chemicals, then you're fine with a 5μm permeability cartridge (permeability measures the diameter of the holes through which water passes. The smaller this number, the "tighter" the filter). If you need to attach problems such as heavy metals and lead, you should buy a 0.5μm carbon block that has the ability to reduce these substances. If you have more than one problems (eg bad taste and very hard water) you should buy a double water filter. Place a limescale reduction filter cartridge in the first stage and a carbon block in the second stage. Of course, if you need help in choosing the right water filter or cartridge, don't hesitate to contact us. We'll be very happy to help you!