I bet you are here because you’re searching for a water filter. So, without further ado, let’s get down to business.
Table Of Contents
−- Things to consider
- Our best inline water filters
- Final verdict
- FAQs
Things to consider
- Use
Wait, what are inline filters first? Inline filters purify your water. They are placed into your plump lines to do the job. You first have to decide if you want one because you can’t just turn it off. once it’s there.
They can also be used to purify water coming out of the faucet, or they can also be utilized in certain appliances. However, remember that if you plan to purify every water source in your home, you will need to keep stocking up on filter replacements.
- Where to put them
Before purchasing, you have to know where you want to install them. Usually, they measure around 10 inches long. They’re also pretty heavy, and you need mounting hardware if the filter does not come with it. Also, find a place with extra space around the filter so you can easily access it when needed.
- How much to replace it
The replacement process is not tedious. However, it’s best to look into the cost of replacing your filters before committing.
Our best inline water filters
It’s time to have a quick rundown of our top picks for inline water filters. Remember, every home and every preference are different. The key is knowing what you need!
The Nahla Pure Premium Under Sink Direct Connect Inline Filter
Key points:
- Can filter: 99.99% of all contaminants (including lead, heavy metals, VOCs, chlorine, etc.)
- Lifespan: 10,000 gallons
- Dimensions: 13.8 x 6.2 x 4.6 inches
Features
- Cold water only
- 10,000-gallon lifespan
- Directly connected to main faucet supply
If you are looking for a purifier for your sink faucet, this is a great consideration. The Nahla Pure is manufactured in the USA, boasting a 10,000-gallon lifespan. It also has a direct connection with your ⅜-inch faucet line. In addition, you will find a little clip that comes with it that screws beneath your sink.
It claims to have a bacteriostatic component that prevents bacteria’s growth. It also claims to filter more contaminants as compared to its competitors.
Downsides
- Limited to municipal water only
- For daily dishwashing through the sink, lifespan may decrease to less than three years.
- Most expensive on our list
Pros
- Claims to filter 99.99% of all contaminants
- Strains the longest
- Direct connection to the main faucet line so you can have purified water
Cons
- High price tag
- No replacement filter is available
- It might not last up to three years
This variant is best for those who need and want every single drop of water in their homes purified.
The GE SmartWater Inline Filter System
Key points
- Can filter: lead, asbestos, cyst, sediment, class I particulates, chlorine taste, and odor
- Lifespan: 750 gallons or six months
- Dimensions: 2 x 10 x 2 inches
Features
- Certified by NSF/ANSI
- Twist-and-lock design
- Easy installation with friction fit water line
If what you are looking for is an inline purifier for some specific devices in your household, the GE SmartWater can do just that. This may be your coffee maker, espresso machine, refrigerator, and even your ice maker.
The great thing about it is it can easily fit in your supply lines that measure around ¼ inch. It’s compatible with both plastic and copper. If your machine’s supply line meets the size and material, you’re good to go with this one. It boasts a 750-gallon lifespan of around six months of longevity.
This can filter almost everything, but fluoride isn’t one of them. It’s also NSF- and ANSI-certified, unlike our last option.
Pros
- Easy to install
- It can be installed horizontally
- 6 months of a lifespan is good enough
Cons
- Lacking strainer media documentation
- Not allowed to be frozen
- OEM replacement cleaner is more expensive than the filter itself
- May require a garden hose on top for leakage prevention
Best for those looking for a cheaper filter for their home appliances.
The 3M Filtrete 3US-PS01 Undersink Inline Filtration System
Key points:
- Can filter: sediments, rust, cysts, chlorine taste, and odor
- Lifespan: 2000 gallons or six months
- Dimensions: 4 x 6.8 x 14 inches
Features
- It can be used with your faucet or appliances
- Water flow is not reduced
- Less messy because of the internal shutoff valve and easy twist purifier replacements
The 3M Filtrete Undersink Water Filtration System has been the choice of many homes, so we can rest in the fact that it’s trusted by many. Plus, it’s easy to install.
Although it’s not NSF-certified, it is known to filter most contaminants with a 2000-gallon lifespan. Still pretty good.
Based on the company, this inline filter filters everything up until 0.5 microns. That’s pretty impressive, but take note that NSF has not tested it yet.
Pros
- Can strain up to 0.5-micron level
- Easy to install
- Applicable for appliances or as under sink faucet purifier
Cons
- Not NSF-certified
- Claims zero reduction in water flow, but that seems impossible from a technical standpoint.
- If to be used in appliances, adaptors are needed.
Best for those searching for their inline home cleaner with a trusted name in the market.
The Watts Inline Filter
Key points
- Can filter: scale buildup, chlorine taste, and color; known to improve the clarity of the liquid
- Lifespan: 20,000 gallons (WOW!!!)
- Dimensions: 10 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches
Features
- The lifespan of 20,000 gallons
- WQA-tested and -certified
- Brass connectors for a secure fit
This guy is extremely easy to operate without sacrificing its performance. With a whopping 20,000-gallon lifespan, it can purify your home appliances for so long. The company claims this will most likely last you for five years.
It houses some bacteriostatic properties and removes the funky smell and taste of chlorine that we don’t enjoy. It also helps in the scale buildup department. It is certified by the Water Quality Association.
Pros
- Relatively long lifespan
- Bacteriostatic
- Brass connectors for a more secure fit
Cons
- Easy to forget that it’s there, so replacement me be held after five years
- An installation kit is bought separately
- Can’t reduce class I particulates
Best for homes with relatively clean water but looking for a device to remove the chlorine taste and odor in their appliances.
The Culligan IC-EZ-1 EZ-Change Icemaker/ Drinking Inline Filter
Key points:
- Can filter: class I particulates, chlorine taste, and odor
- Lifespan: 3000 gallons
- Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 12.5 inches
Features
- The lifespan of 20,000 gallons
- The lowest price tag on our list
- EZ change filter has a simple twist-on and twist-off replacement
The last on our list is the Culligan IC-EZ-1, which works similarly with the GE SmartWater inline filter. It has a component screwed into the wall so the purifier plug can be installed. Replacing the filter is also easy, and it’s NSF-certified.
The company claims to filter even class III particulates, but it’s nothing compared to GE that can strain up to class I. But if your goal is to have better smelling and better-tasting drinking water, this can do that for you. But if you’re all for the cleanliness of your water, go with the GE.
On the other hand, the Culligan has a longer lifespan as compared to the GE. It can last for up to three to four years on end. But take note that even the company never claimed that it’s bacteriostatic.
Pros
- Cheap unit and replacement filter
- It can be mounted horizontally
- Easy to replace
Cons
- Doesn’t filter better than the GE
- The Head unit takes up a relatively huge space
Best for those whose water supply is already clean but looking for something to take away the chlorine taste and smell.
Final verdict
Some of the inline filters on our list aren’t directly comparable because they have varying purposes. For example, 3M Filtrete may be a good choice for easy installation directly to your faucet. For longevity, the Watts win and has a pretty long lifespan. On the other hand, even if the Filtrete lacks certification from NSF and WQA, it still works pretty well, in our opinion.
If you’re going for a filter for your home appliances, our vote goes to GE SmartWater. But unfortunately, it has a greater filter capacity than Culligan, so it requires a more frequent replacement.
Now that you know how these different filtering units work, it’s up to you to decide what suits you best. Good luck!
FAQs
What is an inline water filter?
Are inline water filters good?
How long do inline water filters last?
Is it bad to drink water from an old filter?
This will make you sick by using the old filter. An older German study showed that tap water contained fewer bacteria than filtered water after one week at two different temperatures.
Jay
Jay is a health and wellness enthusiast with expertise in water quality and nutrition. As a knowledgeable advocate for holistic well-being, Jay successfully manages Type 2 Diabetes through informed lifestyle choices. Committed to sharing reliable and authoritative insights, Jay combines firsthand experience with a passion for enhancing health."
