10 Best Whole House Water Filters in 2023 – Say Goodbye to Impurities

When it comes to maintaining the quality of the water in your home, a whole house water filter can be a valuable investment.

These point-of-entry water filtration systems are designed to treat every drop of water coming into your home, ensuring that every tap, showerhead, and appliance has access to clean, purified water. They also have the added benefit of being more environmentally friendly than other filtration options and are a better choice than purchasing bottled water.

Most whole house filters are a “set it and forget it” option. They can filter up to 100,000 gallons of water before needing filter replacements, and some can even handle more. There are even options that require no upkeep at all!

Regardless of the specific type of contaminants you're looking to remove, there's a whole house water filter that can meet your needs. Whether you're looking for a more affordable option or are willing to spend a bit more, there is a filter on this list that will suit your needs.

Best Whole House Water Filter System in 2023:

• Best Overall: SpringWell CF1 Whole House Water Filter System
• Best 3-Stage Filtration: Express Water Whole House Filter
• Best Filter/Softener Combo: SpringWell WSSS1
• Best for Well Water: Springwell WS1

Here are the eleven best whole house water filters currently on the market. These options range from excellent budget choices to more expensive filters that come with all the essential bells and whistles.

1. SpringWell CF1 Water Whole House Water Filter System – Best 4-Stage Filter

The SpringWell CF1 whole house water filter boasts an impressive capacity of 1,000,000 gallons and is easy to install with no drop in water pressure.

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Filtration	VOCs, chlorine, chloramine, PFOA, PFAS, pesticides, herbicides, haloacetic acids and heavy metals.
Flow Rate	9-20 GPM
Capacity	Up to 1,000,000 Gallons
No. of Bathrooms	7+
Annual Cost	$40
Professional Installation Cost	$200
Warranty	Lifetime

The SpringWell CF1 filter system is a four-step process designed to remove a variety of contaminants, including chlorine, chloramine, PFOA, PFAS, pesticides, herbicides, and haloacetic acids. Not only does it effectively remove these substances, it also improves the taste and smell of your water, making it more enjoyable to drink and cook with.

This system is designed for use on any municipally supplied water, but it is particularly useful if you have hard water and live in a city. It also promises more contact time between your water and the filter than any other point-of-entry (POE) system. The four stages of filtration include a KDF bed, which removes chlorine and other contaminants using a copper/zinc alloy, a coconut shell carbon bed, and a sediment filter.

Although the SpringWell CF1 system is a more expensive option, its quality technology is worth the price. Additionally, upkeep costs are low, with replacement filters available to order online at a reasonable price. These filters usually need to be replaced within the system about every 6-9 months.

In addition to the whole house water filter system, SpringWell CF1 also offers a UV water filter to kill bacteria and viruses, as well as a salt-free water softening system. These can be purchased as add-ons.

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2. Express Water (3-stage) – Best For Heavy Metal Filtering

This whole house water filter from Express Water removes heavy metals from the water entering your home. It's important to remove heavy metals from your system, as a build-up of these metals can be dangerous and even potentially cause heavy metal poisoning, which can be fatal. If you live in an older property, you may want to consider using the Express filter as heavy metals are usually only an issue with older plumbing.

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Filtration	Chlorine, chloramines, rust, pesticides, sediments, microorganisms, heavy metals including lead, iron, silt and ton of other dissolved solvents
Flow Rate	15 GPM
Capacity	Up to 100,000 Gallons
No. of Bathrooms	1-4
Annual Cost	$190+
Professional Installation Cost	$200
Warranty	1-year

The Express Water (3-stage) filter uses a three-stage filtration process to remove impurities such as chlorine, VOCs, micro-organisms, dust, grit, and other impurities. The first filter is an activated carbon block that removes chemical agents and improves the taste and smell of the water. The second filter is a Kinetic Degradation Fluxion that removes metals, algae, and bacteria. Finally, the third filter is a sediment filter that captures any remaining dust or dirt.

This system is very durable and can be used either mounted or freestanding. It is also easy to install, even if you don't have much plumbing knowledge. However, if you need help, the Express Water (3-stage) has excellent customer support to assist you with any issues that may arise during the lifetime of the unit.

The filters in the Express Water (3-stage) need to be changed every 6-12 months or after 100,000 gallons of water have been filtered. Changing the filters is simple with the accessible pressure-release buttons for each of the three filters. The system delivers 0.25 gallons of water per second and is designed to maintain water pressure after installation.

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With a long working life, the Aquasana Rhino POE filter becomes more appealing despite its high price tag. However, the company stands behind their product with a 10-year warranty and a 90-day guarantee. If you decide it's not right for you within three months, you can return it. And if it breaks due to any fault within 10 years, you're covered.

The Aquasana Rhino claims to remove 97% of chlorine, as well as reduce heavy metals, address VOCs, and improve the taste and scent of your home's water. It utilizes a smart flow design for maximum contact time between the water and the filter system. It's also easy to install and maintain, with no back-flushing required and a simple tank-change mechanism.

Add-ons for the Aquasana Rhino 1,000,000 Gallons include a UV filter, a salt-free water conditioner, and a pro-install kit.

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The AquaPure AP903 is very easy to maintain thanks to its “sanitary quick-change” feature. This makes replacing the filter tank every 100,000 gallons or so a breeze. All you have to do is carefully unscrew the old filter tank and screw in a new one, making sure to listen for the click that indicates everything is properly threaded and sealed to prevent leaks or contamination.

This filter meets the NSF 42 standard with its sediment filter that catches particles larger than 5 microns and its activated carbon media filter that targets chlorine and other chemical and organic contaminants. It also leaves your water smelling and tasting great, while protecting your plumbed-in appliances from limescale buildup.

While the AquaPure AP903 is a solid whole house filter and a great budget option, it's important to note that it doesn't remove all contaminants. It will remove chlorine and some other chemicals, as well as dealing with grit, dust, and VOCs, but it cannot remove heavy metals.

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The iSpring WGB32 is an effective water filter that removes 99% of chlorine and up to 95% of sediment, rust, pesticides, herbicides, industrial solvents, VOCs, and other contaminants from all the water in your home. It uses a pre-filter to capture sand, dust, and rust, followed by a carbon block filter that targets chlorines and VOCs. Finally, a heavy-metals filter reduces levels of iron, manganese, and other potentially harmful metals.

If you live in a period home or are aware of municipal plumbing issues in your area, the iSpring WGB32 may be a good fit for you since heavy metals are often found in well water and can also be an issue if the plumbing in your home or the local water system is old.

The iSpring WGB32 comes with a manual for DIY installation and there are also videos available on Youtube. If you don't feel comfortable installing it yourself, a handyman should be able to do it in just a few minutes. Filter cartridges are also easy to change on your own.

My only criticism of the iSpring WGB32 is that it's not very attractive. But let's be real, you're not getting a whole house water filter to admire its looks. You want it to do its job and that's exactly what the iSpring WGB32 does.

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The Aquaboon housing is designed to accommodate various sediment and carbon coconut shell filters. It is primarily intended for use with municipally supplied water, but you can also add a second housing with a heavy metals filter if you have well water. The Big Blue model is suitable for medium to large homes.

The Aquaboon is easy to use, with a pressure-release system for switching out filter cartridges and a no-leaks double o-ring seal to prevent any leaks. It is compatible with any 20” x 4.5” filter cartridge, so you can stick with your preferred brand or take advantage of great deals on cartridges.

If you're looking for an affordable and customizable water filtration solution, the Aquaboon is an excellent choice. You can save money by purchasing the Big Blue housing and the filter cartridges you need separately and assembling the system yourself. It's the perfect DIY option.

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You should be aware that the DuPont WFPF13003B filter does not make water much safer. If you are concerned about heavy metals or excessive chlorination in your home's water, this may not be the right filter for you. However, you can swap out the filter cartridge within the housing for one that reduces heavy metals, chlorine, and VOCs, but this would mean going the DIY route and building your own whole home water filtration system.

The DuPont WFPF13003B is a basic filter, as the price suggests. It has a classic blue housing that can be filled with a 10″ filter after the poly block reaches the end of its life.

You may notice that the 15,000 gallon filter life is shorter than what other whole house water filters promise, but the DuPont WFPF13003B is much smaller and much cheaper than the competition.

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This Home Master HMF3SDGFEC hardy whole house water filter system is designed specifically for well water. It is built to withstand turbidity, iron, manganese, sulfur smell, pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals in your water.

The system includes a hardy metal mount, allowing it to be fitted either outside or inside your home. Its large filter housings and one-inch ports provide a water pressure of 15 gallons per minute, ensuring that it won't slow down your home's water supply. These larger housings also mean that you will need to change your filter cartridges less frequently, reducing the amount of upkeep required.

The Home Master HMF3SDGFEC is capable of removing up to 95% of sediment, chemicals, and other contaminants from your water. This leaves it smelling and tasting great, and safe for consumption. Please note that this filter system is designed for use on well water, rather than chlorinated water.

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When it comes to changing the filter, the GE GXWH40L makes it easy with a reminder light, a bypass option, and a pressure release button. This makes getting the spent filter out a breeze and makes that clear sump look a bit gimmicky.

Keep in mind that filters should be changed every three months and they are not included with the GE GXWH40L filter system. Make sure to grab some FXHTC or FXHSC filters when you purchase the unit.

The GE GXWH40L comes with all the necessary mounts, screws, and o-rings and is easy to install. However, installation does involve working with your home's water supply, so it is recommended to leave it to a professional unless you are confident in your abilities.

The GE GXWH40L's High Flow system effectively removes sediment, silt, rust, chlorine, and any traces of lead from your water, leaving you with fresh, odorless water that is safe for your family and appliances to use. Keep in mind that the filter does not remove heavy metals.

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The Whirlpool WHELJ1 is a unique POE filter system that uses Filter Sense technology to automatically clean and flush its filter every two weeks, eliminating the need for manual changes. This easy-to-install system also comes with a bypass valve to maintain water pressure during installation. It does need to be plugged into an outlet, so professional installation is recommended if you're not comfortable with plumbing.

The Whirlpool WHELJ1 system comes with a 3-year warranty on the electronics and a 5-year warranty on the tank. It's designed to reduce chlorine odors and tastes, as well as eliminate sediment, resulting in improved water flavor and smell. However, it may not be suitable for addressing concerns about water safety or heavy metal contamination.

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Find the Perfect Whole House Water Filter: A Comprehensive Buyer's Guide

There are many whole house water filters available on the market, ranging from UV water filters to high efficiency designs. These filters can be further divided into categories based on their capacity, installation style, and filter design.

Before we delve into the factors to consider when choosing a whole house water filter, let's first discuss the different types of filters available.

Types of Whole House Water Filters

If you're considering a whole house water filter, you'll want to know about the different types available.

1. Mechanical filters: Remove Physical Particles

When you want to remove physical contaminants from water, such as sediment, sand, and dirt, mechanical filters should be your choice. These filters work by using a physical barrier that traps and removes contaminants as water passes through the filter.

Sediment filters are a type of mechanical filter that use a fine mesh or a series of layers of media to catch rust, dust, and other types of sediment. They are typically made of pleated paper or fiberglass and can be easily replaced when necessary.

On the other hand, another type of mechanical filter, reverse osmosis (RO) systems, uses a membrane to filter out contaminants by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane. This process only allows water molecules to pass through and removes larger contaminants. While RO systems are highly effective at removing chemicals, impurities, and microorganisms, they also remove beneficial minerals such as calcium and magnesium from your water. This reduces the overall mineral content and can affect the taste and potential health benefits of the water.

If you're in the market for a whole house water filter that utilizes reverse osmosis technology, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide to the best whole house reverse osmosis systems. Our expert team has thoroughly researched and reviewed the top options available to help you make an informed decision.

2. Chemical filters: Remove Impurities and Other Contaminants

As the name indicates, chemical filters use a chemical process to remove contaminants from the water.

Carbon filters are the most common type of chemical filter that uses activated carbon to remove impurities, such as chlorine and chemicals, from the water supply. These filters work by using adsorption to remove contaminants from the water by attracting and holding them on the surface of the filter media.

It's important to note that these filters don't necessarily make the water safer to drink or use; they just make it taste and smell better.

If you're looking to get rid of a specific type of contaminant from your water, there are whole house water filters that are specifically designed for this purpose:

• 5 Best Whole House Water Filters for Chlorine
• 7 Best Iron Filters for Well Water

If you live in an area with hard water – which is the case 90% of Americans do – then you may want to consider a water softener to soften your water in an additional stage. Water softeners remove these minerals from your hard water supply, preventing scale formation and helping to extend the lifespan of your plumbing appliances and reducing the need for descaling.

Also Read: 5 Best Whole House Water Filtration And Softener Combos

Some water softeners requires a salt-based system that extracts minerals from your water supply and replaces them with sodium. However, this type of system can be bulky and may not fit in the space available in whole-house systems.

An alternative option is to use a whole-house water filter with an electronic descaler. While electronic descalers won't fully soften your water, they can reduce the impact of hard water by preventing minerals such as calcium and magnesium from bonding with your pipes and appliances.

Also Read:

• 9 Best Salt-Free Water Softeners – Reviews and Buying Guide
• 10 Best Water Softeners for Well Water – Reviews and Buying Guide

3. Biological filters: Remove Bacteria and Viruses

Biological filters work by using living organism or processes to remove contaminants from the water.

As the name suggests, UV water filters use ultraviolet light to purify water. This light kills or inactivate microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses in the water, making it highly unlikely that you will get sick from drinking water that has been treated with it.

UV water filters are not the primary choice, except in situations where there is a genuine concern about bacteria and waterborne viruses. They are a popular addition to various types of whole house filters, particularly, high-efficiency systems.

4. Multi-Stage Highly Efficient Filters: Combo of Multiple Water Filters

High efficiency whole house water filters offer a comprehensive solution for improving the water quality in your home. They combine two or more types of water filtration technologies such as carbon block filters, sediment filters, and granular activated carbon block filters, to remove contaminants from your water. Additionally, they use a process called Kinetic Degradation Fluxion (KDF), which uses high-purity copper and zinc particles to remove heavy metals, chlorine, bacteria, and algae through an oxidation/reduction reaction.

These filters are typically multi-cartridge, meaning you may need to change more than one filter every six months or so. However, the extra effort is well worth it as you'll be getting water that is free of heavy metals, chlorine, and bacteria.

Keep in mind that high efficiency whole house water filters can be quite expensive compared to other options on the market. They may cost 2-3 times more. But if you're concerned about the potential health risks of drinking water that may not be safe, a high-efficiency whole house water filter may be the best choice for you.

Key Considerations for Selecting a Whole House Water Filter

It's important to carefully consider these factors when choosing a whole house water filter to ensure that you get the best one for your needs.

Removal of Contaminants

When you're drawing untreated water from a well, there are plenty of contaminants that may be present. Understanding what's in your water supply is crucial when it comes to finding the perfect whole house water filter for your family. Different systems target different contaminants, so it's important to know what you need to remove.

For example, a system targeting taste and odor will remove chemicals like chlorine and sediment, while a high-efficiency system can target a wider range of contaminants, such as heavy metals (like iron, lead, and arsenic), bacteria and viruses, sediment, and pesticides.

Here's a list of some of the contaminants that an effective whole house water filter might remove:

• Chlorine
• Fluoride
• Lead
• Iron
• Copper
• Sulfur
• Nitrates
• Pesticides
• Manganese
• Mercury
• Microorganisms (e.g. bacteria, viruses)
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (e.g. benzene, chloroform, trichloroethylene)
• Arsenic
• Chlromanies
• Heavy metals (e.g. cadmium, chromium, nickel)
• Total dissolved solids (TDS)
• Radon

It's important to find a whole house water filter that targets the specific contaminants in your local water supply. Some contaminants, like hard water, are easy to spot through a visual inspection of your pipes or appliances. Sediment and rust will also be evident in a cup of water. However, other contaminants like total dissolved solids, chemicals, and bacteria are invisible to the naked eye.

To find the best whole house water filter for your well water, it's recommended to use a testing kit to determine the specific contaminants present in your water. This will allow you to effectively target and remove these contaminants, ensuring the safety and quality of your water.

Size and Capacity

When it comes to water filters, size does matter. If you undersize your whole house water filter system, it won't perform as well and may not even filter your water properly. This can end up costing you more in the long run, as the individual filter cartridges may not be able to handle the demand for water.

Whole house water filters can range in capacity from 10,000 gallons to as much as 1,000,000 gallons. A capacity of 100,000 gallons is more common. To determine the right capacity for a whole house water filter, consider your family size, water usage and water quality.

For example:

• For a family of four with moderate water usage and average water quality, a whole-home water filter with a capacity of 20,000 to 23,000 gallons may be sufficient.
• For a family of six with high water usage and water with high levels of contaminants, a whole home filter system with a capacity of 50,000 to 60,000 gallons may be needed.
• For a family of two with low water usage and relatively better water quality, a whole house water filter with a capacity of 10,000 gallons may be sufficient.

Whole Home Filtration System	No. of Bathrooms
SpringWell CF1	7+
Aquasana Rhino	4-6
Home Master HMF3SDGFEC	4+
Express Water (3-stage)	1-4
iSpring WGB32B	2-4
DuPont WFPF13003B	1-3
AquaPure AP903	1-3
GE GXWH40L	1-3
Whirlpool WHELJ1	1-2
Aquaboon 12 Inch	1-2

Flow Rate

Besides capacity, another concern for your water supply is the flow rate. Flow rate is a measure of how fast your filter system can actually filter the water.

When you run your entire water supply through a filter at the point of entry to your home, it's inevitable that the flow rate will be slowed down. It's a nightmare you don't want to consider. Why have perfectly pure water if you can't even use it properly?

Different appliances in your home require different amounts of GPM. For example:

• Toilets: 2-3 GPM
• Showers: 1.5-3.0 GPM
• Faucets (bathroom or kitchen): 2-3 GPM
• Dishwashers: 2-4 GPM
• Washing machines: 3-5 GPM

To get an idea of how much GPM you need in total, you can add up the GPM requirements of all the appliances you have. For example, if you have a toilet, a shower, and a kitchen faucet, you will need at least 7 GPM (2 GPM for the toilet + 3 GPM for the shower + 2 GPM for the faucet). Having a high flow rate ensures there's enough water for everyone in the family.

Whole Home Water Filter System	Flow Rate (GPM)
Aquasana Rhino	37 GPM
SpringWell CF1	9-20 GPM
AquaPure AP903	20 GPM
Express Water (3-stage)	15 GPM
GE GXWH40L	15 GPM
iSpring WGB32B	15 GPM
Home Master HMF3SDGFEC	15 GPM
Aquaboon 12 Inch	10 GPM
Whirlpool WHELJ1	6 GPM
DuPont WFPF13003B	5 GPM

Importance of Micron-Level Sediment Targeting

Sediment in your drinking water can be an unpleasant surprise. It can range from harmless grit to a potential health concern, such as rust. Most whole house filters are designed to target sediment to some extent, but it's important to keep in mind that these contaminants come in many different shapes and sizes.

Sediment is typically measured in microns, which is equal to one-millionth of a meter. Some premium whole house water filters are able to remove anything larger than one micron, while cheaper models may not be as effective and may let particles smaller than 50 microns pass through.

One downside of exceptional sediment filtering is that it can sometimes result in a slower flow rate. If you go for a filter that is too effective at filtering out microscopic particles, it can actually end up choking your flow rate.

Ease of Maintenance: Filter Lifespan

While we're talking about filters, it's important to consider their lifespan. No filter lasts forever and with any whole house water filter system, you'll need to replace individual filter cartridges on a regular basis.

Sediment filters typically need to be replaced every six to twelve months, while other cartridges can last much longer. If your filters last twice as long, that means you'll have to replace them half as often, which can save you money in the long run.

Just keep in mind that these guidelines are based on average water usage. If you've a large family, you may use more water and need to replace your cartridges more frequently. On the other hand, if you're single or environmentally conscious, you may use less water and be able to go longer between cartridge replacements. So, when choosing a water filter system, consider not just the upfront cost, but also the long-term cost of replacing the filters.

Remember to pay attention to any changes in the taste and smell of your water to determine when you need to replace any of them.

If you forget to change your filters, particularly the sediment ones, you may experience clogging within your system. Additionally, an old filter will not effectively filter your water, potentially leading to bacterial growth and worse water quality than if you didn't have a filter at all.

Whole Home Filter System	Filters Lifespan	Filters Replacement Cost
SpringWell CF1	every 6 to 9 months	$20 per piece (~$3.3/month)
Aquasana Rhino	every 6 months	$19 for a pack of 3 (~$3.2/month)
Home Master HMF3SDGFEC	every 6 to 10 months	$85+ (~$14+/month)
Express Water (3-stage)	every 9 to 12 months	$190+ (~$20/month)
iSpring WGB32B	every 6 to 12 months	$100+ (~$16/month)
DuPont WFPF13003B	every 6 months	$15+ (~$2.5/month)
AquaPure AP903	every 12 months	$120+ (~$10/month)
GE GXWH40L	every 3 months	$5+ (~$1.6/month)
Whirlpool WHELJ1	The unit will have to be replaced	–
Aquaboon 12 Inch	every 2 months	$10+ (~$1.6/month)

NSF/ANSI Certification

When you see a bold claim that 99.99% of bacteria are eliminated, you may want to verify whether the brand can actually back it up. One way to do this is to look for certification from the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), which works with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to provide a standardized classification system for water filter systems. The NSF offers several different classifications, certifying that water filters remove chlorine, chemicals, and bacteria.

It's important to be aware of the different classifications offered by the NSF:

• NSF/ANSI 42: This classification is commonly found on taste and odor filters that can certify the removal of chlorine and large sediment.
• NSF/ANSI 44: This certification is relevant for water softeners and indicates the removal or reduction of calcium and magnesium. If you have hard water, this is a certification to look for.
• NSF/ANSI 53: Filters with NSF/ANSI 53 certification are able to remove significant contaminants such as metals like lead and chromium, as well as volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
• NSF/ANSI 55: This certification is specific to UV water filters that target bacteria and other bugs in the water.
• NSF/ANSI 58: This certification is for reverse osmosis water filters and confirms the removal of heavy metals like copper, arsenic, and lead, as well as the reduction of total dissolved solids.
• NSF/ANSI 401: This certification is less common among whole house water filters, but it certifies the removal of prescription drugs, new herbicides, and other complex compounds.
• NSF/ANSI 244 and 231: These certifications are commonly found on water filters for backcountry and camping use, and they certify the removal of microbiological contaminants and microorganisms that can contaminate drinking water.

Some big-name brands may offer independent lab tests for their filter systems that are not affiliated with the NSF.

Remineralization: The Process of Restoring Minerals

Post-filtering remineralization is an often-added feature of whole house water filters that can help make your water taste crisp and drinkable again. This process adds back in minerals that were removed during filtration process such as reverse osmosis, providing not only better taste, but also nutritional benefits. If you're interested in this feature, be sure to look for it on premium models.

Some high efficiency filters that bring your TDS to an exceptionally low level often remove harmless minerals such as calcium, sodium, and magnesium from your water, which can leave it tasting boring and bland.

The Installation of Whole House Water Filter

Whole house water filters can be quite complex systems. Some units are suitable for self-installation, while others may require the assistance of a professional plumber. It's important to check which components are included and whether the brand recommends self-installation. Keep in mind that even if a filter advertises DIY installation, professional installation may still be required as part of the warranty's terms and conditions. It's not worth risking voiding your warranty on such an important investment.

Also Read: How to Install a Whole House Filtration System: Step-by-Step Guide

Space and Location

Point-of-entry filter systems are larger and bulkier than under-sink or faucet water filters. Make sure you have enough space for your chosen model, and if you're planning to install it outdoors, ensure it can withstand the winter temperatures in your area.

Price

There are whole house water filters available at various price points, so you can find something that fits your budget. If you're looking for a basic model, you can find options starting around $300 that offer adequate filtering for single-person households. On the other hand, if you want maximum filtering, you may need to spend upwards of $2000 for a premium brand.

The Whole House Water Filter FAQ

Here's a final FAQ to clear up any last drops of doubt about choosing the perfect whole house water filter for you and your family.

Final Thoughts…

I understand that investing in a whole house water filtration system can be a significant expense. That's why it's important to carefully consider your needs before making a commitment, especially if you'll also have to pay for installation. However, there are options available at a range of price points.

One highly-recommended option is the 3M AquaPure. It's a great whole house system that can handle most contaminants, except for heavy metals, and it's priced significantly lower than some of its competitors.

If you do need to deal with heavy metals from well water or an older home, the Express Water system is a good choice. It's easy to install and provides good value for the price.

For filters that only address taste and odor issues, the Whirlpool WHELJ1 whole house filter system is a solid choice. It has a self-cleaning filter that eliminates the need for regular maintenance and is relatively easy to install if you have basic handyman skills.

Another option is building your own system using the Aquaboon Big Blue housing, which allows you to customize your system with a variety of filter cartridges. However, this option requires some plumbing skills.

No matter which filter you choose, it's important to make sure it's suitable for the makeup of your water. If you can't afford a high efficiency POE system, you can also consider adding additional filters under the sink.