Filtrete Water Filter: Is It A Good Value For Your Money?

Filtrete Water Filter

Even though it is affordable, the Filtrete water filter removes a significant number of unwanted contaminants from drinking-water supplies.

While drinking water is essential, not all supplies of tap and well water are tasty. On the contrary, the water that flows out of taps in houses around the globe often tastes downright terrible.

It can also be full of the sort of minerals that can wreak havoc on appliances and plumbing systems. If you are worried about the quality of your water, you may be thinking about buying a water filter. That’s not a bad idea.

Of course, there are thousands of water filters on the market today. Some are excellent, while others aren’t so great. How do you know which is the best filter for your needs? That’s where we come in. In this review, we take an expansive look at the Filtrete water filter.

To give you the most complete information possible, we didn’t only consider published marketing materials and specifications about the Filtrete filter. Instead, we evaluated the opinions of both professional reviewers and actual customers.

We also compared the Filtrete filter to other popular filters. Continue reading for an honest evaluation of this product.

What Is a Filtrete Water Filter?

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The Filtrete water filter is a water-filtration system that installs beneath a sink. Made by 3M, the system is one of the most affordable filters available for purchase currently. Unlike many other filters, the Filtrete system uses your existing faucet.

That is, you don’t have to worry about installing a bulky or unsightly faucet attachment to use this system. Instead, you simply mount the filter out of sight, connecting it to the cold-water line directly. When you turn on your faucet, you get filtered water.

3M makes three versions of the Filtrete filter: standard, advanced and maximum. All filters install the same way, although they filter differently. The Filtrete Standard Under-Sink Water-filtration System reduces chlorine odors and tastes from tap water.

3M makes three versions of the Filtrete filter: standard, advanced and maximum. All filters install the same way, although they filter differently. The Filtrete Standard Under-Sink Water-filtration System reduces chlorine odors and tastes from tap water.

It also removes most of the sediment, rust, silt and dust that may be in the water supply. Filters are replaceable, and 3M says they last about six months.

The Filtrete Advanced Under-Sink Water-filtration System removes sediment and chlorine odors, but it goes further than the standard alternative. In fact, 3M marketing materials indicate that the advanced version of its Filtrete filtration system reduces cysts and some bacteria.

As you may suspect, the Filtrete Maximum Under-Sink Water-filtration System removes dirt and odors, but it also reduces certain chemicals and pharmaceuticals in tap water.

The filters for the Filtrete system have different lifespans. The standard filter is capable of removing unwanted contaminants in 2,000 gallons of water. The advanced system filters 1,500 gallons in its life, while the maximum filter can handle 750 gallons. Each filter works without reducing the flow of water coming from your faucet.

Whether you install the standard, advanced or maximum system, you can choose to swap out the filter for a different one. That is, an advanced filter fits on the standard system. The same is true for the maximum filter. Installation of the system takes about 30 minutes and requires few tools. As such, you likely don’t need to hire a plumber or other professional to install the Filtrete filtration system.

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Filtrete Water Filter Specifications

To better understand the Filtrete water filter, you should know a few things about its specifications. In this section, we compare some of the features of each Filtrete model.

Specs

Standard

Advanced

Maximum

Filtration Performance

Sediment plus chlorine tastes and odors

Sediment plus chlorine tastes and odors

Sediment plus chlorine tastes and odors plus microbial cysts

Sediment plus chlorine tastes and odors plus microbial cysts, some chemicals, some pharmaceuticals and lead

Microns

5 microns

0.5 microns

0.5 microns

Filter Lifespan

Up to 6 months

Up to 6 months

Up to 6 months

Installation Process

DIY, some tools

DIY, some tools

DIY, some tools

Filter Replacement

Twist-off

Twist-off

Twist-off

Certification

NSF

NSF

NSF

3M also offers a Filtrete filtration system that has a dedicated faucet. If you choose to invest in a filter with its own faucet, you can expect better reduction in sediment, chlorine odors and tastes, microbial cysts, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and lead.

All Filtrete water-filtration systems have the same dimensions. Units are 6.2-inches by 4.6-inches by 13.1-inches and weigh about 2.5 pounds.

money

Filtrete Water Filter Pricing

As mentioned, the Filtrete filtration system is one of the most affordable water filters on the market today. If you want to buy a Filtrete system, you have a few options. You can likely find Filtrete on shelves at many big-box stores and appliance retailers. Shopping online is also possible, either through the company’s website or a third-party seller. 

3M offers a limited warranty for its Filtrete water-filtration system. If you purchase one of these filters, you are protected against defects in both manufacturing and materials. Filing a warranty claim is usually straightforward, with most consumers reporting acceptable resolution of their claims. 

Please note that pricing details for the Filtrete water-filtration system in this article is for informational purposes only. The same is true for the pricing in the comparison section below. As you know, prices for products change all the time. For real-time pricing information, check with the online seller or brick-and-mortar store when you plan to buy your new water filter.

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How the Filtrete Water Filter Compare to Other Under-Sink Water Filters

If you are in the market for a new water filter, you may wonder if the Filtrete water filter is a good investment. In this section, we compare the Filtrete system with other under-sink water filters.

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Competitor 1: Doulton W9330958 SuperCarb Under-Sink Water Filter

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Perhaps the best under-sink water filter available for purchase is the Doulton W9330958 SuperCarb water filter. This filter mounts under kitchen or bathroom sinks. Unlike the Filtrete water system, the SuperCarb filter uses four separate stages of filtration. The result is cleaner, tastier water. 

The first stage of the SuperCarb filter requires water to pass through a carbon-block filter. Carbon-block filters are usually effective at cleaning water, as they demand water pass through a dense filter. This exposes water to more cleaning surface area than other types of filters. 

After water finishes with the first stage of the SuperCarb filter, it passes through over filters that remove odors and unpleasant tastes. Finally, water encounters a heavy-duty filter that removes metals and other unwanted sediments. 

We like the Doulton SuperCarb filter for its self-cleaning capabilities. A sterilization

process helps control bacteria that could otherwise move into the filter. This extends the life of the SuperCarb filter. The filter also seems well-built and hefty. 

Unfortunately, though, it isn’t perfect. Some of the parts you need to successfully install the SuperCarb filter aren’t included in the packaging. As such, you must spend some time tracking them down. 

Alternatively, you may want to seek the assistance of a plumber to install the product. Plumbers likely have the extra components needed to hook up the SuperCarb filter. 

As the most complete filter on the market, the SuperCarb may give you sticker shock. If you decide this is the right filter for your household, expect to pay more for it. 

Pros

Cons

  • Filtered water tastes better always.
  • Require daily and weekly cleaning, else you have to face clogging issue.

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Competitor 2: APEC WFS-1000 3-Stage Under-Sink Water Filter

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While the Doulton SuperCarb filter is arguably the gold standard with its four-part filtration system, the APEC WFS-1000 is notable as well. This filter uses three stages to remove unwanted particulates, odors and smells from drinking water. For that reason, the APEC WFS-1000 is a best seller on Amazon. 

The APEC water filter easily bolts beneath the sink in the kitchen or bathroom. It doesn’t work with your existing faucet. Instead, the system comes with an additional faucet that you must attach on top of the sink. 

If your sink or counter doesn’t have a pre-drilled hole, the installation may require professional assistance. Still, the product comes with all the attachments and hardware you need to hook it up. For most individuals, installation takes less than an hour. 

We like the APEC WFS-1000 for the water pressure it delivers. As you likely know, many filters reduce the flow of water. This makes sense, as water must pass through a filter as part of the cleaning process. The design of the APEC filter ensures you get a fast flow of water through the included faucet. 

Unfortunately, APEC only makes its filtration faucet in one finish. If it doesn’t match your existing faucet or other kitchen hardware, you may not be entirely happy.

Pros

Cons

  •  Having one of the highest flow rates
  • Expensive

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Competitor 3: CuZn UC-200 Under-Counter Water Filter

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Another great option is the CuZn UC-200 water filter. Like the Filtrete system and the two competitors mentioned above, this filter bolts beneath the counter. While this filter is expensive, those who use it rave about its performance. 

The CuZn filter removes virtually all unwanted contaminants from drinking water without requiring you to install a dedicated faucet. As such, you can expect clean drinking water without altering the overall look of your kitchen or bathroom.

That’s a nice feature, considering the high-performance filtration this system delivers. 

Installation of the CuZn filter is fast and easy. Most individuals don’t require professional assistance. Instead, with just a wrench and a screwdriver, homeowners easily mount the filter where they want it.

You should know, though, that the CuZn filter is comparatively large. If you use the area under your sink for storage or have a garbage disposal, you may have difficulty finding enough room to mount the CuZn filter. 

The best feature of the CuZn UC-200 system is the filter’s lifespan. Unlike the Filtrete system, which requires filter replacement every six months or so, the CuZn filter lasts for up to five years.

With this filter, you can expect to clean up to 50,000 gallons of water before buying a new filter. When you are ready to replace the filter, the process is straightforward.

Pros

Cons

  • Removes the mold and bacteria from the system and make our water free of them
  • This water filter is a little larger than other models

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Without question, there are some excellent under-sink water filters on the market. While the three in this section are arguably better than the Filtrete system, Filtrete is considerably less expensive. In fact, we think the Filtrete water-filtration system deserves a place on the list of standout under-sink water filters.

Filtrete Water Filter Pros and Cons

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It should be clear at this point in our review that we think the Filtrete water-filtration system is a good investment.

While Filtrete has some exciting features, it has a few drawbacks. 

  1. To help you get a good idea of exactly what Filtrete can do for the water quality in your home or small business, we list a few of its pros and cons.

Pros

Cons

  • Filtration system is fast and easy to install
  • The Filtrete system is affordable
  • Replacement filters are comparatively inexpensive
  • The Filtrete system is compatible with different types of filters
  • Filter life is a bit short, with filters only lasting up to six months
  • Build quality is inferior to other filters on the market
  • The 3M warranty is just adequate

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verdict hamilton beach water dispenser

The Verdict: The Filtrete Water Filter Is an Affordable Under-Sink Water Filter

We were skeptical when we began our review of the Filtrete water filter. Because of the comparatively low price tag, we assumed we would find inferior performance with the Filtrete system. That isn’t the case. On the contrary, Filtrete performs almost as well as other filtration systems. 

If you are looking to remove sediment and unpleasant tastes and smells from your water, the standard Filtrete filter will likely do the trick. If you are looking for more aggressive filtration, you can choose between the advanced and maximum system. 

Even better, if you change your mind after installing your Filtrete system, you can upgrade to a different filter without having to install an entirely new system. We love that. 

Still, the Filtrete water filter isn’t perfect. While you get cleaner and tastier water without needing a dedicated faucet, you aren’t likely to get a full six months’ worth of filtration out of your filter.

Rating:

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