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The NSF is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). They have set the standard for water filters across the globe. Furthermore, with new refrigeration filtration technology, ensuring your replacement filters are NSF 53 certified refrigerator water filters is essential.
The NSF uses a special, consensus-based process to develop standards. It means that regulators, consumers, industry, and academia are involved in developing those standards, to ensure maximum human protection. There are more than enough reasons to trust products with NSF/ANSI standards.
Quick Comparisons
NSF 53 Refrigerator Water Filters – Top Reviews
1. Crystala MWF
| Product Details: | |
| Brand: | Crystala Filters |
| Capacity: | 200 gallons |
| Certifications: | NSF42 & 53 & 372 Certified |
| Special Feature: | Removes most contaminants and improves water taste |
While successfully removing most contaminants from water, this filter also improves water taste and removes bad odor. Similar to the Kenmore Coldspot 106 and Kenmore 9930, it’s compatible with most General Electric and Kenmore fridges and is incredibly simple to install.
The filter provides safe water by removing Lead, Cyst, Benzene, Endrin, Carbofuran, and many more contaminants. The Crystala MWF comes at a very good price for the quality that it provides.
Crystala MWF is a good choice for people looking for affordability and quality in a single product. It will provide perfect results for at least 6 months, or 200 gallons of water.
2. Crystala UKF8001 NSF 53 Certified
| Product Details: | |
| Brand: | Crystala Filters |
| Capacity: | 300 gallons |
| Certifications: | NSF 401 & 53 & 42 Certified |
| Special Feature: | Removes even the tiniest contaminants from your water |
The Crystala UKF8001 unit comes with three filters, which allows it to provide optimal performance for more than 300 gallons of water. Like most Crystala filters, it’s compatible with most fridges, and even other filters.
It comes with a fully-compatible design, which allows an excellent water flow. And while it removes most contaminants and improves water taste, it might produce grinding noises in some refrigerators. However, this happens rarely, and the filter provides excellent value for money.
If you are looking for a long-lasting NSF 53 certified refrigerator water filter solution, the Crystala UKF8001 is your best choice. It’s very affordable and provides safe, clean, and odorless water.
3. Crystala DA29-00020B
| Product Details: | |
| Brand: | Crystala Filters |
| Capacity: | 300 gallons |
| Certifications: | NSF 42 |
| Special Feature: | Twist and Lock Design |
Like the previous model, this unit provides an extended lifetime of over 300 gallons. It fits most Samsung fridges, as well as many other models. The filter comes with a Twist-Lock design, offering a precise and leak-proof fit.
It requires no tools for installation and creates no mess. The filter uses only high-grade coconut carbon, which absorbs all the contaminants while leaving essential minerals in the water. It’s especially good for removing Zinc, Chlorine, and Chloramine.
The biggest difference between this unit and the previous two Crystala models is their compatibility. They all provide good quality and lifespan, but they fit different fridge models.
4. Watts Inline Water Filter
| Product Details: | |
| Brand: | Watts |
| Capacity: | 20,000 gallon |
| Certifications: | NSF/ANSI 372 Lead Free and NSF/ANSI Standard 42 |
| Special Feature: | Easily connects to existing plumbing |
Being inline, Watts is compatible with many units and devices. This means you can also use it in your RV, boat, water cooler, water fountain, ice-maker, coffee maker, and many other appliances. It has also passed rigorous quality controls to satisfy the highest modern standards.
The filter uses Kinetic Degradation Fluxion. It’s a special water filtration technique that exchanges electrons with contaminants, leading to perfectly clean and safe water for you and your family.
You can connect it to any water supply using the ¼-inch lines. Once it’s installed, you should inspect it every six months, and the filter will last for an amazing 20,000 gallons. It comes with a 10-inch KDF Inline Filter and two ¼-inch brass connectors.
It’s one of the most economical due to its in-line design and a favorite due to its versatility.
5. Waterdrop Plus ADQ36006101
| Product Details: | |
| Brand: | Waterdrop |
| Capacity: | 200 gallon each |
| Certifications: | NSF 42, 53, 401 & 372 |
| Special Feature: | Reduces bisphenol A, phenytoin, estrone, naproxen, mercury, PFOA and PFOS in water |
Being certified by the NSF 401, 53, and 42 standards, this is the filter you can trust. Unlike most filters that offer a 1-micrometer pore size, this unit provides pores of less than 0.5 micrometers. This allows excellent filtration, removing even the tiniest contaminants from your water.
On top of that, Waterdrop Plus perfectly reduces Bisphenol A, Naproxen, Ibuprofen, and Estrone to up to 99 percent. Although it may cause a slower water flow sometimes, this filter is an excellent choice for removing even the smallest contaminants from water. It is also affordable and lasts a long if properly maintained.
Product Documentation
6. AquaCrest DA29-00020B
| Product Details: | |
| Brand: | Aqua Crest |
| Capacity: | 300 gallon |
| Certifications: | NSF 42 and 372 |
| Special Feature: | Reduces Chlorine |
Affordable is an understatement and Aqua Quest offers an unconditional 30-day money-back guarantee. It’s effortless to install or replace, and protects you from contaminated water for at least 6 months. The filter has passed over 66 material safety tests, as well as 100,000 cyclic pressure tests. It comes with a 0.5-micrometer pore size, which provides 2X better absorption than most average filters.
If your budget is a bit tight, but you still want high quality and a good lifespan, this model is the best choice for you. It’s also very compatible and fits most Samsung fridges, as well as various different models. You may also check out another high-quality AquaCrest filter.
7. FilterLogic ADQ73613401
| Product Details: | |
| Brand: | Filterlogic |
| Capacity: | 200 gallon each |
| Certifications: | NSF 42 and 372 |
| Special Feature: | Reduces chlorine, taste and odor |
This unit is compatible with most LG and Kenmore fridges. It’s tested to satisfy all the modern NSF standards. Therefore, you will get pure water, completely lead-free. FilterLogic is also made of lead-free material. It is NSF 42 and 372 certified and provides better taste and odor while removing chlorine. You get all of that at a pretty affordable price.
What we like about FilterLogic is its customer support team. If you have any trouble, contact them, and they typically answer right away. People rave that their team is very polite and professional, bringing quality and trust to the brand.
8. LG LT600P NSF 53
| Product Details: | |
| Brand: | LG |
| Capacity: | 300 gallon each |
| Certifications: | NSF 42, 53 & 372 |
| Special Feature: | Reduces chlorine taste and odor, sediment/rust, cysts and chemicals |
Made by LG, this unit removes around 99.99% of cysts, mercury, benzene, and lead. It also successfully removes some herbicides and even pharmaceuticals that can be found in water. The filter has passed all the required NSF standards, which include NSF 42, 53, and 401.
Replacing the filter requires no tools and takes only a couple of minutes. It’s an excellent fit for most LG refrigerators. If you own an LG fridge, it’s advised to use LG filters. In that case, LT600P is your best choice. It satisfies all the requirements when it comes to price and quality ratio.
Product Documentation
9. Maxblue UKF8001
| Product Details: | |
| Brand: | Maxblue |
| Capacity: | 300 gallon each |
| Certifications: | NSF 42 and 372 |
| Special Feature: | Reduces metals, chlorine, odor, THM, VOCs, particles, cadmium, and all other major impurities |
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Maxblue is a hidden gem when it comes to ice machine water filter manufacturing. What’s more, their refrigerator filters are affordable.
This model is completely environment-friendly. It’s made from lead-free materials, providing over six months of optimum filtration. It includes renewable coconut shells and offers a precise and leak-proof fit.
It fits many Maytag refrigerators, as well as some Kitchenaid models. If you want to replace it, simply twist on and off. For less than $30, you will have safe water for you and your family.
Maxblue UKF8001 is the best choice for owners of Maytag and Kitchenaid refrigerators. It’s NSF 42 and 372 certified and provides over 300 gallons of clean water.
Things To Know Before Buying
Any medium can be used to filter water. However, it doesn’t mean that it perfectly cleans the water, or does anything at all. Moreover, if the filter is not certified, it might even be dangerous. It might cause chemicals such as arsenic to reach and contaminate the water.
On the other hand, if the filter is certified, you will have no problems when it comes to purifying the water. Some certifications can even mean that the filter is lead-free and completely safe to use. Let’s talk a bit more about the NSF/ANSI certification.
NSF vs. WQA
When it comes to international standards and certifications, it might get confusing. Unless you are directly connected to the industry, you don’t need to bother with too many details.
Basically, NSF and WQA are very similar organizations. They both do the necessary testing to satisfy already-maintained rules and standards. Both NSF and WQA perform testing on various products and satisfy the regulations provided by ANSI and SCC (Standards Council of Canada).
Products NSF Certification Process
Having an NSF (or WQA) certification is very important for manufacturers. That’s why they voluntarily submit their products for testing. There are various regulations that the product has to meet during the testing. In the end, if the product has met all but a single regulation, it can’t get a certificate. That’s why NSF certification is very important when it comes to product quality and safety.
Types of Certifications
The last criterion to consider before you move forward with your quest for the best filter for your home is the certifications. It is important that filters can perform the way they advertise. Home drinking water treatments are becoming popular. It is difficult to differentiate between manufacturers and advertisements.
Certification is as vital as the results of your water test. How do you know a product will work as they promise? How do you know it won’t do more harm than good? The answer lies with NSF and ANSI certifications.
All products coming with an NSF International mark meet the strictest standards when it comes to public protection. The same goes for ANSI and products certified by the European Union’s agencies. Before installing any type of filter in your home, read everything about how the manufacturer tested and certified it.
Here are some National Science Foundation (NSF) standards you can consider:
- NSF Standard 42 refers to the filter’s aesthetic effects: Filters meeting this standard reduce chlorine. This improves the taste and odor of your drinking water. The rule mostly addresses carbon filtration.
- NSF Standard 53 refers to the filters’ effects: A NSF 53 water filter has to meet the minimum requirements for the certification of POU/POE filtration systems. An NSF 53 filter removes a long list of contaminants from your water. This can include Cryptosporidium, Giardia, lead, volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), MTBE, etc.
- NSF Standard 58 refers only to reverse osmosis filters. The standard certifies that the RO filter reduces toxic pollutants, chemicals, bacteria, etc. Certified RO systems decrease the levels of the following contaminants in your water. The list includes TDS, cysts, chromium (trivalent and hexavalent), arsenic, nitrate/nitrite, cadmium, lead, barium, turbidity, fluoride, copper, VOCs, asbestos, radium 226/228, perchlorate, selenium, etc.
- NSF Standard 401 refers to incidental contaminants or emerging compounds. The standard (and thus, the filter) can cover up to 15 contaminants found in water as of late. The standard lists human/veterinarian pharmaceutical drugs (prescription and over-the-counter medication), flame-retardants, pesticides and herbicides, BPA, precursors to commercial detergents, and more. The NSF Standard 401 also applies to RO water filters.
Most filters you will find on the market meet the NSF standards 42 and 53, while others can reach more.
Difference Between Standards
It’s not enough to say that the product is certified. The number that comes after the label is even more important. Therefore, we have 4 different NSF/ANSI standards.
1. NSF 42
We can say that 42 is the lowest standard of all four. meaning they usually remove chlorine and offer a better tasting and odorless water. A good example of an NSF42-certified product is a water pitcher filter.
2. NSF 53
This certification can be considered as a higher-level certification than 42. Although it includes all 42 standards, it also takes care of your well-being. Products certified with this standard reduce specific contaminants.
The NSF 53 certified refrigerator water filter uses carbon filtration. However, the quality of carbon filters determines their ability to remove contaminants, and at which percent. That’s why filters certified with this standard can significantly vary in their ability to reduce contaminants. Most of these filters are installed below the sink. Also, some products might even have multiple filters.
3. NSF 401
This is a relatively new standard. It was developed after certain pharmaceuticals were wound in tap water. These filters also test the water for various prescription drugs and reduce various herbicides, pesticides, and detergents.
The most common product with this standard is a carbon filter. It can be used under the sink, or inline for a refrigerator.
4. NSF 58
Products with this certificate include reverse-osmosis systems. However, since RO systems can’t remove contaminants that carbon filters can, most of these products already include carbon filters.
Using reverse-osmosis, systems are able to remove nitrate, nitrite, cadmium, copper lead, and various heavy metals. They usually come with a pre-filter or post-filter that uses carbon. Like carbon filters, RO filters also vary when it comes to the ability to reduce contaminants.
Why Choose a NSF 53 Certified Refrigerator Water Filter
As mentioned, with this certificate, you won’t have to worry about whether or not you are drinking clean water. With that kind of filter, all the contaminants with negative effects will be removed. These contaminants include copper, lead, mercury, barium, cadmium, cyst, asbestos, and similar.
The NSF 53 certified refrigerator water filter is especially important if you live in an area where water is contaminated. Also, frequent rain and weather changes might affect water. Since ANSI standards involve regulators, consumers, industry, and academia, your drinking water will be perfectly safe.
Choosing the Right Filter
Certification Necessity
The first question that you might ask yourself is whether this certificate is necessary or not. Let’s break it down a little bit.
If a filter doesn’t have a certificate, it doesn’t mean that it’s bad. It can do an excellent job even without a certificate. However, among two filters without a certificate, you can’t be sure which one is better. The thing is, the other filter might even be harmful.
If your filter is certified, you don’t have to worry. You don’t even have to completely understand what the NSF certificate is. You can simply use the filter, knowing that it will provide maximum results when it comes to both aesthetics and safety.
Choosing According to Your Needs
When choosing a filter, you should consider what exactly you need. Then, you need to check which certificate a filter has, and decide whether to buy it or not. For example, if you want only to improve the water taste, an NSF 42 certification would be enough.
If you want a filter that improves water’s effects, look for 53 certifications. If you live in an area where water might be contaminated with herbicides, pesticides, and chemicals, look for 402 certifications. In the end, if a reverse-osmosis filter is what you need, make sure that it satisfies NSF 58 standards.
Conclusion
There is always a lot to think about when protecting your family’s health. This is why making sure your NSF 53 certified refrigerator water filter is up tp date. Just make sure that the one you choose fits your fridge.
If you are not sure, you can always contact your fridge support center or search the web. The ones on out list fit various models and we are confident one will fit your needs, and fridge.