Clean drinking water is an everyday essential. And with the newest innovations in filtration technology, clean water is more accessible now than ever. Most of us are getting our local water districts.
Therefore, it is important to be aware of the pollutants lurking in our drinking water. This way, we can take filtration into our own hands. Here, we will be introducing the best Instapure Water filter to help you with your water contaminant issues. This can include odor, discoloration, and residue.
Contents
- Instapure Water Filtration System Reviews
- Instapure Water Filter System: Buying Guide
- Instapure Replacement Filters: Top Picks
Drinking-Water Deep Dive: Contaminants
No matter where you get your water from, there is no way to be sure that it is completely contaminant-free. Common pollutants include chlorine and hydrogen sulfide. This can lead to issues with foul tastes and odor in your water. Particles from harsh metals such as lead, and even VOC’s can dissolve into your water supply. This can result in leaving turbidity, residue, and in severe cases, lead poisoning.
But do not fear, because Instapure Filters can handle your contaminant needs. These filters are crafted to target specific pollutants and problems such as:
- Lead
- Microbial cysts
- VOC’s
- Chlorine
Here, we will see that these filters do a great job of reducing contaminants. And that they also are capable of eliminating some of the contaminants above.
Instapure Filters: Comparison Table






Instapure Water Filtration System Reviews
Now we have a first look at the features that the different Instapure brand filters have to offer. We can take a closer look at their specifications, certifications, and filtration performance.
1. Instapure F2 ESSENTIALS Tap Water Filtration System
F2 Specs

Manufactured in: | USA |
Finish: | Chrome finish with the clear housing cap |
Certifications: | Gold Seal Certification WQA: NSF/ANSI Standard 42, 372 |
Micron size: | .05 micron filtration |
Compatibility: | Compatible with all Instapure F2 ESSENTIALS products. |
Installation: | No tools needed |
Life Span: | 2-4 months with a filtration capacity of 200 gallons |
Filtration Method: | Coconut Carbon filtration |
Contaminants Removed: | Sediments, Microbial Cysts, Lead, Chlorine, VOC’s, Heavy metals. |
The F2 filter has received two Gold Seal Certifications from the WQA (Water Quality Association). And this is awarded for its compliance with NSF/ANSI Standards 42 and 372. These two standards deal with different contamination issues. The first standard, 42 deals with chlorine reduction for taste and odor. And the second standard, 372 deals with lead reduction.
Main Features and Benefits
The Instapure F2 Faucet filter is a crowd favorite. This is due to its budget-friendly and eco-friendly filtration solutions. The F2 features an on-off filter switch. It also has easy installation with its removable aerator to hook up to the dishwasher. And it also sports easy replacement. The corresponding filters can also be found at a fair price. This filter also makes use of activated coconut fibers. This reduces foul tastes and odors in your tap water. The F2 filter can filter up to :
- 97% of chlorine
- 99% of Microbial cysts
- 99% of VOCs
- 99% of lead, as a certified lead-free product
Instapure F2 Clear Cap vs Chrome Cap: Which Is Better?
This model comes in two color variations: chrome with a clear cap and chrome with a chrome cap. While they carry out the same purposes, the exterior can be a deal-breaker. Between the two filters, there is a difference in construction. So this makes the F2 chrome x chrome bigger and heavier than the F2 chrome x clear. The chrome cap makes it heavier than the clear cap by 2 ounces.
The chrome cap allows the filter to have better uniformity with your faucet. Whereas, the clear cap allows you to monitor the progress of your water filtration. This is a good alternative since the filter does not come with a replacement light.
Overall, if you are looking for a filter that matches your faucet, then the chrome cap is better for you. But if you are looking for a space-saving filter that you can monitor, then the clear cap is the better option.
2. Instapure F5 Complete Water Filtration System
F5 Specs

Manufactured in: | China |
Finish: | Chrome finish body with chrome cap. White exterior finish plastic material. |
Certifications: | Gold Seal Certification WQA: NSF/ANSI Standard 42, 52, 372 |
Micron size: | .05 micron filtration |
Compatibility: | F2 ESSENTIALS products and replaceable filters. F5 Products and replaceable filters. F7 Products and replaceable filters. |
Installation: | No tools needed |
Life Span: | 2-4 months with a filtration capacity of 200 gallons |
Filtration Method: | Coconut Carbon filtration |
Contaminants Removed: | Sediments, Microbial Cysts, Lead, Chlorine, VOC’s, Heavy metals, Pesticides, Trihalomethanes (TTHM) |
The F5 model is another top filter from this brand. It holds WQA gold seal certifications for NSF/ANSI Standards 42 and 372. Standard 42 is for chlorine reduction. And standard 372 is for lead reduction. So this means it is a certified lead-free product. The two filters are very similar in construction and capabilities.
But they differ in that the F5 focuses more on reducing the presence of microbial cysts. In addition to compliance with NSF/ANSI Standards 42 and 372, the Instapure F5 Complete Filtration System also holds Gold Seal certification for standard 53. This standard is for the reduction of lead content and the presence of microbial cysts.
Main Features and Benefits
The F5 Complete Filtration System hooks up to your faucet. And no tools are needed. Another great feature is that this filter uses coconut fibers filtration. Other inclusions are a replacement filter and an on-off option. So users can turn on the switch for filtered and off for unfiltered water. But the most notable benefit of this filter is its filtration capabilities. The F5 is effective in filtering out the following pollutants
- 99% of cysts
- 92% of chlorine for better taste and odor reduction
- 90% of Trihalomethanes (TTHM).
- 81% of most industrial solvents
- 79% of pesticides
- 99% of lead
This is a great filter for those living in areas that do not have too much of a chlorine problem. But want to reduce costs and lead in their water supply.
3. Instapure F8 Ultra Tap Water Filtration System

Manufactured in: | USA (Not sold in California) |
Finish: | Chrome finish body with chrome cap. White exterior finish plastic material. |
Certifications: | Gold Seal Certification WQA: NSF/ANSI Standard 42, 52, 372 |
Micron size: | .05 micron filtration |
Compatibility: | ULTRA models F8-C, F8-1HK, F8CM-1E. Waterpik F8, F8-C. Instapure replacement filter R8, R8-C, F8RC-1ES. |
Installation: | No tools needed |
Life Span: | 2-4 months with a filtration capacity of 100 gallons |
Filtration Method: | Coconut Carbon filtration |
Contaminants Removed: | Sediments, Microbial Cysts, Lead, Chlorine, VOC’s, Heavy metals, Pesticides, Trihalomethanes (TTHM), Asbestos, Mercury, Benzene |
Like the F2 and F5, this filter is also Gold Seal Certified by the WQA. This is for meeting NSF/ANSI standard 42 for chlorine reduction. And also standard 372 as a certified lead-free product, and 52 for lead and cyst reduction. This filter also features a different design than the previous Instapure filters.
Main Features and Benefits
The F8 features the same benefits as most filters from the same brand. But this filter is more advanced in its design and special features. Notable features of the F8 include the automatic on and off the design. So this automatically switches to unfiltered water when the filter is not in use. Another great feature is the light indicator. This tells you when a replacement is needed. This filter is also effective in filtering out the following:
- 99% of cysts
- 97% of chlorine for better taste and odor reduction
- 90% of Trihalomethanes (TTHM).
- 81% of most industrial solvents
- 79% of pesticides
- 99% of lead
Instapure Water Filter System: Buying Guide
Choosing the right filter for your home is a step by step process. But you will also want to keep in mind additional factors. This can include your water source, installation, maintenance, and even the warranty.
Water Source
There are two main sources of water for drinking: public and private. Public consists of your city’s local water supply. And private sources usually come from a personal well. A key thing to keep in mind is that Instapure Filters are not ideal for filtering if you use a well. These systems are designed to work through water that has already been treated.
These Filters use coconut fibers with .05 sized microns. This is to filter out fine particles. These are effective agents infiltration due to its fine porous texture. But they do not hold many antibacterial properties. So this makes them unsuitable for well water. So if your primary source of water comes from a well, this may not be the brand for you.
Installation
Installing an Instapure filter has never been easier. The F2, F5, and F8 all support easy installation. This is also without the need for additional outside tools. These filters follow a simple four-step installation process:
- Unscrew the faucet aerator. But first, make sure that your faucet has a removable aerator.
- Assemble the appropriate washers to your adapter. Then screw onto the faucet where the aerator was.
- Insert washer between the adapter and the filter itself and screw on the filter.
- Turn on the filtered water switch and let cold water run through the filter for about two minutes.
Filter Maintenance
Instapure filters are easy to install and maintain. Most filters last up to 3 months. But for the F8, the green light will turn red to indicate that it is time for a filter change. And once it’s time to change the filter, all you will need to do is purchase the replaceable filter for your unit. And then you will want to install the filter under the cap in place of the old filter.
One of the best ways to preserve your filter life is to turn off the filtration switch when not in use. But if you plan to clean the filter itself, do so with soap and water. But keep in mind that these filters are not dishwasher safe.
Customer Service and Warranty
Instapure offers superior customer service. They provide high-quality products and solutions on the first try. But if ever you are not satisfied with your filter you can always visit their website or call during office hours.
Each filter has a limited warranty from the date it was purchased. They can be returned and refunded within the first 30 days after purchase. Keep in mind that this only applies to authorized Instapure sellers. But you can also visit their website and fill up a request for repair if ever your filter needs extra support.
Instapure Replacement Filters: Top Picks
Instapure systems are only compatible with replacement filters from the same brand. Each filter has its own sets of features, benefits, and compatible units:
1. Instapure ESSENTIALS R2 Replacement Filter

The R2 filter fits with most Instapure filters from its ESSENTIALS line.
But it is also compatible with the following units:
Compatibility
- ESSENTIALS Model: ESSENTIALS (F2), F2, F2-C, F3, F5, F5-C, F6, F7 & F10J
- Waterpik Models: F2, F2-C, F3, F5, F5-C, F6, F7 & F10J
2. Instapure R5 Complete Water Filter
The R5 complete filter is a replacement filter for the F-5C or F5 Complete Filtration System. But this filter can also be found under different names such as:
- F5R-1ES
- F5R-2ES
- R5-1E
Compatibility
The R5 filter is best compatible with the Instapure F5. But it is also compatible with the following filters:
- COMPETE Models: F5, F5W, F5-C, F2-C, F3, F6, F7, F10J.
- Waterpik Models: F2, F2-C, F3, F5, F5-C, F6, F7, F10J .
3. Instapure ULTRA Replacement Filter

The Instapure ULTRA filter is best compatible with the F8 Ultra Tap Water Filtration System. But this filter can also be found under different model names such as:
- F8RW-1ES
- F8RC-1ES
- F8RC-1HK
- F8RW-1HK
- F8RC-1E
- F8RW-1E
- R8C
Compatibility
This filter is best compatible with the F8. But it is also compatible with the following filters:
- ULTRA Models: ULTRA F8, F8W, F8C.
- Waterpik Models: F8C-1HK, F8, F8-C.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below we have compiled and answered some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to Instapure filters and their replacements:
Do Instapure Filters Lower pH Balance in Drinking Water?
No. These filters use coconut carbon. So when water is filtered through the coconut fibers it can increase the pH levels. This results in more balanced acidity in your water.
Are the Connections Metal or Plastic?
Plastic. These filters sport a chrome exterior. So this means that the material itself is plastic coated with chrome on the outside. This is shown in the product description.
Do Instapure Water Filters Come With a Replacement Filter?
It depends on where you are buying. But most filters do not come with the replacement. You will have to purchase replacements.
Are Instapure Filters Dishwasher Safe?
No. To clean your filter all you have to do is run it with water for a few minutes. And this lets it clean internally. But you can also clean your filter with soap and water.
Conclusion
Choosing the right filter can depend on many different aspects. And with Instapure water filters, there are a variety of different filters to choose from that will allow you to choose the perfect filter to match all your home filtration needs.