Article reviewed by: Diana Lee, Master’s Degree in Nutrition
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Clean drinking water is an everyday essential, and with the newest innovations in water filtration technology, clean water is more accessible now than ever. Most of us are getting water from our local water districts.
Therefore, it is important to be aware of the pollutants lurking in our drinking water.
Here, we will review Instapure Water Filters to help you with your water contaminants issues like odor, discoloration, and residue. Let’s take water filtration into our own hands.
Comparisons of Top-Rated Instapure Water Filters
Now that we have a first look at the features that the different Instapure brand water filters have to offer, we can review their specifications, certifications, and filtration performance.
1. Instapure F2 ESSENTIALS
| Specification: | |
| Manufactured in: | USA |
| Finish: | Chrome with Clear Cap. |
| Certifications: | Gold Seal Certified & Tested to NSF/ANSI Standard 42 & 372. |
| Material: | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. |
| Capacity: | 200 Gallons. |
| Flow Rate: | 75 gpm (2.83 lpm). |
| Life Span: | 3 months . |
| Purification Method: | Activated Carbon. |
| 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) for its compliance with NSF/ANSI Standards 42 and 372, which deal with different contamination issues. Standard 42 deals with chlorine reduction for taste and odor, and standard 372 deals with lead reduction.
Main Features and Benefits of the F2
The Instapure F2 Faucet filter is a crowd favorite due to its budget-friendly and eco-friendly filtration solutions. The F2 features an on-off filter switch and an easy installation process with its removable aerator to hook up to the dishwasher. Replacement is easy, and the corresponding filters can be found at a fair price. This filter makes use of activated coconut fibers, which reduce foul tastes and odors in your tap water. The F2 water filter can filter up to:
- 99% of lead, as a certified lead-free product
- 99% of Microbial cysts
- 97% of chlorine
- 99% of VOCs
- 97% of Chlorine Taste & Odor
Instapure F2 Clear Cap vs Chrome Cap
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. The F2 chrome x chrome is bigger and 2 ounces heavier than the F2 chrome x clear.
This may not seem like a lot, but it makes a difference. The chrome cap allows the filter to have better uniformity with your faucet, but 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. It all comes down to personal preference.
Overall, if you are looking for a water 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.
Product Documentation
2. Instapure F5
| Specification: | |
| Manufactured in: | China |
| Finish: | Chrome with Chrome Cap. |
| Certifications: | ANSI/NSF Standard 42 certified against Chlorine (Class II) and ANSI/NSF Standard 53 certified against Lead and Cysts. |
| Material: | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. |
| Capacity: | 200 Gallons. |
| Special Feature: | Chlorine Reduction. |
| Life Span: | 3 months. |
| Filtration Method: | Activated Carbon. |
| 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 ANSI/NSF Standard 42 certified against Chlorine (Class II) and ANSI/NSF Standard 53 certified against Lead and Cysts. This water filter is a certified lead-free product and is very similar in construction and capabilities to the F2.
The biggest difference with the F5 comes with its ability to reduce the presence of microbial cysts.
Main Features and Benefits of the F5
The F5 Complete Filtration System easily hooks up to your faucet. In fact, no tools are needed. This filter uses coconut fibers for filtration and includes a replacement filter and an on-off option. Users can turn the switch on for filtered water and off for unfiltered water, making the filter last longer. The most notable benefit of the F5 is its filtration capabilities. Just look at the numbers:
- 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
Overall, this is a great water filter for those living in areas that do not have too much of a chlorine problem, but want to reduce cysts and lead in their water supply.
Product Documentation
3. Instapure F8 Ultra
| Specification: | |
| Manufactured in: | USA (Not sold in California) |
| Finish: | Chrome finish body with chrome cap. White exterior finish plastic material. |
| Certifications: | WQA Gold Seal Certified & Tested to NSF/ANSI Standard 42 & 372. |
| Material: | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. |
| Capacity: | 100 Gallons. |
| Flow Rate: | .5 gpm (1.89 lpm). |
| Life Span: | 3 months. |
| Filtration Method: | Activated Carbon. |
| Contaminants Removed: | Sediments, Microbial Cysts, Lead, Chlorine, VOC’s, Heavy metals, Pesticides, Trihalomethanes (TTHM), Asbestos, Mercury, Benzene |
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Like the F2 and F5, the F8 filter is also Gold Seal Certified by the WQA for meeting NSF/ANSI standards 42, 372, and 52 for chlorine, lead, and cyst reduction. The biggest difference between the F8 and the previous Instapure water filters is in their design.
Main Features and Benefits of the F8
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. One notable feature of the F8 is the automatic on-and-off design, which forces the filter to automatically switch to unfiltered water when not in use. Another great feature is the light indicator, which tells you when a replacement is needed. Most importantly, this filter is effective in filtering out the following contaminants:
- 99% of Lead
- 99% of Microbial Cysts
- 99% VOC’s
- 97% of Chlorine Taste & Odor
Product Documentation
Instapure Replacement Filters: 3 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.
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
Product Documentation
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.
Product Documentation
3. Instapure ULTRA Replacement Filter
The Instapure ULTRA filter is best compatible with the F8 Ultra Tap Water Filtration System. It 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. Other compatible filters include:
- ULTRA Models: ULTRA F8, F8W, F8C.
- Waterpik Models: F8C-1HK, F8, F8-C.
Product Documentation
Buying Guide – Main Features
Choosing the right filter for your home is a step-by-step process. You will want to keep in mind additional factors before you buy, like your water source, installation, maintenance, and warranty.
Installation
Installing an Instapure water filter has never been easier. The F2, F5, and F8 all support easy installation without the need for additional outside tools. These filters follow a simple four-step installation process:
- Make sure that your faucet has a removable aerator, and unscrew the faucet 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 water filters are easy to install and maintain. Most filters last up to 3 months, but the F8’s green light will turn red to indicate that it is time for a filter change. Once it’s time to change the filter, simply purchase the replaceable filter for your unit and 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. 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 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. You can also visit their website and fill out a request for repair if your filter needs extra support.
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. As shown in the product description, these filters are plastic coated with a chrome exterior.
Do Instapure Units Come With a Replacement Filter?
It depends on where you are buying, but most filters do not come with a 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 to let it clean internally. You can also clean your filter with soap and water.
Conclusion
Choosing the right filter depends on many different aspects. 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.