Best Direct Connect Under Sink Water Filters

It is said that unsafe water kills more people every year than war or any other form of violence does. Now, you probably are thinking this is true for developing countries, where water-borne diseases like typhoid and dysentery are common occurrences. Isn’t the drinking water in the US among the cleanest there is in the world? To a great extent, municipal and city water flowing in most stateside homes is adequately disinfected with Chlorine and Chloramines.

Unfortunately, such drinking water is, at times, over-chlorinated. As per EPA data, most Americans drink water that has 300 to 600 times more Chlorine than is necessary. Therefore, it does not only contribute to poorly tasting and horrible smelling water, but it has other insidious health effects as well. When the chemical chlorine is mixed with organic compounds found in water, trihalomethanes are produced. THMs are free radical producing compounds, which are carcinogenic.

They also cause other ailments namely heart disease, immune system instabilities, and reproductive problems. There is, however, more to fear from that refreshing glass of drinking water than Chlorine and its dangerous byproducts. Harmful elements, chemicals, herbicides, pesticides, and drugs have been found in many drinking water reservoirs. Actually, Copper, arsenic, and lead have tested positive in tap water found in every single state. For these reasons, we have scoured the internet to bring you ten of the best direct connect under sink filters to ensure that your household only drinks affordable, safe, and great tasting drinking water.

The Winner, Second Best, Editor's Choice
CUZN
9.8
Model: CuZn UC-200
Flow Rate: 15 GDM
Filtration Stages: 4
For 3-6 bathrooms
10 year limited warranty
Aqua Crest
9.7
Model: AQUACREST 3US-AF01
Flow Rate: 7 GDM
Filtration Stages: 5
For 4-6 bathrooms
10 year warranty
Woder
9.5
Model: Woder 10K-Gen3
Flow Rate: 15 GDM
Filtration Stages: 4
For 4-6 bathrooms
Limited Lifetime Warranty

Best Under Sink Water Filters - Full Comparison Table
ImageF.RateStagesU.V.PriceScore
15 GPM4
CuZn UC-200 Under Counter Water Filter
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9.8
7 GPM5
AQUACREST 3US-AF01 Under Sink Water Filter
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9.7
15 GPM4
Woder 10K-Gen3 Water Filtration System
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9.5
24 GPM3
Frizzlife MK99 under sink water filter
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9.3
15 GPM5
WaterDrop 8541998166 Water Filter
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9.2
15 GPM3
Filtrete 3US-PS01 Under Sink Water Filtration System
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9.0
10 GPM4
Brondell H2O+ Coral UC300
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8.9
12 GPM3
APEC Water Systems CS-2500
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8.8
7 GPM3
Nahla Pure Ultra High Capacity
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8.5
12 GPM2
3M Aqua-Pure Under Sink  Water Filter System 3MFF100
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8.2

Flow Rate
Filtered Water Quality
Ease of Maintenance

  • Long-life filter
  • NSF 42 certified filtration media
  • Great customer support

9.8

The CuZn UC-200 counter water filtration product has a robust 3-stage water processing system with filters that will last for 5 good years! After five years of service or 50,000 gallons of clean, freshwater, it will need a replacement of its activated coconut shell and KDF-55 filters. The only other under sink water filters that rival the CuZn UC-200’s long filter life are the Nahla and the Woder 10K-Gen3 that filter 10,000 gallons of water before replacement.

The KDF- 55 in the CuZn UC-200 will remove nickel, mercury, lead, and chromium from your water to safeguard your health and that of your family. You will thank its activated carbon filter once you have made the first cup of coffee with filtered water from the product. It will be the best home-brewed cuppa you have ever tasted. The activated coconut filter eliminates chemical pollutants for instance,Chlorine as well as herbicides, algae, pesticides, molds, odors, and bad tastes from your water.

Besides, if you have been let down by activated carbon countertop filters that tend to get moldy, then go for the CuZn UC-200. It has an antibacterial feature that prevents the growth of mold in your filter. All the under counter water filter’s components and media are also NSF certified.  It, for instance, is NSF 42 certified, meaning that the filter component’s chlorine removal prowess is tested and proven by the standards-setting body. The water filter also has a 2 GPM flow rate. One other thing that has its buyers very excited is the fantastic support its customer support team provides.

Flow Rate
Filtered Water Quality
Ease of Maintenance

  • Combines both carbon block and granulated activated carbon filtration
  • Affordable replacement filter
  • Easy installation

9.7

Best undersink water filter that removes dangerous pollutants

Do you know that under sink water filters that use carbon block cartridges produce better filtration results than those that use carbon granules only?Nevertheless, if you want the very best water pollutant filtration, look for products that combine carbon block filtration as well as activated carbon granules in their filtration systems.

An Aquacrest 3US-AF01 replacement filter utilizes high-quality Korean premium carbon blocks for its water filtration. The slow water filtration medium is further reinforced with an activated carbon filter from Japanese coconut carbon, which eliminates chemicals, lousy water taste, and odors. The product will also remove other dangerous pollutants namely Endrin, Mercury, Lead, and Benzene.

On the downside, its filters have a very short life. You need to replace them after every 2,000 gallons of water filtered. What that means is you have to have a filter purchased and ready for replacement every six months. The model, thus, requires much more attention than its other counterparts do. The CuZn UC-200, for instance, only needs its filters changed after five years.

Flow Rate
Filtered Water Quality
Ease of Maintenance

  • Long-life filter
  • American National Standards Institute lab standards certified filters
  • Easy installation

9.5

Best under sink water filter with fast water pressure

Similar to the CuZn UC-200, the Woder 10K-Gen3 under sink water filters has an extended life filter. This high capacity water filtration product will filter 10,000 gallons compared to the CuZn UC-200 50,000 gallons per filter. The Woder 10K-Gen3 will, however, give you peace of mind for three years if you are using it on municipal water. Consequently, you can have all the water used in your kitchen filtered through the model. It is a very convenient source for a high volume of filtered water.

Woder 10K-Gen3 has a smart head function, which makes it extremely easy to replace your water filter when your three years are up. Additionally, you do not have to spend more time, taking your water filter apart for cleaning or to fill it up with water, as it is with other kitchen water filters. It is maintenance free for years, and your household members will no longer have to queue for clean water to pass through a slow countertop water filter. The Woder 10K-Gen3’s filters are American National Standards Institute lab standards certified to ensure quality water filtration and confidence.

Flow Rate
Filtered Water Quality
Ease of Maintenance

  • Robust lead removal filters
  • The cartridge has auto shut off feature for easy replacement
  • Maintains faucet water flow pressure

9.3

Best under sink filter system for well water

Tired of lazy, slow water drips from your faucet water filtration system? Worry no more! Just as the APEC Water Systems CS-2500, the Frizzlife under sink water filter system has received great reviews about its fantastic water flow production after installation. Users also love just how easy it is to install it, so if you cannot hold a wrench to save your life, then buy the Frizzlife under counter water filtration model.

Many of its ardent fans say that it will take you less than ten minutes to have it up and running. Its filter replacement process is also easy peasy. Just twist off the old cartridge and replace-no fiddling with screws here. When replacing the filter, the cartridge holder swings 90 degrees upwards to ensure that you do not break any sweat over the process.

If your water also has high levels of lead, then you will want to purchase the Frizzlife under sink water filter. According to the EPA, there are no established safe lead levels in drinking water, especially with children. Ingestion of lead that has leached into drinking water from corroded fixtures, faucets, and pipes can be very harmful to the health of your family. The Frizzlife has a water filtration process that also eliminates 99.99% of Chlorine and lead in water. It utilizes a 0.5-micron carbon block filter that removes all the harmful pollutants but preserves essential minerals namely potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, phosphorus, and sodium.

Flow Rate
Filtered Water Quality
Ease of Maintenance

  • Ion exchange coupled with activated carbon water filtration mechanism
  • Affordable replacement filters
  • Easy to install

9.2

Budget water filters that perform excellently are hard to find and that is why we have the Waterdrop under sink water filter on our list. Thus, if you are tired of big-box store water filter replacements that dent your pockets, now you have an excellent solution. Two Waterdrop filters will cost less than one regular big box store order! For water filtration, the product utilizes high quality activated carbon and ion exchange resin to get rid of chemicals like Chlorine, bad tastes, and odors from your drinking water.

The ion exchange technology will also eliminate limescale. The product has one of the shortest filter life spans when compared to other under sink water filtration products we have reviewed. The filter will only filter 2,000 gallons before replacement. Much the same as the AQUACREST 3US-AF01 Under Sink Water Filter, you will need to have a filter at hand every six months.

Flow Rate
Filtered Water Quality
Ease of Maintenance

  • 1: 1 Drain Ratio mean less water waste
  • Fast flow 400 GPD
  • Attractive Tankless Desing

9.0

Best direct connect under sink filter that removes volatile organic compounds

The 0.5 microns 3M filter is very appropriate for city water filtration, however, like the THE AQUACREST 3US-AF01 and the Waterdrop replacement filters, its carbon filters will need to be replaced every six months. Nevertheless, the product’s filters have NSF 42 and 53 certifications, which is a big deal. While there are good water filtration products out there that do not have any NSF certifications, it is always an excellent sign, if your under sink water filter product of choice has them.

The NSF/ ANSI certifications are proof that the product is tested, and there is data to prove that it is indeed effective at eliminating certain pollutants from water. A 3M advanced Filtrete is first; NSF Standard 42 certified, which means that it does effectively improve the smell and taste of water. Chemicals such as Chlorine are the leading cause of bad taste and odor in water, so an NSF 42 certification should assure you that your water will be relatively chlorine fee.

An NSF 53 Standard, on the other hand, is awarded to products that eliminate at least one contaminant that can cause health effects as per EPA guidelines. The contaminant, in most cases, is either lead, volatile organic compounds, or heavy metals.  A 3M advanced Filtrete under sink water filter system will not only filter sedimentation from water but will also remove chlorine odor and taste from your water. The filter will also get rid of disease-causing cysts as well as rust. It has an easy system to install that uses push fitting connections. The under sink replacement utilizes a 1/4 turn method of easy replacement.

Flow Rate
Filtered Water Quality
Ease of Maintenance

  • Has NSF/ANSI standards 53, 42, and 372 certifications
  • Hardy product
  • LED filter change indicator

8.9

Best under sink filter system with NSF/ ANSI certifications

The Brondell H2O+ Coral UC300 under sink water filter has the best list of quality certifications and awards of all other water filters we have on our list. For instance, it has NSF/ANSI standards 53, 42, and 372 certifications. This means that it is only rivaled by the 0.5 microns 3M and the 3M Aqua-Pure 3MFF101 that do not have NSF Standards 372 certifications. The water filter also has a lead-based CSA B483.1 certification. Last but not least, the Brondell H2O+ Coral UC300 has a Water Quality Association Gold Seal certification!

What’s even more amazing about the the Brondell H2O+ is its three-stage water filtration process. It has a sediment filter that removes dirt, soil, and sedimentation from water, which is then passed through a pre-carbon filter. The water then goes through a carbon block filter to ensure that it is indeed rid of a large number of chemical, biological, and physical water contaminants. The Brondell under sink water filter can remove lead, cysts, mercury, Asbestos, 51 types of VOCs, Chlorine and Chloramine odor, and taste, and turbidity to name but a few.

On purchase, all parts required for easy plumbing are placed in the package. There is also an elegant designer chrome faucet thrown in to ensure that your installation goes without any hitches. The Brondell H2O+ Coral UC300 under sink water filter is also one of the few products that have an LED filter change indicator. However, the filters will filter 600 gallons of water before replacement.

Flow Rate
Filtered Water Quality
Ease of Maintenance

  • Easy installation procedure
  • Does not need an extra faucet installed
  • Robust carbon filter that eliminates lead from water

8.8

Amongst the most lauded features of the APEC Water Systems CS-2500 is its easy installation procedure. Just like the Frizzlife water filter, you do not need DIY skills to get the CS-2500 up and running. Indeed, most of its ardent users say that they will never go back to the purchase of push-in hose water filters after their encounter with the product.

To install it, all you need to do is to screw in its 3/8-inch connector to your cold-water supply line. Once the outlet line is connected to the faucet, you are good to go. Since it has a simple under-sink design, you do not have to purchase a new faucet or drill holes onto your kitchen counter for its filtered water outlet. It uses the existing cold-water facet for its filtered water. The beauty of the installation method is not just the ease of it, but that it does not leak unlike products with complex installation procedures.

When it comes to filtration, the model has a carbon filter that eliminates Chlorine and heavy metals contamination from your faucet’s water. It also has bacteriostatic elements that remove mold, yeast, and bacteria from water without the hazardous health effects that Chlorine and its byproducts cause. The APEC Water Systems CS-2500 has a 1.67 GPM high flow design, and its filters will last at least one year before replacements.

Flow Rate
Filtered Water Quality
Ease of Maintenance

  • Easy to install
  • Long-life filter cartridges
  • Very efficient water filtration

8.5

Best under sink filter system with long-life filters

The beauty of the Nahla ultra-high capacity under the sink water filter is its water filtration efficiency. While affordable, Nahla’s filtered water is as well filtered as that produced by high end three figures under sink water filtration systems. It also has an extended life filter. Just like the Woder 10K-Gen3 model, the filter in the Nahla ultra high capacity model will filter 10,000 gallons before it’s due for replacement.

This is about three long years of use and 18 times longer than filters in standard pitcher filters. The only other under sink water system with longer life filters than Nahla and the Woder 10K-Gen3 is the CuZn UC-200, whose filters can last for five years.

Nahla ultra-high capacity under sink water filter has a straightforward installation process, and the manufactures provide hardy steel hoses for durability. These pipes are less likely to burst than cheap plastic tubes found in other under sink water filter systems. Its carbon filters eliminate not just Chlorine, sedimentation, and volatile organic compounds, but lead and heavy metals too.

Flow Rate
Filtered Water Quality
Ease of Maintenance

  • NSF certifications
  • Sanitary Quick-Change system of filter replacement
  • Long-life large carbon block filter

8.2

Best direct connect under sink filter that gets rid of chlorine

The 3M Aqua-Pure 3MFF101 replacement cartridge is one other direct under sink water filter that proudly claims NSF certifications. A cartridge water filter manufacturer can claim that their products can eliminate various water pollutants from water, however, without NSF certifications, those claims can be questioned.

The 3M Aqua-Pure 3MFF101, similar to its 0.5 microns 3M advanced Filtrete counterpart, has NSF Standards 42 and 53 certifications. Hence, it’s proven to eliminate not just Chlorine odor and taste from water but lead, cysts, and volatile organic compounds as well. Unlike the 3M advanced Filtrete filter, which only lasts a short six months, the 3M Aqua-Pure 3MFF101 filter cartridge will last 6,000 gallons.

3M has designed a Sanitary Quick-Change system of filter replacement, which does not require filter wrenches. It also has a straightforward process of installation. The 3M Aqua-Pure 3MFF101 uses a large carbon block filter for its water filtration. In the world of water filters, Carbon block filters are king, and the bigger they are, the more efficient their filtration process is. You can, therefore, rest assured that your water is healthy, clean, and better-tasting with the 3M Aqua-Pure 3MFF101 replacement cartridge.

How To Choose Best Direct Connect Under-sink Filter – Buying Guide

Did you know that thousands of US citizens suffer from Legionnaires’ disease every year, due to drinking contaminated water from piped sources and cooling towers? Lead contamination from aged water infrastructure in your home could cause lethal lead poison, as was the case at Flint Michigan.  Lead, however, is not the only cause for worry when it comes to drinking and cooking water.

Municipal water is often over-chlorinated, giving it a horrible taste and odor. The additions of chemicals could also lead to the growth of carcinogenic Trihalomethanes. Fortunately, you can protect your family and provide them with healthy and affordable drinking water by purchasing a direct connect under the sink filter.

What is a direct connect under the sink water filter?

There was a time when the reverse osmosis system of water filtration was the only known way to filter water in homes adequately. Strides taken in the direct connect under the sink filter field have changed all that. Today, a direct connect under the sink filter can adequately filter most water pollutants from your drinking water. The beauty of such technology is that unlike reverse osmosis, it not only efficient and affordable, but it is not water wasting as well.

A direct connect under sink filter is a point of use filter system, affixed to your cold-water faucet pipe for filtration purposes. As its name suggests, it is placed under the sink, and it filters water on demand. The product passes water through its filtration mechanism and produces it when filtered. It is connected to a faucet, which will give your household clean drinking and cooking water.

How a direct connect under sink water filter works

A direct connect under sink water filter has a carbon-based filter, which optimally filters out a large percentage of chemical pollutants from city or municipal tap water. There instances where other elements are added to carbon filtration cartridges to enable the filtration of dangerous lead, cysts, fluoride, heavy metals, bacteria, or nitrates from water.

UV light systems could be incorporated to sterilize the water. These filtration systems only filter water on demand, so they do not have a storage tank. They also do not waste water, so every drop of water that they take in comes out as purified water.

Direct under sink water filters are connected from your sink cold water pipe through a flexible plastic or metallic pipe. The water goes through one or more filtration cartridges in the system, then flows out either through your cold-water faucet or via a different tap connected to the under sink water filter.

Features you should look for in an under-sink filter

In the search for a good direct, connect under the sink water system, there a few vital factors you should keep in mind to ensure that you purchase the absolute best system for your family. These factors include;

Ease of installation and design

There are different designs of under sink water filtration systems. The first one is not as easy to install. The system often referred to as a conventional under sink filter, sends its filtered water to a faucet mounted on the sink, specifically for the filtration system. For that reason, you will require to either purchase an entirely new sink that will allow two cold water faucet holes. You can alternatively drill a new hole on your sink, a procedure that could be impossible to do in a rented apartment.

The conventional under sink water filter has an advantage that its filtered water will only be used for drinking or cooking. Hence, the filter will last longer because filtered water will not be wasted while cleaning. The second under sink water filter design is referred to as ‘simple’ because it is effortless to install.

All that you need to do is to connect it your cold-water pipe via a diverter valve. The filtered water then comes out through your regular cold-water faucet. You will not need to purchase a new faucet or drill new holes on your countertop. Its primary disadvantage is that since it filters every drop of water coming to your kitchen, its filters will need replacements more often.

Water pressure

Installing an under sink water filter on your faucet is all you need to do to ensure that every glass water your family takes is safe, right? Wrong! If you purchase a water filtration system that only lets out water in trickles, the kids, especially the very young, maybe too impatient to wait. They will probably turn to regular tap water in the absence of bottled water.

This is why excellent water pressure delivery is such a critical feature when purchasing an on-demand water filter. A simple direct connect under the sink water filter has a higher chance of maintaining optimal water pressure than the conventional type. Conventional under sink water filter systems are more efficient at water filtration. You need to ensure that you purchase a product that has a good balance of water pressure flow and optimum water filtration.

Filtration mechanism

In the market, you will find direct connect under sink water filters with different types of filtration technologies and numbers of filter cartridges. There are, for instance, under sink water filters that are purely carbon-based. There are systems also that combine carbon filters and ion exchange mechanisms for water hardness removal. A system might have one filtration cartridge, while the other might have multiple connected cartridges for enhanced filtration.

The technology used in your under-sink filter of choice determines just how many types of water pollutants it can eliminate from your water. You should purchase a home water testing kit to test your water first before buying an under sink water filter. This will ensure that you only buy a product that will filter out all the pollutants in your water.

Types of water filtration mechanisms

  • Sediment or pleated filters are designed to trap solid water pollutants such as sand, dirt, and sediment. They are made from a sheet of media, tightly wrapped around a core to create a natural barrier against solid particles. Polyester based sediment filters last longer than those that are paper-based.Nonetheless, sediment filters are very affordable.
  • Melt brown filters are made from spun polypropylene. These are also known as gradient density filters because they have varying ranges of micron ratings. Their outer layers have more significant micron ratings, while their core has micron ratings as small as 1. They are very compact and are used to filter out large and minute particles from water, including cysts.
  • Carbon filters use activated carbon granules or blocks for water filtration. Larger high-quality carbon filters like the Big Blue filters are esteemed in the water filtration systems arena because they offer more water filtration surface area. Some have resins in them that increase their water filtration capacity. Every direct under sink water filter should have a carbon filter cartridge. Activated carbon filters will eliminate bad tastes and odors from water and chemicals such as Chlorine and chloramines. There are special filters that also eliminate water pollutants that years ago, could only be eliminated via reverse osmosis systems
  • Activated carbon/ KDF filters that filter heavy metals namely lead and hydrogen sulfide
  • Filters infused with activated alumina that reduce fluoride, arsenic. Lead and sulfur from the water.
  • Ion exchange units that eliminate nitrates, hardness, and mineral elements from water
  • Ceramic filters that kill bacteria
  • Water PH enhancers such as calcite cartridges

Filter longevity

The CuZn UC-200 under sink water filter has a five-year, long-life filter. It will filter 50,000 gallons of water before its filters are for a change. The AQUACREST 3US-AF01 model, on the other hand, has 2,000 gallons per filter capacity, meaning that you will need to replace its filters more often.  If you do not like to tinker once you have a product installed, purchase under sink water filtration systems that require little maintenance. An under sink water filter should also not just be easy to install but should have a simplified filter cartridge replacement process. Challenging to replace filter cartridges can damage the whole system during replacement. They could also cost you money if you have to approach a plumber for assistance.

Pros of direct under sink water filters

  • They improve not just the safety but the quality and taste of your water. You and your household will, therefore, drink more water, which is good for your health.
  • Unlike reverse osmosis water filters, carbon-based under sink water filtration systems do not waste any water. They will filter water on demand, and fill up those travel water bottles fast. If you want to go green, an under sink water filter is one of the many steps you can take towards a better planet.
  • Since they are installed under your kitchen sink, they are very space-saving and discreet. These systems are perfect for small kitchen spaces.
  • Direct connect under sink water filters are designed for easy installation. You do not need to be a DIY enthusiast to install a water filter correctly. You can learn the skill fast from an online DIY video or follow the manufacturer’s installation procedure on the manual.
  • Some water filtration systems can be costly to purchase and maintain. The under sink water filter is affordable on purchase, and its filter replacements are accessible and low cost too.

Cons of direct under sink water filters

  • They are a point of use water filtration systems, meaning that they only provide clean filtered water from one single source. If you want safe, filtered water from other faucets in your home, you might need to either purchase more under sink water filters or a whole house water filtration system.
  • Some designs require their faucet for filtered water delivery. For that reason, you might have to either install a new sink or drill a hole in your kitchen counter to install their faucet.

How to install an under sink water filter

The direct under sink water filter installation process is very easy to handle. Turn off your faucet water supply from the valve provided under your sink. Remove the water connector tube, and then make the required plumbing connections, using a wrench if necessary. Screw-in your filter and test it first. You might have some installation difficulty if you are installing a conventional under sink water filter. If drilling holes onto a countertop is not your forte, you might need to call in a handyman for the installation. You might also need to drill a few holes into your under-sink cupboard walls with a small drill bit. The holes will be used to attach the filtration system onto your cupboard walls for stability.

How to replace cartridges

Turn off your faucet’s water supply, then drain out any remaining water from the pipes by leaving the faucet on. Open the under sink water filter casing as per manufacturer’s instructions. Detach the old filter and replace it with the new. Close the housing and turn on the water faucet water supply. Check for leaks and tighten the connections if necessary.

Conclusion

While the direct under sink water filtration systems on our list are reliable products, we love the CuZn UC-200 Under Counter Water Filter for its extended life water filter. Five years of water filtration without any further maintenance procedures is significant water filtration efficiency. The Brondell H2O+ Coral UC300 Three-Stage Undercounter Water Filtration System‘s NSF/ ANSI certifications are a stand out feature, too, and we highly recommend it.