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Customer Review
Reviewed in Canada on April 12, 2023
These filters cost almost three times as much (per filter) than others with high ratings here on Amazon. They are higher in price because they are made in USA (although materials may be sourced from outside North America) and they are tested to additional NSF standards than the lower cost filters.
These higher priced filters are listed to such standards as NSF 42, 53, 372 and 401. The lower cost ones are usually just 42 and 372 which remove odours, taste and particulates such as those caused by chlorine. Higher end filters also remove microbes as well as other chemicals (such as pesticides) and/or compounds (such as pharmaceuticals).
Lower end filters remove items for improved aesthetic pleasing whereas higher end filters can actually minimize health effecting contaminants. Municipally treated water should already remove health issue contaminants.
If your municipal water is of high standard you wont need these higher end filters. Well water users will want these and for those who want added protection.
This of course is my personal opinion based on my own research. I am no expert or professional in water quality.
The product itself is perfect. Easy to install, fits major brand appliances and works. Period.
However, are they worth the extra cost? You'll need to determine for yourself. Is buying non North American product important to you? Are you in an area where municipal treated water may not be good enough for your needs? If you answered no to both, you'll be happy with the cheaper alternatives. Otherwise, consider these filters coming with an added expense of "insurance" that quality is better and the product removes more from your water (albeit not necessary in your municipality).
I buy these to make my wife happy. "Happy wife happy life". Despite what I wrote, even though these are superior to the alternatives I just can not give 5 stars as $50 bucks a filter is too hefty despite the advantages. I dont mind paying more for these, but wish they were not that much more.
Update a few months later. These filters do tend to clog sooner than expected. I live in a municipality with hard water. I believe this and the fact the filter is doing its job is why the water stream reduces significantly over time. I find these get to just a dribble well within the recommended 6 month replacement period. Again, I find these pricey especially since I only get about 4 months use.
These higher priced filters are listed to such standards as NSF 42, 53, 372 and 401. The lower cost ones are usually just 42 and 372 which remove odours, taste and particulates such as those caused by chlorine. Higher end filters also remove microbes as well as other chemicals (such as pesticides) and/or compounds (such as pharmaceuticals).
Lower end filters remove items for improved aesthetic pleasing whereas higher end filters can actually minimize health effecting contaminants. Municipally treated water should already remove health issue contaminants.
If your municipal water is of high standard you wont need these higher end filters. Well water users will want these and for those who want added protection.
This of course is my personal opinion based on my own research. I am no expert or professional in water quality.
The product itself is perfect. Easy to install, fits major brand appliances and works. Period.
However, are they worth the extra cost? You'll need to determine for yourself. Is buying non North American product important to you? Are you in an area where municipal treated water may not be good enough for your needs? If you answered no to both, you'll be happy with the cheaper alternatives. Otherwise, consider these filters coming with an added expense of "insurance" that quality is better and the product removes more from your water (albeit not necessary in your municipality).
I buy these to make my wife happy. "Happy wife happy life". Despite what I wrote, even though these are superior to the alternatives I just can not give 5 stars as $50 bucks a filter is too hefty despite the advantages. I dont mind paying more for these, but wish they were not that much more.
Update a few months later. These filters do tend to clog sooner than expected. I live in a municipality with hard water. I believe this and the fact the filter is doing its job is why the water stream reduces significantly over time. I find these get to just a dribble well within the recommended 6 month replacement period. Again, I find these pricey especially since I only get about 4 months use.
