Water filters are an easy to use, effective way to enjoy clean, fresh water in the home and on the go, but what is the difference between the various options available and which is best for you? Whether it comes to discretion, mobility or performance there are a number of factors to consider when investing in a water filter that will serve you for years to come.
What is an Undercounter Water Filter?
As the name indicates, under-counter water filters are hidden out of view, underneath the kitchen counter. Here, they are attached directly to the cold water supply. The cold water runs through the filter providing filtered water on tap. Once the filter housing is in place filters can be unscrewed and replaced easily, usually lasting for six to twelve months.
Undercounter filter systems are also referred to as inline filters. They are ideal for owned homes where they can be tidily used out of view this is particularly useful in smaller kitchens where worktop space is limited. They usually require a compatible tap to be fitted either a dedicated cold water tap or a three-way mixer tap.
An undercounter filter system offers high performance and allow families to choose a grade of ceramic filter that will meet their specific water filtration needs. These remove up to 99.99% of common water contaminants.
What is a Countertop Water Filter?
Counter-top filters are an excellent choice for people who rent their homes or do not want to install a dedicated tap - as they can be easily attached and removed from the existing tap, while still providing high filtration performance.
Countertop filters sit next to the sink where they are attached to the main tap using a diverter valve connection that can be easily removed. The water flows from the tap, through a ceramic filtration candle inside the counter-top system to provide freshly filtered water.
Countertop water filters allow you to access a continual fresh filtered water supply without the need to install a dedicated tap. As with under-counter filters, high performance candle can be easily replaced and chosen for your specific needs. These remove up to 99.99% of common water contaminants.
Gravity fed water filters
Gravity-fed water filters offer a versatile solution and are ideal for people who may want to have easy access to filtered water in more than one location. In particular families who go camping would benefit from investing in one of these or a business that is required to move sites frequently.
Made out of stylish stainless steel these can sit on the counter-top at home, or be packed up to take with you on your travels. The filters work by using gravity to move the water from the top chamber to the bottom where it passes through ceramic filtration candles, which remove contaminants.
Gravity-fed water filters need to be filled up with water in advance and allowed time to filter through to the lower chamber. As a portable method of water filtration in areas without a clean supply of water these make an excellent choice and benefit from being fitted with a choice of filtration candles. These remove up to 99.99% of common contaminants.
Bottle water filters
The confines of space make on-the-go water filtration more of a challenge but Doulton Taste bottles have been developed to maximise contaminant removal in a smaller filter.
Equipped with a small filter at the entrance to the bottle, water passes through the filter as it enters the bottle providing instantly cleaner water. Water bottle filters are ideal for use when filling up with water out and about where you are concerned about quality.
The benefit of using larger counter-top, under-counter and gravity-fed water filtration systems is quality, accessibility and longevity, while on-the-go bottle filters provide a good mobile alternative.
Countertop and undercounter water filters are available in either plastic or stainless steel finishes depending on your budget and preference.
