Best Inline Water Filter for Ice Maker & Refrigerator 2023

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If you are asking “what is the best inline water filter for ice makers and refrigerators?”, then you are in the right place.

Clean water is important to all of us, especially drinking water.

Inline water filters are affordable and effective in providing water filtration by getting rid of chlorine taste and odor, sediments, and more contaminants.

Whether you are using municipally treated water or well water, there is a best inline water filter for you.

I’ve researched and compared over 50 inline water filters to find the best one for a specific task, such as best inline water filter for ice makers, best inline water filter for refrigerators, best inline water filter for washing machines, and more.

Table of Content show

Top 10 Best Inline Water Filters for Ice Makers, Refrigerators, and RVs

What is the best inline water filter?

Here’s the answer:

  1. Frizzlife MK99 FilterBest Inline Water Filter for Ice Makers & Refrigerators
  2. Woder WD-S-8K-DCBest Inline Water Filter for Municipal Water
  3. APEC CS-2500 Undersink Water FilterBest Value Inline Water Filter
  4. 3M Aqua-Pure Scale Inhibition SystemBest Inline Descaler
  5. Watts Inline Water FilterBest Long-Lasting Inline Water Filter
  6. EcoPure EPINL30 Inline FilterBest Inline Refrigerator Water Filter
  7. PureWater Water Filter KitBest Inline Ice Maker Water Filter
  8. Camco TastePure RV/MarineBest Inline Water Filter for RV
  9. Culligan IC 4 EZ-ChangeBest Inline Water Filter for Chloramine
  10. Hydronix ICF-10Q Water FilterBest Budget Inline Water Filter

Why Use Inline Water Filters?

There’s a time where you don’t need a filtration powerhouse like the Reverse Osmosis system to perform certain tasks, such as basic water filtration for the refrigerator, ice maker, faucet, RVs, boat, washing machine, and dishwasher.

And that’s the reason why you need a single or double stage water filter.

It’s used when a higher direct flow rate and compact size are required.

You can install an inexpensive inline water filter before your refrigerator and ice maker to produce tasty cold water and ice.

You can get a budget one-time-use inline water filter for your RV when you are traveling for a few months, without spending a fortune on an expensive water filtration system.

The list goes on and on, there are so many occasions that you should use an inline water filter because of how great and convenient it is.

Do note that these water filters with a single water filter cartridge are not supposed to be used as a replacement for a multi-stage whole house water filtration system unless your water quality is excellent.

It’s an additional point-of-use water filtration system to further improve the water quality for specific purposes like ice making.

The 10 Best Inline Water Filters for Ice Makers, Refrigerators, and RVs [Reviews]

Overwhelm with so many different models of inline water filters in the market?

No worry, I’ve done all the hard work for you.

Here are the top 10 best inline water filter systems for home, just pick the one that fits your requirements and purpose, these 10 are carefully picked from over 50 water filters in my review list.

1. Best Inline Water Filter for Ice Makers & Refrigerators: Frizzlife MK99 Under Sink Water Filter Review

1. Frizzlife MK99 Under Sink Water Filter - Best Inline Undersink Water Filter for Lead image
  • 0.5 Micron & 5 Micron 2-stage advanced water purification
  • Removes 99.99% of lead, heavy metals, rust, chlorine, mercury, VOCs, carcinogens, turbidity, bad taste & odor
  • Suitable for ice maker, refrigerator, sink, and bathroom
  • High flow rate at 2 GPM
  • Last up to 1,600 gallons or 2 years
  • Direct connect
  • Easy installation with quick-change twist-in design
  • Fits both 1/2″ and 3/8” water line
  • Built-in shut off valve at filter cap

The Frizzlife MK99 Under Sink Water Filtration System is a powerful 2-stage inline water filter that is capable of removing over 99% of contaminants like lead, sediments, chlorine, VOCs, and more while keeping all the essential minerals (eg: calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus) in water.

The 1st stage is a 5-micron sediment filter that removes larger particles like sand and rust, and the 2nd stage is a 0.5-micron carbon block which is capable of removing over 99% of Lead, VOCs, Chlorine, and bad odor.

The inline filter comes with a built-in shut off valve, which allows you to replace the filter cartridge without shutting off the water supply.

Moreover, the quick change twist-in design makes the installation and filter replacement process a breeze, and you only have to change the filter cartridge inside the plastic container and not the whole plastic with filter, saving you the replacement cost.

The inline filter is compatible with both 1/2” and 3/8” water lines, suitable to use as an under sink water filtration system for faucet, refrigerator, and icemaker.

The Frizzlife MK99 inline filter is highly effective against the majority of common contaminants found in tap water such as lead, chlorine, and sediments.

One thing I like about this filter is how convenient it is to replace the filter cartridge. With the auto shut-off valve, all I need to do is simply twist out the worn filter cartridge twist in the new filter cartridge without turning off the water supply valve.

how to replace the filter catridge fast and easily

Compared to some of the expensive inline filter brands, this does the same (if not better) job at a fraction of the cost.

It has strong water filtration, high water flow rate, quick and convenient filter replacement process, cheap filter replacement cost, and produces clean and tasty water for faucet, refrigerator, and icemaker.

All these advantages just make it the best inline under sink water filter for lead, chlorine, and sediment removal.

Pros:

  • Fast water flow rate
  • Strong water filtration
  • Reasonable cost
  • Great water taste
  • Keeping essential minerals
  • Easy installation
  • Quick change twist in filter replacements
  • Auto shut-off valve
  • Cheap replacement filter cartridge

Cons:

  • Not effective in reducing TDS

2. Best Inline Water Filter for Municipal Water: Woder WD-S-8K-DC Water Filtration System Review

2. Woder WD-S-8K-DC Water Filtration System - Best Inline Water Filter for Municipal Water image
  • Ultra-high capacity
  • Direct connect under sink water filter
  • Removes 99.99% of contaminants like Chlorine, Chromium 6, lead, heavy metals, bad taste and odor, VOCs, and more
  • Suitable for municipally treated water
  • High water flow rate at 2 GPM
  • Lasts for 3 years or 8,480 gallons of water
  • WQA Gold Seal Certified to NSF/ANSI 42& NSF/ANSI 372
  • Made in the USA

The Woder WD-S-8K-DC is a high-capacity inline water filter that removes 99.99% of common contaminants in municipally treated water while leaving the essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

It is certified to NSF/ANSI 42 for Chlorine, taste and odor, and NSF/ANSI 372 for lead-free compliance.

Lazy to change filter cartridges every 6 months?

Just get a high-capacity inline water filter like Woder WD-S-8K-DC.

It uses microparticles technology to improve its capacity to last for more than 3 years or 8,480 gallons of water, that’s 6 times longer than most normal filters!

But there’s a condition, which the incoming water has to be good-quality municipally treated water with low amounts of sediments and salts. Otherwise, it’s difficult to last for 3 years.

To make the filter last even longer, make sure you have a sediment prefilter or a whole house filtration system in place.

Pros:

  • Long-lasting filter
  • High water flow rate
  • Strong filtration
  • Easy to install
  • Great water taste
  • Come with full installation kit
  • Non-BPA or Vynal Chloride plastic material

Cons:

  • High capacity applicable for municipally treated water only
  • Not effective in reducing TDS

3. Best Value Inline Water Filter: APEC CS-2500 Ultra High Capacity Undersink Water Filter Review

3. APEC CS-2500 Ultra High Capacity Undersink Water Filter - Best Inline Water Filter for washing machine image
  • Effectively remove common contaminants like chlorine, lead, and heavy metals while leaving the essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium
  • Ultra-high capacity filter
  • Bacteriostatic to reduce heterotrophic bacteria
  • Easy installation and replacement with the quick twist connection
  • High water flow rate at 1.67 GPM
  • Last up 5,000 gallons or 12 months
  • Made in the USA

The APEC CS-2500 is an under sink inline water filter that is capable of removing the majority of harmful contaminants like chlorine, lead, iron, heavy metals, bad taste, and odor.

Its high capacity filter life allows you to enjoy clean and tasty water for a longer period before you need to replace the filter cartridge.

Based on the high capacity, great filtration capability, good-quality materials, and affordable cost, this is the best value inline water filter that you can get for your home.

The ultra-high filter capacity is great for families with more members as you can enjoy clean and safe water with fewer filter changes, which saves you time and effort.

Besides, the capability to remove sediments, iron, and heavy metals also makes this one of the best inline water filters for washing machines.

Also, make sure you have a prefiltration system before this inline water to make it last longer as what it should.

Pros:

  • High capacity filter
  • Great contaminants removal
  • Easy to install and replace filter cartridges
  • Leak-proof connection
  • Great water taste
  • High water flow rate

Cons:

  • Not effective in reducing TDS
  • Can’t remove contaminants smaller than 10 micron

4. Best Inline Water Descaler: 3M Aqua-Pure Scale Inhibition Inline Water System AP430SS Review

4. 3M Aqua-Pure Whole House Scale Inhibition Inline Water System AP430SS - Best Inline Descaler image
  • Includes Polyphosphates to prevent scale build-up in water heaters, boilers, and hot water appliances and faucets
  • Easy cartridge replacement
  • High water flow rate up to 10 GPM
  • 304 stainless steel filter head
  • Filter cartridge last about 6 months
  • Certified to NSF Standard 42

The 3M AP430SS Aqua-Pure is a scale inhibition water treatment system that protects your hot water appliances like water heaters, boilers, hot water dispenser, dishwashing machines, clothes washers, showerheads, and faucets from scale build-up and corrosion.

The scale forming in the piping and appliances, and on the bathroom floor is mostly due to the water hardness like excess calcium and magnesium, these scales shorten the life of appliances and reduce the water pressure as the inside of pipes get smaller.

The Polyphosphates are used in the system to effectively bind calcium and magnesium minerals to reduce and prevent scale build-up as well as forming a thin protective layer on the metal surface to prevent corrosion.

Tired of scale build-up on your bathroom floor or inside the appliances?

The 3M Aqua-Pure scale Inhibition Inline water system can solve your problem.

It’s the best scale Inhibition Inline water treatment system that protects your house piping system and hot water appliances from scale build-up, which prevents loss of water pressure and extend the life of appliances.

You may also use it as a cheaper alternative to the water softener for low to medium hardness water.

Pros:

  • Prevent scale build-up
  • Extend the life of hot water appliances
  • High water flow rate
  • Robust stainless steel filter head
  • Easy filter replacement

Cons:

  • Need to use along with other water filters for contaminants removal

5. Best Long-Lasting Inline Water Filter: Watts Inline Water Filter Review

5. Watts - Best Long-Lasting image
  • High capacity of 20,000 gallons
  • Suitable for ice makers, refrigerators, sink, RV, boats, campers, and coffee makers
  • 10-micron filtration size
  • Reduce sediments, heavy metals, lead, iron, chlorine, bad taste and odor, and more
  • High-performance 10” KDF inline filter (Kinetic Degradation Fluxion)
  • Easy to install
  • WQA certified against NSF/ANSI standard 372 and 42

The Watts Inline filter is a 20,000-gallon ultra-high capacity inline filter that is ideal for ice makers, refrigerators, coffee machines, RV, and campers.

The filter can effectively reduce chlorine, sediments, heavy metals, and more contaminants in water.

The Kinetic Degradation Fluxion (KDF) redox media is used to reduce heavy metals, chlorine, and hydrogen sulfide contaminants in water.

Besides, it can also reduce scale buildup in electric appliances and inhibits bacterial growth.

One advantage of this inline filter over others is the KDF media filter, which inhibits bacterial growth to ensure safe usage for a long period of usage and is effective to reduce heavy metals and scale.

Besides, based on the rated capacity of 20,000 gallons, you can use it for more than 5 years without replacements!

The above two advantages make this the best long-lasting inline water filter in the market.

It’s ideal to use for refrigerators, ice makers, coffee brewing machines, washing machines, and water faucets.

Pros:

  • Ultra-high capacity
  • Strong filtration
  • Inhibits bacterial growth
  • Easy to install

Cons:

  • Can’t remove particles smaller than 10 micron

6. Best Inline Refrigerator Water Filter: EcoPure EPINL30 Inline Refrigerator Filter Review

6. EcoPure EPINL30 Inline Refrigerator Filter - Best Inline Refrigerator Water Filter image
  • Removes sediment, chlorine, bad taste and odor from water
  • Last for 5 years
  • Easy to install and replace the filter cartridge
  • Made in the USA
  • Fits most brands of refrigerators like LG, GE, Whirlpool, and Samsung

The EcoPure EPINL30 is an inline water filter that is designed to provide clean water for your refrigerator and ice maker.

If you are looking for a reliable and long-lasting inline water filter for your refrigerator, then this water filter fits your requirement perfectly.

It’s compatible with most refrigerators and can provide clean filtered water for your refrigerator for 5 years!

Pros:

  • Long-lasting filter life
  • Fits most brands of refrigerators

Cons:

  • Moderate water flow rate

7. Best Inline Ice Maker Water Filter: PureWater Inline Water Filter Kit for Ice Makers Review

7. PureWater Inline Water Filter Kit for Ice Makers - Best Inline Ice Maker Water Filter image
  • Reduce sediments, chlorine, bad taste and odor
  • Produce great tasting ice and water
  • Tested and certified by NSF against Standard 42
  • Quick-Connect fittings for fast installation and replacement
  • A complete kit is included for ice maker
  • Compatible with most ice makers
  • Last for 1500 gallons or 12 months

This is a complete inline water filter kit for ice makers, which allows you to install it easily for your ice maker to start producing clean and tasty ice.

Looking for the best inline water filter for ice makers?

Just get this inline water filter kit from PureWater, which fits most ice makers and comes in a complete kit, which saves you a trip to the hardware shop.

Pros:

  • Comes in a kit for ice makers
  • Easy to install
  • Produce clean and tasty ices
  • NSF certified
  • Inexpensive

Cons:

  • Fittings material could be improved
  • Moderate water flow rate

8. Camco TastePure RV/Marine Water Filter [Review] – Best Inline Water Filter for RV

8. Camco TastePure RV/Marine Water Filter - Best Inline Water Filter for RV image
  • Reduce sediment, chlorine, heavy metals, bad taste and odor, and turbidity in water
  • 20-micron Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) filter with KDF
  • KDF media inhibits bacterial growth inside the filter
  • With flexible hose protector
  • Last for 3 months
  • Great for RVs, campers, boats, gardening, and more
  • Low lead content certified to NSF/ANSI 362
  • Made in the USA

The Camco’s TastePURE RV/Marine is a 20-micron GAC/KDF inline water filter for outdoor water filtration use such as RVs, boats, and campers.

You may use this water filter at the campsites to block contaminants from entering your RV water tank and improve the water taste for drinking purposes.

The KDF media can protect the filter from bacterial growth and mold when the filter is not in use.

The filter also includes a flexible hose protector to minimize strain and kinking on connections.

It’s made in the USA certified for low lead content against NSF/ANSI 362.

After comparing lots of water filters, the Camco TastePure RV/Marine Water Filter came out to be the best inline water filter for RV and camping.

It features a GAC/KDF filtration combination, which effectively removes a majority of common contaminants like sediments, chlorine, heavy metals, bad taste and odor, and turbidity, and inhibits bacterial growth inside the filter when not in use.

Besides, it also comes with a flexible hose protector that can be attached to any standard water hose to start getting filtered water.

Even though the filter only lasts for 500 gallons, it’s more than enough for the entire camping session.

All these benefits make it an ideal choice for outdoor use like RVs, camping, boats, and gardening.

Pros:

  • Great water filtration with GAC/KDF
  • Inhibits bacterial growth
  • Quick and easy installation
  • With flexible hose protector

Cons:

  • Moderate capacity

Capacity Upgrade Recommendation:

Planning for a longer period camping trip? Have more campers?

No problem, just get this Camco 40019 TastePURE XL RV/Marine for 10,000 gallons filtration and last for 6 months.


9. Best Inline Water Filter for Chloramine: Culligan IC 4 EZ-Change Inline Water Filter Review

9. Culligan IC 4 EZ-Change - Best for Chloramine image
  • Reduce chloramines, chlorine taste and odor, cysts, lead, mercury, MTBE, VOCs, and more
  • Easy filter replacement with twist-in connection
  • 0.5 GPM flow rate
  • Filter cartridge lasts up to 500 gallons or 6 months
  • Certified by IAPMO against NSF/ANSI Standard 42 and 53

The Culligan IC 4 EZ-Change is a premium Inline filter that provides clean and safe water for drinking, ice makers, and refrigerators.

The twist-on & twist-off filter mechanism makes the whole filter replacement process quick and easy.

The water filter is tested and certified against NSF/ANSI Standard 42 for the aesthetic reduction of chloramines, chlorine taste and odor, and nominal particulate Class 1, and Standard 53 for the reduction of lead, cysts, mercury, VOCs, MTBE, and Turbidity.

One filter cartridge can last for 500 gallons of filtration or 6 months.

If you are using chloraminated water, this inline water filter will be a great fit for your ice maker and refrigerator.

It can get rid of chloramine taste and odor to give you clean filtered water with great taste.

Pros:

  • Remove chloramine taste and odor
  • Easy to install and replace the filter
  • Great water taste
  • Suitable for ice makers and refrigerators

Cons:

  • Moderate filter capacity
  • Moderate water flow rate

10. Best Budget Inline Water Filter: Hydronix ICF-10Q Water Filter Review

10. Hydronix ICF-10Q Inline Water Filter - Best Budget Inline Water Filter image
  • Coconut GAC filter
  • Last for 2,000 gallons or one year of water filtration
  • Easy filter installation with Quick Connect
  • 0.5 GPM water flow rate
  • Polypropylene material
  • Certified by NSF for Standard 42

The Hydronix ICF-10Q is a ¼” quick-connect inline coconut water filter for water faucets, ice makers, refrigerators, and coffee makers.

The coconut shell GAC filter is effective in reducing chlorine taste and odor as well as other common contaminants from the water.

Looking for an economic inline water filtration but don’t know which to choose?

No worry, I’ve found it for you.

It’s the Hydronix ICF-10Q, the best budget inline water filters that you can get for your refrigerator and ice maker.

Pros:

  • Remove unpleasant taste and odor
  • Easy and quick installation 
  • Last for 2,000 gallons or one year
  • Inexpensive

Cons:

  • Moderate water flow rate

3/8 inches Option:

If your current piping size is 3/8”, get this Hydronix ICF-10Q38 instead.


What Is An Inline Water Filter for Ice Makers & Refrigerators?

Inline water filters are designed to provide basic water filtration with lower cost, smaller size, simple installation, and easy maintenance.

They are used in a wide range of home filtration applications such as faucet, refrigerator, ice maker, washing machine, coffee machine, water cooler, and garden.

The inline water filter for ice makers is a water filter designed specifically for ice-making appliances including standalone ice maker machines and refrigerators with an ice-making feature.

The filters are mostly made from an activated carbon block or granular activated carbon. Its main purpose is to remove harmful contaminants and bad taste and smell from tap water.

Besides, using an inline filter also extends the lifespan of the ice maker by reducing the impurities from water.

Ice maker machines are widely used commercially in cafes, restaurants, ice suppliers, bars, and catering services, and also in households.

By using an inline water filter for ice makers, the ice-making machines can dispense high-purity ices for beverages and desserts, which improve the taste and make them healthier.

In short, an inline water filter for ice makers allows you to produce cleaner, healthier, and tastier ices of various sizes for different purposes. However, not all inline water filters are made equally, so in the latter part, I will show you how to choose the best inline water filter for ice makers.


How Does An Inline Water Filter Work?

Most inline water filters for ice makers are designed to be installed easily such as using the twist-in and twist-out mechanism.

The activated carbon media will remove sediments, chlorine taste and odor, VOCs, and other impurities from the water before reaching the ice maker.

Some inline waters use phosphate to remove hardness minerals to prevent scale build-up inside the ice maker.

After the contaminated tap water flowing through an inline filter, it will be converted to clean water for ice making process.

Once the ice-making process is completed, you will have clean and healthy ice cubes.


Benefits of Using an Inline Water Filter for Ice Maker

Using an inline water filter for your ice maker offers numerous benefits such as:

  • Produce high-quality and healthier ice
  • Improve the taste and smell of ices by removing chlorine and impurities
  • Protect the internal parts of the ice-making machine and extend its lifespan
  • Improve the ice maker’s efficiency
  • Reduce the maintenance frequency of ice maker

Types of Inline Water Filter Media

There are mainly 3 types of inline water filter media, which are:

  1. Activated Carbon Block (ACB) filter
  2. Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) filter
  3. KDF filter

The activated carbon block and granular activated carbon are similar media in different forms. Both of them are highly effective in removing chlorine taste and odor, chemicals, VOCs, and more types of contaminants.

The KDF filter is effective against heavy metals and many other contaminants. Besides, the KDF media can inhibit bacterial growth.

Types of Inline Water Filters

There are few types of inline water filters which are designed for specific purposes, such as:

  • Under-sink Inline water filters for faucets
  • Inline water filter for ice makers or refrigerators
  • Inline water filter for RVs and campers

Under Sink Inline Water Filters for Faucets

These under sink Inline water filters are designed to be installed on the under-sink area to purify water flowing out from your faucets.

The filtered water can be used to wash food ingredients, vegetables, fruits, and dishes and even drink (if the water quality is good).

You may check out the best under sink Inline water filter here.

Inline Water Filter for Ice Makers or Refrigerators

These types of Inline water filters are made to attach to your ice maker or refrigerator easily to produce clean cold water and ice cubes.

Besides, they are easy to maintain and replace filter cartridges, as the maintenance work needs to be done indoor in your kitchen.

You can check the best inline water filter for ice maker here, and the best inline water filter for refrigerator here.

Inline Water Filter for RVs and Campers

Traveling with your RV? An active camper?

No problem, there are plenty of Inline water filters that are specifically designed for RV and campers like you!

This type of Inline water filter usually contains KDF media, which is great in water filtration and inhibits bacterial growth at the same time, so you can keep the Inline water filter after each use and continue to use it again on the next stop or next trip.

Here is the best Inline water filter for RVs and Campers.


Where to Use the Inline Water Filter?

The usage of inline water filters is versatile, you can use them for your water faucets, ice maker, refrigerator, coffee machine, water coolers, washing machine, and more.

Want crystal-clean ice cubes from your ice maker? Just buy the best inline water filter for ice makers!

Want clean and refreshing cold water right from your refrigerator? I’ve found the best inline water filter for refrigerators for you too.

You can also connect an inline water filter to your outdoor hose to water your flowers and plants, and wash your car.


How to Choose the Best Inline Water Filter for Ice Makers [Buyer’s Guide]

As there are many ice maker filters in the market, so how do you know which ice maker filter is the best for you?

To choose the right inline water filter for your ice maker, there are a few important factors you need to consider.

Knowing Your Water Quality

Depending on where you stay, and what type of water source you use, the water quality will be different.

To decide on the best inline water filter for your home, you’ll need to understand the quality of your water, mainly what kind of contaminants are inside your water.

If your water quality is okay, you may choose an activated carbon inline water filter with micron-size 5 to 10.

If your water quality is moderately contaminated, then choose an inline water filter with higher filtration strength of 0.5 to 1-micron rating, such as Frizzlife filter, it’s the best inline water filter for under-sink use.

If your water contains a certain amount of heavy metals, then choose an inline water filter with KDF media.

If you are using chlorinated water, then an activated carbon inline filter is your best choice.

Contaminants Removing Capability

The majority of the inline water filters come in either one-stage or two-stage water filtration.

Since most of them are built with an activated carbon filter which removes a majority of common contaminants like sediments, VOCs, and chlorine taste and odor, so what you need to consider is whether you need to remove certain contaminants like lead, heavy metals, and chloramines.

Next is whether you need a filter that contains KDF media to inhibit bacterial growth, like RV or camping activities which you may not use the filter for some time.

Inline water filters for ice makers come with different micron ratings and contaminants removing capability.

The lower the micron rating, the stronger the filtration, but it may be clogged sooner and provide a lower flow rate.

Filter Capacity

The higher the inline filter capacity, the lower the replacement frequency.

So if space is not an issue, it is better to go for a high-capacity inline filter.

If you have more family members in the house, it’s better to pick a higher capacity inline water filter to last longer for each filter replacement.

Higher filter capacity means lesser filter replacement frequency.

Size

Look for an inline water filter with a compact design to save space while maximizing the size to capacity ratio.

Installation and Replacement

I bet you won’t want to hire a plumber to come over just to install a water filter right?

To save hassles when replacing filters, it is best to choose an inline water filter with an easy replacement mechanism.

Luckily, there are plenty of inline water filters that use Quick-Connect or Twist-in Twist-out installation design, which make the filter installation and replacement process a breeze for all people.

All inline water filters featured in this review are easy and quick to install and replace.

Measure Your Pipe Diameter

Generally, there are 2 sizes of pipe, which are 1/4 inch and 3/8 inch in diameter.

So make sure you have measured the size of your pipe before ordering to avoid additional work and cost to buy additional fittings and adapters.

Price of the Inline Water Filter

The price factor is always a factor for purchase decisions, and no matter how cheap it is, consumers tend to get the best value off their bucks.

Sometimes, it’s not solely about the price tag (unless you really can’t afford it), it is more on the value.

The cheapest inline water filter is not necessarily the most cost-effective one.

You should calculate the price per capacity ratio to determine the actual running cost and choose according to your budget.

Take into account the filtration performance and other features too.

The filtration performance, features, and capacity you get per a dollar spent is a more precise indicator for which inline filter you shall go with.

NSF/ANSI Certification for the Inline Water Filter

The two most common NSF standards for water filters are Standard 42 (for more than 90% reduction of chlorine taste and odor) and Standard 53 (for reduction of volatile organic chemicals, inorganic compounds, and heavy metals). 

I can’t say the inline water filters without NSF certification are bad in quality or worse than those certified by NSF, because it’s not always true.

It’s not cheap to get NSF certification for a water filter, so the high cost may stop some water filter manufacturers from getting their products certified so that they can price their products cheaper.

But anyhow, the filtration capabilities of the NSF certified inline water filters are proven with official test results, which are safer and trusted choices for your family.

How Long Can Inline Water Filters Last?

Most water filter manufacturers stated the expected filtration capacity in gallons, which indicates how many gallons of water it can filter before replacement.

Some manufacturers only stated the expected lifespan in time, like 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months, which are less accurate because it didn’t factor in the water usage.

Some Inline water filters come with both lifespan indications like 1,000 gallons or 6 months, whichever comes first.

But the actual filter lifespan depends on the water quality as well, especially if you do not install a sediment filter before the inline water filter.

A more accurate way is to monitor the pressure drop and test the water with a test kit to decide when to replace the filter.

Should You Buy Inline Water Filters?

The answer is yes. Most water sources are contaminated, it is just a matter of more or less.

For your health, your family, your home appliances, fixtures, and pipes, this little investment is worth it.

Aside from being more affordable compared to other filtration systems like RO system, multi-stage filtration system, and whole house filtration system, inline water filters are also smaller in size and easier to install and replace.

Just make sure the Inline water filter you buy is good quality.

For quality assurance, you can pick from the top 10 list of best Inline water filters.


How to Install Inline Water Filters for Ice Maker, Refrigerators, and Faucet

Most inline water filters are designed to be installed easily on existing piping lines, but if you have no prior plumbing experience, it’s recommended to watch the instruction manual or online video before you start installing.

For some inline water filters, you just have to cut the existing line that connected to your faucet or refrigerator, install the inline water filter, and connect the lines to its inlet and outlet.

Here are the basic tools you need:

  • Pipe cutter
  • Wrench
  • Screwdriver
  • Drain bucket
  • Drill
  • Fittings like converter and elbow
  • Screws
  • Cloth

Have everything ready?

Follow these steps:

  1. Shut off your main water supply.
  2. Do marking on where you want to install the holder for the inline water filter.
  3. Drill a few holes and install the Inline water filter together with its holder.
  4. Cut the pipe and connect it to the inlet and outlet of the water filter so that the water must flow through the inline water filter.
  5. Tighten the nuts to prevent leaking.
  6. Clean the spilled water with a cloth and a bucket.
  7. Double-check every connection is tight.
  8. Turn on the main water supply and test run the Inline water filter to check is there any leaking.
  9. Let the water run for 20 to 30 minutes for flushing.
  10. Done!

What Are Essential Minerals?

Essential minerals are something your body cannot produce naturally but are required for your body function to work correctly and stay healthy.

The water filter will remove most contaminants in the water while leaving the essential minerals.

These essential minerals are dissolved solids, which increase the total dissolved solids (TDS) value of water.

Some of the essential minerals are calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, and chloride 

Calcium – Essential minerals in the body to build strong bones and teeth. It’s required in the physiological and biochemical processes of organisms and cells.

Potassium – It plays a vital role in maintaining a normal heart rhythm of your body and the pH balance of the blood. It’s also required to build proteins for your body.

Magnesium – Essential to support muscle and nerve functionalities and maintaining your heartbeats. It is also used by your body to support various biochemical reactions and boosts immunity.

Sodium – Required to maintain the right balance of fluid in the cells and stimulate muscle and nerve function. Sodium also supports the absorption of nutrients like glucose, amino acids, and chloride.

Phosphorus – Required to build strong bones and teeth, repair cells, and produce proteins for the body.Chloride – plays a vital role in the production of the digestive fluid in the stomach and balances the fluids in the body.


Summary (Comparison Table)

Here’s the comparison of the top 10 best inline water filtration system for ice makers, refrigerators, and RVs.

ModelCapacityBest forPrice
Frizzlife MK99 Inline1,600 GBest Inline UndersinkShow
Woder WD-S-8K-DC8,480 GBest for Municipal WaterShow
APEC CS-2500 Inline5,000 GBest Value Inline FilterShow
3M Aqua-Pure Inline6 MthsBest Inline DescalerShow
Watts Inline Filter20,000 GBest Long-Lasting FilterShow
EcoPure EPINL307,500 GBest Inline for RefrigeratorShow
PureWater Inline1,500 GBest Inline for Ice MakerShow
Camco TastePure RV500 GBest Inline for RVShow
Culligan IC 4 EZ-Change5000 GBest for ChloramineShow
Hydronix ICF-10Q2,000 GBest Budget Inline FilterShow

FAQ for Inline Water Filters

1. How long do inline water filters last?

Most inline water filters will last approximately 6 to 12 months, the high capacity version can last about 5 years. However, the actual filter lifespan depends on usages and contaminants in water.

2. When to change your water filter cartridge?

You should change the water filter cartridge when it reached the recommended usage lifespan or you found the water pressure had dropped drastically, which indicates the filter is clogged.

3. What do inline water filters remove?

The filters remove up to 99% of common contaminants in water such as sediments, chlorine taste and odor, VOCs, and heavy metals.

4. What is the best RV water filter?

It’s the Camco 40043 TastePure RV/Marine water filter.

5. What happens if you don’t change the water filter?

A clogged water filter will suffer a substantial loss in water pressure. Also, an overused filter cartridge may cause bacterial growth and alter the water taste, which does more harm than good.

6. Is inline water filter good?

Yes. They are excellent choices for point of use water filtration due to easy installation, compact size, and lower cost.

7. Do inline water filters reduce TDS?

Inline water filters are not used to reduce the TDS level but provide basic filtration while leaving the essential minerals in the water, and these dissolved minerals are part of the TDS.

8. Should I use an inline water filter for my ice maker?

If you want clean and odorless ice, then you need to install an inline water filter for your ice maker. A good ice maker inline filter not only helps to produce high-purity ices but also protects the ice maker and extends its lifespan.


Conclusion

Have you found the best inline water filter for your refrigerator or ice maker?

I hope my review does help you a little bit in making the decision.

For the best water filtration result, use them along with a whole house water filtration system.

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2 thoughts on “Best Inline Water Filter for Ice Maker & Refrigerator 2023”

  1. Thank you for writing this article, I am looking for Inline Water Filters for Ice Maker to replace my old one as I recently noticed our ice has a smell and that is not going very well. Your article has a lot of good choices, easy for me to choose what I need.

  2. I purchased this Culligan IC 4 EZ-Change for my ice cube maker and water tap on my refrigerator and the water tastes great. My refrigerator had one of its own but I wanted something better and now I believe it tasted better than my RO system and it way easier to change the filter, just one little twist and it’s changed. This is my kind of filter, I love it.

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