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Buying guides

Start with the decision you need to make.

  1. Buying guide

    How to choose a countertop water filter

    What to find out, measure and compare before you buy a countertop water filter, from your water report to certification claims and filter schedules.

  2. Buying guide

    Countertop water filters for apartments and small kitchens

    How to choose a water filter when you rent or have little counter space, including what to measure, what to ask your landlord, and what your water report misses.

  3. Comparison

    Countertop vs. under-sink water filters

    How countertop and under-sink water filters differ in installation, daily routine, space and capacity, with one brand's published models as a worked example.

  4. Cost guide

    How to compare replacement-filter costs

    A step-by-step way to compare water filter running costs, using real part schedules to show why the cheaper purchase isn't always the cheaper system.

  5. Comparison

    AquaTru Classic vs. Carafe

    A source-by-source comparison of the AquaTru Classic and Carafe countertop RO purifiers on size, output, stated efficiency, filter limits and three-year cost.