Ice makers should give you clean, tasty cubes that allow you to enjoy your luxuries in peace. However, that isn’t usually the case, mainly if you rely on piped municipal water to make your ice. Water from main supplies probably passes through old pipes packed with sediments that accumulated over the years. These toxins don’t only interfere with your water’s purity but also taste and sometimes mineral composition. We understand the frustrations that come with foul-smelling or excess chlorinated water.
We tested more than 50 online water filters and found PureWater Inline Water Filter Kit for Ice maker to be the best product overall. We spent at least 30 hours on each product ( a few days for some) testing all the aspects, including ease of installation and replacement, micron rating, and general efficiency, before picking the options that made it to this Best Inline Water Filter for Ice Maker. We also leverage expert reviews and positive customer feedback to point us to the best water filters.
The other options include the best budget product; suppose you want to enjoy tasty, filtered water without breaking the bank. The best value product ensures that every dollar you spend on it reflects its value, while the best for taste and odor comes with charcoal filtration technique to give chlorine-free, deep flavored drinking water.
Keep reading to discover reliable water filters for your ice maker, general product information, and a formidable buying guide to help you with the selection process.
Best Inline Water Filter for Ice Maker Products
- PureWater Inline Water Filter Kit for Ice Makers– Best Overall
- Culligan RC 4 EZ-Change Premium Water Filtration Replacement Cartridge– Best Budget
- Watts Inline Water Filter– Best Value
- LASCO 37- 1821 Ice Maker Inline Water Filter– Best for Taste and Odor
Best Inline Water Filter for Ice Maker Reviews
1. PureWater Inline Water Filter Kit for Ice Makers
We understand how an easy-to-install water filter can enhance your general experience from extensive installation and testing experience. Inline Water Filter Kit for Ice Makers is one of the most sophisticated but easy to install products in the market.
It comes with a 15-feet water line that allows you to connect to nearly all water fixtures. It comes with graphical procedures and two click line adapters to set it up in about five minutes. We also loved the fact that the packaging comes with a mounting bracket and screws.
We featured this product as the best overall on our list, thanks to the lifetime warranty on all filter kits. The manufacturer also offers inspection assistance during the entire period of using this water filter. This feature guarantees 100% customer satisfaction.
This product makes one of the most durable market water filters with a capacity of 15,000 gallons and a one-year filtration lifespan.
The cutting-edge filtration technology makes this product ideal for removing sediments, excess chlorine, and odors to give you better tasting ice and drinking water. Even though it is a bit expensive, this product will give your money’s value in the long haul.
Specs:
- Warranty – Lifetime warranty
- Filter Life – One year
- Flow Rate – 0.5 GPM
- Capacity – 1500 gallons
- Certification – Certified frustration-free, NSL-listed
- Micron Rating – 0.5
Pros
- Easy graphical installation guide
- Lifetime warranty
- One year service life
Cons
- It is not ideal for dual ice makers
- It is relatively costly
2. Culligan RC 4 EZ-Change Premium Water Filtration Replacement Cartridge
Culligan is a reputable brand in the industry with over eight decades of experience in providing innovative water filtration solutions. All the brand’s models are products of cutting-edge technology and strict NSF compliance.
The Culligan RC 4 EZ-Change Premium Replacement Cartridge checks all the features you might want in modern water filtration. This model has a micron rating of 0.5 to filter all chemicals, odors, and sediments for clean drinking and cooking water.
This cartridge is compatible with all Culligan EZ-Change Water Filter systems, including inline ice makers. You’ll have up to three alternative options for an improved water filter experience, depending on your needs and aesthetic preferences.
You can interchange the RC 4 EZ (premium) model with RC 3 EZ (Advanced) or RC 1 Z (Basic). All these fantastic features and capabilities come at an incredibly affordable price compared to other products on our list. This inline water filter cartridge for ice makers makes the best budget product.
The installation process is fast and easy. You wont need to hire a plumber, provided you read the instructions on how to connect the fittings to your water fixture. This product has a capacity of 500 gallons and will need a replacement after six months of use. Even so, it features twist-on and twist-of hardware; hence you’ll spend less time replacing it.
Specs:
- Warranty – Limited Warranty
- Filter Life – Six months
- Flow Rate – 0.5 GPM
- Capacity – 500 gallons
- Certification – NSF listed/ IAPMO-certified
- Micron Rating – 0.5
Pros
- It is relatively affordable
- Three cartridge options
- Easy installation and replacement
Cons
- The basic cartridge doesn’t filter chemicals
- Unclear warranty information
3. Watts Inline Water Filter
Watts Inline Water Filter uses innovative Kinetic Degradation Fluxion (KDF) treatment technology to remove chemicals and sediments from your drinking water. We tested this product and found it helpful when dealing with chlorinated water or connected to an old water line with scale buildup.
The installation process is simple as it doesn’t require a faucet. Moreover, this multifunctional model is compatible with inline filters, carbon blocks, and Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) filters.
This filter makes the best value product on our list thanks to its high filtration capacity of up to 20,000 gallons of water. It features a 10-micron rating to filter the tiniest sediments that you can hardly notice inside unfiltered water. Remember, the smaller the micron rating, the more efficient the water filtration process.
This product also reduces chlorine taste and odor in water. It will last for about six months when you’ll need to do an inspection and replacement.
This is a great inline water filter ice maker, especially in a big household. This product is compatible with nearly all water fixtures through two ¼-inch brass connectors, making it a go-to water filter for a typical homeowner. The manufacturer gives a one-year limited warranty for quality issues emanating from the production and supply line. We could use this inline water filter in refrigerators and camping water coolers.
Specifications
- Warranty – One year limited warranty
- Filter Life – Six Months
- Flow Rate – 0.5 GPM
- Capacity – 20,000 gallons
- Certification – NSF listed, WQA-certified
- Micron Rating – 10
Pros
- NFL-listed
- Fewer maintenance needs
- It works well in commercial ice makers
Cons
- It may not last for long
- Low flow rate
4. LASCO 37- 1821 Ice Maker Inline Water Filter
Lastly, you’d want an inline water filter that attracts little maintenance needs but still reflects your money’s value. LASCO 37- 1821 Ice Maker Inline Water Filter made it to our list as the easiest to use brand. It will serve you well when you prefer better-tasting water to extreme purification as this product only filters taste and odor.
It will help remove prevalent sediments and chlorine deposits found in old pipelines. Thus, it would be the best bet if you rely on a treated municipality water supply.
An outstanding feature about this product is the compact size and functionality that allows you to install it vertically or horizontally. However, that means you’ll not enjoy the “easy change” hardware standard in other models listed above.
This water filter has a filtration lifespan of up to 1500 gallons of water. Depending on your consumption rate, it can serve you for up to six months before needing a replacement.
Kindly note that the replacement process may be pretty complicated, and you may need professional help. You may need to access the shut-off valve in the refrigerator water line. Generally, you’re looking at a water filter that gives you ready-to-drink water without breaking the bank.
Specs:
- Warranty – Limited Warranty
- Filter Life – Six Months
- Flow Rate – 0.5 GPM
- Capacity – 1500 gallons
- Certification – NSF listed
- Micron Rating – 25
Pros
- It is relatively affordable
- Charcoal filtering for better taste
- Vertical or horizontal installation
Cons
- It takes a longer time to replace
- It doesn’t come with a mounting bracket
How do I choose the Best Inline Water Filter for an Ice Maker?
The best inline water filter is purely an aesthetic choice depending on your water supply and needs conditions. Even so, a reliable filter should feature reputable certifications like NSF-listing and a lower micron rating to filter most particles.
The filter should also have a reasonable price tag reflected in its unique features, efficiency, and lifespan. It wouldn’t hurt paying more for an inline water filter with longevity of up to a year or a lifetime warranty compared to the average six months lifespan.
Why Would You Need an Inline Water Filter for an Ice Maker?
An inline water filter is not a mandatory requirement for an ice maker but will prove helpful if you want healthier, better-tasting ice cubes. Most importantly, a high-quality water filter will enable you to get the most out of your ice-making machine by improving its longevity and efficiency.
Advantages of Inline Water Filter for Ice Maker
Inline water filters for ice makers have many advantages that save you time and resources. A high-quality water filter will:
- Enhance the ice maker’s lifespan by protecting internal parts
- Provide chlorine-free, better-tasting ice cubes
- Improve the quality and health properties of your ice cubes
- Enhance the general efficiency of your ice machine
- Allow multiple applications
Disadvantages of Inline Water Filter for Ice Maker
- Complete replacement after service life
- Some models require plumbing knowledge for installation
Considerations for Buying this Type of Product
Before buying any of the above water filters, have the following considerations in mind:
Water Condition in Your Area
Knowing the condition of the piped water in your locality will enable you to make the right buying decision for your ice maker’s water filter. Municipal areas that experience hard ice water call for sophisticated filters as ice can easily damage your machine. On the other hand, standard water filters will do well in an area with low particulate concentrations like Illinois.
Carbon Filters
Carbon filters are the go-to option as their filtration process is simple and doesn’t introduce harmful chemicals into your ice cubes. The porous carbon filter material traps sediments and excess chlorine to give you better-tasting water and ice cubes.
Phosphate Filters
Phosphate filters will be ideal if you’re dealing with water laden with excess mineral concentrations such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals may react to form scales and sediments, which can damage your ice machine. These filters release phosphate ions into the water to prevent the chemical reaction of calcium and magnesium. Even so, you’ll enjoy pure cubes as the phosphate-laden water drains into waste.
Sediment Filters
Sediment water filters will get rid of visible particles to enhance your ice cube’s taste and clarity. Sediment filters are relatively affordable because they have standard features such as a higher micron rating for filtering everyday dirt. However, these filters may not be ideal if you’re dealing with excess chlorinated water or dissolved heavy metals.
Factors to Consider Before Buying an Inline Water Filter for Your Ice Maker
Even with the above product reviews, it can still be challenging to discern which is the best option, thanks to the influx of many generic products. Consider the following factors when making your next purchase to arrive at an informed buying decision:
Consumption and Filter Capacity
The best consumption or filter capacity is purely aesthetic and will depend on your preferences or household size. The more family you have, the bigger the filter capacity should be. Most products have a maximum capacity of up to 1500 gallons from our review, with the highest one going up to 20,000 gallons. Some have as low as 500 gallons.
Five hundred gallons capacity will be the best bet if you want to use the filter in a single household. 20,000 gallons will prove helpful in a home of eight to ten family members. However, don’t go for capacity at the expense of quality and functionality.
Filter Longevity/Lifespan
Longevity translates to the maximum usage period, functioning correctly with the same properties experienced when new. Most water filters for ice makers have a lifespan of about six months, after which you’ll need a replacement to enjoy clean drinking water.
However, some reputable brands like the best product overall in our review list can last as long as a year. The longer the lifespan, the more you’ll pay for the filter, but it will still reflect that value in the long haul.
Inline Water Filter Size
Water filters for ice makers come in varying sizes and shapes. Size is a purely aesthetic option, but it will help if you opt for compact water filters to fit in any space. A small-size water filter means you can carry it to camping sites or travel with it on vacations.
Remember, it’s always advisable to drink from a water source that you can trust, especially when away from home. Reasonably sized water filters may also give you an easy time during installation and replacement since most of them feature switch-on and switch-off hardware.
Micron Rating
Most buyers get amused at aesthetic looks and forget to check the micron rating of their water filters. Two products from the same brand may have similar hardware design but different micron ratings.
Micron rating is generally the distance between water toxins/sediments and the filter media. Micron rating determines the size of particles that remain trapped in the filter and which ones pass through.
Among the above-reviewed products, the highest micron rating is about 25, meaning that this filter is ideal for reducing chlorine concentration and eliminating odors. Fine sediments may still pass through the filter media. The best micron rating should be 5 and below.
Water Flow, Pressure, and Flow Rate
The flow rate will determine how quickly you can fill a cup of water. Nearly all market water filters for an ice maker have a flow rate of 0.5 GMP. Unless you want to install the filter in a commercial ice maker, this flow rate will give you an excellent filtration experience.
Certifications
Certification rubber stamps a product’s quality and authority in the market. Some products will have more than one certification from multiple industry regulators and quality assurers, while others will come with one.
Going for a product with single accreditation is better than a water filter with none. Certifications also ensure that the specifications, features, and capabilities highlighted by the manufacturer are actual and existent in respective products.
Water filters made in the USA will have to go through rigorous certification processes before making it to the market. Reputable certification marks to watch out for include NSF, WQA, and ANSI.
Warranty
Lastly, you’d want to watch out for the warranty information attached to each product before making a purchase. Though not popular in most products, the best warranty should be a lifetime.
The terms may include profit-free parts and free inspection services from the manufacturer until the product exhausts its lifespan. Other brands may consist of a limited warranty that will only be effective or enforceable a few months into using respective products.
Warranty is essential as it enhances customer satisfaction by addressing quality issues that may emanate from the production and supply lines.
The Bottom Line
Unlimited access to clean drinking water is the dream of many families. Drinking the right amount of water comes with various health benefits, such as raising the body’s pH for optimal functioning.
Remember, the body typically comprises an acidic environment, and downing acidic foods without filtered water could halt biological processes. Water is also essential for skin and eye health. Get any of the above best inline water filters for ice makers to ensure that you have an endless supply of clean, treated water and ice cubes.
Every product has its unique features and will serve you well in varying aspects. You only need to pick an option that checks all your needs and aesthetic preferences for a better experience. You can buy these products from online stores like Amazon.
