5 Best Inline Water Filters for Ice Makers (2020 Reviews)

You have spent money on a very nice ice maker that you will be using at home for the next few years. But what is the point of having an ice maker if the ice that comes out of it tastes odd or is potentially harmful? Similarly, you can also use for hand-crank ice cream makers that require manual effort to make ice cream.

An inline water filter that works with your ice maker will ensure that all your ice tastes great and is completely safe to consume (Source). But there are many different types of inline water filters on the market.

Understanding what filter is the best option can be challenging, especially since most people are not well versed on the types of chemicals water filters can remove from water.

It is why we created a detailed guide on the top inline water filters for ice makers. We believe that it will make your purchasing decision a lot simpler.

We have also included a buying guide, which should help you understand the purpose and different features of quality inline water filters.

What Are The Features Of An Inline Water Filter?

Despite quick access to clean and healthy water supply, inline water filters have several other features. Let’s look at a few.

• Always On – Inline water filter system needs to be installed under your sink and left to work till it needs replacement. This “always-on” system makes such water filters convenient to use.
• Space-friendly – Inline water filters are usually concealed inside your cabinets or behind refrigerators. It lets you save extra space around the place.
• Environment-efficient – Inline filters are impervious to low-pressure surroundings, which could have lowered the performance of other filter systems otherwise. However, inline water filters can withstand such pressure conditions.
• Easy Maintenance & Replacement – Once an inline filter has expired, you can easily remove it and replace it with a new one on your own. It saves you additional costs for maintenance and replacement.

Even the installation of an inline filter is easy. Some filters have a modular feature, which lets you snap the filter in or out as per your requirement.

Additionally, you can follow plenty of DIY guides available online for replacing and installing these filter systems.

Comparing the Best Inline Water Filters for Ice Makers 

1. Woder 10K-JG-1/4 – Best Inline Water Filter for Ice Maker

The Woder 10K-JG is available in both ¼’’ and ⅜’’ versions. Both models work identically. The one you choose will depend on the type of connection that you are trying to make.

With this water filter, you will be removing lead, heavy metals, chlorine, TMHs, VOCs, mercury, chromium 6, detergent, turbidity and any unpleasant odors from your water. It removes up to Class I substances from the water and has a massive capacity of 10,000 gallons.

The company says the filter will last for a minimum of three years. If you are using it with a fridge or ice maker, it will probably last even longer given the capacity! And it removes 99.99% of contaminants in that time, while leaving essential minerals in the water.

Both the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) and the American National Standards Institute (ANS) have certified this filter to perform as stated. These are independent tests that verify the integrity of the filtration system.

Another great feature of this inline water filter is the flow rate, which is at three gallons per minute (GPM). It is made in the United States, which will give many buyers peace of mind. And the company offers a money back guarantee if it does not perform as advertised.

2. Culligan RC-EZ-4 – EZ – Change Water Filter

An easy to use model that should work with most refrigerators and ice makers – the Culligan RC-EZ-4 is one of the top water filters on the market. It is a simple screw on/off filter that anyone should be able to set up.

What makes the filter special is that it removes parasitic cysts in the water, which include turbidity, atrazine and cryptosporidium. It will remove other Class I particles as well, with a Standard 53 certification. It is certified up to 500 gallons by the NSF.

The filter will also reduce the bad taste and odor in your water that is the result of too much chlorine. It is up to NSF/ANSI Standard 42 for its aesthetic reduction of chlorine. The days of ice from your ice maker ruining your beverages will be in the past!

Culligan’s filter delivers a flow rate of 0.5 gallons per minute. It is also certified to reduce mercury, lead, VOC and other harmful chemicals from your water. Even if you live in an area where the water is unsafe to drink, you will be good to go with this filter.

3. GE GXRLQ – NSF/ANSI – Certified In Line Water Filter

While the GE GXRLQ inline filter system does not provide as much capacity as some of the other options, it does a very good job with filtration.

GE is a respected brand around the world and the filter is NSF and ANSI certified to purify everything out of your water. It will even remove class 1 particulates. The ¼’’ filter will allow fluoride to go through, which studies have shown is beneficial to dental hygiene.

The filter has a micron rating of 0.5 while it has a flow rate of 0.78 GPM. It is very easy to install, while replacement filters are easily available through various retailers.

4. Culligan IC-EZ-1 – Best Budget Inline Water Filter

An NSF certified water filter from Culligan, the IC-EZ-1 is a terrific option for anyone who is on a budget. The filter comes with housing that can be screwed into the wall, with the purifier plugging into that housing. When the filter is done, simply take it out and replace it with another one.

Culligan promises a lifespan of 3,000 gallons with its water filter, which means that it should last for at least a couple years. The Culligan filter will strain up to Class III particulates. It is good, but not incredible.

It is the type of filter that is great if you live in an area where your tap water is relatively safe. It will get rid of the odor and smell from chlorine, along with any harmful chemicals that may slip into your water. But it is not perfect if you live in an area where the water is very unsafe.

5. Omnipure K2533JJ – Acid Washed Inline Water Filter

The Omnipure K253JJ is an excellent option for anyone who is seeking an affordable and high performing water filter system. It should work flawlessly with a fridge or ice machine.

It has a ¼’’ connector and should not require any major tools to set up. The filter will automatically lock and seal when the water supply line is pushed into each end. It is important to ensure the water is flowing in the right direction, as indicated in the product manual.

The filter has a 1,500 gallon capacity, which means that it should last a year for average use. If it is only used for ice making, it should last even longer. The filter has been tested for performance under the NSF Standard 42, but it does not have any other certifications.

It features GAC filtration media that will reduce the taste and odor of chlorine in your water. And it delivers a 0.5 GPM flow rate.

Are Inline Water Filters Worth It?

If your current tap water is not suitable for drinking purposes, then you got to use a water filter. With so many types of water filters out there, you might find it challenging to choose a resourceful one.

For instance, you are using a water filter that can be attached directly to the faucet. That will filter the water for you. However, maybe the space to fill water etc. is not enough with an external water filter.

That is where an inline water filter solves your concerns. You can quickly attach it to the water supply pipe and let it do the filtering for you. Additionally, an inline water filter conceals inside the sink cabinet hassle-free.

Moreover, an under-sink inline water filter has many applications. You can use clean and filtered water through it for ice machines, coffee machines, water dispensers, etc.

Overall, using a decent inline water filter worth it as it possesses several features. 

How To Install Inline Water Filters?

Most inline water filters can be easily installed without the need for a professional. You do need some tools to install an inline water filter. Depending upon your usage, whether for a fridge, ice-maker, under-sink, etc., you will need the following devices: 

• Wrench
• Pipe Cutter
• Drain Bucket
• Screwdriver
• Drill
• Screws, nuts, etc.
• Rag

After getting all these things, you will first need to start by turning off the main water supply coming through the pipe. For that, you rotate the valve to close the water inlet.

Next, you will need to mark a secure and favorable position for drilling the screws to fix the inline water filter on the cabinet, wall, etc. After that, drill the holes and attach the water filter in place.

Then, use the wrench to remove the inlet pipe near the shut-off valve and attach the inlet pipe of the water filter to the valve instead. Ensure that the nut is tight to avoid leakage.

Now, attach the outlet pipe of the water filter to the inlet pipe of the water tap. While tightening the nuts, keep the bucket ready for water spillage. If things get dirty, use the rag to wipe the area.

Once the whole connection has been made, you can turn on the valve again. That will let the water pass through the filter to the tap. Open the faucet and let the water flow out for at least half an hour before using it.

Things You Should Know Before Buying an Inline Water Filter for Ice Maker

Water reliability is a major issue around the world, even in developed countries. Americans will be familiar with the issue with safe drinking water in Flint, Michigan. And that is not the only city in the nation where significant levels of chemicals and other contaminants are present in tap water.

An inline water filter is a convenient way to ensure all the water that you are consuming is completely safe to drink. Many of the best inline water filters will remove up to 99.99% of contaminants from the water. It includes chemical, physical, radiological and biological contaminants that may cause your body harm.

Even in areas where the water is relatively safe to drink, having an inline water filter can ensure much better taste. Ever noticed that your ice or drinking water have an unpleasant smell and taste? An inline filter will get rid of that issue.

What is an Inline Water Filter?

Inline water filters were designed to work seamlessly with home water systems. An inline filter is designed to fit under the counter or with a specific appliance. When an inline filter is connected under the kitchen counter, it filters all the water that goes through that particular tap.

An inline filter can also be connected to a fridge or an ice machine, ensuring all the water flowing for those purposes is filtered. Many modern fridges have ice making and water delivery capability, which is why the filter system can come in handy.

If you purchased a compact or portable ice maker for your home, you may want to connect an inline water filter to its water intake system. By having the filter in place, you will ensure that any water being used through that system is filtered.

Filtration Capability

The filtration capability of an inline water filter is the most important factor in determining what product to purchase. There is no sense in spending money on a water filter that still lets a lot of harmful chemicals and bacteria pass through.

Many of the best inline water filters not only claim to remove certain chemicals from water, but have the certification to prove it. For instance, a water filter system that is certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) and/or the Water Quality Association (WQA) is worth the money.

Filter systems should always indicate what chemicals they can remove from your water. For instance, many quality inline water filters can remove chlorine, odor, contaminants and sediment from water.

If a water filter does not have any certification or independent testing to prove its effectiveness, it is not worth the money. The manufacturer can claim certain levels of filtration, but there is no guarantee to the consumer. And when unfiltered water can be genuinely life threatening, it is too big a risk to take.

Size

The size of an inline water filter is very important when considering a purchase. Most ice makers and fridges will connect to ¼’’ connectors. However, some models require ⅜’’ connectors. It is important to read the manual of your appliance before you buy an appropriate inline water filter.

Capacity

Each water filter comes with a capacity, as indicated by the manufacturer. The capacity refers to how many gallons of water you can push through the filter before it loses its effectiveness.

While most filters will still do some filtration beyond the capacity, it is no longer performing at the same efficiency and should be replaced. The capacity of inline water filters in our list ranges from 500 to 20,000 gallons.

It all depends on how much ice you intend to need each year, and how often you want to deal with replacing the filter in your system.

Ready To Buy The Best Inline Water Filters for Ice Makers?

It is essential to buy an inline water filter for your ice maker, especially if you live in an area where the quality of water is dubious. Not only will your ice cubes taste neutral, but you will also feel safe that you are consuming water that is okay to drink.

The best inline water filters work seamlessly with ice makers. Simply place the water filter in the designated area and the system will work flawlessly.  Each of these five inline water filters should ensure that your ice maker tastes neutral and is completely safe to consume.

And, if you need a water filter for lead, check out the buyer’s guide from waterfilterspot. We hope that our guide made the process of choosing the best inline water filter for your ice maker a little easier!