Best Under Sink Water Filter Australia

As water is the most vital substance for nourishing life, you need a reliable drinking water source for your home. A multi-stage under sink filtration system is a great choice for removing all major contaminants from water.

These are “point-of-use” filters that are easy to connect to your main water line and provide a hassle-free method of purifying water. They remain out of sight and are not an eyesore like many countertop water filters. 

If you do not need a whole house water filter, these are the best options for getting filtered water directly from the faucet. However, not all under sink filters are the best performers in a market crowded with products.

So here is a list of the best under sink water filters in Australia to help you make the right choice.

The Short Answer: 

The Geekpure 5-Stage Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Water Filter 

The Geekpure filter perfectly balances price and performance making it one of the best multi-stage filters in the Australian market. From heavy metals to bacteria, you can count on this filter to deliver clean water that tastes great.

Two other points that make this the best under sink water filter in Australia are easy installation and the inclusion of seven replacement filters in the package. Geekpure has been a reliable brand in terms of quality and this product is no exception.

The Best Whole Under Sink Water Filters in Australia

Under sink filters are directly connected to the kitchen sink’s water line and the filtered water is delivered through a dedicated faucet. They remain out of sight and provide a higher water flow than countertop filters.

Since the water quality varies in the different corners of the country, not all filters will suit the needs of the buyers. For this reason, we have included a wide range of filters in this list to help you make the best choice.

Geekpure 5-Stage Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System

What makes it special:

• Five-stage filtration process
• 0.0001 micron rated RO membrane
• Comes with 7 pieces of replacement filters
• A cost-effective choice

This is a well-designed filter from Geekpure that you can depend on; especially if your water has heavy metal contamination. It filters out not just the harmful pathogens, but also components like chlorine, mercury, cadmium, and lead. 

With five stages of filtration, you not only get pure water, but the water taste improves as well. The first stage consists of a PP spun filter that removes sand and sediments. The next two stages are a granular carbon filter and a carbon block filter. These remove the finer particles, chlorine, and improve water taste.

Next, there is a thin film RO membrane that does the heavy lifting by removing above 1000 contaminants. The RO membrane is also NSF certified. Lastly, there is an acid-washed coconut carbon filter to refine the taste of the water.

The system can deliver over 280 liters in a day and can be fitted to lines having a pressure between 275 kPa to 689 kPa. It can handle water with a high TDS level of 2000 ppm.

Geekpure has used top-grade materials for the filter without compromising quality. The components are made from food-grade materials and are BPA-free. Quick connect fittings are included in the package for an easy setup. It does not take too much space either.

Other than that, Geekpure has also kept the price of the unit affordable. The addition of replacement filters makes the deal even sweeter. On the whole, this is an excellent water purifier that will provide years of service.

Shield 5 Stage Undersink 150G RO Water Filter 

This is another top-grade five-stage filter that comes with a Watermark specification that meets Australian standards and the plumbing code of Australia. Not only does it offer great purification but also improves the water taste.

One special feature is the antibacterial sediment filter. It not only filters out sediments but also reduces the bacteria in water.

In the next stages, there are two carbon filters. The carbon block filter removes sediments and chemicals like pesticides and herbicides. The alkaline carbon filter not only removes chlorine but also uses impregnated silver technology to eliminate bacteria. In addition, it also raises the pH to slightly alkaline levels.

The 150G RO membrane removes 99% of harmful contaminants from water including fluoride, heavy metals, arsenic, and VOCs. The high flow rate of the membrane also ensures a faster output from the filter. Note, all the fittings that come with the filter are lead-free. The 8-liter storage tank is made from BPA-free materials.

Shield has high standards to ensure the quality of its RO systems. Each unit undergoes rigorous air leakage and water pressure tests to prevent leakage. The filter housing is resistance tested to provide long-term durability. Plus, Shield offers excellent service that many users appreciate.

Overall, this is an easy-to-install filter that is competitively priced. A great choice for Australian homes with traces of heavy metal or chlorine taste in the water.

Doulton Ceramic Twin Under Sink Tank Water Filter System

Ceramic filters use a ceramic filter cartridge to filter out sediments and pathogens from the water. This product from Doulton comes with high-grade filters and is Watermark certified to meet all Australian standards.

Doulton has used a 0.9-micron Sterasyl ceramic filter at the first stage to filter out sediments, bacteria, cysts, and turbidity. The specially designed filter has a complex interior design to capture the fine particulate matter as the water passes through it. Moreover, the filter also has silver incorporated in it for removing the contaminants.

In the second stage, a 0.4-micron carbon block filter is used to remove chlorine, pesticides, and other chemicals. Since the carbon filter is made from coconut shells, it also improves the taste of water and removes smells.

In addition, the filter also removes heavy metals like lead and mercury from the water. It has a high flow rate of 3 litres per minute. A big advantage of the ceramic filter is it lasts longer and can be washed and reused.

Assembling the system is simple and installation does not take much time. However, for a mechanical filter, the Doulton ceramic filter comes with a relatively high price tag. Still, it is a good choice if you are looking for a simple and compact filter that offers top-notch performance.

APEC 75 GPD 6-Stage Ultra Safe Reverse Osmosis Filter System

In the past decade, APEC has emerged as one of the top manufacturers of the water purification industry in the US. This six-stage filter is one of their advanced products that deliver purified, mineralized water to you.

The first three stages of the filtration process use a sediment filter and dual carbon block filters for purifying the water. In the fourth stage, a high rejection reverse osmosis membrane removes heavy metals, arsenic, bacteria, and VOCs from the water. It uses advanced membrane technology to deliver a high flow rate.

A coconut shell carbon filter removes any residual taste from the water in the fifth stage. APEC has added a calcite acidic water neutralizer in the last stage for pH enhancement.  

The unit comes with all the necessary hardware and installation is simple. However, this is a relatively larger and heavier unit. We suggest you take the help of a professional to get it installed.

Now, the system pressure is marked at 60psi (414 kPA), slightly lower than the competitors. Besides, APEC customer service can be a mixed bag. While some users have found it excellent, others were left wanting. Other than that, this is a top-notch filter that offers excellent value with its price tag.

Great Water Elite Series 2

The Elite Series 2 water filter provides a comprehensive solution for purifying water with an effective four-stage process. Besides, it also uses a high flow mechanism to reduce pressure drop within the system.

To be precise, the actual filtration is carried out in the first three stages. The fourth stage turns the water alkaline and adds back minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium in the water. The mineralized water is not only good for your health but also tastes great.

The five-micron particulate filter is used to remove the sediments. The next two stages use one micron and 0.2-micron filters respectively. These two filters remove chlorine, heavy metals, bacteria, and odours from the water.

On the downside, the filter comes with a high price tag. The cartridges need replacing every 12 months which adds to the annual maintenance expenses. The good news is Great Water offers free installation across Australia and a special package that includes 10 years of support. Changing the filter cartridges is also a simple task.

Note, Great Water also has the basic Elite Series 1 and the more advanced Elite Series 3 RO filters. You can check out these models based on your requirements and budget.

Frizzlife MK99 Under Sink Water Filter System

If you are looking for a compact and affordable under sink water filter, the Frizzlife MK99 deserves a closer look. One of its best features is the quick twist installation that allows you to install the unit on your own. Moreover, it does not need electricity to function.

While the filter comes with a compact shape, it has a two-stage filtration system that can remove chlorine, heavy metals, and bacteria. The unit has been manufactured as per the NSF and ANSI standards 42 and 53. 

Besides, the 0.5-micron filter element retains the necessary minerals like calcium, magnesium, and zinc in the water. It also removes odours and makes the water taste great

Frizzlife has made the installation process simple and tool-free. The compact size makes this unit perfect for small spaces. A high flow rate of 7.5 litres per minute delivers a fast water flow from the outlet.

The affordable price tag is another feature that makes this filter a great choice for buyers on a budget. Keep in mind, you will need to change the inner filter every six to eight months. However, the replacement costs are reasonable. On the whole, this under sink filter offers excellent value.

Most Important Factors to Look For in Your Under Sink Water Filter

The first step to take before buying a water filter is to get your water tested. The contaminants a filter removes from water vary depending on the design. Before choosing the best under sink water filter in Australia you need to know what is in your water.

Budget is also an important factor in your decision. The more advanced technology you choose, the higher the price will be.

Beyond that, here are a few points to keep in mind:

The Type of Filter

Before buying you need to filter your preferences about the type of water filter you need. Available filtration technologies in the market include reverse osmosis, ultraviolet light, or gravity-based filtration. 

Most filters come with a multi-stage process that removes various impurities in different stages. Generally, the first stage of filtration uses a pre-filter to remove the larger sediments. This helps in prolonging the life of the RO or the ultrafilter membrane.

If there are no bacteria or viruses in the water, a simple gravity-based filter should be good enough. If the presence of pathogens is detected, choose a filter that can remove such organisms. An RO or a UV-based filter is a good choice in such cases.

In case the water has a foul odour or a bad taste an activated carbon filter will be a good choice. Some filters also use alkaline technology to balance the acidity of water. 

Other than that some filters also have TDS controllers to maintain the necessary level of minerals in the water. TDS levels are measured in mg/Liter or ppm (parts per million). Levels below 200 ppm are considered ideal for consumption.

Keep in mind that each system has its own advantages and disadvantages. You may need a combination of different technologies depending on whether you are using groundwater, surface water or harvesting rainwater.

The Pressure and the Water Flow Rate

All filters have an optimum flow rate that corresponds with the best performance of the filtering media. The maximum flow rate of the filter (liters per minute or gallons per minute) will give you an idea about the filtration rate. The higher the rate, the faster the filtration process.

Beyond that, the flow rate will also affect the filtration efficiency. When the flow rate is too fast, the contaminated water has less time to remain in contact with the filter elements. This will bring down the performance. That means you need to check the peak flow rate in the installation pipeline or from the storage water tank. Then, match that with the filter specification.

Filter Size 

It is important to check the dimensions of an under-sink filter to make sure that it fits into the available space. Picking the largest multi-stage filter will be a mistake if you have space constraints.

Make sure that there is some buffer space around the filter so that it remains easily accessible for maintenance activity. At the same time keep the spot clean and ensure that there is no water leakage from the sink.

The other thing to consider is the tank capacity of the filter. The water consumption of an individual can be between 2 to 4 liters per day based on their age. Depending on that, choose a water filter with a tank volume that will easily last a few hours.

Warranty and Maintenance Cost

Since filter elements will need replacement, these are two important aspects when selecting. Generally, filters come with a one-year warranty along with offers for additional service contracts. Check the feedback regarding the service quality offered by the brands before choosing.

When it comes to maintenance, gravity filters are the cheapest and RO filters are the most expensive options. The cost of the RO membranes also varies between each brand. So, you need to check the replacement frequency and estimate the annual maintenance expense.

FAQs

Which under sink water filter is best in Australia?

There are quite a few top-grade under sink water filters available in Australia. We have chosen the Geekpure 5-Stage RO filter as the top choice in this category as it offers excellent performance at an affordable price.

Are under the sink water filters worth it?

Under sink filters are a convenient choice and work great as point-of-use filters when you do not need filtered water for showering or washing dishes.

How do I choose a water filter under my sink?

The type of filter you need depends on the contaminants that you need to remove from the water. Other than that, the filter flow rate, size, and maintenance expense are important factors.

Can you drink alkaline water every day?

Alkaline water is considered safe so drinking it every day should not be a problem. However, more research is needed to confirm the health benefits associated with it.

Bottom Line

So it all adds up to this.

Under the sink filters are a great option when you are looking to remove specific impurities from water. With multiple varieties in the market, you have plenty of options to choose from.

For us, the Geekpure 5-Stage Ro filter system is the best under sink water filter in Australia. The five-stage filtration process combines multiple carbon filters and an RO technology that is certified to meet the NSF/ANSI standards. Overall, a durable product that offers excellent value.

If a multi-stage RO filter is not what you need, check out the other products on our list to find the right product for your home.