Refrigerator water filters are an excellent option for individuals or families that are looking for a way to combine the health benefits of a water filter and the enjoyment of chilled water. This type of water filter is designed to be installed on the inside of a refrigerator. Although many refrigerators are designed with a built-in water filter, any refrigerator that has an ice-maker or water dispenser on the door can be outfitted with a water filter. In additions to refrigerators, this type of water filter can be used in conjunction with water fountains, ice machines, commercial coffee makers or water coolers.

Most refrigerator water filters run in the price range of sixty to one hundred dollars depending on the quality of filtration they offer, along with their life span. The majority of refrigerator water filters can be connected to the desired device via 1/4" plastic or copper tubes. The filters use a high-pressure connection to provide a steady flow of cool, filtered drinking water. A refrigerator water filter can remove impurities such as chlorine, rust, lime and dust from tap water. By removing these impurities, the filter greatly improves the safety of the water, along with making the taste and odor much more pleasant. Although the filter removes impurities, it does not get rid of minerals and fluoride that are actually beneficial to consume.

Different brands of refrigerator water filters employ a variety of methods and devices to turn tap water into water that is appropriate for consumption. However, all of the filters have certain elements and processes in common. Water is first forced through a filter to remove large impurities, such as silt or sand. Once the larger, un-dissolved particles are removed from the water, water normally flows through a blend of copper and zinc, which is vital in the removal of chlorine. The final stage of the filtration process involves carbon. Carbon is a very porous substance, which provides a large surface area for water contaminants to collect. Carbon has the ability to remove any impurities that have not been previously filtered. Carbon also removes the unpleasant taste and odor that plagues the majority of tap water.

As mentioned earlier, one of the major advantages of refrigerator water filters is the combination of a filtration system and the ability to dispense cold water. The disadvantage of most refrigerator water filters is that they have a much shorter life span than most other types of water filters. If you plan on buying refrigerator water filter with a longer life span, such as ten, twenty or thirty thousand gallons, you will have to pay a much higher price than other refrigerator water filters. The other downside to refrigerator water filters is that they do not offer any portability, and can require a substantial amount of time for installation.