Humans can survive for weeks without food, but only a few days without water. To say fresh water is important would be an understatement! But as important as it is to drink enough, it’s equally important to drink clean water! Here are the best water filter options for your home.
A high-quality water filtration system is an important part of a healthy home. Plus it’s one of the easiest switches to make for a healthier life. You can easily find great water filters for any home, from countertop units to whole-house water purifiers.
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While our family prioritizes nutrient dense food, healthy water is just as important. Some water sources have hundreds of chemicals, many of which are more easily absorbed from water than food.
The Best Water Filter
Already know you want to get a water filter for your home and want to jump ahead? Spoiler alert: here are my favorite options:
- Best water pitcher filter: Clearly Filtered and Soma Water Filter
- Best whole house filter: Radiant Life whole house water system
- Best under the sink filter: Radiant Life 14-stage water purifier
- Best water alkalizer: LifeIonizers
If you’re going backpacking or traveling the Lifestraw is a good portable option.
What’s In Your Water?
If you’re drinking tap water, the answer to that question is 300+ chemicals and pollutants, according to the Environmental Working Group. Test results reveal we have a big problem with our water supply. Among these contaminants are:
Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs)
VOCs, like pesticides, herbicides, and other harmful chemicals. These chemicals are found in most municipal water sources, well water, and other sources due to agricultural contamination. Research links certain VOCs to damage in the reproductive system, liver, kidneys, and more.
Heavy Metals
You’ll also find metals like lead and mercury in some water sources. Areas that still use lead pipes are a big contamination source. These heavy metals can lead to a host of health problems, especially in young children.
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals
These chemicals may mimic or interfere with the normal hormones in the body. And they’re being found in increasing amounts in the water supply. These chemicals are known to affect animals when they enter the water supply as well.
Increasing evidence shows these chemicals can cause issues ranging from diabetes to PCOS, to cancer. One of the biggest ways these chemicals get into the water supply? Hormonal birth control pills.
Fluoride
This may be the most controversial of the contaminants in water (if something like water contaminants can be controversial!). It’s purposefully added to the water and there’s much heated debate about the benefits/harm. More and more scientists and doctors are speaking out about fluoride.
And even if fluoride has any benefit, it would be directly to the teeth. Drinking fluoride hasn’t been shown to increase oral health. Plus, fluoride is linked to thyroid problems and other disorders when swallowed.
If that weren’t enough, here are a few more common drinking water pollutants and impurities.
- Chlorine bleach (added during city water treatment)
- Corrosion from lead and copper pipes
- Bacteria, viruses, and harmful microbes
- Radioactive pollution
- Iron oxides and sediment (hard water)
- Arsenic
- Nitrogen and phosphorous runoff (from farm fertilizers)
Check Your Water
You can check your local water quality report to see what contaminants are in your water supply. This helps determine what you need to filter out when choosing a filter.
The easiest way to find your local water report is to check your local water company’s website. The report should be publicly available. You can also view detailed water reports for most cities at EWG here.
If you have a well you can have your water tested. If you want to skip testing water, simply opt for a filter that removes all the everyday contaminants.
Choosing The Best Water Filter
So what are the options for those of us not interested in drinking a chemical cocktail every time we pour a glass of cold water? There are options for every home and budget. From filters that just take out the basics like chlorine to ones that remove all contaminants and remineralize the water!
Some filters are ANSI/NSF standard approved. This means they meet certain guidelines to remove specific known contaminants. Looking for these certifications is a good place to start. Some popular options include Aquasana, Brita, and AquaTru.
I’ve tried several dozen of the thousands of options available. Keep in mind this is my own experience and I haven’t tried every option. Here are my top picks and what I’ve tried in order of my least favorite to the filters we use now…
Bottled Water
Bottled water has started falling out of favor lately and with good reason. Mark’s Daily Apple did an in-depth analysis of why, but bottled water isn’t a good option for several reasons:
- Chemicals from the plastic bottle itself can leech into the water. Even BPA-free bottles.
- In most cases, the water isn’t any different than tap water
- Bottled water costs more in many cases that drinking tap water
- Water bottles and other plastic waste are a major source of pollution
Verdict: Not the best option on price, taste, or health so I skip it. Some bottled water companies are now starting with healthier water, but once it’s bottled in plastic you have many of the same problems.
That said, bottled water is convenient, and there are some great sustainable options. Instead of plastic bottles, choose a high-quality reusable one. Here are my favorite plastic-free, sustainable, and reusable water bottles!
Best Water Filter Pitcher
Water filter pitchers usually use granulated activated charcoal to remove some contaminants. They are cheaper than other filter options upfront. The downsides are the frequent filling and cartridge replacement (which makes them more expensive in the long run). The filter lifespan isn’t as good compared to some other options. And with 6 kids I need something with a good filter life as replacement filters can get expensive
They may improve the taste but they won’t remove all the toxins. Pitcher filters will reduce chlorine but don’t effectively remove VOCs, heavy metals, endocrine disruptors, or fluoride.
This category also includes faucet mount external filters, which use the same technology. Some other popular options include the Brita pitcher and PUR Plus.
Verdict: Better than nothing, but doesn’t remove the worst offenders and is somewhat costly to use compared to other options. If this is the only option that will work in your home, choose a high-quality pitcher. I like this Soma Filter system or Clearly Filtered. If you have the space and the budget though, there are better options.
Charcoal Stick Water Filters
For those tight on space, charcoal sticks are a great alternative too. Charcoal sticks can be used in any pitcher or water bottle and remove contaminants in the same way many pitcher water filters do.
They’re reusable and last for months. You can even use them as a refrigerator deodorizer or in the garden when you’re done with them!
Verdict: These charcoal water filter sticks are a great eco-friendly, zero-waste option for those tight on space. Ideal for couples and those just filtering water for 1-2 people.
Reverse Osmosis (RO)
Reverse Osmosis filtration uses a membrane that removes many water contaminants. You’ll often see it as an under the sink water filter with a holding tank. While it filters larger particle contaminants, it rejects a lot of water in the process.
It results in several gallons of water wasted for every gallon filtered. RO also removes naturally occurring minerals we need (including calcium and magnesium). When we cook with this demineralized water it leaches essential nutrients from the food by up to 60-86% or more.
Not only does RO water not have beneficial minerals in it, but there’s some concern drinking it pulls these minerals from our bodies.
We used this type of filter for a long time but added trace minerals back into the water to replace the ones that were filtered out. It does remove a large amount of contaminants but it’s not the best option.
Pros:
Removes a large amount of contaminants. Many units are stored under the sink and have a simple spigot over the counter for getting water. It reduces arsenic, asbestos, heavy metals, and fluoride.
Cons:
Wastes more water than it produces. Doesn’t reduce VOCs or endocrine disruptors. Requires adequate water pressure to work so it’s not usable if the home water supply is cut off. Takes up to an hour to filter one gallon of water and filters need to be replaced regularly. Removes necessary minerals from the water.
Verdict:
Certainly better than a lot of options out there and it does remove fluoride. But not the best due to water waste and costly filters. My parents have the AquaTru countertop RO system which wastes less water and can be a good option.
Distilled Water
The distillation process uses heat to turn water into steam. The steam then rises and moves to a cooling chamber where it turns back into liquid, leaving behind many contaminants. This type of filtration reduces large particles like minerals and heavy metals. However, it doesn’t remove endocrine disruptors or VOCs since they vaporize at equal or lower temps than water and rise with the steam. It does effectively kill bacteria.
Pros:
Removes a large amount of contaminants. Does reduce arsenic, asbestos, and heavy metals. Does remove fluoride.
Cons:
Doesn’t reduce VOCs or endocrine disruptors. Home distillation systems are often large and expensive. Uses a large amount of electricity and won’t work in power outages. Removes necessary minerals from the water. Long-term use can cause mineral deficiencies.
Verdict:
Better than bottled water, but definitely not the best option out there, especially for home situations.
Solid Block Carbon Filters
Recognized by the EPA as the best option for removing chemicals like herbicides, pesticides, and VOCs. Activated carbon block filters remove chemicals, pesticides, bacteria, fluoride (with filter attachment), heavy metals, nitrates, nitrites, and parasites. Most are gravity based and can safely transform any type of water into safe drinking water including rainwater, pond water, and even sea water. Though these types of water will clog the filters much more quickly and aren’t ideal.
While these can be more pricey than pitcher filters or other filters up front, they seem to be the least expensive in the long run. Plus they require the fewest filter replacements (a big plus for me!). These types of filters also don’t remove naturally occurring minerals from the water so the water tastes better.
A popular option is the stainless steel Berkey filter and it’s what we used for many years. We now have a whole house and under the counter filter system and I like them better than the Berkey. While I think it’s still helpful, there are better options out there.
Pros:
Filters heavy metals, VOCs, microbes, and particles, depending on the micron size of the pores in the filter. Can be inexpensive per gallon and makes for great-tasting water. Doesn’t require electricity or water pressure to work. Portable options can even be used while traveling.
Cons:
Does require counter space and has to be manually filled. More expensive up front. Doesn’t remove endocrine disruptors and there are some concerns with third-party testing with some brands. There are also some recent reports that indicate these filters may not remove fluoride as well as claimed.
Verdict:
Better than some, especially in places where under-counter or permanent systems aren’t an option. I’d opt for under the counter filters instead or a Clearly Filtered pitcher if you need something on the counter.
Under Counter Multi-Stage Filters:
After years of research and trying all of the options above at some point, we finally found an under-counter multi-stage water filter system. It meets all of my criteria and exceeds them. I review the one we personally use in depth in this post. But in short, it filters water through a 14-stage process that utilizes most of the methods listed above. Plus it uses UV and adds minerals back in.
It removes fluoride, lead, chlorine, MTBE, chromium-6, nitrates, pesticides, pharmaceutical residues, water-borne illnesses, and more. This filter has worked well for us for years and I’ve recommended it to my own family members.
Pros:
Removes the widest range of contaminants. Very easy to use with no manual filling required. Spigot attaches near the sink for easy use. And the water tastes great.
Cons:
Must be installed under the sink. We had to hire a plumber for this, though we probably could have figured it out ourselves, but I was reluctant to try. More expensive than other options.
Verdict:
It’s definitely the best option I’ve found and the one we currently use.
A Step Above Filtration
Interested in going above and beyond filtration? There are options that also enhance the water as well as clean it. I’ve spent the last few years researching options like water alkalizer, hydrogen water, and all of the other methods that claim to optimize water in some way.
Here are the ones I’ve personally tried:
Alkaline and Ionizer Water Filter Combinations
These filters are increasingly popular in recent years. Manufacturers claim alkaline drinking water has various health and longevity benefits.
Here’s how it works:
Positively charged calcium and magnesium ions to pass through the membrane and become concentrated at the negatively charged plates. Calcium and magnesium are alkaline earth metals, they are responsible for giving the alkaline water, made by a water ionizer, its alkaline pH.
I have a Life Ionizer system currently installed under my kitchen sink. I like that it has options for regular purified water or alkaline water with easy to control levels of each. This page explains more about how the technology works and all of the options.
Pros:
These systems come with a reverse osmosis system so they filter water. They may also have some added health benefits from the alkalizing process. There are both countertop and under counter options to fit in most kitchens and can be less expensive depending on the model you choose. This process also generates hydrogen in the water, which may have some additional benefits.
Cons:
They do require some space and aren’t the cheapest option. They also must be installed under the sink and require a plumber if you can’t do this yourself.
Verdict:
We’re currently using this alkalizer/ionizer and like the water taste and quality.
Final Thoughts on the Best Water Filters
There are so many water filter options available ( I think we’ve tried most of them over the years!) and the quality can vary greatly. Since drinking clean water is one the most important things we can do for health using the best water filter is at the top of my list! If you’re lucky, you may also be able to find fresh spring water in your area.
What type of water system do you use? Do you drink tap water? Is water filtration a priority for you? Share below!
We currently have a Berkey, and love it. We recently moved, however, and we need to filter and/or soften our whole house. Any recommendation for a whole house system?
I’m shopping for a whole house system as well! I would love some recommendations and or shopping tips!
Hi there, i have found this article very useful as i am wanting to purchase one of these for our home, am fed up of the chlorine tasting water. I live in the UK, do you know of a filter that i can get from here as it seems that the Berkey is only available in America. I’ve looked online but feel quite confused and clueless about the best options!
Thanks, Cleo.
Look for a charcoal block type filter with added fluoride filters. I”m not sure what they are called there but perhaps some other readers can weigh in if they know…
Basically go for carbon block (pre and post if possible) filter, with sediment filter and fluoride filter. the essential basic 3 filters, and finally for health and wellness, add an additional alkaline filter.
Bare in mind that the owner of this website profits each time you buy at Berkey Filters when going from the links in this page, there should be a disclaimer.
Carbon block filters will not remove almost any fluoride in water after the first use and the attachments will remove a maximum of 30%. Your best bet if you want to remove fluoride is reverse osmosis.
My affiliate disclosure is displayed at the top of each post https://wellnessmama.com/affiliate-disclosure/ and I’ve always disclosed that some links on my site are affiliate links and that I make a small commission from them while the price is still the same for anyone who purchases through my link. Berkey filters are cost effective filters and from my research, they do remove a really high percentage of fluoride “Testing was performed with a flow rate of less than 11 liters per minute per cu.ft. of the Berkey filtering medium at 20 – 30 parts per million (ppm) of the ion in the solution liquid. Results of < 1ppm of the fluoride ion in the effluent were typical for the filter media (>95% reduction). Under optimum laboratory conditions, effluent concentrations of less than 50 part per billion (ppb) were readily achieved which equates to a >99.75% reduction.”
Reverse osmosis is an alternative, but minerals need to be re-added, and often a plumber is needed to install and they can be out of the price range for many people.
Just for your information, I don’t believe there’s any water in the US that has 20-30 ppm of fluoride! That is against government regulations and is a huge amount of fluoride! My tap water has 0.5 ppm and most water reports I have looked at for other clients were between 1 ppm and less than 1. So to show a test starting with 20-30 ppm and reducing it to 1 ppm sounds good but really is not a realistic test, because those levels are not found in public water sources. The EPA actually reduced the allowable levels of fluoride to 0.7 ppm a few years ago. The question is a) is a fluoride filter even necessary? and b) can those fluoride filters reduce such small amounts of fluoride to even lower levels, for those who are trying to accomplish that. There is a website where one can put in their zip code and find out the fluoride level in their tap water. https://nccd.cdc.gov/DOH_MWF/Default/Default.aspx
I am a long time sufferer of kidney stones and have recently read that drinking distilled water may be beneficial to me. These systems look great, but so many “add the minerals back in”. Any thoughts on the negatives of drinking distilled water and any recommendations on a system that doesn’t add the minerals back to the water? I would prefer an “on the counter” system.
There have been R.O. systems on the market for quite some time that use multi-stage filtering, which includes either a carbon block or carbon block + polyphosphate filter, as well as sediment filters in addition to the R.O. filter itself. Omnipure makes such a system. Home Depot sells the Home Master Artesian Full Contact Undersink Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System, which uses *7-stage* filtration, during which calcium and magnesium are added back to the water.
Unless you live in an area with high-priced water or stringent usage rules (e.g., mandatory reductions due to drought), there’s no need to use just a carbon-block filter and take up valuable counter space.
I am amazed at how many comments this post has gotten. Obviously, water filtration is a huge deal to many of us mamas (and papas)! I feel the need to add my two cents worth to this conversation. We have had a Linx Drinking Water System for several years now and it is AWESOME … We too were concerned about all the contaminants our drinking water had coming from the tap plus the addition of chlorine and fluoride, which we DIDN’T want in our water. This system filters out exactly what we want out and leaves in exactly what we want in, plus it is certified in California whereas many water filtration systems aren’t. It’s obviously hard to find the RIGHT system, (as attested by so many comments to this post) and can be hard to filter through all the “propaganda” and “advertising” out there. I’m just glad we found the right one for our family and hope all you other mamas and papas can too!
I was researching through the different types of filters and brands and came across this site.
Whoah, so many comments and types of filters and features!
Seems like it is more about Berkley and less about other filters and brands.
By the way, have you heard or review about this brand called Puritii filter?
It claim to be NSF certified, and also filters bacteria, viruses, chemicals etc.
It also claims to filter fluoride which not many brands out there does it.
Do you still continue to look into other new brands and filters and do a comparison as well?
I had read great things about the Berkey but I also read that it can get moldy. Thoughts?
I’ve not found this to be the case, but we use our constantly, so there’s really no time for mold to grow in it 🙂
Distillation removes virtually all contaminants and results in the purest water reasonably possible. See debunked myths about distilled water (http://www.durastill.com/myths.html). Commercial distilled and filtered water is $0.88-$1.29/gallon (versus $0.22-45/gallon for home distilled), contains phthalates leached from being stored in plastic, and requires packaging materials. Furthermore, commercial filtered water is often no more “pure” than tap water. However, if you’re on the go, here is a list of fluoride content in bottled water by brand http://fluoridealert.org/content/bottled-water/. Research and compare manufacturers and distributors well before buying a home water distiller.
Another option is water filters, but the most effective (i.e. remove fluoride) require professional under sink or water line entry installation and result in 3-5 wasted gallons of grey water per one gallon of purified water produced. Nevertheless, the Environmental Working Group https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/ and Consumer Reports https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/water-filters/buying-guide/index.htm) offer buying guides and ratings (http://thewaterfilterladysblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Consumer-reports-2013.jpg), and NSF offers a list of contaminants and water purification systems certified to remove them http://www.nsf.org/consumer-resources/water-quality/water-filters-testing-treatment/contaminant-reduction-claims-guide). There appears to be some controversy over the politics of NSF certification, but I still wonder why a company that claims to make an excellent filter would not make the effort to get certified?
The highest Consumer Reports rated water filter, the Multipure Aqua RO (the only Multipure filter NSF certified to remove fluoride) costs $605 including shipping. The basic Durastill 8 gallon manual fill water distiller costs $517 including shipping from The Water Distiller Store.
I absolutely support whatever choice people make for their own water purification systems, I just thought I would add this information in case people want it to help make an informed choice, since it took me about 20 hours to find it all.
Additional sources not already listed above:
https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/water-filters/buying-guide/index.htm
https://www.drweil.com/health-wellness/balanced-living/healthy-home/water-the-essential-nutrient/
https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/
http://fluoridealert.org/content/top_ten/
Thank you for your research. It is well-founded, with links to trust-worthy, scientific sources.
This is exactly what I need.
Thank you for all of this information! Definitely saved me time– just curious, all this research in hand, which option for safe/clean water do you currently use for your family? Why? A balanced option, time/money/sustainability/cleanliness has been so hard to nail down! Thanks again. 🙂
Sarah
So, there’s tons of comments I haven’t read thru them all.. have you heard of/tried the zero “pitcher” water? Similar to Brita but they claim to be better. Ours came with a wand that you test the water, but all it reads is a number (of contaminants?). Our tap water read about 145, Brita (what we used prior) read 95, and Zero water read 0 (go figure lol) So I’m curious if you have any idea about this filter system? It says it’s 5x filtered I believe, but it’s been a while since I read the packaging. Any clue??? We’ve been hoping we’re avoiding fluoride..or at least reducing it.. :/
I am looking for the perfect water filter for our drinking water at home. I’ve was almost convinced about the Big Berkey, but I am getting a little suspicious that they are not certified by e.g. NSF. I have looked at the New millenium concepts and it does not seem like a trustworthy certified dealer.
Im not trying to be negative, I would just really like to find a water filtration that is living up to their words but also have have proof of it. Why are you so founded by this Big Berkey, like why do you think its so great other than it taste great? Have you done any research or got your water tested?
Thank for your great work 🙂
Thank you for this post! Super helpful as I was recently diagnosed with Hashimoto’s and wanted to invest in cleaning up our water. The Berkey option is awesome since we are renting. I just bought the Big Berkey with fluoride filters!
Howdy!
Nothing like being late to the party!
My question is do you recommend any type of filter for the fridge water system? Or do you bypass that entirely? Has your entire house been set up with the Berkley system? Or just the kitchen?
I must admit I’m an avid follower and have recently started making some big changes in my young families life, my 18 month old loves Kombucha, he calls it pop, which is fine by me! And he is loving the bone broth. I just got some Water kefir started on the counter this morning. I’m wanting to make a Ginger Bug, as my little guy’s tummy has been bothering him, we are getting rid of Grains, in our house. You are such an eye opening woman. I applaud you and literally search your blog at all chances I can get. Sometimes the hardest part is knowing where to start for the most health impact.
Not to mention I’m getting ready to submit a huge order for Mt. Rose Herbs.
Looking forward to so many more blog posts from you and hopefully a book, soon!!
Best Regards!
I read this article few months ago and we bought 1 x Big Berkey here in UK and now it’s been 2 months non stop usage in my home and we absolutely LOVE it! Thanks so much for this advice 🙂 And also… we did some compare online and this seems to be the most cost effective system around as it last for 7-10 years! We all drink from it and our dog too! 🙂
no I don’t think my comment is ‘extreme’ at all, I think your article is asinine for proposing that folks put a large water tank on their kitchen counter as if everyone has LOTS of extra space in their kitchen for this…what a waste of time and really bad advice…I think you need a different perspective on how real people live
Well, I guess your opinion is your own, but I stand by the article. I recognize that what I suggest will not work for everyone. I am sorry that the filter option that I find works best for my family and my space does not work for you.
He wouldn’t be so judgemental if he cared more about the water quality. The only reason I didn’t already have it is because of the price, not the size of the tank…and now that I know that ZERO water filter removes FLUORIDE and chlorine…… well, I guess I don’t need to save up for it anymore 🙂 because for my personal opinion on water quality, my needs are being met
I wrote Zero water before and they told me they don’t filter out fluoride. I don’t think Aquasana either and I wrote Doulton and I think they are working on it.
Michael, I am living in a 25′ RV while I travel for work. I am still getting a Berkey. Why? Because I am sick of disgusting water in most communities and tired of dragging a dozen gallon water jugs to a water “store” every week or so to get water to cook with, drink, and wash dishes with. Yes, it will take up space (I have zero counter space – it will sit on a tray on one side of the dinette bench). It will, however, be worth it.
So after reading this whole loooong article I find that your recommended H2O filter is this Berkey which appears to be some big ass water tank that will NOT fit under or on top of counter (so WTF do you put it?) AND you have to manually pour water into it every day WTF? Do you think that everyone has extra square footage in their house just a place some big bulky huge water tank someplace in their kitchen so they can access water? What a waste of time reading this whole thing to find out this is what you’re recommending. You have no credibility at all in it in my opinion…
I’m sorry you didn’t find it useful, but it is the exact one that I have sitting on my counter and which my family uses everyday. Obviously you have to decide for yourself based on your own circumstances, but to say my review has no credibility because the filter won’t fit on your counter is a extreme, don’t you think?
Thank you so much for sharing this! I’ve been searching safe drinking water and filtering options and found the Berkey website just minutes before finding your page. The information you’ve provided really helps explain all the options available. I’ll be purchasing the travel size Berkey which uses two filters. Can I use one Fluoride filter and one black Berkey filter? Or do I have to use two of the same filters at once?
Can you please answer the questions about refrigerator filters? I feel like many, many people have a filter on their fridge and I, at least, would really like to know if I can buy one to put in there and not waste that function of my kitchen. Currently we buy the standard PUR filters but I would be willing to upgrade if I can find a decent one that filters out most of the contaminants listed.
Hi Kate,
Thanks so much for your blog, it was very helpful.
I have a question: I live in Hong Kong too and am considering buying a Berkey. Do you know where they’re sold in HK? I’d like to be able to speak to a local distributor/retailer rather than buying online, since I live in a tiny flat with a tiny kitchen sink and am not sure it can install successfully. If you have any contact details for HK Berkey stores/distributors, I’d appreciate it.
Many thanks!
We were about to buy this RO system that we have heard and read good things about. They claim that the water gets remineralized in the process so there isn’t a need to add in minerals afterwards. Have you heard or read about these types of systems?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005A3WM6C/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005A3WM6C&linkCode=as2&tag=wellnessmama-20&linkId=DO2VBFVR6TMTEAUM
We used to have that exact one, but when I tested the water with an at-home test, it didn’t have the same mineral content as the original tap water did. It was a decent filter, but I didn’t like how much water was wasted.
It sounds like a pretty good one. I would like to know what the 7 stages are specifically. A few of the keys to a good system are – minimum of 5 stages, quality American craftsmanship, good technical and parts support in future and 3rd party testing of filtration. Based on our research we ended up with a high quality system that was installed by a local company who is available for additional filters. Be sure the filters are readily available for whatever unit you decide on. This is an important decision to make regarding the health of your family.