If you’ve ever taken a sip of tap water and been left with a strange aftertaste or noticed an off-putting odor, you’re not alone. While tap water in many areas is generally safe to drink, the taste and smell can be affected by numerous factors. The good news? You can significantly improve the taste and quality of your water with the right water filter. This guide will walk you through the best water filters that are specifically designed to enhance the flavor and eliminate unwanted smells, helping you enjoy the clean, fresh water you deserve.
Understanding Why Tap Water Sometimes Tastes or Smells Bad
Before diving into the best water filters, it’s helpful to understand why your tap water might taste or smell less than ideal. Several reasons contribute to poor water quality, such as:
- Chlorine: Many municipalities use chlorine to disinfect water, but it can leave a distinct chemical taste and odor.
- Sediments and Minerals: High levels of minerals like sulfur, iron, or calcium can create earthy or metallic flavors.
- Pipes and Plumbing: Old pipes may release metallic particles into your water, giving it a rusty or metallic flavor.
- Organic Matter: Algae, bacteria, and other organic compounds can sometimes produce a musty smell in your water.
Whatever the cause, a good water filter can effectively address these issues. Here are some of the best options you can consider, depending on your needs and preferences.
Pitcher Water Filters: Convenient and Effective
Pitcher filters are perhaps the easiest solution for improving the taste and odor of your water. They’re portable, affordable, and don’t require any special installation.
Brita Standard Everyday Water Filter Pitcher
One of the most popular options is the Brita Standard Everyday Water Filter Pitcher. This pitcher is loved by many because it’s simple to use and effective at reducing chlorine taste and odor. With thousands of high ratings, it’s clear that people notice a significant difference in taste after using this filter.
Brita’s pitcher uses an activated carbon filter that traps chlorine and other impurities, leaving you with crisp, clean-tasting water. It also filters out other contaminants like mercury and copper, which can contribute to poor flavor.
ZeroWater 10-Cup Pitcher
Another great pitcher option is the ZeroWater 10-Cup Pitcher. ZeroWater filters are unique because they use a five-stage filtration process that removes virtually all dissolved solids from your water, including minerals that can affect taste. While it might be a bit more expensive compared to Brita, many users claim the extra filtration is worth it, particularly if you live in an area with hard water.
The ZeroWater Pitcher also comes with a water quality meter, so you can test your water before and after filtering to see the difference. This makes it a great choice if you’re serious about improving the overall taste and quality.
Faucet-Mounted Filters: On-Demand Filtering
If you want filtered water directly from your kitchen tap, a faucet-mounted filter is a convenient choice. These filters are easy to install, often requiring no tools, and allow you to switch between filtered and unfiltered water.
PUR Faucet Mount Water Filtration System
The PUR Faucet Mount Water Filtration System is a top choice for those looking to improve the taste and smell of their water. With over 10,000 positive reviews, it’s clear that PUR is trusted for its performance.
This filter uses activated carbon and ion exchange to remove over 70 contaminants, including chlorine, lead, and other substances that affect the flavor. The result? Water that tastes fresh and clean without the chlorine aftertaste.
Brita Tap Water Filter System
Another excellent option is the Brita Tap Water Filter System. Like the PUR filter, it uses activated carbon to target chlorine and other taste-altering impurities. One standout feature of the Brita faucet filter is its easy-to-switch lever that allows you to switch between filtered and unfiltered water — perfect when you need unfiltered water for cleaning or other uses.
These faucet filters are perfect if you want a cost-effective way to filter your water directly at the point of use, without waiting for a pitcher to fill.
Under-Sink Water Filters: Powerful and Out of Sight
For those who want a more robust filtration solution without countertop clutter, an under-sink water filter is the way to go. These filters are generally more powerful and can last longer before requiring replacement.
CuZn UC-200 Under Counter Water Filter
The CuZn UC-200 Under Counter Water Filter is one of the highest-rated under-sink filters available, boasting thousands of glowing reviews. It’s designed to target chlorine, sediment, and other impurities that cause bad taste and odor.
This filter uses a three-stage process: micro sediment membranes, KDF-55 filtration media, and coconut shell carbon. Together, these remove chlorine and many other common contaminants, without removing beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium.
An added bonus of the CuZn UC-200 is that it’s incredibly easy to install, requiring no drilling or special tools. If you want clean, great-tasting water straight from your kitchen tap with minimal effort, this under-sink filter is an excellent choice.
APEC WFS-1000 3-Stage Under-Sink Water Filter System
Another great under-sink option is the APEC WFS-1000 3-Stage Under-Sink Water Filter System. This system uses three stages of filtration to remove sediment, chlorine, and other impurities that affect taste and odor.
The filters are designed to last a year before needing replacement, making it a low-maintenance solution for people who want consistent, high-quality water. Plus, the APEC system uses only FDA-certified materials, ensuring the highest safety standards.
Countertop Water Filters: Practical and Efficient
If you prefer something more substantial than a pitcher but don’t want to deal with under-sink installation, countertop water filters are a great choice. They’re easy to install and can be moved if needed.
Big Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter
The Big Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter is a favorite for people looking for high-quality, filtered water in larger quantities. The system uses a combination of carbon filters and additional filter elements to remove a wide variety of contaminants, including chlorine, heavy metals, and bacteria, which can contribute to bad taste and odor.
The Big Berkey is especially popular among people who want more control over their water quality, and it’s great if you have a larger household. Though it’s an investment, it’s built to last, with high-quality stainless steel construction and filters that last up to 6,000 gallons.
AquaTru Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter
Another great countertop option is the AquaTru Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter. This unit uses a four-stage reverse osmosis system to remove 99% of contaminants, including chlorine, heavy metals, and other substances that can negatively impact your water’s flavor and aroma.
While it’s a bit more expensive than other options, the AquaTru produces incredibly clean water and has been a game changer for people sensitive to the taste and smell of their tap water. Plus, it’s compact and easy to set up without any plumbing.
Whole-House Water Filters: Total Home Coverage
If you want to improve the taste and odor of all the water in your home, a whole-house water filter might be your best bet. These systems ensure that every tap in your house delivers fresh-tasting, clean water.
iSpring WGB32B 3-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System
The iSpring WGB32B 3-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System is an excellent choice for whole-house coverage. It removes chlorine, sediment, and other contaminants, ensuring that all the water you use — whether for drinking, cooking, or even bathing — is free from bad tastes and smells.
This system uses three stages of filtration, including a carbon block filter, which is highly effective in removing chlorine, VOCs, and other contaminants that affect water quality. If you want consistently great-tasting water throughout your entire home, iSpring is a highly rated solution.
Choosing the Best Filter for Your Needs
With so many water filter options available, choosing the right one might feel overwhelming. Here’s a quick summary to help you decide which type of filter is best for improving the taste and odor of your water:
- Pitcher Filters are perfect if you’re looking for a convenient, budget-friendly solution for drinking water.
- Faucet-Mounted Filters offer on-demand filtering without needing to wait for a pitcher to fill.
- Under-Sink Filters are a great choice if you want a powerful filtration system that doesn’t take up counter space.
- Countertop Filters provide a balance between capacity and convenience, ideal for small families or people who want a portable solution.
- Whole-House Filters are best if you want to improve the taste and quality of all the water in your home.
A Few Final Tips for Better Tasting Water
Even with a great water filter, there are a few additional things you can do to ensure your water tastes as fresh as possible:
Change Filters Regularly: Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for changing filters. A dirty or expired filter can not only stop working effectively but may actually make your water taste worse.
Clean Your Equipment: Whether you have a pitcher, faucet filter, or countertop unit, make sure you regularly clean the components. Mineral buildup can contribute to poor taste over time.
Store Filtered Water Properly: If you’re using a pitcher, store it in the refrigerator. Cold water tastes fresher, and keeping it cold can help prevent bacteria growth.
Enjoy Fresh, Great-Tasting Water Every Day
Improving the taste and odor of your water doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right water filter, you can easily enhance the quality of your drinking water and make every glass more enjoyable. Whether you choose a simple pitcher filter, a robust under-sink system, or even a whole-house solution, investing in clean, tasty water is a decision your taste buds will thank you for.
Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand the different types of water filters available and which ones are best for improving taste and odor. If you’re ready to experience the difference for yourself, you can find all the products mentioned on Amazon, where you’ll also see that thousands of others have found success in enjoying better-tasting water.
