When it comes to choosing a water filter for your kitchen, you want something that is effective but also doesn’t affect the design of your kitchen.
Let’s find out if you need a water filter in your kitchen, and if you do, how you can make sure it won’t affect your kitchen’s design.
Do you need a water filter in your kitchen?
Water filters can be put in different places in your house and they don’t always need to be in your kitchen. There are two main classifications of filters, point-of-use and point-of-entry.
The water filter can be at the place where you take the water from the tap (point of use) which is usually in your kitchen, or it can be before the water enters your house (point of entry) which is usually in a basement or outside of the house.
The easiest way to keep your kitchen uncluttered is to install a point of entry filter, but this isn’t always possible, so the next best thing is to choose a water filter that won’t take up too much space in your kitchen.
The rest of this article will assume you’ve already decided a point-of-use filter is best for you.
Consider the size and design of your kitchen
If you have a lot of counter space, then you might want to consider a countertop filter. If you have limited counter space, then an under-counter water filter or even an inline refrigerator water filter might be a better option for you.
You should also think about your kitchen’s overall theme and color scheme. If your water filter is going to be out on show then it makes sense to choose one that will match the rest of your kitchen.
For example, if your kitchen is very modern and sleek, then a white or stainless steel water filter would be a good choice. On the other hand, if you have a more traditional kitchen with darker colors, then choosing a water filter in chrome or even brass could be a good option to make it stand out less.
Countertop vs under-counter vs inline vs pitchers from a design perspective
As far as kitchen design goes, the countertop water filter is usually the most obtrusive because it sits on your counter and takes up a lot of space. There are some well-designed models, like the reverse osmosis KFL-TDS-180, that can complement your kitchen’s aesthetics, but generally speaking, a countertop water filter is going to be the most noticeable.
An under-counter water filter is hidden away and doesn’t take up any counter space. According to homewaterresearch.com, they’re great if you want to keep your countertop clutter-free. The only downside is that you need to bend down to change the filter, but other than that, it’s a great option from a design perspective. This also may not be the best option if your under-sink cupboard is already full of cleaning supplies.
Doulton.com says that inline refrigerator water filters are discreet and compact, but might be less convenient because you have to install the filter ‘in-line’ and either mount it somewhere on the wall (like the Culligan EZ change models for example) or leave it resting on the floor.
Water pitcher filters are the least obtrusive option as you can tuck them away in the refrigerator when not in use, but they also have the shortest lifespan and need to be replaced more often. If you’re a small family with decent water quality already, this may be the best way to go.
For long-term filtered water needs without affecting your kitchen’s design, an under-counter or inline refrigerator water filter is the way to go for most people.
Keep Your Kitchen Minimal & Clutter-Free
If you are looking for a way to keep your kitchen minimal and clutter-free, then an under-counter water filter is probably the best option. Countertop water filters take up more space but can complement your kitchen if they’re well designed.
Whatever you decide, make sure the filter you choose won’t take up too much space and will fit in with your kitchen’s overall design.
