How to Choose the Best Water Filter for Your Home

Why Use a Water Filter?

Tap water in the UK is safe to drink, but many households choose to filter it to improve taste, reduce chlorine smell or cut down on limescale, especially in hard water areas. A filter can also help you drink more water and buy fewer plastic bottles.

The right filter depends on what you want to remove, how much water your household drinks and whether you're happy to do a little installation.

Types of Water Filter

• Filter Jugs – The cheapest and easiest option. Fill, wait and pour. Great for improving taste and reducing limescale in kettles.
• Tap-Mounted Filters – Attach directly to your tap and filter water on demand, so there's no waiting for a jug to refill.
• Under-Sink Systems – Hidden away beneath the sink, with a dedicated tap or connection. Higher capacity and longer-lasting cartridges.
• Reverse Osmosis – The most thorough filtration, removing a wider range of dissolved solids. Usually needs professional installation.

What to Look For

• What It Removes – Check which contaminants the filter is certified to reduce, such as chlorine, limescale or certain metals.
• Cartridge Life – Compare how often filters need replacing and what replacements cost over a year.
• Capacity – Larger households may prefer a bigger jug or an under-sink system to avoid constant refilling.
• Fridge Fit – If you're buying a jug, make sure it fits your fridge door.

Water Filters Worth Considering

• BRITA Filter Jugs – The best-known jug filters, widely available with easy-to-find replacement cartridges.
• BWT Filter Jugs – A popular alternative to BRITA that's designed to reduce limescale and improve taste.
• ZeroWater – A jug system with a more thorough multi-stage filter and a meter to check dissolved solids.
• Waterdrop – Offers everything from jugs to under-sink and reverse osmosis systems for more serious filtration.

Final Thoughts

For most households, a filter jug is an easy and affordable way to get better-tasting water and less limescale. If you drink a lot of water or want stronger filtration, an under-sink system is worth the extra investment. Whatever you choose, change cartridges on schedule to keep your filter working properly.