Finding a Fridge Water Filter

A consumer guide for the ‘How do I replace it?’ moment

By Dave Goldman, Safe Appliances

It begins with the fridge beeping or the water filter light glaring red.

Your customer thinks, “I’ll just grab a replacement later today.” But then they realize they have no idea which one to buy.

Here’s a courtesy guide for customers that explains the five best ways to determine which filter fits their refrigerator:

1. Check the current filter: Twist or push the button release to remove your filter, and take a photo of the exact model name or number. (Watch a YouTube video if you’re unsure where to locate the filter on your fridge or how to remove it.)

2. Locate your refrigerator model number: This is usually located on inside side wall or on the door frame. Every major brand has a website, where you can enter the model number and find the correct filter model. Other trustworthy “filter finder” sites include Filtersfast.com and Discountfilters.com.

However, this is where some people get tripped up: There are often multiple names for the same filter. For example, the Samsung DA29-00020B and HAF-CIN are one and the same. Likewise, the EDR2RXD1 filter is identical to the Everydrop Filter 2, which is the same as the Maytag UKF8001. Brands may re-label them, but the part number matters more than the brand name.

3. Knockoffs vs. OEMs: The cheap ones on Amazon might fit, but some fridges get picky and won’t work with a knockoff. Some never really fit just right and may even leak. Most fake filters are not even tested for safety (NSF/ANSI 42 and 53 for lead and odor reduction). Do yourself a big favor and only buy an original!

See: The Dangers of Counterfeit Water Filters

4. Filter style: Some are short and fat, some are long and skinny, some are in the grille at the bottom, some are inside at the top back. When you pull the old one out you will know instantly what shape to look for.

5. Last but certainly not least: Ask your local appliance dealer. They may even have it in stock.

But wait … how does my fridge even know I need a new filter? Generally, there are two different approaches that fridge manufacturers may use:

• Timed systems: The indicator light or beeper runs on an internal countdown, usually set to trigger at six-month intervals.
• Sensor and microchip systems: Advanced refrigerators respond to a flow sensor or RFID chip that’s built into the filter. The fridge tracks the exact amount of water that has passed through the filter and records its lifespan. The alerts are usually triggered after 200-300 gallons.

Congratulations, you are now an expert at finding a filter that works for your refrigerator! The most important thing to remember, however, is to always buy a genuine OEM refrigerator water filter for safety and reliability.

Dave Goldman is an account executive at BrandSource vendor partner Safe Appliances, a global distributor of appliance parts, water filtration systems, technical components and aftermarket accessories. Contact Dave at (949) 232-0702 or dave@safeappliances.com, and visit Safe Appliances at next month’s Convention Stampede and EXPO.

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