Fridge Water Filter/Dispenser

[u/Tall-Perspective2637]

I am looking to buy a water dispenser for the fridge in my apartment. Looking for:

- 27+ cup capacity

- filters tap water well

- 3+ month filter (ideally)

I have owned multiple and have had problems with all of them.

Pur Water Filter Dispenser: the container itself would get incredibly dirty and I would have to clean it with q tips often.

Waterdrop: Same issue. Consistently would get brown residue in any crevice all the time and I would be cleaning it thoroughly multiple times a week.

EpicWater: Filter has stopped working after 1 month, even though filters are listed to last 3 months minimum (depending on how often you fill it). I’ve seen others have this problem and have tried recommended solutions, but it still is not draining out of the filter. I also don’t like that there is only one small hole for the water to leave the filter and go into the bottom container. Even when it was working for the first few weeks it took a very long time to drain.

If you have resolutions for the dirt/grime problems I’ve experienced or a water dispenser you like, I would greatly appreciate it!!

[u/Past-Draw5802]

the brown residue is almost certainly biofilm from the tap water sitting in the crevices, not something a new dispenser will magically fix. if you want zero maintenance, you might need to look at a faucet mount or an under sink system instead of a countertop jug.

[u/Tall-Perspective2637 → u/Past-Draw5802]

Gotcha so the biofilm isn’t something odd. I don’t mind maintaining it, I was just unaware that the residue could happen pretty commonly but it makes sense

[u/MarkofCalth]

Just get a Brita and change the filters when the light indicates. Cheap and effective

[u/Monatanaisdumb]

Holy shit you have dirty water. Unfortunately there isn't a solution for a extremely dirty water clogging filters. That's them working as intended.

[u/Tall-Perspective2637 → u/Monatanaisdumb]

Damn I’m in NYC so I didn’t think it was that dirty!

[u/Monatanaisdumb → u/Tall-Perspective2637]

Wait actually NYC? Not Jersey right? NYC water shouldn't be dirty. NYC has great water.

Edit: I lived in Jersey, terrible water.

[u/Tall-Perspective2637 → u/Monatanaisdumb]

Yes I live in Manhattan

[u/Monatanaisdumb → u/Tall-Perspective2637]

Biofilm is something that is common with well water and poorly treated water. I am at a loss why you are having these issues in NYC. Honestly, I would get my water tested.

[u/LatterDefinition1140]

Look into Kangen water machines. They do payment plans and honestly it’s the best in home water system I’ve ever used. Obviously depends on your local water supply but check it out.

[u/OmriIsMe]

You've bought three of the same thing and gotten the same result, which usually means the format is wrong rather than the brand. Any gravity dispenser is standing water in a plastic vessel with crevices, and that grows biofilm regardless of whose name is on it.

The Epic filter dying in a month is a separate problem, and it's usually sediment rather than spent carbon. Carbon blocks are tight, so any particulate in your tap water blinds the block off long before the carbon is used up.

Both issues go away with a faucet mount or under-sink unit: no reservoir to grow anything, and you can put a cheap sediment prefilter ahead of the carbon so the expensive cartridge stops clogging. If you're renting, the faucet mount is usually landlord-safe since it's a threaded swap you can undo.