Shopping for a 4.5 x10 Water Filter Cartridge?
You’ve come to the right place.
A 4.5 x10 water filter cartridge is one of the best water purifiers because it fits under the sink like a glove.
Whether you source your water from a well or a cityreservoir, these filters make for a great option.
They are quick to install, too, making them perfect for use at home.
What's In This Buying Guide
Table of Contents
This buying includes a comprehensive review of the best 4.5 x10 water filter cartridge models on the market.
We discuss all the crucial features you need to look for and consider while buying these filter cartridges.
We also list the pros and cons of these filter cartridges and answer some frequently asked questions towards the end.
Best 4.5 x10 Water Filter Cartridges
Disclaimer: All links below go to Amazon.com
- 1. Best for Large Sediment: Membrane Solutions Pleated Filter
- 2. Best 5-Micron Filter Cartridge: SimPure Sediment Water Filter
- 3. Best Food-Grade Filter Cartridge:: AquaCrest Water Filter
- 4. Best CTO Filter: iSpring Cartridge Filter
- 5. Best Value: Fil-fresh Replacement Cartridge
Membrane Solutions Pleated Filter
- Best for Large Sediment
Weight:
2.59 PoundsMicron Size:
5 micronDuration:
6 monthsMaterial:
Pleated Polyester
SimPure Sediment Water Filter
- Best 5-Micron Filter Cartridge
Weight:
3.52 PoundsMicron Size:
5 micronDuration:
3-6 monthsMaterial:
Polypropylene
AquaCrest Water Filter
- Best Food-Grade Filter Cartridge
Weight:
1.48 PoundsMicron Size:
5 micronDuration:
3-6 monthsMaterial:
Polypropylene
iSpring Cartridge Filter
- Best CTO Filter
Weight:
12 PoundsMicron Size:
5Duration:
6 monthsMaterial:
Quality coconut shell carbon
Fil-fresh Replacement Cartridge
- Best Value
Weight:
3.74 PoundsMicron Size:
5 micronDuration:
3-6 monthsMaterial:
Polypropylene
Membrane Solutions Pleated Filter is the perfect choice for those who need to pre-filter water.
This filter’s ability to handle anything larger than 5 microns is pretty impressive. It reduces scale, silt, dirt, rust, and more.
The product comes in a package of 4 filter cartridges or a set containing 16 cartridges.
The duration of each filter is usually 6 months. So, with a 4-pack, you’re set for at least 2 years if you use one every 6 months.
PROS
- Pleated design for increased surface area.
- 5-micron pore size.
- Provides a consistent water flow.
- Prevents clogging of water pipes.
- Filters up to 30,000 gallons of water.
CONS
- The rubber top can be a bit flimsy.
Our Review
As the name suggests, the Membrane Solutions Pleated Filter has a pleated design that increases its surface area and ensures a thorough filtration process.
The pleats also prevent a drop in water pressure even when it has sediment accumulation.
Moreover, this filter cartridge helps prevent the clogging of water pipes.
The water that goes to the drains is free from heavy metals and other agents that cause them to clog.
To add to this, its filtration capacity of 30,000 gallons of water makes this filter suitable for medium and large families. It has a 95% removal rate.
Lastly, these cartridge filters are washable and reusable. You can wash and reuse these cartridges if you find an excessive accumulation of sediments only after a few uses.
Issues & Limitations
The only issue with the Membrane Solutions Pleated Filter is that the rubber top is not the most sturdy option.
BOTTOM LINE
The SimPure Sediment Water Filter is quite suitable for whole-house water filtration.
It has a standard housing that fits most filtration units and is made of polypropylene, which resists corrosion.
It can filter out particles as small as 5 microns. To put into perspective, the thickness of human hair is 70 microns.
PROS
- Polypropylene construction is resistant to corrosion.
- Does not dissolve in water.
- A combination of 3 filter layers.
- 5-micron pores to block a range of impurities.
- Great for residential and industrial uses.
CONS
- Can impact water pressure.
Our Review
The SimPure Sediment Water Filter cartridge has premium construction with 5-micron pores that block the passage of even the tiniest of particles.
This ensures a complete filtration of dust, rust, silt, and more from the water.
Another impressive feature is the absence of any binders or solvents. The filter does not need any wetting agents that can dissolve in water and clog the drainage pipes either, which makes this cartridge environment-friendly as well.
The cartridge has 3 layers of filters: a sparse layer, a compaction layer, and a precision layer.
All of these work together to efficiently filter water and give you a 99% removal rate to ensure your family’s good health.
Depending on how you use this filter cartridge, it can also help increase the life of the appliances in your house.
Whether you’re using water to prepare food, wash dishes, or for personal hygiene, the filtered water is without harsh chemicals that can damage appliances.
Issues & Limitations
This filter cartridge is quite effective in filtering water, but it can lead to reduced water pressure. Also, the 3-6 months duration might not be enough for some people.
BOTTOM LINE
The AquaCrest cartridge filter stays true to its quality standards as it has a superior filtration capability.
The construction material is free from BPA, which makes it eco-friendly. This makes the filter cartridge safe for use in the kitchen, too, as it does not have any harmful chemicals.
PROS
- Superior Food-grade filtration material.
- No pressure drops over time.
- Filters up to 30,000 gallons of water.
- Effectively reduces chlorine levels.
- BPA-free construction.
CONS
- It needs extra care while handling.
Our Review
The AquaCrest Water Filter is a remarkable filter cartridge with food-grade construction material.
The polypropylene filtration material makes it ideal for residential usage.
One of the best things about this filter cartridge is that it reduces chlorine levels in the water.
Along with that, it effectively removes foul odors and unpleasant taste, making it great for drinking and cooking purposes, too.
Its pleated design increases the surface area for filtration, and it has a higher absorption capacity than most other filters, making sure that you do not have to replace it too frequently.
Furthermore, the AquaCrest filter has a universal housing size, which allows it to fit into filters from most brands.
The filtration capacity of 30,000 gallons further increases its usefulness for whole-house filtration.
Issues & Limitations
You have to carefully handle this filter cartridge as it has a sensitive frame; the pleated design can be ruined if extra pressure is applied.
BOTTOM LINE
To wrap up, this is an amazing filter cartridge that ensures a good supply of healthy and refreshing water. The pleated design and BPA-free construction are definitely our favorite features.
If you want a heavy-duty water filter cartridge, the iSpring Cartridge Filter is your best bid.
It has an impressive water filtration capacity of 50,000 gallons, making it suitable for the needs of a large household.
It is a CTO filter, which means it removes chlorine, taste, and odor from water, leaving behind pleasant-tasting and healthy water.
PROS
- Activated carbon filter for chlorine, taste, and odor.
- Filters nearly 50,000 gallons of water.
- Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- No surfactants or adhesives.
- Highly compact fabrication increases surface area.
CONS
- Can be expensive for some.
Our Review
iSpring Cartridge Filter comes loaded with features that ensure a continuous supply of clean drinking water.
It has coconut shell carbon that makes its construction safe for use at home. The activated carbon filters remove foul odors and taste from water.
Furthermore, it also removes contaminants like trihalomethanes and herbicides.
Since it does not have any solvents or binders, there is no hidden impurity dissolved in water once it is filtered.
Moreover, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee on this filter cartridge. So, if you are not satisfied with its functioning, you can return it.
Issues & Limitations
The iSpring Cartridge Filter is a pro-health water filtration option.
It ensures the removal of contaminants on several levels, including sediment removal and chlorine reduction.
BOTTOM LINE
The Fil-fresh Replacement Cartridge is another great option because of its health-safe construction and affordability.
Although comparatively cheaper than many other cartridges available in the market, it is just as effective in performance as some of the few expensive options.
PROS
- Multi-layer filtration process.
- Lead-free construction material.
- Compatible with heavy-duty filters.
- Working pressure of 60 psi (Max 100 psi).
- Food-grade coconut-activated carbon layer.
CONS
- Its lifespan could be an issue.
Our Review
This cartridge filter by Fil-fresh has stood out to us with its multi-layer density structure.
It has polypropylene construction with an additional activated carbon filter layer. This makes it ideal for removing impurities, foul smells, and color from the water.
Moreover, its food-grade construction does not have any lead or BPA. This helps in increasing the life of appliances in your house.
It comes at an affordable price and has a high filtration capability of 30,000 gallons of water. The water pressure of 60 to 100 psi is also commendable.
Issues & Limitations
A downside is that it might not last long depending on the usage and quality of water it needs to filter.
BOTTOM LINE
Water Filter Cartridge Buying Guide
Water filter cartridges come in many types, and each one of them promises different features. But, how do you know which one is worth buying?
For that, you have to look out for:
Stages of Processing:
4.5 x10 water filter cartridges come with different stages of processing.
Two-stage filtration is enough for those who want to eliminate dust particles only.
However, there can be other contaminants like heavy metals and chlorine in the water.
To rid the water of these pollutants, it is better to go for cartridges with multi-stage filtration.
Pricing:
Pricing is one of the major concerns for everything that you buy. 4.5 x10 water filter cartridges usually do not come at overly high prices. But they do have quality variations with changes in prices.
So, you should go for 4.5 x10 water filter cartridges that offer the best filtration within your budget.
Maintenance:
4.5 x10 water filter cartridges need to be replaced after some time. But, their maintenance should not be expensive or tricky.
Cartridges should not get blocked with sediments as that can drop the flow rate. Thus, it is best to buy 4.5 x10 water filter cartridges that are not too hard to care for and maintain.
Warranty:
A warranty is the best indication of a 4.5 x10 water filter cartridge’s quality. The cartridges that come with a satisfactory warranty policy are more likely to have a high quality.
Hence, you should be careful of the warranty that a manufacturer offers before buying a cartridge.
Certifications:
A 4.5 x10 water filter cartridge certified by reliable third parties or authorities is a more reliable option.
You should look for quality assurance from National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) or Water Quality Association (WQA).
These are both highly reliable organizations, and you can trust the products they certify.
What is a 4.5 x10 Water Filter Cartridge - and What is its Application?
A 4.5 x10 water filter cartridge filters water by blocking all the contaminants via a membrane.
It restricts the passage of pollutants while ensuring a clean supply of water. These filters have dimensions of 4.5 x 10 inches.
This type of cartridge filter is appropriate for medium and large families. The water that passes through such filters has the minimum level of elements that can be harmful to your health.
These filters are great for use at home and offices. They are useful for restaurants as well, where clean water is needed for cooking and preparing drinks.
What to Look for in a 4.5 x10 Water Filter Cartridge
A 4.5 x10 water filter cartridge can definitely provide healthy and safe drinking water.
But you need to have the best one for optimal water filtration at home. This is why you should look out for:
Filter Life:
The filter life is of primary concern when buying a 4.5 x10 water filter cartridge.
These filters should not stop working after a couple of months if you want the most out of the money you have spent on such units.
Generally, the life of these cartridges is around 6 months. But they can last even longer if the water being processed does not have a lot of contaminants.
Easy Installation:
The cartridges should be easy to install and replace. Although preferably, you should opt for a filter that you do not have to replace every month, even if you do go for one that needs monthly replacement, the installation process should be simple and hassle-free.
This will help you save on the money you will have to spend if you hire a plumber when it is time to replace the filter.
Flow Rate:
Another essential thing to look for in a 4.5 x10 filter cartridge is its flow rate ofwater.
If you have a small house, a flow rate of 15 GMP will work for you. But, if you have a large house, you will need a cartridge that offers a flow rate of at least 40 GPM.
Micron Size:
Micron size is another important consideration as it determines the efficiency of filtration.
The micron size should be small enough to block fine dust particles and other physical impurities. Opting for a 5-micron filter cartridge is recommended.
Installation of 4.5 x10 Water Filter Cartridge
Installing 4.5 x10 water filter cartridges is quite simple. You should be able to do it yourself.
You do not have to buy any tools to install these filter cartridges either. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be good to go.
- Start by shutting off the water supply to the housing unit of the filter. Then, remove the sump by twisting it with your hands. Avoid using a metallic tool to remove the sump as it can cause breakage.
- Remove the old cartridge and drain the filter housing.
- Then, insert the new cartridge in the filter unit and fix it into the cup at the bottom.
- Lastly, attach the housing sump back with the cap and secure it into place by twisting it.
Pros and Cons
4.5 x10 water filter cartridges are great for purifying water, of course. But they have some drawbacks as well.
Pros:
- Pleasant Taste: One of the major perks of investing in a 4.5 x10 water filter cartridge is pleasant-tasting water. These filters remove elements from water that make it taste foul or smell.
- Healthy Water: The water processed by 4.5 x10 water filter cartridges is healthy as many of them optimize pH levels and add pro-health ions, making it great for both drinking and cooking.
- Cost Efficient: 4.5 x10 water filter cartridges are a cost-effective way of cleaning water. They do not need anenormous investment, and they are easy and affordable to maintain as well. Plus, you only need to replace most of them after 6 months.
- Easy Installation: You do not need to hire professionals to install 4.5 x10 water filter cartridges. Such filters can fit under the sink, too, so you do not have to worry about them taking a lot of space.
Cons:
- Might Remove Friendly Chemicals: One of the downsides of 4.5 x10 water filter cartridges is that they might, depending on the unit, remove friendly chemicals, too, like fluoride, which is essential for teeth, and its removal leads to weakening of teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a 4.5 x10 water filter cartridge work on a well system?
Yes, a 4.5 x10 water filter cartridge removes most contaminants from well water, leaving it fresh and healthy. They are effective at removing unpleasant odors as well.
How often do I have to change the water filter cartridge?
Filter cartridges need to be replaced every 6 to 12 months. The time for replacing filter cartridges depends on the quality of water you have at home.
The amount of water that your family consumes also affects the duration they can last for.
So, if you have a small family and the water quality is not that bad, the filter cartridges should last about a year.
