Shopping for a Fluoride Water filter for your home?You’ve come to the right place.
Fluoride is widely used in community water supplies as a disinfectant. But not everyone is comfortable ingesting it.
If you too are someone who prefers to avoid ingesting fluoride or have trouble ingesting it, then what you need is a fluoride water filter.
Fluoride-removing water filters can be attached to the tap system, or you can use them in a standalone configuration.
What Kinds of Water Filters Can Remove Fluoride?
It is impossible to completely remove fluoride from water byjust boiling it, which is why many people turn to comprehensive processes such as water filtration.
But a traditional water filter is simply not enough to lower the fluoride concentration of water.
You will require a specialized fluoride water filter which you can choose from a wide range of options in the market these days.
The kinds of water filters that can efficiently remove fluoride from water include:
Reverse Osmosis
Out of the many filter systems used today, reverse osmosis water filters happen to be the most popular choice since they are known for effectively removing 85-90% of fluoride from drinking water.
An RO filtration system is connected to the water supply system, where it uses household water pressure to push tap water through a series of membranes.
Most reverse osmosis filtration systems have 4 semi-permeable membranes that allow water molecules to pass while filtering out the contaminants present in the water.
These filters are a cost-effective solution for removing fluoride and other contaminants, including lead and sulfates, from the water and making it clean, pure and safe for consumption.
Bone Char Carbon Filter
If you want a fluoride water filter for purposes other than drinking, a bone char carbon filter is the best option for you.
Bone char carbon filters come as water filter cartridges that eliminate approximately 90% of the total mineral content from the water.
However, their efficiency at reducing fluoride significantly drops after they have filtered certaingallons of water.
Moreover, bone char is made by heating animal bones at high temperatures, making these filters unsuitable for vegans.
Distiller
Distillation is another effective and affordable way to remove fluoride from water. You can easily find a countertop distiller for this purpose.
However, the distillation process removes the beneficial minerals from the water too.
Moreover, for people accustomed to drinking chlorinated water over a long period, distilled water might taste flat.
Activated Alumina Filter
Activated alumina is a porous, solid form of aluminum oxide. It is an inert and non-soluble filtration media that neither loses its efficiency nor requires the use of antifungals.
Activated Alumina filtration is EPA-recommended and is highly effective at absorbing fluoride and other contaminants from water.
But it has its limitations too. For instance, it only works on water with a pH of less than 8.5. For effective fluoride removal, the pH should be between 5 and 6.
What's In This Buying Guide
Table of Contents
This buying guide explains everything about fluoride water filters.
We review some of the best fluoride water filters available and discuss their features, pros, and cons.
We mention the harmful impacts of fluoride intoxication and explain the need to remove fluoride from water.
Finally, we look at how these filters work, what makes them different from the other types, their pros and cons, how to install them, and their cleaning and maintenance.
If you are interested in a whole-house water filter, make sure to check out our guide on the best whole house filters.
Best Fluoride Filters
Disclaimer: All links below go to Amazon.com
- 1. Best Whole House Fluoride Water Filter: iSpring RCS5T RO Water Filter System
- 2. Best Under-Sink Fluoride Water Filter: Home Master TMAFC Filter
- 3. Best Countertop Fluoride Water Filter: Megahome Water Distiller
iSpring RCS5T RO Water Filter System
Award
Best Whole House Fluoride Water FilterDimensions
14 x 11 x 18 inchesWeight
32.6 poundsNumber of Stages
5Water Flow Rate
500 gallons per dayWarranty
30-day warranty
Home Master TMAFC Filter
Award
Best Under-Sink Fluoride Water FilterDimensions
20 x 13 x 16 inchesWeight
14.1 poundsNumber of Stages
7Water Flow Rate
50 gallons per dayWarranty
5-year limited warranty
Megahome Water Distiller
Award
Best Countertop Fluoride Water FilterDimensions
9.84 x 9.84 x 14.57 inchesWeight
7.04 poundsNumber of Stages
2Water Flow Rate
1 gallon every 5.5 hoursWarranty
1-year warranty on parts and labor
The iSpring RCS5T RO Water Filter System provides fluoride-free water throughout your house.
It is a 5-stage water filtration system that removes up to 99% fluoride with its reverse osmosis water filtration process.
The iSpring RCS5T features a tankless design that produces clean water on demand and has a large capacity of 500 gallons per day.
Its 1:1 wastewater ratio also ensures that minimum water goes down the drain.
PROS
- Well-built and highly efficient at fluoride removal
- Can double up as a countertop or under-sink system
- 5 filtration stages ensure maximum particulate removal
- Unique dual-flow membrane fluoride filtration system
- Compact and space-saving design
CONS
- Water flow pressure decreases as temperature drops
- Comes without a reservoir tank
Our Review
The iSpring RCS5T RO Water Filter System is one of the affordable fluoride filters currently available on the market. It features a compact design that fits in most spaces.
This fluoride filter from iSpring comes with its own metallic frame that houses all the different filtration stages and the pressure pump. So, there is essentially no assembly required.
Simply set up the RCS5T with your main water supply line, and it will provide cleaner, fluoride-free water to all the water outlets in your home, including the shower.
The iSpring RO system is a comprehensive, 5-stage water purification device.
The first stage is a sediment pre-filter that removes all the particulate matter down to 5 microns.
The second stage is a granulated carbon filter that eliminates all the tastes, odor, and cloudiness. And the carbon block filter in the third stage removes residual chlorine before sending the water to the RO membrane.
RCS5T’s unique dual-flow reverse osmosis membrane is the fourth stage of the system. Here, all the stubborn fluoride particles are trapped.
The water is forced out of the ultra-fine membrane, leaving behind fluoride molecules and all the leftover contaminants from the previous stages.
The fifth and the last filtration stage involves the post-carbon filter that also removes chlorine and improves the overall taste of the water.
Issues & Limitations
The only major problem with the iSpring RCS5T is that it comes without a water reservoir tank.
Although the 500 gallons per day output is sufficient for most households, the water flow rate changes with water quality and environmental temperature, so you might experience a pressure drop sometimes.
BOTTOM LINE
The iSpring RCS5T 5-stage filter is one of the most affordable and reliable fluoride water filters.
It removes up to 99% of all the contaminants in your water, including fluoride. A high water output and long filter lifespan really make it a good choice for whole-house fluoride filtration.
The Home Master TMAFC Filter also uses reverse osmosis to purify and enhance water quality.
With its 7-stage process, it ensures pure and safe, fluoride-free drinking water. It is an under-sink water filter and comes with a separate faucet for pure water.
The TMAFC filter has a decent water output of 50 gallons per day and comes with a 3.2-gallon storage tank so that you don’t have to wait for clean water. It also remineralizes the water to restore its alkalinity.
PROS
- Comprehensive 7-stage filtration provides clean and safe water
- Removes up to 98% fluoride, chlorine, and other harmful contaminants
- BPA and lead-free construction
- Comes fully assembled
- NSF certified
CONS
- Big and bulky
- Installation is somewhat tricky
Our Review
Apart from fluoride, the Home Master TMAFC also effectively removes up to 98% of contaminants and impurities from the water to make it safe enough for consumption.
This under-sink fluoride filter is NSF-certified. Home Master TMAFC Filter does not use any lead or BPA and meets all material safety and performance standards, making it increasingly fitting for use in areas with excessive water contamination.
The Home Master fluoride water filter uses wide tubes and large fittings to facilitate the flow of water.
Compared to traditional RO filtration systems, the design enhancements in the Home Master water filter allow the water to run twice as fast through its filter.
The TMAFC is a 7-stage fluoride filter. These include a sediment filter, a catalytic carbon filter, a 0.0001-micron reverse osmosis membrane, 2 coconut shell activated carbon filters, and 2 artesian remineralization filters.
While all other filters remove different contaminants to improve water quality, the RO membrane removes fluoride.
Unlike most RO filter systems, TMAFC does not contain loosely-placed filtration membranes. Instead, it utilizes an American-made Dow 0.0001 micron filter to achieve 98% water purification.
Issues & Limitations
The biggest shortcoming of the Home Master TMAFC is its big and bulky design. If your under-sink cabinet is small, you will have a hard time setting it up.
And despite the helpful instructions, its installation is a little difficult.
BOTTOM LINE
Home Master TMAFC Filter is a comprehensive water treatment system that not only removes toxic fluoride but it also mineralizes the water and improves its taste.
With this installed under your sink, you will have fresh and crisp water on demand.
The Megahome Water Distiller is well-made, reasonably priced, and has outstanding performance. It is UL-approved both for safety and quality.
It can produce 1 gallon of pure steam-distilled water in less than 5.5 hours. Megahome Distiller has a separate boiling chamber to heat the contaminated water and a glass bottle to collect purified water.
PROS
- Durable stainless steel construction
- UL approved
- High-quality activated charcoal filters improve the taste
- Simple and easy to clean
- Replacement parts are readily available
CONS
- The glass collection bottle is fragile
- The distillation cycle is quite long
Our Review
The Megahome Water Distiller is very sleek and stylish yet highly durable. The boiling chamber, lid, and condensing coils are made of high-grade stainless steel.
The exterior is also strong and durable enamel-coated steel. The glass collection bottle of this Megahome Distiller is also very adorable.
The system makes fluoride removal easy. All you have to do is pour water into the boiling chamber and turn it on.
Megahome water distiller heats the water up to 212 degrees, killing the virus, bacteria, and parasites.
As the steam rises, it enters the cooling coils, leaving behind all the impurities and contaminants like fluoride, lead, chlorine, etc.
Once inside the cooling coils, the Megahome Countertop Distiller cools and condenses the steam into pure water.
It makes its way out of the porcelain-lined nozzle and falls into the glass bottle, ready for you to use.
This Megahome water distiller can purify up to one gallon of water per cycle. An entire cycle takes about 5.5 hours. Once all the water is condensed again, the system shuts off automatically.
Issues & Limitations
Unlike all the other fluoride water filters on our list, the Megahome water distiller takes a long time to purify water. The water output is also relatively low.
BOTTOM LINE
Fluoride Filter Buying Guide
Harmful Impact of Fluoride Toxicity in Drinking water
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral.
Commonly found in water, food, and soil, it is really good for dental hygiene. It strengthens teeth, averts tooth decay, and prevents cavities.
That’s why most oral hygiene products, like toothpaste, mouthwashes, and floss, contain fluoride in certain capacities.
But it can do a lot of harm to the rest of your body if you ingest it. These harmful effects include:
Dental fluorosis
Dental fluorosis is the most commonly noted issue of fluoride consumption. It usually occurs in children and exhibits itself as white streaks on teeth.
Although this condition does not pose any significant health problems, it does make the teeth appear unsightly.
Skeletal Fluorosis
Skeletal fluorosis is a more severe condition than dental fluorosis. While the latter may not pose severe health complications, the former directly affects your bones and joints.
It happens when excess fluoride settles inside your bones and joints, causing them to harden. The condition makes it difficult to move around and increases the risk of fractures.
Hyperparathyroidism
Hyperparathyroidism is a serious health condition where the thyroid gland starts to produce too much thyroxine hormone.
When you have a high level of fluoride inside your body, it can damage the gland and trigger the gland to secrete hormones uncontrollably.
Too much thyroxine causes calcium depletion in your bones. As the calcium levels drop, your bones become weaker, and you risk breaking them even after a short fall.
Fluoride Poisoning
The most serious issue caused by excess fluoride consumption is fluoride poisoning.
It is characterized by nausea, abdominal pain, seizures, muscle spasms, and excess saliva. Fluoride poisoning can also cause intestinal blockage.
Although developing this condition from drinking water alone is extremely unlikely, you should take necessary measures if any chemical contamination is reported near your water source.
Cognitive issues
High fluoride concentration also has adverse effects on children’s mental growth.
Just like lead and arsenic, fluoride is also categorized as a neurotoxin. It can cause small kids to develop cognitive issues as they grow up. It impairs their learning skills, slowing them down in the walk of life.
What Is a Fluoride Filter – And How Does It Work?
A fluoride filter is a water filtration device that removes high concentrations of fluoride from water.
As we mentioned earlier, fluoride is a stubborn water contaminant that is difficult to remove via boiling and traditional filtration methods.
For this reason, you need a good fluoride filter that can prevent fluoride particles from making their way to your drinking water.
A sure-fire way to remove fluoride from water is reverse osmosis.
RO fluoride water filters use an ultra-fine semi-permeable membrane to filter out up to 99% of total dissolved solids from water, including fluoride.
They are multi-stage systems that systematically remove different sized particles as the water passes through them and provide clean, better tasting, and safe water.
Another type of fluoride filter is a water distiller.
Water distillers use electricity to heat water at high temperatures to convert it into steam.
As the water evaporates, it leaves behind all the good and bad things dissolved in it. The steam then cools down and collects as pure water in a separate container.
Lastly, different filtration media efficiently remove fluoride by absorbing it. You can find bone char carbon and activated alumina cartridges for this purpose.
Why Buy a Fluoride Filter Over Other Kinds?
Because fluoride is a stubborn and hard mineral to remove, traditional filtration methods are not effective at removing it.
You have to resort to filtration methods that can actually reduce the amount of total dissolved solids (TDS) in water for effective fluoride removal.
Reverse osmosis and distillation are two processes that are highly apt at eliminating fluoride. You can also get a bone char carbon filter cartridge or an activated alumina filter bottle for this purpose.
Other filtration methods like sediment filtration and coconut shell carbon filtration have little or no effect on the fluoride concentration in your water.
What To Look for in a Fluoride Filter
Even though many water filters list fluoride on the list of contaminants they can remove, you have to make sure it is not an empty claim before shelling out your hard-earned money.
And since fluoride filters come in various shapes and sizes, you have to be absolutely sure that the model you choose fits your needs.
Here are some things to look for in a fluoride filter.
Type of Filter
Out of all the water filters for fluoride removal discussed above, water distillers and reverse osmosis systems are the most readily available options.
Water distillers are mostly countertop units that supply small amounts of water at a time, which is enough for drinking purposes.
Meanwhile, RO systems are available in a more versatile range. You can find under-sink, countertop, and whole-house reverse osmosis filters.
The best type of filter for you depends on your personal needs. If the fluoride concentration is high in your water supply and you want to ensure that all your water is contaminant-free, then a whole-house filter is a better choice.
But if you want to purify your primary water outlet, then look into getting an under-sink or countertop filtration system.
Filter Lifespan
Not all fluoride water filters have the same service life.
Point-of-use fluoride filters have a 3 to 6-month lifespan, while point-of-entry systems can last for years.
If you are inclined towards a filter with a short lifespan because of a lower price point, consider whether making double the number of filter replacements might make it worthwhile in the long run.
Remember that filter changes are something you can’t put off; otherwise, the system will lose its effectiveness.
Cost
Fluoride filters are not cheap. While there are some affordable units, most high-quality reverse osmosis filters and water distillers are very expensive.
If you are wary of the high upfront cost, remember that the investment will pay itself off in the long run, given that you take good care of it.
This one-time purchase will save you from spending lots of money on bottled water by supplying you with similar quality water straight from your tap.
There are some cheaper systems, but they tend to become faulty or break down after some time.
If you are not ready to make a significant investment just yet, it’s better to start small first. You can always switch to a bigger and better system once you are ready for it.
Removal of Other Contaminants
While fluoride removal might be your primary goal for purchasing a good fluoride water filter, it is always a good idea to look into the other contaminants the filter can remove.
It is best to test your water for possible contaminants and then choose a water filtration system that can eliminate the most contaminants from your drinking water.
If the chlorine content of your water is also high, you should look into getting an NSF-certified fluoride water filter model for chlorine removal.
On the other hand, microorganisms are the biggest issue with well water, so a fluoride filter with NSF certification for standard P231 is a good choice.
Installation of Fluoride Filters
The installation of fluoride filters depends on the kind of filter you go for.
A whole-house fluoride water filtration system is installed directly on the main water supply line so that it treats all the water that enters your house.
All you have to do is shut the main water supply and open all the taps to drain leftover water.
Then cut the pipe and install the system securely over it. Once done, turn on the water supply and flush all the taps to enjoy pure, great-tasting water.
Standalone, countertop RO systems and water distillers do not require any installation. You can simply set them on a countertop, fill them with water to purify and let them do their job.
But both under-sink fluoride filtration systems and countertop filtration systems that hook into your home’s water supply require proper installation.
Both usually come with their own water outlet and reservoirs to store and deliver purified water on demand.
To install these systems, you first have to install the provided fitting on the cold water supply to your sink. Then, make a hole for the filtered water faucet and install it.
Lastly, connect the tubing from the fitting to the system and then to the filtered water faucet. Now every time you use that faucet, you will get clean, fluoride-free water.
Pros and Cons
Fluoride water filters undoubtedly bring many benefits to your household, but they also have some limitations that you should weigh in before finalizing your purchase.
Pros
- You get safe and clean fluoride-free water
- Fluoride water filters are simple, convenient, and very easy to use
- They provide bottled-quality water, cutting down on plastic water bottle waste
- Save you from the expense of having to purchase water
- Protect you from the risks associated with fluoride consumption
- Available in different types, styles, and designs and are suitable for a wide array of needs
Cons
- Most high-quality units have a high upfront cost
- Filter replacement and general maintenance costs are also high
- Long filtration time of a distiller may become a hassle
Cleaning and Maintenance
Regular cleaning and maintenance of your fluoride filter is the key to extending its life.
To clean a distiller, all you need is Sulfamic Acid or white vinegar. Pour a small quantity of either of these in the boiling chamber, swirl it around for 10 to 15 and let sit overnight. Empty the chamber and rinse a few times with clean water.
Meanwhile, maintaining an RO system mainly involves the periodic replacement of filter cartridges.
All the different filtering stages have varying lifespans, so be sure to replace them all accordingly.
You should also clean and sanitize your RO fluoride water filter annually, preferably when the filter is being replaced.
To do so, first shut off the water supply to the system and drain it completely. Remove the previous filter cartridges.
Then, pour about 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide into stage one housing and turn on the water supply.
Let the system run at least through 2 cycles. Shut off the main valve again and install the new cartridges. Allow the tank to fill up and drain one last time.
Bear in mind that regardless of the type of fluoride filtration system, you should always check the user manual for information on proper cleaning and maintenance to prevent any mishaps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know that a filter removes fluoride?
Each filter model comes with a user manual that lists the impurities it can remove. If you are still unsure, ask the seller whether the filter can remove fluoride in particular or not.
Do fluoride shower filters exist?
Yes, fluoride shower filters do exist, but the options are fairly limited. Even if you do find a suitable unit for yourself, fluoride filters usually have small capacities and short lifespans. So, you will need to replace it very often (around 4 times a year).
Is it dangerous to drink fluoride?
While fluoride is great for our dental health, consuming high amounts can lead to various health issues, some more serious than others.
If your drinking water contains trace amounts of fluoride, it’s not that dangerous to drink. But if the fluoride concentration in your water is high, it is not safe to drink, so you should do something about it.
What types of filters remove fluoride?
If you want to eliminate fluoride from your drinking water, a reverse osmosis water filter is your best bet. It removes up to 99% of all waterborne contaminants, including fluoride.
The other filtration systems apt at removing fluoride include water distillers, bone char carbon, and activated alumina water filters.
Final Verdict: What Is the Best Fluoride Filter?
Finding a good fluoride removing water filter is a tough task. Despite the claims, some products do not have the slightest impact on the fluoride concentration in the water, so you have to be very careful.
However, we have listed some great options above.
The iSpring RCS5T RO Water Filter System is the best fluoride water filter ofall the options that we have listed above. It is a whole-house filter with a high water supply rate and long filter lifespan.
But if it’s an under-sink system that you’re looking for, the Home Master TMAFC Filter is a great low-maintenance option that you can go for.
Meanwhile, the sleek and stylish Megahome Countertop Water Distiller is an excellent choice for people looking for a beautiful countertop fluoride filter.
