Shower Head Filter Ratings

Filter Types

• The two most common types of shower head filters used in the U.S. are kinetic degradation fluxion (KDF) filters and carbon filters. KDF filters do a good job at removing chlorine but do not remove chloramines, a combination of chlorine and ammonia often used instead of chlorine. KDF filters do not work well in hot water. Carbon filters also do not work well in hot water. Attracting chlorine and some organic chemicals to the surface of the carbon, the filters can get clogged by sediment.

Filter Prices

• Compare both the cost of the filter and the cost of the replacement cartridge when buying a shower head filter. Filters can range in price from as little as $20 to more than $100. Replacement cartridges range from under $10 to more than $40.

Filter Capacities

• Filters are rated by capacity, the number of gallons of water they can handle before the cartridge needs to be replaced. With actual numbers such as 6,000 to 25,000 gallons of water, it is easier to make a comparison than apply the manufacturer's suggested time for replacement.

Additional Features

• Check features on shower heads that come with some filters. Features that vary include number of positions, whether hand-held or wall-mounted, and number of spray options.