GE RPWFE Water Filter vs the RPWF Filter

Refrigerator Water Filter: A comparison between GE Rpwf and GE rpwfe.

 

Cleanliness and safety are the norms of the day. The world we live in now is contaminated with several substances that are harmful to our health. It is therefore paramount that we get products that will enhance the safety of things that we consume.

 

Over the years, electrical appliances have been manufactured that are designed to clean the items we consume so that we are guaranteed optimal health. So many home appliances like refrigerators have been designed to bring out this functionality. It is for this reason that we will be reviewing these two water filters.

What are refrigerator filter and why are they important?

 

Nowadays, it seems that most of the newest models of refrigerators come with complete functionalities with a refrigerator water filter unit already installed. These filtration system installed in most advanced refrigerators provide clean and clear drinking water and are indeed a great boom to the health of your entire family.

 

Refrigerator filters practically perform the job of removing harmful substances in the water - adding a higher level of protection to your kids' fragile immune system. It is important to have a safe and clean water supply that can be accessed easily for drinking or cooking purposes. Some household filtration systems such as faucet filter attachments are not that convenient to use, and sometimes they are simply left unused.

 

Refrigerator filters are preferred as they are easy and convenient to use. They offer easier access to clean, refreshing cold drinking water. With the other common types of household water filters, this is not the case. Setting pitchers with a built in filter, as an example, the pitcher must be refilled constantly in order to maintain an ideal or sufficient supply of drinking water, thus giving you a bit of inconvenience.

 

With a refrigerator filter available for use in your home, you can be sure that you will have access to healthy, great tasting water any time of the day. This is made possible by the useful dispenser installed on the refrigerator's door. With the serious concern about the harmful substances that common tap water contains, this type of filtration system gives users peace of mind - not worrying about these elements to reach their drinking glass.

 

A typical refrigerator filter provides good quality of drinking water and ice that are free from any bad taste and odor. Refrigerator filters are basically small activated or charcoal filters that are capable of removing most of the common water contaminants. The filter makes sure that the water filtration is completed and the water is purified before it flows through the in-door dispenser or the fridge's ice maker.

 

It is generally more convenient to have a refrigerator with a built-in water filtration system as opposed to having a filter installed in the actual tap. The majority of refrigerators with the built-in filter are designed for quick and convenient access to the filter. This is for easier filter replacement. In line with this, the filter can be replaced regularly to make sure that the quality of your drinking water is maintained.

 

The two main types of refrigerator filters.

There are two main types of refrigerator filter. The Rpwf and the Rpwfe. We are going to

 look at a detailed comparison between these two to help you choose the better option for your home.

Who produces them?

 

They are produced by a company named General Electric with GE as their acronym. They are popular for producing home appliances. The company was founded in 1892 and is located in Boston, Massachusetts. They are known to produce several home appliances like stoves, dishwashers, refrigerator filter and ovens. They are one of the best out there as their products are premium and of the highest quality.

 

To make you trust their products, home appliances is not the only field they are active in as they have operations in fields like global research, aviation, power and to a lesser extent health care. It is no surprise though as the company is seen on the list of one of the largest and most profitable companies in the world.

What’s their reputation?

 

General Electric has a very rich history in the US. They began since the days of the great Thomas Edison to their formation of RCA, known as one of the pioneer radio distributors in the country. They are also credited with producing some of the first televisions in the US. Their reputation, therefore, has put them in the driving seat of several technological achievements in the world.

Problems of the company.

 

The company has several times polluted the environment and have had several issues with the country’s environmental agencies. History has it that between 1947 and 1977, GE discharged massive amounts of polychlorinated biphenyls (a very strong pollutant) into the Hudson and Housatonic Rivers, the effects of which are still seen and felt today as both rivers are still heavily polluted.

Comparison between GE Rpwf and GE Rpwfe water filters.

 

Recently, General Electric decided to discontinue the rpwf water filter model with the rpwfe model. Several customers were stunned at the move and some still do not see the difference between the two. The move was pretty drastic as they completely eliminated rpwf from the market. It wasn’t just an upgrade, it was an overhaul. What exactly is the difference between these two in terms of specifications and functions? Is the rpwfe model more real better than the earlier patronized rpwf and what do customers say about the two products? Let us look into that.

 

Let us now take an in-depth analysis of the two refrigerator water filter product that General Electric produces. We will take a feature and compare the two based on that feature and determine which one these is better in that regard.

 

Lifespan.

 

In comparing the lifespan of the GE rpwf and rpwfe water filter, they are similar in this case. Both sets has a lifespan of six months. They were both designed to lasts for a very long time and serve the customer very well during that period. The water filter will need to be changed after that to ensure that the refrigerator keeps working smoothly without any hitches. In this aspect, they are both similar.

Availability.

 

The GE rpwf water filter model has been discontinued by the company. The model was discontinued due to the fact that other third party filters can be used and GE claims it might affect the efficiency of the refrigerator. The rpwf model is thus no longer available in the market.

The GE rpwfe water filter, on the other hand, is the latest and most advanced water filter made by General Electrics. It replaces the rpwf model. The rpwfe water filter is the one that is currently available on the market and sold everywhere.

 

In terms of availability, the rpwfe model is favored and has the upper hand.

Water filtration capacity.

 

Both GE rpwf and rpwfe water filter can be able effectively to filter 300 gallons of water during their six months lifespan. The filter cartridge in both water filters should be replaced every six months. There are instructions though as to how to effectively replace the filters when the need arises. You should also consider replacing the water filter cartridge if the flow rate declines rapidly.

Filter replacement process.

 

The filter replacement process for rpwf and rpwf water filter model are easy to replace. There are no tools needed to carry out the task. You do not need to turn off the water to replace it also. This feature sets them apart from other water filtration methods. The cartridges inside the fridge can be replaced without it causing any leakage.

Filtration quality.

 

When it comes to filtration, both models offer premium services to its users. They have both been certified to reduce chlorine-resistant cysts, lead, select pharmaceuticals and 15 other contaminants. This ensures that installing the rpwf and rpwfe filters in your refrigerator will give you only pure water that is free from contaminants and other substances that might prove harmful to you.

Filters that reduce chloramines.

 

Chlorine and chloramine have been discovered to give your water bad taste and odor. These chemicals are used to make the water safer from contaminants. In the process of decontamination, the chloramine and chlorine used for the process change the taste and odor of the water. Water is an element that is naturally colorless, odorless and tasteless. If anything happens to change any of these properties, then the water is no longer safe for consumption. The rpwf and the GE rpwfe water filter have been certified to effectively reduce a number of chloramines and chlorines in tap water so that the water and ice can have a better taste. This is a very important feature that makes this water filters very useful for your home. You can get to drink safe water that is odorless and tasteless and gives you a refreshing fell.

 

The claims have been verified by independent laboratories. The claims have however not been certified by any of the certified by NSF International or the state of CA. This puts a dent in their claim and as buyers, you have to do a personal research and check out the reviews concerning this claim before you decide to purchase one.

For this feature, the two models of water filters are equal.

Operation Water Pressure (psi)

 

For both rpwf and rpwfe water filter, the water operation pressure is between a minimum of 25 and a maximum of 120. This is at a level that will be advised by a plumber. You do not have to worry about the water pressure getting too much as the water filter comes with a regulated pressure.

Filter media.

 

The filter media used for the older rpwf water filter is the activated carbon block. This is very efficient is filtering contaminants from the water. The activated carbon block is the primary filter media for this model

 

The GE rpwfe water filter has carbon block as its filter media. This filters all the contaminants and other pharmaceutical contaminants and ensures that you get a healthy and safe drinking water.

They two models have similar water filter media in this respect. The rpwf is as effective as the rpwfe model and choosing anyone based on this criteria will be a great choice.

Filtering ability.

 

The filtering ability of a water filter is by its micron rating. The lower the micron rating of a water filter, the smaller the size of the contaminants that it can filter out. The importance of a filter is measured in microns. The lower the micron rating on a filter, the smaller the contaminants the filter can take out. Most refrigerator water filters use granular activated carbon to sieve the fine particles out of the water. This method is usually rated about 20 microns.

 

The micron rating of both rpwf and rpwfe water filter is 0.5. This implies that they can filter even the tiniest of contaminants from your water. The micron rating of these water filters indicates just how unique they are in terms of functionality. There are only a few other water filters that can remove even the tiniest contaminants.

Filter life (gallons).

 

The filter life is the amount of water that the water filter can effectively filter before it begins to lose its functionality. The two water filters in comparison- rpwf and the rpwfe water filters- have a filter life of 170 gallons. This is pretty great as it allows them to filter quite a large volume of water for you before you consider replacing them. In this regard, there isn’t much to separate the two.

Contaminants.

 

Let us take a look at the different contaminants that are filtered out by each of these water filters.

Rpwf water filter removes the following contaminants.

 

· 2, 4-D Reduction: 99.9%

· Asbestos Reduction: 99.9%

· Atrazine (Herbicide) Reduction: 94.4%

· Benzene Reduction: 96.4%

· Carbofuran Reduction: 98.8%

· Chlorine Taste and Odor Reduction: 97.4%

· Cysts Reduction: 99.99%

· Lead Reduction: 99.3% @ 6.5 pH and 98.3% @ 8.5 pH

· Lindane Reduction (A Pesticide): 99%

· Mercury Reduction: 91% @ 6.5 pH and 88.3% @ 8.5 pH

· Nominal Particulant class 1: 99%

· P-Dichlorobenzene Reduction: 99.8%

· Toxaphene Reduction: 93.5%

· VOC Reduction: 97.7%

· Removes Ibuprofen, Atenolol, Fluoxetine, Progesterone and Trimethoprim.

Approximate Dimensions:

· Height: 10"

· Width: 1-3/4"

Approximate Weight:

· Unit: 4.5 lbs

· Shipping: 5 lbs

The following contaminants are removed by Rpwfe water filter.

· 2, 4-D Reduction: 99.9%

· Asbestos Reduction: 99.9%

· Atrazine (Herbicide) Reduction: 94.4%

· Benzene Reduction: 96.4%

· Carbofuran Reduction: 98.8%

· Chlorine Taste and Odor Reduction: 97.4%

· Cysts Reduction: 99.99%

· Lead Reduction: 99.3% @ 6.5 pH and 98.3% @ 8.5 pH

· Lindane Reduction (A Pesticide): 99%

· Mercury Reduction: 91% @ 6.5 pH and 88.3% @ 8.5 pH

· Nominal Particulate Class 1: 99%

· P-Dichlorobenzene Reduction: 99.8%

· Toxaphene Reduction: 93.5%

· VOC Reduction: 97.7%

· Removes Ibuprofen, Atenolol, Fluoxetine, Progesterone, and Trimethoprim.

Approximate Dimensions:

· Height: 10"

· Width: 1-3/4"

Approximate Weight:

· Unit: 4.5 lbs

· Shipping: 5 lbs

 

From the above list, it is clear to see that the two models remove exactly the same type of contaminants. It doesn’t matter the size or the shape of the contaminants, the two water filters remove them effectively.

Comparable part numbers.

 

These are other water cartridges that can be used in place of the ones produced by the General Electric Company. There are several other products out there that can be used as a replacement of the cartridge. The rpwfe model was designed to stop that. However, other smaller companies have found a way to bypass that. This is perhaps the only difference between the two models.

Rpwf water filter comparable part numbers.

 

GGD, HGD, PWE23KSD, WFC720, GFE27GSD, HMD, PYE23KSD, WD-RPWF, GFE29H, KGD, PYE23PSD, MPF15350, GFE29HSD, KMD, RPWF, EWRF1026, GGD, PFE29P, RPWFE, PG-RPWF, GMD, PFE27KSD, TIER1-RWF1063, ZK-ZK-2763, GNE26GSD, PFE29PSD and WSG-4 .

Rpwfe water filter comparable part numbers.

CYE23TSD, PYE23PSD, PYE23KSD, PWE23KSD, KMD, KGD, CFE29TSD, PFE29PSD, PFE27KSD, GFE29HSD, HMD, HGD, GFE27GSD, GMD, GFE27GGD, GNE26GSD, GMD, GGD, WSG-4

 

From the above figures, it is clear that the rpwf has more comparable replacements than the rpwfe model. This can be attributed to the addition of a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip to the rpwfe model which detects leaks and monitors the filtration status. The chip is paper thin and is adhered to the back of the filter.

 

Due to the presence of this RFID, the refrigerator will only work with RPWFE filters. If it cannot read the radio signal or if it finds that signal missing, then it will cut off the flow of water until a suitable filter is found. There are other replacements because the GE filters are quite expensive in comparison to those replacements.

Services and customer ratings.

 

Let us look at the ratings of each of these products and see the reviews that customers have to give them.

 

Rpwfe water filter.

 

This filter is the best that GE has made till date. It can filter at least five trace pharmaceuticals including ibuprofen, progesterone, atenolol, trimethoprim, and fluoxetine. It has also been certified to purify tiny contaminants like mercury, cysts, lead, asbestos, and a wide variety of pesticides and chemicals. If you have recently treated your plants, then you don’t have to worry as it will filter off the taste of the chlorine left by the treatment and removes any odor afterward.

It comes in a very long but fragile bottle. The bottoms of the bottles are shaped differently though so as to fit the different types of refrigerators we have available. The filter is easy to install or remove as you don’t need to be exceptionally skilled to do that.

 

Pros.

 

· Very easy to install.

· Produces good tasting water.

· Micron rating of 0.5

· It has a radio frequency signal.

· It works quickly.

· It is very easy to maintain.

· It has a very attractive design.

· It has a rating of 4.5 stars from customer reviews.

Cons.

 

· It has few filter replacement.

· The lifespan should be longer.

· It is prone to leaks sometimes.

 

Rpwf water filter.

 

This is the older model of the one discussed above. It has almost the same characteristics except for the number of replacements available and the fact that the rpwfe model has radio signals that are lacking in this model. This water filter is able to remove pharmaceutical contaminants like ibuprofen, progesterone, atenolol etc. it also removes other micro-contaminants like mercury cysts, lead, asbestos and other chemicals and pesticides. The micron rating for this water filter is as low as 0.5, meaning it can filter out even the tiniest water contaminants found in your water.

The shape and size of the filter bottle are similar to that of the rpwfe model. They are also designed in different shapes and sizes so that they can fit into the different Refrigerator models we have available in the market.

Pros.

· It has a micron rating of 0.5 and therefore can eliminate small contaminants.

· It is very easy to install.

· It has several replacements.

· Very easy to maintain.

· Removes odor and gives the water quality taste.

· It has a customer rating of 4.0

Cons.

· It has a short lifespan.

· Leakages happen at times.

· It lacks the RFID, meaning it doesn’t have a radio signal like rpwfe.

· The product has been discontinued by GE.

· The fridge sometimes keeps sending a message to install filter even after installation.

Verdict. Which of them is the best for you?

Comparing this two water filters is very tough because they are the best that General Electrics had produced. They share similar qualities. This is solely because the rpwfe water filter is an upgrade to the rpwf model which had to discontinue after the former was manufactured.

 

In terms of filtering ability, they have the same capability. Both have a micron rating of 0.5 and can therefore effectively filter even tiny contaminants. They both have a filter life of 170 gallons. This makes them both efficient and they last for a period of 6 months. They effectively remove chloramine and chlorine from your water so that the water has a better taste and is totally odorless. You can then drink your water safe and healthy. The filter media for both of them is carbon black.

 

It can be seen that in most aspects, they have the same features. The only feature that sets them apart is the RIFD available in the rpwfe model. This is the radio frequency signal that ensures that no other replacement is used apart from the one produced by General Electronics. This single difference has made the rpwfe better than the earlier model as it has only few replacement and all of them are of high quality.

Recommendation.

 

The rpwfe is the better option as more customers have testified to the fact that they are fully satisfied with the product.