Culligan is a well-established company which is specialized in water treatment products. They have been in the water filter business for more than 80 years. One of their best sellers are the faucet water filters.
Culligan Faucet Water Filter Review
Culligan has 2 separate models when it comes to the faucet water filter. There is a newer version which is the FM-100 series and the traditional version, FM-15A.
Both models are simple faucet mounted adapter water filters which are easily installed on a standard size faucets. In addition, they come in two variants, white or chrome finish.
The newer model, FM-100 series comes with a filter life indicator which will send a reminder when it is time for a replacement.
Filtration Capability
Due to the size limitation, it is a 1 stage filtration system which uses premium carbon blocks filter.
Culligan claims that the advanced filtration filter will help to reduce the following contaminants:
- Water cloudiness
- Class 1 particulates (Size from 0.5 – 1 micron)
- Chemicals such as atrazine, chlorine, lindane, and lead
- Bad taste and odor.
The system is all tested and certified by NSF International against ANSI Standard 42 and 53. There is no claim on how well the filter is performing on removing the contaminants.
Although both FM-15A and FM-100 are using different cartridge code, the content and the filtration capability are the same.
You Don’t Need To Be a Plumber to Install
Installation for all of the faucet water filters is simple. You don’t need to hire a plumber or having any plumbing experience to do the job.
All you need is to screw the adapter to a standard size faucet.
*Note that the adaptor will not fit in dropdown faucets.
Let the filter run for approximately 10 minutes whenever you are using a brand new cartridge. It will drain all the loose carbon out from the system.
The system equips with a diverted tabs which provide a quick switch between Culligan filtered water and regular tap water.
Maintenance and Replacement
All faucet water filters are having a short lifespan of their filters. Every piece of the cartridge will only last for 200 gallons or approximately 2 months.
It is advisable by Culligan to make the replacement in order to enjoy the high quality filtered water from the system.
Annual Maintenance Cost: $70-85 for original cartridge from Culligan.
There are some compatible filters on the market that are two times cheaper than the original cartridge, but it wears out quickly.
It is NOT advisable to purchase those cartridges as a replacement.
What’s Positive and What’s Negative?
+ Life Indicator (Only for FM-100 Series)
+ Easy Installation filter that fits most of the faucet.
+ Certified by NSF against ANSI Standard 42 and 53.
+ Extremely portable with no tubing attached.
+ 2 years of long warranty period.
– Pricy annual maintenance cost.
– No digital meter for replacement reminder.
– Not suitable for water source that is heavily contaminated.
Technical Specification
Product Dimension: 3.5 x 5.5 x 6.8 inches
Feed Water Pressure: 30-100PSi
Maximum Temperature: 40-100F
Maximum flow rate: 0.5GPM
Verdict: Recommended!
Expert View:
Culligan FM-15A and FM-100 Series are considered above average system among all faucet water filters for the few reasons below:
- Certified NSF: Meeting the strict standards for NSF to ensure the system is safe to use and capable of reducing major contaminants in the water.
- Small Micron Rating: It is certified to filter particulates which are as small as 0.5 microns.
- Long Warranty Period: It covers up to 2 years warranty which is longer most of the faucet water filters.
- Life Indicator: FM-100 comes with filter life indicator that reminds when the cartridge needed a replacement.