Water filters for a Samsung refrigerator are relatively easy to source. A Samsung refrigerator water filter alternative, however, is a little harder.
Certainly, there are cheaper options if you’re willing to accept purchasing and using an off-brand water filter from a third party.
Why Should I Care About Replacing Water Filters in My Fridge?
Utility-supplied water is often delivered to our home using old underground pipes. Sometimes, this adds various contaminants to the water before it reaches your ZIP code.
The county water might include unwanted additives you’d rather avoid.
Older water filters beyond their usual 6-month useful life allow contaminants into H2O. Also, bacterial growth can occur in aging filters too.
For all the above reasons, replacing the water filter promptly ensures the H2O coming through the fridge’s water dispenser is clean, tasting, and healthy.
And at approximately 17 (or fewer) cents per gallon of filtered water, the cost for a Samsung or third-party water filter replacement shouldn’t be a factor for the majority of households, either.
How Often Do Samsung Water Filters Need Replacing?
Official Samsung water filters last approximately 6 months for most versions. Then these consumables require replacing.
This is based on an estimated 300 gallons usage over a half-year period, which is the average for a mid-sized family. When hitting the gallon limit earlier, replace the filter sooner!
Your fridge as new will have a water filter fitted already, but it’ll need replacing approximately half a year later.
These filters remove herbicides, chlorine, lead, mercury, pesticides, and some pharmaceuticals from the water supply.
Even if you do not use your fridge’s water dispenser much, it’s still not a good idea to continue using the existing filter for too long. The older it gets, its ability to filter water effectively will be negatively affected.
Note: Once you’ve replaced the filter, you need to reset the filter light indicator on your Samsung fridge.
Is It Safe to Use a Third-Party Water Filter Alternative?
It is important to use respected, off-brand, or third-party water filter replacements. Any old brand of water filter will not do.
Consumer Reports advised their readers that a consignment of counterfeit water filters was seized, so like many generic alternatives, buyers must be mindful and stick to established third parties with a brand reputation to uphold.
Inferior water filters could potentially damage the internals of your fridge.
For example, the cap could break off and become lodged inside the fitting.
This would make replacing the broken water filter impossible, even with a Samsung OEM water filter replacement. The fridge would need to be fixed first, and a fix wouldn’t be covered under the warranty due to using a third-party consumable.
If using a no-brand, generic water filter replacement, it may not filter the water as it indicates. This is why some water filters are confiscated at the seaports due to them being dangerous for consumers.
Water Testing Certification Standards Protect Consumers
Established standards exist for water filtration. Each standard builds upon the last, so usually, the higher the number, the more contaminants the water filter screens out.
Some examples of these include the National Sanitation Foundation’s NSF 42, NSF 53, NSF/ANSI 372, or NSF/ANSI 401. Each confirms a different level of filtration that a water filter component has achieved when tested and certified as such.
NSF 42, for example, confirms the filtering of chlorine and particulates that create unwanted odors. The NSF 53 certification confirms the additional removal of benzene, mercury, and other chemical elements.
At the higher end, the NSF/ANSI 372 standard relates to low lead levels for reduced lead systems in pipes and water filters.
Also, the NSF 401 certification confirms an ability to remove certain pharmaceutical contaminants from the water supply, including Linuron and Atenolol too.
Brand Reputation Matters to Manufacturers Too
Just like appliance manufacturers and their genuine OEM filter replacements, some third-party manufacturers offer filters that are fully tested for and certified as meeting an NSF/ANSI standard.
They include confirmation of this in their product information.
When sticking to established, third-party water filter brands backed by adherence to water certifications, consumers have little to fear.
These alternative water filters are designed to perform just as well as Samsung’s original water filters.
These companies rely on positive consumer feedback to remain in business, so they protect their brand just like appliance manufacturers are keen to do.
Producing an inferior filtration consumable product is not in their long-term interest.
What to Know About Filter Compatibility with Samsung Refrigerators
Not all Samsung water filters are the same shape and size. There is considerable conformity with their filters, so one filter model fits numerous Samsung refrigerator models.
However, for a given Samsung filter, there are scores of fridge models that won’t fit it. And trying to jam it into place will only risk permanently damaging the delicate filter housing.
The replacement water filter must be designed to exactly fit your Samsung refrigerator model.
For compatibility, I’ve listed many Samsung fridge model numbers beneath my recommended Samsung water filter alternatives below.
This way, you can search for your fridge model and find the correct filter for it on this page.
Performing a search inside your web browser by typing in your fridge number will locate it for you. The search command is CTRL+F or similar for the Mac (on mobile devices, the search function is often hidden in the browser options dropdown list of extra features).
How to Find My Samsung Fridge Model Number?
Your Samsung fridge model number is located either on the left inside wall or at the bottom-left corner of the left door at the front of the appliance.
Alternatively, check your purchase invoice or look for the manual provided because the model number will be there too.
Samsung Refrigerator Water Filter Alternative – 3 Cheaper Options
Here are three cheaper water filter alternatives for your Samsung refrigerator and the corresponding Samsung genuine filters below them.
Samsung HAF-QUIN / EXP Replacement Water Filter Alternative
This independently certified filter from the respected Waterdrop brand replaces many Samsung water filters. It is both NSF 42 and NSF 372 certified for good measure. The filter materials are food-grade and lead-free. It relies on an activated carbon block made from coconut to achieve excellent filtration results.
The filtration includes the removal of water pipe rust, sand, and larger unexpected particles that have found their way into the water supply. Filters remove up to 10 elements, including cadmium and copper, among the heavy metals it strips away.
The filter replacement is easy to fit and doesn’t leak. It is designed for 6-month use.
Samsung Genuine Water Filter / HAF-QIN / EXP
The Samsung genuine water filter is the specific filter intended for the fridge model numbers listed below this section.
The filter also adheres to NSF/ANSI certification numbers 42, 53, and 401. It screens out 99 percent of potential contaminants using a reliable carbon block system.
Up to 34 contaminant types, including chlorine, mercury, miscellaneous pesticides, herbicides, and pharmaceuticals, are filtered away.
It is designed for 6-month use.
The following Samsung refrigerators fit the above two water filters in the HAF-QIN/EXP category:
RF266AARS, RSG257AARS, RF267ACBP, RH269LBSH, RFG238AABP, RF263AEBP, RM257ABRS, RFG297AAPN, RF267AFWP, RF26VADWP, RF263AFRS, RS2556SW, RF26XAERS, RFG295AABP, RF26VABWP, RF267AEBP, RF266ABPN, RF263AEWP, TS48WLUS, RF266AFRS, RF267AAWP, RF266AASH, RFG237AAWP, RF26XAEPN, RFG295AAPN, RB215BSSB, RF26VABPN, RF266AAWP, RFG297ABRS, RF267AEPN, RM257ACRS, RF266AEWP, RF265AASH, RS21HKLBG, RF267HERS, RF267AASH, RFG297ABBP, RFG238AZRS, RS22HDHPNWW, RF267AEWP, RF265AAWP, RF265ABPN, RFG297ACRS, RFG297AAWP, RS265LAWP, RFG295AAWP, RFG298AAPN, RF266ABWP, RF265AARS, RF267ABBP, RF267AZWP, RFG237AARS, RF265ABBP, RF267AZPN, RF267ABRS, RFG295AARS, RF266ABRS, RF266ABBP, RS22HDHPNSR, RB195BSSB, RF26VACBP, RF267ACWP, RF267AFRS, RM257ABBP, RS22HDHPNBC, RF268ABBP, RB215BSBB, RF26DEPN, RFG298AAWP, RS2644SW, RFG238AAWP, RF26VACPN, RF266AEPN, RF266AZRS, RS2624WW, RF263AFWP, RF28R7351SG, RF267AABP, RFG297AARS, RF267AFBP, RF267AZRS, RF265ABWP, RS2621SH, RFG298AABP, RF267ABPN, RFG237ACRS, RF266AZWP, RF265ABRS, RFG237AABP, RF265AABP, RF28HDEDPBC, RF268ABRS, RF267ABWP, RF267ACRS, RF267AERS, RFG297AABP, RF268ABWP, RFG297ACBP, RFG295ABRS, RFG298AARS, RF266AERS, RFG238AAPN, RS21HKLMR, RF263AFBP, RF263AERS, RFG295ABPN, RFG297ABWP, RF268ACPN, RF266ADRS, RF26XAEBP, RF265ACBP, RF26VABBP, RM257ACPN, RFG297ACWP, RF268ABPN, RFG295ABWP, RF266AEBP, RF266ADPN, RF26XAZWP, RFG238AARS, RF263AEPN, RF26XAZBP, RF267AARS, RFG299AARS, RFG237AAPN, RF26XAEWP, RFG295ABBP, RF266AABP, RH2777AT, RS2520SW.
Samsung HAF-CIN / EXP Replacement Water Filter Alternative
The Waterdrop filter replacement is an excellent replacement for the Samsung HAF-CIN/EXP and others. As an alternative water filter, it is tested and certified for NSF/ANSI 42 and 372. This ensures it delivers clean water that’s been stripped of heavy metals, chlorine, and impurities that alter how water tastes.
As with the previously reviewed Waterdrop filter, it also relies on coconut sourced from Sri Lanka to produce its activated carbon block system. It is designed for 6-month use.
Samsung Genuine Water Filter / HAF-CIN / EXP
The Samsung original water filter fits HAF/CIN / EXP and similar models (see the list below).
It qualifies for both NSF/ANSI 53 and 401 certifications, ensuring it offers clean-tasting, filtered water where many potential chemicals and hard metals have been removed.
Its carbon block system filters up to 99 percent of impurities. It is designed for 6-month use.
The following Samsung refrigerators fit the above two water filters in the HAF-CIN/EXP category:
RS25H5111WW, RF323TEDBWW, RFG293HABP, RF263TEAESR, RS25J500DWW, RH30H9500SR, RF31FMESBSR, RF263TEAEWW, RF4289HARS RFG29PHDRS, RF26J7500SR, RF22K9381SR, RF28K9380SG, RFG298HDRS, RF28JBEDBSR, RF22K9581SG, RF28HDEDTSR, RF26HFENDSR, RF28HDEDPBC, RFG296HDBP, RF32FMQDBSR, RF30KMEDBSG, RFG298HDBP, RFG29PHDWP, RF261BEAEWW, RF22K9381SG, RF260BEAEWW, RF265BEAESR, RF22K9581SR, RF261BEAESR, RF25HMEDBSR, RF28K9380SR, RS265TDWP, RS265, RFG298HDWP, RF260BEAESG, RF261BEAESG, RS25H5121BC, RF28HFEDBSG, RF28K9580SR, RF31FMEDBWW, RF263BEAEWW, RS263TDRS, RF6296HD, RF260BEAEBC, RF23HCEDTSR, RF28HDEDBSR, RF26J7500BC, RF263BEAESG, RF25HMEDBSG, RF28HMEDBBC, RS25H5000SR, RS25H5000WW, RF31FMEDBSR, RH25H5611WW, RF4267HAWP, RH29H8000SR, RFG29PHDPN, RF4267HARS, RS25H5121SR, RF25HMEDBWW, RF26HFENDBC, RFG296HDRS, RF28HFEDTBC, RF260BEAESP, RS25H5111BC, RS25J500DSG, RF34H9960S4, RF28HMEDBWW, RFG298HDPN, RF23HCEDBSR, RF26J7500WW, RF28HFEDTWW, RH22H9010SR, RF30KMEDBSR, RF323TEDBSR, RF22M9581SG, RF28K9580SG, RF28HFEDBWW, RF261BEAEBC, RFG297HDBP, RH25H5611SR, RF263BEAEBC, RF22KREDBSG, RS25J500DSR, RFG297HDRS, RF23HCEDBBC, RS25H5111SR, RFG297HDWP, RF23HTEDBSR, RF263TEAESP, RF263BEAESP, RF28K9070SG, RS25J500DBC, RF26HFENDWW, RF4287HARS/XAA, RS263TDWP, RS265TDRS, RF28HDEDPWW, RH25H5611SG, RF31FMEDBBC, RS267TDWP, RS261MDBP, RH22H9010SG, RF28HFEDTSG, RF34H9950S4, RF4287HARS, RF28HFEDTSR, RF28JBEDBSG, RF263BEAESR, RS267TDPN, RF28HMEDBSR, RS263TDBP, RF28HFEDBBC, RF265BEAESG, RF260BEAESR, RF263TEAESG, RS267TDRS, RF261BEAESP, RS25H5111SG, RSG307AARS, RF32FMQDBXW, RF28HMELBSR, RF4287HAWP, RFG297HDPN, RH29H9000SR, RH25H5611BC, RF23HCEDBWW, RF30HBEDBSR, RF4267HABP, RF263TEAEBC, RFG29PHDBP, RS261MDWP, RF28K9070SR, RF28M9580SG, RFG296HDWP, RF23J9011SG, RF24FSEDBSR, RF23J9011SR, RS25H5000BC, RS261MDRS, RS265TDBP, RS25H5121WW, RS261, RF323TEDBBC, RF4287HABP, RF28M9580SR, RF23HSESBSR, RS267TDBP, RF30HDEDTSR, RF22KREDBSR, RF28HFEDBSR, RF25HMEDBBC.
Samsung DA29-00003G Replacement Water Filter Alternative
My final water filter is much larger than the previous ones. Nevertheless, it still fits an impressive number of Samsung refrigerator models.
It was fully tested and qualified for NSF/ANSI 42 and 372 to ensure many impurities are removed before reaching the water dispenser. These include scale, rust, lead, chlorine, and unpleasant odors.
Made from food-grade materials, it fits perfectly and uses the same activated coconut-based carbon-blocking system to deliver excellent drinking water. It is designed for 6-month use.
Samsung Genuine Water Filter / DA29-00003G
This genuine Samsung water filter is the same size as the Waterdrop version above. It fits the DA29-00003G and many other models (shown below).
The list of water-related certifications includes NSF/ANSI 42, 53, and 401.
Its carbon block-based system strips out 34 potential contaminants in the water supply. These include DEET, chlorine, herbicides, pesticides, some pharmaceutics compounds, and more.
Due to the high level of filtration, 99 percent of contaminants are removed from local water before it’s fed to the water dispenser. It is designed for 6-month use.
The following Samsung refrigerators fit the above two water filters in the DA29-00003G category:
RF266ABRS, RF263AERS, RFG298AAWP, RF265AASH, RFG298AABP, RM257ACRS, RFG295ABBP, RF263AFRS, RF267ABRS, RF267AZWP, RF266AFRS, RF263AEPN, RS22HDHPNSR, RF266AABP, RF266AEBP, RFG238AAPN, RFG297ACWP, RB215BSSB, RF267AFWP, RF267AEPN, RFG295AARS, RFG295ABPN, RFG297AARS, RFG297ABRS, RF267ACWP, RF26VADWP, RF267AARS, RFG295ABWP, RF26VACPN, RS22HDHPNBC, RFG295ABRS, RF26DEPN, RS21HKLBG, RFG238AAWP, RF268ABPN, RF266AEPN, RFG297AABP, RS2624WW, RFG297AAWP, TS48WLUS, RF263AFWP, RFG295AAWP, RF26XAZWP, RF267AFRS, RFG299AARS, RF26XAEWP, RF266AERS, RFG238AABP, RF265AARS, RF265ABBP, RF268ACPN, RFG297ACRS, RF267AEWP, RF266AAWP, RFG237ACRS, RM257ABRS, RF26XAEBP, RSG257AARS, RF265AAWP, RF267AEBP, RF267AERS, RFG298AAPN, RS2644SW, RF26XAEPN, RFG295AABP, RFG298AARS, RS2556SW, RF267AZPN, RF266AZWP, RS21HKLMR, RS2520SW. RF266ADRS, RB195BSSB, RF263AEBP, RFG297ACBP, RF267AAWP, RF265ABRS, RFG297ABBP, RF26VABWP, RF263AEWP, RM257ABBP, RF263AFBP, RFG295AAPN, RF28HDEDPBC, RH2777AT, RF266AZRS, RF267ABPN, RFG237AAPN, RF267AASH, RF266AASH, RF267HERS, RFG297AAPN, RS22HDHPNWW, RFG238AARS, RF266AARS, RF26XAERS, RF265ABPN, RF267AABP, RS265LAWP, RFG297ABWP, RS2621SH, RF268ABWP, RFG237AARS, RF267AZRS, RF265ACBP, RFG238AZRS, RF266AEWP, RF265AABP, RF266ADPN, RF268ABBP, RF26VABPN, RB215BSBB, RF267ABBP, RFG237AAWP, RF266ABBP, RF267ACBP, RF266ABPN, RF267ACRS, RF265ABWP, RF26XAZBP, RM257ACPN, RF267ABWP, RH269LBSH, RFG237AABP, RF26VABBP, RF268ABRS, RF26VACBP, RF267AFBP, RF266ABWP.
Ultimately, the choice is yours whether to use a Samsung OEM water filter replacement or an alternative brand that’ll work just as well.
