The Best Water Filters for Kenmore Refrigerator
We evaluated top water filters compatible with Kenmore refrigerators based on certifications, filtration technology, and value to help you choose the right one for clean, great-tasting water.
By Marcus Reed
Updated November 5, 2026
Choosing the wrong refrigerator water filter can lead to bad-tasting water, reduced ice maker flow, or even potential leaks.
For Kenmore refrigerator owners, the key decisions boil down to ensuring exact compatibility, verifying independent certifications for contaminant reduction, and finding a filter that balances cost with a reliable replacement schedule.
Getting these right ensures your family enjoys clean water without unexpected appliance issues.
After comparing 8 models, we find the Waterdrop 5231JA2002A Refrigerator Water Filter is the best overall pick for its balance of performance, value, and broad compatibility.
For households prioritizing maximum contaminant reduction backed by robust OEM certification and verified performance, the everydrop by Whirlpool Ice & Water Refrigerator is a premium choice. For more insights, explore our comprehensive guide to KitchenAid refrigerator water filters.
Our Shortlist of the Best Water Filters for Kenmore Refrigerator (November 2026)
- Best for: Broad LG & Kenmore Compatibility
- Certifications: NSF 42 & 372
- Filter Media: Coconut Shell Carbon
- Included: Month Install Stickers
- Best for: Maximum Contaminant Reduction
- Certifications: NSF 42, 53 & 401
- Filtration: Triple Filtration Tech
- Compatible Brands: Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana
- Best for: Cost-Effective Multi-Pack
- Certifications: NSF 42 & 372 Lead-Free
- Construction: Multi-layer Technology
- Quality Control: ISO9001 Standards
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Quick Comparison
| Award | Product | APT Score About LAT ScoreThe APT Score is our own rating from 0 to 10, based on performance, design and build, ease of use, and value. It reflects independent research and is never influenced by manufacturers, retailers, or affiliate commissions. Learn more › | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall |
Waterdrop WD-F05 3-Pack Refrigerator Water Filter
|
9.1/10 | $29.99 | Buy |
| Best Premium |
Kenmore 9890 Refrigerator Water Filter
|
9.1/10 | $36.75 | Buy |
| Best Budget |
PUREPLUS LT700P 3-Pack Refrigerator Water Filter
|
8.9/10 | $19.79 | Buy |
| Top Rated |
PUREPLUS ADQ36006101 LG Refrigerator Water Filter
|
8.9/10 | $26.34 | Buy |
| Best Value |
Kenmore 9980 Refrigerator Water Filter
|
8.9/10 | $29.00 | Buy |
| Also Great |
EveryDrop EDR1RXD1 Refrigerator Water Filter
|
8.9/10 | $51.30 | Buy |
| Also Great |
Alefar M-SJWF200 Refrigerator Water Filter 3-Pack
|
8.8/10 | $24.64 | Buy |
| Most Popular |
Waterdrop WD-F08 Refrigerator Water Filter, 3-Pack
|
8.8/10 | $26.59 | Buy |
Waterdrop WD-F05 3-Pack Refrigerator Water Filter
A certified and highly-rated replacement filter for LG and Kenmore refrigerators. It uses a superior coconut shell carbon block for effective filtration and includes handy stickers for tracking replacement intervals.
Pros
- NSF 42 and 372 certified for reducing chlorine and other impurities
- Made with 100% Sri Lankan coconut shell carbon for efficient filtration
- Includes month-install stickers for easy lifespan tracking
- Offers a lifetime warranty and a 6-month return policy
- Designed for a perfect, tool-free installation to prevent leaks
Cons
- Filter life is limited to 300 gallons or 6 months, depending on water conditions
Kenmore 9890 Refrigerator Water Filter
This genuine Kenmore replacement filter is designed for select side-by-side refrigerators. Its NSF 42 certification indicates effectiveness in reducing chlorine taste and odor, promising cleaner-tasting water. It's a straightforward, compatible upgrade for maintaining your refrigerator's water system.
Pros
- NSF 42 certified for chlorine reduction
- Genuine Kenmore part for compatibility
- Easy to install
- Filters contaminants to improve water flavor
Cons
- Requires replacement every six months
PUREPLUS LT700P 3-Pack Refrigerator Water Filter
This 3-pack replacement filter is a high-value choice for LG and Kenmore refrigerator owners. It's certified to reduce 99% of chlorine and bad tastes while retaining beneficial minerals, thanks to its multi-layer coconut shell carbon filtration.
Pros
- Comes in a convenient 3-pack for extended use
- Features multiple authoritative certifications (NSF/ANSI 42, 372, BPA-Free)
- Compatible with a wide range of LG and Kenmore refrigerator models
- Designed to retain beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium
- Highly rated by customers with over 5,000 reviews
Cons
- The sheer number of model numbers listed can be confusing to verify compatibility
PUREPLUS ADQ36006101 LG Refrigerator Water Filter
This 4-pack of replacement filters is designed for specific LG and Kenmore refrigerator models. It's certified to reduce chlorine and improve taste while retaining beneficial minerals, making it a practical choice for maintaining fridge water quality.
Pros
- Comes as a convenient 4-pack, offering value.
- Certified to NSF/ANSI 42 and 372 standards for chlorine and lead reduction.
- Designed to retain beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium in water.
- Manufactured under strict ISO9001 quality control with extensive pressure evaluation.
Cons
- Does not significantly reduce Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), as it is designed to retain minerals.
Kenmore 9980 Refrigerator Water Filter
This certified water filter for select Kenmore bottom-freezer refrigerators effectively reduces contaminants like lead, chlorine, and VOCs. It's a straightforward replacement part designed for users prioritizing certified filtration. Follow the recommended six-month replacement schedule for optimal performance.
Pros
- NSF 42, 53, and 401 certified for contaminant reduction
- Effectively reduces lead, chlorine taste/odor, VOCs, and some pesticides
- Compatible with specific Kenmore bottom-freezer models
- Simple installation and replacement cycle
Cons
- Compatibility is limited to select Kenmore refrigerators
EveryDrop EDR1RXD1 Refrigerator Water Filter
This is a genuine, NSF-certified water filter designed for compatibility with Whirlpool and related refrigerator brands. It's notable for its advanced triple-filtration system, which is certified to reduce a broad spectrum of 70 contaminants, including 99% of microplastics.
Pros
- Certified to reduce 70 contaminants, including heavy metals, VOCs, and 99% of microplastics.
- Features a renewable coconut shell-based carbon core with triple-filtration technology.
- Genuine OEM part developed for specific refrigerator brands, ensuring a precise fit and avoiding potential damage.
- Independently certified to meet three NSF standards (42, 53, and 401) for contaminant reduction.
Cons
- Requires replacement every six months or 200 gallons, which is a recurring cost.
- Constructed primarily from plastic.
Alefar M-SJWF200 Refrigerator Water Filter 3-Pack
This three-pack of replacement filters is designed to reduce chlorine and sediment, offering clean-tasting water for compatible Kenmore and other refrigerator models. With a typical lifespan of six months and a straightforward installation process, it provides a practical solution for maintaining water quality.
Pros
- Comes in a three-pack for convenience and value
- Easy to install without special tools
- Certified to NSF 42 standard for reducing aesthetic impurities like chlorine
- Compatible with a wide range of refrigerator models
Cons
- Initial use requires flushing roughly 4 gallons of water, which can be wasteful
Waterdrop WD-F08 Refrigerator Water Filter, 3-Pack
This three-pack of NSF-certified refrigerator water filters offers a direct replacement for several major brand models. It's praised for its easy, tool-free installation and use of coconut shell carbon for improved taste. A solid budget-friendly option for maintaining clean drinking water.
Pros
- NSF 42 and NSF 372 certified for contaminant reduction
- Tool-free installation with a precise fit to prevent leaks
- Uses coconut shell carbon block for improved water taste
- Includes month-install stickers for filter life tracking
- Offers a 30-day return and 90-day replacement guarantee
Cons
- Manufactured in 2021, which may be a consideration for some buyers
How We Picked
Our selection of 8 Kenmore-compatible refrigerator water filters for 2026 was based on a detailed analysis of product specifications, manufacturer data, and verified customer experiences. We prioritized objective criteria to ensure each pick meets a genuine need.
This research builds on our broader coverage of water filtration, such as our guide to RV water filters.
- Compatibility: We verified each filter against official Kenmore model lists and cross-referenced OEM part numbers.
- Certifications: Filters were evaluated for third-party certifications (like NSF/ANSI standards) that validate contaminant reduction claims.
- Filtration Technology: We compared the core filter media (e.g., coconut shell carbon) and multi-stage designs.
- Value & Packaging: We considered cost per filter, multi-pack availability, and included accessories like installation stickers.
- Brand Reliability: We factored in manufacturer reputation, production standards (like ISO), and warranty support.
Best Water Filters for Kenmore Refrigerator Buying Guide
When shopping for the best water filters for Kenmore refrigerator, understanding the key factors can help you make an informed choice. Here are the most important considerations.
Confirm Compatibility First
The most critical step is verifying the filter fits your specific Kenmore refrigerator model. Check your owner’s manual or the label inside the fridge compartment for the correct part number.
Many filters, like the Kenmore 9980 Refrigerator Water Filter, list compatible models clearly. Using an incorrect filter can cause leaks or poor performance. For a broader look at filtration options, see our guide to home water filtration systems.
Understand Certification Levels
Not all filters remove the same contaminants. NSF/ANSI Standard 42 certifies reduction of chlorine taste and odor. Standard 53 covers health-related contaminants like lead and VOCs. Standard 401 addresses emerging contaminants like certain pharmaceuticals.
Determine which level of protection matters for your water supply. For more on different filtration technologies, check out our review of reverse osmosis systems for espresso.
Evaluate Long-Term Value
Consider the cost per filter over time. A single OEM filter might seem affordable, but a multi-pack from a reputable third-party brand often provides better long-term savings without sacrificing performance.
For example, the PUREPLUS ADQ36006101 Replacement for LG LT700P offers a 4-pack, spreading the cost across multiple replacement cycles. To maximize value, also explore our tips on budget-friendly water softeners.
Quick Checklist
- ✓ Matches my Kenmore refrigerator’s exact model/part number.
- ✓ Carries relevant NSF/ANSI certifications for my concerns.
- ✓ Uses quality filter media (e.g., coconut shell carbon).
- ✓ Fits my budget, considering cost per filter in multi-packs.
- ✓ Includes clear installation instructions or helpful accessories.
Related reading: For more information on water filtration technologies and standards, visit our guide to whole house sediment filters.
Why You Should Trust Us
AirpurifierTop Review is an independent review site that evaluates products through comprehensive research and analysis. We do not conduct our own product trials; our evaluations are grounded in published specifications, expert review consensus, verified buyer feedback, and publicly available data.
Each product is scored on our 0-to-10 APT Score based on a consistent set of criteria relevant to its category. Our goal is to provide unbiased, data-driven recommendations to help you make informed purchasing decisions.
Final Thoughts
Best Overall: Waterdrop 5231JA2002A Refrigerator Water Filter. With an APT Score of 9.1, this filter offers an excellent combination of broad compatibility, strong NSF certifications, and affordable multi-pack pricing, making it the top pick for most Kenmore refrigerator owners.
Premium Choice: everydrop by Whirlpool Ice & Water Refrigerator Filter 1. This filter earns an APT Score of 8.9 and provides the highest level of certified contaminant reduction (NSF 42, 53, and 401), ideal for households that want maximum water quality assurance.
Best Value Multi-Pack: PUREPLUS ADQ36006101 Replacement for LG LT700P. With an APT Score of 8.9, this 4-pack delivers reliable filtration at a low cost per filter, perfect for budget-conscious buyers who don’t want to compromise on quality.
Best OEM Replacement: Kenmore 79551012010 9890 Replacement Refrigerator Water Filter. This genuine Kenmore filter (APT Score 9.1) ensures exact fit and performance for those who prefer OEM parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best water filter for Kenmore refrigerator in 2026?
Our top pick for 2026 is the Waterdrop 5231JA2002A for its excellent balance of broad compatibility, strong certifications, and value, especially in multi-packs. It’s a reliable choice for most Kenmore and LG refrigerator owners.
How do I know which filter model my Kenmore fridge needs?
Locate the model number inside your refrigerator, usually on a side wall or ceiling of the interior compartment. Cross-reference this number with the compatibility list on the filter’s packaging or product page. You can also check your owner’s manual.
For more on water treatment options, see our guide to whole house UV water treatment.
Are third-party filters safe for my refrigerator?
Yes, reputable third-party filters that are certified by bodies like NSF and designed to exact OEM specifications are safe. They undergo rigorous quality checks for fit and performance.
For instance, the Waterdrop EDR3RXD1 Replacement for Everydrop® is engineered to prevent leaks and maintain proper water flow.
How often should I replace my refrigerator water filter?
Most manufacturers recommend replacement every six months or after filtering 200-300 gallons, whichever comes first. A noticeable decrease in water flow or a change in taste/odor are clear signs it’s time for a new filter.
For alternative filtration methods, check out our review of water filter pitchers.
Do these filters reduce Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)?
Most standard carbon block filters, including those on this list, are not designed to significantly reduce TDS, as they retain beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium. Their primary function is to reduce specific contaminants like chlorine, lead, and VOCs.
For more on different filtration goals, see our guide to water distillers.
Is installation difficult?
No, replacing a refrigerator water filter is typically very simple. Most models require no tools, you just turn the old filter counterclockwise to remove it, and insert the new one, turning clockwise until it snaps or stops.
Always run a few gallons of water through the new filter to flush it before use. For related maintenance, explore our guide to salt-free water softeners.
About the author
Senior Editor, Air Purifiers. Marcus covers air purifiers. His guides compare filter type, room-size ratings, noise levels, running costs and replacement filter prices, and explain what each spec on the box actually means.