Water Filter
A replaceable cartridge that filters chlorine, sediment, and contaminants from the refrigerator's water supply.
Definition
A water filter is a replaceable cartridge in a refrigerator that filters chlorine, sediment, and contaminants from the household water supply before it reaches the dispenser, ice maker, and (on some models) the door water reservoir. Replace every six months or 200-300 gallons. Look for NSF/ANSI 42 (chlorine), 53 (lead and other contaminants), and 401 (emerging contaminants) certifications on the filter packaging. OEM filters cost $40-$70; certified aftermarket equivalents cost $15-$30.
Where this term appears
Water Filter comes up in product spec sheets, service reports, and troubleshooting documentation across most major appliance brands. If you encountered it in a manual or a service description and want context for how it fits into the larger picture, the related articles in the sidebar drill into the practical details. The glossary as a whole is intended as a quick lookup reference; for a deep dive on any specific topic, jump to the related buying guide or troubleshooting article.