Should You Buy OEM Refrigerator Water Filters From Your Fridge Manufacturer?

 OEMs would have you think that they are the only option, this is only sometimes the case. Aftermarket filters are a cheaper alternative to OEM filters without sacrificing performance.

Do you need help differentiating between Original Equipment Manufacturer and Aftermarket Water Filters for your refrigerator? Based on solid research, here's a comprehensive piece that compares and contrasts the two in great depth. Don't miss out!

Table of content:

1. Differences Between Original Equipment Manufacturers and Aftermarket Refrigerator Water Filters.

2. The Benefits and Drawbacks of OEM Water Filters.

3. The Benefits and Drawbacks of Aftermarket Water Filters.

4. Is It Legal to Use Aftermarket Water Filters?

5. Is Purchasing a Refrigerator Filter from a Third Party Safe?

6. Is it necessary to purchase your refrigerator filter from the manufacturer of your refrigerator?

7. What Sets Glacier Fresh Apart From Other Third-Party Brands?

8. Summary.

 

Differences Between OEM and Aftermarket Refrigerator Water Filters

The primary distinction between original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and aftermarket water filters for refrigerators is the brand name of the filter's manufacturer. A refrigerator water filter that claims to be "factory original" or "Original Equipment Manufacturer" (OEM) is guaranteed to have been manufactured or approved by the same business that produced the original filter.

As opposed to the original, which the manufacturer makes, aftermarket products are created by a separate company to either supplement or completely replace the original. Generic versions of this product are often found for significantly less than the original. In addition, replacement water filters for refrigerators are as good as, if not better, original equipment manufacturer filters.

 

What is an OEM water filter？

Just what does "OEM" stand for in a water filter?

In this context, OEM refers to the Original Equipment Manufacturer. Refrigerator filters are produced by the same firm that built the appliance. It is common practice for a corporation to have a separate production facility that sells finished goods to clients. These components are designed to work with their respective models, and their quality is comparable to that of the refrigerator's factory-installed water filter.

 

What is an aftermarket water filter?

In this case, the production company is one of many that make the water filters for their refrigerators. You can also buy a similar filter for your refrigerator from a different company. These are called "Aftermarket water filters." You'll see that the specs for aftermarket water filters are the same as those for OEM products.

 

They should fit and work just as well in your fridges. Some companies make these replacement filters out of the same or even better quality materials than the original ones, and you can sometimes get them for much less. Some filters you buy aftermarket are called "generic water filters" because you can use them in many different refrigerators.

 

Pros and cons of OEM Water Filters

The pros and cons of OEM water filters are as follows:

Pros

·    Customers are more likely to trust them because the same firm creates them as the refrigerator.

Cons

·    OEM filters are costly and are generally offered at a premium due to their reputation. A single original filter might cost more than $50.

Pros And Cons Of Aftermarket Water Filters

Let's start with the advantages and disadvantages of aftermarket water filters.

Pros

·    More often than not, you will receive the same quality as an OEM. Even great at times.

·    Compared to an OEM, the cost of an aftermarket water filter is quite inexpensive.

·    An aftermarket water filter is not restricted to a single model but may be used on various models, including brands that are no longer on the market.

Cons

·    The main disadvantage of an aftermarket water filter is that it may not be NSF-certified, making its usage dangerous.

 

Is an aftermarket water filter legal?

Whirlpool, for example, has sued aftermarket water filter vendors for copying its filters. They argue that aftermarket water filters violate patent rules and endanger human life by using inferior materials. However, a counter-argument was made, claiming that purchasing an aftermarket water filter is not unlawful because you paid the patent owner his portion when you bought the refrigerator. Furthermore, the legislation of good repair permits you to continue using your goods.

 

Patent or not?

If the third-party company has a copyright for manufacturing its goods, it will have no problems.

 

Is it safe to buy the refrigerator filter from a third party?

Purchasing an aftermarket water filter can be incredibly safe. However, it would be best if you considered the following factors before buying one:

Examine to see if the filter has NSF certification. When purchasing an aftermarket water filter, look for an NSF certification. NSF certifications differ according to the impurities removed by the filter. Here are the NSF certifications to search for:

·    NSF42 certificate creation was to eliminate chlorine and water pollutants to enhance the smell and taste. Furthermore, NSF42 certification assures the safety of raw materials, the high-quality construction of equipment, efficient operation, and effective pressure control. This certification covers two types of machinery: point-of-entry apparatus and point-of-use devices.

·    NSF53 certification assures that water contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, herbicides, and other chemicals are not present.

·    For products containing lead, NSF372 certification is necessary.

NSF401 certification guarantees protection from anti-inflammatory treatments, contraceptives, antibiotics, and other medications.

 

What raw materials are used for the product?

The raw material used in a filter is determined by the type of carbon powder required for the activated carbon block. The source of this carbon powder might vary. Some firms employ coal-based activated carbon to save money; coconut shell activated carbon is the best. It is also critical to verify that the PP material is utilized in the filter housing. It is also usual practice to use non-pure PP material to cut expenses.

 

Do You Need to Buy Your Fridge Filter from Your Fridge Manufacturer?

Although original equipment manufacturers would like you to perceive that you must buy OEMs, this is rarely the case. Besides being similarly effective, aftermarket filters are significantly less expensive than OEM filters. Why is an aftermarket refrigerator filter preferable? Given that they are not model-specific, aftermarket filters are preferable. It is simple to locate a generic filter that will work with most brands and models. Can an aftermarket filter match the quality of the original? Yes. Many aftermarket filters fulfill NSF53 and NSF42 requirements, making them just as dependable in removing pollutants as OEM filters.

 

Wrap Up

You now understand the distinctions between OEM and aftermarket Refrigerator Water Filters. The primary difference is between the manufacturers. When it comes to selecting a filter, NSF certifications are essential. The quality of Aftermarket Refrigerator Water Filters may vary depending on the supplier of the carbon powder and the PP material utilized.

 

That doesn't imply you have to buy an OEM; you must choose the right company. Fortunately, Glacier Fresh makes high-quality aftermarket refrigerator water filters with high water filtering capacity and gives delightful healthy water at low rates.