Brita GERF-100 Refrigerator Water Filter (GE SmartWater MWF Compatible)

You wouldn't think installing a water filter in a refrigerator is rocket science but apparently some people have had trouble with these filters. We use them and haven't had any trouble. If you follow the instructions you won't have any either. They're pretty straightforward:

- Fill the new filter with water. Tap the sides of the filter and add water if necessary, until the bubbles stop coming up.

- After the new filter is installed, run the water dispenser for 3 minutes.

It's that simple. We still get a few minor sputters after running the dispenser but that goes away quickly. The flow doesn't seem any less than through a new GE filter and the water tastes fine.

To remember when to change it write the date on the filter with a permanent marker after the filter's installed (so you can see the date clearly).

We buy this for our GE fridge because the actual GE filters are expensive...this works just as well and costs less. Makes our water taste so much better!

I have used many GE filters for my fridge and my experiance is that our active family consumes a filter every 4 months. By consumes I mean that the filter becomes too slow to be practical to use. I bought two of the Brita filters to try them out recently. I just replaced the first after only 1 month. It was slower than the GE product on day 1. This may mean that it is filtering more but the cost $300+ per year and the wait make it impractical. I am tring my second Brita and if my experiance with that one is greatly different I will revise my review. In the meantime I will be ordering some GE filters to have on hand for the next change.

The individuals complaining about reduced flow/noise most likely incorrectly installed the filter cartridge. The directions state the the filter must be filled with water before being installed. This step eliminates the problems with air in the lines and a "buzzing" sound that are being reported.
The Brita filter, so far as I can tell, is identical in every way to the OEM, and does exactly the same job, a few dollars cheaper.

I decided to replace the original filter on my GE refrigerator after about 10 months when the "change filter" light came on. I went to the local hardware store and found a replacement for $49 plus tax. It seemed expensive, so I decided to check Amazon instead and found these along with the OEM GE filters.
I was reluctant to try a filter other than the GE just to save a few bucks, but if they are identical, why waste money? Besides, Brita is probably better known than GE for filters. Anyway, the filter looks, fits and works just like the original. I have noticed no difference in water flow or noise. The water tastes clean and looks clear.
One note - as per the instructions you should pre-fill the filter at the tap before installation and then run about 10 glasses of water through the new filter before use to stabilize the flow.
As for the vendor - Fridge Filters, I found that you cannot track their packages online as you can with most things purchased from Amazon, but the filter arrived in Florida 4 days after my order was placed. I gave the product and the vendor 5 stars, not that I get particularly excited about a water filter, but there were no negatives to take a star away.