/*Consumer Reports*/ tested carafes, faucet-mounted filters, and the more expensive countertop and under-the-sink filters. Testers set up an elaborate rig and ran water spiked with lead and chloroform through it to evaluate the filters.
"Ideally, you want a filter that will catch the most contaminants and maintain a good flow rate, without clogging," said DiClerico.
Not all delivered. A Crystal Quest faucet water filter did a poor job at removing lead and chloroform.
"We had several filters clog quickly, including an under-the-sink model that cost over $400," said DiClerico, referring to the Everpure H-1200.
If you don't need to filter large amounts of water at a time your best bet is an inexpensive carafe or faucet-mounted filter. The $30 Clear2O carafe filter is a Consumer Reports best buy, as is the $15 Culligan faucet-mounted filter. Both did an excellent job at removing lead and chloroform.