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The best GE refrigerator water filter for most owners is GE’s own genuine cartridge, because GE’s current filters are certified to reduce more than 70 impurities, including lead, PFOA/PFOS and microplastics, according to GE. That is a much longer list than most generic filters claim. The right model depends on your fridge: many French door models use the RPWFE, many newer models use the XWFE and many older side-by-sides use the MWF.
We compared GE’s genuine filters and popular replacements on Amazon on part-number fit, RFID chips, listed certifications and owner reviews.
Quick Answer: The Best GE Refrigerator Water Filter
- Best for GE French DoorGE RPWFE (Genuine)
- Best for Newer GE ModelsGE XWFE (Genuine)
- Best for Older GE Side-by-SidesGE MWF (Genuine)
- Best Budget XWFECrystala XWFE
- Best Budget RPWFEWaterdrop RPWFE
- Best MWF GenericWaterdrop MWF
The genuine GE RPWFE is the best GE refrigerator water filter for French door models that require it, and the genuine XWFE and MWF are the best for their housings. Crystala’s chipped XWFE replacement is the best budget option, and Waterdrop WD-F13 is the most reviewed MWF generic.
Best GE Refrigerator Water Filter Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Type | Key Feature | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GE RPWFE (Genuine) | Best for GE French Door | OEM GE filter with RFID chip | 70+ impurities, chip | Check Price |
| GE XWFE (Genuine) | Best for Newer GE Models | OEM GE filter with chip | 70+ impurities | Check Price |
| GE MWF (Genuine) | Best for Older GE Side-by-Sides | OEM GE filter | NSF 42, 53 | Check Price |
| Crystala XWFE | Best Budget XWFE | Chipped generic for GE XWFE | Built-in chip, NSF 42 | Check Price |
| Waterdrop RPWFE | Best Budget RPWFE | Generic for GE RPWFE | NSF 42 | Check Price |
| Waterdrop MWF | Best MWF Generic | Generic for GE MWF | 11,000+ ratings | Check Price |
The 6 Filters We Recommend
RPWFE and XWFE refrigerators look for a chip in the filter; generics for these housings need a built-in chip to work properly.
1. GE RPWFE Genuine Refrigerator Water Filter
1. GE’s genuine RPWFE fits select GE, GE Profile, Café and Monogram French door models.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Certified for PFOA/PFOS and microplastics
- Guaranteed fit with chip
- Huge review base
- Reduces lead
Cons
- Expensive
- RFID chip limits generics
- 6-month life
📄 Detailed Review
- Part number: RPWFE
- Reduces: 70+ impurities incl. lead, chlorine, PFOA/PFOS, microplastics, select pharmaceuticals (GE)
- Certification: NSF/ANSI drinking water standards incl. NSF 53
- Fits: Select GE, GE Profile, Café and Monogram French door models
- Life: About 6 months
- Reviews: 59,000+ ratings
GE’s RPWFE is the genuine chip-equipped filter for many GE French door refrigerators. GE says it is certified to reduce more than 70 impurities, including lead, PFOA/PFOS, microplastics and select pharmaceuticals.
It is certified to reduce more than 70 impurities, including lead, PFOA/PFOS, microplastics and select pharmaceuticals, according to GE. With over 59,000 ratings, it is GE’s most reviewed filter.
2. GE XWFE Genuine Refrigerator Water Filter
2. GE’s genuine XWFE covers many newer French door, side-by-side and built-in models.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- PFAS and microplastics certified
- Genuine fit
- Large review base
- Reduces lead
Cons
- Pricey
- Chip-equipped design
- 6-month life
📄 Detailed Review
- Part number: XWFE
- Reduces: 70+ impurities incl. lead, PFOA/PFOS, microplastics (GE)
- Certification: NSF/ANSI drinking water standards
- Fits: Select GE French door, side-by-side and built-in models
- Life: About 6 months
- Reviews: 43,000+ ratings
GE’s XWFE is the genuine filter for many newer GE refrigerators and carries the same 70+ impurity claim, including PFOA/PFOS and microplastics.
Same 70+ impurity claim as the RPWFE.
3. GE MWF Genuine Refrigerator Water Filter
3. GE’s genuine MWF is one of the most common filters in U.S. kitchens.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- NSF 53 health claims
- PFAS and microplastics claim
- Common, easy-to-find part
- Guaranteed fit
Cons
- Pricey
- Older design
- 6-month life
📄 Detailed Review
- Part number: MWF (SmartWater)
- Reduces: 70+ impurities incl. lead, PFOA/PFOS, microplastics (GE)
- Certifications: NSF 42 and 53
- Fits: Many GE side-by-side and French door models
- Life: About 6 months
- Reviews: 24,000+ ratings
GE’s MWF is one of the most common refrigerator filters in the U.S., fitting many GE side-by-side and French door models. GE lists NSF 42 and 53 certification and a 70+ impurity reduction claim.
Lists NSF 42 and 53 and the 70+ impurity claim.
4. Crystala Filters XWFE Replacement with Built-in Chip
4. Crystala’s XWFE replacement includes the chip your fridge needs.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Has the chip GE fridges look for
- Low cost
- Verifiable NSF model number
- Well reviewed
Cons
- Aesthetic certification only
- No PFAS or lead certification
- Generic
📄 Detailed Review
- Replaces: GE XWFE
- Chip: Built-in chip
- Standard: NSF/ANSI 42, model CF9-N
- Chlorine: 97.9% reduction
- Life: About 6 months
- Reviews: 4,900+ ratings
Crystala’s XWFE replacement includes the chip GE refrigerators check for and is NSF 42 certified under model CF9-N.
NSF 42 model CF9-N; taste and odor only.
5. Waterdrop WD-F19C Replacement for GE RPWFE
5. Waterdrop WD-F19C replaces the RPWFE in many GE French door models.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lower cost than genuine
- Clear model list
- Established brand
- Reset instructions included
Cons
- NSF 42 only
- No PFAS certification
- Generic
📄 Detailed Review
- Replaces: GE RPWFE, RPWF
- Certification: NSF 42
- Reset: Hold Water button 3 seconds if light stays on
- Fits: Many GE GFE28/PFE28/GYE22 models
- Life: About 6 months
- Brand: Waterdrop
Waterdrop’s WD-F19C replaces the GE RPWFE in many GE French door models and is certified to NSF 42.
Reset instructions included.
6. Waterdrop WD-F13 Replacement for GE MWF
6. Waterdrop WD-F13 is a popular MWF replacement.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very large review base
- Covers Kenmore part numbers
- Low cost
- Easy install
Cons
- Aesthetic certification
- No PFAS or lead certification
- Generic
📄 Detailed Review
- Replaces: GE MWF, GWF, HWF; Kenmore 46-9991, 46-9996
- Certification: NSF 42/372
- Media: Carbon block
- Life: About 6 months
- Reviews: 11,000+ ratings
- Fits: Many GE side-by-side models
Waterdrop’s WD-F13 is a popular generic for GE MWF housings and several Kenmore part numbers, certified to NSF 42 and 372.
Also fits several Kenmore numbers.
How We Chose the Best GE Refrigerator Water Filter
To choose the best ge refrigerator water filter, we compared filters sold on Amazon in the U.S. on exact part-number fit, NSF/ANSI certifications listed by each brand (42 for taste and odor, 53 for health contaminants such as lead, 401 for emerging contaminants), rated capacity and replacement interval, and owner reviews for leaks, poor fit and slow flow. We separate certified claims from a brand’s own lab testing, and we note that most refrigerator filters do not remove fluoride.
We checked certification claims against the standards published by NSF International and the EPA’s guidance on lead in drinking water, and we encourage readers to look up a filter’s model number in NSF’s or IAPMO’s online listings. Our full process is explained on our How We Test page. We do not list prices or star ratings because they change daily.
How to Choose the Best GE Refrigerator Water Filter
Find your model
Check the old filter for RPWFE, XWFE, MWF or another part number, or look up your fridge model on GE’s site.
Chipped filters
RPWFE and XWFE refrigerators read a chip in the filter. Generics without a chip may trigger errors or bypass filtering.
Why genuine GE stands out
GE lists 70+ impurities including PFOA/PFOS and microplastics. Most generics list NSF 42 for taste and odor only.
Replacement interval
About every six months, or when the filter light appears.
Resetting the light
On many GE fridges, holding the Water button for three seconds resets the indicator after a change.
Flushing
Run a few gallons through after installing to clear air.
Tips for Getting the Most From Your Filter
- Match the part number. RPWFE, XWFE or MWF.
- Buy chipped generics only. For RPWFE/XWFE fridges.
- Flush after install. A few gallons.
- Reset the light. Hold Water 3 seconds.
Below are common questions readers ask about choosing the best ge refrigerator water filter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which GE water filter do I need?
Match the part number on your current filter; RPWFE, XWFE and MWF are the most common.
Do GE filters remove PFAS?
GE says its genuine filters are certified to reduce PFOA/PFOS. Most generics do not make this claim.
Can I use a generic in an RPWFE fridge?
Only a generic with a built-in chip; otherwise the fridge may show an error.
Does the best GE refrigerator water filter remove fluoride?
No; carbon refrigerator filters are not designed to remove fluoride.
Final Verdict
The best GE refrigerator water filter is the genuine RPWFE, XWFE or MWF that matches your fridge, thanks to GE’s 70+ impurity certification including PFOA/PFOS. Choose a chipped generic only if price matters more than the best GE refrigerator water filter’s longer contaminant list.
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Prices and availability change often. Check the retailer listing for the current price, warranty and exact dimensions before you buy.
