Charcoal has been used for centuries to filter liquids because of its enormous internal surface area. Organic substances responsible for odor and taste, as well as chlorine, which is used worldwide to reliably disinfect drinking water, reliably accumulate on these surfaces. But what else can modern water filters do with this process, and when is such a filter worthwhile for me?

When is a Carbonit water filter useful?

We recommend this type of filtration to anyone who wants to filter contaminants from their drinking and cooking water, but is willing to accept the unchanged water hardness. Investing in an activated carbon block filter is particularly worthwhile if

… you want as few pollutants as possible in your drinking water

Even though tap water generally meets the requirements of the German Drinking Water Ordinance (TVO), personal limits for undesirable substances in water vary greatly and are generally below the permitted guideline values. This is especially true because water often contains pollutants such as pharmaceutical residues and heavy metals, which are not individually recorded by the TVO and are therefore not subject to specific limits. Furthermore, the quality regulations only apply up to the entrance to your home, and your home's plumbing can also affect the quality of your drinking water.

… you have individual requirements for your drinking water

In addition to the peace of mind that comes with the best possible removal of any contaminants, there are many other good reasons for a high-quality water filter: less limescale, a better ecological footprint, less hassle and expense in purchasing... or simply better tasting drinking, cooking, and all beverages – hot or cold! With a Carbonit water filter, you have the peace of mind that all these aspects are under control.

… you want to have better water at work or in the office

Carbonit water filters are ideal for enjoying the best possible water at your workplace. These devices are extremely low-maintenance and easy to use, making them safe for use in any office kitchen. Pure water tastes better, tea and coffee are more aromatic, and there's no need to lug around crates of water... Of course, the water hardness will still be there. If you prefer soft water, we recommend the reverse osmosis process.

By the way: Carbonit water filters are also a good choice for water treatment wherever purity and hygiene are important in industry. Activated carbon block filters can be used, for example, in the food industry or pharmaceutical production.

Which pollutants does an activated carbon filter filter out of the water?

With your Carbonit water filter, you cannot soften your drinking water, but you can reliably filter...

  • Suspended matter (rust particles, undissolved lime, etc.)
  • Fine particles such as microplastics and asbestos fibers
  • Chlorine compounds
  • Germs (bacteria, microorganisms, fungi, etc.)
  • organic compounds (herbicides and pesticides, halogen compounds, phenols, drug residues, hormone-like substances ...)
  • and heavy metals such as copper, cadmium and lead

to a large extent from tap water.

Important to know: The dissolved minerals remain in the water. The water hardness (dissolved calcium and magnesium) is therefore not reduced – however, slightly fewer deposits form because the undissolved limescale is filtered out. Likewise, all dissolved salts (e.g., substances ending in -at or -it, such as nitrate, sulfate, etc.) remain in the filtered water.

Find out in our overview which pollutants a Carbonit water filter filters out of drinking water compared to other filter systems such as reverse osmosis systems :

Filter cake

How do Carbonit water filters perform in tests?

The filtration performance of Carbonit drinking water filters has been confirmed in numerous reports by independent institutes and TÜV testing centers. An overview of the official reports can be found on the official Carbonit website .

Changing the replacement filter: What you need to consider

Change the filter cartridge regularly

First of all, you need to know that you need to change your filter approximately every six months. Regardless of whether you've filtered the maximum amount of up to 10,000 liters of water during this time, as required by DIN 1988 for hygiene reasons. As a reminder, you'll receive a sticker with each Carbonit filter cartridge on which you should note the corresponding date.

We also offer our customers a subscription service: This gives you two replacement filter cartridges once a year and saves 10% on the cost. Download the subscription form here.

How do I know if I need to change the cartridge sooner?

If larger quantities of filtered water are required or if there are particularly high levels of particles, the filter cartridge may need to be replaced before the 6-month period has elapsed. This is usually noticeable by a reduced water flow.

Do I need to clean the Carbonit water filter additionally?

To ensure clean drinking water, it's sufficient to change your Carbonit water filter cartridge regularly. When changing the filter, you should thoroughly rinse the accessible interior surfaces of the filter unit and, if necessary, gently clean them (without aggressive cleaning agents or abrasive sponges).

Additionally, you should always treat the tap or your filtered water faucet with appropriate hygiene and descale it as needed. The taps of the countertop filters can also be removed from the housing and occasionally disinfected if a biofilm has formed (which can occur in any ventilated, damp area). We recommend using hydrogen peroxide .

Which Carbonit filter is right for me?

Carbonit Filtertechnik GmbH in Salzwedel produces various devices, including various filter cartridges for its water filters. In addition to the NFP Premium, which is generally ideal for households and whose performance has been certified by numerous expert reports, you can also choose special cartridges for specific applications or problems, as most types are compatible with each other. We've put together a brief overview !

Now for the device types : Do you know the differences between Carbonit filter devices? In our shop, you'll find a selection of Carbonit water filters in various designs. To help you choose the right filter, you'll find a comparison of our products here.

First, the countertop water filters

Countertop filter from Carbonit

Sanuno water filters: The classic “tabletop”

The Sanuno series from Carbonit are so-called countertop filters . Installation is particularly easy with these devices, as you simply screw them onto the faucet. The water then no longer flows directly into the sink, but is first passed through the activated carbon block inside the water filter.

Advantages:

  • fast, uncomplicated connection
  • inexpensive
  • Available in a value pack with additional cartridge

Sanuno Grande water filter

The new SANUNO Grande water filter from Carbonit impresses with its modern design paired with the time-tested features of the classic model. The details make the difference: The entire water flow through the device, right up to the dispensing point, is made of stainless steel. The integrated swirler vitalizes the filtered water and makes it even fresher. The upper housing is shaped so that you can open it even more easily with one hand for filter changes. And, of course, the new countertop filter is a real eye-catcher... The Grande is only available in a value set with an additional replacement cartridge!

Advantages:

  • elegant design
  • high-quality silicone connection hose
  • Water supply completely made of stainless steel
  • integrated swirling for vitalization

Carbonit stainless steel water filter: The SANUNO Inox

The activated carbon filters from the Sanuno series are also available in the particularly attractive stainless steel version, the SANUNO inox . They function very similarly to the classic plastic version (thanks to the slightly different design, the filtered water doesn't leak at all). Furthermore, the lifespan of these filters is, on average, somewhat longer.

Advantages:

  • elegant look
  • long service life
  • no filtered water running after
Vital

Carbonit SANUNO vital – the water filter with vitalizer for water revitalization

Do you want to not only filter your water, but also harmonize it? Then the SANUNO Vital might be the right choice for you. This countertop water filter contains effective microorganisms (EM powder) incorporated into the cartridge to optimize the cluster structure of your water and additionally revitalizes it using high-vibration technology (Re-Vitalizer) and swirling at the spout.

Advantages:

  • vitalized water without any further steps

Under-sink filter

The under-sink versions offer significantly more convenience in everyday use. Here, the technology disappears under the sink and you get a separate tap for filtered water...

Carbonit under-sink filter

Under-sink water filter: For more convenience

With an under-sink water filter from the VARIO or DUO series, you can draw your drinking water separately using an additional tap.

Your filter and cartridge remain hidden under the counter to save space, keeping your countertop tidy. These devices can also be used if you have a low-pressure faucet, making a countertop filter unsuitable for you. You can also combine various Caronit filter inserts with a Duo, such as the premium activated carbon block with a water softening cartridge or an additional pre-filter.

Advantages:

  • Activated carbon filter disappears visually in the undersink
  • Comfortable: separate tap for withdrawal or 3-way tap as an alternative to your current tap
  • can also be used with low-pressure boilers
  • different filter methods can be combined (in Duo series)

Important note: Please use Carbonit filter devices only with cold water.

On the go or for the whole house

You can also enjoy Carbonit filtered water on the go , in a hotel or in your holiday apartment... and even in large quantities throughout your house !

Travel filter: The little ones for on the go

Don't want to miss out on high-quality drinking water while on vacation? Then a water filter from the GO series is just the thing for you. The handy filter can be flexibly connected to any regular faucet—simply screw it on and enjoy. Please note, however, that you must replace the filter cartridge after your vacation for hygiene reasons, and at the latest after eight weeks.

Advantages:

  • easy to use
  • flexible use
  • handy and space-saving

House inlet filter: Better water for the whole house

If you're considering using multiple Carbonit water filters in your home, it might be worth installing a domestic water filter directly at your home's water supply. This type of filter system will provide you with filtered drinking water at all your taps. However, keep in mind that for high flow rates, you may need coarser filter cartridges with a lower retention rate. These cartridges are generally less bacteria-proof and don't retain as high a percentage of contaminants.

If you need particularly large quantities of good water: The QUADRO can be equipped with the fine premium cartridges and thus delivers up to 10 liters of high-quality filtered water per minute.

Advantages:

  • filtered drinking water throughout the house
  • Can be used in cases of very high demand, for example in school kitchens

Carbonit water filter installation – this is how it works

Unlike countertop water filters, which you can install yourself in just a few simple steps, under-sink water filters require a bit more time to install. But don't panic! This is also a breeze, and you don't need a handyman.

On our website you will find detailed instructions on how to install a water filter and how to change the cartridges using a Vario model as an example, with pictures as a PDF.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special faucet for my Carbonit filter?

Depending on the model, a faucet for drinking water is included. This includes all countertop water filters. For under-counter filters, please refer to the description of the respective model. Under-counter filters, such as the VARIO kitchen, require the installation of a separately available tap or a 3-way faucet, which is installed in place of your existing faucet. This faucet allows for cold and hot water as well as the extraction of filtered water.

What is the alternative to the Carbonit water filter?

We can wholeheartedly recommend the use of reverse osmosis filters. On our website, you can learn more about the different filter methods and why, for example, pitcher filters don't achieve the same level of effectiveness as a Carbonit filter.

What if something breaks?

Don't worry, on our website you'll find both Carbonit water filter replacement parts and filter cartridges for replacement. Please note that we can only offer you the full warranty in conjunction with the use of original Carbonit filter cartridges such as the NFP Premium . As a long-established Carbonit wholesaler with 25 years of experience, we offer you all the services you need for long-term satisfaction: workshop, on-site service (Berlin), as well as all repair and goodwill options.