Samsung Refrigerator Filter Replacements: What to Know Before Buying Third-Party
When replacing Samsung's proprietary HAF-QIN/EXP or DA97-08006C filters, consumers face a choice between OEM parts and third-party alternatives like this PUREPLUS 3-pack. This specific model targets multiple Samsung refrigerator series (RF28R7351SG, RF28R7201SR, RF28T5001SR, RF24R7201SR, RS27T5200SR, RF23M8590SG, RWF4200A), making compatibility verification essential before purchase.
Key Considerations Before Buying
- Verify your refrigerator's exact model number matches the listed compatible models, as Samsung uses multiple filter variations across different series and production years.
- Third-party filters like PUREPLUS typically offer cost savings over Samsung OEM filters, but may have different flow rates or filter media compositions that affect water pressure and taste.
- The 3-pack format provides convenience and value for households that change filters every 6 months, but requires proper storage to prevent media degradation before use.
What Our Analysts Recommend
Quality replacement filters should maintain NSF/ANSI 42 and 53 certifications for contaminant reduction, though third-party manufacturers may not always prominently display these certifications. Look for reviews mentioning consistent water pressure after installation and absence of carbon fines in initial water flow, which indicates proper manufacturing quality control.
Water Filters Market Context
Market Overview
The refrigerator water filter aftermarket has grown significantly as consumers seek alternatives to expensive OEM parts, with third-party options now representing approximately 40% of replacement filter sales for major brands like Samsung. This PUREPLUS model competes directly with brands like Waterdrop, EveryDrop, and ICEPURE in the Samsung-compatible segment.
Common Issues
The most frequent complaints in this category involve installation difficulties (particularly with filter housing alignment), reduced water flow compared to OEM filters, and inconsistent taste quality between filter batches. Some users report filter indicator light reset problems with non-OEM replacements.
Quality Indicators
Beyond certifications, quality indicators include consistent manufacturing tolerances that ensure smooth installation without forcing, clear installation instructions specific to Samsung refrigerator models, and packaging that protects the carbon block filter media from damage during shipping.
Review Authenticity Insights
Grade B Interpretation
The Grade B authenticity rating with 10% estimated fake reviews suggests generally reliable feedback, though approximately 1 in 10 reviews may be artificially positive. For this specific product, the 4.50 adjusted rating (down from 4.78) indicates genuine satisfaction likely falls between 'very good' and 'excellent' rather than near-perfect.
Trust Recommendation
Focus on verified purchase reviews that mention specific installation experiences with your refrigerator model series, particularly RF28R7351SG or RF28R7201SR owners, as these provide the most relevant performance data. The high number of reviews (15,144) provides substantial data points for evaluation.
Tips for Reading Reviews
Prioritize reviews that discuss long-term performance (3+ months of use), water taste comparisons to OEM filters, and filter change indicator functionality. Be cautious of reviews that only mention packaging or delivery without addressing actual filter performance in Samsung refrigerators.
Expert Perspective
The PUREPLUS DA97-17376B presents a compelling value proposition based on its adjusted 4.50 rating from over 15,000 verified purchases. The specific compatibility with multiple Samsung refrigerator models suggests thorough engineering to match housing dimensions and connection systems. The maintained high rating despite the authenticity adjustment indicates genuine consumer satisfaction with this third-party alternative's performance relative to Samsung's proprietary filters. The 3-pack format aligns with recommended 6-month replacement cycles, providing 18 months of filtration.
Purchase Considerations
Weigh the significant cost savings against potential differences in water flow rate and filter indicator compatibility. Owners of newer Samsung models (particularly RF28R7351SG series) should check recent reviews for any model-specific installation notes, as refrigerator designs occasionally change between production runs.
Comparing Alternatives
Shoppers should compare flow rates, certifications, and per-filter costs against other third-party options like Waterdrop's Samsung-compatible filters and Samsung's own OEM replacements.
