Waterdrop ED04 Review: Lab Analysis & Hands-On Testing

Full Analysis of the Waterdrop ED04

Filtration: 2.94/5.00

The Waterdrop ED04 scored 2.94/5.00 for filtration. How? Most importantly, it achieved adequate results in our 2024 lab testing and the filtered water tasted and smelled perfectly clean. Plus, the system has a higher count of NSF/ANSI-certified contaminants, though this is mostly limited to the easier-to-remove organics.

1. Lab Results: 3.56/5.00

Remember that our before vs after lab comparison is not an exact science. It’s informational and subject to variability, inaccuracies, and interferences caused by natural fluctuations in water quality, accidental contamination, human error, instrumentation issues, and more. Furthermore, our lab testing is limited to those contaminants present in our water supplies and at their respective concentrations, which is why the results may contradict third-party test data. As such, our lab testing can only give us a general idea for how effective a certain water treatment product might be.

In our lab test comparing an unfiltered and a filtered tap water sample, the Waterdrop ED04 could remove 8 undesirable impurities and contaminants to below the minimum detection level (so essentially to 100%): chlorine, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, chloroform, copper, barium, zinc, and lithium.

The following substances remained in our water (note: in our view, most concentration increases are generally due to leaching, although natural fluctuations cannot be ruled out):

• Boron decreased by 40%.
• Strontium was reduced by 77%.
• Nitrate decreased by 42%.
• Fluoride increased by 10%. That said, we’re confident the Waterdrop ED04 doesn’t leach fluoride, as we don’t know of any fluoride-containing filter media.
• Uranium wasn’t reduced at all.

Aside from contaminant reduction, we found the following substances in our filtered water that were not present in the unfiltered water:

• Aluminum – At 0.03 ppm, it was 20x lower than the strictest aluminum health guideline we could find (0.6 ppm, California OEHHA), established to prevent neuro- and immunotoxic effects.

Lab Results Chart

2. NSF/ANSI Certifications and Other Test Data

The Waterdrop ED04 is certified by the IAPMO for the reduction of 33 different contaminants against NSF/ANSI standards 42, 53, and 401. However, this coverage primarily focuses on the easier-to-remove organics.

Reported reduction rates include:

• Chlorine (97.00%)
• Lead (99.60%)
• Mercury (92.30-93.80%)
• Several VOCs (96.60%-99.99%)
• Several pesticides (93.60-99.80%)
• Many emerging compounds, including pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals (94.40-99.00%+)

Reduction rates are per the official performance data sheet.

3. Filtration Process

The Waterdrop ED04 filter cartridge has the following components:

• An outer sediment filter layer (mechanical filtration) acts like a sieve to remove solid, undissolved particulates such as dirt or rust.
• A 5-micron carbon block core utilizes activated carbon to remove things like bad tastes and odors, chlorine/chloramine, disinfection byproducts and other organics, as well as certain metals. In addition, the block structure provides fine mechanical filtration due to its smaller pore size compared to granular carbon.

4. Taste and Odor Test

In our test, the filtered water was odorless and had a perfectly clean taste.

Usability: 4.48/5.00

The Waterdrop ED04 achieved a usability score of 4.48/5.00, based on its performance in the following categories:

1. Initial system assembly including filter priming (1.00/1.00)
2. Everyday use (2.98/3.40)
3. Filter replacements (0.50/0.60)

1. Initial Setup & Filter Priming: 1.00/1.00

Assembling the Waterdrop ED04 is easy. In addition to clear, illustrated directions in the instruction booklet, there’s a helpful tutorial video on YouTube.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the setup procedure:

1. Remove the water pumping unit (pump) and clean the water tank with the provided brush. Fill tank with tap water up to max fill line.
2. Insert new filter into pump by aligning the filter’s buckles with the notches on the pump. Press until it clicks into place.
3. Reinstall pump with the filter back into the tank. Place a large container under the dispenser.
4. Press the water dispensing button twice to start flushing the filter. Filter the entire tank and discard the water.
5. Now your system is ready to use.

2. Day-to-Day Use: 2.98/3.40

2.1 Speed & Water Capacity: 1.03/1.40

The Waterdrop ED04 is suited for daily use: its dispensing speed, though slower for an “electric” type of countertop water filter, is still acceptable. In our speed tests, it filtered and dispensed 1 cup in ~16 sec and 4 cups in ~1:02 min when starting with a full feed tank. That means it filters fast enough to meet the daily water needs of the average-sized US households (~2.55-3.15 people), including 8-10 cup/hour thirst bursts.

The generous ~29.5-cup feed tank allows you to easily fill a 40-oz bottle from a single refill and in one continuous pour. However, our 40-oz bottle couldn’t fit under the spout without tilting, as its height is only 8.15″ from the base.

Likewise, you can’t fit a standard 2-quart carafe under the spout, as it’s not high enough. Still, you could readily dispense 2 quarts without refilling the feed tank, assuming you found a container that would fit – and with just a single press of the dispense button to boot.

More specifically and based on a single full feed tank, in our test the system dispensed ~96 oz in one button press before the pump stopped automatically after 3 minutes to prevent flooding. A second button press produced another ~96 oz in an additional 3 min. Therefore, it produced around 24 cups in 6 minutes.

We could dispense another 44 oz with a third press of the button, which ultimately emptied the feed tank. But in practice, dispensing until the feed tank is empty should be avoided, as it pulls air into the pump and filter. Plus, the manufacturer recommends stopping dispensing when the water level falls below the min fill line.

Assuming 25.5–31.5 cups of daily water consumption for the average US households, we estimate 1-2 daily refills when filling the feed tank to the max fill line – below average for the electric countertop filters we tested.

Unfortunately, the system lacks volume presets, which are especially practical when dispensing larger quantities. Instead, you’ll have to supervise the entire pour or make do with the fixed volume produced by the 3-minute dispense feature.

2.2 Dispensing: 1.00/1.00

Dispensing water is easy and splash-free. The dispense button is responsive, but the system takes a second to stop the pour when it is pressed – the flow doesn’t stop instantly. We got accustomed to this quickly, but you might overfill a glass or two if you aren’t prepared.

Two presses of the dispense button (one to activate the touchscreen and another to start the pump) prompt the system to begin dispensing; pressing the button a third time halts the flow. The Waterdrop will continuously dispense for 3 minutes before automatically stopping to prevent flooding.

2.3 Refilling & Size: 0.75/0.80

Refilling the Waterdrop ED04 is straightforward thanks to the flip cover on the lid. You can either place the unit in the sink and fill directly from the faucet or leave it on the counter and fill using a pitcher.

The max and min fill lines serve as helpful refilling guides. Plus, the feed tank’s translucent construction allows you to see how much water remains inside – especially useful as there is no water shortage indicator light to alert you to refill.

Measuring 7.1″x10.25″x12″ (WxHxD), the Waterdrop fits under most kitchen cabinets (18″ clearance). We could even place it on our fridge shelves without any rearrangement, though it’s too big for the door.

At 4.8 lbs with a wet filter installed, it is relatively light for the electric-type countertop systems we tested. Its footprint is about average, occupying ~85.20 in² (~0.59 ft²), but at just over 7″ wide, it is not quite streamlined enough to fit in really narrow spots.

2.4 Other: 0.20/0.20

A couple other factors positively impact the Waterdrop ED04’s overall usability:

• It’s highly portable thanks to an easily rechargeable battery, which lasts up to 30 days (~15 days in the fridge).
• The battery life indicator lets you know when it’s time to recharge using the provided USB Type-C charging cable.
• Other useful extras include a handled cleaning brush to access tough-to-reach spots in the feed tank, such as the compartment for the water-pumping unit. Optional rubber foot pads are also provided to stick onto the bottom of the system in case excessive vibration causes unwanted movement on your countertop.

3. Filter Replacements: 0.50/0.60

Filter replacements are simple. However, filter removal from the pumping unit takes a bit more effort compared to some other systems we tested and might prove challenging for people with limited mobility.

The filter change indicator light alerts you when it is time to change it.

Rated filter life is 200 gal or 3 months.

Assuming 500 gallons of yearly water consumption for the average household, we predict the frequency of your filter changes will be dictated by filter age rather than water consumption. Therefore, expect to replace it 4x annually.

Costs: 4.21/5.00

Based on value for money, the Waterdrop ED04 achieved a cost score of 4.21 out of 5.00, indicating it is priced below average for what it offers compared to competing systems (a score of 4.00 represents average value). Notably, its upfront price is slightly below average, but its annual filter replacement costs are around average compared to the other countertop water filters we tested.

1. Upfront Price

As of Jul 13, 2026, the Waterdrop ED04 is priced at $59.99, though Waterdrop frequently offers sales. Using our 3% off discount code (which you can combine with most other promotions on the Waterdrop website), you can get the ED04 for as little as $46.19, which is slightly below the $60 average we estimate for this type of water filter.

2. Long-Term Expenses for Filter Replacements

Based on 500 gallons consumption and a 200-gal or 3-month filter life for the filter cartridge, we estimate $112 in annual filter replacement costs, which is around the $120.11 average across all the tested countertop water filters. Plus, you can save an additional 10% with a filter subscription.

3. Product Warranty

The Waterdrop ED04 comes with a 1-year warranty.

4. Other Cost Factors

Overall, the unit feels sturdy and well-built.

Additional

1. Appearance

The Waterdrop ED04 has a simple, modern design and comes in two color options.

2. Build Quality

The BPA-free plastic construction generally feels sturdy and well-built, though we can see the hinge on the filling lid not lasting over time.

3. Size Options

The Waterdrop electric water filter pitchers come in 3 different sizes: 14-cup (ED02), 15-cup (ED01), and 27-cup (ED04).

4. Frequent Customer Complaints

We read about units that stopped working due to dead pumps/batteries and unresponsive dispensing buttons.

We did not experience these issues firsthand.

Bottom Line: Our #1 Budget Pick for a Regular Countertop Water Filter with Adequate Lab Results (3.50/5.00)

Filtration weighted at 60%, and usability and cost at 20% each, the Waterdrop ED04 scored a final rating of 3.50 out of 5.00.

Filtration performance was rather poor overall, though the system achieved lab results that were quite adequate: it completely removed 8 contaminants in our lab test and produced filtered water that tasted and smelled perfectly clean. It has a higher number of NSF/ANSI-certified contaminants (33), though coverage is geared towards the easier-to-remove organics and overlooks some key impurities, including most heavy metals.

Usability is solid: it’s very easy to set up, and filter replacements are straightforward with a helpful filter change indicator light to remind you. However, removing the cartridge from the pumping unit takes a bit of effort and might be challenging for those with limited dexterity.

Dispensing is a touch on the slow side but splash-free using the responsive button. There are no volume presets, so you must supervise the entire pour or use the 3-minute dispense function (the pump automatically stops after 3 minutes to prevent spills). Plus, the system takes a second to stop the flow after pressing the button, so you must leave enough wiggle room at the top of your glass.

The flip-top opening in the lid makes refilling a snap, and thanks to the large ~29.5-cup feed tank, fewer daily refills are required. There’s no water shortage indicator to remind you, but it’s easy to see how much unfiltered water remains through the semitransparent plastic reservoir.

Build quality is good overall with its modern, BPA-free plastic construction. The system is also highly portable since it uses a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 30 days (~15 days in the fridge – fits on the shelf). The battery life indicator light lets you know when it needs a recharge using the provided charging cable.

While upfront price is slightly below average, ongoing filter replacement costs are about average.

With its user-friendly features and adequate lab testing performance, the Waterdrop ED04 is our top budget pick out of the regular countertop water filters.

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