Review: Waterdrop ED04 Electric Countertop Water Filter Dispenser

Full Analysis of the Waterdrop ED04

Filtration: 3.45/5.00

In our analysis, the Waterdrop ED04 achieved a filtration score of 3.45/5.00. In our lab testing, the system could remove most water contaminants to 100%. 5, however, were only partially removed or not at all. The taste and odor of the filtered water were still flawless. We also have a high count of NSF-certified contaminants but they are mostly limited to organic compounds which we consider easier to remove.

1. Lab Results: 3.45/5.00

In our lab testing, the Waterdrop ED04 could remove 8 undesirable tap water impurities to below the minimum detection level, while traces of 5 impurities remained in the water:

• Boron was removed by 40% which isn’t that good.
• Strontium was reduced by 77% which is quite decent.
• Nitrate was removed by 42% – again not that good.
• Fluoride wasn’t reduced at all, but this is typical for countertop filters that don’t apply reverse osmosis.
• Uranium wasn’t reduced at all. But to be fair uranium was at the lowest possible concentration, and we might have seen some reduction if pre-filtration levels had been a little higher.

Finally, there was a tiny amount of aluminum detected in the filtered water which hadn’t been detected in the raw water sample. But this might just be coincidence. And even if not, the detected level of 0.03 ppm was 20 times below the strictest aluminum health guideline we could find, so we’re not worried about this at all.

Lab Results Chart

*100% means reduction to below the minimum detection level. To learn more about our testing procedures check our editorial guidelines.

Link to Filtered Water Report
Link to Unfiltered Water Report

2. NSF Certifications and Other Test Data

The Waterdrop ED04 is certified for contaminant reduction by the IAPMO against NSF standards 42, 53, and 401. We counted 33 analytes covered and the performance data sheet (included in the manual) lists these reduction rates among others: Chlorine (97%), lead (99.6%), MTBE (98.64%), 2,4-D (99.8%), and 15 emerging compounds (between 94 and 99%). However, certification is mostly limited to organic compounds. We consider these easier to remove and so, in our opinion, NSF certification is great to have but less important here. At the same time, we lack certification for the reduction of pentavalent arsenic, hexavalent chromium, nitrate/nitrite, etc.

3. Filtration Process

The Waterdrop ED04 electric dispenser uses a single filter cartridge: An activated carbon block wrapped in a sediment filter layer. Activated carbon blocks are great for neutralizing unpleasant tastes and odors but also to adsorb/trap chlorine, chloramine, lead, mercury, and organic compounds including disinfection byproducts, pesticides, and PFAS among other stuff.

4. Taste and Odor Test

In our test, the freshly filtered water provided by the Waterdrop ED04 tasted and smelled perfectly clean.

Usability: 5.00/5.00

The Waterdrop ED04 achieved a usability score of 5.00/5.00. Completing the initial setup process including filter priming is straightforward. The same goes for everyday use and filter replacements. Filtration speed isn’t very high.

1. Initial Setup

Setting up the Waterdrop ED04 is straightforward:

1. Take out the water pump and hand-wash the feed water tank.
2. Fill the feed water tank.
3. Insert the filter cartridge into the water pump aligning the buckles of the filter to the notches on the pump.
4. Install pump + filter cartridge inside the feed water tank
5. Put a container underneath the dispenser before you press the water dispensing button twice to start the filtration process.
6. Discard the first full tank of filtered water before use.

2. Everyday Use

Once set up, the Waterdrop ED04 is very easy to use: You fill the feed water tank. Then you place a container underneath the dispenser. Press the water dispensing button twice to start filtering, press again to stop. Also, you can’t dispense water for more than 3 consecutive minutes. Based on our speed test, filtration isn’t very fast for a non-RO system, and some patience is required in case you filter on demand.

A USB-rechargeable battery is used to run the system including the pump so there’s no power connection required for higher portability (think placing the Waterdrop ED04 in the fridge).

The battery should last you up to 1 month before it needs to recharge (the power indicator on the display screen flashes red to signal low battery) which can be done via the USB-C port located at the top of the water pumping unit.

3. Filtration/Dispensing Speed Test

In our speed test, the Waterdrop ED04 could filter and dispense 12 ounces within 25 seconds.

4. Maintenance (Filter Replacements)

Replacing the filter cartridge is easy and self-explanatory:

1. Take out the water pump.
2. Push the bottom of filter upward to loosen it and press the buckles on both sides of the filter to removed it from the pump.
3. Insert a new filter cartridge into the pump aligning the buckles of the filter with the notches on the pump.
4. Hold the water dispensing button for 3 seconds to reset the filter life indicator (light should turn blue).
5. Install pump + filter cartridge inside the feed water tank.
6. Put a container underneath the dispenser before you press the water dispensing button twice to start the filtration process.
7. Discard the first full tank of filtered water before use.

Each filter is rated at 200 gallons or 3 months. But you don’t really need to keep track of this thanks to the filter life indicator light (the blue light of the dispensing button will turn red).

Costs: 5.00/5.00

1. Upfront Price

As of Jan 20, 2025, the regular price tag for the Waterdrop ED04 is $59.99 (includes 1-year warranty) – a real steal! Also, the system is often on discount and you can use our exclusive code which will grant you another 3% off on top of most Waterdrop sales.

2. Long-Term Expenses for Filter Replacements

We estimate $60 in annual filter replacements based on the rated filter life which again is highly affordable, and you can save an extra 5% with a filter subscription!

Additional Ranking Factors

1. Looks

We like the looks of the system which isn’t to be neglected – remember: A countertop water filter will sit on your countertop all day, every day.

2. Frequent Customer Complaints

Checking third-party customer complaints, we read about malfunctioning filter life indicators, units that stopped working entirely, leaking, taste issues, and unresponsive dispensing buttons.

Bottom Line: The #1 Regular Countertop Filter for Lower Budgets

The Waterdrop ED04 scores a final rating of 4.07 out of 5.00.

We consider it the best budget pick among all the countertop water filters we’ve tested that don’t make use of reverse osmosis. Naturally, the system is highly affordable both upfront and long-term. In our lab testing, we saw decent filtration results, although 5 out of 13 undesirable impurities were only partially removed or not at all. Still, taste and odor of the filtered water provided was top-notch! What’s more, we have 33 different NSF-certified contaminants, but they are mostly limited to organic compounds which we consider less important.

Looks? Really nice! Usability? Great except filtration speed is not the highest (maybe consider storing water for later use instead of filtering on demand). What’s great is that the system is highly portable while still being electric (you can even put it in your fridge). This is possible thanks to the built-in battery which has a 1-month life and can be recharged via a USB-C port. Studying 3rd-party customer ratings, we read about malfunctioning filter life indicators, units that stopped working entirely, leaking, taste issues, and unresponsive dispensing buttons.

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