Kenmore · Refrigerator Filters
Waterdrop Refrigerator Water Filter Replacement EDR1RXD1
Lower concern for typical use, but lack of transparency on filter composition warrants caution for sensitive households.
The Waterdrop EDR1RXD1 is a replacement refrigerator filter using activated carbon, a conventional water-filtration material with no established PFAS contamination risk. However, Waterdrop/Kenmore disclose nothing publicly about PFAS testing, filter media sourcing, or whether any coatings are used.
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Activated carbon filter media (primary), proprietary filter cartridge
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The EDR1RXD1 uses activated carbon as its primary filtration medium, a well-established technology that adsorbs chlorine, odors, and some organic compounds through physical binding rather than chemical breakdown. The cartridge housing is plastic-bodied (likely polypropylene or similar food-contact grade), sealed to minimize direct water contact with structural polymers. Activated carbon itself is inert and non-leaching under normal refrigerator-temperature conditions (32-40F), making it one of the safest filter chemistries available.
The brand's record and disclosure
Waterdrop is a third-party filter manufacturer; this cartridge is sold under the Kenmore brand but manufactured by Waterdrop. Neither company provides detailed transparency on filter media sourcing, coconut-shell vs. coal-based carbon origin, or binder resins used to hold granules together. No recalls or safety incidents are documented for this specific model. Waterdrop maintains NSF/WQA certification claims but does not publish independent lab reports publicly.
How it compares in its category
Refrigerator filters are among the lowest-risk water treatment products because they operate at cold temperatures, short contact times, and typically low pressure. This cartridge is comparable to OEM Kenmore filters and other activated-carbon aftermarket options (Frigidaire, GE equivalents) in material composition and design. Carbon filters offer better taste/odor removal than simple sediment filters but do not remove all contaminants (e.g., fluoride, some pharmaceuticals); reverse-osmosis or ion-exchange units provide broader protection but are bulkier.
If you buy it
Replace every 6 months or per manufacturer guidance to prevent biofilm accumulation and maintain flow rate, as stagnant carbon is a potential bacterial habitat if filter sits unused. Do not use boiling water to clean the filter housing; cold water only. Ensure the cartridge seats fully to prevent bypass leakage. Store unused filters in a cool, dry place away from strong odors, as activated carbon can absorb ambient VOCs and odors.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Bacterial colonization (biofilm growth)
If not replaced on schedule or if the filter sits unused for extended periods, activated carbon's porous structure can harbor bacteria. This risk is standard for all carbon filters and is managed by routine replacement (every 6 months).
Plastic housing leaching (minor)
The cartridge housing polymer is food-contact rated and operates at cold temperature; no documented leaching of BPA or phthalates from refrigerator filter housings under normal use. The design minimizes prolonged water-plastic contact.
Carbon fines (particulate migration)
New filters can release small amounts of carbon dust or fines into water during the first use. Running 5-10 gallons of water through a new filter before drinking is a standard precaution to flush loose media.
Filter bypass (seal failure)
Improper cartridge installation or aging seals can allow unfiltered water to pass around the media. This is a mechanical risk, not a chemical hazard, and is prevented by checking that the cartridge clicks firmly into the housing.
Binder resin composition (undisclosed)
Activated carbon granules are typically bound with food-safe resins (often silica-based or proprietary), but Waterdrop does not disclose the exact formulation. No health incidents linked to this product have been reported, and cold-water contact minimizes leaching risk.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 68% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Refrigerator Filters
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activated carbon filter cartridge
Lower-concern water filter; carbon-based design unlikely to contain PFAS, but Kenmore makes no explicit PFAS disclosure.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Kenmore
Pureline Filter Compatible with Whirlpool Everydrop Filter 1
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Lower concern for PFAS; standard cartridge filter with no known PFAS-bearing materials, but brand offers no transparency.
✓Bare metal or glass, no coating at all
Clearly Filtered
Water Pitcher Replacement Filter 3-Pack
Activated carbon and ion-exchange resin filter media
Lower-concern option; activated carbon filters are standard PFAS-reduction media, but verify pitcher durability and actual tested removal rates independently.
✓Brand claims PFAS-free (unverified)
More refrigerator filters grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.