Samsung · Refrigerator Filters
Samsung Refrigerator Water Filter HAF-QIN-2P/EXP 2-Pack
Lower PFAS concern for typical use; standard carbon filters don't inherently use PFAS, but Samsung discloses nothing.
Samsung refrigerator filters use activated carbon and ion-exchange resin, materials not known to contain legacy PFAS. However, Samsung provides no public PFAS statement or third-party verification.
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Activated carbon and ion-exchange resin filter media
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 HAF-QIN-2P uses activated carbon and ion-exchange resin, the industry-standard combination for refrigerator filters. Activated carbon traps chlorine, sediment, and odor; ion-exchange resin reduces dissolved minerals and some contaminants. These materials do not leach harmful chemicals into water under normal use conditions, as they are inert when wet and not heated.
The brand's record and disclosure
Samsung does not publicly disclose detailed material safety or PFAS testing data for this filter. The company holds relevant water-filter certifications (NSF/WQA standards are common for similar models) but provides no transparency statements specific to PFAS or heavy metals in filter media. No product recalls for this filter line are on record in major databases.
How it compares in its category
This filter is typical for OEM refrigerator replacements. Third-party aftermarket filters often cost less but may carry higher bacterial contamination risk if quality control is weaker. Samsung's price premium reflects brand integration and fit reliability rather than superior filtration chemistry. Performance differences are marginal for standard municipal water.
If you buy it
Replace every 6 months or per manufacturer guidance, even if flow appears normal; stagnant filters accumulate bacteria. Do not attempt to extend filter life beyond the rated interval. Store unused filters in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Flush the system for 3-5 minutes after installation to clear carbon dust and activate the resin bed.
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 and microbial growth
If filters are not replaced on schedule, stagnant water in the filter housing can harbor bacteria, particularly in warm climates. This is a maintenance failure, not a material defect, and is preventable with routine replacement.
Carbon dust and resin particulates
New filters may shed fine activated carbon particles and resin beads into water during the first few gallons. This is cosmetic and harmless but occurs with most carbon-based filters; flushing the system mitigates this.
Housing material leaching
No published reports of leachates from the filter housing plastic under refrigerated conditions. Samsung does not disclose housing material composition, so assessment is based on absence of documented issues in this product line.
Contaminant breakthrough
No recalls for failed filtration or contaminant bypass in this specific model. Performance meets NSF standards for chlorine and taste/odor reduction when used within rated capacity.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% 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
Kenmore
9690 Refrigerator Water Filter 1-Pack, Nsf/wqa/iapmo Certified, Reduces 99% Chlorine & Odor, BPA-Free, Replacement for 46-9690 469690 Lt700p
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
Activated carbon and fiberglass filter media
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.