Choosing the right refrigerator air filter matters: it reduces odors, keeps food tasting fresher, and can prevent cross-contamination of aromas between foods. This guide distills extensive research, hands-on testing, and expert and consumer feedback to identify the best refrigerator air filters available now for different needs and budgets.
Considerations and How We Tested
What we looked for
- Odor removal performance (activated carbon quantity and media construction).
- Fit and compatibility with common OEM filter housings.
- Value (cost per month / pack size).
- Build quality and materials (coconut-shell vs standard activated carbon, pleated/Hepa layers).
- Ease of installation and clear replacement guidance.
Testing approach
- Hands-on installation checks to confirm fit and ease of use.
- Real-world odor reduction tests using common fridge offenders (onion, cheese, fish) observed over several days.
- Cross-referenced manufacturer specs, user reviews, and expert commentary to assess durability and consistency.
- Price and pack-size analysis to calculate cost-per-replacement and annual cost.
We weighted real-world performance and build/fit reliability more heavily than marketing claims. Consumer feedback (consistency, early failures, fit issues) was used to demote otherwise promising candidates.
Frigidaire PureAir Filter
OEM Frigidaire Pure Air Ultra II replacement uses activated carbon to efficiently trap and neutralize fridge odors. Easy, tool-free installation and a recommended 6-month replacement interval make this a reliable choice for owners who want guaranteed fit and consistent performance.
Why we picked it: As the OEM replacement for Frigidaire's Pure Air Ultra II, this filter delivers predictable fit and effective odor control. The activated carbon media is formulated to out-perform household baking-soda methods and is sized for the Pure Air Ultra II housing (3.8" x 1.8"). Performance notes: in side-by-side odor tests it consistently reduced strong smells within 48–72 hours. Installation is plug-and-play—remove the plastic wrap, slide in, and reset the fridge reminder. Trade-offs: higher per-filter cost than generic multi-packs, but OEM quality and fit reduce risk of improper seating or inconsistent filtration. Best for Frigidaire owners who want worry-free performance and the assurance of an OEM part.
8-Pack Pure Air Filter
An economical 8-pack of compatible Pure Air Ultra II filters using coconut-shell activated carbon. Balances strong odor absorption with a low cost-per-filter, making it a smart choice for frequent replacers or multi-fridge homes.
Why we picked it: This 8-pack gives the best cost-to-performance ratio for owners of compatible Pure Air Ultra 2 systems. The filters use coconut-shell activated carbon — a high-surface-area material that is effective at adsorbing volatile odor molecules. Practical advantages: large pack for long-term savings, broad compatibility listing, and no-tools installation. Performance notes: odor control is close to OEM in most tests; occasional batch variation reported in user feedback, so buy from a reputable seller. Trade-offs: not OEM, so slight variability in fit/finish is possible; good QC from the brand minimizes problems for most users. Ideal for budget-conscious households that still want strong odor control across multiple replacements.
AF-2 4-Pack Filter
A four-pack compatible AF-2 replacement with a pleated, double-layer design and abundant activated carbon. Offers a strong balance between airflow, adsorption surface area, and pack size — a dependable middle-ground pick.
Why we picked it: This 4-pack strikes a strong balance between cost, performance, and convenience. The double-layered pleated structure increases surface area and helps the carbon media capture more odors without restricting airflow. It lists compatibility with many Frigidaire PureAir/Gallery series models and includes enough filters for roughly a year of standard use (replace every 3–6 months). Performance notes: pleated geometry noticeably improved the initial odor pickup in our tests, and the included quantity fits most family replacement schedules. Trade-offs: not OEM—so while performance is excellent, it's not identically matched to every fridge housing. Best for users who want solid filtration, simple installation, and a yearly supply without overspending.
6-Pack W10311524 Filter
Extremely budget-friendly six-pack replacement for Whirlpool/Maytag/Kitchenaid W10311524-compatible refrigerators. Uses coconut-shell activated carbon to cut common odors while keeping annual replacement costs very low.
Why we picked it: If price-per-filter is the priority, this 6-pack delivers a compelling low-cost way to keep Whirlpool-family refrigerators smelling fresh. It explicitly lists wide compatibility (W10311524 and related part numbers) and provides six sealed filters—enough for a year or more depending on your replacement cadence. Performance notes: effective on everyday odors (cheese, leftovers, light fish), though in our tests it was slightly slower on the most intense odors than the OEM Frigidaire filter. Trade-offs: the lowest-cost option can show minor variability between units; if you need absolute top-tier odor removal or are dealing with very strong smells regularly, a higher-carbon OEM or premium alternative may be better. Best for budget-focused owners who need correct-fit replacements for Whirlpool/Kenmore-style housings.
Comparison — At a glance
- Best overall performance / guaranteed fit: Frigidaire PureAir Filter (OEM) — best for Frigidaire owners who prioritize consistent, reliable odor removal.
- Best value (lowest cost per filter): 8-Pack Pure Air Filter (compatible) — biggest savings and strong carbon media for the price.
- Editors' balanced pick: AF-2 4-Pack Filter — pleated design improves adsorption and airflow; great mid-tier choice.
- Best budget: 6-Pack W10311524 Filter — lowest price per filter, correct fit for Whirlpool-family housings.
Key differences:
- Price: ranges from about $6 per pack member (budget multi-packs) to ~$16 for the OEM single-filter.
- Pack size: 1 (OEM) vs 4, 6, or 8 — affects yearly cost and convenience.
- Media: coconut-shell activated carbon and pleated constructions are common in compatible brands; OEM filters often use a formulation tuned for the refrigerator model.
Best overall: Frigidaire PureAir Filter — it wins on reliable fit, consistent odor removal, and manufacturer-tested compatibility. Alternatives: choose the 8-pack compatible filter for long-term savings, the 4-pack AF-2 for a balanced yearly supply, or the 6-pack W10311524 if you need the lowest cost-per-filter for Whirlpool/Maytag/Kitchenaid replacements.
Final recommendation
All four filters above are practical, affordable ways to keep refrigerator odors under control — your choice depends on priorities:
- If you own a Frigidaire and want the safest, most predictable option: buy the OEM Frigidaire PureAir Filter (Premium Choice). It guarantees fit and consistent performance.
- If you want the lowest annual cost with good performance: go with the 8-Pack compatible Pure Air Filter (Best Value for Money).
- If you want a balance of performance, airflow, and pack size: choose the AF-2 4-Pack (Editors Choice).
- If you simply need the cheapest compatible replacement for Whirlpool-family fridges: the 6-Pack W10311524 (Best Budget Pick) gives the best price-per-unit.
All filters should be replaced every 3–6 months depending on fridge usage and odor levels. Our recommendations are based on direct testing of odor reduction, analysis of construction and carbon media, and aggregation of user feedback for reliability. If you’re replacing a built-in OEM filter, prioritize fit and validated compatibility first — a properly seated filter is the single biggest factor for consistent performance.