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Culligan FM-25 Faucet vs Waterdrop WD-FC-06 Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , and ·Updated

Culligan FM-25 Faucet

$30.03 from Amazon

Waterdrop WD-FC-06

$35.99 from Amazon(+1 more)
Two faucet-mount water faucets, the Culligan FM-25 Faucet and Waterdrop WD-FC-06, held side-by-side by a reviewer for comparison purposes.

Overall Verdict

Although the Culligan FM-25 and the Waterdrop WD-FC-06 are direct competitors, having the same level of performance, build quality, and price point, the Waterdrop model came on top in virtually all respects.

The two did well in our performance tests, passing the chlorine filtering test with perfect scores. But their performance in the filtering flow rate test is where they diverged. The Waterdrop WD-FC-06 is the fastest model in our database, with a recorded flow rate of 1.3 GPM. Meanwhile, the Culligan’s performance is far more mediocre at 0.5 GPM.

Combined with a sturdier design than the Culligan FM-25 and better usability (the Culligan’s replacement filter cartridges are confusing to buy) … we highly recommend going for the Waterdrop.

Ranking by
Showing: 2/2 Items

Pros & Cons

  • Excellent chlorine filtering ability with a near-100% filtration rate.
  • Good build quality, premium materials.
  • The locking collar fixes the filter solidly to the tap, preventing it from wiggling around.
  • The push/pull routing valve is easy to use. Automatically reset after the tap is shut off.
  • Replacement filters are cheap, easy to find.
  • Excellent filtering flow rate (1.3 GPM).
  • Near-perfect chlorine filtration efficiency.
  • Great build quality using 304 food-grade stainless steel.
  • The routing valve is solid and easy to use.
  • Very low flow rate in filtration mode (0.5 GPM).
  • The filter of our unit leaked during testing.
  • Lacks filter replacement indicator.

Key Specs

Dimensions
L3 x W4.5 x H3.5 inches
1.3 GPM
Weight
1.1 lbs (0.5 kg)
320 gals
Capacity
200 gals
NSF/ANSI Standard 42 and NSF/ANSI Standard 372
Qualifications
NSF/ANSI Standard 42 and 53
1-year
Filtering flow rate
0.5 GPM
L5 x W2.5 x H5 inches
Warranty
2 years
1.2 pounds

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$40.27
$39.99
$30.03 at Amazon
$35.99 at AmazonCheck Price on Waterdrop

*You help support Shouldit's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners.

Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
9.0
5.3

Lead Test

10
0.0
Culligan FM 25 Faucet Mount Filter Lead Test
Waterdrop WD FC 06 Faucet Filter Lead Test
Before
200 mg/l
200 mg/l
After
~0 mg/l
~20 mg/l

Chlorine Test

10
10
The Culligan FM-25 filter mounted on a tap. To its left is the testing result pad with two activated test strips.
Two testing kits overlaid on the color pad showing the test results. One from the control sample (left) and one from the filtered water sample (right).
The Culligan FM-25 filter mounted on a tap. To its left is the testing result pad with two activated test strips.
Culligan FM-25 Faucet Mount Filter Chlorine Test 3
The Waterdrop WD-FC-06 mounted on a tap. To its left is the testing result pad with two activated test strips.
On the color pad are two activated testing strips. One from the control sample (left) and one from the filtered water sample (right).
The Waterdrop WD-FC-06 mounted on a tap. To its left is the testing result pad with two activated test strips.
Waterdrop WD-FC-06 Faucet Filter Chlorine Test 2
Before
10+ mg/l
10+ mg/l
After
~0 mg/l
~0 mg/l

Flow Rate Test

5.0
9.0
Duration
20 secs
20 secs
Amount
0.172 gallons
0.446 gallons
Flow Rate
0.5 GPM
1.3 GPM

Design

Overall Design Scoring
8.3
9.1

In the Box

The glossy housing of the Culligan FM-25 faucet-mount water filter next to its shipping box, adapters, and paperwork.
The glossy housing of the Culligan FM-25 faucet-mount water filter next to its shipping box, adapters, and paperwork.
Two faucet adapters made from white plastic with black rubber seals at the top
The content of the shipping box of the Waterdrop WD-FC-06 water filter, including adapters, filter blocks, and manuals.

Dimensions

Culligan FM-25 Faucet Mount Filter Dimensions
The dimensions of the Waterdrop WD-FC-06. Marked to the side is length (5 inches), width (2.5 inches), and height (5 inches).
Length
3.0" (7.6 cm)
5.0" (12.7 cm)
Width
4.5" (11.4 cm)
2.5" (6.4 cm)
Height
3.5" (8.9 cm)
5.0" (12.7 cm)
Weight
1.1 lbs (0.5 kg)
1.2 lbs (0.5 kg)

Build Quality

8.3
8.3
The Culligan FM-25 filter’s side profile, showing its large filter compartment, slip-on collar, and routing valve’s knob.
The Culligan FM-25 filter’s side profile, showing its large filter compartment, slip-on collar, and routing valve’s knob.
The main filter nozzle of the Culligan FM-25, with the “Remove Before Installing” sticker removed.
The silvery, metallic Waterdrop WD-FC-06 faucet-mount water filter on a grey table.
The silvery, metallic Waterdrop WD-FC-06 faucet-mount water filter on a grey table.
The Waterdrop WD-FC-06 on its side, with its two dispensing nozzles exposed.

Filter Piece

8.0
10
The filter piece of the Culligan FM-25 faucet-mount water filter, with white plastic casing and chrome-plated end piece.
The filter piece that comes with the Culligan FM-25.
The Waterdrop WD-FC-06 filter piece on a table. The outer membrane of the filter is soaked after being flushed.
Filter Model
Culligan FM-25R and FM-25RA
Waterdrop WD-FF-01A replacement filter
Filtration Process
Activated Carbon and Ionization Filtration
Activated Carbon
Certifications
ANSI Standard 42 and 53
NSF/ANSI 42
Filter Capacity
200 gallons
320 gallons

Routing Valve

10
8.2
A close-up view of the push-pull routing valve on the side of the Culligan FM-25 faucet-mount water filter.
A close-up view of the push-pull routing valve on the side of the Culligan FM-25 faucet-mount water filter.
A top-down view of the mounting collar of the Culligan FM-25 along with the push-pull routing valve.
The silvery, chrome-plated rotating handle of the routing valve on the side of the Waterdrop WD-FC-06 faucet-mount filter.
Type of Valve
Push/pull
Rotating

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
9.8
10

Installation

10
10
The Culligan FM-25 faucet-mount water faucet with a faucet adapter attached to the filter’s mounting port.
The filter with a faucet adapter attached to the mounting port.
A close-up shot of the Waterdrop WD-FC-06’s mounting port. It currently has a metallic faucet attached to it.

Ease of Use

10
10

Leak

10
10

Maintenance

8.0
10
The Culligan FM-25 faucet-mount water filter next to the Culligan FM-25R filter piece.
The Culligan FM-25 faucet-mount water filter next to the Culligan FM-25R filter piece.
An upside down FM-25R filter piece, with chrome-plated end piece and housing made from white plastic.
The filter piece of the Waterdrop WD-FC-06, connected to the filter’s nozzle, stands on a table next to the filter itself.
Filter Indicator
N/A
N/A
Replacement
2 months
3 months