Product review (5 stars): Cheap enough, easy to install
I've had my GE fridge for about seven years now. I've watched the price of these filters creep up through the years, and gave into temptation the last time to try out a generic (AquaFresh) model.

Here's a summary of my experience with these two products:

Aquafresh WF287:

The filter didn't feel quite right when installing .. I had to turn it a bit harder than I remembered. Once I began running the water, I immediately noticed black particles (carbon filter bits I suppose) in the water. I think I flushed out about 10 gallons before there were no more noticeable particles in a clean glass. But upon closer examination under good lighting, I could still see a few black specks floating around. I called the company I bought it from (FiltersFast.com) and they sent me a new one.

Well ... same thing happened with the second filter. I think I ended up flushing about 20 gallons through this time before I was satisfied it was clean enough to drink. I've had no problems since, but when it came time to replace, no thanks.

I don't think this model triggers the replacement light on my frig, but when I hit nine months of use, I decided I no longer wanted to wait to find out.

We've been in drought conditions more often than not this past decade in the Southeast, and I hate wasting water. I did put the water on my lawn so it wasn't completely wasted, but still I don't care enough about my lawn to feed it filtered water. :)

I don't have a problem with FiltersFast.com, but I don't want another Aquafresh filter.

GE MWF:

Installed quickly. Water sputters a bit right after installation, but runs clean with no black specks. The directions say to run about 1.5 gallons through to eliminate the sputtering. I think a gallon is enough.

Overall, if you compare the price of filtered water right from your frig to bottled water, the GE MWF is still an incredible bargain.

I take my own water to work and save probably hundreds of dollars a year. And I am not filling up the landfills with plastic empties.

I find the filters last longer than six months, probably about nine months on average before the light kicks on and tells me to buy another.

Bottled water is all about marketing. Clean, filtered water is nothing but pure H20, same as the expensive bottled waters. I have better things to do with my money.