There are many water filters on the market that are installed under the counter. But if you really want a good one, I agree with the above, a reverse osmosis system is the best option to provide the best quality water. It is tapped into the cold water line, so the water is cold, however, once it sits in the holding tank for some time, it will warm up, but it still cool to cold. Not as cold as running the water from the tap for a few minutes, but still. Here is a link that might be useful: Aquasafe Systems

We were told to change our filter when the light comes on which should be every 6 mos to a year. We've had our KitchenAid for 3 years now and it never came on. I did buy a new filter though, at Sears, at $50 a few months ago. Just haven't changed it. We use the inside water dispenser ALL THE TIME, but not the ice too much as we don't put ice in our daily water/drinks. I haven't noticed a change in the taste, but after 3 years, I suppose it's time, especially since it's sitting in the drawer waiting installation.

I think as everyone has pretty much said, it's a personal preference. Having an external water dispenser on our fridge was a "must-have" for us. I have four kids who drink pretty much nothing but water. We have well water and have both filtered water at the sink (but it's not cold cold) as well as through the fridge. I contemplated getting the internal dispenser b/c we don't really need the external ice (actually hate that feature!) but with four kids, didn't want them constantly opening my fridge to get drinking water. My parents used a Brita pitcher at their house but it's just the two of them. They don't drink that much water so it's not a big deal for them. Their drinking water doesn't really need to be filtered but my mom prefers to filter it anyway. I like having the additional filtered water at the sink b/c I use it for filling pots with pasta water and rinsing my fruit/veggies as well. We do have a water conditioning system in the garage as we have well water. We *could* drink from the tap, but I like having the external layer of protection.

I do not use a water filter in my Samsung refrigerator because I have a reverse osmosis system in my house. You should be able to use your fridge without a filter too according to information in the refrigerator manual: “Models designed for use with the AquaPure water filter are shipped with a cap in place to cover the opening and keep it free of debris prior to the installation of the water filter. On most models it is not necessary to have this cap in place to bypass the filter, nor is it intended to prevent leaks. Most Samsung water and ice dispensers will work without an AquaPure water filter installed, and the water filter housing is designed as rotary valves that allow water to bypass the water filter whenever there is no filter or the filter is not in the locked position. If you are experiencing problems, please contact us.” Some websites say that if it leaks without a filter in place that there is a problem with the filter head and it should be replaced. Mine has never leaked. My refrigerator is almost 7 years old. Even though I am not using a filter on my refrigerator, the change filter light still goes on once or twice a year. On my fridge I just have to hold the alarm button for 3 seconds to reset the filter light.