Frigidaire ULTRAWF PureSource Ultra Water Filter: Is This the Right Filter for Your Refrigerator?

TheΒ Frigidaire ULTRAWF PureSource Ultra water filter sits in a tricky spot in the Frigidaire lineup. It predates the EPTWFU01 PureSource Ultra II system, it looks similar to the EPTWFU01 in product photos, and it shares a nearly identical system name with its successor. Buyers searching for a Frigidaire water filter replacement regularly land on ULTRAWF and EPTWFU01 results side by side without a clear understanding of which one the refrigerator actually needs. This post covers what the ULTRAWF is, how the PureSource Ultra filtration system differs from the PureSource Ultra II, which refrigerators use it, the difference between the ULTRAWF and EPTWFU01, and the most common mistakes buyers make when ordering a replacement.

Why the ULTRAWF Causes Confusion at Replacement Time

The Frigidaire ULTRAWF PureSource Ultra and the EPTWFU01 PureSource Ultra II are the two most commonly confused Frigidaire water filter codes. Three things drive most of that confusion.

First, the naming overlap. The ULTRAWF is a PureSource Ultra filter designed for use in many French door and side-by-side refrigerators manufactured by Frigidaire. The EPTWFU01 is the PureSource Ultra II -- a newer system with an updated name that differs by only two words. Buyers searching by system name without the part number often end up on the wrong listing.

Second, the housing position similarity. The ULTRAWF filter housing is typically found in the top-right corner of the refrigerator compartment and uses a push-and-click mechanism. The EPTWFU01 also installs in the upper right corner with a push-and-twist mechanism. The positions are similar enough that buyers who locate the housing correctly but check the part number imprecisely can still order the wrong filter.

Third, the upgrade path. Some older Frigidaire refrigerators originally using the WF3CB PureSource 3 filter can accept the ULTRAWF as an upgrade. Buyers searching for a WF3CB replacement sometimes land on ULTRAWF listings without realizing the upgrade requires model-specific confirmation before ordering.

Where to Find the ULTRAWF Part Number Before Ordering

Confirming the correct filter code before ordering takes under two minutes. Here is where to look:

Step 1. Open the refrigerator and locate the water filter housing. On Frigidaire models using the PureSource Ultra system, the filter housing is in the top-right corner of the refrigerator compartment. The part number -- ULTRAWF, EPTWFU01, FPPWFU01, WF3CB, or another code -- is printed directly on the current filter.

Step 2. Check the installation mechanism. The ULTRAWF uses a push-and-click design. Push to release the old filter and discard. Push the new filter in until it clicks to lock into place. The EPTWFU01 uses a push-and-twist design where the grip starts horizontal and rotates 90 degrees. These are different mechanisms even though both filters sit in the upper right area of the refrigerator.

Step 3. If the label has worn off, check the refrigerator model number on the door sticker and cross-reference against the Frigidaire ULTRAWF compatible models list. The ULTRAWF fits Frigidaire Gallery and Professional French door and side-by-side models using the PureSource Ultra system -- a different model range from the post-2015 models that use the EPTWFU01.

Step 4. Check the Use and Care Guide. The correct filter part number is listed in the maintenance or filter replacement section for every Frigidaire refrigerator model.

What Is the Frigidaire ULTRAWF PureSource Ultra Water Filter

The ULTRAWF PureSource Ultra is the water filter for Frigidaire Gallery, Frigidaire Professional, and compatible Frigidaire French door and side-by-side refrigerators using the PureSource Ultra filtration system. It uses activated carbon block filtration with a 0.5 micron rating to reduce contaminants before they reach the dispenser or ice maker.

Key specifications confirmed through Frigidaire documentation and NSF certification data:

  • Certification: NSF 42, 53, and 401, WQA certified for sustainability
  • Contaminants reduced: Chlorine taste and odor, lead, mercury, nitrates, cysts, pesticides, insecticides, BPA, asbestos, and select trace compounds
  • Capacity: 200 gallons or 6 months, whichever comes first
  • Installation type: Push-and-click, upper right corner of fresh food compartment, tool-free
  • Also known as: 242067601, 242067603, 242086202, 242086203, 241791601, 9999, WF-NL300

The ULTRAWF is designed with a carbon-based filter to improve water by removing the odor and taste of chlorine for smoother drinking. It reduces impurities found in common tap water such as lead, nitrates, pesticides, and mercury.

What Is the Frigidaire EPTWFU01 PureSource Ultra II Filter

The EPTWFU01 is the PureSource Ultra II water filter for a newer generation of Frigidaire and Electrolux French door and side-by-side refrigerators. The EPTWFU01 is the most advanced of the three and is part of the PureSource Ultra II series. It is found in newer models of Frigidaire refrigerators and is designed to meet higher filtration standards. It is located in the upper right corner of the fresh food compartment but uses a push-and-twist mechanism rather than the push-and-click design of the ULTRAWF.

The EPTWFU01 carries NSF 42, 53, and 401 certifications -- the same certification levels as the ULTRAWF. The rated capacity is the same at 200 gallons or 6 months. The key differences are the installation mechanism and the compatible refrigerator generation.

What Is the Frigidaire WF3CB PureSource 3 Filter

The WF3CB is the PureSource 3 water filter for an earlier generation of Frigidaire side-by-side refrigerators. The WF3CB is an older model water filter known as the PureSource 3, designed for specific side-by-side Frigidaire refrigerators. It is often installed in the front bottom grille or inside the top right section of the fridge. It uses a twist-in installation design and carries NSF 42 and 53 certifications.

The WF3CB and ULTRAWF are separate filters. However, some Frigidaire refrigerators originally designed for the WF3CB can accept the ULTRAWF as an upgrade if the housing accommodates it. This upgrade is model-specific and requires confirming the refrigerator model number before attempting.

Is the ULTRAWF the Same as the EPTWFU01

No. The ULTRAWF vs EPTWFU01 difference comes down to the filtration system generation and installation mechanism. The ULTRAWF is not interchangeable with other Frigidaire filter models. The ULTRAWF fits the PureSource Ultra system with a push-and-click installation. The EPTWFU01 fits the PureSource Ultra II system with a push-and-twist installation. Both sit in the upper right corner of the refrigerator, which is what creates most of the confusion. The part number on the current filter is the only reliable way to confirm which one the refrigerator uses.

Both carry NSF 42, 53, and 401 certifications and are rated for 200 gallons or 6 months, so the performance difference between them is minimal for most households. The difference is compatibility -- ordering the wrong one results in a filter that does not seat correctly in the housing.

Compatibility Checklist Before Ordering the ULTRAWF

Before placing an order, confirm all of the following:

  • The current filter label shows ULTRAWF, 242067601, 242067603, 242086202, 242086203, or 9999
  • The filter housing is in the upper right corner of the fresh food compartment
  • The installation mechanism is push-and-click, not push-and-twist
  • The refrigerator model is a Frigidaire Gallery or Professional French door or side-by-side model using the PureSource Ultra system
  • The refrigerator model does not use the EPTWFU01, FPPWFU01, or WF3CB -- these are separate filtration systems

Common Mistakes When Ordering the ULTRAWF

  • Ordering the EPTWFU01 when the refrigerator uses the ULTRAWF.
     Both filters sit in the upper right corner of the refrigerator and carry the same NSF certifications. The installation mechanism is the quickest way to tell them apart -- push-and-click for the ULTRAWF, push-and-twist for the EPTWFU01. Always confirm by checking the part number on the current filter.
  • Assuming the ULTRAWF is a universal Frigidaire upgrade.
     The ULTRAWF is not interchangeable with other Frigidaire filter models. It fits only refrigerators using the PureSource Ultra housing. Forcing it into a housing designed for EPTWFU01 or FPPWFU01 may appear to work initially but will not seal correctly and may cause leaks or reduced water flow.
  • Ordering the ULTRAWF as a WF3CB upgrade without confirming compatibility.
     Some older Frigidaire side-by-side refrigerators using the WF3CB can accept the ULTRAWF as an upgrade, but this is model-specific. Confirm the specific refrigerator model supports this upgrade before ordering the ULTRAWF as a WF3CB replacement.
  • Skipping the 3 minute flush after installation.
     Run water through the new ULTRAWF filter for 3 minutes to prime it. Discard the water, which may contain harmless dissolved air and carbon particles. Skipping this step causes cloudy water or an off taste on the first pour that many buyers mistake for a defective filter.
  • Not resetting the filter indicator light.
     Frigidaire refrigerators with built-in 6 month reminders need to be reset per the refrigerator's Use and Care Manual. The indicator light does not reset automatically after installation. Skipping this step leaves the indicator active after a successful swap.

When to Replace or Order the ULTRAWF

Replace the Frigidaire ULTRAWF PureSource Ultra water filter when any of the following apply:

  • 6 months have passed since the last replacement
  • The filter indicator light on the refrigerator panel has activated
  • Water develops a faint chlorine taste or flat odor
  • Dispenser flow has slowed noticeably
  • Ice comes out cloudy or with an off smell
  • The refrigerator is used by three or more people daily and the last replacement was four months ago

The ULTRAWF replacement schedule is 200 gallons or 6 months, whichever comes first. Frigidaire recommends replacing the filter every 6 months or after filtering about 200 to 300 gallons of water. Households with higher daily dispenser use may reach the 200 gallon limit before the 6 month mark and should replace sooner rather than waiting for the indicator light.

Recommended Replacement

The Frigidaire ULTRAWF PureSource Ultra water filter is available on the product page at Refrigerators filters shop.Β Confirm the current filter label shows ULTRAWF or one of the compatible part numbers listed above before ordering. If the current filter label shows EPTWFU01, the EPTWFU01 product page covers the correct replacement for the PureSource Ultra II system. If the current filter label shows FPPWFU01 or PWF-1, the FPPWFU01 product page covers the correct replacement for the PurePour system. If the current filter label shows WF3CB, confirm whether the specific refrigerator model supports the ULTRAWF upgrade before ordering.

FAQs

Can the ULTRAWF be used as an upgrade for refrigerators that currently use the WF3CB?

In some cases yes. Some older Frigidaire side-by-side refrigerators originally designed for the WF3CB PureSource 3 filter can accept the ULTRAWF PureSource Ultra if the housing accommodates the longer filter body. This upgrade is model-specific and not universal. Confirm the specific refrigerator model number supports the upgrade before ordering the ULTRAWF as a WF3CB replacement.

What is the difference between the ULTRAWF push-and-click and the EPTWFU01 push-and-twist installation?

The ULTRAWF uses a push-and-click mechanism where the filter slides straight in and locks with a click when fully seated. The EPTWFU01 uses a push-and-twist mechanism where the grip starts horizontal, slides in, then rotates 90 degrees clockwise until it clicks. The two mechanisms are not interchangeable and confirm which filter system the refrigerator uses.

Does the ULTRAWF carry the same NSF certifications as the EPTWFU01?

Yes. Both the ULTRAWF and EPTWFU01 carry NSF 42, 53, and 401 certifications and WQA sustainability certification. Both are rated for 200 gallons or 6 months. The filtration performance difference between them is minimal for most households on standard municipal water. The key difference is compatibility -- they fit different Frigidaire filtration system generations.

What does the ULTRAWF filter reduce in the water supply?

The ULTRAWF reduces chlorine taste and odor, lead, mercury, nitrates, cysts, pesticides, insecticides, BPA, asbestos, and select trace compounds through NSF 42, 53, and 401 certified activated carbon block filtration. Results may vary depending on local water supply conditions.

Is there an aftermarket ULTRAWF replacement and does it carry the same certifications?

Aftermarket replacements are available for the ULTRAWF at lower price points. Performance and certification levels vary between manufacturers. The key specifications to verify are NSF 53 and NSF 401 certifications in addition to NSF 42. Aftermarket filters certified only to NSF 42 reduce chlorine taste and odor but do not carry independently verified claims for lead, cysts, or emerging compound reduction.

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