If you use a washing machine or dryer, you are well acquainted with the amount of wastewater that is excreted once you are done washing.
In order to clean or get rid of wastage, there are plenty of external filter systems that remove the lint and microplastics from washing machine discharge.
But with so many products in the market, which should you get?
Don’t worry, here in Lint LUV-r vs Filtrol 160 we will be talking about two such filter systems. So, without any more delay, let us begin.
A Quick Comparison Chart
Before we dive deeper into the comparison between Lint LUV-r and Filtrol 160, let us have a quick glance at this comparison table below. This chart is also effective if you just need a quick overview of the differences between the two products.
| Criterion | Lint LUV-R | Filtrol 160 |
| Cleaning | Once in three weeks | Once in two weeks |
| Mounting | 16 to 18 inches | Eight Inches |
| Length | 12.75 inch | 15-inch |
| Width | 3.25 | 9 |
| Self-Installation | Present | Absent |
| Overflow Handling | No | Yes |
| Filter | Stainless Steel | Reusable bag |
The In-Depth Differences Between Lint LUV-r and Filtrol 160
We have seen the differences in short, but now it is time for us to go into it in detail. We will be comparing the two products based on various aspects.
- Cleaning
It is time to clean the filter bowl once you will see that it is visually obstructed by Lint.
For the Lint LUV-r filter, you will have to clean it once in three weeks.
This timeline is generally applicable for households with four members.
The Filtrol 160 will have to be cleaned once every ten to fifteen days.
If you do not clean the filter, a lot of debris will get clogged, and the wastewater will not be filtered.
- Mounting
This is the activity of placing an object on a supportive foundation so that it is able to best serve its purpose. Both these devices have different mounting specs.
Usually, the Lint LUV-r is mounted sixteen to eighteen inches above the washing machine. The shelf is usually under a table or a shelf. In the Lint LUV-r, an optional mounting bracket is present on a wall.
This is mostly useful if a shelf or a table is not available near the washing machine.
For the Filtrol 160, it extends about eight inches from the wall when mounted.
- Dimensions
The overall length of the Lint LUV-R is 12.75 inches. The overall width, with the fittings, is 10 inches. The diameter of the filter bowl is 3.25 inches.
On the other hand, the Filtrol 160 is 15 inches tall, and it is 9 inches wide.
In terms of length, the Filtrol 160 is taller by a good 2.25 inches, but it is a little less wide than the Lint LUV-R.
The importance of these dimensions is reliant on the environment you are using them in. In certain places, for example, a taller filtration system might be more adaptable, whereas in other areas it might not be conducive to the environment.
So, you need to be aware about your surroundings beforehand when making a decision.
- Filter Description
While both the filter systems generally have the same purpose, their filters operate in different ways.
The Lint LUV-R has a stainless-steel filter attached to the system, and it catches microfibers up to 1500.
On the contrary, the Filtrol 160 has a reusable bag filter attached to the system. This catches microfibers at 160.
As you can see, the filter of the Filtrol 160 was designed to catch more microfibers and offers higher efficiency than the Lint LUV-R.
This is particularly because the system is not reusable and is made up of stainless steel. Thus, in other words, we can say that the Filtrol 160 has greater efficiency than the Lint LUV-R.
- Overflow Handling
When it comes to handling the overflow of microfibers/lint, the Filtrol 160 is better equipped to deal with it. The Filtrol 160 is better equipped to deal with pressure than the Lint LUV-R 160.
The bag type capture system of the 160 makes it more efficient in this regard.
- Self-Installation
The Lint LUV-R has self-installation features that are absent in the Filtrol 160. So that means you can install it at your own convenience, and at your own pace.
As the Filtrol 160 does not have the same feature, it means that you will have to hire a professional to complete the installation.
This will cost you more money, but it is also recommended to do so in case you do not have prior experience in this regard.
Lint LUV-r: Universal Fit with Plastic Design
The Lint LUV-r is a plastic lint strainer with a fine stainless steel mesh filter interior. It claims to fit most top load washing machine brands and models.
Here are the main pros for the Lint LUV-r:
- Designed for universal compatibility with top loaders
- Durable plastic housing won’t rust
- Small filter holes catch tiny lint particles
- Can handle large wash loads without overflowing
- Decent price under $20
And the cons to consider:
- Plastic feels flimsy according to some users
- Not as durable as a metal device
- Difficult to clean fully when clogged
The Lint LUV-R is easy to attach to your machine and provides decent lint filtering for an affordable price point. Just be prepared to replace it somewhat regularly as the plastic does wear out over time.
Filtrol 160: Reliable Metal Filter for Select Models
The Filtrol 160 is made from stainless steel for maximum durability. It is precisely designed to fit certain washing machine models (mainly Whirlpool, Maytag, Kenmore, and Crosley).
Here are the notable pros of choosing the Filtrol 160:
- Heavy duty metal construction built to last
- Superior lint catching from large filter holes
- Easy cleaning with handle and catcher slide out
- Provides a perfect fit for target models
- Backed by 10 year warranty
Potential cons to think about:
- Only fits about 30 washing machine models
- On the pricier end for a lint filter
- Some complaints of it failing prematurely
The Filtrol 160 is considered the top of the line for lint filters due to its durable materials, large capacity, and perfect fit.
It effortlessly traps lint and offers smoother operation compared to other options. The price is justified for most customers based on performance and longevity.
Which System Is Right For You?
As you can see, both Lint LUV-R and Filtrol 160 have their set of differences. So, which one you will buy will come down to your set of preferences.
They cost relatively the same, so the decision will primarily come down to their features.
For example: if you prefer your device to have self-installation, it is better to get the LUV-R. Based on the differences we have mentioned in this article, you can evaluate what you prefer, and what you don’t.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you don’t clean the filter, you will likely experience the following: newer machines will likely stop with flow faults or errors or you will need to run another spin cycle because your washing machine will not have enough time to pump out all of the water during the regular cycle.
A true sign is that your clothes will be excessively wet after the wash cycle and they will take much longer to dry
If you do not do your laundry for a few days, the water that is present in the filter will become stagnant, and it will also produce an unpleasant odor if you remove the filter bowl.
If you do notice that the filter needs to be cleaned, wait until you have finished doing the first load of laundry before you open the filter bowl.
If you do not clean the filter, the new machines will most likely stop with flow faults, and you might need to run another spin cycle. This is because the washing machine won’t have the time to pump out the water during the regular cycle.
No, the filter does not have a bypass. Having a bypass would defeat the purpose of having a filter. It was designed to handle the increasing pressure, and it won’t let lint get into your septic system. Lint won’t get in even if you forget to clean the filter.
Final Words
At the end of the day what product you will buy is entirely on you. It depends a lot on you, and your surrounding environment. We recommend doing adequate market research before making your purchase decision.
Both these products are very apt external filtration systems. Even though they are both very capable, it does not mean both will have utility for you.
These are very expensive devices so make a purchase that you do not regret later. We hope this article on Lint LUV-r vs. Filtrol160 will be able to help you to come to a decision.
I’m shopping for a lint filter and found your https://ralphsway.com/lint-luv-r-vs-filtrol-160/ article. I hadn’t heard of Lint LUV-R, so thank you for that.
However, the article needs to be edited/re-written/fact-checked.
I don’t know how to translate the number of washing machine loads per week from your 4-person family to my one-person household. After how many loads does each filter need to be cleaned?
This passage is garbled: “Usually, the Lint LUV-R is mounted sixteen to eighteen inches above the washing machine. The shelf is usually under a table or a shelf.” What did you mean to say?
You give the dimensions. You leave out the fact that the lid must be removed from the Filtrol to reach the filter. That adds to the practical dimensions. It can not be mounted too close to a shelf or other immovable horizontal structure above. By contrast, the Lint LUV-R needs a few inches of clearance below to allow the jar to be screwed off and on.
Please tell me the units that measure/count 1500 and 160. (“The Lint LUV-R has a stainless-steel filter attached to the system, and it catches microfibers up to 1500. On the contrary, the Filtrol 160 has a reusable bag filter attached to the system. This catches microfibers at 160.”)
You state that the Lint LUV-R system is not reusable. Yes, it is. The user cleans the metal filter off and disposes the accumulated lint.
I’m not sure your overflow statement is accurate. The company’s website says the more debris that coats the Lint LUV-R filter, the more effective the filter becomes.
Self-installation might not be for the complete novice, but the Internet has installation videos for both products.
I was stopped cold by your statement that the Lint LUV-R system was designed for universal compatibility with top loaders. I hadn’t seen that before. I have a front-loader. I now know to research this further.
I have to wonder how long ago you wrote this article. Maybe it’s time to rewrite it. There’s nothing on the Lint LUV-R website that costs $20. The company has two products: one for regular lint, one that also catches microplastics.
You contradict yourself on the issue of overflow:
• Overflow Handling
“When it comes to handling the overflow of microfibers/lint, the Filtrol 160 is better equipped to deal with it. The Filtrol 160 is better equipped to deal with pressure than the Lint LUV-R 160.”
. . . then under Lint LUV-R: Universal Fit with Plastic Design you say
“Can handle large wash loads without overflowing.”
Question: Are you talking about water overflowing? Overflowing water is a very real concern; my washer is in my kitchen, not in a dedicated laundry room or a basement.
Further down, you say the Filtrol 160’s handle and catcher slide out. On the video the installer removes the lid to pull out the filter.
Again, I found your article as I searched for, ideally, in-line discharge hose filters. I have a front-loading washer that’s under a kitchen counter. I need something that can be mounted/accessed from the side of the machine. (Pulling the machine away from the wall and crawling under to change a hose-end wire lint catcher is too much trouble.)
I appreciate your intention, but this article isn’t very helpful.