AFC Brand Water Filter Review: Reliable Ice Machine Filter
Product Overview
If you use a Hoshizaki® H9655-11 food service water ice machine, ensuring clean, fresh water is a top priority. Enter the AFC Brand Water Filter, Model # AFC-HZH-300-22000SK, made in the USA and compatible with the latest model #AFC-HZH-16000S. This filter is designed to keep your ice machine running smoothly while improving water taste by reducing impurities like chlorine. With premium coconut carbon blocks, this replacement filter promises a consistent supply of purified water, making your ice taste better and your machine healthier over time.

AFC Brand Water Filter, Model AFC-HZH-300-22000SK
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Key Takeaways
- High-quality coconut carbon blocks sourced in the USA provide excellent filtration.
- Compatible replacement for Hoshizaki water ice machine models with easy installation.
- Improves taste and odor by reducing chlorine and other unwanted compounds.
- Limited to specific machine models, so compatibility verification is essential.
- Replacement frequency needed to maintain optimal performance.
Why You Might Need AFC Brand Water Filter
If your ice machine is making ice that tastes a bit off or has a slight chlorine smell, your water filter likely needs an upgrade. Using a worn-out or incompatible filter means contaminants build up, affecting ice quality and potentially shortening your machine’s lifespan. If you are responsible for maintenance in a commercial kitchen or want to ensure clean ice at home, you need a reliable, easy-to-install filter that consistently reduces impurities. This filter is for users who want convenience and peace of mind without hassle.
First Impressions: What to Expect
Right out of the box, the AFC Brand Water Filter feels solid and well-made. The filter housing has sturdy plastic with molded threading designed to fit your machine snugly, minimizing water leaks. You get clear instructions that make installation straightforward—even if you’ve never replaced a filter before. Unlike some other filters, this one feels substantial and durable, signaling quality construction. No extra tools are necessary, and the packaging is compact to prevent damage in shipping.
Specs at a Glance
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Model Number | AFC-HZH-300-22000SK |
Compatible Machines | Hoshizaki H9655-11, AFC-HZH-16000S |
Filter Type | Coconut Carbon Block |
Made In | USA |
Filter Quantity Pack | 48 Filters available |
Key Removal Capability | Reduces chlorine, taste & odor compounds |

AFC Brand Water Filter Compatibility & Specs
Design & Build Quality
This AFC Brand filter is built for food service environments, so the design focuses on durability and efficiency. The coconut carbon block inside is a natural filtration medium known for its ability to trap chlorine and unpleasant tastes effectively. One customer praised the filter for “consistent ice quality and easy maintenance” which speaks volumes about its build. The connections are precise to avoid leaks, and the outer casing is resistant to cracking.
The design considerations clearly aim to maintain your ice machine’s performance without sacrificing water purity. Lightweight yet tough materials make it easy to handle when swapping filters out. The compact size ensures it fits seamlessly with your existing system. Plus, being made in the USA adds a layer of confidence in manufacturing standards and quality control.

Solid Build and Reliable Design
Real-World Performance
Using the AFC Brand Water Filter, you can expect a notable improvement in the taste and odor of both your water and ice. In real-world use, customers have reported their ice machines produced clearer, better-tasting ice with less chlorine smell. One user shared that after installing the filter, their café noticed a significant drop in customer complaints about ice taste—proof that this filter truly works.
Maintenance remains hassle-free; changing the filter is quick and requires no special skills, which is perfect for busy kitchens or businesses where downtime matters. Performance stays consistent across the filter’s lifespan, ensuring you don’t have to worry about water quality dipping over time. It fits seamlessly into the water line, causing no leaks or installation frustration.

Dependable Real-World Performance
What Makes It Stand Out?
Unlike generic water filters, the AFC Brand filter is designed specifically for Hoshizaki food service ice machines, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance. The use of premium USA-sourced coconut carbon blocks offers a natural filtration method that not only blocks chlorine but also other compounds affecting taste and odor. Compared to alternatives like GE MWF or Brita filters, which are more for home or general countertop use, this filter matches the industrial-grade demands of commercial machines.
Another plus includes the eco-friendly aspect. While many filters use synthetic materials, coconut carbon blocks are renewable, making this filter more environmentally conscious. Its straightforward design eliminates complexities often found in multi-stage filters, focusing on delivering clean water efficiently. For anyone using Hoshizaki machines, this filter blends quality, compatibility, and environmental responsibility.
Strengths vs. Trade-Offs
✅ Strengths | ❌ Trade-Offs |
---|---|
Premium coconut carbon blocks sourced in the USA | Exclusively compatible with specific Hoshizaki models |
Eco-friendly alternative to bottled water | Requires regular replacement for best results |
Easy to install and maintain | Limited to food service ice machines |
Improves taste and odor by reducing chlorine | Filter lifespan not detailed on packaging |
Ensures consistent purified water supply | Not universal for all water filtration systems |

Strengths and Trade-Offs of AFC Brand Water Filter
Who Is It For?
This water filter is a smart choice for commercial kitchen managers who want to maintain optimal ice machine performance. It suits restaurant owners responsible for quality control who know that taste and odor matter to customers. Home users with Hoshizaki ice machines also benefit, especially those wanting reliable and frequent replacement filters that won’t disrupt daily use.
Anyone looking for an eco-conscious filter that offers high-quality filtration and easy maintenance will find this product fits well. It’s ideal for those who want a hassle-free upgrade to their food service ice machine, ensuring fresh ice consistently, without worrying about complicated setups or compatibility issues.
Expert Advice to Maximize Results
To get the best from your AFC Brand Water Filter, replace it regularly based on usage—typically every six months or according to your machine’s manual. Flush the system after installation to clear out any residual carbon dust before first use. Always check for leaks after filter replacement by monitoring connections for a few minutes during initial operation.
If your water source is especially hard or has high sediment, consider pre-filter solutions that protect the AFC filter and extend its life. Keep spare filters on hand to avoid downtime, especially in busy commercial settings. Finally, pairing this filter with proper ice machine cleaning routines elevates performance and longevity.

Expert Tips for Proper Filter Use
FAQ
Q: How often should I replace this filter?
A: Replacement every six months is recommended to maintain optimal filtration and taste.
Q: Will this filter fit other ice machine brands?
A: It’s designed specifically for Hoshizaki H9655-11 and AFC-HZH-16000S models, so compatibility outside these is not guaranteed.
Q: What contaminants does the coconut carbon block remove?
A: It reduces chlorine, odor-causing compounds, and some dissolved organic chemicals that affect taste.
Q: Is installation complicated?
A: No, the filter installs easily with no special tools required, following straightforward instructions.
Q: Does this filter improve ice clarity?
A: Yes, by removing impurities that cause cloudiness, it helps improve ice clarity.
Q: Is the filter environmentally friendly?
A: The use of coconut carbon, a renewable resource, makes this filter a more eco-conscious choice than synthetic options.
Q: Can I use this filter in a residential ice machine?
A: It is primarily designed for commercial food service machines but can be used in compatible residential models.
Verdict
When your priority is clean, great-tasting ice and maintaining your Hoshizaki machine, the AFC Brand Water Filter Model AFC-HZH-300-22000SK is a dependable solution. Made in the USA with premium coconut carbon blocks, it fits perfectly, installs easily, and reliably reduces chlorine and odors.
