MWF vs MSWF
Both are GE refrigerator cartridges, and they are the pair most often mixed up.
Short answer
Different housings — not interchangeable.
MSWF is shorter with a different collar. Several listings sell it as an MWF equivalent; it is not.
| Specification | MWF | MSWF |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | GE | GE |
| Housing | GE MWF round housing | GE MSWF housing |
| Rated life | 300 gal · 6 mo | 300 gal · 6 mo |
| Filtration | 0.5 µm nominal | Carbon block |
| Certification | NSF/ANSI 42, NSF/ANSI 53 | NSF/ANSI 42, NSF/ANSI 53 |
| Installation | Twist-in, quarter turn | Twist-in, quarter turn |
| Refrigerator models listed | 0 | 0 |
| Also sold as | MWFP, MWFA, MWFAP, GWF | MSWFP |
What they share
Both are certified to NSF/ANSI 42 and NSF/ANSI 53. That covers the same basic contaminant set, so filtration performance is not the deciding factor between them.
Where they differ
- Fit. MWF does not fit XWFE housings. If your filter sits in the ceiling of the fridge, you want XWFE; if it sits in the base grille, you likely want MWF.
Which one do you need
This is not a choice — it is a lookup. The refrigerator decides. Check the number printed on the cartridge in the housing, or look up your refrigerator model. If both numbers appear on your old cartridge, the housing accepts the newer of the two.