Water Filter for the GE GSW25LSTESS (MWF)

GSW25LSTESS specifics — where the filter actually lives

On the GSW25LSTESS, the cartridge low on the fresh-food side or behind the base grille in most side-by-side layouts, a spot that survives trim changes across the GS run. It is a twist-lock bay: release is counterclockwise, seating is clockwise, and the stops are firm enough that you cannot overshoot.

Two quirks worth knowing before you order: plan on a towel for the first pull — sitting water in the line — and a five-second reset hold once the fresh cartridge is in. Read the prefix and the maintenance writes itself: generally a side-by-side family machine, and the filter bay inherits the geometry that implies — treat as typical, not absolute. That SS suffix is trim-level shorthand. GE kept the MWF bay common to every finish in the line.

GS vs GSS — what the prefix tells you

Same parts shelf, two cabinet missions — Ordering by prefix works because GS means side-by-side family and GSS means side-by-side in this catalog — and the cartridge pool overlaps both. the 25 cu ft figure in the code is the household size proxy; larger households breach the rated gallons before the calendar does.

Swap it in 5 minutes

• Twist the old cartridge a quarter turn counterclockwise and pull it straight down — keep a towel in reach for the dribble.
• Fill the new cartridge with cold tap water so the chamber is not fighting an air pocket.
• Offer the new cartridge to the bay, push up, and twist a quarter turn clockwise until the stop catches.
• Run two gallons through the dispenser to flush carbon fines, then hold the filter-reset control until the status light clears.

What this filter takes out of your water

Coverage above lists what the standard addresses, not a performance claim for any specific cartridge — removal claims vary by certificate, so check the NSF listing for the exact part number you are buying.

GSW25LSTESS filter questions