Frigidaire PAULTRA Water Filter: Complete Replacement Guide + Best Compatible (2025)

🔵 Frigidaire Filter Guide

Frigidaire PAULTRA Water Filter: Complete Replacement Guide + Best Compatible (2025)

👤 Rachel T. — Filter Specialist 📅 Updated January 2025 ⏱ 6 min read ✅ PAULTRA2 also covered
RT
Rachel T.
Head of Filter Compatibility — SwapMyFilter
Rachel has documented the PAULTRA application range across Frigidaire and Electrolux refrigerators, including the PAULTRA2 upgrade compatibility and cross-brand applications.
30+Models
200 galFilter Life
NSF 42+53Certified
$16.95Compatible Price
Frigidaire PAULTRA PureSource Ultra water filter

The Frigidaire PAULTRA — also known as PureSource Ultra — is the smaller of Frigidaire’s two primary refrigerator water filter models. It is used in specific Frigidaire and Electrolux bottom-freezer and counter-depth refrigerator models, and is frequently confused with the larger ULTRAWF by buyers who assume all Frigidaire fridges use the same filter.

💡 Key Facts

Also known as: PureSource Ultra, PAULTRA2 (upgrade version), 242017801 | Type: Push-in internal | Location: Upper interior of fridge compartment | Life: 6 months / 200 gallons | NSF: 42 and 53 | Compatible price: $16.95

⚠️ PAULTRA vs ULTRAWF — Critical Difference

The PAULTRA is smaller and narrower than the ULTRAWF. They use different housings and are not interchangeable. If you install the ULTRAWF in a fridge designed for the PAULTRA (or vice versa), the filter will not seat correctly. Confirm your model uses the PAULTRA by reading the label on your installed filter or using our Filter Compatibility Checker. For the ULTRAWF guide: Frigidaire ULTRAWF Complete Guide.

PAULTRA vs PAULTRA2 — What Changed?

Frigidaire introduced the PAULTRA2 as an upgraded version of the PAULTRA with improved activated carbon media and a slightly updated O-ring profile. The PAULTRA2 is backwards-compatible — it can be installed in refrigerators that originally used the PAULTRA. However, the original PAULTRA cannot always be used in fridges designed specifically for the PAULTRA2.

📋 BACKWARD COMPATIBILITY — THE DEFINITIVE RULE
✅ PAULTRA2 in a PAULTRA fridge
Safe and recommended. PAULTRA2 fits the PAULTRA housing, provides equal or better filtration, and is our preferred choice for all PAULTRA-generation refrigerators. Install freely — no modification needed.
⚠️ PAULTRA in a PAULTRA2 fridge
Not always compatible. Fridges designed specifically for PAULTRA2 may have a tighter O-ring seat that the older PAULTRA profile cannot seal correctly. Always check your installed filter label. If it reads PAULTRA2 — use PAULTRA2 only.
The safest rule: match exactly what is printed on your installed filter label. When in doubt — PAULTRA2 is always the safer choice as it is backwards-compatible but the reverse is not guaranteed.
FilterAlso Known AsPart NumberBackwards Compatible?Compatible Price
PAULTRAPureSource Ultra, 242017801PAULTRAOriginal version$16.95
PAULTRA2PureSource Ultra II (smaller)PAULTRA2Yes — fits PAULTRA housings$17.95

Compatible Frigidaire and Electrolux Models

BrandSeries / ModelsType
FrigidaireFFHN2740P, FFHB2740P, FGHB2866PBottom-Freezer / French Door (smaller)
Frigidaire GalleryFGHB2866PF, FGHN2844L (select)French Door
ElectroluxEI23BC36I, EI28BS36I (select)French Door / Counter-Depth

How to Install the Frigidaire PAULTRA

Frigidaire PAULTRA vs ULTRAWF size comparison not interchangeable
1

Locate the Filter

Open the fridge and look in the upper interior compartment for the filter housing. The PAULTRA is smaller than the ULTRAWF — confirm from your installed filter label before removal.

2

Eject the Old Filter

Turn off the ice maker. Press the release button on the housing — the filter partially ejects. Pull it straight out the rest of the way. Place a towel beneath for drips.

3

Prepare and Insert

Remove the protective cap from the new PAULTRA’s O-ring end. Align with the housing notch and push firmly straight in until you feel a solid click. No wobble when correctly seated.

4

Flush and Reset

Run 2–3 gallons through the dispenser and discard. Press and hold the Filter Reset button for 3 seconds to clear the indicator. Turn the ice maker back on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a PAULTRA2 in a fridge that came with PAULTRA? +
Yes — the PAULTRA2 is designed to be backwards-compatible with refrigerators originally equipped with the PAULTRA. It fits the same housing, provides the same or better filtration, and is the recommended upgrade when stocking up. However, the PAULTRA2’s upgraded features are not available in reverse — the original PAULTRA should not be used in fridges specifically designed for the PAULTRA2.
Is PAULTRA the same as Kenmore 46-9999? +
Yes — the Kenmore 46-9999 (also listed as 9999) is the Kenmore cross-reference for the Frigidaire PAULTRA, used in Kenmore refrigerators with model numbers beginning with 253.xxxxx (Frigidaire-built). If your Kenmore model starts with 253 and the filter part number includes 9999 or 46-9999, you need the Frigidaire PAULTRA compatible. For the full Kenmore guide: Best Kenmore Refrigerator Water Filters.

Get Your Frigidaire PAULTRA Compatible Filter Today

NSF 42 and 53 certified. Guaranteed to fit. $16.95 with same-day shipping.

🛒 Shop PAULTRA Compatible

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *