Review: Brita 10-Cup Grand Water Filter Pitcher
Written by: Alexandra Uta // Expert Fact-Checking: Buddhini Dolapihilla, MBSS // Last Updated: Dec 6, 2023
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The Brita 10-Cup Grand Water Filter Pitcher is one of the more popular models released by the well-known water filter company. In this review, we’ll find out what features make it stand out, what pros it has to offer, and also the drawbacks that come with it.
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Brita 10-Cup Grand Water Filter Pitcher |
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| Price: | $$ |
| Filter Process: | Activated Carbon, Ion Exchange |
| Filter Life: | 40 Gallons |
| Storage Volume: | 10 Cups |
| Annual Cost: | ~$40-50 |
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Overall Rating: 3.5/5.0 ⓘRating based on filtration performance, filter life, price and yearly cost, NSF testing/certification, customer support, product warranty, our testing/experience, user feedback, and other factors.
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Brita 10-Cup Grand Water Filter Pitcher – All Specs
- Model: Grand (OB36)
- Annual Maintenance Cost: ~$40-50
- Filter Media/Process: Activated Carbon, Ion Exchange
- Filtering Capacity: 40 gal or 2 Months
- Storage Volume: 10 Cups
- WxHxD: 11″x10.16″x5.77″
- Weight: 2.03 lb.
- Water Temperature: 32-85 °F
- NSF Certifications: Standard 42, 53
- Warranty: 90 Days
Brita 10-Cup Grand – Key Features
The Brita 10-Cup Grand Water Filter Pitcher is a basic pitcher-style filter featuring an affordable price point as well as a very reasonable annual maintenance cost of just $40 to $50.
Like many of Brita’s newer pitcher systems, the Grand can be used with either the Brita Standard cartridge or with their more advanced Brita Elite cartridge. This gives you the ability to swap between them based on your water quality and budget.
As such, the exact contaminants removed by the pitcher will depend on the filter cartridge selected. Usually, it comes with the Brita Standard cartridge which works as follows:
- First, a mesh screen removes particulates like sand, silt, sediment, and more.
- Next, coconut-based activated carbon granules will reduce or remove chlorine taste and odor (95%) as well as mercury (96%).
- Last, ion exchange resin absorbs copper (86% to 94%), cadmium (93% to 96%), and zinc (64%).
As you might have noticed, these filtration percentages are not particularly impressive, especially considering zinc removal is just 64%. Also, these are not the most important contaminants to remove, except for chlorine maybe.
What’s more, the Brita Grand pitcher features a 10-cup filtered water capacity – which is about standard when it comes to water filter pitchers. It also features BPA-free construction as well as an electronic filter life indicator to let you know when it’s time to replace filters.
Brita offers the systems in three different colors: Black, green, and red – as well as backing it up with a 90-day manufacturer warranty.
Brita Grand Pitcher Pros
Perhaps the pitcher’s biggest advantage is its low cost offering affordable water filtration on a budget. In addition, filter replacement costs are fairly low too.
Another nice feature of the Brita Grand is its locking lid. This might not sound like a big deal – but plenty of other filter pitchers tend to have issues with the lid coming off accidentally while pouring water. The ergonomic and comfortable handle makes handling and pouring from the pitcher a breeze.
What Contaminants Are Being Removed?
Brita lists the following contaminants:
- Mercury (96%)
- Chlorine taste and odor (95%)
- Copper (86-94%)
- Zinc (64%)
- Cadmium (93-96%)
The Brita 10-Cup Grand – learn more on Amazon.com
Assembly and Filter Priming
When it comes to setup and assembly, the Brita Grand water pitcher requires very little and can be put together in just a few minutes. The filter element must be primed and flushed prior to use to remove small carbon particles and ensure proper operation.
To set up follow these steps:
Please consider these instructions as a general guideline. Always make sure to check and follow your user manual before getting started.
- First, after ensuring your hands are clean, wash the pitcher, reservoir, and lid by hand using cold water and mild dish soap. Set aside to dry. Do not use a dishwasher for this step.
- Run the filter under cold tap water for 15 seconds to prime it.
- Next, insert the filter inside the reservoir by lining up the filter’s groove with the ridge inside the reservoir. Push down until a tight seal forms.
- Pop open the lid and fill the reservoir with cold water. Allow the system to filter the water, and then discard. Repeat twice. Note that you’ll likely notice some small carbon particles inside these initial pitchers. This is normal and not a cause for concern.
- Now you’ll want to set the electronic filter life indicator. This can be done by pushing the button marked ‘STATUS’ for 2 seconds until the green LED flashes three times.
The Package (Parts)
- Brita 10-Cup Grand Water Filter Pitcher
- Brita Standard cartridge
Maintenance
When it comes to maintenance, like other pitcher water filters, the Brita Grand requires very little other than regularly changing the cartridge as well as occasionally cleaning of the jug and reservoir.
The replacement interval will depend on the filter cartridge you’ve selected. For the Brita Standard cartridge, the filtration capacity is 40 gallons or approximately 2 months. The Brita Elite has a 120-gallon capacity or about 6 months of typical use.
To change filter cartridges follow these steps:
- First, remove and discard the old filter cartridge.
- Next, remove the new cartridge from the packaging and flush it under tap water for 15 seconds.
- Now, slide the new filter into the reservoir by lining up the filter groove with the ride inside the reservoir. Push down to ensure a tight seal.
- Fill the reservoir with cold tap water. Toss the first 3 pitchers full of water, or use them to clean or water plants. Once again, you’ll likely notice small carbon particles inside these pitchers – this is completely normal.
At any time, should you wish to check the status of your filter life, push the button marked ‘STATUS’ rapidly. If the red LED blinks, your filter is spent, and it’s time to replace it.
Manual
Here is a link to the official manual:
NSF and Other Certifications
The Brita Standard filter features testing and certification by both the WQA and the NSF against NSF/ANSI Standard 42. This standard pertains to the removal of so-called ‘aesthetic effects’ from water, which include chlorine, taste and odor, and zinc.
The Brita Standard cartridge also features testing and certification by the WQA and NSF against NSF/ANSI Standard 53. This is the standard relating to the removal of contaminants with known health effects – in this case referring to mercury, cadmium, and copper.
Earlier Product Versions
Brita has been manufacturing similar water filter pitchers for many years, and as a result, there are plenty of models – many of which feature the same filter elements.
Brita Grand Cons
When it comes to downsides, the most glaring issue with the Brita Grand is its relatively lackluster contaminant reduction performance. While the system does have two NSF certifications – which is positive – they only pertain to five contaminants. And even among those contaminants, the reduction rates aren’t particularly impressive (just 64% for zinc for example). Simply put, there are significantly more effective water filter pitchers available with testing and certification for additional NSF standards.
Another issue is the short 90-day limited manufacturer warranty. Most brands sport at least 1 year.
Looking at customer reviews, there were some issues to be aware of that popped up quite frequently. First, several users had issues with the plastic used in the pitcher breaking or cracking easily. This is something to be aware of, especially if you have small children or you tend to drop things occasionally. Secondly, some users had a tough time reattaching the lid after changing filters. This was fairly rare though so probably not a cause for serious concern. Lastly, several users had issues with the pitcher being too heavy to handle single-handedly when full. This would be the case for any similar-sized pitcher though, so it’s not unique to this model.
Brita 10-Cup Grand Review: Our Verdict + Best for
Overall, the Brita Grand Water Filter Pitcher makes a solid option when you’re looking for a product at an affordable price point. It’s capable of improving the taste and aesthetics of typical tap water, as well as removing several basic contaminants. However, it lacks the filtration performance of more advanced systems, and as a result, it isn’t suitable when you need a filter pitcher capable of removing more stubborn contaminants.
Of course, you have the option of upgrading from the Brita Standard filter cartridge to the more advanced Brita Elite, but even this lacks the filtration effectiveness of top-of-the-line pitcher filters from other manufacturers.
Our Rating in Detail:
- Filtration Performance: 3.0/5.0
- Filter Capacity (Life): 3.5/5.0
- Purchase Price: 5.0/5.0
- Annual Cost: 5.0/5.0
- Overall: 3.5/5.0
Comparison to Other Water Filter Pitchers
Let’s compare the Brita Grand pitcher to two of the top pitcher-style filters on the market – the Clearly Filtered Pitcher and the Epic Pure Pitcher.
Clearly Filtered |
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| Price: | $$$ |
| Filter Process: | Carbon + Composite Shell |
| Filter Capacity: | 100 gal |
| Total Storage Volume: | 17 Cups |
| Annually: | ~$150 |
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Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRating based on filtration performance, filter life, price and yearly cost, NSF testing/certification, customer support, product warranty, our testing/experience, user feedback, and other factors.
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Epic Pure |
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| Price: | $$$ |
| Filter Process: | Carbon Block, Ion Exchange |
| Filter Capacity: | 150 gal |
| Total Storage Volume: | 14.8 Cups |
| Annually: | $90-135 |
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Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0 ⓘRating based on filtration performance, filter life, price and yearly cost, NSF testing/certification, customer support, product warranty, our testing/experience, user feedback, and other factors.
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Brita 10-Cup Grand |
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| Price: | $$ |
| Filter Process: | Activated Carbon, Ion Exchange |
| Filter Capacity: | 40 gal |
| Storage Volume: | 10 Cups |
| Annually: | ~$40-50 |
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Overall Rating: 3.5/5.0 ⓘRating based on filtration performance, filter life, price and yearly cost, NSF testing/certification, customer support, product warranty, our testing/experience, user feedback, and other factors.
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The Clearly Filtered Pitcher is our number one featuring both granular activated carbon and a blend of proprietary filter media to remove/reduce over 350 contaminants including chlorine, chloramine, lead, arsenic, chromium-6, pesticides, disinfection byproducts, pharmaceuticals, VOCs, semi-volatile compounds, PFOA/PFAS, fluoride, and more. This is the best we’ve ever come across and it includes third-party testing against NSF Standards 42, 53, and 401.
The filter lifespan is 100 gallons, which is longer than the Brita Standard’s 40 gallons but less than the Brita Elite’s 120 gallons. Total storage is 17 cups or 10 cups of filtered volume – similar to the Brita Grand. The lid is removable for easy refilling, while the system is 100% BPA-free and built in the USA. It also features a much better limited lifetime warranty and 30-day satisfaction guarantee than the Brita. The major downside when comparing the Clearly Filtered with the Brita is its significantly higher price point and maintenance cost.
The Epic Pure is a more budget-friendly pitcher. It removes over 200 NSF-tested contaminants (standards 42, 53, and 401).
The system sports an impressive 150-gallon filter lifespan, which is better than both the Brita and the Clearly Filtered. A built-in filter life countdown timer lets you know when it’s time to change filters, while Epic’s excellent recycling program allows you to collect four used filters and ship them back for a new replacement filter free of charge. The system features 14.8 cups of total storage, USA filter manufacturing, and BPA-free materials, as well as a lifetime warranty on the system and hassle-free returns.
All in all, in terms of pure filtration effectiveness, the Clearly Filtered is the clear winner followed closely by the Epic Pure. However, both cost significantly more to purchase and maintain than the Brita Grand. When you consider budget, then the Brita Grand can be an attractive option as long as your performance expectations are realistic.
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This completes our review of the Brita 10-Cup Grand Water Filter Pitcher. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Alexandra Uta
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