Review: Brita Large 10-Cup Water Filter Pitcher (aka Everyday)
Written by: Alexandra Uta // Expert Fact-Checking: Buddhini Dolapihilla, MBSS // Last Updated: Dec 6, 2023
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The Brita Large 10-Cup Water Filter Pitcher, also known as the Brita Everyday Water Filter Pitcher, is the most popular model that has ever been released by the brand so far. The system is offered at an attractive price point and sports several features that could make it a great option for budget-oriented shoppers including a sleek modern design and multiple NSF certifications.
Let’s break down the pitcher in detail and find out if it is worth your money.
Contents
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Brita Large 10-Cup Water Filter Pitcher |
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| Price: | $$ |
| Filter Process: | Pleated Structure, Activated Carbon |
| Filter Life: | 120 Gallons |
| Storage Volume: | 10 Cups |
| Annual Cost: | ~$55-60 |
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Overall Rating: 4.0/5.0 ⓘ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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Brita Large 10-Cup Water Filter Pitcher – All Specs
- Model: Large/Everyday (OB46)
- Annual Maintenance Cost: ~$55-60
- Filter Media/Process: Pleated Structure, Activated Carbon
- Filtering Capacity: 120 gal or Up to 6 Months
- Storage Volume: 10 Cups
- WxHxD: 10.94″x10.47″x5.59″
- Weight: 2.29 lb.
- Water Temperature: 32-85 °F
- NSF Certifications: Standards 42, 53, 401
- Warranty: 90 Days
Brita Large 10-Cup – Key Features
The Brita Large 10-Cup is a pitcher-style water filter that comes with the Brita Elite filter cartridge. The Brita Elite uses pleated activated carbon and is NSF-certified to remove various contaminants from water including sediments, chlorine (97.4%), lead (99.5-99.6%), mercury (95.5-95.9%), asbestos (99%), pesticides, trace pharmaceuticals, PFOA/PFOS (98.1%), and other organic chemicals.
As you can see, filtration is quite powerful, and all is done while maintaining essential minerals in the water.
By the way, a bit of silver bacteriostatic lining is added to each cartridge to prevent the growth of microbial contaminants.
What’s more, the Brita Large features affordable pricing. You’re definitely getting a decent bang for your buck. In addition, the annual maintenance costs are low, too, at just $55 to $60.
The system has a classic oval design made to maximize space in your refrigerator. The 10-cup filtered water capacity is standard for most pitcher-style filters.
And finally, Brita offers a 90-day manufacturer warranty. And filter cartridges are recyclable free of charge thanks to Brita’s partnership with TerraCycle.
Side note: The Brita Everyday can also be purchased with the Brita Standard cartridge. But this one is less powerful than the Brita Elite so we don’t recommend it although it is even more affordable.
Brita Everyday Pros
Perhaps the Brita’s most important pro is the fact that contaminant reduction is backed by NSF certification. In other words, the contaminant reduction rates provided by Brita can be trusted and guarantee effective water filtration for the contaminants listed in the performance data sheet.
We also have:
- A very long 120-gallon filter life which reduces maintenance requirements to a minimum.
- An ergonomic soft-grip handle that offers a comfortable and solid grip while pouring.
- A removable lid for easy refilling.
- BPA-free construction that prevents recontamination of the already filtered water.
What Contaminants Are Being Removed?
Here is a list of contaminants that can be removed using the Brita Large 10-Cup Water Filter Pitcher in combination with the Brita Elite filter element:
- 97.4% chlorine
- 99.6% particulate (Class I)
- 99.5-99.6% lead
- 95.5-95.9% mercury
- 96.9-99.2% cadmium
- >99% asbestos
- Pesticides like atrazine (99.3%)
- PFOA/PFOS (98.1%) and several other organic chemicals
- More than a dozen of so-called emerging compounds which include TCEP (99%) which is a reducing agent, or trace pharmaceuticals like Ibuprofen (94.9%)
- 99.6% of microplastics
The Brita Large 10-Cup – learn more on Amazon.com
Assembly and Filter Priming
While the pitcher requires very little in terms of assembly, it does require washing and priming before use. Don’t worry, this isn’t overly complicated. Just 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, ensure your hands are clean. Then, wash the pitcher, reservoir, and lid by hand using mild dish soap. Rinse and set aside. Don’t use the dishwasher for this step.
- Now, remove the lid and slide the filter inside the reservoir.
- Press firmly on the cartridge to form a tight seal.
- Now, fill the reservoir with cold tap water. Be sure to discard the first three pitchers full of water.
Be aware that while the Brita Elite cartridges do not require priming, the Brita standard cartridges must be rinsed under cold water for 15 seconds before use to function correctly.
The Package (Parts)
- 1 Brita Everyday Pitcher
- 1 Brita Elite Filter
Maintenance
Like other pitcher-style water filter systems, the Brita Large doesn’t require much in terms of maintenance. All that’s needed is changing the filter cartridge on schedule as well as occasionally cleaning the jug, lid, and reservoir.
As mentioned before, the Brita Elite cartridge will last for 120 gallons or about 6 months of normal use. To replace the filter:
- Remove and discard the old cartridge (remember: You can recycle with TerraCycle).
- Take the new filter cartridge out of its packaging, and place it inside the reservoir. Push down firmly to create a tight seal.
- Fill the reservoir fully. Discard the first three pitcher’s worth of water or use them for plant watering/cleaning.
- Make sure to apply a new filter replacement sticker to let you know when to change filters next.
We estimate $55-60 a year in filter replacement cost – affordable!
Manual
Sorry, we couldn’t find the official manual online.
NSF and Other Certifications
We have NSF/ANSI certifications for standards 42, 53, and 401.
- NSF Standard 42 pertains to the reduction of contaminants with ‘aesthetic effects’. This includes aesthetic chlorine, Class I particulates, and foul taste and odor.
- NSF Standard 53 refers to the reduction of contaminants with known health effects. In this case 2,4-D, atrazine, lead, asbestos, cadmium, simazine, benzene, ethylbenzene, endrin, mercury, p-Dichlorobenzene, and tetrachloroethylene.
- Another NSF Standard 53 certification for PFOS/PFOA.
- NSF Standard 401 refers to the reduction of ‘emerging compounds’ with possible health effects. Here, this refers to microplastics. But with other Brita pitchers, the Elite filter is also NSF-certified and capable of removing Atenolol, Bisphenol A, Carbamazepine, DEET, Estrone, Ibuprofen, Linuron, Meprobamate, Metolachlor, Naproxen, Nonyl Phenol, Phenytoin, TCEP, TCPP, Trimethoprim — so it only makes sense that it can also do that when used in the Brita Everyday/Large. It’s just not NSF-certified for that.
Earlier Product Versions
Brita has been manufacturing water filter pitchers for decades, with many of them using the same filter cartridges.
The Brita Large/Everyday appears to be the predecessor to the newer Brita Tahoe. Additionally, the Brita Elite cartridge is an improvement over the older Longlast filter cartridge and offers a better flow rate.
Brita Large/Everyday Cons
Clearly, the system’s biggest drawback is the limited filter media used. The Brita Elite cartridge only contains activated carbon along with mechanical filtration, and as a result, can’t remove certain contaminants very well like several heavy metals and salts. The inclusion of ion exchange filter media would have been nice to see – as this would enable broader filtration effectiveness.
Another issue is the 90-day manufacturer warranty, which is on the low side for a system like this.
We also don’t really like that the pitcher uses a filter replacement sticker rather than an electronic sensor, which is a little disappointing.
When it comes to customer reviews, although the majority were overwhelmingly positive, there were a few issues that popped up repeatedly. First, even when you fill the top reservoir with water, it’s not enough to fill the bottom portion fully. Secondly, some users had issues with removing the lid from the pitcher for cleaning. Lastly, the plastic used in the pitcher is on the brittle side and tends to break and crack when dropped.
Brita Large 10-Cup Review: Our Verdict + Best for
Overall, the Brita Large 10-Cup Water Filter Pitcher aka Brita Everyday makes a solid choice when you want a capable water filter at a reasonable price point. It will effectively remove chlorine, lead, and forever chemicals like PFOA/PFOS, and improve your water’s taste and aesthetics.
On the other hand, the system isn’t ideal for every circumstance, and if you have issues with contaminants like chromium 6, then you’ll need to look elsewhere. There certainly are other water filter pitchers available that are more effective in general, but they also tend to be more expensive. So it really depends on what you want/need. 4 stars.
Our Rating in Detail:
- Filtration Performance: 4.0/5.0
- Filter Capacity (Life): 5.0/5.0
- Purchase Price: 4.5/5.0
- Annual Cost: 5.0/5.0
- Overall: 4.0/5.0
Comparison to Other Water Filter Pitchers
A good way to evaluate a water filter is by comparing it to some of the top systems on the market. Let’s take a look at the CF pitcher and the Epic Pure.
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: | $$$ |
| Filter Process: | Carbon Block, Ion Exchange |
| Filter Capacity: | 150 gal |
| Total Storage Volume: | 14.8 Cups |
| Annually: | $90-135 |
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Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0 ⓘRating based on filtration performance, filter life, price and yearly cost, NSF testing/certification, customer support, product warranty, our testing/experience, user feedback, and other factors.
Get 20% Off! Use Code: |
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Brita Large 10-Cup |
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| Price: | $$ |
| Filter Process: | Pleated Structure, Activated Carbon |
| Filter Capacity: | 120 gal |
| Storage Volume: | 10 Cups |
| Annually: | ~$55-60 |
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Overall Rating: 4.0/5.0 ⓘ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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The CF (aka Clearly Filtered) will remove over 350 contaminants – including chlorine/chloramine, lead, DBPs, arsenic, chromium-6, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, semi-volatile compounds, VOCs, PFOA/PFAS, fluoride, radiological contaminants, and so on – more than any other water filter pitcher that currently exists. The system features NSF testing for Standards 42, 53, and 401.
The filter life is 100 gallons, which is slightly less than the Brita Elite’s 120 gallons. Total storage is 17 cups total or 10 cups of filtered water – about the same as the Brita. A removable lid makes refilling a breeze, while the system features 100% BPA-free construction. The system is built in the USA and features a limited lifetime warranty and 30-day satisfaction-free guarantee – which is significantly better than the Brita. The only major downside to the CF pitcher is its higher retail price and maintenance cost.
The Epic Pure can remove over 200 water contaminants, and like the CF pitcher, it features extensive NSF testing (standards 42, 53, and 401).
The Epic Pure’s filter cartridge has an impressive 150-gallon filter lifespan, better than both the Brita and the CF pitcher. The jug has 14.8 cups of total storage and is BPA-free. We also have USA filter manufacturing, and a lifetime warranty and return policy. One interesting advantage of going with Epic is their recycling program which will send you a new filter cartridge free of charge when you send in 4 used ones. The Epic Pure also features a built-in filter life countdown timer to remind you when it’s time to change cartridges.
Pricing is slightly lower than with the CF pitcher, but still significantly higher than the Brita.
Overall, when it comes to filtration effectiveness, the CF pitcher is the clear winner followed closely by the Epic Pure. However, when you consider budget, the Brita Large becomes an attractive option. Naturally, it doesn’t offer the same level of filtration, but it’s still fairly capable.
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This completes our review of the Brita Large 10-Cup Water Filter Pitcher. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Alexandra Uta
Information provided on BOS is for educational purposes only. The products and services we review may not be right for your individual circumstances.
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