Review: Brita Slim 5-Cup Water Filter Pitcher
Written by: Alexandra Uta // Expert Fact-Checking: Buddhini Dolapihilla, MBSS // Last Updated: Nov 28, 2023
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The Brita Slim is a compact, budget-priced pitcher water filter designed specifically to fit in small and tight spaces. It features Brita’s standard cartridge which combines both activated carbon and ion exchange to remove several common tap water contaminants.
Let’s take a closer look at the Brita Slim to give you a better idea of whether the system would be a good fit for your needs.
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Brita Slim 5-Cup Water Filter Pitcher |
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| Price: | $ |
| Filter Process: | Activated Carbon, Ion Exchange |
| Filter Life: | 40 Gallons |
| Storage Volume: | 5 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 Slim 5-Cup Water Filter Pitcher – All Specs
- Model: Slim
- Annual Maintenance Cost: ~$40-50
- Filter Media/Process: Activated Carbon, Ion Exchange
- Filtering Capacity: 40 gal or 2 Months
- Storage Volume: 5 Cups
- WxHxD: 4.19”x10.50”x8.97”
- Weight: 1.65 lb.
- Water Temperature: 32-85 °F
- NSF Certifications: Standard 42, 53
- Warranty: 90 Days
Brita Slim 5-Cup – Key Features
The Brita Slim 5-Cup Water Filter Pitcher is a compact, budget-priced pitcher filter system designed to fit in narrow and tight spots like mini-fridges or crowded refrigerator doors. As the name suggests, the system only has a tiny 5-cup capacity.
The pitcher features a BPA-free design as well as a life indicator to let you know when it’s time to change filters. Keep in mind the filter life indicator isn’t electronic, rather it’s a simple sticker. While this isn’t typical, given the low price point, it’s not completely surprising.
As for the filtration process, the Brita Slim ships with the Brita Standard cartridge, which uses multiple filter media to remove a variety of contaminants. The cartridge works as follows:
- A fine mesh screen removes particulates like sand, silt, sediment, and rust.
- Coconut-based granulated activated carbon removes chlorine taste and odor (95%) and mercury (96%).
- Ion exchange resin removes zinc (64%), copper (86% to 94%), and cadmium (93% to 96%).
Side note: The Brita Standard cartridge can be swapped out with Brita’s somewhat superior Elite cartridge should you wish to enhance filtration effectiveness.
As for the Brita Standard, in combination with the Brita Slim pitcher it is NSF-certified against standards 42 and 53 (more in this in a bit). Filter life: 40 gallons, or about 2 months.
Brita Slim Pitcher Pros
Without a doubt, the Brita Slim’s biggest advantage is its remarkably low price point. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better deal on a filter system of any type.
Additionally, the cost of replacement filter cartridges is low – at just $40 to $50 annually depending on your usage level and water quality.
Next up, the compact size and footprint means you can fit this filter system in tight spots that would be too tight for other water filter pitchers. Of course, this also means the Brita Slim can only hold 5 cups of filtered water, but sacrifices had to be made somewhere.
What Contaminants Are Being Removed?
Based on NSF-standardized lab testing. the Brita Slim removes:
- Sediment
- Chlorine – 95%
- Mercury – 96%
- Zinc – 64%
- Copper – 86-94%
- Cadmium – 93-96%
The Brita Slim 5-Cup – learn more on Amazon.com
Assembly and Filter Priming
Like other water filter pitchers, the Brita Slim doesn’t require much in terms of assembly or priming. That said, the jug must be washed before use, and the cartridge must be flushed to ensure filtration effectiveness.
Please consider these instructions as a general guideline. Always make sure to check and follow your user manual before getting started.
To set up the system follow these steps:
- First, after ensuring your hands are clean, rinse the pitcher and wash with mild soap.
- Next, remove the filter cartridge from its packaging and flush it under cold water for 15 seconds. This step is important to prime the media inside and ensure it works as intended.
- Now, line up the filter’s groove with the raised edge inside the reservoir. Push until a tight seal forms.
- Apply the sticker filter indicator to the lid.
- Now, pop the lid off and fill the reservoir with cold water. Allow the water to filter, and discard. Repeat two times. You can use this water for plants or cleaning if desired. Keep in mind you will likely notice fine carbon particles inside the first few pitchers, this is normal and not a cause for concern.
The Package (Parts)
- Brita Slim 5-Cup Pitcher
- Brita Standard Filter Cartridge
Maintenance
When it comes to maintenance, the only major tasks necessary are replacing the filter cartridge on schedule as well as occasional cleaning of the pitcher, reservoir, and lid. The filter cartridge needs a replacement after every 40 gallons – or about 2 months of normal use (we estimate $40-50 in annual cost).
As far as cleaning is concerned, washing the pitcher and lid every time you change filters is an easy way to remember.
The Brita Slim, unlike many other pitcher-style systems, doesn’t have an electronic filter life indicator. That means you’ll want to make sure to apply the sticker indicator every time you change the cartridge.
To change the filter cartridge follow these steps:
- First, remove and discard the old filter cartridge.
- Next, remove the new filter cartridge from its packaging and flush it under cold tap water for 15 seconds.
- Line up the filter’s groove with the raised edge on the inside of the reservoir and push down until a tight seal forms.
- Now, fill the reservoir with cold water and wait for the water to filter. Toss the first three pitchers of filtered water as they will contain fine carbon particles. You can also use these for cleaning or watering plants.
Manual
Sorry, we couldn’t find the official product manual online.
NSF and Other Certifications
The Brita Slim features NSF testing and certification for NSF/ANSI Standard 42 for ‘aesthetic effects’. This standard refers to the removal or reduction of contaminants with ‘aesthetic effects’ including chlorine taste and odor and particulates.
The system is also tested and certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for ‘health effects’. This standard relates to the reduction or removal of contaminants with known health effects, in this case, copper, mercury, and cadmium.
Earlier Product Versions
As Brita has been manufacturing similar pitchers for many years, the Brita Slim has dozens of predecessors. Many of these models use the same Standard filter cartridge as the Slim.
Brita Slim Cons
Probably the system’s biggest drawback is its lackluster filtration effectiveness. While it does have 2 NSF certifications, these only apply to 5 contaminants. On top of that, the contaminant reduction figures for those contaminants are not particularly impressive, for example, the zinc reduction rate is just 64% – which is far from impressive.
Next, the manufacturer warranty is just 90 days, which again, is far from impressive. We would like to see at least a one-year warranty if not longer.
When it comes to customer reviews, while they are overwhelmingly positive, there were a few issues that kept popping up: First, and most concerning, the top portion of the pitcher tends to separate from the reservoir if you pour water at an angle close to 90 degrees. This means you’ll need to be careful while pouring. The other issue mentioned repeatedly is the small storage capacity. Now we can’t fault Brita for this as the 5-cup capacity is clearly stated, but be aware the pitcher may be too small for your needs – especially if you use a lot of water.
Brita Slim 5-Cup Review: Our Verdict + Best for
All in all, the Brita Slim is a decent option in the budget pitcher category, with both a low retail price and low maintenance costs. The 5-cup capacity may be an issue for some people, but on the flip side, it’s highly compact and can fit in tight spots that larger pitchers could not.
Our main issue is the relatively unimpressive filtration effectiveness. Again, two NSF certifications are an encouraging sign, however, with only 5 verified contaminants reduced, the filter is only capable of providing fairly basic filtration.
All in all, if you’re only looking for a water filter pitcher for improved water taste and aesthetics, then the Brita Slim can work well. On the other hand, if you need more thorough water treatment, you’ll probably want to look elsewhere.
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
Comparing the Brita Slim with some of the top filters on the market should provide a clear picture of its strengths and weaknesses.
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 Slim 5-Cup |
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| Price: | $ |
| Filter Process: | Activated Carbon, Ion Exchange |
| Filter Capacity: | 40 gal |
| Storage Volume: | 5 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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First, the Clearly Filtered Pitcher (you can read the full review here) will remove over 350 contaminants including chlorine/chloramine, lead DBPs, fluoride, chromium-6, arsenic, pesticides, trace pharmaceuticals, VOCs, semi-volatile compounds, PFOA/PFAS, radiological contaminants, and many more. The system features third-party testing against several NSF Standards (42, 53, 401). All in all, it features the most thorough and most successful third-party testing of any water filter pitcher we’ve come across.
The pitcher can store 10 cups of filtered water – double that of the Brita. The filters last for 100 gallons or about 4 months – significantly more than the Brita’s 40 gallons. Additionally, the Clearly Filtered sports a limited lifetime warranty plus a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, far better than Brita’s mere 90-day warranty. The CF pitcher is made in the USA, and features 100% BPA-free construction.
The only notable downside is that costs are significantly higher.
Next, the Epic Pure (review here) features a combination of activated carbon and proprietary filter media. It’s capable of removing a wide array of over 200 contaminants. Like the Clearly Filtered, it features NSF testing for Standards 42, 53, and 401.
The Epic Pure also features an impressive 150-gallon filter life, which is better than both the Brita and the CF. Another nice bonus is Epic’s recycling program which provides you with a free filter cartridge when you send in four used ones.
What else? Lifetime warranty, hassle-free returns, BPA-free materials, and a built-in filter countdown timer. The system retails for slightly less than the Clearly Filtered, but more than the Brita.
Overall, both of the above systems would make far better choices if filtration effectiveness is a significant factor. That said, neither can beat the compact design or the low cost of the Brita Slim.
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This completes our review of the Brita Slim 5-Cup 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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