Review: Brita Space Saver 6-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 6-Cup Space Saver Water Filter Pitcher is a budget-priced system designed to fit in compact spots. It uses Brita’s Standard cartridge – which is capable of improving your water’s taste and aesthetics but is not designed for serious contaminant removal.
But the pitcher has several other compelling features so let’s take a look and see if these are enough to merit more serious consideration.
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Brita Space Saver 6-Cup Water Filter Pitcher |
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| Price: | $$ |
| Filter Process: | Activated Carbon, Ion Exchange |
| Filter Life: | 40 Gallons |
| Storage Volume: | 6 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 6-Cup Space Saver Water Filter Pitcher – All Specs
- Model: OB21
- Annual Maintenance Cost: ~$40-50
- Filter Media/Process: Activated Carbon, Ion Exchange
- Filtering Capacity: 40 gal or 2 Months
- Storage Volume: 6 Cups
- WxHxD: 4.75”x10.13”x9.88”
- Weight: 1.48 lb.
- Water Temperature: 32-85 °F
- NSF Certifications: Standard 42, 53
- Warranty: 90 Days
Brita 6-Cup Space Saver – Key Features
The Brita Space Saver is a compact pitcher-style water filter designed to fit in small spaces that larger pitchers just can’t fit. It utilizes Brita Standard filter cartridges (backed by NSF certification), which include a combination of activated carbon and ion exchange filtration:
- A mesh screen removes sand, silt, sediment, and other particulates.
- A coconut-based activated carbon filter stage removes chlorine taste and odor (95%) as well as mercury (96%).
- Lastly, ion exchange resin acts like a magnet to certain contaminants including copper (86% to 94%), zinc (64%), and cadmium (93% to 96%).
The Brita Space Saver has a 6-cup storage capacity, putting it on the smaller side for pitcher filters. An electronic filter life indicator lets you know when a filter cartridge is spent, while an easy-fill lid makes filling the system a breeze.
What’s more, everything is constructed of BPA-free materials and you have four different color options: blue, black, red, and white.
Filter capacity: 40 gallons or 2 months. Manufacturer warranty: 90 days.
Brita 6-Cup Pitcher Pros
In our opinion, the Brita Space Saver’s biggest advantage is its compact size. Measuring just 4.75”x 10.13”x 9.88”, the pitcher is specifically designed to fit in cramped spaces that would be too small for larger pitchers. With that comes the relatively small 6-cup storage capacity, but that’s to be expected with a compact unit like this.
Another major advantage is the low price tag. Combine that with the annual cost of filter replacement of just $40 to $50, and you’ve got a water filter pitcher at a very reasonable price point.
Like other Brita pitcher systems using the company’s Standard cartridge, the Space Saver is also compatible with the more advanced Brita Elite filter. This allows you to easily upgrade the effectiveness if desired. Brita Elite cartridges are more powerful especially when it comes to lead reduction.
What Contaminants Are Being Removed?
Used with the Brita Standard filter cartridge, the Space Save pitcher is tested to remove sediments, cadmium, mercury, zinc, copper, and chlorine.
The Brita Space Saver 6-Cup – learn more on Amazon.com
Assembly and Filter Priming
The water filter pitcher doesn’t require much in the way of setup, but like many other models, it does require basic assembly and flushing of the filter cartridge before use.
Please consider these instructions as a general guideline. Always make sure to check and follow your user manual before getting started.
Just follow these steps:
- First, make sure your hands are clean. Then wash the pitcher’s jug and lid with mild soap and water. Rinse and dry.
- Rinse the filter element under cold water for 15 seconds.
- To prep the electronic filter life indicator, push down on the button labeled ‘STATUS’ for 2 seconds or until the green LED flashes three times.
- Now, pop open the easy-fill lid and run cold tap water into the reservoir until it’s full. Discard the first three pitchers full of water.
- At any point, if you want to determine the amount of filter life remaining, simply depress the button labeled ‘STATUS’ rapidly. A red colored LED flashing indicates the current filter is past its expiration and needs replacement.
The Package (Parts)
- Jug
- Reservoir
- Lid
- Standard filter cartridge
Maintenance
When it comes to maintenance, the Brita 6-Cup only requires periodic cleaning as well as replacing the filter cartridge on schedule.
- The Brita Standard cartridge has a 40-gallon capacity – which is about 2 months of typical use.
- As far as cleaning is concerned, a good rule of thumb is to clean the pitcher, lid, and reservoir every time you change filters.
To change your filter cartridge follow these steps:
- First, remove and discard the old filter cartridge.
- Next, take the new filter cartridge out of its packaging and rinse it under cold water for 15 seconds.
- Now, slide the filter into the reservoir using the groove in the filter as a guide to slide the two together. Push firmly to form a watertight seal.
- Fill the reservoir with cold water from the tap. Dispose of the first three pitchers.
Manual
Here is a link to the official manual:
NSF and Other Certifications
The system is tested and certified by both the WQA and the NSF against NSF Standard 42 for the reduction of chlorine, foul taste, odors, as well as zinc.
The systems also feature testing and certification by the WQA and NSF against NSF Standard 53 for the reduction of copper, mercury, and cadmium.
Earlier Product Versions
Brita has been manufacturing similar water filter pitchers for decades. Many of these systems use the same Brita Standard cartridges as this model.
Brita Space Saver Pitcher Cons
Probably the system’s biggest drawback is the relatively lackluster filtration effectiveness. While it does feature certification for two NSF standards, which is positive, the standard only has reduction rates for five not so important contaminants – which is far less than with other models. Essentially, the system is capable of improving the taste of typical tap water, but if you expect anything more than that, you’ll want to look elsewhere.
Another issue is the short 90-day limited warranty.
When it comes to customer reviews, first, several users had issues with the triangular pour flap getting stuck or not working properly. While this is a relatively minor issue, it makes sense to mention it anyway. Another thing that cropped up repeatedly was plastic cracking on the pitcher or reservoir. This is something to be aware of, especially as the manufacturer’s warranty is just 90 days.
Brita 6-Cup Space Saver Review: Our Verdict + Best for
All in all, the Brita 6-Cup Space Saver Water Filter Pitcher makes a solid option if you’re looking for a compact and affordable pitcher-style system. The thing to keep in mind is that it only has 5 verified contaminant reduction rates, and as a result is only capable of basic filtration and improving the taste of relatively clean tap water.
Another thing to keep in mind is the 6-cup filtered water capacity. While it’s necessary to make such a compact pitcher, some people may find that 6 cups is too little to be practical.
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 this Brita water filter pitcher to some of the top models on the market to give you a better grasp of its relative 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: | $$$ |
| Filter Process: | Carbon Block, Ion Exchange |
| Filter Capacity: | 150 gal |
| Total Storage Volume: | 14.8 Cups |
| Annually: | $90-135 |
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Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0 ⓘRating based on filtration performance, filter life, price and yearly cost, NSF testing/certification, customer support, product warranty, our testing/experience, user feedback, and other factors.
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Brita Space Saver 6-Cup |
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| Price: | $$ |
| Filter Process: | Activated Carbon, Ion Exchange |
| Filter Capacity: | 40 gal |
| Storage Volume: | 6 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 – a premium model with extensive third-party testing against NSF Standards 42, 53, and 401. It’s been independently verified to remove or reduce over 350 contaminants making it the most thoroughly tested pitcher on the market currently. The system uses a combination of GAC and other filter media to remove contaminants including chlorine, chloramine, lead, VOCs, chromium-6, PFOA/PFOS, pesticides, and fluoride.
The filter life is an impressive 100 gallons which is more than double the Brita’s 40 gallons. Total storage is 10 cups filtered volume, which is standard for most pitcher systems. The pitcher uses 100% BPA-free materials, is made in the USA, and features a limited lifetime warranty plus a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. The only major downside is the system costs significantly more to purchase and maintain than the Brita.
Next up is the Epic Pure. This pitcher is another advanced model that will remove over 200 contaminants. Like the Clearly Filtered above, the Epic Pure features NSF certification for Standards 42,53, and 401.
The pitcher features a remarkable filter life of 150 gallons – better than the Clearly’s 100 gallons, and far better than the Brita’s 40 gallons. A built-in filter timer lets you know when it’s time to swap filter cartridges, while Epic’s recycling program allows you to send in 4 used filters for a new one free of charge. Additionally, the system features a high storage capacity of 14.8 cups, BPA-free construction, USA filter manufacturing, and a lifetime warranty plus hassle-free returns. The system is slightly less expensive than the Clearly pitcher but costs much more than the Brita.
Overall, the Clearly Filtered Pitcher is our top choice in terms of filtration performance, with the Epic Pure coming in a close second. Comparing the three systems, the Brita Space Saver only makes sense if budget and compact size are your top considerations.
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This completes our review of the Brita Space Saver 6-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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