Review: Brita Style Water Filter Jug
Written by: Alexandra Uta // Expert Fact-Checking: Buddhini Dolapihilla, MBSS // Last Updated: Nov 28, 2023
This page may contain affiliate links. If you buy a product or service through such a link we earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
The Brita Style Water Filter Jug features a compelling modern design, a variety of filter media, an attractive price point, and two different sizes.
Let’s take a closer look and see if it merits serious consideration!
Contents
show
Brita Style Water Filter Jug |
|
| Price: | $$ |
| Filter Process: | Activated Carbon, Ion Exchange, Particle Filtration |
| Filter Life: | 26 Gallons |
| Storage Volume: | 5.9-9.7 Cups |
| Annual Cost: | ~$70-80 |
|
Overall Rating: 3.0/5.0 ⓘ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.
|
|
Brita Style Water Filter Jug – All Specs
- Model: Style
- Annual Maintenance Cost: ~$70-80
- Filter Media/Process: Activated Carbon, Ion Exchange, Particle Filtration
- Filtering Capacity: 26 gal or 1 Months
- Total Storage Volume: 10.1-15.2 Cups
- Filtered Water Capacity: 5.9-9.7 Cups
- WxHxD: 4.1-5.3”x10.7”x9.4-10.2”
- Warranty: 90 Days
Brita Style – Key Features
The Brita Style Water Filter Jug is a pitcher-style filter system featuring Brita’s Maxtra+ filter cartridge – a combination of several media to remove an array of contaminants:
- First, fine mesh removes sediment, sand, silt, and other floating particulates.
- Next, carbon-based micro pearls remove chlorine taste and odor as well as organic contaminants that can affect the water’s taste and odor.
- Next, ion exchange pearls absorb copper, lead, and other heavy metals. They also help to eliminate limescale buildup on dishes and appliances like coffee makers and kettles.
- Finally, an additional filter mesh removes any leftover particulates.
Filter life is 26 gallons with $70-80 in estimated annual filter replacement cost.
Brita offers the Style pitcher in two different sizes:
- Style Cool: 5.9 cups filtered water capacity. Compact enough to fit inside any fridge door.
- Style XL: 9.7 cups filtered water capacity. Features spout cover to protect filtered water from impurities.
The system also comes with an integrated refill indicator light to let you know when it’s time to swap filter cartridges. Additionally, the system is dishwasher safe, other than the Lid (containing the indicator light).
Brita includes a 90-day manufacturer warranty on the product.
Brita Style Jug Pros
Like other water filter pitchers, the Brita Style is simple, easy to use, and relatively inexpensive. The smaller ‘Cool’ size in particular features a very compact size.
Unlike some earlier models, the filter life indicator is large and easy to read, so you’ll always know how much filter life remains. In addition, the pitcher design is modern and aesthetic – a definite improvement over some of the clunky-looking earlier models.
Another major plus is the ability to clean the pitcher in your dishwasher. This is not typical for most water filter pitchers and makes regular cleaning and sanitizing of the jug much easier.
What Contaminants Are Being Removed?
The following impurities are claimed to be removed by the Brita Style Water Filter Jug:
- Sediments
- Chlorine taste and odor
- Copper, lead, and other heavy metals
- Limescale
The Brita Style – learn more on Amazon.com
Assembly and Filter Priming
Like other pitcher-style filter systems, the Brita Style doesn’t require much in the way of assembly. That said, the jug must be cleaned and the cartridge flushed before use for optimal results.
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:
- First, flip the BRITA PerfectFit funnel upside down and run cold tap water down the mechanism for several seconds to flush away any debris.
- Next, wash the jug with cold or lukewarm water and mild dish soap. This can also be done in the dishwasher if you wish. Be sure to repeat this process every time you change the filter as well.
- At this point, you’ll want to separate the Brita smart light from the lid by rotating it counterclockwise. Clean the lid with a clean, damp cloth. Reinstall the light.
- Now, fill the pitcher with cool water from the tap. Submerge the filter cartridge in the water and shake it lightly to eliminate any trapped air. Dispose of the water.
- The system is designed to have a tight seal in between the filter and the funnel. Place the funnel into the jug. Insert the filter element into the funnel. Push firmly until a tight seal is formed. If water doesn’t flow through easily, you’ll need to push it down further.
- Now, fill the pitcher with cold tap water and wait for the system to filter it. Discard the first two pitchers or use them for cleaning/watering plants.
- When that’s done the Brity Style is ready for use. All that’s needed is to activate the indicator. Press the button on the indicator for 5 to 10 seconds until the green light blinks 3 times.
The Package (Parts)
- Filter exchange indicator
- Jug
- Reservoir
- Lid
- Maxtra+ filter cartridge
Maintenance
When it comes to maintenance, all that’s required is changing the filter cartridge on schedule as well as occasional cleaning. The filter cartridge has a 26-gallon capacity or about 1 month of normal use. Again, we estimate ~$70-80 in annual replacement cost.
You’ll know it’s time to change filters by checking the color of the filter indicator. Green means the filter is healthy, yellow means you’ll need to change the filter soon, while red indicates the filter is spent and it’s time to change it.
When it comes to cleaning, a good rule of thumb is to clean the system every time you swap filters.
To change the filter cartridge:
- Remove and discard the old filter cartridge.
- Remove the new filter cartridge from its packaging and fill the filter jug with tap water. Place the filter in the water and shake it gingerly to remove any trapped air.
- Now insert the new filter into the funnel being sure to create a tight seal.
- Fill the system with cold tap water. Discard the first two pitcher’s worth of water or use them for cleaning/watering plants.
Don’t forget to reset the LED filter indicator by depressing the button for 5 to 10 seconds until the green light blinks 3 times.
Manual
Sorry, we couldn’t find the official product manual online.
NSF and Other Certifications
The Brita Style features no NSF or other third-party certifications.
Earlier Product Versions
Brita has been making similar water filter pitchers for decades, and as a result, has produced many earlier systems similar to the Brita Style. Some of them use the same Maxtra+ filter cartridge.
Additionally, the Maxtra+ cartridge used has a predecessor – the regular Maxtra. The Maxtra+ features 25% finer mesh for improved removal of fine particulate matter.
Cons
The most obvious drawback to the Brita Style is the lack of independent testing and NSF certification(s). This is a fairly large downside, especially considering this is one of Brita’s more expensive models and its cheaper ones feature multiple NSF certifications.
The issue with not having any third-party testing and certification is that there’s no easy way to verify the contaminant reduction claims made by the manufacturer. Essentially, while Brita claims the system will remove chlorine taste and odor, particulates, and heavy metals, we have no way of knowing how effective it is at reducing them. Another point to note is that Brita doesn’t provide any contaminant reduction rates at all – so evaluating the filter’s effectiveness is essentially guesswork.
Another drawback is the annual maintenance cost. While $70 to $80 isn’t unreasonable for a pitcher system, given that we have no idea how effective it is, it seems a bit excessive. The 90-day manufacturer warranty is also on the short side.
Looking at customer reviews, while they were overwhelmingly positive, there were a few issues that popped up frequently. First, several users had issues with the smart light malfunctioning or not working as intended. Secondly, other users had issues with the filter getting stuck inside the funnel or not forming a proper seal. This may be due to a damaged O-ring, but there’s no way to know for certain. Lastly, some users complained that the filter doesn’t eliminate water hardness effectively.
Brita Style Review: Our Verdict + Best for
Overall, Britas’s Style filter pitcher is promising in that it offers the right mix of filter media. However, the lack of transparency regarding contaminant removal levels and a lack of third-party testing/certification means it only makes sense for basic filtration and improving drinking water taste/smell. But even in those cases, there are plenty of options out there that can do the same thing at a lower price point. Bottom line: No recommendation.
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: 3.0/5.0
Comparison to Other Water Filter Pitchers
Let’s take a look at how the Brita Style stacks up against some of the top pitcher systems on the market – the Clearly Filtered and the Epic Pure.
Clearly Filtered |
|
| Price: | $$$ |
| Filter Process: | Carbon + Composite Shell |
| Filter Capacity: | 100 gal |
| Total Storage Volume: | 17 Cups |
| Annually: | ~$150 |
|
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.
Get 10% Off! Use Code: |
|
Epic Pure |
|
| Price: | $$$ |
| Filter Process: | Carbon Block, Ion Exchange |
| Filter Capacity: | 150 gal |
| Total Storage Volume: | 14.8 Cups |
| Annually: | $90-135 |
|
Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0 ⓘRating based on filtration performance, filter life, price and yearly cost, NSF testing/certification, customer support, product warranty, our testing/experience, user feedback, and other factors.
Get 20% Off! Use Code: |
|
|
Brita Style |
|
| Price: | $$ |
| Filter Process: | Activated Carbon, Ion Exchange, Particle Filtration |
| Filter Capacity: | 26 gal |
| Storage Volume: | 5.9-9.7 Cups |
| Annually: | ~$70-80 |
|
Overall Rating: 3.0/5.0 ⓘ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.
|
|
First up, the Clearly Filtered (follow this link for the full review) is a premium pitcher-style water filter using a combination of granular activated carbon and proprietary filter media. It removes a wide range of contaminants including chlorine/chloramine, lead, DBPs, chromium-6, pesticides, arsenic, trace pharmaceuticals, VOCs, PFAS, radiological contaminants, fluoride, semi-volatile compounds, and more. The system features third-party testing for numerous NSF standards (42, 53, and 401) and is proven to reduce or eliminate over 350 contaminants. All in all, the Clearly Filtered is far more capable than the Brita when it comes to contaminant removal.
Additionally, the system features an impressive 100-gallon filtration capacity – almost four times that of the Brita. Total storage is 10 cups of filtered water, which is about the same as the larger Brita model. Like the Brita, it features a removable lid, however, it also sports 100% BPA-free construction, USA manufacturing, and a limited lifetime warranty plus a 30-day no-questions-asked return policy.
The only significant advantage to the Brita Style is its lower price point and filter replacement cost.
Which brings us to the Epic Pure pitcher filter. It removes or reduces over 200 contaminants including, fluoride, chlorine, chloramine, nitrate, arsenic, VOCs, sulfate, cadmium, lead, hexavalent chromium, mercury, disinfection byproducts, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and PFOA/PFOS. It also features extensive NSF testing against standards 42, 53, and 401.
The Epic Pure pitcher has an impressive 150-gallon filter capacity – which is better than the Clearly system’s and far better than the Brita. Like the Brita, it features an electronic filter life indicator. Epic also offers a notable recycling program that will ship you a cartridge free of charge when you send in four used ones.
Additionally, the system features BPA-free construction, filters manufactured in the USA, and everything is backed by a lifetime warranty and hassle-free return policy.
Finally, the Epic Pure is slightly more budget-friendly than the Clearly Filtered Pitcher, but still more expensive than the Brita Style.
Overall, when comparing the three pitchers, it’s fairly obvious the above two far outperform the Brita in terms of filtration effectiveness, warranties, filter capacity, and third-party testing/certification. The only major upside to the Brita system is its lower price point, so if price is your number one consideration then going with the Brita Style might make sense.
More Reviews:
More Brita Reviews:
This completes our review of the Brita Style Water Filter Jug. 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.
We adhere to strict editorial guidelines. Rest assured, the opinions expressed have not been provided, reviewed, or otherwise endorsed by our partners – they are unbiased, independent, and the author’s alone. Our licensed experts fact-check all content for accuracy. It is accurate as of the date posted and to the best of our knowledge.