Review: Brita Tahoe Water Pitcher with Elite Filter
Written by: Alexandra Uta // Expert Fact-Checking: Buddhini Dolapihilla, MBSS // Last Updated: Dec 6, 2023
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The Tahoe is one of Brita’s newest water filter pitcher creations. It offers a sleek modern design, the new Brita SmartLight filter change indicator which supposedly is super accurate, and several other interesting features, all for a budget-friendly price.
Sounds promising? Let’s take a closer look at the pitcher and determine if it makes sense for your water filtration needs!
Contents
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Brita Tahoe Water Pitcher with Elite Filter |
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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 Tahoe Water Filter Pitcher – All Specs
- Model: Tahoe (OB60)
- 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: 10.22″x10.39″x5.68″
- Weight: 1.5 lb.
- Water Temperature: 32-85 °F
- NSF Certifications: Standards 42, 53, 401
- Warranty: 90 Days
Brita Tahoe – Key Features
Standard-wise, the Brita Tahoe Water Filter Pitcher uses the advanced Brita Elite filter cartridge which offers quite thorough filtration. How does it work? It’s a pleated filter with activated carbon – Brita calls it “Advanced Carbon Core Technology” – that removes mostly organic chemicals like pesticides, PFOA and PFOS, and trace pharmaceuticals, but also certain heavy metals including lead and mercury, and few other water pollutants such as chlorine, asbestos, and microplastics. Meanwhile, most minerals and electrolytes are preserved in the water.
Now this is clearly a step up from Brita’s Standard filter cartridge that can also be used with the Tahoe pitcher, which is only really good for improving the taste and odor of your drinking water.
In addition to more advanced filtration, Brita’s Elite cartridges offer improved filtration capacity of 120 gallons or about 6 months of normal use. This represents a major increase over the Brita Standard’s 40 gallons or 2 months of normal use.
Filtration aside, the Brita Tahoe Water Filter Pitcher is quite affordable both at purchase and annually for filter replacements ($55 to $60).
And like other Brita models, the pitcher is made from BPA-free materials and utilizes a flip-top lid for easy refilling. The system has 10 cups of filtered water storage, which is standard for many pitcher-style water filters. An electronic SmartLight filter life indicator lets you know when it’s time to change cartridges and is Brita’s most accurate filter life indicator to date, they say (more on this in a bit).
The unit is offered in blue, white, and black colors.
Brita Tahoe Pitcher Pros
As mentioned previously, the price point is a big advantage of the Brita Tahoe water pitcher. With both a low retail price and relatively low maintenance cost, the system makes an excellent option when budget is a major consideration.
We also love the fact that the pitcher has been NSF-certified against standards 42, 53, and 401 for the contaminants listed below. In other words, filtration effectiveness is guaranteed and you can rely on them as these are not just empty claims.
Additionally, Brita Elite filters feature a bacteriostatic silver lining to maintain the health of the filter and prevent microbial growth inside of it. This helps to extend filter lifespan. The filter cartridges are also recyclable free of cost thanks to Brita’s partnership with TerraCycle.
The pitcher features a modern, aesthetic design, making it a good match for modern kitchens.
How about the SmartLight filter life indicator? Well, it’s so accurate because it tracks when you open the lid for refilling. That’s why it’s important to ensure you fill the reservoir to the maximum every time. This will ensure the filter change indicator works properly and doesn’t prematurely indicate a spent filter. (The indicator measures water usage when the lid is opened for 5–8 seconds.) This indeed does make it highly accurate, but only when used properly.
In contrast, most other water filter pitchers will only track how much time has passed since the last filter replacement. So even if you haven’t used it in a while, the filter tracker may still indicate that the filter needs changing.
What Contaminants Are Being Removed?
Brita provides the following list of contaminants which can be removed using the Tahoe pitcher in combination with an 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%), 98.1% PFOA/PFOS, 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 Tahoe – learn more on Amazon.com
Assembly and Filter Priming
While the pitcher requires minimal assembly and prep, it does require washing of the jug and funnel, and simple priming of the filter cartridge.
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 for the first time
- Ensuring your hands are clean, wash the pitcher, reservoir, and lid with mild dish soap. Rinse and set aside to dry. Don’t use a dishwasher to clean any of the components.
- Remove the filter cartridge from its packaging and insert it inside the reservoir/jug.
- Push down until a tight seal forms.
- Add cold water to the reservoir until full. Make sure to discard the initial three pitchers’ worth of water or use it for cleaning/watering plants. You’ll notice small carbon particles inside this water – this is normal and not a cause for concern.
- Now, flip over the lid to access the electronic filter indicator button. Depress the button for 5 seconds to reset. You should notice the LED blink three times.
Video
The Package (Parts)
- Brita Tahoe Water Filter Pitcher
- Brita Elite filter cartridge
Maintenance
Like other water filter pitchers, the Brita Tahoe requires very little in terms of maintenance. All that’s required is changing the filter cartridge on schedule as well as periodic cleaning.
The filter cartridge will last for 120 gallons or about 6 months of typical use. As far as cleaning is concerned, a good rule of thumb is to clean the entire system every few weeks.
After setting up the filter life indicator, the system will display a green LED indicating the filter life is healthy. After 115 gallons have been filtered, the LED will switch to yellow, indicating there are only 5 gallons of filter life remaining and it’s time to replace the cartridge. After 120 gallons, the LED will display a red color, indicating it’s time to replace filters immediately.
To replace the filter cartridge, follow these steps:
- Remove and discard the old filter cartridge.
- With clean hands, remove the new cartridge from its packaging and insert the filter into the reservoir.
- Push down until a tight seal forms.
- Now, add cold water to the reservoir until it’s full. Discard the first three pitchers full of water.
Finally and as mentioned before, $55-60 a year in filter replacement cost is affordable. Plus, you can recycle used cartridges via TerraCycle.
Manual
Here is a link to the official manual:
NSF and Other Certifications
The Brita Tahoe Water Pitcher with the Elite Filter features testing and certification for three NSF/ANSI Standards (42, 53, and 401).
- The system features testing and certification for NSF/ANSI Standard 42 for the reduction of ‘aesthetic effects’. This standard relates to the removal of aesthetic chlorine, foul taste and odor, as well as particulates (Class I).
- Additionally, the system is tested and certified against NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for the reduction of contaminants with known health effects. In this case, this includes asbestos, 2,4-D, benzene, atrazine, cadmium, endrin, carbon tetrachloride, ethylbenzene, lead, mercury, simazine, p-Dichlorobenzene, and tetrachloroethylene. Additionally, the system is NSF standard 53 tested and certified by the IAPMO to remove PFOA/PFOS – two common ‘forever chemicals’.
- Lastly, the Brita Tahoe is certified against NSF/ANSI Standard 401 for the reduction of ‘emerging compounds’. This standard includes the removal of Bisphenol A (BPA), DEET, Atenolol, Carbamazepine, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Estrone, Linuron, Metolachlor, Meprobamate, Phenytoin, Nonyl Phenol, TCPP, TCEP, and Trimethoprim.
Earlier Product Versions
Brita has been manufacturing similar water pitchers for years, many of which use identical filter cartridges. The Brita Tahoe model appears to be the direct successor of the Brita Everyday.
The Brita Elite filter cartridge is a successor to the Brita Longlast filter. The Elite cartridge offers improved flow rates compared to the Longlast.
Brita Tahoe Filter Cons
When it comes to downsides, there are a few worth mentioning.
First, while the Brita Elite cartridge is an improvement over the Brita Standard cartridge, it appears to only feature activated carbon and mechanical filtration. We would have liked to see ion exchange resin included as well, as this would help with removing additional heavy metals and salts etc.
Additionally, we find the system’s warranty to be too short (90 days).
Looking at customer feedback, although most were highly positive, there were a few issues that popped up repeatedly. First, some users had issues with the filter clogging much quicker than advertised. This may be the result of using the system with highly contaminated water, as these results are not typical. Another complaint that popped up was the plastic used in the pitcher cracks easily. This is something to keep in mind and may be an issue if you’re clumsy or have small children using the pitcher. Lastly, some users disliked the lid design, as it tends to spill water if you don’t pour it carefully.
Brita Tahoe Review: Our Verdict + Best for
All in all, the Brita Tahoe makes a good choice if you’re looking for a water filter pitcher capable of removing contaminants such as lead, chlorine, trace pharmaceuticals, and forever chemicals. The system also retails for a very reasonable price, making it a solid option for budget-oriented shoppers.
On the other hand, the Brita Tahoe will only target a limited range of contaminants types (due to only using activated carbon), and if you have issues with stuff like chromium 6, the pitcher won’t be of much use. Besides, there are significantly more capable pitchers out there, but they’ll cost more to purchase and maintain.
Overall, the Brita Tahoe would make a solid choice given the right circumstances. As a result, we give it 4 out of 5 stars.
Our Rating in Detail:
- Filtration Performance: 4.0/5.0
- Filter Capacity (Life): 5.0/5.0
- Purchase Price: 5.0/5.0
- Annual Cost: 5.0/5.0
- Overall: 4.0/5.0
Comparison to Other Water Filter Pitchers
Let’s take a look at how the Brita Tahoe compares with some of the leading water filter pitchers on the market to get a better idea 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: | $$$ |
| Filter Process: | Carbon Block, Ion Exchange |
| Filter Capacity: | 150 gal |
| Total Storage Volume: | 14.8 Cups |
| Annually: | $90-135 |
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Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0 ⓘRating based on filtration performance, filter life, price and yearly cost, NSF testing/certification, customer support, product warranty, our testing/experience, user feedback, and other factors.
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Brita Tahoe |
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| Price: | $$ |
| 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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First up, the Clearly Filtered features extensive NSF testing against standards 42, 53, and 401. The system is proven to remove or reduce way over 300 different water contaminants including chlorine/chloramine, lead, arsenic, pesticides, DBPs, chromium-6, trace pharmaceuticals, VOCs, fluoride, semi-volatile compounds, PFAS, radiological contaminants, and many more. It features the most extensive testing out of any pitcher-style water filter on the market, and resultingly it’s demonstrably more effective than the Brita Elite in removing nearly every type of contaminant (except for lead).
By the way, the Clearly Filtered Pitcher (for a full review click here) uses a combination of granular activated carbon and proprietary filter media. Filter capacity is 100 gallons, so slightly less than the Brita’s 120 gallons. Total storage is 17 cups with 10 of that being filtered water volume – putting it on par with the Brita. And like the Brita Tahoe, the Clearly Filtered features BPA-free and US-based construction, an easy-fill lid, a limited lifetime warranty, and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. As far as downsides go, it costs significantly more to purchase and maintain than the Brita.
Next up is the Epic Pure. This pitcher uses a similar combination of filter media to remove an impressive 200 contaminants. Like the Brita and the Clearly Filtered, it features NSF certification for Standards 42, 53, and 401.
The filter capacity is an impressive 150 gallons – better than both the Clearly and the Brita. Interestingly, Epic offers a recycling program that will send you a new filter cartridge free of charge when you send them four used filters. A built-in filter countdown timer reminds you when it’s time to replace filters, while the system uses all BPA-free materials. Filters are manufactured in the USA, and the entire system is backed by a lifetime warranty plus a hassle-free return policy.
And lastly, the Epic Pure is priced slightly lower than the Clearly Filtered Pitcher, but higher than the Brita Tahoe.
Overall, in terms of performance, the Clearly Filtered Pitcher is the clear winner followed closely by the Epic Pure. However, taking budget into consideration, the Brita Tahoe becomes a compelling option. It’s a capable filter pitcher for the price, although you’ll be sacrificing some filtration performance.
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This completes our review of the Brita Tahoe 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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