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2018’s Best Water Filter Pitcher Reviews
Welcome to Our 2018’s Water Filter Pitcher Reviews
Thanks to their simplicity, filter pitchers are one of the most popular types of water filters that money can buy. They are easy to use and clean, portable, don’t require installation and fit in most standard refrigerators. And most importantly, they are super affordable.
In other words: Using a water filter pitcher is an easy way to get great-tasting water. Sure, the water quality cannot keep up with what a good RO systems provides, however, sometimes having a bigger system is just not practical – especially if you are not ready to invest a lot of money.
This guide will help you find the best water purifier pitcher for your needs and protect you from wasting your hard-earned cash on an inferior product.
On This Page You Will…
Water Filter Pitcher Comparison
| Model | Our Rating | Price | Cups | Filt. Capacity | Replacement Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Best Water Filter Pitcher: Aquagear
|
Read Review | $$$ | 8 | 150 Gallons | $50 |
 Best Selling Water Filter Pitcher: Brita Everyday
|
Read Review | $ | 10 | 40/120 Gallons | $5-$15 |
 Best Water Filter Dispenser: Brita UltraMax |
Read Review | $ | 18 | 40/120 Gallons | $5-$15 |
 PUR Classic |
Read Review | $ | 11 | 30/40 Gallons | $6-$15 |
 ZeroWater |
Read Review | $ | 10 | 10-15 Gallons | $8-$15 |
 Best Alkaline Water Filter Pitcher: pH RESTORE |
Read Review | $$ | 8 | 96/264 Gallons | $16-$35 |
 No Green Light For: Soma Filter |
Read Review | $$ | 10 | 40 Gallons | $20 |
What to Consider When Buying a Water Filter Pitcher
What do you need to consider when buying a water filter pitcher?
Contaminant Removal
Most water filter pitchers use some sort of activated carbon to remove impurities, mainly chlorine, with the goal to improve water taste and odor. So, if all you want is to enjoy a refreshing glass of drinking water and you are not really concerned about removing certain contaminants for health reasons, a filter jug makes a great choice.
But there are also pitchers like the Aquagear that are capable of removing at least some of the nasty stuff that might be lurking in your water, such as lead, fluoride and VOCs. So the question really is: What is it that you want to accomplish?
If you are serious about removing all or at least the majority of harmful contaminants from your water at home, your best option is to invest in a reverse osmosis system (→Reviews)
You should also think about having your water tested before making a purchase.
Certifications
Pay special attention to certifications for NSF Standard 42 and 53. Standard 42 measures the removal of chlorine taste and smell. Standard 53 measures contaminant removal including heavy metals, inorganics (fluoride, nitrate/nitrite) and VOCs.
In addition, NSF Standard 401 – which is fairly new – addresses the removal of prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, herbicides, pesticides and chemical compounds. But not many filters are tested against this standard yet.
On a side note: These certifications do not guarantee that a water filter will remove a certain contaminant entirely, but to a significant extent.
Water Storage Volume
For pitchers, water storage volume (or capacity) is measured in cups. On this page, you will find models with a volume of 5 to 11 cups, which equals 0.31 to 0.69 gallons. Obviously, a low volume requires you to refill a pitcher multiple times per day. This is also why filter pitchers are not ideal for larger families and people with a high water demand. Because after each refill, you’ll have to wait for the water to run through the filter.
Water filter dispensers are often the better alternative here. The two dispensers we reviewed down below have a capacity of 18 cups (1.13 gallons) each. This should last for a whole day in a 2-person household. A family of 4 will likely need one additional refill.
Also, bear in mind that while dispenser have a spout, pitchers have to be lifted for pouring. And a full 10-cup pitcher can become quite heavy. Sure, this is not a deal breaker, but it’s inconvenient.
Filtration Capacity
For us, a pitcher’s initial price tag is secondary. What matters most are the running costs. These are determined by the price and lifespan of replacement filters:
- A filter’s lifespan depends on its filtration capacity. This determines how often you have to replace it.
- Capacities can range from 30 or 40 gallons of filtered water (last about 1 or 2 months) all the way up to 200 gallons (enough for 6 months).
So when you estimate costs, filtration capacity is definitely something you have to take into account. On the one hand, a more expensive filter may cost 30 bucks, but provides 150 gallons of clean water. On the other hand, the costs for 4 x 40-gallon filters at $10 each start to add up quickly.
And don’t forget that filters can often be bought in bulk, which lowers the price!
By the way, we are not into filter life indicators. Why? Because they are highly inaccurate and usually measure time instead of water usage. We recommend you to simply write down the date of the last filter replacement.
Filtration Speed
We already mentioned the time you have to wait after refilling a water filter pitcher before you actually get the chance to quench your thirst. How long you have to wait depends on filtration speed. Not all filters are created equal. Some are faster and some slower. And while fast filtration seems preferable, remember that thorough filtration takes time.
BPA-Free Materials
You want to make sure that all materials of a water filter pitcher are 100% BPA-free. Bisphenol A is commonly found in plastic and can leech into water over time. While at this point, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says that BPA does not require regulation, other sources have linked the substance to cancer and assume that it affects the development of fetuses and newborns.
Water Filter Pitcher Reviews
Best Water Filter Pitcher: Aquagear
Best Water Filter Pitcher: Aquagear
- Price: $$$
- Cups: 8
- Filt. Capacity: 150 gal
- Replacement Costs: $50
- BPA-free:
What We Like
The Aquagear water filter pitcher stands out for its high-capacity filters (one of the longest lasting we’ve seen) and their amazing filtration performance:
- 1. The filters last for about 150 gallons or 6 months before they need replacement. This is almost 4 times longer than the average filter lifespan.
- 2. If the lab reports on Aquagear’s official website are to be trusted, the filters are capable of removing fluoride (90%), lead and copper (to a degree that they’re undetectable), VOCs (almost 99%) and lots of other harmful stuff, such as arsenic (99.8%), nitrate (97.6%) and TTHMs (99%). In total, over 89 contaminants are removed. NSF Standards 42 and 53 are met.
These are the best test results we’ve ever seen for a pitcher water filter. Still, please keep in mind that this pitcher is to be used for municipal (city) water only. Since it doesn’t remove bacteria and viruses, it’s not suited for well water treatment.
What else do we got?
The filters are made in the USA, plus they are recyclable. All you have to do is send an email to recycle@goaquagear.com and you will get a response with a prepaid return shipping label.
And last but not least, Aquagear offers a lifetime guarantee on the pitcher. If it ever breaks, the company will replace it for free!
What We Don’t Like
Thorough filtration takes a little longer – and a lot longer in some cases. That’s something you have to accept, if you opt for the Aquagear pitcher. It’s probably best to refill the pitcher right before you go to bed. This way you can enjoy some refreshing drinking water first thing in the morning.
Our Verdict
The Aquagear water filter pitcher might be one of the more expensive pitchers on our list, but it’s also the most effective one for fluoride and lead removal and also eliminates dozens of other nasty contaminants.
We consider this the best water filtration pitcher for people on city water.
Best Selling Water Filter Pitcher: Brita Everyday
Best Selling Water Filter Pitcher: Brita Everyday
- Price: $
- Cups: 10
- Filt. Capacity: 40/120 gal
- Replacement Costs: $5-$15
- BPA-free:
Classic, Slim, Monterey, UltraMax. Brita offers a whole range of water filter pitchers and dispensers. Probably the brand’s most popular model is the Brita Everyday – a basic pitcher that’s simple to use and widely available. It’s one of the best selling water filter pitchers right now, but can it compete with the cream of the crop?
What We Like
Brita’s Everyday water filter pitcher is affordable for everyone, BPA-free and functional. That’s really the best way to describe it. A full pitcher can fill 10 cups of water making it ideal for families.
It features a compact gravity-fed design, so it won’t take up much space in your refrigerator. The lift-off lid allows for easy filling and access to the upper reservoir.
The filtration performance depends on what Brita filter you decide to install. By default, the Brita Everyday comes with a Brita Standard filter. This one is rated at 40 gallons and certified to remove bits of mercury, cadmium, copper, zinc and most importantly chlorine, which gives your water an unpleasant taste and smell.
Your second option is to use Brita Longlast filters. They have a filtration capacity of 120 gallons and can handle a wider range of contaminants including lead (99%), benzene (93%) and asbestos (99%).
Lead is highly toxic in low dosages, so if that’s something you are concerned about, we definitely recommend you to opt for Brita’s Longlast filters. Taking into account their extended lifetime, they have almost the same price tag as the standard version anyway.
You can find more information about Brita’s Longlast and Standard filters underneath this review.
As far as additional features are concerned, the Brita Everyday does not offer a digital filter life monitor, which we don’t really mind, as these are usually inadequate. Instead, you can write the day of the last filter replacement on a simple sticker and affix it to the pitcher.
What We Don’t Like
The Brita Everyday has three minor flaws:
- 1. Although it features seamless surfaces, the upper reservoir turns out to be quite difficult to remove, which is inconvenient for cleaning.
- 2. Using a Longlast filter, it’s hard to make it sit tight. If you do not get the filter in the right place, unfiltered water will leak into the lower reservoir.
- 3. The pitcher is a bit uncomfortable to hold.
Our Verdict
Brita’s Everyday pitcher combined with a Longlast filter is a quick fix for great tasting drinking water at a price that’s hard to beat. Sure, the pitcher lacks some of the fancy features and there are better filters available, but nonetheless, here we have a reliable pitcher-filter combo backed by more than 5,000 customer reviews on Amazon.
In our opinion, this is the best filter pitcher in terms of price-performance ratio, perfectly suited for mild levels of water contamination. If your water requires a more thorough filtration, though, you might want to check out our Aquagear water filter pitcher review.
Last but not least, the Brita Everyday and Longlast do not currently come in a bundle, so you will have to order them separately.
More on Brita Longlast & Brita Standard Filters
Brita Longlast
As stated above, Brita Longlast filters are certified to remove up to 99% of lead from water. FYI: Most other manufacturers don’t even list lead in their product descriptions. Above that, the filters help to reduce the amount of dissolved cadmium, asbestos and 7 other contaminants.
The additional NSF Standard 42 certification testifies that at least 97% of chlorine is filtered out. The result: A huge improvement in taste!
Filtration speed is decent.
1 filter cartridge can treat 120 gallons of water, which lasts for about 5 to 6 months before it needs replacement – 3 times longer than average. For comparison: A Brita Standard filter is rated to clean 40 gallons of water and needs to be changed every two months. Of course, fewer filter replacements also means lower costs.
On a side note: If you already own a Brita filter jug, chances are good that it’s actually compatible with Longlast filters. We know this to be the case for the following Brita pitcher models:
- Amalfi
- Capri
- Marina
- Metro
- Monterey
- Slim
- Ultramax
- …
Unfortunately, Longlast filters are incompatible with Brita Stream and Brita Infinity pitchers.
Brita Longlast Clogging Issue
In 2017, customers reported clogging issues with Brita Longlast filters after a couple of weeks use. According to Brita, about 3% of filters are affected. The root of the problem seems to be aerated tap water and Brita promised to provide a solution in early 2018. Whether or not Brita is still working on the issue right now, we do not know.
Brita Standard
The Brita Standard filter reduces the amount of mercury, cadmium, copper, zinc and chlorine in water. But compared to its cousin the Brita Longlast, it clearly lacks the effectiveness that we are all looking for.
In other words, if you have the choice between Longlast and Standard, we recommend you to go for the first option!
Best Water Filter Dispenser: Brita UltraMax
Best Water Filter Dispenser: Brita UltraMax
- Price: $
- Cups: 18
- Filt. Capacity: 40/120 gal
- Replacement Costs: $5-$15
- BPA-free:
We thought that we would continue this review series taking a look at the Brita UltraMax, although strictly speaking this is a water dispenser and not a pitcher.
The good news is that we don’t have to repeat everything we just said. As the Brita UltraMax dispenser can be used with both Brita’s Standard and Longlast filters, you can expect identical results in water quality.
What We Like
The Brita UltraMax water dispenser can hold up to 18 cups of water, or exactly 1.13 gallons. This means it’s one of the bigger pitchers/dispensers that we are going to discuss today. The advantage: You don’t have to refill it more than twice per day – also depending on the size of your family – which makes it ideal for larger households.
Thanks to the sleek design, the UltraMax can sit comfortably on your kitchen counter without taking up too much space. Alternatively, you can keep it on a shelf in your refrigerator, if you prefer to enjoy cold drinking water.
In addition, the unit has a solid construction. The polycarbonate plastic is great to keep everything nice and clean while not altering the taste of your water.
Filter life indicator? Nope. Again, we have the already familiar sticker solution, which allows us to write down the date of the last filter replacement and use that as a reminder.
2 new features are the spigot for easy water dispensing (even for kids) and the flip-top lid which makes refilling the dispenser a breeze, as there is no need to take it to the sink.
What We Don’t Like
Some refrigerators might be too small to accommodate the Brita UltraMax due to its height.
Above that, the upper reservoir (black piece) can be hard to take out. But without removing it, it’s impossible to rinse the whole unit to prevent bacteria and mold from accumulating in the bottom tank.
Our Verdict
A huge capacity, an easy-to-use spigot and a solid build. These features make the Brita UltraMax the best water filter dispenser for people that want to get rid of chlorine and lead in their drinking water. All in all, you get great value for money!
PUR Ultimate 18-Cup Water Filtration Dispenser
PUR Ultimate 18-Cup Water Filtration Dispenser
- Price: $$
- Cups: 18
- Filt. Capacity: 30/40 gal
- Replacement Costs: $6-$15
- BPA-free:
For direct comparison, we are going to review PUR’s highly popular 18-cup water filtration dispenser next.
What We Like
The PUR Ultimate can also store about 1.13 gallons of filtered water, so you don’t have to refill it more than once or twice a day.
You can tell from the design that with this filter dispenser, PUR really tried to save as much space as possible – and they did a great job! The dispenser is slim and allows for easy carrying to and from the sink. The build quality is remarkable and cleaning the inside of the unit is a piece of cake.
Naturally, only BPA-free materials were used, so you don’t have to worry about any plastic particles that might leak into your water.
For replacement filters, you can choose between PUR Basic and PUR Lead-Reducing. PUR Basic filters have a 40-gallon capacity and are NSF-certified to remove 96% mercury, 99.9% microbiological cysts, more than 96% of various trace level pharmaceuticals and also help to reduce lead.
In addition, the almost complete removal of chlorine and some of its byproducts – think TTHMs – helps to greatly improve the taste and smell of your water.
PUR’s Lead-Reducing filter is certified to eliminate 99% lead. Other than that, it also removes mercury, chlorine and a number of pesticides. Filtration capacity is a bit lower (30 gallons).
What We Don’t Like
Clogging seems to be a common issue with PUR filters. At some point, they simply won’t let any more water pass through. To solve the issue, some users say to shake the cartridges and tap them on your kitchen sink. This might work, however, it can’t really be the desired solution to the problem. In our opinion, PUR has to come up with a better fix.
Our Verdict
The PUR Ultimate water filtration dispenser leaves nothing to be desired. From a water purity point of view, PUR’s filters are in no way inferior to most of its competitors including the Brita Longlast. The only drawback is that filters tend to clog up much faster. Thus our verdict: 4 out of 5 stars!
PUR’s Classic 11-Cup Filter Pitcher
PUR’s Classic 11-Cup Filter Pitcher
- Price: $
- Cups: 11
- Filt. Capacity: 30/40 gal
- Replacement Costs: $6-$15
- BPA-free:
PUR’s Classic water purifier pitcher can store up to 11 cups of water and can be used with the same filters that also fit the PUR Ultimate dispenser. Therefore, water quality must be identical (see review above).
What We Like
- Easy to fill water into the top reservoir thanks to fill lid
- BPA-free materials
- Space-saving design to fit into your refrigerator door
- Narrow spout prevents spilling when pouring
What We Don’t Like
- Filter change indicator is rather useless, as it will flash after a certain time period, even if you didn’t use the pitcher
- Plastic is a bit fragile
Our Verdict
You can’t go wrong with the PUR Classic water filter pitcher. It’s a decent product with good filtration and only 2 minor flaws.
ZeroWater 10-Cup Pitcher (incl. Free Water Quality Meter)
ZeroWater
- Price: $
- Cups: 10
- Filt. Capacity: 10-15 gal
- Replacement Costs: $8-$15
- BPA-free:
What We Like
The ZeroWater 10-cup pitcher is up next. It’s known for removing up to 99.6% of TDS (Total Dissolved Solids). TDS is used as a measure that indicates aesthetic characteristics of drinking water (smell, taste, looks).
However, it’s important to understand that a TDS score of 0 does not automatically mean that water doesn’t contain any harmful contaminants. Why? Because TDS only measures dissolved solids, but not suspended substances. Still, if water purity is your priority, independent lab tests have shown that the ZeroWater pitcher filter makes one of the best choices.
By the way, if you want to measure the TDS in your water, you can simply use the free water quality meter that’s included in the package.
The device also makes it super convenient for you to change filters, as there’s no need to memorize the date of the last replacement anymore. All you have to do is check the purified water from time to time. Whenever the meter reads “006” or more, it’s time to install a new filter.
What’s more, the pitcher is certified to reduce lead as well as chromium and other heavy metals, several minerals, pesticides and herbicides.
It’s also a great choice if you want to get access to drinking water that doesn’t taste and smell as if it was drawn from a swimming pool.
Last but not least, there is a handy dispenser at the bottom of the pitcher’s handle. It allows you to dispense water without having to touch the pitcher itself. Although water flow is quite low, it’s a nice feature if you don’t feel like doing any heavy lifting.
What We Don’t Like
Almost every product has its drawbacks. The ZeroWater pitcher is no different:
Generally speaking, we found the pitcher difficult to use and refill. Trying to pour out the last sip of water would oftentimes lead to the filter falling out.
Furthermore, due to the sophisticated 5-stage filtration process, this pitcher is slower to fill. Actually, it’s one of the slowest water filter pitchers you can buy.
And lastly, filtration capacity is surprisingly low. 10 to 15 gallons won’t last for long, which means that replacement costs will add up quickly.
Our Verdict
Rating the ZeroWater pitcher is not easy to be honest. It does a great job at removing many harmful contaminants, however, filter replacement costs are relatively high and the fact that the filters keep falling out can get annoying after a while. Buying recommendation? Yes. The best pitcher water filter money can buy? Probably not.
Best Alkaline Water Filter Pitcher: pH RESTORE
Best Alkaline Water Filter Pitcher: pH RESTORE
- Price: $$
- Cups: 8
- Filt. Capacity: 96/264 gal
- Repl. Costs: $16-$35
- BPA-free:
What We Like
The pH RESTORE alkaline water filter pitcher sold by Invigorated Water is a tad more expensive than what we are used to. But considering the fact that 2 filters are included in the package, both with a 96-gallon filtration capacity, the price seems reasonable.
96 gallons per filter – that’s enough for about 5 months of drinking water, which means less replacement costs on your side.
But what’s really special about the filters is that they will make your water more alkaline by adding healthy minerals such as calcium and selenium to it.
At the same time, they remove 90% of chlorine, chloramine, VOCs and heavy metals, some organic and non-organic matter, and even a bit of fluoride.
If you upgrade the regular PH001 filters with optional PH002 cartridges, fluoride filtration becomes way more effective. In the end, about 80% will be removed.
The PH002 cartridges can also help to make your water safe for consumption by removing 99.9% of waterborne pathogens including colloids, parasites, cysts and protozoa. And their filtration capacity is extremely high: 264 gallons will last for at least 1 year!
A word on alkalinity: Using the pH RESTORE pitcher, the pH value of your water will increase by .5 to 2+ points. However, at this time, there seems to be no solid scientific evidence supporting the claim that alkaline water is any healthier than regular drinking water.
More pros:
- BPA-free
- Excellent customer feedback (one of the best rated water filter pitchers on Amazon)
- Lid with LCD display to count water usage for easy cartridge replacement
- Rubber base to avoid scraping on surfaces
What We Don’t Like
The biggest issue is that filters tend to clog. In order to fix this, you have to take them out and do some shaking and tapping. The only way of knowing if a filter is unclogged is by putting it back into the pitcher and run water over it. If the first attempt didn’t work, you have to repeat the whole process. It’s not a big deal, but it’s inconvenient.
Moreover, the filling reservoir is difficult to detach, which is important if you want to give your pitcher a good cleanse.
Our Verdict
It is up to you to decide about the health benefits of alkaline drinking water. One thing is for sure: The pH RESTORE is the best alkaline water filter pitcher we could find. It provides great tasting drinking water and comes with some nice additional features. On top of that, filtration capacity is huge, which helps to save money in the long run.
Brita Metro (Cheapest Filter Pitcher) & Brita Grand
Brita Metro (Cheapest Filter Pitcher)
- Price: $
- Cups: 5
- Filt. Capacity: 40/120 gal
- Replacement Costs: $5-$15
- BPA-free:
Brita Grand
- Price: $$
- Cups: 10
- Filt. Capacity: 40/120 gal
- Replacement Costs: $5-$15
- BPA-free:
What, even more Brita filter pitchers? Yes, but these are the last two – we promise.
What We Like
There is not much new to be said about the Brita Metro and Brita Grand pitcher. Both are compatible with Brita’s Standard and Longlast filters that we already covered in great detail above (click to jump).
What we like about the Brita Metro is that it’s super cheap. It costs about half as much as other models, but also provides only half of their capacity (too small for a family). The sleek design makes it perfect for 1 or 2 people with a crowded refrigerator.
Two more features are the electronic indicator that tracks when the filter needs to be replaced and the locking lid to prevent spilling.
Advantages of the Brita Grand? It comes in many bright colors (choose which one you like best!) and also has an electronic filter indicator.
What We Don’t Like
The Brita Grand has a so called “easy-fill lid”. However, the easy-fill lid turns out to be quite difficult to handle. It’s not only slippery when wet, it’s also hard to reach with your thumb, if you don’t want to use both hands.
On top of that, there is a second lid over the spout that keeps falling off while pouring.
Our Verdict
For all Brita water purifying pitchers, filtration performance is identical. So if that’s your biggest concern, it doesn’t really matter which pitcher you buy.
Nevertheless, we prefer the Brita Everyday (second review) over the Brita Grand, because it’s a tad cheaper and lacks all the annoying “features”.
We don’t have any complaints about the Brita Metro. Like we said, it’s cheap and perfect for everyone that doesn’t have enough refrigerator space to accommodate a larger unit.
Soma Water Filter Review
No Green Light For: Soma Filter
- Price: $$
- Cups: 10
- Filt. Capacity: 40 gal
- Replacement Costs: $20
- BPA-free:
We were asked to include the Soma 10-Cup water filter pitcher in this review series, so here it is:
What We Like
Soma is “on a mission to help end the global water crisis“. Basically, whenever someone buys a Soma filter, the company donates a part of the profit to water charity projects.
But that’s not all. Soma also offers a really elegant pitcher with a handle made from sustainable oak. The filter container is made from 65% plant-based materials and the filter itself uses wasted coconut shells. The overall goal is to offer a low-carbon footprint product and it works!
On top of that, Soma is not even as expensive as you might be thinking right now. Both pitcher and replacement filters come at a reasonable price.
What We Don’t Like
Unfortunately, the Soma water filter pitcher has many flaws:
- It does not do a very good job at chlorine removal. Although it’s NSF-certified against Standard 42, it leaves significant amounts of the chemical in the water.
- It does help to reduce a couple of heavy metals, but again not very effectively.
- It does not even touch fluoride or lead and most other contaminants.
- Due to a design flaw, the pitcher is difficult to clean.
Our Verdict
It’s a shame to say it, but the Soma water filter pitcher is just not very effective. As a user, you want a water filter that helps you to get rid of as many harmful contaminants as possible. This product won’t help you achieve that. Bottom line: No buying recommendation.
Nakii Long-Lasting Water Filter Pitcher
Nakii Water Filter Pitcher
- Price: $
- Cups: 7½
- Filt. Capacity: 150 gal
- Replacement Costs: $13
- BPA-free:
At first sight, this water filter pitcher by Nakii reminded us of the Soma model. Who is going to win the race?
What We Like
Made in the Far East, this 7½-cup pitcher has a very modern design and saves a lot of refrigerator space thanks to its almost rectangular shape.
It’s inexpensive, it’s quite sturdy and it even has a nice-looking handle (although that’s not real wood but imitation). Other than that, Nakii filters have an extended lifespan of 150 gallons (money saver!) and are certified to remove 97% of chlorine, mercury, rust, sediment and suspended particles. The result: Drinking water that tastes great.
The filters also reduce hardness minerals to a certain extent, which comes in handy if you struggle with very hard water.
What We Don’t Like
Initial filtration speed is pretty fast, but slows down considerably after a couple of days/weeks of using a new filter.
And since the upper reservoir is way too small, you can’t just fill it up and let the pitcher sit for 5 hours expecting that you will have half a gallon of filtered water on your return.
Lead reduction is inefficient – do not use this jug, if you struggle with lead in your water – and fluoride is left untouched.
We also heard customers complain about the top lid sliding off and breaking while trying to pour water into a glass.
Our Verdict
It’s kind of surprising that hundreds of happy customers vouch for this product on Amazon. Sure, it’s inexpensive, but it’s not crazy cheap and the upper reservoir is way too small. Also, filtration performance leaves much to be desired. All in all, this filter might be suited for chlorine removal and that’s about it.
Seychelle Dual Filter Pitcher
Seychelle Dual Filter Pitcher
- Price: $$$$
- Cups: 8
- Filt. Capacity: 200 gal
- Replacement Costs: $60
- BPA-free:
The reason why we chose to review the Seychelle dual filter pitcher was that we wanted to find out how a high-end (or shall we say high-priced?) pitcher compares to the Average Joe model.
What We Like
Well, we can say this much:
- As the name suggests, the Seychelle dual filter pitcher uses two filter cartridges instead of one. Obviously, this allows for faster filtration, which means that you always have filtered water at the ready – great for large families.
- Filtration performance is truly outstanding. Test reports published on seychelle.com show that the dual filters effectively remove lead (97.5%), fluoride (90%), nitrite (95%) and lots of other contaminants like trace metals, VOCs and pesticides.
- Filters are rated at 100 gallons each, which makes up for the high price tag. You will still end up paying more, though.
- The seller also provides the following tip: If you rinse the filters once every 3-4 weeks, you can flush out some of the contaminants that have accumulated. It’s an easy fix to increased filtration speed with aged filters and save money at the same time.
What We Don’t Like
Almost all filters that process water thoroughly are prone to clogging. In some cases, after a couple of days all you get is a slow drip. This requires much more frequent filter changes – better prepare for skyrocketing costs.
Our Verdict
There is no doubt that the Seychelle dual filter pitcher provides high-quality drinking water 100% safe for consumption. The only problem is that it’s not really suited for water containing many hardness minerals, as they will cause filters to clog. Taking into account the high price tag, in our opinion it makes more sense to install an RO filter system under your kitchen sink.
MAVEA Elemaris XL Water Filtration Pitcher Review
MAVEA Elemaris XL
- Price: $$$
- Cups: 9
- Filt. Capacity: 40 gal
- Replacement Costs: $7-$11
- BPA-free:
The last in our pitcher water filter reviews series is the MAVEA Elemaris XL. As far as we understand, MAVEA exited the North American market a while ago. Nevertheless, the pitcher plus replacement filters are still available on Amazon.com and according to MAVEA, this is not going to change anytime soon.
What we know for sure is that replacement parts for broken filters are not available anymore. We figured this to be important information that we do not want to withhold from you.
What We Like
The biggest advantage of MAVEA filters is that they work consistently over time, which is nice for two reasons:
- You get filtered water faster and without long waiting times.
- You don’t have to change filters as often, so no additional costs that you did not anticipate.
Also, filters are certified against NSF Standards 42 + 53 and most effective at chlorine reduction – not so with lead – which is something you can clearly taste. Prices for replacement filters are in the usual range.
Rubber material is used on the pitcher’s feet and handle. This makes it much more comfortable to hold and prevents scraping on surfaces.
On top of that, you can pour water from the jug without spilling, even if there is still unfiltered water in the top reservoir. You can’t do this with many other pitchers. Plus all parts can be removed for easy cleaning and to prevent bacterial growth.
What We Don’t Like
The filter life indicator assesses time instead of water usage (MAVEA claims that it also factors in water hardness, but how?). Therefore, every 2 months or so the indicator will tell you that it’s time for a filter replacement, even if you didn’t use the pitcher at all.
Our Verdict
Amazon user ratings for both the MAVEA pitcher and filter are excellent. Literally thousands of customers are convinced that this combination is all they need to enjoy a glass of clean, clear and safe drinking water. And so are we – 4 out of 5 stars!
What Is the Best Water Filter Pitcher for Well Water?
We recommend all our readers that rely on well water to conduct a water quality test. If you want to learn more about how to filter well water, you can do so here.
Most well water contains impurities in quantities that you won’t find in municipal tap water. Not all of these impurities are harmful, but chances are high that a certain proportion will pose a serious threat to your health.
And in contrast to city water, well water doesn’t get any pre-treatment before it enters your home. Therefore, it may contain a whole range of microorganisms that can cause gastrointestinal illnesses and infections – even though it looks clean. These microorganisms are the reason why water filter pitchers are not suitable for well water filtration.
If your well water is pathogen-free, it’s still likely to be polluted with different heavy metals, pesticides, nitrates/nitrites etc. In this case, we believe that the Aquagear water filter pitcher is by far the best pitcher for the job.
Brita vs PUR vs Aquagear vs ZeroWater vs MAVEA vs Soma
Brita and PUR both offer many different water filter pitcher models and also a number of dispensers at an affordable price tag. Both brands are very popular among users and allow for basic water contaminant removal. Brita’s Longlast and PUR’s Lead-Reducing replacement filters can even be used to tackle lead. Bottom line: Best budget water filters.
The Aquagear water filter pitcher is a premium model offering by far the best filtration performance. If you are concerned about certain contaminants in your water, this is the best water purifier pitcher for you.
ZeroWater’s 10-cup filter pitcher focuses on reducing TDS. However, in our opinion TDS is not the best measure to determine water quality. And while the model is great for chlorine removal etc., it has its flaws – think clogging filters.
The MAVEA Elemaris XL is another high-end filter pitcher that provides great tasting drinking water. It’s most effective at chlorine reduction and is backed by thousands of positive customer reviews. The only drawback: MAVEA has exited the North American market and the question remains: For how long will replacement filters be available?
Last but not least, the Soma 10-cup water filter pitcher. It’s nice-looking, but that’s about it (we know this sounds hard). We appreciate the brand’s efforts to offer a product with a low-carbon footprint and the fact that Soma supports water charity projects, but still, this filter is just not very effective.
Other Filter Types:
More on Water Filter Pitchers
In section 1, we reviewed some the best home water filter pitchers on the market. Next, we are going to tackle some of the most common questions our readers have about this special type of filter.
Do Water Filter Pitchers Really Work?
The question if water filter pitchers (or jugs) really work refers to the level of water purity that they can provide. Of course, whole house water filters, RO systems and countertop filters do a better job at removing a wide range of contaminants, nevertheless, filter pitchers do have their right of existence.
They are best suited to give people immediate access to drinking water free from chlorine odor and taste and some models will even help to get rid of toxic lead and other unwelcome impurities.
How Do Water Filter Pitchers Work?
Water filter pitchers have a top reservoir that holds all the unfiltered water. Attached to the reservoir are one or two filter cartridges. Gravity forces the water to pass through the filter(s) and therefore no extra energy is required. The filtered water is then collected in a storage tank at the bottom of the pitcher. Whenever you pour water out, it exits the pitcher without passing through the filter(s) a second time.
Most pitcher filters use granular activated carbon or a carbon block as the primary filter medium. The carbon is mainly derived from coconut shells. Usually, these shells are “activated” by heating them in an inert atmosphere or through chemical activation.
Activated carbon, also known as activated charcoal, adsorbs impurities dissolved in liquid or gas and traps them in its surface. Because the carbon can only adsorb a certain amount of impurities, carbon filters need to be replaced after some time.
More sophisticated filters might also feature an ion exchange resin to conquer heavy metals and minerals. Zeolite and similar filtration layers allow for a more thorough filtration.
What Contaminants Are Removed?
Carbon filters are most effective at removing chlorine, which is used as a disinfectant to kill waterborne pathogens in municipal water utilities. Carbon filters can also be used to remove TTHMs, also known as disinfection byproducts, which are cancer-causing contaminants that form during chlorine water treatment.
Some carbon water filters are even suited to eliminate Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs) that enter our water systems as agricultural runoff, giardia and cryptosporidium.
Do Alkaline Water Pitchers Work?
Yes, they do. Alkaline water filters contain granular minerals that increase the pH value of water. The minerals simply dissolve into the water. However, the claim that alkalinized water provides any health benefits has yet to be substantiated.
How Much Water Does A Pitcher Hold?
It looks like we’ve already answered this question: Regular pitchers can hold anywhere between 5 to 11 cups of water.
Brita, PUR, Aquagear, ZeroWater… – How Often to Change Filters
Manufacturers rate their filters based on how many gallons of purified water they can provide before they need replacement. This means that the easiest way to know when to change a filter is by making a quick note of the replacement date and your individual water usage. Another specification are replacement cycles, such as 2 or 6 months.
The standard filter rating is 40 gallons or 2 months usage. Other filters such as the Aquagear are rated at 150 gallons.
Both estimates can vary depending on how much chlorine and other contaminants are present in your water. Water that contains lots of impurities causes filters to wear out more quickly. This especially applies to water with high mineral content that often leads to clogging.
Other factors that indicate an imminent filter replacement are a change in water taste and slowing filtration.
Table: When to Replace Filters
| Filter Model | Rating | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Brita Standard | 40 gallons | 2 months |
| Brita Longlast | 120 gallons | 6 months |
| PUR Basic | 40 gallons | 2 months |
| PUR Lead-Reducing | 30 gallons | 2 months |
| ZeroWater | 10-15 gallons | 2-3 weeks |
| Invigorated Living PH001 | 96 gallons | 4-5 months |
| Invigorated Living PH002 | 264 gallons | 12 months |
| Aquagear | 150 gallons | 7-8 months |
| Soma | 40 gallons | 2 months |
| Nakii | 150 gallons | 7-8 months |
| Seychelle | 100 gallons per filter | 5 months |
| MAVEA Maxtra | 40 gallons | 2 months |
If you have any questions about water filter pitchers or any other type of water filter really, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
And don’t forget to come back to this page from time to time, as we are going to add new water pitcher filter reviews occasionally.
