Years ago, most people used to get their drinking water from wells or harvested rain in big containers. Its degree of cleanliness, although questionable, was not a high priority. Since 1908, drinking water started being routinely treated and disinfected to obtain clearer and cleaner water supplies and to fight water-related diseases. However, despite all the precautions taken, how clean is tap water? Could you rely on it as a reliable potable water supply?
If your goal is to get clean water without having to spend thousands on an expensive filtration system, then you’ll want to follow this review of the best Water Filter Pitchers. With all the different choices on the internet, it is not an easy feat to find the appropriate pitcher for your specific needs. This water filter pitcher comparison of the best 15 on the market will leave you with a clearer idea of which one meets your needs. With different designs, types of filters, and prices, we’ll give you all the information to compare and make your purchase easier.
Contents
- Best Water Filter Pitchers Review
- ZeroWater 23-Cup Jug – Best overall
- Clearly Filtered Clean Water Filter Pitcher
- ZeroWater ZP-010
- PUR Classic 11-Cup Water Filter Pitcher
- BRITA Everyday Pitcher – Most popular
- Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher
- BRITA Atlantis Water Filter Pitcher
- Brita 42629 Slim Water Filter Pitcher
- PUR PPT700WAM PPT700W Pitcher, 7 Cups
- Invigorated Living pH Restore Alkaline – Best Alkaline Water Pitcher
- Seychelle pH20
- LifeStraw Home Glass Water Filter Pitcher
- EHM Ultra Premium Pitcher
- AquaBliss 10-Cup Water Filter Pitcher
- BRITA Stream Filter-As-You-Pour Water Pitcher
- Why Should We Filter Tap Water?
- How Is Water Tested?
- What To Consider When Buying A Water Filter Pitcher
Best Water Filter Pitchers Review
ZeroWater 23-Cup Jug – Best overall
The ZeroWater 23-Cup Jug comes in a larger capacity than the standard water filter pitcher and an advanced water filtration system. This helps remove 99% of the lead in the water as well as Chlorine and salt without affecting the taste. Thanks to its high ability of contaminant removal, the water filter jug stands at the top of this water filter pitcher review.
This filter is certified for Lead and Chromium removal by the NSF. It is highly rated by users who praise the similarity between the taste of its filtered water and the purified water. Additionally, with its slim and smart design, it will take less space in your fridge without compromising the capacity of your filtered water.
Pros
- Bigger capacity than the standard 10 cups pitcher.
- Efficient water filtration system and a non-acidic water taste.
Cons
- Slower flow rate because of the time consuming 5-stage filtration system.
The verdict
This is one of the most prominent water filter pitchers you’ll find on the market. Although the bigger capacity compromises the speed of filtering, we believe that the final result is what matters most. We consider the ZeroWater 23-Cup Jug the best for big families and quality seekers.
Clearly Filtered Clean Water Filter Pitcher
With the motto: “Our water pitcher removes more chemicals and contaminants than the top 5 leading brands COMBINED!” on Amazon, Clearly Filtered Clean Water Filter Pitcher is a powerhorse when it comes to the Best Filter Pitchers.
Due to the efficiency of its filtering technology, Affinity, which succeeds in removing lead, more than 200 contaminants including Fluorine up to 98.2%, Perfluorinated chemicals with a removal percentage of 98.2%, Herbicides until 99,9% and heavy metals (99,9%).
If you thought that was the end of it, then you’ll be greatly surprised to know that it also extracts Radiological Elements and VOCs with a success rate of 99,9% to keep your filtered water as pure as it could be!
Pros
- Powerful removal of more than 200 contaminants.
- Made of strong, medically approved materials including carbon and Tritan plastic.
- Lifetime replacement warranty.
- Lid seals water inside the reservoir to prevent any cases of contamination
Cons
- There were few cases of water leaking around the filter.
The verdict
Amongst all the pitchers on the list, The Clearly Pitcher is the one that removes the most impurities. Despite a limited capacity of 10 cups, you’ll never be out of filtered water as long as the reservoir is refilled. We are satisfied with it and recommend it if you want the purest water a water filter can offer.
ZeroWater ZP-010
As stated before, ZeroWater is one of the best brands of Water Filter Pitchers around. Besides offering a larger capacity, they have proved their adequate and sufficient filtering qualities thanks to various lab tests. ZeroWater ZP-010, 10 Cup Water Filter Pitcher ranks amongst the top best Filter Pitchers considering its advanced Five Stage water filtration technology. It will remove lead, Chlorine, dissolved solids, and minerals from your water up to 99.6%.
Buyers of this Filter Pitcher left positive feedback about its TDS meter, which tests your water and levels of contaminants in it. They judge it as a perfect alternative to bottled water.
Pros
- NSF certified to reduce Chromium, lead, and heavy metals.
- Improves the taste of filtered water without adding any unwanted flavors.
- Introduces two different options for pouring water.
Cons
- The jar can be fragile and should be handled cautiously.
- The lid might come off if not securely sealed.
The verdict
Although this one is relatively more expensive than other Water Filter Pitchers of the same size, it still has qualities that back up its price tag. The NSF certification and the taste improvement both make it worth purchasing. The only thing to keep in mind is that it might be slower than you’d prefer.
PUR Classic 11-Cup Water Filter Pitcher
Taste and capability are your goals? This water filtration pitcher would be the perfect choice for you! It has a large capacity of 11 cups and the ability to remove 99% lead in your water. Following various reviews of the PUR CR1100C Classic 11 Cup Water Pitcher, its users state how distinct is the taste from its filtered water compared to tap water.
The PUR Filter Pitchers are manufactured by Helen of Troy. The company has specifically made this pitcher of a PBA free material. They have also customized it with a built-in LED indicator, which displays the status of filters and reminds you of when they should be replaced.
Despite its different features, this PUR water filtration pitcher does not remove biological contaminants such as bacteria as well as Fluoride. It most suited to filter tap water for a purer result.
Pros
- Built-in light reminder for filter replacement.
- NSF/ANSI Standard 42 certified for Chlorine and zinc removal.
Cons
- Slower filtration speed compared to other water Filtration Pitchers.
- It does not filter the water of Fluorine or any biological contaminants.
The verdict
The PUR Classic Water Filter Pitcher would be a wise purchase. It offers good filtration for tap water and keeps you on track with filter replacement. It is a proper pitcher that you’ll want to check out.
BRITA Everyday Pitcher – Most popular
If you are looking for an affordable, standard-sized filter pitcher that does the job, then your search stops here. Just like its name states, BRITA Everyday Pitcher offers a satisfactory filtering mechanism for daily use.
As a result of its wide popularity and good reputation, the BRITA brand is a go-to when it comes to water-filtering pitchers. One of the main qualities of BRITA Everyday Pitcher is its capability to extract Chlorine and reduce zinc as well as remove the bad taste and odor of unfiltered water. It also comes with a reminder to review your filter and points to encourage you to recycle your filter to protect the environment.
Since this water filtration pitcher is mainly aimed for everyday use, it does not rate high when it comes to removing chromium-6, biological contaminants, Fluoride, and lead.
Pros
- NSF/ANSI 42 certified for chlorine extraction.
- Very affordable.
Cons
- Can crack or break if handled indelicately.
- It does not filter lead entirely and leaves it above the EPA standard.
The verdict
This is one of the most popular ones when it comes to water filtering. We like it the best amongst all the BRITA products because it is less expensive and works just fine. You’ll be getting your money’s worth with the BRITA Everyday Pitcher.
Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher
This filter is not only certified by different ISO 17025-accredited laboratories, but it is also certified to exceed NSF standards 42 and 53. Its high capacity of 2 quarts and long-lived filter of 150 gallons puts it on the top of the list. Aquagear filters toxins such as Chlorine, Fluoride, Lead, and volatile organic compounds and keeps your water clear and free of most impurities that affect your health and that of your loved ones.
You can test Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher for 30 days risk-free. It is made of recyclable materials free of BPA, which seeps from pitchers into water.
Pros
- It is certified to remove 89 contaminants over the last decade thanks to independent tests. This guarantees good filtering and fresh, clean water.
- Its high capacity holds up to 150 gallons of water before needing any replacement.
Cons
- It is not advised to use it with unclean water from wells despite its reputation of filtering copper.
- It does not remove salt, and there are some difficulties related to its pouring mechanism.
The verdict
If you are serious about Fluoride and Lead removal, then Aquagear is going to be best for you. We like how it balances between good performance and big capacity without having any significant flaws.
BRITA Atlantis Water Filter Pitcher
Thanks to the popularity of this model and the high demands it sees, we could not overlook it. Equipped with a space-saving aerodynamic design and a smaller capacity, it would be ideal for your personal use either at home or while traveling. It is slim, thin, and sleek but still able to make your drinking water clear due to the prominent Brita filtration system.
Not only does it clean your water from mercury and copper and relieves it of chlorine taste and odor, but Brita Atlantis also reminds you of the due date of your filters with an indicator feature.
Pros
- Lighter than the BRITA 10 cups model.
- Ergonomic design.
- Enables quick and smooth pouring.
Cons
- It might not be enough for a larger family.
- Unavailable at times because of the high demand
The verdict
Contrary to other pitchers of the BRITA brand, the BRITA Atlantis shows a fester pouring flow. Combined with its lightweight feature and great filtering abilities, we give this pitcher a high rating and recommendation.
Brita 42629 Slim Water Filter Pitcher
Coupled with its excellent quality and small size, this water filter pitcher manufactured by BRITA removes up to 70 pollutants. The technology behind it is based on the activated exchange between carbon and ion. The additional coconut base will leave your water flavorful and free of impurities.
Furthermore, it is made of BPA-free materials and safety approved acrylic, bundled up in a clean-cut design. Thanks to its small size and ice core rod, it will fit perfectly in your refrigerator and keep your water secure.
Pros
- Flavor-infused thanks to its Fruit Infusion Pitcher.
- Filter durability for up to two months.
Cons
- Complaints of the acidic taste.
The verdict
Brita 42629 Slim Water Filter Pitcher is perfect for mini-fridge storage; it fits right any and doesn’t take much space. It also filters water nicely, so you won’t regret giving it a chance.
PUR PPT700WAM PPT700W Pitcher, 7 Cups
This relatively small water filter pitcher is based on the MAXION Filter Technology. It will filter your water by reducing the levels of mercury (96%), harmful pharmaceutical pollutants (94%), and industrial contaminants (95%). The PUR PPT700WAM PPT700W Pitcher relies on the activated exchange of carbon and ion to reduce chlorine levels and improve water taste.
Similar to other Pitchers from the same brand, it holds up to 40 gallons for one to two months before it demands a replacement of its filter. Some buyers have encountered difficulties filling the pitcher fully in one go, so you might want to fill it gradually until completely full. However, its interesting design offers you more capacity than the usual 7 cups Water Filter Pitcher.
Pros
- Reduce 70+ contaminants.
- Quick access to filtered, chlorine-free water.
Cons
- Slow filtering.
- Few accidents of leakage from the lid
- Questionable hinge durability.
The verdict
At under $15, the PUR PPT700WAM cleans water from chemicals and Chlorine taste/smell and offers a good price/quality ratio.
Invigorated Living pH Restore Alkaline – Best Alkaline Water Pitcher
The Invigorated Living pH Restore Alkaline is not your usual water pitcher; its name alone is proof enough of how superior it is. If that’s not enough to persuade you, then its elegant design and exclusive technology will do the deed. This pitcher not only removes 99.9% of all biological pollutants, but it also improves your health by mineralizing 96 gallons of your filtered water. But that’s not it; it has a digitally built-in gauge, which indicates the end of your filter’s life capacity.
Pros
- Lonises and mineralizes your water
- Equipped with an opening on the lid to quickly filling water
Cons
- It will over mineralize filtered water after 24 and cause it to be stale and foggy.
The verdict
The pH Restore pitcher is one of the best Alkaline Water Pitchers. It does not only clean water but especially adds minerals to it to improve your health. With its various qualities, you’ll save money and gain mineralized pre-water.
Seychelle pH20
After years of studies and tests, Seychelle Environmental Technologies, Inc. finally introduced an exclusive feature of pH enhancement. With its antioxidant properties and removal of harmful pollutants (inorganic, chemical and aesthetic contaminants), Seychelle pH20 secured its spot on the top 15 best Water Filter Pitchers. This pitcher is a multi-player because of its various qualities: It will keep your water alkalized while cleaning it from unhealthy contaminants and Enhance pH levels up to 9.5.
Users gave positive feedback to the results they got, with no mentions of a bad aftertaste and resulting hydration and health improvement.
Pros
- Maintains healthy minerals.
- Save money on buying bottles of water with high pH levels.
Cons
- Customers have stated that pH drops if water reaches the filter line.
The verdict
If pH Restore is the best Alkaline Pitchers, then Seychelle pH20 doesn’t go far behind.
LifeStraw Home Glass Water Filter Pitcher
This water filter Pitcher has it all. It has blended aesthetics and ability in order to offer you a modern-looking, shatter-resistant glass housing pitcher that will protect you against parasites and bacteria that roams in your water. Despite its robust filtration system, the LifeStraw Home Glass water pitcher does not remove healthy minerals such as potassium and magnesium.
Its sleek housing that contains a microfilter retains up to 24 gallons with an Activated Carbon and Ion Exchange filter with a capacity of 40 gallons.
Pros
- Strong filtration technology.
- Glass housing filter.
- Easily manipulated lid
Cons
- Filter lid breaks easily
The verdict
Water Filter Pitchers that are made of glass are not as common as their plastic counterparts. We recommend it for its 2-stage filtration and attractive aesthetics. However, you’ll want to be extra careful with this one because it might break easily.
EHM Ultra Premium Pitcher
EHM Ultra Premium Alkaline Water filter does what it is intended to do. Its filtration system cleans and mineralizes your water. Another advantage it offers is the increase of pH levels from 7.0 to 9.0, which will transform your stale water into a healthy and potent alternative. However, his pitcher could benefit from minor improvements such as a more fitted lid which requires changing occasionally and a new solution for the clogged cartridge
Pros
- Better taste.
- Increase of pH levels.
Cons
- Clogged cartridge.
- Loose lid.
The verdict
This pitcher is known and positively judged for its effectiveness and ease of maintenance. It does not only produce Alkaline, but it will also save you money thanks to the long life of its cartridge.
AquaBliss 10-Cup Water Filter Pitcher
Despite being a product of a small family business, the affordable AquaBliss 10-Cup Water Filter Pitcher does not disappoint. Its high speed when it comes to filtering and flushing toxins from your water makes it deserve its place on this list. The pitcher reduces levels of Chlorine and impurities and improves the taste of your drinking water while removing the bad smell and replacing it with the sweet smell of fresh apples.
Pros
- Fresh, flavorful water.
- Beautiful design
- Easily stored in your refrigerator
Cons
- Small opening
- Plastic instead of glass
The verdict
With a capacity of 10 cups, 5 stage filtration, and chlorine removal efficiency.
BRITA Stream Filter-As-You-Pour Water Pitcher
Brita has once again made this list, and deservingly so. Although smaller than other pitchers of the same brand, this Brita Stream Filter-As-You-Pour Water Pitcher holds its weight thanks to the various advantages it offers.
This model is based on a BRITA Stream System, which filters your water as you pour it. It removes chlorine taste, cleans and filters ice and cold water.
Pros
- Easy to use.
Cons
- Slow flow.
The verdict
If you care about the ease of handling a Water Filter Pitcher, then this one will be a good fit for you. While it filters fewer impurities than other Water Filter Pitchers, it still cleans water and removes chlorine smell and odor.
Why Should We Filter Tap Water?
Water follows different steps of filtration before it could go through municipal pipes to reach you through your taps. It goes through:
- Filtration: It removes suspended impurities in the water. The efficiency of the filter depends on the size of the particles suspended in the water. The higher the volume of these objects, the greater the filtering efficiency.
- Distillation processes: It is a simple process based on a system of evaporation and condensation, after which we are left with a clearer liquid consisting of water only, with lesser levels of salt.
- Antiseptics: these chemicals sterilize water, such as Chlorine.
There are also some other more complicated processes. However, all this does not guarantee the full filtration of water. That’s why, if you want to get rid of impurities in your water seriously, you should invest in a functional Water Filter Pitcher.
How Is Water Tested?
These are the main types of tests that water follows to check its portability:
- Mineral tests: They aim to verify the level of concentration of some minerals in drinking water, such as calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, and zinc. The high concentration of these minerals can be harmful to health.
- Bacterial tests: They aim to ensure that water is free from some bacterial compounds that cause diseases, such as Arsenicosis, Polio, Trachoma, and Typhoid fever.
- Organic chemical tests: These tests are emergency tests. It can only be conducted if the water is mixed with some pollutants, such as pesticides, petroleum products, and industrial waste.
- Other tests: Drinking water can be examined to check the presence of some very dangerous special pollutants, such as radioactive materials and heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, and cadmium.
What To Consider When Buying A Water Filter Pitcher
Here are a few points to keep in mind and concentrate on when you want to purchase a proper Water Filter Pitcher.
Removing Impurities
In order to reduce harmful compounds such as lead and Chlorine, water filtration pitchers use various methods such as the one mentioned above. This process results in improvements in watercolor, taste, and odor. A good water pitcher will clear your water, keep it fresh and bacteria-free.
But a great Water Filter Pitcher will reduce all kinds of nasty impurities of your water and add healthy minerals to it, saving you time and money.
BPA-Free Materials
BPA stands for bisphenol A. BPA, which is a chemical found in polycarbonate plastic. It can discharge from containers into the water and might cause serious health issues such as increased blood pressure. The materials of your water filtration pitcher should be 100% BPA-free to ensure that your drinking water is not contaminated.
NSF Certifications
NSF certifications are not mere big words to sell out pitchers; they are actual measurements that prove whether your filtration system is up to NSF standards 42 and 53. These standards measure the percentage of Chlorine (both taste and odor) and the presence of toxic compounds such as lead and VOCs.
Other NSF standards highlight the removal of biological compounds and organic chemicals. You should pay attention to these certifications in order to assess the quality of your pitcher.
Water filling Capacity
The water filter pitcher capacity is a valuable asset. You’ll be able to know if it’ll be enough for your personal use, depending on how large your family is. Water retention volume differs from one pitcher to another, from 5 cups to 32 cups and beyond. For pitchers, the water storage volume is measured in cups or gallons; this dictates the frequency of refilling.
Filtration Speed
This is an important point when it comes to water filtration. Different pitchers have different filtering speeds. If you care about time and want to get fresh water as fast as you can, we advise you to pay extra attention to this feature while choosing your pitcher.
Water Filtering Capacity
Filters are replaceable items when it comes to water pitchers. They vary depending on their lifespan and capacity. Some filters can go from one to two months, while others can withstand use for up to four months.
Disregarding filtering capacity can undermine the use of your pitcher. However expensive or cheap it is, if it does not filter as much water as you’re normally using, you’ll be left with a bad choice of water filtering pitch. It varies from 40 gallons to 200 gallons, which means it could be enough for 6 months of use.
Some pitchers even come with digital indicators, either LEDs or small screens, to let you know when your filter should be replaced.
