Buying guide for best water filter pitchers
From boosting energy to help your body absorb nutrients to lubricating your joints, there are plenty of reasons to drink water. But if your tap water is contaminated or you don’t like the taste, you might not be drinking enough. Bottled water gets expensive and creates unnecessary plastic waste, but with a water filter pitcher, you can enjoy delicious, contaminant-free water in a cost-effective, eco-friendly way whenever you want.
Water filter pitchers are an alternative to built-in water filters that may require professional installation. These freestanding pitchers contain one or more replaceable filters that improve taste and remove odors from tap water. Many also remove common contaminants, such as chlorine and mercury. And most are designed to fit in the fridge.
We researched water filter pitchers and chose the Brita Large Water Filter Pitcher as our top pick. Its upgraded filter removes many common contaminants like chlorine and lead, and an indicator tells you it’s time for a new filter. If you’re on a budget, the extra-large Brita UltraMax Filtering Dispenser is worth considering. It holds enough water for a family but is still compact enough to fit in the fridge.
Our list: The best water filter pitchers
This pitcher takes the top spot on our list because of its great performance and convenience. If you drink a lot of water, this pitcher’s 10-cup capacity cuts down on refills throughout the day. It comes with a Brita Elite filter with advanced carbon core technology to remove up to three times more contaminants than standard Brita filters. That means it filters out 99% of contaminants including chlorine, lead, cadmium, mercury, benzene and asbestos. In addition to improved performance, the Elite filter lasts longer, effectively filtering 120 gallons. The pitcher is designed to fit in a fridge, and you can refill it without removing the lid. Best of all, its precise electronic indicator tells you when it’s time for a new filter. Made of sturdy BPA-free plastic, this pitcher holds up well no matter how often you use it.
If you have a large household, this water filter dispenser is an excellent value because it holds up to 27 cups and is designed to fit in your fridge. This dispenser is compatible with Brita Standard and Elite filters, so you can filter between 40 and 120 gallons before needing a replacement. A convenient sticker reminds you when to change the filter. The water filters through quickly, so you can enjoy delicious water whenever you want. This dispenser is also made of durable BPA-free plastic, with a locking lid and precision spigot to prevent leaks.
This 10-cup pitcher uses next-level filtration to remove contaminants like lead, chlorine, microplastics and trace pharmaceuticals from tap water. However, unlike similar filter pitchers, it does not remove beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium from the water. The compatible filters last a long time, filtering up to 120 gallons before needing replacement. You can also feel good about using this pitcher. With every pitcher and filter purchased, the brand contributes to building biosand filters for families without access to clean water in Tanzania. The pitcher is guaranteed for life, providing you with protection in case it ever breaks, and the company offers free filter recycling.
With five-stage filtration, this 10-cup water pitcher is one of the most effective at removing total dissolved solids (TDS), including both organic and inorganic materials like metals, salts and minerals, filtering out 99.6% to significantly improve the taste of water. The filter is NSF-certified to remove lead, chlorine, chromium, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) too. The BPA-free pitcher has a pull-and-pour spout to fill glasses and water bottles without spills. And it comes with a TDS meter to help you monitor your drinking water’s safety. The slim design makes it a perfect fit for small and compact refrigerators.
This BPA-free pitcher is the most expensive on our list, but it does more than just filter out 99.9% of contaminants like lead, mercury, asbestos, chromium and fluoride. It also enhances the pH of your water to up to 9.5 to give you all the health benefits of alkaline water. It makes the perfect base for acidic drinks like coffee, tea and lemonade too. The filter lasts for 100 gallons before needing replacement, and the filters are made in the United States in an ISO-certified facility to ensure that they meet the highest standards. There is an indicator to make sure you change the filter on time.
The most affordable water filter pitcher on our list, this 7-cup, BPA-free model uses activated carbon and ion exchange media to remove two times more chemical and physical substances than similar pitchers. It’s particularly effective at filtering out chlorine to improve the taste of tap water. Each filter lasts for up to 40 gallons. The pitcher is slim enough to fit in most fridge doors to maximize space. The tight-fitting lid and comfortable handle prevent spills when pouring a glass or filling your reusable bottle. An indicator light lets you know when it’s time for a new filter. This pitcher is also dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
This BPA-free model is certified by the Water Quality Association (WQA) to reduce chlorine, copper, mercury and benzene in tap water. Each filter lasts for 40 gallons of water, and an electronic reminder in the lid lets you know when it’s time to change the filter. The 10-cup pitcher’s slim design easily fits on most refrigerator shelves. All of the components except the lid are dishwasher safe to make cleaning easier.
This 10-cup water filter pitcher is the perfect blend of form and function, removing chlorine, cadmium, mercury, copper and zinc while boasting a stylish appearance. The BPA-free pitcher is shatterproof, so it’s durable enough for children to use. It also has a striking handle made of sustainable bamboo that sets it apart from similar pitchers. Filters are made with 60% plant-based and renewable materials, including activated coconut shell carbon and charcoal, for a lower carbon footprint. The pitcher is easy to refill because you can add water without removing the lid.
Unlike many water filter pitchers, this 7-cup model is WQA certified to filter out lead and other contaminants and removes three times more than similar pitchers. It’s also extremely easy to use because it’s dishwasher safe, features a slim design to fit in the fridge and has a tight-locking lid that prevents spills and leaks. Each filter lasts through 40 gallons of water before needing replacement, and there’s an indicator light in the lid to alert you to the filter’s status.
Benefits of a water filter pitcher
It requires no installation. Unlike under-sink or faucet-mounted filters, a water filter pitcher requires no installation. Once you insert the filter in the pitcher and add water, you’re good to go.
It filters just the amount of water you need. Because the pitcher is a small, self-contained unit, you can filter your drinking water rather than all the water that passes through your water system.
It filters the water for later use. You can store the filtered water so it’s ready when you want it.
It comes in a compact size. A water filter pitcher is easy to store on the counter or in the refrigerator.
It filters on the go. A pitcher is highly portable, so you can take it with you and filter tap water when you’re on vacation.
It comes with different types of filters. Filters for these pitchers are available with carbon and ion exchange filtration, as well as systems that use multiple filtration stages to remove a range of contaminants.
What to know before you buy a water filter pitcher
Filters
Many water filter pitchers offer multiple filtration stages, including a fine mesh filter to remove dirt, sand, rust and other sediments from water, usually the first step in the filtering process. While these pitchers can’t remove all the contaminants that may be in tap water, they can usually filter out the most common culprits, such as chlorine, lead, copper, mercury and cadmium. They can also remove some of the unpleasant tastes and odors in some tap water.
The type of filter a pitcher uses determines the specific contaminants it can filter out. Activated carbon filters and ion exchange filters remove different chemicals, which is why they’re often paired for more complete filtering.
Activated carbon filters work by chemically bonding carbon with the contaminants in the water. They can help filter out chlorine and the tastes and odors associated with it. Some can also filter out lead and mercury.
Ion exchange filters remove contaminant ions from the water by replacing them with other more beneficial additives. They can help filter out cadmium, zinc, sodium and copper.
Filtering rate
To make sure that you always have filtered water when you want it, it’s important to consider the length of time it takes water to go through the filter. In some cases, it can take as little as a few minutes. For the best performance, opt for a model that takes about 10 minutes to filter a full pitcher.
Filter replacement
You’ll have to replace the pitcher’s filters periodically, so choose a model with filters that last at least a few months. This should allow you to filter 40 to 100 gallons of water through one filter. Most of these pitchers come with at least one filter, so you can use the pitcher immediately.
A water filter pitcher is useless if the filter isn’t working. Choose a pitcher that has some type of indicator so you know when to replace the filter. Many models have a light that flashes; others have a manual indicator, such as a dial you turn to a certain month to remind you when it’s time to change the filter.
Material
Nearly all water filter pitchers are made of plastic. It’s important to choose a pitcher made of a plastic that’s safe so that no chemicals leach into your filtered water. Look for a model made of BPA-free plastic for the most healthful water.
Capacity
In general, you can find water filter pitchers that range in size from 5 to 12 cups. The larger the pitcher, the less often you’ll need to refill it. But a very large pitcher will take up more space in your refrigerator, which could make it harder to store it on the door or certain shelves. It will also be heavier when full and could be unwieldy for children or anyone with grip or hand issues. Some larger pitchers have a space-saving design, so they don’t take up too much room. Check the pitcher’s dimensions before buying to make sure it will fit in your refrigerator.
Spout
It might seem like a minor detail, but the spout is an important feature to consider. Look for a water filter pitcher with a wide, contoured spout that pours water in a steady stream. Some spouts have a hinged flap to prevent debris and odors from getting inside the pitcher. The flaps on some spouts lock, so you don’t have to worry about spills if the pitcher gets knocked over.
Warranty
Water filter pitchers are fairly durable, but it’s still a good idea to consider a warranty when you’re shopping. Look for a model that provides a warranty of at least a couple years to make sure that your investment is protected.
FAQ
Q. How much do water filter pitchers cost?
A. Small water filter pitchers that hold no more than 8 cups, use a single type of filter and include one filter usually cost $10 to $25. Medium to large water filter pitchers that hold 8 to 12 cups, use two stages or types of filtering and include one or two filters usually cost $25 to $50. Medium to large water filter pitchers that hold 8 to 12 cups, use up to six stages of filtering and include up to three filters usually cost $50 to $90.
Q. What’s better: bottled water or water from a filter pitcher?
A. In many cases, bottled water isn’t much better than tap water in terms of how safe it is to drink. In fact, some bottled water is actually just tap water that’s been filtered. You’ll pay more for it, but it really isn’t any more healthful than water that’s gone through a filter pitcher. Only bottled water that specifically states it comes from a natural spring or other source is usually free of the contaminants that are found in tap water. Drinking bottled water also produces lots of plastic waste.
Q. Do I have to buy filters from the same manufacturer as the pitcher?
A. Yes, most pitcher manufacturers design filters for specific pitcher models, which means you can’t mix and match pitcher and filter brands. In fact, not all of the pitchers in one manufacturer’s line may use the same type of filter, so you have to be sure to purchase the right filter for your particular model if your pitcher is to work properly.
Q. Is it safe to put my water filter pitcher in the dishwasher?
A. It varies from brand to brand, but many water filter pitchers cannot be put in the dishwasher. They require hand-washing with warm water and mild dish soap to keep their components in proper working order. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the proper cleaning procedure.
