Best Water Filter Pitcher: Which One Is Better?

There are many types of water filters that can be used to purify tap water. There are essentially three different types of household filters: activated carbon, reverse osmosis and deionization. Each type has its strengths and weaknesses with respect to cost, quality of result, ease of use, and size. 

Activated Carbon is made from charcoal, which has been treated with oxygen to open millions of tiny pores between the carbon atoms. Thus, when water passes through the sawdust-like material, organic toxins are adsorbed onto the surface of these activated carbon molecules, reducing many harmful chemicals and bacteria from the water. 

Reverse Osmosis uses a high-pressure pump to force tap water through a semi-permeable membrane, which blocks dissolved solids from passing through, but allows water molecules to pass through.  

The process is very effective at reducing most types of contaminants; however, some RO systems are inefficient and do not remove enough water hardness to be effective. 

De-ionizers use resins that act as magnets, sticking the ions in tap water to their surface. The resin must then be “regenerated” by passing a strong electric current through it, pulling the mineral ions out of the water and releasing them into a strong brine solution. 

You can find these pitchers and replacement filters at many grocery and discount stores, as well as on the Internet. Water filtration pitcher prices range from about $15 to $30 for the pitcher only up to $45 or so for a two-pack. Replacement filters cost about $10 to $20 for a package of three to five filters. 

The useful life of a filter cartridge varies with local water quality, but generally each cartridge lasts between 30 and 60 days, according to NSF International guidelines for these pitchers. 

You’ll see a “Change” light on some pitchers to let you know when the cartridge is past its prime, but most experts recommend changing cartridges at least once every 60 days. If your water tastes or smells bad even after filtering, the cartridge may be used up and should be replaced.

The useful life of a pitcher varies with local water quality, but generally each pitcher lasts between two and six months before it needs to be discarded and replaced with a new unit. Replacing the pitcher every month is roughly equivalent to replacing the cartridge every 60 days. 

An under-sink filter is designed to be plumbed into your water supply lines beneath your kitchen sink and can connect to any cold-water faucet via flexible tubing, piercing it through with a diverter you must install.  

You can also purchase single-faucet models that attach to your existing faucet. There are many varieties available at home improvement stores.  

They generally cost about $100 or less, plus the cost of installation materials and tools which can range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars depending on your set up. 

These types of water filters must be used with cold water only. Most provide a separate faucet with an aerator to produce cold water with added air. 

Carbon filters are less expensive and remove chlorine taste and odor as well as certain chemicals, pesticides and other contaminants such as mercury, asbestos, benzene and lead.  

An RO filter is more expensive, but also removes nitrates, salts, organic chemicals and most other impurities found in tap water. It’s important to note that while an RO filter can make your water safe to drink, it does not protect against bacterial contamination or parasites such as Cryptosporidium or Giardia. 

Boiling water will kill bacteria, viruses and parasites but can leave a bad taste. Using a microwave to boil the water might improve taste but doesn’t help with other contaminants such as chemicals or lead. 

Bottled water can be even more expensive than home filtration but is filtered before it’s bottled. It doesn’t protect against parasites or chemicals in your water. 

Pitcher filters are not typically considered to be hazardous waste and are often disposed of in the trash or recycling bin if they are made from recyclable materials. 

If you assume that an average family of four spends $50 per month on bottled water, then replacing that supply with home filtration will pay for itself within a few months.  

The NSF International/American National Standards Institute* states that pitcher-type filters can remove 39% to 60% of chemical residues, 91% to 96% of herbicides and 74% to 97% of pesticides. 

One major difference is ease of use. Another is the amount of water the filter can process. Direct-filling pitchers typically hold up to 10 cups while using a faucet mounted unit, you’ll get about 2 gallons per hour from your tap.