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We all know that drinking clean water is essential for our health, but what is the best way to make sure we are always getting the cleanest water possible?
Water filters have become a popular way to improve the water quality in your home. But with so many different types and brands of water filters on the market, it can be difficult to decide which one is best for you.
In this post, we will compare two of the most popular types of water filters – pitcher-style water filters and reverse osmosis systems – and help you decide which one is better for you.
Our Top Picks
What is a water filter pitcher?
Water filter pitchers are a simple, inexpensive way to remove contaminants from drinking water.
The pitcher incorporates a replaceable charcoal-based filtration cartridge designed to reduce chlorine taste and odor as well as other contaminants such as lead, mercury, asbestos, benzene and cysts such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia, according to NSF International, an independent organization that tests and certifies products for use in reducing contaminants in drinking water.
How does a Water Filter Pitcher Work?
Water has become a vital resource for humans. Therefore, protecting water quality is an especially important matter. It is a shame that a lot of people – even those living near large bodies of water – do not have access to clean water every day.
Some must spend more than half their income just to buy bottled water, while others may go as far as drinking at hazardous wells and rivers.
Problems associated with drinking dirty water are many, but the most common ones include typhoid fever, cholera outbreaks, diarrhea, and dysentery.
These diseases can affect anyone from any part of the world; however, it is unfortunate that they mostly affect children aged below five years old who do not yet know good hygiene habits.
A water filter pitcher is, therefore, a worthwhile investment for anyone who cannot afford bottled water or has no access to clean drinking water every day.
How does it work?
A water filter pitcher works by removing impurities and sediments found in tap water using a filter cartridge. The most common type of filters used are activated carbon filters which remove lead, chlorine, and other harmful minerals from the water.
Water is poured into the top portion of the pitcher; some brands will allow more than half an inch (1.27 cm) free space at the top to facilitate efficient filtering process.
Once filled with tap water, one simply needs to press down on its lid or close properly before storing it on the refrigerator shelf until chilled; then it is ready to use.
Benefits of using water filter pitcher
Water tastes better
Do you hate the taste of tap water? Chances are you are drinking dirty water that was stored in the wrong location or container for some days.
An excellent quality water filter pitcher – if kept clean and stored in the right place – will make tap or well water taste more like spring water or mineral water.
This is because most activated carbon filters used in such devices remove chlorine from the liquid, which makes it smell and taste better.
Healthier than bottled water
Bottled waters today come with chemicals such as Bisphenol-A (BPA), which may pose health risks for humans when consumed over an extended period, especially by children and pregnant women.
This means that people who rely on bottled water as their source of drinking water should be more vigilant about where they buy such items and what chemicals they contain.
An excellent quality water filter pitcher, on the other hand, can provide you with healthy and safe drinking water at a fraction of the cost for which you would usually pay to purchase bottled waters.
Storing filtered tap water
Water filter pitchers are not restricted to use in homes or kitchens; some of them come with an extra portable feature which allows users to take filtered tap or well water anywhere they go – be it work, camping or even during emergencies (blackouts).
They are extremely easy to maintain too; all one needs is to keep its lid clean and store it in a safe place, away from dust and dirt.
Environmentally friendly
Bottled water is one of the most wasteful products on earth today. According to a report by Food & Water Watch, it takes three liters of water just to produce one liter of bottled water.
That means that for an individual who drinks around 30 bottles (a total of 90 liters) every day, over 200 liters of clean drinking water was wasted -for nothing- in making that one liter bottle; then it is simply thrown into landfills later or incinerated at some stage.
A water filter pitcher, on the other hand, conserves plastic which would otherwise pollute our environment. It also reduces the amount of energy needed to make bottles suitable for storing drinking water; not forgetting that it saves the water which would be otherwise thrown away if bottled.
Top 10 Best Water Filter Pitcher Reviews
There are many water filter pitchers on the market these days. So, which one is the best? In this blog post, we will compare two popular water filter pitchers to help you decide which one is better for you. We will also provide tips on how to choose the best water filter pitcher for your needs. Stay tuned!
1. Best Overall: ZeroWater 6 Cup 5-Stage Water Filter Pitcher
The ZeroWater pitcher was the best water filter pitcher in previous testing rounds. This water purifier pitcher is reasonably priced, durable, and comes in various sizes that utilize the same filter. These include a 10-cup pitcher, a 23-cup dispenser with a spigot, and a 5-gallon water jug that can be attached to a water cooler.
In our testing, the ZeroWater filter removed all of the TDS from the water we ran through, averaging a reading of 0 at the conclusion. ZeroWater is so confident in the efficacy of its filter products that it includes a TDS water quality tester with every model. In addition to the included tester, we used our TDS meter, and the filter achieved a perfect score on both.
ZeroWater pitchers are slightly more expensive than Brita and Pur, but they are by no means an extravagant purchase, with smaller dispensers beginning at $25. Each utilizes the same 5-stage filter, so you can expect similarly clean water regardless of which unit you choose. A pitcher filter replacement two-pack costs $30 and is designed to last up to 40 gallons per filter. Brita and Pur, on the other hand, claim that each of their filters can filter 40 gallons of water for the same $7 price.
Key Features
- 6 Cup
- 5-Stage Filter Removes 99.6% of TDS
- NSF Certified to Reduce PFAS and Lead
- Delivers the Purest Tasting Water
- Easy to Install
- Fill With Your Sink’s Tap Water
- Store in Refrigerator or on Countertop
- Replace the Filter When TDS Meter Reads 006+
- 5 Stage Process That Reduce TDS Levels To 0
- Certified to Reduce Chlorine, Lead & Chromium
- Comes With a Free TDS Meter
- Uses Dual Bed Ion Exchange Technology
- Easy Installation & Easy to Use
- Short Life Expectancy
- Slow Processing Time
- Expensive
- Reduction in pH
- It Gets Rid of Useful Minerals
2. Runner-Up: Brita Longlast Everyday Water Filter Pitcher
Brita Longlast Everyday Water Filter Pitcher, Turquoise, Large 10 Cup, 1 Count
Brita filter pitchers are among the most popular and accessible filters available. We’ve always appreciated how simple it is to obtain delicious, filtered water in the comfort of our homes, but the constant replacement of filters is annoying. Brita has addressed this issue by tripling the filter’s lifespan with the Longlast filter. It is not such a hassle to replace the filter twice per year.
The Longlast filters continue to remove contaminants such as chlorine and lead from your water, but they last longer between replacements. We enjoyed the water’s flavor immensely. It was refreshing, and its crisp flavor left us wanting more.
The pitcher is well-made and attractive, but there were aspects of it that we disliked. The spout cannot be closed; its capacity is only six cups. Aside from that, it is an inexpensive pitcher that functions well for six months before the filter needs to be replaced. We appreciate this simplicity, so the Brita Longlast Water Filter Pitcher receives our approval.
Key Features
- This BPA-free Everyday water pitcher is easy to fill, fits in most fridges and can hold 10 cups of water, enough to fill 3 24-ounce reusable water bottles
- This space efficient Brita pitcher fits perfectly on refrigerator shelves, features an easy-fill locking lid and is easy to pour; Height 10.47″; Width 5.59″; Length/Depth 10.94″; Weight 2.29 pounds
- Get great tasting water without the waste; by switching to Brita Longlast plus, you can save money and replace 1,800 single-use plastic water bottles a year
- Reduce 99% lead, Chlorine (taste and odor), Cadmium, Mercury, Benzene, Asbestos, and more, while a sticker indicator makes filter reminders effortless
- Longlast plus filters are compatible with all Brita pitchers and dispensers except Stream; replace the Brita Longlast plus water filter 2x a year (about every 6 months)
- Long filter lifespan of six months
- Removes chlorine, lead, mercury, and many more
- Replacement filters are easy to find
- Easy to use for anyone
- Only holds six cups of water
- No way to close the spout
3. Best budget filter pitcher: Brita Standard Metro Filter Pitcher
Brita is likely the most well-known brand of water filter pitcher, and it performed admirably in our tests, second only to ZeroWater in removing dissolved substances. Brita removed approximately 40% of the TDS. Not a terrible performance, but significantly less than the winner.
This model is approximately $13 less expensive than the least costly ZeroWater model and is one of the most affordable water filter pitcher options. Multipacks of replacement filters are available for roughly $3, making the replacement filters even more cost-effective. Each is said to filter 40 gallons of water daily, sufficient for approximately two months of continuous use (the same lifespan as ZeroWater).
Although I wasn’t a fan of Brita’s construction—the plastic feels a bit cheap—it is only 1.32 pounds, which is less than half the weight of the ZeroWater. This may be a suitable option if you have small children or household members who cannot lift a heavy pitcher.
Brita also produces a “Longlast” filter that is intended to last three times longer than the standard one. In our tests, Longlast performed significantly worse than our tests’ Legacy (standard) filter. In addition, it is more expensive, so I would recommend sticking with the Legacy if purchasing a Brita.
Key Features
- The slim, BPA-free Metro water pitcher with filter holds 6 cups of water, enough to fill 2 24-ounce reusable water bottles
- Get great-tasting water without the waste; by switching to Brita, you can save money and replace 1,800 single-use plastic water bottles a year
- This space efficient Brita pitcher fits perfectly on refrigerator shelves, features an easy-fill locking lid and is easy to pour; Height 9.8″; Width 4.45″; Length/Depth 9.37″; Weight 1.39 pounds
- Brita is the water filter, reducing chlorine (taste & odor), Mercury, Copper, Zinc and Cadmium; always get cleaner, filtered water with an electronic indicator that makes filter reminders effortless
- Compatible with Longlast and Standard water filters; for the freshest tasting water, replace your Longlast, filter after 120 gallons or approximately every 6 months or Standard filter after 40 gallons or approximately every 2 months; 16.9-ounce water bottle; Based on IRI data; vs tap
- Very affordable
- Indicator lights for the filter
- Space-efficient design
- Locking lid
- Open design leaves your water exposed
- Small capacity of 5 cups
4. Best pitcher for adding alkaline to your water: Seychelle pH2O Alkaline Water Filter Pitcher
Seychelle pH2O Alkaline Water Filter Pitcher – pH Enhancing Filtration – 200 Gallon Capacity – USA-Made Filter, 64oz
If you want to add alkaline to your water, you will need a different model. In a previous round of filter testing, pH readings (measurements of how acidic or basic the water is) ranged from 0 to 14; a pH reading of 7 is neutral.
Despite contradictory research, some believe that more basic (or alkaline) water has health benefits. Consequently, certain manufacturers produce water pitchers with filters that add nutrients to tap water as it passes through.
The $70 Seychelle pH20 pitcher increased the essential reading of tap water from 8.39 to 10.1, the most significant increase among the three alkaline pitchers tested. This pitcher’s water filtration system utilizes two filters at once, but each filter is designed to filter up to 200 gallons of water. A two-pack of replacement filters costs $50.
Key Features
- Third-party tested to meet or exceed claimed reduction figures
- Manufactured in an ISO 14000 certified facility.
- Non-BPA Leaching Plastics
- Tested to NSF/ANSI Standard 42 & 53 by Broward Testing Laboratory
- Replaces over 960 20oz bottles of water
- Filters contaminants while preserving healthy mineral content
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Five-stage filtration
- Lightweight design
- Removes odor, plastic taste, and contaminants
- If the water contains a lot of silt, the filter clogs
- Is unable to filter river or well water
- Reservoir only holds 0.50 gallons
5. Best Easy-pour Water Filter Pitcher: SOMA 10-Cup Water Filter Pitcher
With their clumsy exteriors, water filter pitchers can be an eyesore, but this elegant pitcher with a wooden handle is both aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly. We adore the wooden handle and how easy it is to grip and pour. The filter must be soaked (the filter’s packaging doubles as a bag for soaking!). It’s nearly ready to use right out of the box.
We also discovered that it is simple to fill with the drop-down lid; place the pitcher under the faucet, and the top flap will fall due to the water pressure. At 74 seconds per cup of water, it was among the fastest pitchers in our test. Although it does not filter out as many contaminants as some of the other water filter pitchers we evaluated, we confirmed through a review of third-party lab test data that it removes chlorine and four heavy metals to improve the flavor of the water.
Key Features
- FILTERED & TASTE-TESTED WATER PITCHER: This BPA-free, shatter-proof plastic pitcher filters your drinking water for improved taste and odor; the white jug is finished with a sustainable bamboo handle.
- 2 MONTHS OF CLEAN FILTRATION: The pitcher is supplied with a Soma water filter which provides two months of clean, fresh and delicious drinking water with reduced cadmium, chlorine, mercury, copper, and zinc.
- EASY FILLING: The filter lid door opens automatically for quick and easy filling without removing the lid. This filter jug has a 17oz (500ml) capacity and holds 10 glasses (80oz) of fresh filtered water.
- FRIDGE TO TABLE: Keep your filtered water perfectly chilled in the refrigerator, then transfer the stylish pitcher straight to the table; this home essential measures 10.50″ x 9″ x 6.02″.
- RENEWABLE DESIGN: Soma water filters are made from 60% plant-based and renewable materials (activated coconut shell carbon and charcoal) which means a lower carbon footprint.
- Stylish design
- Easy to fill
- Easy to pour
- Hand wash
- Does not filter as many contaminants as some other pitchers
6. Best Countertop Water Filter Pitcher Dispenser: AquaTru Connect Smart Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter
AquaTru Connect Smart Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System with App | WiFi Capability
This Aquatru water dispenser placed first in our tests because it is one of the water filters that removes the most contaminants. We confirmed that it removes over 80 impurities, including chlorine, heavy metals such as lead, volatile organic compounds, pharmaceuticals, and endocrine disruptors. In addition, it draws more than 90 percent of fluoride, which some may prefer to have removed while others do not.
The Aqua Tru includes three distinct filters: pre/carbon, reverse osmosis, and VOC. The pre/carbon filter removes sediment, rust, and chlorine, enhancing the water’s flavor. Reverse osmosis purportedly removes impurities as small as 1/10000 of a micron, reducing arsenic, lead, parasitic cysts, copper, and other contaminants. All these contamination removal claims were validated by our review of test results from independent laboratories.
The carbon VOC filter is intended to improve the water’s flavor. According to Aquatru, if you’re particular about your water’s flavor, you can also purchase a PH + mineral boost alkaline carbon VOC filter, designed to mimic the mineral-rich taste of Evian or Arrowhead, whereas the regular VOC filter tastes more like Smartwater or Aquafina. The 16-cup tap water reservoir’s built-in handle makes it easy to transport to and from the sink, and its large opening makes it simple to fill directly on the machine. Above all, it holds a large amount of water, reducing the frequency with which you must refill your pitcher.
When connected to the Aquatru app, you can view the amount of total dissolved solids and the number of gallons that have been filtered. It also informs you when the filter needs to be replaced, so there’s no need to guess how long you’ve had the filter or keep track of when to replace it. The upfront cost of this dispenser is nearly $485. Still, because the filters last longer than average, the annual cost of replacing filters is comparable to that of pitchers that filter fewer contaminants.
Key Features
- TRANSFORM TAP WATER – AquaTru water purifier has a patented 4-Stage Ultra Reverse OsmosisⓇ Technology that is certified to NSF/ANSI standards to remove 83 contaminants, including Lead, Chlorine, Fluoride, Nitrates, PFOA, PFOS and many more
- SMART TECHNOLOGY – Amazing app features include Precise Filter Usage, TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) Meters in both the Tap water and clean water tanks, Water Consumption Tracking, and Total Money & Plastic bottles saved by using AquaTru water filter. Compatible with iOS and Android devices
- COST-EFFECTIVE and ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY: AquaTru’s affordable filters are made to last for 600-1200 gallons – that’s a filter change every 6 mos. to 2 yrs. Just one set of AquaTru’s water purifier filters makes the equivalent of 4,500 single-use, 16.9 oz plastic water bottles
- NO PLUMBING OR INSTALLATION required: Takes minutes to set up. AquaTru’s trusted & warrantied Reverse Osmosis water filtration system costs considerably less than fully installed under-the-counter RO systems and delivers clean, delicious tasting water without the extra cost or hassle
- EASY TO USE: Quick change twist-and-seal filters included with your first AquaTru Connect water purification system. Sleek, compact design purifies 1 gallon of tap water in 10-15 minutes. AquaTru water purifier systems are backed by our 30-day Satisfaction Guarantee
- Reduces more unique contaminants
- App keeps track of filter replacement and cleaning
- Customizable water taste with different filters
- Pricey
- Bulky footprint
7. Best Basic Water Filter Pitcher: Hydros 40oz Water Filter Glass Slim Pitcher
Hydros | 40oz Water Filter Glass Slim Pitcher | Powered by Fast Flo Tech | Dishwasher Safe | 40 Second Quick Fill-Up | 5 Cup Capacity Slim Pitcher | BPA Free | Blue
If you’re searching for a primary pitcher to enhance the flavor and clarity of your water, this Hydros Slim Pitcher removes chlorine and sediment. Additionally, its 4-inch diameter footprint will conserve space in your refrigerator. Additionally, it is lightweight when packed, weighing about 4 pounds. The filter does not require pre-soaking; a 15-second flush under running water is sufficient to prepare it for use.
During testing, we were pleasantly surprised by how quickly it filtered water. Due to the small opening, water tends to spill over the lid during filling. The water flows smoothly, but the neck of the pitcher feels bottom-heavy when used to pour.
Key Features
- FAST FLO FILTER – Filters water up to 5x faster than our competitors, without sacrificing quality – our filters are rated NSF 42/Class 1 Standard.
- HYDROS TECH – Our Multi Filter is independently tested to the highest particle filtration standard for drinking water – we reduce over 90% of Chlorine and 99% of Sediment!
- COMPACT DESIGN – Sturdy, stylish design. Our Hydros Water Filter Slim Pitcher is designed to fit the height of most refrigerator shelves.
- ENVIRONMENT FRIENDLY – Our filters are made from 100% coconut shell carbon in a BPA free casing – which means it’s safe for you and the environment!
- DISHWASHER SAFE – Sturdy and tested glass that will fit in any dishwasher and come out without a scratch clean and ready for your next fill!
- Space saver
- Fast filter
- Only filters two contaminants for taste and clarity
8. Best Glass Water Filter Pitcher: Lifestraw Water Filter
In contrast to most brands, which only offer plastic pitchers, Lifestraw offers a 7-cup glass pitcher. In addition to enhancing taste and clarity, the Lifestraw filters remove over 30 contaminants, including chlorine, microplastics, sediment, heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, endocrine disruptors, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and E. coli bacteria and cysts, as confirmed by independent lab test data. In our tests, we appreciated that it was lightweight, easy to hold and pour, and weighed only 6 pounds when completed. The trade-off is that it must be refilled more frequently because it has less water.
According to Lifestraw, it takes a few refills of the pitcher to get the water flowing. However, in our testing, we found that even after a few refills, it still filtered slowly, and because it only holds 2.5 cups of tap water, you may have to refill it frequently. Note: We found it easy to accidentally wash the filters, resulting in the soap in the filter, so be sure to read the instructions and remove the filters from the plastic housing before washing.
Key Features
- 7 Cups
- Size options: 7 and 10 cup models, Plastic or glass, multiple colorways
- Filtering power: 0.2 micron hollow fiber membrane + activated charcoal + Ion exchange
- Filter lifespan: Microfilter Membrane – 264 gallons Activated Carbon and Ion Exchange – 40 gallons
- Meets NSF 42, 53, 401, P473
- Filters more contaminants than typical glass pitchers
- Lightweight
- Easy to hold
- Slow to filter
- Smaller capacity
9. Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher
The Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher eliminates 2,000% more common contaminants than the market leader. This consists of essential substances such as lead, chlorine, cadmium, microplastics, herbicides, and pesticides. Unlike many other popular brands, the Aquagear filter employs selective filtration to preserve the calcium, potassium, and magnesium that your body needs.
With a capacity of 120 gallons, it has a significantly longer lifespan than other water filters and can hold eight full cups of water. Using BPA-free, recyclable materials, the Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher is examined in an ISO 17025-accredited laboratory and is accompanied by a lifetime warranty. Even better, Aquagear donates six months of clean water for every purchase to a person in need.
Key Features
- Hydrated You Is Happier You: Our filter not only lasts 3x longer than the competition but creates an unparalleled taste experience. Because when water tastes better you drink more of it and feel better.
- Next-Level Filtration: Our third-party tested filter successfully removes 2000% more contaminants than the leading competitor, including harmful contaminants like lead, chlorine, microplastics, trace pharmaceuticals, PFOA/PFOS, PFAS, and more. The proprietary Aquagear filter even removes tap water contaminants while retaining healthy minerals like calcium and magnesium, which other filters strip out.
- Cleaner Water For a Cleaner World: We believe in keeping waste out of our landfills and oceans. That’s why all Aquagear filters can be recycled. We’ll even send you a postage-paid label upon request, so all you have to do is package your used filter and drop it in the mail, and we’ll take care of the rest.
- Donating Filters For Every Purchase: Through the Aquagear Foundation, every time you purchase a filter or pitcher, or recycle a used filter, we help build biosand filters for families in Tanzania without access to clean drinking water.
- Guaranteed For Life. For Real. Your Aquagear water pitcher comes with our lifetime guarantee. If your pitcher ever breaks, we’ve got your back.
- Removes high levels of contaminants
- Long filter life
- Lifetime guarantee
- Longer filtering time
- Limited size
- Pricier filter
10. PUR CR1100CV Classic Water Filter Pitcher
The Pur Classic 11-cup pitcher with lead reduction filter closely follows Brita, its chief rival. During taste testing, the water from this pitcher was described as “clean and refreshing” with “no aftertaste.” This model is the most basic of the Pur pitchers, featuring a flip-top reservoir cover and a blinking LED filter replacement indicator light. The top comes off easily, which can be both a blessing and a curse: a blessing because it provides easy access to the reservoir; a curse because if you try to use the pitcher with water in the reservoir, it feels like water could spill out of the top.
The pitcher is larger than Brita pitchers and feels very light after the water has been filtered, but it can feel awkward and top-heavy when the reservoir is full. It has a slightly wider profile than Brita pitchers due to its larger capacity, so you’ll need more shelf space in your refrigerator. Additionally, we discovered that filtration appears to have halted at a few points, but Pur has included helpful instructions that will assist you in reactivating the filter.
You must purchase the lead reduction filters separately if you prefer lead filtration. The Pur Classic 11-cup pitcher comes with a standard filter instead of a lead reduction filter. Our taste testers preferred water that had been filtered with the lead reduction filter over water that had been filtered with the Pur Standard filter.
In our tests for chlorine, pH, and TDS, the Pur Lead Reduction filter produced nearly identical results to the Brita Standard filter: complete removal of chlorine, minimal change in TDS, and minimal impact on the water’s pH. Because the lead reduction filter removes more contaminants, it is not surprising that the filtration time is longer than that of the Brita pitchers: 11 to 13 minutes are required to purify 3.5 cups of water with this pitcher. If lead is a concern, the Pur Classic 11-cup pitcher with a lead reduction filter is the best option.
Key Features
- WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM – Quickly and easily enjoy refreshing, filtered water in your fridge with the PUR 11 Cup Water Filtration Pitcher. With the help of PUR, you can enjoy great-tasting drinking water.
- REDUCES CONTAMINANTS – PUR Pitcher Filtration System contains PUR filter PPF900Z, which is certified to reduce 2X more contaminants than Brita’s leading pitcher filter. *
- EASY TO USE – This water filter pitcher filters twice as fast*** and is dishwasher safe. The LockFit Design offers a secure filter fit while the stay-tight lid prevents spills and allows you to pour while water is still filtering. It features a Filter Change Light that indicates filter status and a space-saving design that fits in most fridge doors.
- COMPATIBLE DOES NOT MEAN COMPARABLE – Genuine PUR pitcher filters are certified to reduce harmful contaminants from your water’s Genuine PUR Filters are the only filters certified for use in PUR systems.
- A BRAND YOU CAN TRUST – Contaminants can enter your water system daily, so filtering your water is important. PUR has been developing innovative technologies for superior water filtration for over 30 years.
- Large 11-cup capacity
- Different filter options
- Filter replacement indicator
- Somewhat slow to filter
What to look for when choosing a water filter pitcher?
When choosing a water filter pitcher that best suits your needs, there are many key factors to consider; here is a list of some of them: size capacity, ease of use, frequency of replacement, type of filtration system, material used.
Size Capacity
Typically, larger pitchers can accommodate more water, allowing you to take full advantage of the filter’s potential. And if you have a big family or just enjoy having guests over for dinner, it is important to think about how much water you will be able to filter at one time.
Ease Of Use
Not every pitcher is designed or constructed for easy use. Some may come with an additional detachable part that serves as a lid and requires cleaning each time the pitcher is filled up before being used again.
It may also require multiple steps before beginning to drink water out of it; separate parts mean more work! Look for pitchers with fewer components that are easier to operate without sacrificing effectiveness or durability.
Frequency Of Replacement
If you are like many people who consider buying extra replacement filters, you may find it more cost effective to purchase a pitcher with two filters pre-installed.
Saving on the upfront costs allows you to get the same amount of use out of your filter without having to make an additional trip or order!
Type Of Filtering System
There are several types of water filtering systems, which can be divided into two categories; reverse osmosis (RO) and activated carbon.
Some also feature dual filtration systems for added effectiveness, like removing fluoride along with chlorine and other impurities that may affect taste or cause health issues.
Material Used
The material used in construction makes a significant difference in terms of durability and safety. Many pitchers have plastic components that can leach harmful chemicals into the water over time if they are not BPA free.
Also, look for pitchers with large openings that are easier to clean without making a mess or scuffing the sides if you prefer using an old toothbrush to scrub away at hard-to-reach spots!
Summary
Besides choosing a pitcher based on factors like size capacity, ease of use, frequency of replacement, type of filtration system and material used, it is important to consider why you would be buying one in the first place.
Water filter pitchers can have an impact on your health, help improve taste and enhance the overall experience of drinking water. For example, some filters even remove dirt particles from water which can be visually appealing by creating more clarity in the liquid.
On top of that, you want to be able to avoid harmful chemicals leaching into your water and not waste money on costly filter replacements. By finding the perfect pitcher with everything you need and more, it will make all the difference in your drinking experience!
Best water filter pitcher FAQs
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.
Conclusion
The best water filter pitcher for you might not be the same as it is for someone else. It’s important to find out what features are most important to you and then weigh that against your budget when deciding which one will work best in your home or office environment.
We hope this blog post has been informative and helpful, but if there’s anything we can do to help narrow down which model would be a good fit for you, please contact us at any time!
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You will find what you are looking for at Largo Bar and Grill. From classic to luxury brands, you'll find both. We will help you to select appliances that fit your needs, budget and lifestyle. Whether you want to stop by to learn more — or plan to make a major purchase — we’ll treat you like family and assist you every step of the way. Shop with us today to receive friendly and experienced help along the way.