The Best Water Filter Pitcher of 2023
Ensure your water's safety with the best water filter pitchers.
Water filter pitchers are used to make your tap water taste better and avoid any bacteria, viruses, or parasites. As such, water filter pitchers are one of the most essential things that you can have around your house, especially if you’re a homeowner. This is because you never know when there’s going to be water contamination in your drinking water and it’s much better to be prepared.
There are many different types of water filter pitchers available on the market. We’ve curated a list of some dependable options that can make your life easier and safer!
How We Picked
Quality of Water After Filtration
After filtering, water should meet these three essential qualities – odorless, colorless, and without an aftertaste. We picked pitchers that deliver this type of quality.
Style/Design
Your pitcher’s design determines its comfort, ease of installation, holding capacity, the space it occupies, and how easy it is to replace the filter.
Cost of Filters
Most pitchers require you to replace their filters regularly, usually every two months or after 40 gallons. So we chose pitchers with long-lasting, cost-effective filters.
Cost-Effectiveness
When compared to what they are protecting you from, water filter pitchers are typically affordable. We made sure to choose affordable pitchers that are still effective.
Our Top Picks
Best Pick
Clearly Filtered Water Filter Pitcher
A water filter pitcher with unmatched filtering abilities.
Now, this is one water filter pitcher you will not forget in a hurry! It's not only compact and easy to use, but it also removes up to 365 contaminants. That is about 15 times the amount removed by most water filter pitchers. With a built-in water dam, this model ensures that your filtered water is separate from unfiltered water as you pour. Of all the water filter pitchers we reviewed, this one meets the most ANSI and NSF water filtration standards.
It gets rid of the most impurities while still letting vital minerals pass through.
Runner Up
Epic Nano Water Filter
The filters are recyclable; you can get a new one for free if you give the company four used ones.
Most water filter pitchers on the market focus on removing contaminants like lead, chlorine, pesticides, and mercury because these are the most common contaminants in tap water. However, Epic Nano removes many common contaminants in tap water and microbiological contaminants in well water. This pitcher takes care of 200+ contaminants. It also has a filter lifespan of 150 gallons, which is approximately 6 to 7 months. This means you only need to change the filter about twice a year.
This filter removes microbiological contaminants like bacteria and viruses.
Most Cost-Effective
PUR Plus Water Filter Pitcher
An affordable lead-removing pitcher.
The PUR Plus water filter pitcher has NSF 42, 53, and 401 certifications, and it is also WQA certified for lead reduction. It is one of the most trusted pitchers for lead reduction in drinking water. Its filter has the most common lifespan for water filter pitchers (40 gallons or two months). Still, it comes with an indicator to let you know when you need to change the filter. It is also dishwasher-safe, a quality that most water filter pitchers don’t have.
It's more compact than most pitchers, making it useful for your refrigerator as well as your home and office spaces.
Almost Made The Cut
Brita Longlast Everyday Filter Pitcher
Save time with this one-of-a-kind water filter pitcher
The Brita Longlast water filter pitcher includes a long-lasting lead-reducing filter that you change after 120 gallons or every six months. In addition to removing 13+ contaminants from drinking water, this model takes no more than 38 seconds to filter a cup of water. Furthermore, the filter of this product doesn’t leave behind the black carbon particle specks that many water filter pitchers usually do. Like our runner-up, you can recycle the Brita Longlast, a feature that not all water filters can boast of.
The fastest water filter pitcher.
Everything We Recommend
Best Pick
Clearly Filtered Water Filter Pitcher
A water filter pitcher with unmatched filtering abilities.
$110.00
Runner Up
Epic Nano Water Filter
The filters are recyclable; you can get a new one for free if you give the company four used ones.
Almost Made The Cut
Brita Longlast Everyday Filter Pitcher
Save time with this one-of-a-kind water filter pitcher
$44.99
Who This Is For
Generally, water filter pitchers are for you if you want to ensure you’re drinking clean and safe water. They usually have a low cost of purchase and maintenance, so they’ll also be great for people who want an inexpensive way to filter their water. They’re also for people who prefer a pitcher-type water filter to an installed one.
What is a water filter pitcher?
A water filter pitcher is a water jug built to remove impurities in water using a series of processes as they pass through it. It makes water cleaner and safer for drinking.
Although different water filter pitchers have different media types to reduce contaminants and impurities, most filters use activated carbon. Activated carbon uses adsorption (different from absorption) to attract contaminants. When contaminant molecules in the water come into contact with the activated carbon, they adhere firmly to it. Activated carbon is typically made from burnt coconut shells, which provide numerous adsorption sites. The pitchers remove metals like lead, copper, and mercury, chemicals like chlorine, and organic compounds.
Can I use it as an everyday water bottle?
Water filter pitchers are jug-like. Seeing someone use a small jug as a water bottle is not conventional, but it’ll boil down to what you want. However, you can use the filters of water filter pitchers in water bottles. Many models have water bottles that their pitcher filters will fit into. You may want to consider that if you’re looking for a water bottle.
Does it actually “improve” the water quality?
Yes, it does. Contaminants like lead, mercury, chlorine, and so forth are the major causes of low water quality. They add odors and tastes to drinking water, making it unpleasant to drink. However, after these contaminants adsorb to the activated carbon, you can enjoy your odorless and refreshing water.
Why You Should Trust Us
We spent hours going through third-party ( like ANSI/NSF) test data. From there, we got a list of certified water filter pitchers. We used this list to review available pitchers online and noted customers’ opinions on efficacy, safety, and sustainability. We focused on essential factors such as pitcher design, the cost of the filter, water quality after filtration, and the overall cost of each water filter pitcher.
How We Picked
Nobody likes drinking water that has a bad smell, a slimy feel, or a metallic taste. Our picks by reducing chemical contaminants like chlorine, metallic pollutants like lead, and several organic molecules ensure that it’s only the best-quality water you get. They are perfect for dealing with hard water, excessive chlorine in water, and unwanted tastes and odors.
We have also selected pitchers that are easy to use, clean, and install. Our picks also have a good holding capacity and short filtration times, which you’d appreciate. We chose pitchers with quickly replaceable filters that are not so costly, so you don’t have to spend so much on running costs. Our selections include portable pitchers that are suitable for water bottles. We also chose pitchers that excel in both design and function, so they can represent your exquisite taste and still get the job done.
We considered pitchers that are affordable and still provide quality service. Finally, we ensured that our picks are made of durable and strong materials.
Our Picks For You
Our Top Pick - Clearly Filtered Water Filter Pitcher
Best Pick
Clearly Filtered Water Filter Pitcher
A water filter pitcher with unmatched filtering abilities.
Now, this is one water filter pitcher you will not forget in a hurry! It's not only compact and easy to use, but it also removes up to 365 contaminants. That is about 15 times the amount removed by most water filter pitchers. With a built-in water dam, this model ensures that your filtered water is separate from unfiltered water as you pour. Of all the water filter pitchers we reviewed, this one meets the most ANSI and NSF water filtration standards.
Who It’s For
It removes twice as much contamination as the average pitcher. Therefore, it's excellent for anyone who prioritizes contaminant removal and high-quality water filtration.
Why It’s Great
It uses proprietary filter media in addition to the activated carbon, removing over 365 impurities from water. Moreover, it retains healthy minerals in tap water. All these give the water from this pitcher its unique quality after filtration. The filter requires a change only after 100 gallons of water (4 months), hence less regular replacement. Its BPA-free design ensures that the filter adds nothing dangerous to your water.
Potential Flaws
The Clearly Filtered water pitcher is the best performing, but unfortunately, it takes a while to filter water. It's also the most expensive water filter on our list. It lacks a filter change indicator, so you’ll need to depend on the manufacturer’s instructions and your judgment on when to change the filter.
Other Features
This 10-cup 80-ounce capacity pitcher has passed NSF testing and is the only pitcher that meets NSF 42, 53, 244, and 401 standards. It's also p473 certified. Also, the company behind this filter offers a lifetime guarantee; you get a new Clearly Filtered pitcher for free if your pitcher ever breaks.
Product Specifications:
Material: Medical-grade Tritan plastic.
Holding Capacity: 10 cups
Filter Lifespan: 100 gallons (4 months)
Contaminants Removed:365+
Dimensions(L×W×H): 11.2 x 5.1 x 10.2 inches
Weight (empty): 2.3 pounds
Runner Up - Epic Nano Water Filter
Runner Up
Epic Nano Water Filter
The filters are recyclable; you can get a new one for free if you give the company four used ones.
Most water filter pitchers on the market focus on removing contaminants like lead, chlorine, pesticides, and mercury because these are the most common contaminants in tap water. However, Epic Nano removes many common contaminants in tap water and microbiological contaminants in well water. This pitcher takes care of 200+ contaminants. It also has a filter lifespan of 150 gallons, which is approximately 6 to 7 months. This means you only need to change the filter about twice a year.
Who It’s For
Since this pitcher sterilizes water from bacteria and viruses, it's suitable for anyone who uses well water instead of tap water. For the same reason, it's ideal for anyone that needs sterile water.
Why It’s Great
It removes microbiological contaminants and 99.9% of over 200 water contaminants. Therefore, the water quality is reliable. You will need to change the filters only after about 150 gallons or six months, which is very cost-effective. The pitcher is also made with 100% BPA-free recyclable plastic that is leach-free and durable.
Potential Flaws
Some customers online have complained that the Epic Nano has a shorter lifespan than advertised. In addition, filtration time increases after use. This product isn’t dishwasher safe either.
Other Features
The filters of this 10-cup capacity pitcher are 100% recyclable. When you send four used filters back to the manufacturer, you get a new one for free. The filters are also NSF 42, 53, 401, P473, and P231. Therefore, they are safe to use.
Product Specifications:
Material: Nanofiber
Holding Capacity: 10 cups
Filter Lifespan: 150 gallons (7 months)
Contaminants Removed: 200+
Dimensions(L×W×H): 10 × 10 × 8 inches
Weight: 2.20 pounds
Dishwasher Safe: No
Most Cost-Effective - PUR Plus Water Filter Pitcher
Most Cost-Effective
PUR Plus Water Filter Pitcher
An affordable lead-removing pitcher.
The PUR Plus water filter pitcher has NSF 42, 53, and 401 certifications, and it is also WQA certified for lead reduction. It is one of the most trusted pitchers for lead reduction in drinking water. Its filter has the most common lifespan for water filter pitchers (40 gallons or two months). Still, it comes with an indicator to let you know when you need to change the filter. It is also dishwasher-safe, a quality that most water filter pitchers don’t have.
Who It’s For
This pitcher is WQA certified to remove lead. Therefore, it’s suitable for anyone who prioritizes lead removal above other impurities. It's also for anyone on a budget who wants a pitcher to remove elemental contaminants like lead, mercury, and chlorine.
Why It’s Great
The pitcher ensures the most lead removal capacity on the market, so the water quality after filtration is top-notch. Replacement filters for this pitcher are very affordable. Furthermore, it has a comfort-grip handle and a stay-tight lid to guarantee convenient use. Its design is space-saving, so it'll not take up much space in your fridge or elsewhere.
Potential Flaws
The short filter lifespan of two months is not satisfactory, although it is affordable. Having a replaceable battery means the filter indicator will stop working eventually. It also has a short 90-day warranty. Customers have complained that this pitcher leaks after a while of use.
Other Options Features
This filter has an indicator that lets you know when to change the filter. The manufacturers also guarantee that the product is dishwasher safe.
Product Specifications:
Material: Plastic
Holding Capacity: 11 cups
Filter Lifespan: 40 gallons (2 months)
Contaminants Removed: 20+
Dimensions (L×W×H): 11.25 × 6.4 × 10.8 inches
Weight: 2.25 pounds
Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Almost Made The Cut - Brita Longlast Everyday Filter Pitcher
Almost Made The Cut
Brita Longlast Everyday Filter Pitcher
Save time with this one-of-a-kind water filter pitcher
The Brita Longlast water filter pitcher includes a long-lasting lead-reducing filter that you change after 120 gallons or every six months. In addition to removing 13+ contaminants from drinking water, this model takes no more than 38 seconds to filter a cup of water. Furthermore, the filter of this product doesn’t leave behind the black carbon particle specks that many water filter pitchers usually do. Like our runner-up, you can recycle the Brita Longlast, a feature that not all water filters can boast of.
Who It’s For
This is great for anyone who wants a pitcher that filters water quickly. It's also for people who love the Brita model but want to upgrade to one with a longer-lasting filter. It's also great for anyone who wants to save on filter replacement costs.
Why It’s Great
It filters a cup of water in 38 seconds, making it the fastest filtration time we reviewed. The filter will last up to six months before changing it, which is also very long-lasting. In addition to being durable, the filter has a low yearly replacement cost.
Potential Flaws
It’s not dishwasher safe. The lid of this pitcher is also challenging to remove to refill with water. Customers online complain that there's no way to securely grip the top when removing it. The filter doesn’t clip into place and will float out of its slot. It comes with no indicator to tell you when to change the filter.
Other Options:
This pitcher can hold up to 10 cups of water. It also features an easy-to-lock lid and is easy to pour.
Product Specifications:
Material: Polystyrene
Holding Capacity: 10 cups
Filter Lifespan: 120 gallons (6 months)
Contaminants Removed: 13+
Dimensions(L×W×H): 10.7 × 5.4 × 10.1 inches
Weight: 2.29 pounds
Dishwasher Safe: No
Care and Maintenance
Your water is only as clean as your water filter pitcher. Therefore, you need to adequately take care of your water pitcher to continue enjoying its benefits. Here is how to take care of your water filter pitcher:
Cleaning
You must hand-wash some filters, while there are others you can wash in a dishwasher. Check your water filter pitcher’s manual to know which washing mode suits you. However, if you’re hand-washing, you’ll need to use a soft sponge to prevent scratching. You should use mild detergent to avoid harsh reactions. Your water filter pitcher may give your water a plastic taste or odor when it’s new. You can remove this by washing the pitcher and filter with a mixture of lemon juice and water.
Filter Replacement
Different models of water filter pitchers use various filters. Therefore, their lifespan varies. However, on average, a water filter lasts two months, providing up to 40 gallons of filtered water. Hence, you must replace your filter regularly to maintain the best-quality water. Your model’s manual will tell you the suitable filter change time for that model.
Storage
A water filter pitcher would remain the same for a long time without use. But you must ensure you seal it and keep it in a cool, dry place when not in use.
Further Reading and Similar Topics
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Water covers 70% of the Earth’s surface and makes up 60% of the human body.
