The best water filter pitcher, or sometimes called just purifier jug, is typically a reservoir with a filter cartridge in it. You run unfiltered water through the cartridge, and it becomes purified through the process.
The filter pitchers are usually simple and small in design, yet very effective in removing pollutants from the water. One average-sized jug can provide enough drinking water for a whole family. Nowadays, the best water filter pitcher has become a popular item on the countertop, but picking one is not easy. That is why, we have some tips for you how to choose the best pitcher, and what to look for. And, of course, we will give you a couple of products we have reviewed. You can choose which one fits your needs.
Most pitchers have the same kind of materials for the filter, but their ability to provide water can vary and depend on other factors.
Content Compass
What is the best water filter pitcher?
Water filter pitchers are self-contained and fully functioning water filters. They provide clean drinking water and come with a water container capable of holding enough water for the whole family. They are made of lit, one or two filters, and a container with a variable capacity.
How do water filter pitchers work?
Most water filter pitchers use an activated carbon filter or a cartridge filter to block the contaminants in the water. You pour water into the pitcher, and it will enter the filter where they are removed. The water then slowly drains into the actual container. When you want to drink water, a bypass system allows the filtered water to enter the glass without passing through the filter on its way out.
Water filters work differently, depending on whether they have carbon filter or cartridge water filter.
The carbon filter is produced from coconut shells, wood, lignite, coal, or petroleum pitch. Activated carbon can be produced through physical activation through carbonization, or chemical activation. The activated charcoal carbon filter works by using the natural phenomenon called adsorption. This is the process by which a solid holds molecules of a gas or liquid or solute as a thin film. Activated charcoal has a porous surface, and when the water enters the filter, most of the ions of the contaminants will adhere to the surface and stay trapped there. This makes the water cleaner and healthier. The surface will be filled with particles after some time, and it will lose its effectiveness. That is why you need to change filters regularly.
Some water filter pitchers, on the other hand, use cartridge filters. These are more advanced, as they use other technologies in addition to the activated carbon. Some cartridges pass the water through 7 different filtering stages before releasing it in the container. Those include ion exchange resins, mineral balls, tourmaline, and activated carbon.
What contaminants do water filter pitchers remove?
Here is a list of all the contaminants your best water filter pitcher will remove.
- Chlorine, an ingredient that changes the water’s taste
- Trihalomethane Compounds, present in water as a by-product of the chlorine treatment, linked with several illnesses
- Volatile organic chemicals, shortly called VOCs, found in the composition of most herbicides and pesticides
- Giardia, the protozoan parasite causing an illness that causes symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, fever, and vomiting
- Cryptosporidium, another protozoan parasite that can cause gastrointestinal and respiratory issues
- In addition to these, cartridge filter can also target specific components
What to look for in the best water filter pitcher?
There are a couple of factors you should consider before buying your next purifier jug. We look at all of them so you can make an informative decision.
Jug material
Most pitchers are made of plastic, and that is how they are so lightweight and affordable. However, not all plastic is created equal. Low quality plastic can be a health hazard. Look for BPA-free materials, and even ask the manufacturer about the plastic.
Filter life
Installation of filters is easy, but we do not want to do it every day, or once per week. A good pitcher should have a filter life of at least two months. Four to six months is ideal. Do not believe if a pitcher promises you do not need to change the filter. There is no such technology yet.
Capacity
If you live alone, you can get away with a smaller pitcher. If you live with a family, you have to check the capacity and look for a bigger tank. Refiling the pitcher can sound too much work for some people. And you want to do it as less often as possible.
Why you need water filter pitcher?
Now that we know everything about water filter pitchers, you are probably wondering, do you need one? Why do you need one? The main takeaway and benefit is that you get to drink clean water, from a product that is low cost and easy to use. There is no universal answer to whether you need a water filter or not.
Just remember, in the United States, public water supplies are regulated by the EPA, and water must meet strict quality standards. However, not all potential contaminants are regulated. And the contaminants can enter the water after it leaves the treatment plant. For starters, leaky pipes, leaching out of some pipes’ interior walls, and more can let contaminants in the water.
Water in the US is considered safe generally. But the older the home or the community is, the greater the risk of downstream contamination. Therefore, you should consider getting one of the pitchers below.
Top 10 Water filter pitchers
Clearly Filtered Water Filter Pitcher
One of the best all-around filters you can find. It will fit right into your kitchen, and make a good addition. Quality of water is impressive, and that is thanks to a lot of technology. The filter removes more chemicals than rival brands, and it is independently tested to NSF standard. Tests showed it can remove more than 220 harmful chemicals, heavy metals, and many other contaminants.
One of the best features is the long-lasting filtration. The pitcher has a filter with an average life of four months or more than 100 gallons of clean water.
Pros:
- Remove 98% of fluoride
- Removes more than 220 contaminants
- Provides 100 gallons of clean water
Cons:
- Slow filter speed
- No reminder for changing filters
Pur Classic 11-Cup Pitcher
If you do not want to spend a lot of money on a pitcher filter, but you still want clean water, Pur Classic might be just the best for you. There are a lot of design details making it pleasant to use, like the handle’s molded and convex grip.
The upper tank delivers 64 ounces of 92 ounce capacity per refill. It comes with a basic pur pitcher filter, and you can also get a lead reduction filter. You have to buy the latter separately. Pur offers many different pitchers, but we start with the classic one. It is really a simple and easy to use product, and with a cheap price tag.
Pros:
- Very cheap
- Convenient design
- Nice refill capacity
- Water tastes great
Cons:
- Light indicator does not last long
- Not the best performance
Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher
This water filter pitcher has some of the best water filter cartridges you can find on the market. Not only it removes usual contaminants, but some of the more difficult ones as well. For example, the filter can remove fluoride and lead. Comes with a lifetime guarantee for the pitcher. If it breaks, the company will give you a new one.
The pitcher comes with a triple capacity filter, producing 150 gallons of water each. That will last three times more than the average filter, giving you more savings in the long run. And at the same time, the filter keeps healthy minerals like magnesium and calcium in your water.
Pros:
- Removes up to 90% of fluoride
- Triple capacity filter
- Lifetime guarantee for the pitcher
Cons:
- Slow filtering
- No reminder for changing filters
- Not possible to see how much water is filled up
- Some users report taste of chlorine remains
Brita 42629 Slim Water Filter Pitcher
For those living alone or just with their partner, this pitcher is more than enough. Small, but gives you enough quality water. And it doesn’t take much of your counter space.
Designed to fit easily in the slide door of your fridge, it has a capacity of 5 cups. Made with an all-BPA-free plastic shell. Even when full, you can hold the pitcher with just one hand. The simple lid opens all the way when you refill it, making it easy to clean and refill. There is also an indicator that will tell you when to change the filter. Usually, it takes up to two months. Or, you can get a longlast replacement filter that can filter 120 gallons of water.
Pros:
- Small and portable
- BPA free
- Simple design
Cons:
- Frequent changing of filters
- The upper portion moves inside the clean portion
Seychelle Pitcher Water Filter Pitcher
This pitcher comes with two filter cartridges for faster water filtration. And that way, you always have filtered water at your disposal. The filters are fast, but also effective, as they can remove 99.999% of the usual water contaminants. Each filter contains 100 gallons of water, giving you a total of 200 gallons of clean water.
Made in the USA, it is 100% BPA-free and with FDA approved food-grade materials. The premium design also stands for sustainability, as the materials are 100% recyclable.
Pros:
- Food grade materials
- Two filters for faster working time
- More filtered water to drink
Cons:
- Prone to clogging
- Not good for hard water
- Leaks when serving/pouring water
Brita Large 10 Cup Everyday Water Pitcher
Most families that have ever used a best water filter pitcher, they’ve tried a Brita. Simply put, Brita is the standard by which most pitchers are measured against. This one comes in a simple and boring appearance, with a plastic shell that is BPA-free, handle, crystal clear container, and a white upper reservoir.
The jug has a lid that can open completely, making refilling an easy task. Easy to clean, the Brita everyday comes with a filter that can process 40 gallons of water. Sadly, it does not have an indicator showing when it is time to change the filter.
Most people replace it once every two months.
Pros:
- Vastly improves water quality and taste
- Made with BPA-free material
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- No filter change indicator
- Not a sturdy product
- Lid leaks
DRAGONN Alkaline Water Filter Pitcher
This pitcher uses some of the most complex technologies to provide filtered and clean water. For starters, the pitcher uses infrared energy to soften the water and raise its pH value. Comes with a huge, one-gallon capacity pitcher, giving you enough water to drink before refilling it.
The pitcher improves your hydration with micro-clustered molecules that your body can easily absorb. Each filter lasts for 60 days, and replacement filters are available.
Pros:
- Many technologies for cleaning water
- One gallon capacity for daily drinking
- Raise water’s pH value
- Great at adding minerals to your water
Cons:
- Filters get clogged often
- Filters do not last long, just for one or two months
- Water does not taste great
Invigorated Water Alkaline Water Pitcher Ionizer
One of the best pitchers you can find, and arguably one with the highest capacity. 15 cups for daily usage is quite enough even for large families. Made with BPA free clear plastic shell, this pitcher also has a clear reservoir. This allows you to see how much water you have filtered.
The pitcher also has a smart lid, with a small hole covered by a flexible flap in the center of the lid. When you pour water in, the pressure will push the flap open, and you do not have to keep the lid open with your hand.
The filter is a duo micronet system, combined with the US-made activated coconut carbon charcoal that will remove heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic from your water. Simply put, the filter removes 99% of all organic and inorganic matter out of the water.
The lifespan is impressive, it can purify 1500 cups or 96 gallons of water before you need to change it. The best part is, it has an electronic indicator telling you when a replacement is needed.
Pros:
- Smart lid
- Filter life indicator
- Filter can combine with separate membrane for better results
Cons:
- High price tag
- Water leaks if filled until full
- Poor construction
Brita 10 Cup Grand Water Filter Pitcher
This is the largest pitcher by Brita. Comes with a very efficient filter cartridge, specially designed to remove most of the contaminants in the drinking water.
Unlike other pitchers, this one comes with a notification system letting you know when to change the filters. You get a green signal at first, and then it turns to yellow when it is close to maximum capacity. Once it is red, it is time to change the filter.
Pros:
- Able to hold 10 cups of water
- Multiple technologies to produce great tasting water
Cons:
- Poor design of the lid
- Lid tends to fall
PUR 18-Cup Dispenser with Filter
We had the Pur classic at the beginning, but that was a smaller pitcher. For a family of four or more people, you need a bigger pitcher, and the 18 cup is a very good option. Made with BPA-free clear container. It is not tiny, so make sure you have a place in your kitchen.
Being a dispenser, this product has a tap near the bottom so you can get the filtered water. Vastly improves the taste and smell of the drinking water. The filter needs to be changed once every 2 or 3 months. Sadly, it doesn’t have a filter life indicator.
Pros:
- Large capacity
- Convenient tap
- BPA free
Cons:
- Container tends to leak
- Poor design