Drinking enough water every day is one of those essential things many people neglect. The benefits of staying hydrated are countless and include everything from improved alertness and better joint health all the way to clearer skin. A good way to ensure you stay hydrated is to turn the task into a subconscious habit. You can make drinking water more appealing by filtering it and turning it into a cleaner, better-tasting refreshment. It’s for this reason, and the added health benefits, investing in one of the best water filter pitchers is never going to be a decision you regret.
Do I Need to Filter My Water?
It’s likely the first question you ask yourself when reading about water filter pitchers is whether it’s necessary or even beneficial to filter your water. In the United States, this is not a simple yes or no answer. Principally, filtering your water is never going to be a bad thing to do as it can result in better tasting, cleaner water. And, while all water leaving treatment facilities must meet strict quality standards which are enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency, these guidelines do not cover every single potential contaminant or downstream contamination which can, on occasion, result in less-than-average standard drinking water through your faucets.
So why do people who filter their water do it? It’s the improved taste and just-in-case scenario backup.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Water Filter Pitcher
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While your choice of water filter pitcher may not feel like a particularly important decision, getting the right one for your needs can be the difference between a cohesive and enjoyable experience and the alternative. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing the model for you:
Capacity – Remember, it’s important to stay hydrated and take on around two liters of water a day. If each person in your household needs to drink that much, make sure you choose a water filter pitcher with a capacity to match your hydration requirements. Or one which is easy to refill.
Pitcher Size and Shape – While we’ve already spoken about capacity, it’s also worth remembering that a 10-cup pitcher can take a number of different forms. This is one of the most important factors as picking the wrong one may prevent it from sitting comfortably on your refrigerator shelf or inside the door. Be sure to check the measurements of your potential water filter pitcher so you can be confident it’ll fit in its designated spot.
Filter Lifespan – Not all filters are created equal. In addition to varying abilities to filter your water, filters also vary in their lifespans. It’s worth checking this when purchasing a water filter pitcher to prevent any unexpected surprises.
Replacement Filter Cost – When it comes time to replace the filter inside your pitcher, you don’t want an unpleasant surprise. Before you purchase your water filter pitcher, check the cost of replacing the filter and use this to be better informed in your choice.
Style – Perhaps the least important factor functionally, but certainly not irrelevant, is your pitcher’s style. This can range from transparent, plastic-y pitchers to elegant, wood-handled options. Many are also available in different colors which allows you to match your picture to your kitchen decor.
So whenever you’re at home or at the office, keeping filtered water nearby or in the fridge can encourage you to drink water. Remember, filtered water tastes better than average tap water, and filters remove the majority of the impurities found in tap water.
In addition, an extra benefit for regular coffee drinkers who use a drip coffee maker or espresso machine is that filtered water may actually improve the taste and extend the life of your machine.
Read on for a selection of the best water filter pitchers you can buy right now.
1. Brita Large 10-Cup Water Filter Pitcher
The Brita name is synonymous with clean, filtered water and this Brita Large 10-Cup Water Filter Pitcher is a good example of why. It has been designed to reduce impurities like copper, cadmium, and mercury which can be found in tap water while also producing better-tasting water. Plus, its large capacity means you will only need to refill it less regularly and always have plenty of water to get you through the day.
Pros: Improved taste over standard tap water.
Cons: The reservoir can be hard to remove for cleaning.
2. Brita Small 5-Cup Water Filter Pitcher
This 5-cup pitcher comes with an electronic indicator that notifies you when it’s time to change your filter. It has the same filter capabilities as its sister, the larger, 10-cup Brita pitcher, just presented in a smaller and more colorful container. You can choose between red, white and blue options.
Pros: The electronic indicator lets you know when it’s time to change the filter.
Cons: The entire top has to be removed to refill the reservoir.
3. ZeroWater Water Filter Pitcher
ZeroWater’s 10-Cup Water Filter Pitcher features a one-hand, push-to-dispense spigot that allows you to fill your cup or water bottle without any heavy lifting. It also uses a unique system that uses five-stage filtration to remove 99.6% of total dissolved solids, twice as much as the leading brand to bring you cleaner, better-tasting water. This filter also provides one of the only pour-through NSF-certified filters to remove chromium and lead and will remove virtually all solids for the purest tasting water.
Pros: Includes a free water quality meter to test your water.
Cons: Requires replacement filters more often than many competing devices.
4. Brita Extra Large UltraMax Dispenser
When it comes to a dispenser-style water filter, you’ll be hard pushed to beat out the Brita Extra Large UltraMax Dispenser. Its compact design makes it great for countertops or fridge shelves while still offering an 18-cup capacity, plenty enough for the average household. The dispenser also includes an easy-fill lid as well as an internal Brita standard filter which reduces any mercury, chlorine and copper in your water. Furthermore, a flow-controlled spigot for easy and spill-free distribution.
Pros: The compact design is ideal for countertop or fridge-shelf storage.
Cons: As it’s designed for static use, it’s less portable than an average water pitcher.
5. Nakii Water Filter Pitcher
Nakii’s water filter pitcher has impressive longevity, lasting for nearly 150 gallons before it needs to be replaced. It’s got advanced filtration technology that removes chlorine, mercury and other contaminants quickly and efficiently. It uses an activated carbon filter with a large absorption capacity and a fast filtration system that doesn’t keep you waiting. Their design is continuously tested for performance, and they only use BPA-free materials in their manufacturing. It’s also got a compact design that doesn’t take up too much space in the fridge.
Pros: It offers fast and efficient filtering.
Cons: The pouring isn’t always seamless and spills can occur from time to time.
6. Waterdrop Lucid Certified Water Filter Pitcher
If you’re searching for a water filter pitcher to match your kitchen decor color, the Waterdrop Lucid Certified Water Filter Pitcher may fit the bill. It’s available in five different colors including blue, black and green. It also features a four-layer filter that removes a range of contaminants including bromine, lead, nitrates, iodine and inorganic chemicals. This filter has a lifespan five times greater than your average pitcher and includes a filter status indicator in the lid so you always know when it’s time to change it. Additionally, this compact, 10-cup capacity pitcher takes less than one minute to fill and is easily stored on fridge shelves and in fridge doors.
Pros: There are five different colors to choose from.
Cons: While its functionality is impressive, this pitcher isn’t the most stylish option.
7. Waterdrop Chubby Water Filter Pitcher
By incorporating a rigid wooden handle into the design, this Waterdrop Chubby Water Filter Pitcher beautifully balances function and style. The transparent, 10-cup capacity pitcher is ideal for storing in fridges and comes in four different colors to match it to the rest of your kitchen decor. It’s constructed from BPA-free plastic and includes a four-part filter system that removes lead, nitrates, mercury, iodine and other potentially harmful contaminants. This filter is good for an impressive 200 gallons of water. Furthermore, the design includes a built-in, real-time indicator for checking the status of your water and a touch-free spout lid to prevent any contamination on filling.
Pros: The natural wood handle adds to this pitcher’s stylish appeal.
Cons: While filtered, it may not produce the best tasting water.
8. LifeStraw Home Plastic Pitcher
The LifeStraw Home Plastic Pitcher is a simple answer to not having to buy plastic bottle after plastic bottle of drinking water. Its tall, fridge-friendly design is made from BPA-free plastic and comes in either a seven or 10-cup capacity. You can also choose between gray, cobalt and aqua color options. The bottle’s easily replaced filter is made from two major components, a membrane microfilter that lasts for 264 gallons and a carbon and exchange filter that lasts for 40. This is a non-complicated way to protect your drinking water against bacteria, parasites, microplastics, lead, mercury and reduces unpleasant odors.
Pros: The slim design minimizes the space it takes up in your fridge.
Cons: The height of the pitcher can make pouring water a little less comfortable when it’s full.
9. pH Replenish Glass Alkaline Water Pitcher
This plastic alternative pitcher is made of food safe, ultra-strong borosilicate glass and stainless steel to keep your water and you healthy. It has a super modern design and includes a multi-stage alkaline water filter that increases the water’s pH level and adds healthy minerals including magnesium, zinc and iron. It eliminates heavy metals that are less desirable to consume like arsenic, mercury, copper and lead. It also has a huge filter capacity, lasting about 105 gallons each time before needing a replacement.
Pros: Modern pitcher design, alkaline filter that removes toxins and adds essential minerals, large filter capacity.
Cons: Unusual shape may be harder to fit seamlessly into your fridge.
10. Epic Pure Water Filter Pitcher
The Epic Pure Water Filter Pitcher boasts a fridge-friendly design and features an industry-leading filter which removes up to 99.9% of contaminants found in your water. For user convenience, you’ll find a built-in filter life day counter, a handy flip-top lid and a pour dam which prevents new water from mixing with filtered water. In addition, the pitcher is made from a strong and durable BPA-free plastic and comes with either a white or navy blue colored lid.
Pros: The built-in filter life day counter makes filter replacement simple.
Cons: The rounded design does not maximize shelf storage space.