It's common for well and municipal water sources to have unpleasant smells or tastes, sometimes caused by chlorine used in water treatment systems or even contaminants entering the water supply. Besides, you may not control the water quality. Still, with the best water filter pitcher, you can protect yourself and your family from these harmful contaminants or enhance the water's taste.
When enhancing the quality and taste of your water, all you require is to pour the water into the pitcher and allow it a little time to filter into the main tank- some pitchers take up to 30 seconds while others take a few minutes. Although many at-home filtration systems attach to under sinks or faucet filters, which can reduce similar impurities, water filter pitchers are preferred since you can keep your water chilled in the fridge.
What's a Water Filter Pitcher?
A water filter pitcher is a simple device use to enhance the taste and quality of drinking water. Runs on gravity, where cold water usually trickles from the feed water container via one or more filter components into a clean water tank ready for consumption. Besides, filtering the whole pitcher can take anywhere between 3-30 minutes, depending on the particular process.
With a pitcher, you'll enjoy fresh-tasting drinking water free from harmful contaminants. Now that you understand what a water filter pitcher is let's jump straight to the four best water filter pitchers.
1. ZP-010 Water Filter Pitcher by ZeroWater
- Filtered Water Pitcher: The 10 Cup 5-stage Water Filtration Pitcher...
- Premium 5 Stage Filtration: Removes 99 percent of total dissolved...
- NSF certified and BPA free: The Only Pour Through Filter NSF Certified...
- Including: 10-cup Water Pitcher, 1 ZeroWater Ion Exchange Filter and a...
- Eco-Friendly: Save up to 150 single-use plastic bottles per filter or...
If you're looking for the best water filter pitcher on the market that's ideal for lead removal, count on the ZeroWater ZP-010 Water Filter Pitcher. This 10 cup pitcher is one of the few pitchers certified by NSF for NSF standards and reduces lead in drinking water. Also, it's certified by NSF Standards to reduce mercury, chlorine, and other heavy metals. Furthermore, ZeroWater filter claims to reduce components like fluoride and asbestos, which it doesn't yet have WQA or NSF certifications.
Unlike most pitchers and water filters, this pitcher uses five stages of filtration to offer you cleaner, tasty water. Rather than carbon filtering only, this filter uses Ion Exchange Technology to reduce contaminants. Also, the filters are larger and work slower than standard water pitcher filters. However, the filters are more pricey, but if you have lead in your drinking water, the peace of mind will be worth it.
The water pitcher comes with a total dissolved solids meter attached to its lid, which allows you to test your water so you will never have to wonder about the water's quality. Also, the package comes with 1.5-Volt Button Cell Batteries.
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2. Brita Longlast EveryDay (Large 10 Cup 1 Count) Water Filter Pitcher
- This BPA-free Everyday water pitcher is easy to fill, fits in most...
- This space efficient Brita pitcher fits perfectly on refrigerator...
- Get great tasting water without the waste; by switching to Brita...
- Reduce 99% lead, Chlorine (taste and odor), Cadmium, Mercury, Benzene,...
- Longlast filters are compatible with all Brita pitchers and dispensers...
You can bet on the Brita Everyday Pitcher for the best water filter pitcher that can perfectly fit on a refrigerator shelf. This Brita Longlast Filter is made of BPA-free plastic and can hold up to 10 cups of water. In addition, it comes with an easy-fill locking lid and an ergonomic handle, making it comfortable to pour. Besides, this model is NSF/ ANSI 42-certified to lower aesthetic contaminants and odor such as chlorine, mercury, cadmium, lead, and benzene and NSF/ANSI 53-certified to lower substances that have serious health effects like copper, mercury, and cadmium.
Unlike Brita Standard Filter, which usually lasts 40 gallons of water or two months, this filter lasts 120 gallons of water or at least six months. Also, the filter pitcher has a basic sticker filter indicator for you to track the lifespan of your filter. Nonetheless, even without the extra bells and whistles, it is a solid product with a highly-rated filter for a budget-friendly price.
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3. Brita Standard Metro (Small 5 Cup 1 Count) Water Filter Pitcher
- The slim, BPA-free Metro water pitcher with filter holds 6 cups of...
- Get great-tasting water without the waste; by switching to Brita, you...
- This space efficient Brita pitcher fits perfectly on refrigerator...
- Brita is the number 1 water filter, reducing chlorine (taste & odor),...
- Compatible with Longlast and Standard water filters; for the freshest...
Consider the Brita Standard Metro Small 5 Cup 1 Count Water Filter Pitcher for the best water filter pitcher with compact size and fit in tight space. Most pitcher companies sell regular filters that fit several devices, so besides this Brita filters having a compact size, it features great filters. Moreover, this pitcher is great for individuals who want filtered water somewhere convenient such as a bedside or desktop, or living alone.
Like all Brita pitchers that usually use a standard Brita filter, this model is certified to lower aesthetic contaminants and odor such as chlorine and certified to lower substances that have serious health effects like copper, mercury, and cadmium. Lastly, it's worth mentioning that this water pitcher holds 5 cups of water, enough to fill two 24-ounce reusable water bottles.
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4. Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher
- Hydrated You Is Happier You: Our filter not only lasts 3x longer than...
- Next-Level Filtration: Our third-party tested filter successfully...
- Cleaner Water For a Cleaner World: We believe in keeping waste out of...
- Donating Filters For Every Purchase: Through the Aquagear Foundation,...
- Guaranteed For Life. For Real. Your Aquagear water pitcher comes with...
The Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher comes with a premium design for health and sustainability. It uses activated carbon combined with ion exchange resin tested to reduce around 70 percent of the most harmful water contaminants. Also, it removes 2,000 percent more contaminants than its counterparts, including chlorine, VOC, microplastics, lead, trace pharmaceuticals, PFOA/PFOS, and new types of herbicides and pesticides. Moreover, the filter keeps healthy traces such as magnesium and calcium in your water.
The filter pitcher comes with triple capacity filters and has an 8-cup storage capacity. In addition, the filter has a life period of 120 gallons, making it one of the most durable filters on the market. If your filter pitcher breaks, in any case, you are assured of a free replacement since the unit comes with a lifetime guarantee. Moreover, if you're a student, you will enjoy a discount, plus if you're military personnel, you can receive a 10 percent military discount.
However, although it's a great option, thorough filtration may take longer. Unfortunately, that is something you have to accept when you buy this filtered water pitcher. But be sure you will enjoy a pitcher with long filter life, which will be providing you with refreshing water every time you need some.
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What are the Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Water Filter Pitcher
1. Filter replacement
When looking for the best water filter pitchers, pay attention to the filter replacement since these devices are designed and certified to work for a limited period. So, the filter will eventually stop reducing contaminants effectively, and the filtration time prolongs as water takes longer to pass through the filters. The standard period for most filters is about 40 gallons or needing replacement every two months. Besides, some pitchers come with a filter life indicator that lets you know when to replace the filter.
Most brands such as Pur and Brita usually provide replacement filters that can filter for more impurities or longer time. However, like with the first purchase, it is essential to ensure that any replacement filters are NSF certified since most compatible replacement filter models with a lower price than the name brand aren't certified to the same standards.
2. ANSI/NSF testing and certifications
When shopping for a water pitcher filter, consider your health first. Check out the tests and certifications for ANSI/NSF standards 42 and 53. Standard 42 usually measures the reduction of the chlorine smell and taste from water, while standard 53 is for contaminants with severe health effects. These include organics, heavy metals, and all types of chemicals.
Furthermore, ANSI/NSF Standard 401 addresses the removal of prescription drugs, herbicides, pesticides, over-the-counter medications, and other chemical compounds that can affect our health too. However, not most water filter systems have been tested yet against this standard. Finally, ANSI/NSF protocol P473 usually outlines performance requirements for tap water treatment units removing PFOS and PFOA.
Note: NSF/ANSI certifications don't guarantee that a certain water filter will eliminate the entire contaminants but to a significant extent.
3. Capacity
When shopping for a filtered water pitcher, consider the capacity. Many companies that sell these units use a standard filter, sometimes with an upgraded filter that targets contaminants such as lead that works in different systems. Since it is the filter, not the pitcher, that's certified by NSF; it means you can find water dispensers and pitchers that work the same at different sizes. The standard size is usually 10 cups with smaller pitchers around 5 or 6 cups. However, under the sink, the water filter and dispensers can hold up to 30 cups.
4. Contaminant reduction
Most water filters use activated charcoal or carbon to trap impurities like chlorine to enhance taste and odor. Therefore, if all you want is to enjoy a refreshing glass of fresh tap water and not be concerned about removing certain contaminants for some health reasons, a basic filter pitcher is a great option.
However, some brands, such as Clearly Filtered, will take care of some of the nasty elements that might be in your water supply, like chromium 6, lead, and VOCs. Furthermore, it would be best if you thought about having your tap water tested before buying.
What are the Benefits and Reasons for Using a Filter Water Pitcher
1. To removal harmful contaminants
The best-rated water filter pitchers are capable of filtering several potentially harmful contaminants from tap water. There is no easier way of protecting your family.
2. Portability
With filter pitchers, no permanent installation is required. Instead, you can store them in your fridge for cooling, take them with you when camping or traveling, even use them in the field.
3. Ease of use
A pitcher is very easy to use. Besides, it doesn't require installation. You put the filter cartridge in place them fill the top reservoir at your kitchen faucet, and wait. Additionally, maintenance is easy.
4. Improve water aesthetics
A reduction in contaminants means enhanced water aesthetics- taste, color, smell, etc
5. Low price
Filter pitchers are usually one of the most affordable kinds of water filter systems.
Frequently Asked Questions On the Best Water Filter Pitcher
1. How regularly should you replace the filter?
Most water filter pitchers require to be replaced around two months or every 40 gallons. When National Science Foundation (NSF) tests its standards, it'll test water at the initial and end of the manufacturer's stated lifecycle and a bit beyond to make sure the water filtration pitcher still works if you don't replace it. Nonetheless, to make sure the filter effectively minimizes the tap water contaminants you want, it is vital to be consistent about replacing the pitcher filter as directed.
2. How does a water purifier pitcher work?
Water pitchers usually use gravity for water to flow through the filter, minimizing impurities that may affect water safety and taste. Since they are designed for home use, they cannot reduce small contaminants such as bacteria and fewer general contaminants than other systems such as reverse osmosis. However, price-wise most people prefer water pitchers, especially for enhancing taste in water.
3. How can you clean your water filter pitcher?
Most water pitchers are usually dishwasher safe, and you can wash the pitcher when you want. However, the filter can't be washed but often replace as required to help keep your filtered pitcher clean.
4. Why do people usually drink alkaline water?
Some people usually believe that alkaline water has some health benefits. For example, some promote this belief that it usually helps neutralize the acid in your bloodstream. However, there's no scientific evidence yet to support those claims. Furthermore, if you don't prefer alkaline water, you can opt to buy an alkaline water filter pitcher that will reduce alkaline in your tap water.
