Best Water Filter Pitcher Reviews 2020 (See our #1 Pick)

Water filter pitchers breezed onto the mass market almost forty years ago. Brita was the first company to produce one, and its mission was simple — to make water taste better.

Today, filter pitchers have come a long way, and they represent one of the best values in water filtration. They’re compact, easy to use, and they remove many more harmful contaminants than their predecessors — as many as costly reverse osmosis systems can in some cases — and they keep millions of plastic bottles out of the waste stream, saving you money.

Everyone can have better quality drinking water with a filter pitcher, but there are dozens to choose from with remarkably different features. Which is the best water pitcher for you and your family? We’ve put together this comprehensive buying guide and researched these top picks to help you get started.

#1. Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher

Clearly Water’s pitcher doesn’t look fancy, but its filtration capability is unmatched. It reduces or eliminates over 220 worrisome contaminants including pharmaceutical residue, mercury, chromium-6 and cancer-causing chemicals like glyphosate — an active ingredient in weed killers. Other pitchers claim to remove lead and fluoride, but this is the only model that eliminates more than 99.5-percent of them according to independent laboratory testing.

The pitcher is made of durable BPA/BPS and phthalate-free plastic. Its 64-ounce or roughly 8-cup capacity is big enough for a small family, and it comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee.

Pros	Cons
Maximum contaminant removal Slim, space-saving design Lifetime warranty and excellent customer support Made in the United States NSF-certified	Higher-than-average initial cost Doesn’t poor smoothly

FAQs

Q: Does this pitcher makes water biologically safe to drink?
A: Not completely. It can’t remove all potentially harmful microorganisms, but it does eliminate select viruses and common water-borne bacteria down to two microns in size including E. Coli and Cryptosporidium.

Q: How long do filters last?
A: The life of the filter is 100 gallons — that’s about three months of average use for a family of four.

Q: Does this filter remove healthy minerals?
A: No. Beneficial minerals like calcium, magnesium and potassium are not filtered out.

My Take

The aesthetics on this pitcher are bland, and it’s tough to pour without spilling. If you have kids who like to get their own drinks, they might find it challenging to handle. But if the point of filtering water is to protect the health of those children and to encourage them to drink more water instead of sugary beverages, this is among the best models for reducing taste impurities, and it’s hands down the best water pitcher for removing the most potentially dangerous contaminants — especially arsenic, chromium-6 and lead.

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#2. Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher

Aquagear uses a unique five-stage filtration system that is highly effective at removing arsenic, mercury and chromium-6. Testing done on contaminated water from Flint, Michigan water showed it reduced lead to undetectable levels.

It removes thousands of times more contamination than Brita’s standard filter and removes pathogens down to two microns. The pitcher carafe is constructed with recyclable, FDA-approved food grade materials, and it gets good reviews for being sturdy and ergonomic. Like Clearly Water’s pitcher, it has a 64-ounce capacity, but filters last 50-percent longer. Aquagear backs this model with a lifetime warranty.

Pros	Cons
Reduces the contaminants most harmful to children Ergonomic handle Doesn’t remove beneficial minerals Pitcher and filters are recyclable Lifetime warranty	Removes less fluoride than the Clearly Water pitcher

FAQs

Q: Does this pitcher remove both chlorine and chloramines?
A: Yes, 99.9-percent of each.

Q: How are filters recycled?
A: E-mail Aquagear for prepaid label and ship them the spent filters. They’ll take care of the rest!

Q: How long does it take for the pitcher to filter water?
A: Approximately 10 minutes from the times it’s filled.

My Take

This filter is ergonomically designed and pours like a dream. The purchase price is a little less than the Clearly Water pitcher, and filters last 50-percent longer — lowering the cost of ownership significantly. But while its filtering capability easily surpasses competitors like Brita, it doesn’t perform quite as well as Clearly Water’s model. The water it treats tastes just as fresh and crisp, but it removes far less fluoride and slightly less of most other contaminants. For a budget-friendly filter, it does a superb job, but if health concerns top your list, the Clearly Water pitcher is a marginally better choice.

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#3. Seychelle pH2O Alkaline Water Filter Pitcher

Alkaline water is the latest health trend, and if you’re on the bandwagon, Seychelle’s Alkaline Water Pitcher could save you hundreds in bottled water costs. Like models from Clearly Water and Aquagear, it’s made in the U.S. and removes lead, mercury, asbestos, chromium—6 and more, but it also enhances pH — something research suggests may have both health and beauty benefits.

Water from this pitcher gets rave reviews for taste, and the dual-filter system treats 200 gallons between changes. Design elements like a flip top for easy filling make it a user favorite.

Pros	Cons
Competitively priced Makes alkaline water for a fraction of the price of bottled Water tastes smooth	Removes fewer contaminants than select models Lacks NSF certifications

FAQs

Q: Which minerals does this filter add to water?
A: Calcium and magnesium

Q: Can I use Seychelle’s non-alkaline replacement filters in this pitcher?
A: Yes, both the standard and alkaline filters are a perfect fit.

Q: How long does the filtered water stay alkaline in the pitcher?
A: Up to 30 days as long as it’s kept below filter level. Contact with the filter can affect the pH.

My Take

In a field of both alkaline and non-alkaline water filters, the Seychelle falls squarely in the middle of the pack. It removes most major contaminants, but with less gusto than the Clear Water or the Aquagear, yet it reduces far more than similar alkaline pitchers. It wouldn’t choose it as a peace of mind filter if you’re on well water — especially in agricultural areas where soil can be contaminated with nitrates — but it makes heavily chlorinated city water taste like it came from a mineral spring, and you get alkaline water for a quarter of the price of bottled.

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#4. EHM ULTRA Premium Alkaline Water Pitcher

The EHM Ultra Premium filter pitcher is less about what should be removed from water than what should be added to it to make it healthier. Its six-stage filtration system does reduce common contaminants including heavy metals, but what EMH emphasizes about this model is its ability to increase pH up to 10.0 by removing acidic contaminants and adding additional major minerals via the filter.

This level of alkalinity maximizes water’s negative oxidation-reduction potential and helps to combat disease-causing free radicals in the body. For great-tasting alkaline water on a budget, this model from EHM is perhaps the best water filter pitcher.

Pros	Cons
Made of premium BPA-free plastic Replacement filters are inexpensive Low initial price	Bulky 3.5-liter pitcher actually makes only 2 liters of alkaline water Contaminant removal claims are untested Pitcher comes with no warranty

FAQs

Q: Which minerals does this filter add to water?
A: Calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium

Q: Is the pitcher dishwasher safe?
A: With the filters removed, yes.

Q: How long does each filter last?
A: It depends on your water quality, but six to eight weeks is average.

My Take

Users have pH-tested the water this pitcher makes, and it’s consistently in the 8.5 to 10.0 range as claimed. Where it fails is in proving its contaminant reduction claims. Unlike pitchers made by Clearly Water, Aquagear and Seychelle, it has no certifications, and there’s no evidence of independent testing. Vague claims and the lack of a warranty don’t inspire confidence, yet users seem happy with it overall. For the price, it’s hard to beat but I’d depend on it only to produce good alkaline water, not the safest water.

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#5. ZeroWater, 23 Cup Pitcher

For large families, standard size filtration pitchers are too small, so ZeroWater came to the rescue with this 23-cup pitcher that fits in the refrigerator like a portable water dispenser. A five-stage filtration system removes more contaminants than carbon filters alone including lead, chromium, mercury and chemicals, and among similar models, it reduces the most total dissolved solids for the freshest-tasting water possible. The dispensing mechanism was thoughtfully engineered to allow one-handed pouring, and the flip top lid lets you refill the pitcher without removing it from the refrigerator. It comes with a free TDS meter and a 90-day warranty.

Pros	Cons
Family-sized capacity One-handed dispensing and no-drip spigot NSF-certified lead and chromium reduction Free TDS meter	Short 90-day warranty Quality-control issues with replacement filters

FAQs

Q: Does this filter remove pathogens?
A: No. It’s for use with municipal water that has been disinfected.

Q: Is the pH of water affected by the minerals this pitcher removes?
A: No, the pH should remain the same.

Q: Does this filter remove fluoride?
A: It’s not rated specifically for fluoride reduction, but because it’s an inorganic compound, it should reduce the amount.

My Take

This dispenser is a great concept, but it has a few flaws. The lid and spigot are designed for convenience, but they’re not particularly sturdy and prone to break. Customers also report quality control issues with replacement filters — multi-pack boxes come with duds. The dispenser is NSF-certified for lead and chromium reduction, and the water it produces tastes crisp, but claims regarding the removal of other contaminants are vague.

ZeroWater markets this unit more for TDS reduction than contaminant removal, so that’s not surprising. For a reasonable cost, it’s ideal for city water that tastes off because of mineral content, and it’s a logical choice for large families that can handle it with care.

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#6. Aozora Large 18 Cup Everyday Premium Alkaline Water Filter Pitcher

For a family of four, this 18-cup alkaline filtration pitcher by Aozora is a top value. It meets NSF 42 and 53 standards for contaminant removal, and both its initial price, and the cost of replacement filters are reasonable — each cup of filtered water it produces costs only a dime.

Multi-stage filtration removes sediment, lead, chloramines, chromium-6 and more, but leaves beneficial calcium and magnesium behind. High flow rate filters process water faster for quicker refreshment, and if the pitcher ever breaks, Aozora promises to replace it for free.

Pros	Cons
Large capacity Low cost of ownership Made of sustainable materials Lifetime warranty with same-day customer support	Heavier than comparable models Lids tends to pop off

FAQs

Q: Where is this pitcher manufactured?
A: China

Q: Does the pitcher come with a filter?
A: Yes, the first filter is included.

Q: The pitcher is a unique shape. Is it hard to clean?
A: No. Each part is detachable to make it easier to sanitize.

My Take

If price stands between you and cleaner water, this is the lowest cost pitcher on the list. It doesn’t have the filtration capability of the Seychelle, Clearly Water or Aquagear, but it does reduce lead significantly and makes water alkaline. Major brands of alkaline water sell for about two dollars a bottle, so at ten cents per cup, if you make it in this pitcher, you’ll save a ton of money and be kinder to the environment. It’s made in China, but NSF-certified for lead reduction, so I suspect it’s worry-free.

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#7. Brita Large 10 Cup Water Filter Pitcher

Brita is the original filter pitcher, and its mission is still the same as it was 40 years ago — to make your water taste better by removing taste impurities. The pitcher is BPA-free and feels durable. It has a rugged, comfortable handle with a shape specifically designed to fit in most refrigerator doors.

A flip top lid makes it a cinch to refill, and it’s the only filter pitcher on the list that comes equipped with an electronic filter change indicator. It’s available in your choice of stylish colors, and its filter replacement cost is among the lowest in the industry.

Pros	Cons
Comes in five fresh colors Superior taste enhancement Low cost of ownership Reliable design One-year warranty	Little contaminant filtration capability

FAQs

Q: When should filters be replaced?
A: After two months or 40 gallons processed.

Q: Is the battery for the filter change indicator light replaceable?
A: Not on this model, but it’s expected to last five years.

Q: Does this pitcher reduce fluoride or lead?
A: No. All Brita filters preserve fluoride for dental health, but pitchers equipped with the Longlast filter do reduce lead. That filter is not compatible with this model.

My Take

Brita’s been around for a while, and their experience shows in the construction and convenience features this pitcher offers. The construction is solid, and the handle feels good in your hand. I wouldn’t hesitate to let the kids use it. For contaminant removal, this isn’t the best water pitcher, but what it does, it does well, and that’s to make water taste good again. If you’re generally satisfied with your water quality and just want to make it taste better than bottled for a lot less cash, you won’t go wrong with this classic.

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Water Filter Pitcher Buyer’s Guide

You can spend your vacation fund on a filtration system that treats water for everything from radiation and pathogens to heavy metals and chemicals I can’t even pronounce, but in most cases, it’s overkill. You’ll get more for your money if you understand the types of contaminants that are most likely to affect your water supply and choose a filter accordingly. Let’s look at how to determine that and which filters have the right features for you.

Contamination Risk

Municipal water is treated at the source, so it’s free from harmful microorganisms that cause disease. But it can suffer from hardness — an overabundance of minerals — and it could contain traces of drug residue, certain types of industrial chemicals like chromium-6 and lead from aging underground pipes. Fluoride, added to promote dental health, is also a concern for some homeowners, and the disinfectants used to make water safe to drink — chlorine and in some cities, chloramines — can make water unpalatable.

If you have a well, disinfectants and added fluoride are rarely an issue, but pathogens, hard minerals and contaminants like heavy metals like arsenic occur naturally in the soil, and if you live near an industrial or agricultural site, chemicals like herbicides, pesticides, solvents, and fertilizer can follow the flow of rain or flood water into your well.

The safest way to choose a water filter is to start with a water test. For wells, DIY test kits are available at the hardware store, or you can send a sample to a lab. For a report of what’s in city water, contact your municipality — they are required by law to share this information.

Chromium versus Chromium-6

Chromium is a metallic element found in nature. The two most common forms are chromium-3 and chromium-6.

Chromium-3 is a dietary element humans need. Chromium-6 also occurs naturally but is used in large amounts in industry, and leaks can cause contamination at levels that are a risk to human health.

Municipalities are required to inform the public if levels of chromium-6 exceed the maximum parts allowed by federal law, but because the World Health Organization designates it a cancer risk in even the smallest amounts, lower maximum levels in tap water may soon be required. In the meantime, if you purchase a water filter in an at-risk area, clarify that any chromium reduction claims refer specifically to chromium-6.

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

Some people believe that the higher the level of TDS in water, the unhealthier water is. That can be true if the water is dense with hard minerals that affect your water’s taste or harbors other potentially more harmful contaminants like arsenic. But it’s not the whole story.

The TDS reading only tells you how many dissolved solids are in your water, not if they’re unhealthy or beneficial. It’s a good test to do, and it can be a clue that further testing is necessary, but it alone is not a reliable indicator of water quality. For water with the lowest TDS, the ZeroWater pitcher is the best bet on this list.

Important Water Filter Pitcher Features to Consider

Capacity

It takes most of the filters on this list about ten minutes to process each full pitcher, so to ensure a steady supply, buy one with a large enough cup capacity to meet your daily needs. Pitcher-style filters rarely exceed 10-cups in size. The ZeroWater dispenser can make 23, but its contaminant filtering capability is only low to moderate. For families who need both exceptional filtering and large volumes of water, an under-sink or faucet-mount filter may be a better choice.

Materials

BPA is short for bisphenol A, an unhealthy chemical added to many plastics that disrupts the activity of human cells. The pitchers on the list are all BPA-free.

Construction

Thin plastic pitchers are prone to break if mistreated. I recommend sturdier models for kids. The Aquagear pitcher and the Brita are tops on this list. And because lids and handles are the most likely components to break, better construction means improved longevity.

Filter Life

The cost of replacement filters adds to the long-term cost of ownership of the pitcher. Consider your needs, and in addition to the initial price of the pitcher, compare how much filter replacements cost compared to how many gallons they produce.

On this list, the Aquagear is the most cost-effective among the higher-efficiency filters. The EHM ULTRA and the Brita are the least expensive among model that treat water mostly for taste issues.

Filter Replacement Indicators

Electronic filter replacement indicators are a popular feature that let you know when the filter should be replaced. The Brita is the only model on the list that has one, and it’s convenient, but the battery isn’t replaceable.

Filter indicator lights can also suggest filters be replaced too early. Most work on a simple timer that goes off at the recommended intervals regardless of how many gallons of water the filter has processed. In most cases, it’s as easy and cost-effective to write the date a change is due on the calendar. A decrease in performance or reduction flow is also a good clue a filter change is needed.

Alkalinity Enhancement

If your goal is solely alkaline water, the Aozora Premium Pitcher is the best value. For alkalinity with contaminant filtering capability, the best water filter pitcher is the Seychelle pH20, followed by the EHM Ultra.

Certifications

Certifications from the NSF and the Water Quality Association let you know a product meets strict public health standards; however, these certifications can be costly to obtain. Some companies instead choose to have their products independently tested to NSF standards to avoid that cost. It’s not an exact equivalency, but it’s a point in their favor. Be suspicious of products that make claims without at least some measure of testing to back them up.

Warranties

Warranties are value-added features and do a lot to inspire confidence, especially among more expensive pitchers, but check the fine print. Some models on our list carry a no-quibble satisfaction guarantee, but the terms of other warranties aren’t quite as clear.

Recycling

Few cities and towns recycle used water filters, but the number of companies that do, like Aquagear, is growing by the day. See what the maker of your pitcher can do for you.

Final Thoughts

Everyone deserves clean water, but complicated filtration systems can be a significant investment. Don’t let cost stand between you and healthier water in your cup. Today’s water filtration pitchers are a simple, effective and affordable option.

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