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Access to clean drinking water is a basic necessity. Although most of the water that flows through the taps in homes around the country is safe to drink, its quality and flavor may not be up to par. Using a water filter pitcher is a cost-effective way to have filtered water in your home.
Unlike plumbed water filtration systems, under-sink filters, and faucet filters, a pitcher doesn’t have to be installed, and it requires only minimal maintenance. Although on first glance most water filter pitchers are similar, features vary significantly among brands. This guide includes options to help you pick the best water filter pitchers for your needs.
- BEST OVERALL: Brita Longlast Everyday Water Filter Pitcher
- RUNNER-UP: Pur Ultimate Filtration Water Filter Pitcher
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: ZeroWater 10-Cup 5-Stage Water Filter Pitcher
- BEST SMALL SIZE: Brita Metro Water Filter 6-Cup Pitcher
- BEST LARGE-CAPACITY: Brita Ultraslim Stream Water Dispenser
- BEST BUILT-IN DISPENSER: Pur Classic 30-Cup Dispenser
- BEST ALKALINE: Seychelle Gen 2 Dual pH2O Pure Water Pitcher
- BEST FOR HARD WATER: Brita weiß Marella XL Water Filter Jug
- BEST FOR WELL WATER: Hskyhan Alkaline Water Filter Pitcher
How We Chose the Best Water Filter Pitchers
While it’s easy to assume that all water filter pitchers offer similar performance, a number of factors affect their functionality. Several years of experience covering home goods and kitchen essentials as well as extensive product research went into choosing our final curated selection. We reviewed more than 25 water filter pitcher options and weighed a number of practical considerations before making our recommendations.
We prioritized models that feature certifications from the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to ensure their filtration claims were accurate. We aimed to include pitches of varying sizes to provide an option to suit most households. Preference was assigned to models that are compatible with long-lasting filters to reduce the frequency with which they must be replaced.
Our Top Picks
The best water filter dispenser delivers great-tasting water. The following choices are based on reputation, quality, and practicality.
Best Overall
Brita Longlast Everyday Water Filter Pitcher
Brita, one of the best-known manufacturers of water filter pitchers, produces a variety of pitchers and filters with different NSF/ANSI certifications. This classic Everyday Pitcher is made of BPA-free plastic and holds 10 cups of water. It features an easy-fill locking lid and an ergonomic handle that makes it comfortable to pour. The pitcher fits on a refrigerator shelf.
The Everyday Pitcher includes Brita’s newer Longlast filter, which carries NSF/ANSI 42 and 53 certifications, reduces 99 percent of lead, chlorine, cadmium, mercury, benzene, asbestos, and more. Unlike Brita’s standard filter, which can last 2 months, the Longlast filter lasts for at least 6 months.
The pitcher has a basic sticker filter indicator to track its lifespan. It’s a solid product with a highly rated filter for an affordable price.
Product Specs
- Filter certifications: NSF/ANSI 42 and 53
- Jug capacity: 10 cups
- Filter lifespan: 6 months
Pros
- Uses high-quality water filters; reduces 99 percent of lead, chlorine, cadmium, mercury, benzene, asbestos, and more
- Filters last a long time; 1 filter has a lifespan of up to 6 months
- Easy-fill lid and ergonomic handle provide user-friendliness during frequent refilling
Cons
- Uses a sticker to track expiration; may not be the most reliable way to keep track of filter lifespan
Get the Brita Longlast water filter pitcher at Amazon.
Runner-Up
Pur Ultimate Filtration Water Filter Pitcher
Pur is another company with an impressive lineup of water filtration systems. This Pur Ultimate Filtration model is popular among consumers because of its overall efficiency and performance.
The pitcher, which has a 7-cup capacity, is made from BPA-free plastic. It features an easy-fill lid that doesn’t have to be removed to refill the pitcher. It has a comfortable grip handle with a no-leak spout that won’t spill water even when filled to the brim. A built-in LED filter life indicator lets users know when it’s time to change the filter.
The pitcher comes with Pur’s Plus PPF951K filter, which has NSF/ANSI 42, 53, and 401 certifications. It’s certified to reduce 99 percent of lead as well as a number of other contaminants, including mercury, copper, pesticides, and industrial pollutants. This filter can last for 2 months or filter 40 gallons of water. The pitcher is dishwasher-safe.
Product Specs
- Filter certifications: NSF/ANSI 42, 53, and 401
- Jug capacity: 7 cups
- Filter lifespan: 2 months
Pros
- Filter change light conveniently lets the user know when the filter has expired
- Removes lead and other contaminants from drinking water
- No-leak spout is easy to use; suitable for homes with children
- Dishwasher-safe construction is easy to clean
Cons
- Filter lifespan may not be as long as some comparable options
Get the Pur Ultimate water filter pitcher at Amazon.
Best Bang For the Buck
ZeroWater 10-Cup 5-Stage Water Filter Pitcher
ZeroWater delivers advanced filtration for an economical price. All of ZeroWater’s filters feature a five-stage filtration system that is guaranteed to remove 99 percent of total dissolved solids (minerals, salts, chemicals, fluoride, metals—including lead—and more) in treated tap water. The filter holds NSF/ANSI 42 and 53 certifications and features five layers of substrate that target specific pollutants.
The filtered water dispenser, which has a 10-cup capacity, is made with BPA-free plastic. It offers a “Quick Fill” spigot on the back of the handle to fill a cup without lifting the pitcher. It also includes a water quality meter that continuously monitors the water throughout the life of the filter.
This filter is rated to last for 40 gallons or more, but it filters much slower than other competing filters because of its five layers of substrate. However, for those looking for a filter that removes a plethora of contaminants for a reasonable price, the ZeroWater pitcher is a good option.
Product Specs
- Filter certifications: NSF/ANSI 42 and 53
- Jug capacity: 10 cups
- Filter lifespan: Depends on tap water source and contamination levels
Pros
- Quick-fill spigot and comfort-grip handle are user-friendly and ergonomic
- Water quality meter included on the unit for peace of mind and monitoring
- Made with BPA-free plastic; suitable for the chemical-conscious consumer
Cons
- Lower filter quality than some other models
- Takes a long time to filter out any potential contaminants
Get the ZeroWater water filter pitcher at Amazon.
Best Small Size
Brita Metro Water Filter 6-Cup Pitcher
If you’re short on space, you may want to consider Brita’s 6-cup water filter pitcher. It’s compact and fits snugly on a refrigerator shelf or acts as a countertop water filter without occupying much space. The pitcher is BPA-free and comes with Brita’s standard filter, which is NSF/ANSI 42 certified to remove chlorine and other contaminants that negatively affect the flavor and odor of tap water quality. It also reduces traces of mercury, copper, zinc and cadmium from the water.
The filter can last 2 months or through 40 gallons of water. The lid features a helpful status indicator that notifies users when it’s time to replace the filter. This pitcher is compatible with Brita’s Longlast filters, which are pricier than some but last through 120 gallons of water or 6 months. Overall, this Brita water purifier pitcher is a solid, no-frills option that saves space at an affordable price.
Product Specs
- Filter certifications: NSF/ANSI 42
- Jug capacity: 6 cups
- Filter lifespan: 2 months
Pros
- Compact design is suitable for homes with 1 to 2 people
- Filter-status indicator for user-friendliness and monitoring
- Compatible with Brita Longlast water filters for effectiveness
Cons
- Limited filtration compared to similar filter pitchers
- Shorter filter lifespan than some other brands
Get the Brita Metro water filter pitcher at Amazon.
Best Large-Capacity
Brita Ultraslim Stream Water Dispenser
The Stream UltraMax Dispenser is Brita’s largest-capacity dispenser, but it has a space-efficient design that fits in most refrigerators. The dispenser provides a 25-cup capacity, making it ideal for larger households. It’s made of BPA-free plastic and features a SmartLight LED filter indicator that indicates when it’s time to change the filter. The indicator glows when it dispenses water: Green means the filter is still operating effectively, while red indicates it’s time to replace the filter.
The dispenser has a built-in spigot that makes it easy to pour water into cups or containers. While it takes a while to fill due to its large capacity, it only filters as you pour rather than as it’s filled, making the process quicker. It comes with Brita’s standard filter, which holds NSF/ANSI 42 and 53 certification to reduce chlorine and other contaminants that negatively affect the flavor and odor of tap water. This filter lasts for 2 months or for 40 gallons of water.
Product Specs
- Filter certifications: NSF/ANSI 42 and 53
- Jug capacity: 25 cups
- Filter lifespan: 2 months
Pros
- Extra-large capacity is suitable for families of 4 people or more
- LED filter change indicator alerts the user of when the filter has expired
- Uses standard filters for user-friendliness
Cons
- Short filter lifespan compared to similar water filter pitchers on the market
- May be too large to fit in some users’ fridges
- May be heavy to load into the fridge when full or filtering
Get the Brita Ultraslim water filter pitcher at Amazon.
Best Built-in Dispenser
Pur Classic 30-Cup Dispenser
For larger families that need to filter more than 5 to 20 cups of water at a time, this Pur water filter dispenser features a built-in spigot and a 30-cup capacity. In fact, it will dispense water during the actual filtering process. What sets this model apart from other large water dispensers is its easy-to-use spigot, which features a pull-down tab that stays in place. The pitcher is dishwasher-safe and has a stay-tight lid to prevent spills.
The dispenser is made of BPA-free plastic, and it includes Pur’s standard filter with NSF/ANSI 42, 53, and 401 certifications. The filter is also certified to reduce over 60 other contaminants, including mercury, copper, pesticides, and industrial pollutants. However, it’s not rated to remove lead—Pur sells a specialty filter for that purpose. This standard filter will last for 2 months or through 40 gallons of water.
Product Specs
- Filter certifications: NSF/ANSI 42, 53, and 401
- Jug capacity: 30 cups
- Filter lifespan: 2 months
Pros
- Extra-large capacity is suitable for large households
- High-quality filters are capable of removing mercury, copper, pesticides, and industrial pollutants
- Easy-to-use spigot for pouring drinking water directly from the tank
Cons
- Filters must be changed more frequently than some comparable options
Get the Pur Classic water filter pitcher at Amazon or Target.
Best Alkaline
Seychelle Gen 2 Dual pH2O Pure Water Pitcher
Alkaline water has many purported benefits, but buying it can get expensive. Instead of purchasing plastic jugs of alkaline water, the Seychelle Gen 2 Dual pH2O water pitcher offers an easy solution for making it at home.
This everyday water filter pitcher uses Ionic Adsorption Micro Filtration (IAMF) technology to create alkaline water. Its multilayered filtration process is designed to target the removal of different types of contaminants. The filter is NSF/ANSI 42 and 53 certified and increases the pH level of water up to 9.5, all while maintaining healthy minerals.
The pitcher has a 64-ounce capacity and can filter up to 150 gallons of water before the filter must be replaced. While the Seychelle water filter pitcher is one of the more expensive products on the market, it can save money over the long run.
Product Specs
- Filter certifications: NSF/ANSI 42 and 53
- Jug capacity: 64 ounces
- Filter lifespan: Approximately 9 months (150 gallons)
Pros
- Increases water’s pH level as well as filtering out potential contaminants; more than average health benefits
- High level of filtration; removes heavy metals, leads, mercury, and more
- Ultra long-lasting filters need to be changed less frequently
Cons
- The pitcher has a slightly clunky design
Get the Seychelle water filter pitcher at Amazon.
Best for Hard Water
Brita weiß Marella XL Water Filter Jug
Some communities have hard water, which means it’s high in minerals like calcium and magnesium that can create limescale and cause an undesirable flavor. This filter pitcher from Brita uses the brand’s Maxtra+ filters, which feature micro-carbon pearls to reduce chlorine and organic impurities as well as ion exchange pearls that absorb metals and reduce limescale. This is particularly useful for protecting appliances—like kettles and coffee machines—from limescale buildup. However, these filters must be replaced every 4 weeks.
The everyday water filter pitcher has a total capacity of 3.5 liters (or about 15 cups) and has an easy-flip lid that makes it easy to fill. As an added bonus, it comes in several fun colors, including blue, red, purple, and green. While the lid must be washed by hand, the pitcher itself is dishwasher-safe.
Product Specs
- Filter certifications: NSF/ANSI 42 and 53
- Jug capacity: 15 cups
- Filter lifespan: 1 month
Pros
- Reduces limescale and filters out chlorine
- High-capacity pitcher is ideal for families of 4 and under
- Dishwasher-safe construction for easy maintenance
Cons
- Short filter lifespan compared to other filter pitchers on the market
Get the Brita Marella water filter pitcher at Amazon.
Best for Well Water
Hskyhan Alkaline Water Filter Pitcher
Well water is untreated groundwater (rain that has moved through the soil and into an aquifer). Since the water is filtered through the ground, it can absorb a lot of contaminants along the way. To ensure that well water is safe to drink, experts recommend conducting regular water quality tests.
The Hskyhan water filter pitcher features a filter with seven layers of substrate to remove fluoride, chlorine, lead, dirt, and harmful metals, while also improving the odor and taste of water and making it more alkaline. The manufacturer does not list its NSF/ANSI certifications, but its filtering capabilities align with products that are NSF/ANSI 42 and 53 certified.
The filter’s lifespan is around 40 gallons, and the pitcher also includes a spare filter. An indicator on the handle lets users know how many days remain before the filter must be replaced. The pitcher’s 10-cup capacity is large enough for the whole family to enjoy fresh, filtered water daily.
Product Specs
- Filter certifications: Unlisted
- Jug capacity: 10 cups
- Filter lifespan: 40 gallons
Pros
- Removes harmful contaminants in well water
- Extra filter included for long-term use before repurchasing
- Filter change indicator alerts the user that the filter has expired
Cons
- NSF/ANSI certifications not listed; may not be ideal for some users’ preferences
Get the Hskyhan water filter pitcher at Amazon.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Water Filter Pitcher
Although the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established strict regulations governing the quality of water as it leaves public water treatment plants, it has no control over the public water pipes through which water flows to households across the United States. However, water filter pitchers remove contaminants from water. The best water filters for home use have high-quality carbon filters and are easy to use. Consider the following factors when shopping for the best water purifier to provide the healthiest water for your household.
Contaminants in Your Water
Water filter pitchers are designed to improve the quality of pretreated drinking water from a municipal source. They don’t actually purify water, nor are they designed to remove a large number of bacteria or other hazardous contaminants from water.
The EPA defines water contaminants as “any physical, chemical, biological, or radiological substance or matter in water.” Chlorine is added to public water to kill disease-causing pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoans. Fluoride is added to some municipal tap water to help improve the dental health of citizens. However, neither of these substances poses a health risk.
Potential mineral contaminants in tap water include mercury, cadmium, asbestos, copper, lead, and zinc, most of which are caused by downstream contamination. The contaminants leach into the water from the pipes as it enters homes. The older the home, the greater the risk of downstream contamination. The EPA warns that “homes built before 1986 are more likely to contain lead pipes, fixtures, and solder.”
With increased use by the general public, herbicides/pesticides and pharmaceuticals (prescription and over-the-counter medications) are appearing in tap water. As pesticides and fertilizers are applied to farmlands, gardens, and lawns, they can leach into the groundwater or surface water systems that feed drinking water supplies.
Pharmaceuticals can enter the water supply when flushed down the toilet or when the medicine is not completely processed by a patient’s body and then he or she uses the bathroom. These contaminants are often referred to as either “incidental contaminants” or “emerging compounds.”
Filter Type
Not all filters can remove every type of contaminant from water. The best water filters are made with activated carbon, or activated charcoal, which is a form of carbon that’s been processed to maximize its number of pores. When activated carbon is used to treat a liquid, the pollutant molecules become trapped inside the pores.
NSF International, an independent organization that develops public health standards for products, uses a process to rate water filters and award them with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) certification. This process awards a certification to each filter based on which contaminants it removes from water. Some filters receive more than one certification.
Common certification standards for water filtration include:
- NSF/ANSI 42 filters remove only specific, aesthetic-related contaminants from water that affect taste and odor, such as chlorine and particulates.
- NSF/ANSI 53 filters remove health-related contaminants from water, such as lead, cryptosporidium, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and chromium.
- NSF/ANSI 401 filters remove incidental contaminants and emerging compounds.
- NSF/ANSI 244 and 231 filters, which remove microbiological contaminants, are commonly used in water filters designed for areas in which this kind of contamination of the water supply occurs on an intermittent basis or in remote areas where water is used by backpackers and campers.
Filter Replacement Frequency
The frequency with which water filters are replaced depends on the level of contamination in the water and the amount of water filtered per day. Each manufacturer provides the average lifespan of their water filters, including the number of gallons of water it can process.
Most water filters last an average of 2 to 6 months. If users detect noticeable changes in the odor and/or taste of the water, or the filter begins to process the water at an unusually slow rate, then it’s time to change the filter. Some pitchers contain an LED light that flashes when it’s time to replace the filter.
Filter Speed
While some water filters are naturally faster than others, the speed that a filter works depends on its number of filtration substance layers and which contaminants it removes. In general, longer filtration time means more contaminant removal. Of course, water filters nearing the end of their lifespan filter water more slowly because they are already filled with contaminants.
Although filter speed may not seem important, it makes a difference when the entire family is attempting to fill their water bottles. On average, most carbon filters can filter water in less than a minute.
Ceramic or reverse osmosis filters take longer because they contain multiple layers of substrate. Expect most water pitcher filters to take between 40 and 90 seconds to filter an 8-ounce cup of water.
Pitcher Material
Most water filter pitchers are made from plastic, which makes them lightweight, durable, and affordable. The quality of plastic varies from brand to brand, and all plastics are not the same.
Most consumers want a pitcher filter made from BPA-free plastic, which doesn’t leach chemicals into the water and produces the best-tasting water because it won’t add a “plastic” taste to the water.
Jug Size/Water Capacity
Water filter pitchers come in various sizes and shapes. When shopping for the best size, consider how much water the pitcher can filter at a time. In some cases, bigger is not always better. The more water the pitcher can filter at one time, the longer it takes to produce filtered water.
However, a 5-cup container filters plenty of water for three or more people. Determine the necessary pitcher size by first considering how much filtered water the household typically consumes every day.
pH Balance/Mineral Addition
While no scientific proof exists as to the benefits of drinking alkaline water, it’s become quite popular. Proponents of the trend claim that alkaline water—with its higher pH levels—aids in neutralizing acid in the body, which can reduce inflammation and help prevent chronic disease. An ionized water filter, which contains alkaline minerals or other acid-reducing minerals that transform and ionize the water without electricity, can alter the pH of water or enhance its mineral content. These filters separate water into two types: alkaline and acidic.
Untreated natural water in streams and lakes, which typically has a higher pH of 8 or 9, is mostly alkaline. Alkaline water also has a higher mineral content before it enters a water treatment facility. Conversely, most of the water coming from water taps has a pH range between 6.5 to 8.5.
Built-in Dispenser
Large water filter pitchers with built-in dispensers, which typically are rectangular, are convenient. They use a built-in tap to dispense clearly filtered water straight into a glass, water bottle, or other container. Although ideal for a crowd or large family, they may take up more space and are more susceptible to leaks.
The Advantages of Owning a Water Filter Pitcher
Clean water is essential to your health. Experts recommend that you drink at least 8 glasses of water per day, and fresh-tasting water makes it easier to reach this goal. Fortunately, you don’t need to spend a lot of money on a whole-house water filtration system to have great-tasting water. Instead, water pitcher filters make it convenient and affordable to have clean, healthy drinking water in your home.
Water filter pitchers remove the common contaminants in tap water. They also make tap water smell and taste better by removing the chlorine used to disinfect tap water. Best of all, water filter pitchers are portable and small enough to fit on countertops and most refrigerator shelves. A water filter pitcher:
- Effectively filters common contaminants in tap water
- Is a low-cost alternative to a water filtration system
- Is easy to use, portable, and won’t consume much countertop or refrigerator space
How to Change a Water Filter Cartridge
Water filters only last a specific amount of time. The frequency with which the water filter must be changed depends on the level of contaminants in your tap water, how often you filter water, and how much water your household consumes. Changing a water filter is easy and takes only a few minutes. Follow these steps:
- Open a new filter cartridge and soak it in a clean glass of water according to the manufacturer’s directions to activate the filter media and remove any carbon dust.
- After soaking, remove the filter from the water and allow the excess water to drain.
- Remove the old filter and insert the new one. Reset the filter change indicator or note the date you changed the filter.
What Contaminants Does a Water Filter Pitcher Remove?
No federal regulations exist for water pitcher filters. However, most manufacturers follow the NSF/ANSI protocols to establish minimum requirements for the safety and performance of filters in water pitchers.
These are the primary certification standards commonly used for residential water filtration systems and filters for water pitchers:
NSF/ANSI 42
Filters with NSF/ANSI 42 certification reduce specific aesthetic-related contaminants from your water that affect taste and odor, such as chlorine and chloramine, which is a group of chemical compounds that contain chlorine and ammonia. Chlorine and chloramine are added to drinking water for disinfection purposes. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the small amounts of chlorine and chloramine in drinking water aren’t harmful; however, they can be unpleasant to smell and affect the water’s taste.
NSF/ANSI 53
Filters with NSF/ANSI 53 certification remove health-related contaminants from water, such as lead, mercury, cryptosporidium, VOCs, chromium, and more. Many carbon-based filters have this certification. It’s common to find water filters with both NSF/ANSI 42 and NSF/ANSI 53 certifications.
NSF/ANSI 401
Filters with NSF/ANSI 401 certification remove incidental contaminants and emerging compounds, contaminants that are often in pharmaceuticals or chemicals not regulated by the EPA. Some of these contaminants include over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and pesticides like DEET that have made their way into the public water system.
NSF/ANSI 244 and 231
Filters with NSF/ANSI 231/244 certification are designed to remove microbiological contaminants from water. These filters protect against intermittent microbiological contamination of safe drinking water, usually for water sources in remote areas or in cases of accidental or irregular contamination of the municipal water supply. They use reverse osmosis or ceramic components to remove microbes, such as bacteria, yeast, mold, fungi, virus, prions, protozoa, and more. Most filters used in water filter pitchers hold NSF/ANSI 244/231 certifications.
FAQs
Using a water filter pitcher is an effective way to improve the quality of tap water. However, with so many filter types and pitcher styles available, it can get confusing. Several questions and their corresponding answers appear below.
Q. What are water filter pitchers?
Water filter pitchers are plastic pitchers with a self-contained water filtering system that removes contaminants from drinking water. Most brands offer their own multistage filters with the purchase of a pitcher as well as filter replacements for long-term use.
Q. How do water filter pitchers work?
Water filter pitchers are easy to use; just fill them from your faucet and wait for the water to flow through the replaceable filter. Some of these pitchers also come with filter indicators that alert you as to when the current filter has expired.
Q. What is a carbon filter in a water pitcher?
The filter used in most water filter pitchers contains granular activated carbon, which removes certain chemicals and other contaminants as water passes through the filter. Many carbon filters are capable of removing organic compounds, therefore improving the overall water taste, look, and smell.
Q. Why do people drink alkaline water?
Advocates of alkaline water promote the belief that it can help neutralize the acid in the bloodstream. They contend that less acid in the bloodstream can lead to weight loss, clearer skin, reduced inflammation, and even an increased ability to fight off disease. However, no scientific evidence exists to support those claims.
Q. Is it OK to drink alkaline water all the time?
Alkaline water is considered safe to drink, but excess consumption can cause some negative side effects, such as lowering of natural stomach acidity. Also, due to its high pH, anyone who suffers from kidney disease should not enjoy an excess of alkaline water.
