Finding the best water filter pitcher can be difficult because there are so many, and the features can be confusing and hard to compare. We rank and review 10 of the top water filter pitchers of 2018 to enable the consumer to make an informed decision when purchasing one for the home.
Product FAQs
- What are water filter pitchers?
Water filter pitchers strain water through a reservoir containing a charcoal filter to remove impurities. Sometimes they are known as “pour-through pitchers.” They usually hold anywhere from 6 cups to a gallon of water and are best for home use.
- How does a water filter pitcher work?
Water filter pitchers use a filter to remove chemicals and contaminants. The process by which it does this is known as adsorption. The use of activated charcoal is good for removing chlorine and some other impurities but cannot remove lead or fluoride. The charcoal can’t make hard water softer, remove microbes or heavy metals, so some pitchers use other means of adsorption. This is a partial list of things that most water filter pitchers will remove, depending on the type and how often the filter is changed:
- Chlorine
- Zinc
- Nominal Particulates
- Hydrogen Sulfide
- Cysts
- Turbidity
- Trace pharmaceuticals
- Why use a water filter pitcher?
A water filter pitcher is a great option for those looking to remove chemicals and contaminants that are easily removed by charcoal and other filters. Having the water tested before choosing a water filtration system is wise to ensure the best option is chosen. Other options include reverse osmosis and other types of whole house filtration systems.
- Where can a good water filter pitcher be purchased?
Good water filter pitchers can be found online at stores such as Amazon. Some Target stores carry them as well as Walmart.
- How do these chemicals get into our water?
Tap water is generally safe to drink. Municipal water treatment plants add chlorine and other chemicals to river, lake and underground aquifer water to remove harmful bacteria and viruses that might be in it to make it safe for human consumption.
How We Reviewed
We based our reviews on customer comments, features available and price.
Top Ten Water Filter Pitchers
[amazon link=”B011M7AQPS” title=”Invigorated Water pH RESTORE Alkaline 3.5L Water Filter Pitcher” /]
[amazon box=”B011M7AQPS”]
The Invigorated Water pH RESTORE Water Filter Pitcher produces alkaline water, which is supposed to be better for a person’s health by raising the body’s pH. The benefits of alkalinity aside, this is a great pitcher, producing 264 gallons of water per one filter.
Pros
- The pitcher is comfortable and has a slim outline, perfect for fitting in an overcrowded fridge.
- It produces alkaline water which has a health benefit.
- The package includes two filters, each lasting three months.
- The filter actually puts minerals back into the water such as selenium, calcium and
Cons
- warranty
90 days from the date of purchase with a 100% satisfaction money back guarantee during that period.
[amazon link=”B078QBSH53″ title=”ZeroWater 12-Cup Ready Pour Water Filter Pitcher” /]
[amazon box=”B078QBSH53″]
The ZeroWater Water Filter Pitcher is our number two pick for several reasons. It uses a deionization process, which removes heavy metals, unlike standard charcoal filters alone. The taste is crisp, clear and fresh. In fact, some users that are familiar with the taste of the chemicals in their water found it unusual because it removes flavors associated with the chemicals as well.
Pros
- It’s a comfortable and sturdy pitcher with two pouring options (one from the top and one from the bottom for pouring while it is filtering).
- There is a paid recycling program for returning filters through ZeroWater.
Cons
- It is slow to fill, probably one of the slower filters at 1 minute 50 seconds per cup of water.
- warranty
90 days from the date of purchase.
[amazon link=”B016LLLXJS” title=”Aquagear 8 cup Water Filter Pitcher” /]
[amazon box=”B016LLLXJS”]
The Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher does an amazing 150 gallons per filter and boasts of being able to remove the most fluoride, which most filters simply can’t get out very well.
Pros
- One of the most effective at removing 90% of fluoride which can usually only be done previously with reverse osmosis or a whole house system.
- The filters on this system are also recyclable and able to be sent back to the manufacturer using preprinted labels.
- This filter leaves good minerals such as calcium, magnesium and selenium in the water.
Cons
- This pitcher is also very slow to fill.
- It doesn’t have any notice as to when to change filters, which can be frustrating.
- warranty
It holds a lifetime warranty, and a user can request a new one for a break, chip or crack.
[amazon link=”B06XJ4XLCQ” title=”PUR LED 11 Cup Water Filtration Pitcher System” /]
[amazon box=”B06XJ4XLCQ”]
This filtered pitcher rids the water of 22 contaminants over 1-2 months of use, filtering 40 gallons on one filter. It’s BPA-free, and both the filter and pitcher are recyclable.
Pros
- The pitcher is very good at removing pharmaceuticals and many contaminants, which many pitchers are not.
- It has a very efficient filtration system.
Cons
- It has very slow filtration, and again, is one of the slowest.
- The pitcher leaves fluoride in the water, which is something many people want to filter
- warranty
90-day warranty.
[amazon link=”B01CGT22VM” title=”Seychelle Pitcher Water Filter Pitcher” /]
[amazon box=”B01CGT22VM”]
The Seychelle Pitcher uses two filters making it much faster at filtering than a pitcher with just one filter. It removes 99.99% of usual contaminants, making it one of the most effective filters around.
Pros
- The filters work incredibly fast, especially compared to some of the slower models out there.
Cons
- The filters on this model clog easily, meaning well or salty water shouldn’t be used in these pitchers and should only have municipal water in them to avoid clogging them.
- The pitcher and filter aren’t able to be used for hard water. The hard water can clog the filters as well.
- warranty
90 days from the date of purchase.
[amazon link=”B01N5ERFRI” title=”Reshape Water Alkaline Water Filter Pitcher” /]
[amazon box=”B01N5ERFRI”]
The Reshape is an unusual looking pitcher that again is an alkaline one. It comes with two filter cartridges, so they will last about 2-3 months before another purchase will need to be made. The filters for the Reshape are amongst the most complex available today. They use an ion-exchange filter, an activated carbon one, FIR balls, and then negative potential particles to remove all the impurities in the water.
Pros
- This filter pitcher has an antioxidant effect by producing negative ions in the water.
- It also can put minerals back in such as calcium, selenium and zinc, which many cannot. It comes with replaceable parts, which is unusual but helps reduce cost by replacing sections instead of the entire pitcher.
Cons
- The filter is difficult to change. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be done often, so it isn’t a deal breaker, but it is a concern if arthritis is a problem.
- There isn’t a gauge to tell the user when to change filters. The user tells by how slow the water is flowing.
- It is very slow to filter.
- warranty
90 days from the date of purchase.
[amazon link=”B07GJXH68Z” title=”Brita – 10-Cup Everyday Water Pitcher” /]
[amazon box=”B07GJXH68Z”]
Brita, one of the best known names in the industry, comes in at number 7 on this list. BPA-free, as most of them are, it has an indicator to tell the user when to change the filter. It’s very comfortable to use and takes out most impurities in the water.
Pros
- It has a comfortable hande, which is important as this is a larger-sized pitcher.
- Brita is a well-known name and deemed reliable by consumers.
Cons
- This pitcher doesn’t filter as many contaminants out as the other pitchers on our list do.
- warranty
90 days from the date of purchase.
[amazon link=”B01L9VICWQ” title=”DRAGONN 3.5 L Alkaline Water Filter Pitcher” /]
[amazon box=”B01L9VICWQ”]
This model is one of the largest pitchers on our list and has one of the most complicated filters. It softens the water by raising the pH, treats it with infrared energy, and removes contaminants. All of this is very impressive for the price.
Pros
- This water filter both remineralizes and alkalizes the water. Both are significant health benefits.
Cons
- The filters clog easily.
- The filters only last 1-2 months.
- warranty
90 days from the date of purchase.
[amazon link=”B00HEYRLO8″ title=”Brita 6-Cup Atlantis Water Filter Pitcher” /]
[amazon box=”B00HEYRLO8″]
Brita, again, is a very popular system and having two on the list is telling. The company uses a sticker system for filter change reminders or email reminders are a choice, too.
Pros
- Brita has a fast filtering system, making it very popular for families with young children who don’t want to wait for fresh water.
- The filters are very easy to change.
Cons
- This pitcher is very small, so it will have to be refilled often.
- warranty
90 days from the date of purchase.
[amazon link=”B01N6QN4WP” title=”Alexapure Water Filter Pitcher” /]
[amazon box=”B01N6QN4WP”]
Another BPA-free pitcher, this one removes 99.99% of contaminants, but again, the user can only put treated municipal water through it. Fluoride is reduced by 90%, which is the same as some of the other top pitchers. The filters are a bit on the expensive side so check the prices before buying the pitcher.
Pros
- This pitcher filters 99.99% of contaminants.
Cons
- Expensive filters
- warranty
45 days on unopened products.
Comparison Table
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[amazon link=”B011M7AQPS” title=”Invigorated Water pH RESTORE Alkaline 3.5 L Water Filter Pitcher” /] [amazon fields=”B011M7AQPS” value=”thumb” image_align=”center”] Capacity: 96 gallons per filter (1-2 months) [amazon fields=”B011M7AQPS” value=”button”] |
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[amazon link=”B01K8YALOC” title=”ZeroWater 12-Cup Ready Pour Water Filter Pitcher” /] [amazon fields=”B01K8YALOC” value=”thumb” image_align=”center”] Capacity: 79 gallons of water per filter (1-2 months) [amazon fields=”B01K8YALOC” value=”button”] |
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[amazon link=”B016LLLXJS” title=”Aquagear 8 cup Water Filter Pitcher” /] [amazon fields=”B016LLLXJS” value=”thumb” image_align=”center”] Capacity: 150 gallons per filter (2-3 months) [amazon fields=”B016LLLXJS” value=”button”] |
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[amazon link=”B00IK5A68I” title=”PUR LED 11 Cup Water Filtration Pitcher System” /] [amazon fields=”B00IK5A68I” value=”thumb” image_align=”center”] Capacity: 40 gallons per filter (1 month) [amazon fields=”B00IK5A68I” value=”button”] |
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[amazon link=”B01CGT22VM” title=”Seychelle Pitcher Water Filter Pitcher” /] [amazon fields=”B01CGT22VM” value=”thumb” image_align=”center”] Capacity: 200 gallons filtered water per filter (3 months) [amazon fields=”B01CGT22VM” value=”button”] |
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[amazon link=”B01N5ERFRI” title=”Reshape Water Alkaline Water Filter Pitcher” /] [amazon fields=”B01N5ERFRI” value=”thumb” image_align=”center”] Capacity: 79 gallons per 1-2 months of use [amazon fields=”B01N5ERFRI” value=”button”] |
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[amazon link=”B07GJXH68Z” title=”Brita – 10-Cup Everyday Water Pitcher” /] [amazon fields=”B07GJXH68Z” value=”thumb” image_align=”center”] Capacity: 80 gallons per 1-2 months of use [amazon fields=”B07GJXH68Z” value=”button”] |
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[amazon link=”B01L9VICWQ” title=”DRAGONN 3.5 L Alkaline Water Filter Pitcher” /] [amazon fields=”B01L9VICWQ” value=”thumb” image_align=”center”] Capacity: 80 gallons per 1-2 months of use [amazon fields=”B01L9VICWQ” value=”button”] |
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[amazon link=”B00HEYRLO8″ title=”Brita 6-Cup Atlantis Water Filter Pitcher” /] [amazon fields=”B00HEYRLO8″ value=”thumb” image_align=”center”] Capacity: 60 gallons per 1-2 months of use [amazon fields=”B00HEYRLO8″ value=”button”] |
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[amazon link=”B01N6QN4WP” title=”Alexapure Water Filter Pitcher” /] [amazon fields=”B01N6QN4WP” value=”thumb” image_align=”center”] Capacity: 80 gallons per 1-2 months of use [amazon fields=”B01N6QN4WP” value=”button”] |
Conclusion
The Invigorated Water pH RESTORE Alkaline 3.5 L Water Filter Pitcher is our winner. The slim outline, remineralization and inclusion of six months of filters puts it at the top of our list. Despite being a little pricier than some of the others, this price is easily made up in filter cost. This makes it number one in our book.
