Brita or Zero Water Review : Which is Better, Brita or Zero Water?
If you’ve been looking for a new water filter pitcher, you’ve probably come across the brands Zero Water and Brita.
Zero Water and Brita are two of the most well-known gravity water filter pitcher brands. Both function on the same principle – when water is added to the pitcher, the filter gradually filters out the impurities – and both offer their own ranges of stylish, modern-looking pitchers in various sizes to pick from.
However, because their products are so similar, it can be difficult to decide which one to choose.
The purpose of this article is to settle the Zero Water vs. Brita debate by examining the differences in design, performance, features, and price between respective products. By the end, you should be able to choose the ideal water filter pitcher to call your own.
Comparing Zero Water Filter vs Brita
Zero Water Filters
Water filter pitchers with the Zero Water brand name are known first and foremost for their powerful filtering capabilities.
To be more exact, the company’s filter cartridge contains up to five different filtration stages. Cartridges from other companies, such as Brita or Pur, only contain two stages at most.
Zero Water pitchers can eliminate a greater spectrum of impurities due to the more advanced filter cartridge design. And, according to the company’s marketing materials, its water filter pitcher systems outperform every other product on the market in terms of filtering performance.
Though it may have appeared to be marketing hyperbole, independent study has been conducted on this. Out of the five various types of pitcher filters used in this study, Zero Water’s filter reduces arsenic levels in the water the best. As a result, the company’s claim to be the “best-performing filter on the market” is quite legitimate.
The pitchers themselves are available in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes from Zero Water. Small pitchers that can contain six cups of clean water at a time are available, as are larger ones with reservoirs large enough to comfortably retain 30 cups.
The design of their pitchers is generally regarded as user-friendly. Simply place the filter cartridge into the center compartment, fill with tap water, and clean water will be ready in a few minutes.
Brita Filters
Brita is a name that is frequently associated with affordability. Brita is well-known for its low-cost pitchers and filter designs, making it popular among the budget-conscious consumer. Furthermore, Brita’s products are very simple and straightforward to use, which adds to their appeal.
Brita filters are typically made of fine-grained activated carbon, which is the main element that absorbs contaminants in the water flow that passes through the filter.
The activated carbon grains utilized by Brita in their products are sourced from natural coconut shells, which is an intriguing fact. Coconut shells have a porous structure that allows them to filter water well. And, indeed, this skill shines brightly in filtration testing.
Although not as effective as Zero Water’s five-stage filter, Brita filters are nevertheless effective enough to protect you from the majority of water-borne health dangers. Plus, for the price that their filters are sold for, it’s a great deal.
Brita provides a wide range of pitchers to choose from. Pitchers are available in a variety of styles and sizes, with capacities ranging from five to twenty-five cups.
The method of use is likewise straightforward: insert the filter cartridge into the pitcher’s slot, pour in water, wait, and serve.
Performance Difference between Brita Versus Zero Water
Brita Water Filter
Brita’s water filter is BPA-free and does not need to be installed before use. Brita’s pitcher filters are NSF certified for Standards 42 and 53, so you can be confident that they will remove or considerably decrease both chlorine and lead from your tap water.
Brita filters feature some of the most comprehensive filtration capabilities for a gravity water system, especially for a filter small enough to hold in one hand.
Brita’s basic and LongLast filters both filter a full glass of water in about 40 seconds. This is quite quick for a water pitcher filter, which relies on gravity to force water through the cartridge and has no water pressure or power to help it.
Brita’s filters are made up of layers of coconut-derived activated carbon and ion exchange resin beads. The ion exchange beads can assist the filter in removing more dissolved minerals as well as certain chemical compounds from the water.
When compared to other branded water filter pitchers, Brita’s filter has one of the fastest flow rates on the market. But keep in mind that, like any other water filter pitcher, Brita’s filter will slow down dramatically as it nears the end of its life.
The LongLast filter from Brita is the best performer, with a remarkably extended lifespan when compared to other filter pitchers. If lifespan is a key performance factor for you, you’ll love the fact that you’ll only need to change the LongLast filter every 6 months or so.
Zero Water Filter
Zero Water filter is NSF certified for both standards 42 and 53, which reduce chlorine taste and odor as well as lead. When you purchase a ZeroWater pitcher, you will receive a free TDS meter to measure the level of total dissolved solids in your water.
Zero Water’s faith in its filters is reassuring to anyone considering trying the brand for the first time, especially since, according to customer evaluations, those who used the TDS meter to test the quality of their water before and after using the filter pitcher noticed a substantial difference.
Zero Water’s filter is small and compact, including a whole 5-stage filtration process into a single cartridge. The filter has been carefully engineered to deliver the most comprehensive filtration and the longest filter life possible for a water filter pitcher.
In terms of contaminant removal, Zero Water is without a doubt one of the most amazing water filters on the market. When tap water is poured into the filter pitcher, it passes through a number of filter media, including:
- An first filter screen that eliminates dust, rust, and other debris.
- A foam distributor capable of removing suspended particles.
- A carbon oxidation reduction alloy that removes organic impurities such as chemicals and metals.
- An ion exchange resin capable of removing organic molecules from water.
- A nonwoven membrane and ultrafine screen that removes any leftover sediment and suspended particles.
When it comes to contaminant removal speed, Zero Water, like Brita, isn’t the fastest filter on the market. However, the Zero Water takes somewhat longer than the Brita to filter water — little under 2 minutes to filter a full cup. This is due to Zero Water’s system having more filter stages for tap water to travel through than Brita’s system, which reduces the flow rate slightly.
Brita Filter Comparison : Can Brita Remove More Contaminants Than Zero Water?
Brita Filter
Here’s a quick rundown of the contaminants that the two Brita filters can efficiently remove. If you want to get a Brita filter, you can use this list to decide which of the two to get.
As can be shown, just though the Brita LongLast lasts longer does not imply that it performs better. As can be observed, the LongLast is unable to remove certain impurities (copper and zinc, for example) that the Standard can.
Nonetheless, the ability of the LongLast to minimize lead concentration is the key reason why most consumers prefer it compared to the Standard.
Zero Water Filter
In contrast to Brita’s wide product line, Zero Water only sells a single filter model. This can make deciding on the best filter to use easier.
The Zero Water filter can remove the following contaminants:
- Chlorine
- Lead
- Arsenic
- Mercury
- Cadmium
- Thallium
- Copper
- Iron
- Zinc
- Asbestos
- Cyanide
- Fluoride
- Nitrate
- Nitrite
Unfortunately, the data set is incomplete because Zero Water does not share as much information regarding their filter’s efficiency as Brita does. It also lacks many of the contaminant classes listed in Brita’s performance data, most notably the various types of organic chemicals such as TCE and BPA.
As a result, we can’t determine which of the two can filter out more contaminants because we don’t have the statistics to back it up. However, rest assured that Zero Water filters can easily handle even the most harmful impurities (such as lead).
Zero Water Pitcher Models Against Brita
Brita Pitchers
Brita has a wide range of pitcher designs to choose from. As of this writing, you have a choice of 15 alternatives. Each is unique in terms of design, color, size, and price.
The following is a complete list of Brita’s current available models:
- Monterey with Longlast Filter
- Ultraslim Stream® Dispenser
- Ultramax Dispenser with Longlast Filter
- Stream® Cascade Pitcher
- Grand
- Lake
- Wave
- Metro
- Soho
- Rapids Stream® Pitcher
- Everyday
- Pacifica
- Space-Saver
Brita’s most expensive model right now is the Brita Ultramax Dispenser. If you have a high demand, the UltraMax has a large enough reservoir to carry eighteen cups of water or six 24-ounce water bottles. Each UltraMax comes with a free Brita LongLast filter.
The Brita Metro is the most economical model in Brita’s lineup. This small pitcher has a capacity of five cups or two 24-ounce water bottles.
All of the pitchers are designed to work with both the Standard and LongLast filters. Use whichever matches your needs.
Zero Water Pitchers
Zero Water pitchers are similarly varied in terms of form, size, and price. You don’t have to worry about compatibility with this one because the company only supplies one type of filter.
The pitchers lack distinctive labels like Brita’s (such as “Metro” or “UltraMax”) and are instead identified by their size. It’s also easy to figure out how much things cost this way, because the larger it is, the more expensive it is.
The following Zero Water models are available:
- 6-Cup Pitcher
- 7-Cup Pitcher
- 10-Cup Pitcher
- 12-Cup Pitcher
- 20-Cup Pitcher
- 30-Cup Pitcher
- 40-Cup Pitcher
- Stainless Steel 11-Cup
- Bottle Filtration System
The Zero Water 40 Cup Ready-Pour Glass Dispenser (ZBD-040-1) with a capacity of 40 cups is the most premium model currently available from Zero Water.
The Zero Water 6 Cup Filter Pitcher (ZP-006-4) is priced at the opposite end of the range.
The fact that there aren’t many color selections could be considered a disadvantage. The majority of the pitchers are only available in a bland white plastic paint. As a result, if you prefer a more stylish kitchen, Zero Water may not be the choice for you. If you don’t have any special requirements for filtering performance, Brita might be a better option.
Filter Lifespan & Maintenance Costs: Is Brita Cost Lower Than Zero Water Cost?
Brita
The standard Brita filtration system has a 40-gallon lifespan. This means you can drink Brita filtered water for about 2 months before needing to change the filters. The actual lifespan of Brita filters is determined on the quality of your tap water – the more impurities it contains, the faster the filters will clog and the more frequently you will need to replace them.
You can obtain one Brita water filter for about $6.50, three for about $15, and six for about $25, so with each additional Brita filter you receive a better value for your money. It’s a wonderful deal if you love the brand and intend to use Brita’s water filter pitcher systems for a long time.
While 40 gallons is adequate for this type of filtration system, Brita goes above and beyond with its LongLast offering. These filters last 6 months, which is nearly three times longer than the usual offering. A one-pack LongLast will cost you roughly $17, while a two-pack will cost you around $33. When you compare the two filters side by side, you will notice that paying for the LongLast is a somewhat better deal than paying for the standard option.
Zero Water
Zero Water’s 5-stage filtered water cartridges have a shorter lifespan than Brita’s 40 gallons – roughly 20 to 25 gallons of tap water. This is most likely due to the fact that Zero Water’s systems include numerous layers of filtering, which inevitably leads to a buildup of a wider range of contaminants.
Having said that, most customers manage to get at least three months out of Zero Water’s systems, so it truly depends on the quality of your tap water.
A single Zero Water filter costs about $15, and a set of two costs about $30. When compared to Brita’s LongLast offering, which lasts longer, you may argue that Brita’s LongLast is the superior deal.
However, it is worth noting that with Zero Water, you pay for a more complete total dissolved solids removal, so it truly depends on whether you want a system that lasts longer or one that is more thorough.
Zero Water vs Brita Consumer Reports Comparison
Brita
Brita’s thousands of positive customer reviews indicate that the company has been doing something right for many years. On Amazon, the Brita standard replacement filtering cartridges now have a rating of 4.7 out of 5, based on approximately 27,000 reviews.
Brita’s water filtration cartridges were recently upgraded, and several buyers discovered that, when compared to the old ones, these new cartridges can leak if not pushed with some force to seat them properly. Other users have mentioned that Brita’s replacement indicator isn’t completely accurate, and that it’s advisable to alter replacement periods according to your usage and water quality.
Zero Water
Zero Water’s products have gotten equally favorable feedback, with the 5-stage filtering cartridge receiving an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on over 22,000 reviews. Customers complimented Zero Water’s filter for its water filtration abilities and appreciated the free TDS meter that came with the system.
Some buyers complained that the filtering cartridges never lasted as long as stated, with some claiming that they had to be replaced after less than a month. This is most likely due to the water’s quality – the more impurities it contains, the faster any filtration product will reach the end of its lifespan.
Pros and Cons: Is Zerowater Better Than Brita?
Brita – Pros
Popular brand for a long time
Purchasing Brita items feels less risky given the brand’s long history and international reputation for high-quality products.
Excellent for any budget
Brita’s products are inexpensive for all budgets, therefore if you don’t have the money to invest in a more expensive filtration system, Brita’s systems will suffice.
Optional Longlast filtering cartridge
If you buy Brita’s LongLast choice, you’ll get a system that lasts up to 6 months, which is much longer than the cartridges in other water filter pitchers.
NSF certified
Brita’s products are NSF certified to Standards 42 and 53 for chlorine and lead removal, respectively, which provides additional reassurance to first-time customers.
Brita – Cons
Not as thorough as Zero Water
Brita’s systems, while providing an extremely complete filtration solution, do not eliminate the level of total dissolved solids that Zero Water’s product does.
Does not provide immediate filtering
Brita’s systems, like other pitchers, take up to a minute to generate a glass of clean, filtered water, so the results aren’t immediate.
Zero Water – Pros
Extensive filtering process
Zero Water’s filtration systems are extremely effective, eliminating up to 99 percent of all total dissolved solids. If you’re seeking for the cleanest water, Zero Water is the way to go.
Several styles to choose from
When it comes to Zero Water products, there is a lot of variety. You can select the size and style that best suit your preferences and needs.
Excellent value for money
Given their thorough water filtering process, Zero Water’s systems are relatively inexpensive.
High-grade construction
The quality of Zero Water’s pitchers is unlikely to disappoint, and they are built to last a long time.
Zero Water – Cons
Systems do not last very long
Zero Water does not have a long-lasting filtering cartridge option like Brita, and you will often need to replace it every three months.
Filtering time is relatively slow
Because of Zero Water’s 5-stage filtration process, the system takes longer to produce clean water than Brita pitchers.
Conclusion: Zero Water vs Brita Review
When comparing Zero Water and Brita, both offer advantages and are popular for good reason. In terms of appearance and aesthetic, both companies provide a similar assortment of products, and it is their filtering processes that truly differentiate the two.
If you like to change your filtering cartridge less frequently and want to go with a well-known brand, you might pick one of Brita’s models. If you are seeking for a higher TDS removal, Zero Water’s models may be more suitable for you, with the addition of a convenient TDS meter for evaluating your water quality before and after putting it through your filtering system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Brita water filter healthy?
Brita, like Zero Water, is made entirely of BPA-free components and is suitable for use by all family members. If you have children, you should not be concerned about them drinking water from this water filter pitcher. The same is true if you intend to cook baby food using filtered water.
Does Brita Water Filter Pitcher remove fluoride?
Both Zero Water and Brita claim to eliminate the majority of solid contaminants from water.
Brita’s system, however, only eliminates a trace amount of fluoride. This is mostly owing to the company’s view that fluoride in water can aid in the prevention of tooth decay.
While this is true, it is also true that too much fluoride can lead to a variety of illnesses, including debilitating bone disease, renal problems, cognitive impairment, hyperthyroidism, osteoporosis, cancer, and even depression.
Because it is difficult to predict how much fluorine-containing water a person drinks each day, and because fluoride is found in toothpaste and other oral hygiene products, scientists feel that drinking fluoride-free water is the best method to avoid any associated health problems.
Does Zero Water Filter Pitcher remove fluoride?
Zero Water filter pitcher systems are capable of removing over 99 percent of all solid residues in water, including fluoride. The filter pitcher systems, according to the company, can remove up to 99 percent of fluoride in water, as well as a variety of other pollutants, heavy metals, and organic impurities.
How do Zero Water and Brita clean water?
Zero Water and Brita Standard Everyday clean water in a similar way, but Zero Water filter pitcher systems remove additional impurities. The key difference is Zero Water’s 5-stage filtering system. To decrease impurities, Zero Water filter pitcher systems employ activated carbon, ion exchange technology, and mechanical filtration.
How to Change Water Filter?
Firstly, check the manual guide of your water filtration system for the best illustration. Fret not, most water filtration system has a standardized changing procedure. You’d remover the old filters and run it under running water for about 15 seconds. Proceed to placing new replacement filters and ensure it’s properly secured. Then, run under running water once through the filter pitcher systems. Sometimes, you may notice some debris hence, your water filter acts as a carbon filter as well. Remove the waste and you’re good to go.
