Best Water Filter Pitcher 2022: Portable and Reliable

A water filter pitcher, as opposed to under-sink or faucet water filters, is a portable filtering device.

To filter water before it comes out of your faucet, you do not need to connect it to your cold water pipe. Instead, the best water filter pitcher filters tap water directly from your tap, with no installation or setup necessary.

Water purifier pitchers are a good alternative for people who dislike the flavor of their tap water or want to drink cleaner, safer water but don’t want to deal with the inconvenience of installing an under-sink or other more complex system.

If you are renting a home and your landlord would not allow the installation of a more permanent filtration equipment, you may want to try an alkaline water filter pitcher. Here is our best water filter pitcher review.

Best Water Filter Pitcher Reviews in 2022

1. Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher

An alkaline water filter pitcher, as opposed to under-sink or faucet water filters, is a portable filtering device.

To filter water before it comes out of your faucet, you do not need to connect it to your cold water pipe. Instead, the finest alkaline water filter pitcher filters water directly from your tap, with no installation or setup necessary.

Water pitchers are a good alternative for people who dislike the flavor of their tap water or want to drink cleaner, safer water but don’t want to deal with the inconvenience of installing an under-sink or other more complex system. If you are renting a home and your landlord would not allow the installation of a more permanent filtration equipment, you may want to try an alkaline water filter pitcher.

Filters like those found in the Clearly Filtered system are not available elsewhere. They do a lot more than just eliminate common impurities (though they do that as well), and this is due to their unique design.

A single Clearly Filtered filter includes three stages of filtering and may even eliminate problematic impurities such as fluoride – which is uncommon in water filter pitchers. Its filtration technique allows it to remove far more than other brands, making it nearly as effective as reverse osmosis — yet, unlike RO, the filters cleanse water without eliminating vital minerals.

Clearly Filtered’s filters are made using one of the best materials available: activated carbon. Adsorption is used in activated carbon filtration technology to trap contaminants in the pores of the filter – and Clearly Filtered’s filters have a unique structure that sends water through the media in twists and turns, trapping a greater number of impurities than if water was allowed to pass straight through. This significant performance boost elevates Clearly Filtered’s solution above many other water filter pitchers on the market.

This system’s filtering stages also include a woven mesh screen and a composite shell. The woven mesh screen keeps big particles from clogging the activated carbon media, and the composite shell allows more water to contact the media.

This filter’s design complements its filtering efficiency, and the water dam in the top-section reservoir allows you to pour water out of the spout without disturbing any unfiltered water in the reservoir — I adore this aspect

Not all water filter pitcher models include a water dam like this, and it’s quite convenient that Clearly Filtered does, given that the filtering process can take up to 20 minutes. Clearly Filtered removes the need for you to wait the entire 20 minutes for complete filtration in order to receive pure water.

2. Brita Everyday 10-Cup

Not only did the Brita Everyday 10-cup water filter pitcher with Standard filter earn top marks in our taste test, with tester comments like “most clean,” “tasted pure,” and “most neutral,” but it also requires very little heavy lifting—you do nothing more complicated than removing the top and filling up the reservoir with water.

While it lacks some of the lovely extras seen on more costly water filter pitchers, such as a replacement notification or a covered water spout, it’s large enough that it doesn’t need to be constantly refilled, but slender enough that the BPA-free water filter pitcher should fit on most refrigerator shelves.

When you purchase a Brita Everyday 10-cup water filter pitcher, you will receive one Standard Brita Filter. We also tried Brita’s Longlast filter in the Everyday water filter pitcher; while taste testers said it tasted acceptable, they preferred the Standard filter’s taste.

According to our findings, the Brita Everyday water filter pitcher removed practically all traces of chlorine, marginally reduced the amount of total dissolved solids (TDS) in the test water, and had little to no influence on the pH. Even better, it only took roughly four to five minutes to sieve 3.5 cups of water; typical filtration periods for all of the water filter pitchers we examined ranged from five to ten minutes. The Brita Everyday 10-cup water filter pitcher is a no-frills, basic water filter pitcher that is simple to use and excellent at removing common water pollutants.

The EPA defines contaminants in drinking water as anything other than water molecules. There is an extensive list of contaminants that can be detected in tap water. Some are well-known, such as lead and chlorine, while others, such as fluoride, are helpful.

While long-term lead exposure has major health hazards, ingesting chlorine is regarded to be far more benign, save for the possibility of a link between chlorine and bladder cancer. Though fluoride can cause health problems in high doses, it has been added in safe concentrations to some municipal tap water in the United States for about 70 years and has been found to significantly improve oral health in children and adults. Both Brita and Pur argue that their filters do not remove fluoride significantly.

Other contaminants that may be present in tap water include mercury, cadmium, asbestos, copper, zinc, herbicides/pesticides, sediments, and medications, with pharmaceuticals being one of the “emerging concerns” about tap water safety.

As you might assume, ingesting any of these toxins in big quantities or over long periods of time is not a good idea; a water filter pitcher rated to remove these contaminants can go a long way toward soothing your mind about the quality of your drinking water.

Water purity standards have been set by the National Sanitation Foundation/American National Standards Institute (NSF/ANSI) to inform consumers about the sorts of contaminants eliminated by a water filter pitcher.

The most frequently mentioned standards are 42 (reduction of chlorine odor/taste), 53 (reduction of a pollutant with a negative health effect), and 401 (reduction of a contaminant with a negative health effect) (reduction of emerging contaminants like pharmaceuticals).

These rules only apply to specific contaminants mentioned on the water filter pitcher’s performance data sheet, which frequently includes both the type and amount of each contaminant removed through third-party lab testing for a given product.

Rated to reduce or remove: Standard: chlorine, mercury, cadmium, copper, zinc; Longlast: chlorine, lead, mercury, cadmium, some industrial chemicals, some particulates, some pharmaceuticals

Certification standards met: Standard: NSF/ANSI 42 and 53; Longlast: NSF/ANSI 42, 53, and 401

Filter life: Standard: 40 gallons / 2 months; Longlast: 120 gallons / 6 months

Cost for replacement filters: Standard: 6 filters for $25 ($4.17/filter); Longlast: 2 filters for $33 ($16.50/filter)

3. Pur Classic 11-Cup

The Pur Classic 11-cup pitcher with Lead Reduction filter is a close second to its major competition, Brita. This pitcher’s water was described as “clear and refreshing” with “no aftertaste” during taste testing. This type is the most basic of the Pur pitchers, with a flip-top reservoir cover and a flashing LED filter replacement notification light.

The top easily detaches, which may be both a gift and a curse: a blessing since it allows simple access to the reservoir, and a curse because if you try to use the water filter pitcher while there is water in the reservoir, it appears as if water will spill out from the top. The water filter pitcher is larger than the Brita water filter pitchers, and it feels quite light when all of the water has filtered down, but it can feel awkward and top-heavy if you try to move it when the reservoir is full.

Because of its higher capacity, it has a somewhat wider profile than the Brita water filter pitchers, requiring a little more shelf space in your fridge. We also discovered that filtering appears to have stuck at a few points, although Pur has offered helpful instructions in the package to assist you get the filter back up and running.

The Pur Classic 11-cup water filter pitcher comes with a Standard filter rather than a Lead Reduction filter, so you’ll need to purchase the Lead Reduction filters separately if you prefer lead filtration. Our taste testers preferred water that had been filtered with the Lead Reduction sieve over water that had been filtered with the Pur Standard filter.

In our testing for chlorine, pH, and TDS, the Pur Lead Reduction filter produced nearly identical findings to the Brita Standard filter: 100% chlorine removal, negligible change in TDS, and little to no effect on water pH.

Because the Lead Reduction filter removes more impurities, the filtration time is longer than that of the Brita water filter pitchers—11 to 13 minutes for this water filter pitcher to clear 3.5 cups of water. If lead is a concern for you, the Pur Classic 11-cup water filter pitcher with Lead Reduction filter is an excellent choice.

Rated to reduce or remove: Standard: chlorine, mercury, cadmium, copper, zinc, particulates, some industrial pollutants, microbial cysts, some pesticides and herbicides, some pharmaceuticals, and some industrial chemicals; Lead Reduction: lead, chlorine, mercury, cadmium, copper, zinc, particulates, some industrial pollutants, microbial cysts, some pesticides and herbicides, some pharmaceuticals, and some industrial chemicals

Certification standards met: Standard: NSF/ANSI 42, 53, and 401; Lead Reduction: NSF/ANSI 42 and 53

Filter life: Standard: 40 gallons / 2 months; Lead Reduction: 30 gallons / 2 months

Cost for replacement filters: Standard: 3 filters for $18 ($6.00/filter), Lead Reduction: 3 filters for $25 ($8.33/filter)

4. Pur Ultimate 11-Cup

During our taste test, the Pur Ultimate 11-cup pitcher with Lead Reduction filter received largely positive feedback, with testers remarking that the water was “the freshest” and “tasted like bottled water.” A couple of tasters did, however, note a faint bitter aftertaste. The Pur Ultimate water filter pitcher is essentially an updated version of the Pur Classic 11-cup water filter pitcher, but it comes with a few added features.

The Ultimate pitcher is thinner and longer than the Classic pitcher, although it stands the same height. The smaller profile makes it easier to fit on crowded refrigerator shelves, but the longer length means that if your shelves are already crammed in the back, you may have difficulty fitting it in the fridge.

The Ultimate pitcher, on the other hand, includes a spout cover, a flip-top reservoir lid, and three useful sieving status LEDs: green, yellow, and red. Some of our testers believed that, like the Pur Classic pitcher, when the reservoir is full, the Ultimate pitcher can feel awkward and top-heavy to maneuver, and that the top of the pitcher may come off if used, but they liked the thinner shape of the pitcher overall.

With the purchase of the Pur Ultimate 11-cup pitcher, the Lead Reduction filter is included. We also tried the Pur Standard filter with the Ultimate pitcher, but our taste testers preferred the water filtered with the Lead Reduction filter.

In terms of quantitative performance, the Ultimate pitcher with Lead Reduction filter worked similarly to the other Pur and Brita filters: we observed 100% chlorine removal, a modest reduction in TDS, and little to no change in the neutral water pH of 7.

While not as dramatic as the Brita Longlast filter, we did observe an increase in filtration periods from around 10 minutes for 3.5 cups of water prior to casual usage of the water filter pitchers to around 12 to 13 minutes afterwards.

While filtration durations may be longer, you will have piece of mind knowing that the filter is successfully removing or limiting many toxins. One of the best dynamic duos of water filtration is the Pur Ultimate 11-cup pitcher with Lead Reduction filter.

Rated to reduce or remove: Standard: chlorine, mercury, cadmium, copper, zinc, particulates, some industrial pollutants, microbial cysts, some pesticides and herbicides, some pharmaceuticals, and some industrial chemicals; Lead Reduction: lead, chlorine, mercury, cadmium, copper, zinc, particulates, some industrial pollutants, microbial cysts, some pesticides and herbicides, some pharmaceuticals, and some industrial chemicals

Certification standards met: Standard: NSF/ANSI 42, 53, and 401; Lead Reduction: NSF/ANSI 42 and 53

**Filter life*: Standard: 40 gallons / 2 months; Lead Reduction: 30 gallons / 2 months

Cost for replacement filters: Standard: 3 filters for $18 ($6.00/filter), Lead Reduction: 3 filters for $25 ($8.33/filter)

5. Hydros 64oz Pitcher

If you don’t care about water quality and simply want clean-tasting water, the Hydros 64-ounce pitcher is ideal. Because it does not attempt to sieve out more harmful contaminants such as heavy metals, the little Hydros filter is less expensive and takes up less room in the pitcher than conventional water pitcher filters.

In keeping with their environmental ideals, the Hydros pitcher filter is made of coconut shell carbon and is housed in a BPA-free container. This unconventional filter is up to the job: Our taste testers declared that this water was “basic” and “simple,” with “no aftertaste,” which will delight those of us who enjoy flavorless water.

Clearly, a lot of thinking went into this pitcher; the smaller filter means that the water can be filtered virtually instantly, to the point where you can set the faucet to a slow, steady flow setting and watch the pitcher sieve your water in real time.

Despite the pitcher’s eight-cup capacity, the small filter allows for a considerably more compact design in the pitcher itself; it takes up a lot less space in the fridge than most of the water filter pitchers we tested with similar capacities. The pitcher’s base and handle are both wrapped in a non-slip rubber coating that makes it simple to hold and pour even with wet hands. The pitcher’s lid is simple to remove, and the covered spout flows water quickly but not so quickly that you’re always dealing with spillage.

The Hydros water filter pitcher performed similarly to the majority of the other alkaline water filter pitchers we tested in the lab. While we did not see a significant decrease in the chlorine content of the filtered water, this could be due to the fact that our lab water already contains very little chlorine. The Hydros filter had no discernible effect on the pH or TDS level of the water. We were able to filter 3.5 cups of water in around 40 seconds, and the rate of filtration did not slow down with time.

Look no farther than the Hydros 64-ounce pitcher if you want a water pitcher filter that is all about efficiency in terms of water filtration rate, fridge shelf footprint, and eco-friendliness.

Rated to reduce or remove: Chlorine, particulates

Certification standards met: NSF/ANSI 42

Filter life: 40 gallons/2 months

Cost for replacement filters: 2 filters for $11 ($5.50/filter)

6. Clear2O Advanced Water Filtration Pitcher

In our tasting test, the Clear2O Advanced Pitcher received positive feedback, with comments such as “has no extra mineral flavor” and “has the cleanest taste.” While the water may not have a distinct flavor, the Advanced Pitcher is a significant departure from the other pitchers on our list. Instead of filling the pitcher’s reservoir and letting the water drip through the filter, the Advanced pitcher features a plumbing connector that allows you to pump water from the sink through the pitcher’s short hose, past the pitcher’s filter, and into the pitcher for near-instantaneous filtration.

The pitcher is also slightly smaller than the other pitchers on this list—its capacity is closer to 8 to 9 cups—but its lower size makes it simpler to manage, and the lack of a reservoir means it never feels top-heavy or difficult to hold. It also contains a filter indicator with a red/green readout that shows when the filter needs to be replaced.

The plumbing attachment, on the other hand, necessitates a significant increase in hand dexterity and strength.

This pitcher, on the other hand, will not function with faucets that have built-in sprayers, but it should be compatible if your faucet has a removable aerator. Check the product manual to ensure that your faucet is suitable. Another thing to keep in mind is that, while this pitcher filters swiftly, the filtering process produces a loud screeching noise that takes some getting accustomed to.

With the purchase of the Clear2O Advanced pitcher, the Clear2O Advanced filter is included.

When we tested it, we found that there were still traces of chlorine in the water, but TDS and pH were essentially unaffected by the filtration process, as with other pitchers. However, as previously said, it took less than 30 seconds for this pitcher to filter 3.5 cups of water. This filter is ideal for a very specific type of person—someone who requires clean water immediately and has a compatible kitchen sink. If possible, borrow a friend’s pitcher and test it on your kitchen sink to ensure a secure fit; otherwise, look elsewhere for your next pitcher purchase.

Rated to reduce or remove: chlorine, arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, and some other heavy metals, some pharmaceuticals, some herbicides and pesticides, some industrial waste and chemical compounds and some volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

Certification standards met: NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401

Filter life: 50 gallons

Cost for replacement filters: 3 filters for $30 ($10/filter)

7. ZeroWater 10-Cup

The ZeroWater pitcher is designed for a completely different purpose than the other water pitcher filters. The ZeroWater pitcher claims to reduce your tap water total dissolved solids level to practically zero.

While this will undoubtedly make your water purer, practically all tap water and standard filtered water contain some quantity of dissolved solids; entirely removing those minerals may result in a perceptible alteration in the flavor of the water.

During the tasting test, some tasters described the water as “smooth and punchy” and “neutral,” while others described it as “unpleasant.” It itself is wide and durable, with a faucet at the base for distributing water and a TDS meter included so that you may take TDS readings whenever you like.

The pitcher, however, is higher than most of the others we examined, so be sure your fridge shelves are tall enough to accommodate it. Furthermore, the filter is quite heavy, so even when it is entirely empty, it can be difficult to carry for those with low upper body strength, let alone when it is filled.

With the purchase of the ZeroWater pitcher, one ZeroWater filter is included.

During testing, the ZeroWater pitcher did precisely what it was supposed to do: it removed nearly all of the TDS in the test water. The water’s normal TDS content was 350 to 400 parts per million (ppm); after filtering, the TDS content was 0 to 10 ppm. The pH did not vary significantly from 6.5 to 7.0, and it lowered the chlorine concentration to the same extent as the other pitchers.

Filtration periods were slightly longer, with the ZeroWater pitcher often taking between eight and twelve minutes to make its way through 3.5 cups of water. One of the volunteers who took it home also noticed inconsistencies in filtration times; sometimes it would take a few minutes, and other times it would sit overnight without being filtered.

If you want to concentrate on lowering TDS in your water, ZeroWater is for you. However, its downsides, such as its extended filtering times and greater size, may outweigh its benefits.

Rated to reduce or remove: Arsenic, Lead, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) content, other contaminants TBD

Certification standards met: NSF/ANSI 42 and 53

Filter life: Depends on water quality; when TDS content reaches above 5 parts per million (a reading of “5” on a TDS meter)

Cost for replacement filters: 2 filters for $30 ($15.00/filter)

8. Clear2O Gravity Filter

While Clear2O is best known for its Advanced pitcher, which uses a special plumbing adapter to pump sink water through the pitcher’s filter in seconds, the Clear2O Gravity pitcher is simply a standard water pitcher filter that allows the water to work its way through the filter at its own pace.

The Clear2O Gravity pitcher fared well in our taste test; participants believed the water tasted “neutral,” “smooth,” and “clean,” but others thought it had a distinct flavor, for better or worse. It is smaller than most of the others on this list, making it easier to lift and move even when full. It features a flip top for reservoir access, a spout cap, and a filter status indication.

However, when it came to use in people’s homes, it fell short in a variety of ways. While our testers liked the spout cover, the spout’s broad form causes water to rush out in an unexpected wave, and it was easy to spill the water while pouring it into a glass.

With the purchase of the Clear2O Gravity Pitcher, one Clear2O Gravity filter is included.

When it came to our lab testing, it performed similarly to the others on this list; it eliminated chlorine from the water while having little to no influence on the TDS level or the pH of the water.

It filtered water rapidly, but we noted that the filtration had slowed slightly over time; initial tests showed that it could filter 3.5 cups of water in four to five minutes, but after casual use, that time had grown to around six minutes. Because you’re more likely to spill water from this pitcher than to get it into a glass, it’s possible that it is more bother than it’s worth.

Rated to reduce or remove: arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, zinc and some other heavy metals, some herbicides, some industrial waste and chemical compounds, and some volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

Certification standards met: N/A

Filter life: 60 gallons

Cost for replacement filters: 3 filters for $27 ($9/filter)

Features to look for in the best filter pitchers

Durable filters and components

If you’re going to spend money on a filter pitcher, make sure it works properly. Nobody wants to squander money on a subpar product, so seek for highly rated, best-selling filters that are known for their longevity and long-term performance.

Longer-lasting filters in water purification pitchers necessitate fewer filter purchases, saving you money in the long term. High-quality components will make it easier to clean and install, as well as reduce the need for frequent repairs.

Unless a water purifier pitcher is NSF or WQA certified, it’s difficult to know for certain if it performs as advertised by the maker.

Check user reviews for extra information if the product lacks certification. You’ll be able to see how the pitcher operates from the perspective of customers, and while you should take reviews with a grain of salt, they can be beneficial in judging the quality of a product.

Manufacturer support and product warranty

Even if a pitcher filter has only excellent reviews and feedback from consumers, a guarantee of at least 6 months is required for peace of mind when purchasing a product.

Most manufacturers will include a warranty that allows you to return or replace the filtration pitcher if it has defective parts or becomes broken or damaged through no fault of your own.

A product warranty is a show of the manufacturer’s confidence — it means they expect their product to operate as stated for at least the length of the warranty period, else they wouldn’t be so fast to issue free replacements and refunds.

The best water purifier pitchers also provide manufacturer assistance to clients who have purchased the device, getting them in touch with a company representative anytime they may require it.

This is useful if you have any issues about your water purifier pitcher after purchasing it, or if it does not come as expected. Look for manufacturers who provide live support as an added bonus.

BPA-free

Most filter pitchers are constructed of plastic, and BPA is a chemical that is still utilized in the production of some plastic objects today.

Many of us have heard of BPA in recent headlines – it was discovered in 2007 to be harmful to human health.

BPA is an issue because it can leach into meals and liquids when they come into touch with BPA-containing material.

This means that BPA chemicals will enter your filtered drinking water if you use a water filtration pitcher. BPA has been proven to interfere with the body’s hormone production, which can lead to developmental and reproductive difficulties over time.

Nowadays, many people actively try to avoid BPA in plastics, and fortunately, many water purifier pitchers are BPA-free. Being BPA-free is a key selling point for a manufacturer, so you should be able to find out if it is in the product description.

Water Filter Pitchers Maintenance and Replacement

When it comes to maintenance and upkeep, filter pitchers are the most user-friendly sort of water filter. Filters should be replaced every 1 to 2 months, though this can vary based on filter quality, usage, and the level of total dissolved solids in your water.

Before installing your new filter, please sure to flush it with water for 10 to 20 seconds. You may accomplish this by holding it under your faucet and allowing water to flow through it.

After flushing, just clip or twist the filter into place within the pitcher and fill it with cold tap water. Most filter pitchers recommend not drinking the first 1 to 3 jugs of tap water, which may contain silt from the filters.

It is your responsibility to verify the performance of your filters on a regular basis. Filters that operate poorly will take longer to remove contaminants from water and may produce water that still contains a number of taste and odor-causing impurities.

Most filters need to be replaced after 40 gallons of water, or every three months, while some long-lasting filters are meant to last up to 120 gallons, or six months.

If you come across a product that offers numerous filter kinds, it’s worth calculating the cost and selecting which is the best long-term value for money.

Some filtration pitchers include a filter life indicator LED light that alerts you when it’s time to replace your filter. If you don’t think you’ll remember to alter your filters ahead of time, this is a useful function to have.

Conclusion: What Is The Best Water Filter Pitcher?

All alkaline water filter pitchers are intended to minimize things found in water, such as chlorine, heavy metals, sediment, certain bacteria, and any other contaminants that may cause water to taste or smell bad. Although some more expensive types can, it is unusual for a filter pitcher to remove pollutants such as copper and lead. Filter pitchers do not typically have the same level of total dissolved solids as an under-sink or reverse osmosis filter.

Some filters will actually store some pollutants in water, such as calcium and magnesium minerals or fluoride. This is because these contaminants are often regarded to be beneficial to your health, and we actually require them in trace levels to survive. Whether or not you enjoy these compounds in your water is something to think about when determining which filter is best for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which water filter pitcher removes the most contaminants?

That is, without a doubt, a simple one! By far the most contaminants are removed by the Clearly Filtered water filter pitcher – over 220 in total.

Is filtering water better than drinking bottled water?

It is conditional. Many bottled waters, including some of the more expensive brands, are simply tap water poured into plastic containers. Yes, filtered tap water is probably the better option in terms of quality in this case. Furthermore, there is a clear cost advantage. Spring water or artesian water is usually of high quality, but it can be quite expensive.

Do alkaline water pitchers work?

They do, indeed. By adding minerals, alkaline filter pitchers produce water with a higher pH. The question of whether alkalinized water has any health benefits remains unanswered.

Do water filter pitchers remove bacteria?

A few of them, such as the Clearly Filtered pitcher, do.

Which water filter pitcher removes lead?

Even for a water pitcher, lead is one of the easiest contaminants to remove. All Brita pitchers with a Longlast filter cartridge are compatible. Aquagear and Clearly Filtered are also acceptable.

The typical water filter pitchers should be cleaned in a standard manner as per other plastic kitchen equipment once every few weeks. You can proceed to removing the water filter pitchers to rinse them under running water and soap to ensure the water filter is clear of any potential sediment or soap. Note that most of the water filter pitchers on the market are dishwasher-friendly but you should always remove the water filter if using soap to clean.