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HomeWater Filtration Systems7 Best Water Filter Pitchers (October 2023)
HomeWater Filtration Systems7 Best Water Filter Pitchers (October 2023)
7 Best Water Filter Pitchers (October 2023)
7 Best Water Filter Pitchers (October 2023)
updated: August 11, 2023
updated: October 21, 2023
✅ Our content is written by humans, not AI robots. Learn More
🤝 Our content is written by humans, not AI robots. Learn More
Brian Campbell - Founder, Water Treatment Specialist
Jennifer Byrd Jennifer Byrd - Water Treatment Specialist
Jennifer Byrd Jennifer Byrd - Water Treatment Specialist
The Clearly Filtered is the best overall water filter pitcher in 2023, capable of removing up to 70x more contaminants than the most popular brands on the market. These are the top runners up based on contaminant removal capability, durability, filter lifespan and of course, value for money.
The Clearly Filtered is the best overall water filter pitcher in 2023, capable of removing up to 70x more contaminants than the most popular brands on the market. These are the top water filter pitchers based on contaminant removal capability, durability, filter lifespan and of course, value for money.
Most Contaminants Removed
Most Contaminants Removed
Clearly-Filtered-Pitcher
Clearly-Filtered-Pitcher
Clearly Filtered Water Filter Pitcher
Clearly Filtered Water Filter Pitcher
5/5
Our Rating
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
Price: $90.00+
Contaminants Reduced: 365+
Contaminants Reduced: 365+
Certifications or Testing: NSF 42, 53, 401 & 473
Certifications or Testing: NSF 42, 53, 401 & 473
Holding Capacity: 10 cups
Holding Capacity: 10 cups
Filter Lifespan: 100 gallons
Filter Lifespan: 100 gallons
Annual Cost: ~$150
Annual Cost: ~$150
Warranty: Lifetime
Warranty: Lifetime
Discount: Get 10% off – Click here for code
Discount: Get 10% off – Click here for code
View at clearlyfiltered.com
View at clearlyfiltered.com
View on Amazon
View on Amazon
Runner Up
Runner Up
Text moved from lines 70-72
ZeroWarer 12-Cup
ZeroWater 12 cup
Our Rating
Text moved from lines 74-79
★
★
★
★
★
Price: $39.99
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Contaminants Removed: 99.6% of all TDS
Certifications or Testing: NSF 42 & 53
Holding Capacity: 12 cups
Filter Lifespan: 40 gal.
Annual Cost: ~$160
Warranty: 90-day warranty
View at zerowater.com
View on Amazon
Best For Untreated Surface Water
Epic Nano Water Filter Pitcher
Epic Nano Water Filter Pitcher
Epic Nano Water Filter Pitcher
Epic Nano Water Filter Pitcher
4.5/5
Our Rating
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
Price: $70
Contaminants Removed: 200+
Contaminants Removed: 200+
Certifications or Testing: NSF 42, 53, 401, P473 & P231
Certifications or Testing: NSF 42, 53, 401, P473 & P231
Holding Capacity: 8.5 cups
Holding Capacity: 8.5 cups
Filter Lifespan: 150 gallons
Filter Lifespan: 150 gallons
Annual Cost: ~$138
Annual Cost: ~$138
Warranty: Lifetime
Warranty: Lifetime
Discount: Get 20% off – Click here for code
Discount: Get 20% off – Click here for code
View at epicwaterfilters.com
View at epicwaterfilters.com
View on Amazon
View on Amazon
Fast Filtration
With every passing year, we gain access to more and more evidence of trace contaminants in our drinking water and their harmful health effects. You probably want to remove these contaminants from your water ASAP – but what if you don’t have the budget for it? And according to Tom Bruursema of the Water Quality Association “certified point-of-use devices such as pitchers and filters are a highly effective and relatively inexpensive means of treating drinking water with lead contamination.“
Text moved to lines 52-54
ZeroWarer 12-Cup
ZeroWater 12 cup
4.5/5
Text moved to lines 56-61
★
★
★
★
★
Text moved to lines 63-70
Contaminants Removed: 99.6% of all TDS
Certifications or Testing: NSF 42 & 53
Holding Capacity: 12 cups
Filter Lifespan: 40 gal.
Annual Cost: ~$160
Warranty: 90-day warranty
View at zerowater.com
View on Amazon
We’d all hope that the water supplied to our homes was safe to drink, but there’s just no guarantee of that.
A recent report found that roughly 63 million people in the US were exposed to unsafe water on multiple occasions within the past 10 years. This is a result of a number of factors, including farming pollution, industrial dumping, and deterioration of distribution pipes.
Thankfully, filter pitchers make filtering water more affordable and convenient than ever. But the water filter market is incredibly saturated – so how do you narrow your search down to one?
We can help you with that.
At WaterFilterGuru.com, we review all manner of water treatment solutions for a monthly audience of 150,000. When a new product comes out, we make it our business to know all there is about it. We know what makes a filter pitcher a standout – for the right and wrong reasons.
Luckily, the water filter market has become accessible to all customers with the introduction of affordable filters that are suitable for small budgets. Our personal favorite budget-friendly water filter? The water filter pitcher.
Based on personal testing, research into performance, filter capacity, customer satisfaction and ease of use, we’ve put together this list of the top water filter pitchers on the market today. We’ve recommended the products that have consistently received the most positive customer feedback throughout their existence.
Unsurprisingly given their low upfront and ongoing costs, water filter pitchers are widely available and very popular. Trying to find the best pitcher for your needs is daunting – you face hours of research and comparison, and it’s easy to get swept up by over-exaggerated marketing materials. There are hundreds of filter pitchers available today, and the reality is that most of them probably aren’t right for you.
By the end of this guide, you will know:
If you need some direction for your search, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve put in hours of research and real testing to determine the best water filter pitchers available today, and we’ve shared our shortlisted picks in this guide.
Which 7 water pitcher filters are the best investments in 2023
Table of Contents [show]
The benefits of using pitchers compared to other at-home filters
What to consider when buying a filter pitcher
Table of Contents [hide]
🥇 Best Water Filter Pitcher
🥇 Best Water Filter Pitcher
📊 Comparison Chart of Water Filter Pitchers
⭐️ Best Water Filter Pitcher Reviews 2023
🧾 Water Purifier Pitcher Buyer’s Guide
✅ 6 Specific Water Filter Pitcher Buying Guides
💭 Important Things to Consider When Buying a Filter Pitcher
⚙️ How Do Water Purifier Pitchers Work?
🧫 What Contaminants Do Water Purifier Pitchers Remove?
❗️ Reasons to Use a Water Filtration Pitcher
👥 Who Should Be Using a Water Purifier Pitcher?
🗓 When to Change a Water Pitcher Filter
📌 Other Top Brands & Why They Didn’t Make the List
❔ Frequently Asked Questions
🥇 Best Water Filter Pitcher
Most Contaminants Reduced: Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher
Most Contaminants Reduced: Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher
Runner Up: Epic Nano Water Filter Pitcher
Runner Up: ZeroWater 12 cup
Fast Filtration: ZeroWater 12 cup
Best For Untreated Surface Water: Epic Nano Water Filter Pitcher
Budget Option: PUR PLUS Pitcher
Budget Option: PUR PLUS Pitcher
Best Alkaline Filter: Santevia MINA Alkaline Pitcher
Best Dispenser: Epic Pure Water Filter Dispenser
Best Dispenser: Epic Pure Water Filter Dispenser
Best Alkaline Filter: Invigorated Water pH Restore Alkaline Water Pitcher
Longest Filter Life: Proone Water Filter Pitcher
Longest Filter Life: Proone Water Filter Pitcher
📊 Comparison Chart of Water Filter Pitchers
📊 Comparison Chart of Water Filter Pitchers
Pitcher Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher
Pitcher Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher
Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher Epic Nano Water Filter Pitcher
Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher ZeroWater 12 cup
Epic Nano Water Filter Pitcher ZeroWater 12 cup
ZeroWater 12 cup Epic Nano Water Filter Pitcher
ZeroWater 12 cup PUR PLUS Pitcher
Epic Nano Water Filter Pitcher PUR PLUS Pitcher
PUR PLUS 11 Cup Pitcher Epic Pure Water Filter Dispenser
PUR PLUS 11 Cup Pitcher Santevia MINA Alkaline Pitcher
Epic pure water filter dispenser Invigorated Water pH Restore Alkaline Water Pitcher
Santevia MINA Alkaline Pitcher Epic Pure Water Filter Dispenser
Invigorated Water pH Restore Alkaline Water Pitcher Proone Water Filter Pitcher
Epic pure water filter dispenser Proone Water Filter Pitcher
Warranty Lifetime Lifetime 90-day warranty 1 year Lifetime 1 year 4 months
Warranty Lifetime 90-day warranty Lifetime 1 year 90 days Lifetime 4 months
🏷️ The Best Water Filter Pitchers in the News: The Latest Deals and Discounts
Here, we’ve shared the current news, discounts and deals for the best water filter pitchers featured in this guide. We try to keep this section updated, so the below information should be relevant at the time of reading this guide.
Epic Water Filters: Free replacement filter if you recycle four filters.
⭐️ Best Water Filter Pitcher Reviews 2023
⭐️ Best Water Filter Pitcher Reviews 2023
Most Contaminants Reduced
Most Contaminants Reduced
Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher
Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher
5/5
Our Rating: 5/5
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
How We Review
Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher
Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher
The Clearly Filtered pitcher is the best-performing pitcher filter on the market, reducing more than 365 contaminants from unfiltered water.
The Clearly Filtered pitcher is the best-performing pitcher filter on the market, reducing more than 365 contaminants from unfiltered water.
Contaminants Reduced: 365+
Discount: Get 10% off at clearlyfiltered.com- Click Here for Code
Certifications or Testing: NSF 42, 53, 401 & 473
Holding Capacity: 10 cups
Filter Lifespan: 100 gallons
Annual Cost: ~$150
Warranty: Lifetime
Discount: Get 10% off – Click here for code
View at clearlyfiltered.com
View at clearlyfiltered.com
View on Amazon
View on Amazon
Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher Review - Is It Worth The Money?
Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher Review - Is It Worth The Money?
Clearly Filtered pitcher parts
Clearly Filtered pitcher parts
Filling a Clearly Filtered water filter pitcher in the sink
Removable top of the Clearly Filtered pitcher
Brian holding the reservoir with attached filer cartridge of Clearly Filtered Pitcher
Side view of a Clearly Filtered pitcher cartridge
Oversized handle of the Clearly Filtered pitcher
Installing the top reservoir of the Clearly Filtered pitcher
Clearly Filtered water filter pitcher in the fridge
Clearly Filtered water filter pitcher in the fridge
Holding a Clearly Filtered water filter pitcher replacement cartridge
Clearly Filtered pitcher parts
Removable top of the Clearly Filtered pitcher
Brian holding the reservoir with attached filer cartridge of Clearly Filtered Pitcher
Side view of a Clearly Filtered pitcher cartridge
Oversized handle of the Clearly Filtered pitcher
Oversized handle of the Clearly Filtered pitcher
Installing the top reservoir of the Clearly Filtered pitcher
Clearly Filtered water filter pitcher in the fridge
Holding a Clearly Filtered water filter pitcher replacement cartridge
Specs
Price $90.00+
Contaminants Reduced 350+
Certifications/Testing NSF 42, 53, 401 & 473
Holding Capacity 10 cups
Filter Lifespan 100 gallons
Annual Cost ~$150
Warranty Lifetime
We used the Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher to improve our city water quality in Steamboat Springs and Fort Collins, Colorado. We had the most positive experience with this pitcher compared to any other pitcher we’ve tested, and we think it’s the best you can get for the price today.
And speaking of price, the Clearly Filtered pitcher is a bit more expensive than most of the other pitchers we reviewed. At the time of our review, it cost $90 upfront, which is about $20-$35 more than other pitchers. Filter replacements are costlier, too, at about $165 a year. That said, there are ways to save money, such as by choosing the Autoship option when you buy the pitcher, which means you sign up to get a replacement filter shipped every 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 months. This reduces the pitcher price to $81 and discounts all replacement filters by 10%. For context, filters lasted around 3.5 months for us, and they have a lifespan of up to 100 gallons.
Do we think the Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher is worth the extra cash? 100% yes – that’s why it tops our list! The reason why it’s slightly more expensive is that it removes 365 contaminants, which is at least twice as many contaminants as any other pitcher we’ve reviewed.
Best For:
Best For:
Anyone looking for the very best pitcher water filter system that money can buy. When it comes to contaminant reduction, this pitcher is far superior to all its competitors.
Anyone looking for the very best pitcher water filter system that money can buy. When it comes to contaminant reduction, this pitcher is almost twice as capable as any of its competitors.
Brian pouring filtered water from Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher
What We Like:
Pros:
Removes hundreds more contaminants than any other pitcher
WQA performance certified
BPA- and BPS-free Tritan plastic design
Backed by a lifetime guarantee
What We Don’t Like:
The Clearly Filtered pitcher combines proprietary filter media and granular activated carbon to reduce more than 365 impurities from drinking water, using affinity filtration technology.
More expensive than other pitchers
Some of the contaminants reduced by the Clearly Filtered pitcher are pharmaceuticals (99.9%), chlorine and chloramine, (99.9%), VOCs (99.9%), PFAS (99.9%) and lead (99.5%).
Superior Gravity Filtration
Despite its incredibly thorough filtration, this pitcher obtains healthy minerals in tap water.
Contaminant removal is the most important performance feature we consider when reviewing water filter pitchers, and the Clearly Filtered pitcher excelled in this department. Most of the pitcher filters we’ve tested can remove 10-50 contaminants at most, while Clearly Filtered can remove more than 350 (according to this performance data sheet). These include chlorine and chloramine, (99.9%), VOCs (99.9%), lead (99.5%), PFAS (99.9%), and pharmaceuticals (99.9%). While we haven’t yet tested our own tap water for contaminants before and after filtering it in the CF pitcher, we have done a taste test of our water, and the filtered water is noticeably cleaner, crisper, and lacking any unpleasant chlorine aftertaste.
The Clearly Filtered has been independently tested to NSF Standards 42, 53, and 401, and P473.
With a BPA-free design, the filter won’t add anything dangerous to your water.
The Clearly Filtered doesn’t involve much maintenance because the pitcher provides you with 100 gallons worth of clean water before the filter needs to be changed – that’s an average of four months per filter.
The manufacturer offers a lifetime guarantee – so if your pitcher ever breaks, they will provide you a new one free of charge.
Cons:
It takes a while for this pitcher to filter water, so you’ll need to be patient.
We know that many folks only want to spend their money on an officially certified water filter pitcher, and we were pleased to learn that Clearly Filtered has recently obtained a WQA certification to NSF/ANSI Standards 42 and 53, for the reduction of aesthetic contaminants (including chlorine) and PFOA/PFOS. The pitcher also has third-party lab testing to additional NSF Standards, including 401 and 473. If you want definite proof that your chosen water filter pitcher lives up to the manufacturer’s performance claims, you’ll find it here. And – more good news on the contaminant removal front – while being incredibly thorough, the Clearly Filtered pitcher doesn’t remove healthy minerals, so we were still able to enjoy our water’s natural mineral content while having the peace of mind that the dangerous contaminants had been removed.
For an everyday water filter pitcher, this model is more expensive than others on this list – but the price is justified.
There’s no filter change indicator, so you’ll need to make your own judgement call when it comes to changing your water filters.
Clearly Filtered water pitcher on countertop
Durable Tritan Design
Design quality is particularly important for us with water pitcher filters because they’re generally made of plastic, and not all pitchers are equal in this respect. We did some research on Tritan, the type of plastic that’s used to make the Clearly Filtered pitcher, and learned that it’s one of the strongest and most impact-resistant plastics that exist today. Plus, importantly, it’s BPA- and BPS-free. The pitcher felt lightweight but sturdy out of the box, and there were a few features that stood out to us for their convenience and ease of use. The built-in water dam was something we wish all pitchers have – it prevented any spillages while we were pouring when there was still water in the top reservoir. The oversized handle was easy to grip when the pitcher was full and didn’t bend or flex, reassuring us of its longevity. We thought the 80-ounce capacity provided a good balance, since the pitcher didn’t feel too heavy when full and we only had to refill it 3-5 times a day.
Bundles Price
Pitcher Only $90
Pitcher + 3 Pack $245
Pitcher + 6 Pack $395
Yes, filtration is a little slow, as it is with all pitchers. The Clearly Filtered pitcher has extra reason to provide a more gradual filtration rate because of the complexity of the filter design. The cartridge combines proprietary filter media and granular activated carbon, with a more comprehensive filtration process than standard carbon filters. We don’t mind a longer wait if it means we can remove as many contaminants as possible from our water.
Read the Full Review: ClearlyFiltered Pitcher Review
Read the Full Review: ClearlyFiltered Pitcher Review
Runner Up
Runner-Up
ZeroWarer 12-Cup
Our Rating: 5/5
Text moved with changes from lines 242-248 (94.6% similarity)
★
★
★
★
★
How We Review
ZeroWater 12 cup
The ZeroWater 12-Cup Water Filter Pitcher is our runner-up pitcher choice in this guide. While it doesn’t remove as many contaminants as the Clearly Filtered pitcher (43 compared to Clearly Filtered’s 360+), it’s over half the price of the CF pitcher and is NSF performance certified to remove lead, PFAS, and more.
Text moved with changes from lines 257-263 (85.2% similarity)
View at zerowater.com
View on Amazon
View at Walmart
Inside the ZeroWater 12 cup pitcher cartridge
Filtreting tap water with ZeroWater 12 cup
Brian holding the ZeroWater 12 cup filter cartridge
Brian assembling the ZeroWater 12 cup
Specs
Price $39.99
Contaminants Removed 40+
Certifications/Testing NSF 42 & 53
Holding Capacity 12 cups
Filter Lifespan 40 gal.
Annual Cost ~$160
Warranty 90-day warranty
We tested the ZeroWater 12 Cup Water Filter Pitcher on municipal drinking water in Steamboat Springs, CO. The pitcher itself is similar in design to most other pitchers we’ve tested – water filters through the top reservoir into the bottom section and can be dispensed from the spout. We think the 12-cup capacity is ideal for families of 2 or 3 who want a pitcher that they don’t have to constantly refill. ZeroWater makes a big deal out of the pitcher’s patented Ready-Pour technology, which means you get to access water as it’s filtering through the reservoir instead of having to wait until all the water has been filtered. From our perspective, this isn’t a particularly unique feature, and most water pitchers allow you to pour from the jug while water is still filtering without the risk of mixing filtered and unfiltered water.
Before we jump into our review of the ZeroWater pitcher’s performance, let’s talk price. ZeroWater offers a variety of affordable pitcher and dispenser sizes and models, ranging from $24 to $75. We got the 12 Cup Pitcher, as reviewed in this guide, and it cost $40. Our estimated annual cost was about $160, which was slightly higher than we’d expected due to the fact that ZeroWater pitcher filters have a much shorter lifespan of just 40-50 gallons and need to be replaced more frequently. More filter replacements = more money spent per year.
Best For:
Folks who want to spend less upfront on a water filter pitcher but are set on a model with an official certification sold by a reputable brand.
Brian next to ZeroWater 12 cup
What We Like:
Officially NSF certified to Standards 42 and 53
Tested to remove 43 contaminants
Affordable
Included TDS meter to keep track of filter performance
What We Don’t Like:
TDS reduction shouldn’t be a priority (some TDS are healthy)
Very low filter lifespan of about 40-50 gallons (only 1-3 months at most)
5-Stage Filtration
The ZeroWater 12 Cup pitcher treats water with five stages of filtration: a coarse filter screen, a foam distributer, an activated carbon and oxidation reduction alloy, an anion exchange bed, and an ultra-fine screen and non-woven membrane. From a performance perspective, this is definitely a benefit. We’ve tested our fair share of water pitchers with basic carbon filtration cartridges, and they’re simply not as capable. With five stages of filtration within a single cartridge, the ZeroWater pitcher is able to target more than a handful of contaminants. That said, we’re a little surprised that the pitcher can only remove 43 impurities given its complexity of filtration. Perhaps the manufacturer simply didn’t have its pitcher tested for as many contaminants as Clearly Filtered.
Speaking of contaminants removed, ZeroWater pitchers have been tested to remove a range of contaminants including metals like arsenic, chromium, and lead, as well as fluoride, and PFAS. Plus – what really sold the 12 Cup Pitcher to us – it’s NSF certified to Standard 42 and Standard 53 for the reduction of chlorine taste and odor, chromium 6, lead, mercury, PFOA, and PFOS. While we definitely noticed that our water tasted cleaner and more palatable post-filtration, we find ZeroWater’s marketing a little strange. Our pitcher was shipped with a free TDS meter, so we could “see the proof” that the pitcher filter could reduce TDS (total dissolved solids) down to almost 0. We tested our filtered water and it did indeed have a much lower TDS count, but we don’t think reducing all dissolved solids is a sign of good performance since there are TDS we actually would prefer to retain in our water, like calcium, magnesium, and other healthy trace minerals. However, since we knew from our first test that the ZeroWater pitcher can greatly reduce TDS, we could at least use the TDS meter to monitor the filter’s performance and get a better idea of when a replacement filter was needed.
Best For Untreated Surface Water
Epic Nano Water Filter Pitcher
Epic Nano Water Filter Pitcher
4.5/5
Our Rating: 4.5/5
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
How We Review
Epic Nano Water Filter Pitcher
Epic Nano Water Filter Pitcher
The Epic Nano is an Epic Water Filters pitcher, designed to remove microbiological contaminants from well water.
The Epic Nano is an Epic Water Filters pitcher, designed to remove microbiological contaminants from well water. It’s our top pick for untreated surface water in this guide because it’s one of the only pitchers we’ve tested that can be used to treat water that’s microbiologically unsafe, offering extra reassurance in all scenarios.
Contaminants Removed: 200+
Discount: Get 20% off at epicwaterfilters.com – Click Here for Code
Certifications or Testing: NSF 42, 53, 401, P473 & P231
Holding Capacity: 8.5 cups
Filter Lifespan: 150 gallons
Annual Cost: ~$138
Warranty: Lifetime
Discount: Get 20% off – Click here for code
View at epicwaterfilters.com
View at epicwaterfilters.com
View on Amazon
View on Amazon
Epic Pure water filtration pitcher
Epic Pure water filtration pitcher
Easy fill lid on the Epic Pure pitcher
Easy fill lid on the Epic Pure pitcher
Epic Pure water filter cartridge and reservoir
Epic Pure water filter cartridge and reservoir
Epic Pure pitcher handle
Epic Pure pitcher handle
Pouring a glass of water from the Epic Pure pitcher
We’ve personally tested the Epic Nano pitcher in Steamboat Springs, CO. We identified a few differences compared to the Clearly Filtered pitcher instantly: the Nano is a bit smaller, holding 8 cups (the Clearly Filtered pitcher holds 10 cups), and, from a design perspective, we think the Nano isn’t quite as attractive. But looks aside, how does the Epic Nano compare to the CF pitcher price-wise?
Upfront, the Nano pitcher is $70 – $20 less than we paid for the Clearly Filtered model. Epic also has a Clean Water Club subscription, which means you can buy the pitcher upfront for just $56. You’ll also sign up to receive replacement filters (which are 20% discounted – 10% better than the CF filter’s offering) every 2, 3, 4, or 6 months according to your schedule. Filters lasted just over 3 months for us, and that was with us using the pitcher to filter all our water for drinking, cooking, and other potable uses. Our anticipated annual spend on replacement filters is around $138. The main reason why we think the Epic Nano is slightly cheaper than the Clearly Filtered pitcher is that it doesn’t remove quite as many contaminants.
Filter Tip: Epic offers a filter recycling program that’s well worth making the most of. You get a free replacement filter if you collect four filters and send them back to the manufacturer.
Best For:
Best For:
Folks looking for a pitcher that can be used to filter both city and well water, as well as for emergency preparedness. The Epic Nano is one of the few water pitcher filters that can remove microorganisms.
Anyone looking for a pitcher to use for filtering well water, or to be prepared for an emergency situation. The Epic Nano is one of the top performing pitcher water filters in terms of contaminant removal.
Brian holding the Epic Pure Pitcher
What We Like:
Removes E. Coli, Giardia, and other microorganisms
Suitable for well water and city water filtration, and emergency use
Affordable upfront cost
100% recyclable filters
What We Don’t Like:
Filter replacement cost is quite high
Certain well contaminants may clog the filter
Ideal Well & City Filtration Solution
The Epic Nano does something that very few other water filter pitchers we’ve tested can do: it removes 6 types of microorganisms, including E. Coli, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and Virus MS2 Phage. Most pitchers can’t remove microorganisms because they’re small enough to slip through the filter pores, so we were curious to know what made the Nano different. We did a bit of research into the filter’s sub-micron media and found that the pore size can be as small as 0.0001 microns, making the filter capable of trapping cysts and bacteria. Microorganisms aside, the Nano gives the Clearly Filtered pitcher a run for its money when it comes to contaminant removal in general: it boasts a massive 99.99% removal of over 200 tap water contaminants including lead, fluoride, pesticides, heavy metals, VOCs, and PFAS, hugely improving water quality. As we’d expected, our water had a much more enjoyable taste after it had been filtered by the Nano.
Pros:
Are there any setbacks of the Epic Nano, performance-wise? There was one thing we were concerned about: with the filter pores being small enough to trap microorganisms, we thought that clogging was a real possibility. Most sub-micron filters need to be backwashed regularly to remove larger contaminants, but this isn’t an option with the Nano. We strongly recommend installing a pre-treatment system to address contaminants that might clog the Nano’s media, like sediment, iron, and hardness minerals, especially if you plan to use the pitcher to treat well water. And while the Nano is performance-tested against NSF standards 42, 53, 401, and P473, we wish it had an official certification like the Clearly Filtered and ZeroWater pitchers.
If you get your water from a well, the Epic Nano is a cost-effective filtration system that can remove harmful impurities from your water, making it safe to drink.
What else did we note about this pitcher? It has a filter change timer built into the lid, which is something the CF pitcher doesn’t have. We definitely appreciated knowing at a glance when to change the filter, rather than relying on a calendar entry. Plus, the filter is backed by a lifetime warranty, so we didn’t feel like we were taking a big risk spending our money on a system that might not live up to our expectations.
Aside from microorganisms, this pitcher boasts a massive 99.99% removal of over 200 tap water contaminants including lead, fluoride, bacteria and viruses, hugely improving water quality.
All filters in the Epic Nano are made in the USA and are 100% recyclable. You’ll receive a free replacement filter if you collect four filters and send them back to the manufacturer.
This 8.5-cup pitcher has a 1/2 gallon capacity, providing enough filtered, clean water to serve your whole family.
The filters are tested against NSF standards 42, 53, 401, P473, and P231 for contaminant removal in unfiltered tap water.
You can use the Epic Nano for around 150 gallons (3-4 months) before the filters need to be replaced. There’s a built-in filter change reminder so you know exactly when to change the filter.
The body of the pitcher is made from 100% BPA-free plastic and is 100% recyclable.
The filter is backed by a lifetime warranty.
Cons:
Some customers complained that the Epic Nano’s water filters don’t last as long as advertised, and that filtration becomes extremely slow after a few weeks of use.
The pitcher isn’t dishwasher safe, so you’ll need to hand-wash it to clean it.
The Epic Nano is costly to buy, and with more frequent filter replacements, running costs are high, too.
Read the Full Review: Epic Nano & Pure Filtration Pitchers Review
Read the Full Review: Epic Nano & Pure Filtration Pitchers Review
Fast Filtration
ZeroWarer 12-Cup
4/5
Text moved with changes to lines 214-220 (94.6% similarity)
★
★
★
★
★
ZeroWater 12 cup
Our top pick for the best water filter pitcher with fast filtration is the ZeroWater 12-Cup Ready-Pour Pitcher.
Contaminants Removed: 99.6% of all dissolved solids
Certifications or Testing: NSF 42 & 53
Holding Capacity: 12 cups
Filter Lifespan: 40 gal.
Annual Cost: ~$160
Warranty: 90-day warranty
Text moved with changes to lines 224-230 (85.2% similarity)
View at zerowater.com
View on Amazon
View at Walmart
Changing the zerowater filter
Filtering water with ZeroWater pitcher
Measuring water quality with zerowater tds meter
Getting filtered water from the zerowater pitcher
Best For:
Folks who lead an on-the-go lifestyle and want a water filter pitcher that they can use to access filtered water almost instantly, without having to wait for the entire reservoir to finish filtering first.
Pros:
Our favorite feature of this ZeroWater filter pitcher is its patented Ready-Pour technology, which means you get to access water as it’s filtering. No waiting around for all the water to be filtered before you can pour yourself a glass.
If it’s contaminant removal that you’re interested in, you’ll be happy to know that this pitcher is officially NSF certified to Standards 42 and 53, for the reduction of lead, chlorine, and PFOA/PFOS. And the proof is on the NSF website.
ZeroWater goes above and beyond with its filtration process. It doesn’t just have one or two filter stages – there are five stages of filtration within a single cartridge, which allows for up to 99.6% of all dissolved solids to be removed.
The 12-cup capacity is ideal for families of 2 or 3 who want a pitcher that they don’t have to constantly refill.
Setup is super easy: just attach and tighten the filter to the reservoir, then add cold water and put the lid on top.
Cons:
ZeroWater’s marketing focuses on the fact that it can reduce TDS – you even get a free TDS meter to check your water after filtering – but TDS reduction isn’t the solution. Many dissolved solids, like healthy minerals and salts, are beneficial in water.
There are a couple of design flaws that customers mentioned, including the wide stream of water from the pouring spout, which makes it difficult to fill a glass without some spillage.
Budget Option
Budget Option
PUR PLUS 11 Cup Pitcher
PUR PLUS 11 Cup Pitcher
4.5/5
Our Rating 4.5/5
★
★
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How We Review
PUR PLUS Pitcher
PUR PLUS Pitcher
The PUR PLUS is an 11-cup pitcher that is designed to offer WQA-certified lead removal.
The PUR PLUS is an 11-cup pitcher that offers WQA-certified lead removal. Based on our testing, this pitcher is the best water filter pitcher for smaller budgets that you can buy today.
Contaminants Removed: 20
Certifications or Testing: NSF 42, 53 & 401
Holding Capacity: 11 cups
Filter Lifespan: 40 gal.
Annual Cost: $50
Warranty: 1 year
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Prepiing the pur plus 11 pitcher
Prepiing the pur plus 11 pitcher
Installting the filter cartridge of pur plus 11 pitcher
Installting the filter cartridge of pur plus 11 pitcher
Pur plus water filter pitcher on a closer look
Pur plus water filter pitcher on a closer look
Getting filtered water from pur plus pitcher
Getting filtered water from pur plus pitcher
Best For:
Anyone who is most concerned about lead in their water, and is looking for a lead reduction filter that’s certified to remove this metal.
Pros:
The PUR PLUS is one of the best lead reduction filter pitchers on the market, and is WQA certified for lead reduction.
As well as reducing lead, the PUR PLUS reduces mercury, pesticides, chlorine, and more.
This PUR filter has a filter change light, so there’s no guessing when you need to buy a filter replacement. You’ll need to replace the filter after 40 gallons, or two months.
With a comfort-grip handle and a stay-tight lid, the PUR pitcher is easy and convenient to use. You can also store this pitcher in the refrigerator thanks to its slim, space-saving design.
PUR offers dishwasher safe products, so you can save time and avoid manual work when you need to clean the pitcher.
Cons:
The filter indicator doesn’t have a replaceable battery, which means eventually, it will stop working, and you’ll have to guess when to change your PUR’s filters.
PUR filters only have a 90-day warranty.
Even with the stay-tight lid, the spout design on the PUR filters means some leaking may still occur.
Read the full review: PUR Basic & Plus water filter pitcher review
Best Dispenser
Epic Pure Water Filter Dispenser
4.5/5
★
★
★
★
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Epic Pure Water Filter Dispenser
The Epic Pure is a dispenser offered by Epic Water Filters. This dispenser is designed to remove heavy metals and fluoride.
Contaminants Removed: 200+
Certifications or Testing: NSF 42, 53, 401 & P473
Holding Capacity: 8 liters
Filter Lifespan: 150 gallons
Annual Cost: ~$150
Warranty: Lifetime
Discount: Get 20% off – Click here for code
View at epicwaterfilters.com
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epic pure dispenser fits in refrigerator
filling the epic pure dispenser
epic pure dispenser countertop gravity filter
epic pure dispenser filter timer
Best For:
Anyone looking for a reliable everyday water filter pitcher that can remove common municipal water contaminants.
Pros:
The Epic Pure can target more than 200 drinking water contaminants, making it one of the best water pitchers on today’s market.
Designed to filter municipal tap water, the Epic Pure filter offers targeted fluoride removal. Fluoride is a particularly difficult contaminant to remove from a water supply. The filter is also highly effective at heavy metal (such as lead) reduction.
Holding 1.5 gallons, or 14 cups of water, the Epic Pure is designed for families, and requires fewer refills.
The Epic Pure is tested in accredited laboratories to NSF Standards 42, 53, 401, and P473 to remove chlorine, fluoride, VOCs, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, microplastics, PFOS and PFOA, and more.
Unlike some water filters, the filter doesn’t remove calcium, magnesium, potassium, or any other healthy minerals from water.
The Epic Pure is more affordable than some filters on this list, and the filter is a good value for money.
Filters last for 2-6 months, and you get a free replacement filter if you recycle four filters with the manufacturer.
Cons:
As with the Epic Nano, some customers complained that the Epic Pure’s filtration speed becomes very slow within a few weeks, and that the dispenser doesn’t have a long filter life.
Again, the dispenser isn’t dishwasher-safe, so you’ll need to clean this product by hand
Read the full review: Epic Pure Dispenser Review (Updated 2023)
Best Alkaline Filter
Invigorated Water Pitcher review
4/5
★
★
★
★
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Invigorated Water pH Restore Alkaline Water Pitcher
The Invigorated Water pH Restore pitcher is one of the best alkaline water filter pitchers on the market, providing filtered, alkaline water within minutes.
Contaminants Removed: 10+
Certifications or Testing: –
Holding Capacity: 8 cups
Filter Lifespan: 96 gal.
Annual Cost: $80
Warranty: 1 year
View at invigoratedwater.com
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Invigorated water ph in home
Invigorated water ph inside the fridge
Invigorated water ph filter life indicator
Invigorated water ph purify filter cartridge
Best For:
Anyone who wants to stop buying plastic water bottles, but still wants the high water quality of bottled alkaline water.
Pros:
The Invigorated Water pH Restore pitcher uses an innovative filter that removes chlorine, heavy metals, and even some fluoride from your water while increasing the pH (by up to 2.0) and lowering the ORP.
Specs
The filter contains mineral stones, which introduce healthy minerals into water, including calcium, zinc, and magnesium.
Price $37.48
With all of the benefits of this filter, you’d think it wouldn’t last long, but this filter lasts over 4 months.
Contaminants Removed 20
There’s no need to worry about when to change the filter because the pitcher comes with a filter change indicator – making your job much easier.
Certifications/Testing NSF 42, 53 & 401
The filter holds 10.5 cups of water, and is a good size to provide a day’s worth of clean water to single people and couples.
Holding Capacity 11 cups
All plastics used in the Invigorated Water pH Restore are BPA-free, so this filter won’t add dangerous chemicals to your water.
Filter Lifespan 40 gal.
Cons:
Annual Cost $50
Warranty 1 year
To be honest, we didn’t know what to expect when we ordered the PUR Plus pitcher because it’s one of the lowest-cost pitchers available today. We weren’t sure whether we’d have to compromise on design quality or performance due to the lower upfront cost, but since we’d read that the pitcher was officially NSF/WQA certified, we wanted to give it a chance. And that ended up being a great decision, because we were very pleasantly surprised with what we received in the box.
There’s no definitive proof to say that alkaline water is actually better for you – so although the Invigorated Water is one of the best alkaline water pitchers, it may not offer many more health benefits than a standard filter pitcher.
In our opinion, the PUR Plus isn’t the best-looking pitcher on the market. We chose a pitcher with a blue and white design, which gave it almost a clinical feel – but looks certainly aren’t the most important feature of any filter. The PUR Plus pitcher ticked the majority of our boxes when it came to performance, which is ultimately what matters.
The Invigorated Water isn’t a lead reduction filter, which is a big letdown.
Some customers complained that the lid leaks when you pour water from the filter.
Longest Filter Life
Proone Water Filter Pitcher
4/5
★
Price is the obvious selling point of this pitcher. It’s definitely worth shopping around for deals because some sites sell the pitcher at lower prices than others. We got our pitcher when the price was around $37, but we’ve recently seen the same pitcher going for as little as $23 on Amazon. We spent about $75 for the first year of filter replacements, and that’s even with us having to replace the filters more frequently due to their shorter 2-month maximum lifespan.
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ProOne Water Filter Pitcher
This Proone water purification pitcher has one of the longest filter lifespans we’ve seen.
Contaminants Removed: 200+
Buying Tip: As with most pitcher brands, PUR sells multipacks of filters at a lower cost per filter. If you want to spend as little money as possible on maintenance, we recommend buying the 5-pack of filters online (it currently costs $61 on Amazon).
Certifications or Testing: NSF 42
Holding Capacity: 6.5 cups
Filter Lifespan: 225 gal.
Annual Cost: $80
Warranty: 4 months
View at prooneusa.com
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ProOne water filter pitcher components
Proone water filter pitcher installation
Propur proone water filter pitcher performance
Proone water filter pitcher review
Best For:
Best For:
Anyone with a small budget who wants to spend as little as possible on a water filter pitcher without compromising on quality.
Folks looking for a high performing and extremely long lasting filters.
Pros:
The Proone filter removes/reduces 200+ contaminants including fluoride, lead, chlorine, heavy metals, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, PFAS and more, greatly improving water quality.
Not only does this pitcher provide you with safe, clean drinking water, but you can also use the pitcher to create safe, clean, fruit-infused drinking water in the included fruit infusion portion.
The BPA-free and PVC-free plastic pitcher fits perfectly in your fridge, supplying cool, clean water.
The heavy-duty filter lasts for six months, providing you with clean drinking water on a daily basis.
With a 6-month lifespan, the Proone has one of the longest-lasting filters on the market.
The pitcher holds up to 6.75 cups of water, providing enough water for one person for a full day.
Cons:
There’s no filter indicator, so you’ll need to note down when to make a filter replacement.
The Proone is a drip filter, taking a very long time to filter water.
Some customers complained that leaking can occur if you pour from the jug while water is in the upper reservoir.
Read the full review: ProOne Water Filter Pitcher Review
🧾 Water Purifier Pitcher Buyer’s Guide
Use the below guide to learn everything you need to know about buying a water purifier pitcher.
✅ 6 Specific Water Filter Pitcher Buying Guides
Best Alkaline Water Pitchers
Best Glass Water Filter Pitchers
Best Stainless Steel Water Filter Pitchers
Best Water Filter Pitcher that Removes Fluoride
Best Water Filter Pitchers that Remove PFAs
Best Water Filter Pitchers for Well Water
💭 Important Things to Consider When Buying a Filter Pitcher
Contaminant Reduction Capability
Not all water filter pitchers are equal in what they can remove.
Most pitchers can remove the basic set of contaminants: lead, chlorine, and other contaminants that affect water taste and smell. If this is all you’re looking for in a filtration system, that’s fine.
However, there are so many more trace contaminants in our tap water – hundreds, in fact. Some of the best water filter pitchers remove a range of impurities, including emerging contaminants, volatile organic compounds, and toxic metals.
If you want to be as protected from these harmful contaminants as much as possible, choose a filtered pitcher that can remove at least 50+ contaminants.
Testing & Certifications
Third-party certifications allow manufacturers to show their customers that their product performance claims are legitimate.
NSF International and the WQA both offer certifications for a water filter system, including water pitchers.
The most common certifications for filtered pitchers are listed below.
NSF/ ANSI 42 – For aesthetic contaminants that affect taste and smell, like chlorine
NSF/ ANSI 53 – For the removal of health-concerning contaminants, like asbestos and lead
NSF/ ANSI 401 – For emerging contaminants, such as pharmaceuticals
NSF/ ANSI P231 – For microbiological water purifiers that can remove disease-causing microorganisms
NSF/ ANSI P473 – For the reduction of PFOA and PFOA in drinking water
Filter Capacity (Lifespan) & Replacement Costs
The filter life of a pitcher filter will determine your maintenance requirements, and the costs involved.
A standard filter for a pitcher lasts for up to three months. The longer a filter lasts, the less frequently you’ll need to pay for new water filters – but this doesn’t always mean you’ll get a better deal.
Generally, the greater a filter’s contaminant removal capacity, the more expensive it will be. You can expect to pay $30-$100 per year on replacement filters for a pitcher filter, depending on the filter type and the deals you find. When possible, bulk-buy your replacement filters for big savings.
Speed of Filtration
Pitcher filters aren’t the fastest water filters on the market because pitchers use gravity to filter tap water.
It takes the average 6-cup pitcher up to 10 minutes to filter a full jug of water. Towards the end of the filter life, when the filter is clogged with contaminants, it may take a standard filter up to 20 minutes to filter a full jug.
The design of a filter can affect the speed of filtration. The more complex a filter, and the more layers tap water needs to pass through, the longer the filtration process will take.
Most pitchers allow you to pour water from the jug while filtration is taking place, so you won’t need to wait for the full jug to filter before pouring.
Filtered Water Storage Volume (Jug Size)
You can find filtered pitcher models in a range of sizes.
Standard pitchers are 2-3 liters, or 6-8 cups. This should be enough to provide clean water for a single person throughout the day.
Some water filter pitchers have much smaller capacities of 1 liter or less, which might be a better choice for you if you’re looking for a personal pitcher that you can take with you to work or on trips away.
You can also find much larger water purification pitchers, measuring up to 8-10 liters, which are a good option for big families or workplaces.
BPA-Free Construction Materials
BPA is an industrial chemical that is used in manufacturing plastics, and has proven health effects.
BPA has been found to interfere with the body’s production of hormones, which can, over time, lead to developmental and reproductive issues.
Most tap water purifier pitchers are BPA-free, so they won’t leach harmful chemicals into your drinking water. If a pitcher is BPA-free, you should be able to find the information in the product’s description.
Warranty
Even if a pitcher has nothing but positive reviews and good feedback from customers, a warranty of a minimum of 6 months is essential for peace of mind.
Most manufacturers will offer a warranty that allows you to return the filtration pitcher for a refund or replacement product if the pitcher contains defective parts, or becomes broken or damaged through no fault of your own.
A product warranty demonstrates that manufacturers expect their product to work as advertised for at least the length of the warranty period.
Related Articles:
Pur plus water filter pitcher installation
What We Like:
Officially NSF/WQA performance certified
Removes lead, mercury, VOCs, and more
Budget-friendly cost
Large 11-cup capacity
What We Don’t Like:
The filter indicator doesn’t have a replaceable battery and will eventually stop working
The 90-day warranty is shorter than other pitcher warranties
NSF Certified Performance
In our opinion, one of the standout features of the PUR Plus pitcher is that it’s certified by the WQA to NSF Standards 401, 42, and 53, to reduce a range of chemical and physical substances, including lead, chlorine, taste and odor, VOCs, mercury, copper, and zinc. The majority of water pitchers are generally only certified to remove one or two contaminants at most, so the PUR Plus model blew us away with its expert-approved performance, which we think is especially impressive given that the pitcher costs less than $40. Our chlorinated tap water tasted much more appealing once we’d run it through the filter.
Which Water Filter Pitcher Removes the Most Contaminants?
Using the PUR pitcher was essentially the same experience that we’d had
⚙️ How Do Water Purifier Pitchers Work?
Most water purifier pitchers use an activated carbon filter, which removes heavy metals