Best Water Filter Pitcher: Clean Drinking Water For You And Your Family

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which could result in us receiving a small commission if you make a purchase. This will not affect the price you pay, but it does help us maintain the site and keep the information you’re reading free of charge (learn more). Any quoted prices, features, specifications etc. are correct at the time of writing, but please do check for yourself before buyingThank you so much for supporting Happy Happy Vegan!

OUR FAVORITE!
Invigorated Water Alkaline Water Filter Pitcher - Long Lasting Alkaline Water...
MAVEA Marella XL 8-Cup Water Filtration Pitcher, Green
CamelBak Relay Pitcher, Charcoal/Clear
Soma Pitcher Plus 1st Filter, Clear
Brita Everyday Water Filter Pitcher, BPA-Free Water Pitcher, Replaces 1,800...
Invigorated Water Alkaline Water Filter Pitcher - Long Lasting Alkaline Water...
MAVEA Marella XL 8-Cup Water Filtration Pitcher, Green
CamelBak Relay Pitcher, Charcoal/Clear
Soma Pitcher Plus 1st Filter, Clear
Brita Everyday Water Filter Pitcher, BPA-Free Water Pitcher, Replaces 1,800...
-
-
-
OUR FAVORITE!
Invigorated Water Alkaline Water Filter Pitcher - Long Lasting Alkaline Water...
Invigorated Water Alkaline Water Filter Pitcher - Long Lasting Alkaline Water...
MAVEA Marella XL 8-Cup Water Filtration Pitcher, Green
MAVEA Marella XL 8-Cup Water Filtration Pitcher, Green
-
CamelBak Relay Pitcher, Charcoal/Clear
CamelBak Relay Pitcher, Charcoal/Clear
-
Soma Pitcher Plus 1st Filter, Clear
Soma Pitcher Plus 1st Filter, Clear
-
Brita Everyday Water Filter Pitcher, BPA-Free Water Pitcher, Replaces 1,800...
Brita Everyday Water Filter Pitcher, BPA-Free Water Pitcher, Replaces 1,800...

If you click a link on this page and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Bottled water may taste crisp and refreshing, but all that plastic waste is terrible for the earth. If you’ve gone green with a refillable bottle but miss the taste of bottled water, then the simple solution may be getting a filtered water pitcher.

If you’re used to drinking tap water, the taste of filtered water may rock your world! The best purifying water pitchers use high-tech filters to remove sediment, heavy metals, fluoride, and chlorine; all of which can affect the taste of your water.

In addition, some studies suggest that drinking alkalized water—water that is less acidic—can be beneficial for a variety of conditions.

Check out our guide and shopping suggestions to learn about some of the best water purifying pitchers available on the market today.

Why might you need a filtering water pitcher

You may not think much about the water that comes out of your faucet, but the quality of water can vary widely depending on where you live. People who’ve moved a few times in their lives or visited developing countries have probably experienced this first hand.

Everything from dissolved gases to temperature and pH (acidity) affect the quality of your drinking water. If you live in a municipal area, your water has probably been treated extensively. It may be safe, but this still doesn’t mean it’s ideal for drinking.

The first reason many people have for buying a filtering water pitcher is to improve taste. Many of the chemical additives from processed water, like chlorine and fluoride, can lend an unpleasant taste and odor to your water.

Fortunately, chlorine—the worst offender—is fairly easy to remove with a filter pitcher, so we’re already off to a good start.

Other people may want to reduce all sediments, toxins, microbes, and other chemical residues in their water. They may not be able to taste the difference, but common water contaminants could potentially have some very unwanted effects.

For example, trace amounts of pharmaceuticals in tap water may build up in a person’s body and impact his or her health in the long run. The risk of this is thought to be extremely low, but then extremely low still isn’t zero! (1, 2)

Finally, if you have certain medical conditions or want to improve your overall health, you may want to consider getting an alkalinized water pitcher. Alkaline water may help reduce the overall acidity of your body, improving nutrient absorption and athletic performance.

As with many topics surrounding drinking water, research into alkaline water is still to present us with hard data on its positive benefits. However, many have anecdotally said that regular consumption has helped them in various aspects of their lives. (3)

What should you look for when buying a filtering water pitcher?

With so many different models on the market, finding the right water filtering pitcher can be somewhat of a headache. I mean, what exactly are the things that you should be looking for?

Glad you asked…

Capacity

Capacity is the first thing to consider when shopping for a filtered water pitcher. The carafe sizes of filtered water pitchers can vary widely. A single person who’s out and about for most of the day may want a smaller pitcher than a big, thirsty family, for example.

Filter Type

For the vast majority of people, the most crucial difference among water purifying pitchers is probably the filter type. Most basic filters remove chlorine and sediment. The slightly more advanced kind can filter out heavy metals and reduce microbes too.

If you want to remove small molecules from you water—namely fluoride—you may have a harder time finding a filter pitcher that meets your needs. They are available, but not in the abundance that other kinds are.

Whatever your preference, read product descriptions carefully before making your purchase.

Filter Life Span

The cost of a filtering water pitcher isn’t a one-time thing. Eventually, you will have to replace the filters in the pitchers. Price ranges on filters can vary, so you should check out how much the filters cost on their own before you settle on buying a particular water purifying system.

Most water pitcher filters should be changed every one to three months. Some pitchers include a counter that records how many “fills” you have left on your current filter, but these may not always be reliable.

For example, if you notice that your water tastes different or looks different from when the filter was new, it may be time to swap it out.

Shape and Features

Finally, you may also want to consider the shape of the pitcher and any additional features. A round and bulky pitcher can take up a lot of space in your fridge. If this is a concern for you, look for an oval or oblong pitcher.

Some water purifying pitchers also include handy features like hands-free fill. Style is also a consideration: most pitchers will give you multiple colors to choose from.

How should you set up and use your water pitcher?

On the surface, a water filter pitcher might seem like a no-brainer to use. However, you need to read the instructions carefully as some systems require certain steps before you can start effectively filtering and drinking your water.

Often, the first step is to prime the water filter pitcher by soaking it in cold water for a certain period of time. Other water purifiers may recommend that you filter a full reservoir of water once or twice and dump it out (or give it to your house plants) to get rid of any carbon residue from the filter itself.

Over time, each filtered water pitcher will require maintenance. Critically, you will need to change the filter after a certain amount of time in order to maintain high water quality. As we discussed in the last section, most filters last between four and twelve weeks.

Again, as we mentioned before, some water filter jugs come with counters to help you keep track of how many times you’ve used a filter; however, many of these are unreliable, so it’s best to change your filter according to the package recommendation.

Using your own sense of taste, sight, and possibly even smell can often be a better indicator than the counters, especially over time.


RELATED: THE BEST COPPER WATER BOTTLE FOR AYURVEDIC BENEFITS


Best Water Filter Pitcher Reviews

Now we know a little more about these handy home water filtering devices, it’s time to take a look at some of the better products available.

So, without further ado, let’s move onto our water pitcher filter reviews to see which ones come out on top!

Invigorated Living pH RESTORE Alkaline Water Pitcher Ionizer

Invigorated Living pH RESTORE Alkaline Water Pitcher Ionizer claims that drinking alkaline water can do everything from boost your immune system, aid in weight loss, and slow down the aging process. We’re not sure all that is true, but this is a fine water filter, nonetheless.

Using charcoal and “micronets,” the Invigorated Living Water Pitcher filters out all sediment, chlorine, and heavy metals. It also removes fluoride, which is a huge plus for people who are suspicious of this additive in their municipal water.

This filtering water pitcher holds 1.3 liters and comes complete with two filters to get you started. The filters last for a while too: up to 1500 cups of delicious H2O!

We love the clean, crisp taste of the water from this pitcher. This pitcher is a more affordable, greener solution than bottled water for people who want to drink quality alkaline water, and most people have also had positive experiences with IL’s customer service.

On the downside, the Invigorated Living pH Alkaline Water Pitcher may send you to customer service more often than you’d like: breakage of the handle seems to be a particular problem. The lid also doesn’t stay on well and appears to be easily broken.

Finally, some people reported having charcoal dust in their water initially that went away over time. This, however, could well be due to insufficient filter priming, not necessarily a fault with the filters themselves.

All in all, this is a great choice and one that comes highly recommended.

LIKES
  • Alkalinizes and purifies water
  • Removes fluoride
  • Long lasting filters
  • Great customer service
  • Comes with two filters to get you started
DISLIKES
  • Some parts may be a little fragile

BWT Premium Water Filter Pitcher

SORRY, THIS PRODUCT IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE

The BWT Premium Water Filter Pitcher does more than just get rid of contaminants. The filters also mineralize the water with magnesium, an essential nutrient that an estimated 70% of adults are deficient in. Magnesium also has the added benefit of lending the water a clean, fresh taste. Bonus!

BWT’s filters remove chlorine, sediment, and protect against microbes with natural silver. We like that the filters don’t require pre-soaking, and nearly everyone agrees that they love the taste of the water filtered by the BWT.

If you decide that the BWT Premium Water Filter Pitcher is the best water filter pitcher for you, keep in mind that the filters need to be changed every four weeks (but the pitcher comes with 2 extras free…so a total of 3 filters to start you off!).

Some customers will be disappointed that the filters don’t last longer, but for effective filtering it’s always best to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Other things to look out for include a faulty fill counter and the possibility of there being some charcoal dust in your water on occasion. However, these minor issues don’t keep most people from loving the health-enhancing qualities of the BWT Premium Water Filter Pitcher.

LIKES
  • Adds magnesium to water
  • Filter kills microbes with silver
  • No pre-soaking needed (although some have complained of charcoal residue, so…)
  • Filters quickly
  • Comes with three (yes, 3!) filters
DISLIKES
  • Filters only last 4 weeks
  • Fill counter may not be reliable
  • Some reports of charcoal dust in water

Brita 10 Cup Everyday Water Pitcher

As the name suggests, the Brita 10 Cup Everyday Water Pitcher features a generous 10 cup capacity and long-lasting filter, which doesn’t need to be changed until it’s been used for two months! This is a great deal for people who are concerned about the costs of buying filters.

The oval design means the Brita 10 Cup Everyday Water Pitcher fits snugly into most fridge doors and we also love the soft grip handle for easier pouring.

Brita says their 10 Cup Everyday Water Pitcher reduces chlorine taste and odor, as well as zinc, copper, mercury, and cadmium. Customer reviews are more mixed: some people notice a reduction in chlorine taste, while others don’t.

Even though you won’t have to change the filter frequently, there is a process involved when it comes time for a new filter. After priming, you need to be careful to insert the filter so that water flows through it and not around it, which may not suit everyone.

Once the filter’s in place, the first few pours may have a lot of carbon dust. We recommend giving it to houseplants rather than pouring it down the drain. However, once it’s up and running, most customers like both the taste and convenience of this water filter from Brita.

LIKES
  • Big capacity
  • Filter lasts 2 months
  • Easy to refill
  • Solid feel and nice handle
  • Filter is easy to change
DISLIKES
  • May not 100% eliminate chlorine taste
  • Doesn’t filter fluoride

Soma Water Filter Pitcher

The Soma Water Filter Pitcher stands apart from competitors for its good looks and recycled materials.

Made from 60% plant-based and renewable materials, the pitcher features a sustainably harvested white oak handle for a touch of style and earth-friendliness.

The Soma comes in either 6 cup or 10 cup sizes and the filter removes heavy metals like mercury, in addition to chlorine. Users report that each filter produces clean, delicious water for two months.

This filter pitcher fits well in the fridge and under the faucet. The touch-free fill design uses the pressure of water from the faucet to open the top of the reservoir. This genius solution is both convenient and clean.

On the other hand, some people found the lid difficult to remove and put back on. A few people also report that the filters have a tendency to clog well before it’s time to change them; this is a bit of a pain to fix and may lower the quality of your drinking water.

It is, however, still a thing of beauty!

LIKES
  • Beautiful design
  • Filters last two months
  • Touch-free fill
  • Choice of sizes: 6 cup or 10 cup
DISLIKES
  • Lid tends to get stuck
  • Filters may clog when still new
  • Replacement filters are a little expensive

CamelBak Relay Pitcher

The CamelBak Relay Pitcher has an oblong plastic pitcher with fun colors for the reservoir and lid. The slim design means you can easily store 10 cups of filtered water in the refrigerator door, and it’s also top rack dishwasher safe!

While the CamelBak Relay filters water quickly compared to similar models, it only removes chlorine. Therefore, your water may taste clean, but it may not necessarily be any cleaner than regular tap water. If you live in an area with good water quality already, the CamelBak Relay Pitcher may be the best water filter pitcher for you.

With all that said, most users like how their water tasted after using the CamelBak. Though a few people have reported issues with leaking, most find this pitcher to be durable and adequate for their needs.

LIKES
  • Slim design fits most refrigerator doors
  • Holds 10 cups of water
  • Filters last three months
DISLIKES
  • Only removes chlorine
  • May leak
  • Not the best looking beast in the world!

DRAGONN Alkaline Water Pitcher

While some water filters use only one or two steps to clean water, the DRAGONN Alkaline Water Pitcher has a seven-part filtration system to purify water and reduce acidity. The carafe also holds an impressive three and a half liters!

This water purifying pitcher reduces contaminants like silt and heavy metals, removes chlorine, and 90% of all copper, zinc, and lead. Though it doesn’t remove fluoride, the majority of DRAGONN users are very satisfied with the clarity and taste of their water.

As the name alludes to, the DRAGONN Alkaline Water Pitcher also makes your aqua less acidic, which may help reduce body acidity overall. Another nice feature is you can fill the reservoir without having to remove the entire cover.

Since the capacity of this pitcher is large, you may have to make some room in your fridge. A few customers also noted that the water may start to taste less fresh the longer it sits, even well before the life of the filter is “up.”

Therefore, even though you can store a lot of water in the DRAGONN Alkaline Water Pitcher, you may not want to if it negatively affects the taste.

Finally, some people noted issues with the filters clogging, while others didn’t like the unclear instructions (some didn’t receive any instructions whatsoever!). Overall, however, the DRAGONN Alkaline Water Pitcher seems to deliver on its promise of clean, convenient, alkaline water.

LIKES
  • Seven part filtration
  • Holds a whopping 3.5 liters!
  • Reduces acidity
DISLIKES
  • Some issues with clogging filter
  • Unclear instructions (if any!)

MAVEA 1009652 Marella XL 8-Cup Water Filtration Pitcher

The MAVEA 1009652 Marella XL 8-Cup Water Filtration Pitcher is BPA-free and produces delicious, clean water. Made in Germany, this filter pitcher comes in green or purple, neither of which will suit everybody, but the overall design is cute and whimsical.

The MAVEA Marella Filtration Pitcher is carefully constructed so that no unfiltered water drips into the carafe (which is an issue for some competitor’s models). The lid flips open for easy filling and includes a counter to remind you when to change the filter. With an 8-cup capacity, the carafe is light but may not be large enough for big families.

Though most customers were satisfied with this MAVEA filter pitcher, a few found fault with the quality of the plastic. One recurring complaint was that the lid felt “cheap” and was prone to breakage.

The filter on the MAVEA Marella Filtration Pitcher will last for around two months but, curiously, there doesn’t seem to be a lot of specific information about what the filter actually removes from the water besides “black bits.”

Some customers report their water tastes better, but others are wary of not knowing exactly what the filter is designed to remove.

LIKES
  • Leak-free reservoir
  • Lid flips open for easy filling
DISLIKES
  • Some quality issues
  • Not clear what impurities the filter removes

So which is the best water filter pitcher?

Invigorated Living pH RESTORE Alkaline Water Pitcher Ionizer review

If you’re ready to ditch the plastic water bottles for good, our recommendation is the Invigorated Living pH RESTORE Alkaline Water Pitcher Ionizer. This purifying pitcher removes more contaminants from water than any other on this list, including chlorine, heavy metals, and fluoride.

This alkaline water filter also makes your water less acidic which may have benefits for your overall health (the jury is still out on this, though). Another plus is the long lifespan of the filters and, overall, customers love how refreshing their water tastes when using the Invigorated Living Water Pitcher.

If you decide this is the best filtering water pitcher for you, you’ll have to clear a little space in the fridge because it is a bit bulky. We also recommend being gentle with the handle as it may be prone to breakage. On the plus side, customer service seems to be great at providing replacements, which is great.

The Invigorated Living pH RESTORE Alkaline Water Pitcher is perfect for anyone who is serious about removing contaminants from their water. What this pitcher lacks in style, it definitely makes up for in filter quality.

Although this particular model came out on top, the most important thing is choosing to ditch single-use plastic water bottles for good. Doing so will do the planet a great service…so get filtering!

OUR FAVORITE!
Invigorated Water Alkaline Water Filter Pitcher - Long Lasting Alkaline Water...
MAVEA Marella XL 8-Cup Water Filtration Pitcher, Green
CamelBak Relay Pitcher, Charcoal/Clear
Soma Pitcher Plus 1st Filter, Clear
Brita Everyday Water Filter Pitcher, BPA-Free Water Pitcher, Replaces 1,800...
Invigorated Water Alkaline Water Filter Pitcher - Long Lasting Alkaline Water...
MAVEA Marella XL 8-Cup Water Filtration Pitcher, Green
CamelBak Relay Pitcher, Charcoal/Clear
Soma Pitcher Plus 1st Filter, Clear
Brita Everyday Water Filter Pitcher, BPA-Free Water Pitcher, Replaces 1,800...
-
-
-
OUR FAVORITE!
Invigorated Water Alkaline Water Filter Pitcher - Long Lasting Alkaline Water...
Invigorated Water Alkaline Water Filter Pitcher - Long Lasting Alkaline Water...
MAVEA Marella XL 8-Cup Water Filtration Pitcher, Green
MAVEA Marella XL 8-Cup Water Filtration Pitcher, Green
-
CamelBak Relay Pitcher, Charcoal/Clear
CamelBak Relay Pitcher, Charcoal/Clear
-
Soma Pitcher Plus 1st Filter, Clear
Soma Pitcher Plus 1st Filter, Clear
-
Brita Everyday Water Filter Pitcher, BPA-Free Water Pitcher, Replaces 1,800...
Brita Everyday Water Filter Pitcher, BPA-Free Water Pitcher, Replaces 1,800...

If you click a link on this page and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

About The Author:
Lisa Williams
Happy Happy Vegan editor

Lisa Williams is a committed vegan, passionate animal welfare advocate, and keen follower of too many v-friendly food blogs to mention. She started happyhappyvegan.com back in 2016 because she felt there was a need for more straightforward information on plant-based living.

Back then, too many sites seem to either concentrate solely on recipes or be too intimidating or inaccessible for the v-curious, and she wanted to change that. The landscape is certainly a whole lot different now!

Save This To Pinterest!
BEST WATER FILTER JUG REVIEWS
REFERENCES
  1. Leigh Boerner | The Complicated Question of Drugs in the Water | https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/article/pharmaceuticals-in-the-water/
  2. Harvard Health Publishing | Drugs in the water | https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/drugs-in-the-water
  3. Ryan Andrews, MS, MA, RD, RYT, CSCS | Alkaline water: Legit health food or high-priced hoax? | https://www.precisionnutrition.com/alkaline-water-legit-or-hoax

2 thoughts on “Best Water Filter Pitcher: Clean Drinking Water For You And Your Family”

Comments are closed.

LET'S STAY IN TOUCH, SHALL WE?

Sign up for our FREE plant-powered newsletter

Important Disclaimer: All of the information found within Happy Happy Vegan is intended solely for educational and informational purposes only. None of the articles written by or associated with Happy Happy Vegan have been evaluated by the FDA or any other federal body. No information found within the site is in any way intended to replace your physician, doctor or healthcare practitioner nor is it intended to diagnose, cure, prevent or treat any illness or disease. Please always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet or adding supplements that may block, restrict, or interfere with any existing medication.

Happy Happy Vegan is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Company

Legal