A water filter pitcher is something everyone should have in their home. It’s one of the simplest ways to guarantee that the water you’re drinking is clean, safe, and deliciously chilled. Unfortunately, getting a great water filter pitcher isn’t as easy as you might think. Popular brands like Brita do a great job of filtering out substances like chlorine thanks to their activated carbon filters; however, they’re far from comprehensive.
The fact is, mass-produced, store-bought water filtration systems are a far cry from true filtration options. They’re limited by their simple filter media and only work when it comes to high-turbidity contamination—lots of suspended solids. These filters do almost nothing to neutralize VOCs or microbiological threats.
If you’re on the lookout for a water filter pitcher, you can do better than Brita. Here are a few of the best Brita alternatives for water filter pitchers and why they’re worth the investment.
1. Aquaspace® Carafe® Pitchers
You might not even need to finish this list, because we’ve put the very best Brita alternative front and center, right at the top. There’s simply no beating the performance of Aquaspace® Carafe® Pitchers! Not only are there options for specific filtration such as fluoride, but there are also alkaline options for those who prefer the benefits of water with a slightly higher pH.
The specifications of these filters are second-to-none when it comes to filtration capabilities. First, there’s an amazing 500-gallon capacity on Aquaspace® filters—as opposed to a meager 40 gallons on most Brita systems. On top of this, there’s filtration power to consider. The Aquaspace® filter goes above and beyond any activated carbon filter, to deliver comprehensive filtration that spans both organic and inorganic compounds.
Need more proof that Aquaspace® comes out on top? Look at the pour-through funnel to the filter media, which ensures powerful filtration, instead of pass-through sieve filtration. If you’re going to spend the money on a water filter pitcher, there are few better options than Aquaspace®.
2. Pūr Classic 11-Cup Pitcher
One of the competitors to Brita that you’re likely to find in stores is Pūr. This brand is mass produced, but its filter media is a step above others on the market. It doesn’t just rely on activated carbon media; its MAXION® filter technology also addresses pharmaceuticals and industrial pollutants to provide a more encompassing level of cleanliness to water.
Like other store-bought filters, Pūr has some bells and whistles that make it worth looking at—including the LED filter indicator. While the filter lifespan is only a meager 40 gallons, an LED reminder will let you know when it’s time to swap in new media. Moreover, the filters themselves are relatively inexpensive.
One of the best things about this water filter pitcher is its convenience. It has a relatively low cost of ownership and is easy to fill, pour and clean. It’s also BPA-free. If you’re shopping in-store, it’s hard to do better than Pūr.
3. Travel Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter
If price isn’t an option, the Travel Berkey Water Filter is worth a look. We’re not kidding when we say it’s pricey, though—you’re looking at a $250 purchase price and $120 replacement filters. If you’re reading this aghast, take a moment to consider the benefits.
First off, the Travel Berkey Water Filter and its filtration media will cleanse up to 6,000 gallons before you need to replace the filters. This is enough to justify the cost of the filters themselves. As for the cost of the unit, it’s probably the most well-made on this list and features stainless steel that’ll last you a lifetime. The system itself is also a gravity-fed setup, which means you can expect superb filtration and extremely clean drinking water. Outfitted with the right filters, it’ll eliminate just about any contaminants in your water, including arsenic.
The downfall of this system? Well, it’s not exactly a pitcher and you can’t keep it in the fridge. It’s meant as a countertop option that holds 1.5 gallons, which makes it equally as convenient.
4. ZeroWater 6-Cup Pitcher
If you live in an area with heavy lead content in the water supply, this pitcher is an upgrade over Brita filters. While it only boasts a 6-cup capacity, the filtration power of the ZeroWater filter pitcher is well-worth the extremely affordable $20 price tag.
Thanks to its five-stage filtration capabilities, this pitcher does what only activated carbon filters can’t. Aside from the usual hard water culprits, this system also filters out compounds like fluoride, nitrates and other inorganics. This, in conjunction with its ability to filter out most unwanted organic compounds like arsenic and mercury. It’s one of the best filtration systems for the cost.
The unfortunate aspect of the ZeroWater filter pitcher is its 20-gallon filter lifespan. If you’re relying on it frequently, you could end up spending a fortune in filter replacement costs. This is an option best left for those who also have some point-of-use filtration system.
5. Clearly Filtered 10-Cup Pitcher
While its claim of being “the most powerful water pitcher on the market,” might be a little dubious, the Clearly Filtered pitcher is certainly a leader in its class. Sure, you’re going to spend more than the off-the-shelf filters on this list, but you’ll also get better performance.
First, you’ll love the 100-gallon filter capacity on this model. This, in combination with its powerful filtration capabilities, makes it a great everyday option. Its 10-cup capacity means you’ll need to replace the filter roughly every 10 times you refill it. When it comes to filtration quality, expect this system to remove more than 230 unwanted organics and inorganics, including fluoride, lead, plastics, hormones, and more. It’s a truly encompassing filtration option.
The only real downfall of this pitcher is that it’s a bit bulky and can be difficult to fit into a small fridge. Replacement filters aren’t cheap, either ($50), but they do offer good value thanks to their longevity.
Pay Attention to Pitcher Performance
When selecting a water filter pitcher, the best way to understand what you’re getting for your money is to look at the specifications of the product. What type of filter media does it use? How quickly does it filter? What’s the filter lifespan? These factors all matter when it comes to the clarity and safety of your water.
At the end of the day, a water filter pitcher is all about convenience—and health. When you pull that pitcher out of the fridge and pour yourself a refreshing glass of crisp, cool water, you should be able to enjoy every sip. It starts by having confidence in the filter pitcher you’ve chosen.
Looking for the best water filter pitcher available on the market? Look to Aquaspace for all your filtration needs!
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