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        Tasty water can help you meet your needs. :0.25rem;color:#125C68;-webkit-transition:all 0.3 seconds slower in and out;transition:every 0.3 seconds slower in and out;}.css-1me6ynq:hover{color:#595959;text -decoration-color :#595959;} Drinking water daily and having a good water filter can help improve the taste of water and remove various water contaminants. Although the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates many contaminants and their levels, you may prefer to filter your water to remove certain contaminants. There are several ways to filter water, including an under-sink water filter that saves space on the refrigerator or countertop, but a water filter pitcher is a convenient option that doesn’t require installation.
        At the Good Housekeeping Institute laboratories, we test thousands of products, including water filters and water quality test kits, not only for efficiency and ease of use, but also for safety and environmental friendliness. To evaluate the pitcher, we evaluated how easy it is to install and whether it is dishwasher safe. We also tested how fast it filters water. In the end, we spent 37 hours going through over 200 pages of third-party test data for these pitcher filters to make sure each matched what the brand claims it can remove.
        You can read more about how we evaluated water filter pitchers in our lab and everything you need to know to buy the best water filter pitcher at the end of this guide. Do you want to bring water with you? Check out our best water bottles and the best smart water bottle guides.
       Brita is one of the best-known water filter brands, so it’s no surprise that the Elite water filter performed well in our tests and filtered out over 30 contaminants.
        Based on our review of third-party lab test data, we found that it removes chlorine to improve taste, as well as other chemicals such as heavy metals, carcinogens, drugs, endocrine disruptors, and more. Not only does it come across as our top overall choice, it is also our top choice due to its low upfront cost and low annual filter replacement costs.
        It’s one of the fastest filters we’ve tested, taking just 38 seconds per glass of water, and according to Brita, the filter lasts about six months before it needs to be replaced. Chief Technology Officer and CTO Rachel Rothman, who owns a filter at home, says: “We have five thirsty people in our house and I love that the filter lasts longer so I don’t have to change it often and I love the smell of the water filter.” .
        The jug holds 10 cups of water and the Elite filter has been improved over the standard filter. Not only do these filters last longer, they also filter out lead without leaving black carbon particles in the water, a common problem with standard Brita filters. PLEASE NOTE: If you tilt the pitcher too far, we have found that the filter will fall, so care must be taken when pouring. You can also upgrade to the Tahoe pitcher, which uses the same filter but stays in place as you pour and has a smart indicator that makes it easy to see when the pitcher needs to be replaced.
        Zero Water’s innovative 2-in-1 pitcher allows you to pour water from a spout or sit on the counter and draw water using the push-button faucet located on the bottom of the pitcher. Zero Water Level 5 is equipped with a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) meter that indicates the level of dissolved salts and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, sulfates, etc. in the water. In our lab tests, the meter readings were instantaneous. In addition, it filters out five chemical pollutants, including chlorine, heavy metals, and endocrine disruptors such as PFOA and PFOS, based on our verified review of third-party test data.
        It also makes it easy to tell when the filter needs to be replaced: just dip the meter in filtered water and take a reading. Zero recommends changing the filter when the TDS counter reads 006, although this is a personal preference as TDS can affect the taste of the water. Some people may like to have more TDS in their water, while others prefer less TDS. Available in 10 or 12 cups. However, one of its disadvantages is the higher cost of replacing the filter each year.
        The AquaTru Water Filter removes over 80 contaminants, one of the highest rates of any water filter we’ve tested, making it one of the highest scores in our tests. We have proven that it can remove heavy metals such as chlorine and lead, pollutants such as VOCs, pharmaceuticals, endocrine disruptors and more. Plus, it removes over 90% of fluoride, which some people may like and others may not.
        AquaTru comes with three different filters: pre/carbon filter, reverse osmosis filter and VOC filter. The pre/charcoal filter removes particles such as sediment and rust, as well as chlorine, which enhances the taste. Reverse osmosis removes impurities as small as 1/10,000 micron, reducing arsenic, lead, parasitic cysts, copper, etc. All of these contaminant removal claims are backed by our review of independent lab test data.
        Carbon VOC filters are designed to improve the taste of water. If you’re picky about the taste of your water, there’s also the option to buy a Ph+ Mineral Enhanced Alkaline Carbon VOC filter, which should mimic the mineral-rich taste of Evian or Arrowhead, while a regular VOC filter tastes more like it. which, according to AquaTru, Smartwater or Aquafina.
        Our experts appreciate that the AquaTru app tells you when your filter needs to be replaced, as well as other statistics such as gallons of water filtered or total dissolved solids in tap and filtered water. The tap water tank holds 16 cups of water so you don’t have to refill it often, and the carrying handle makes it easy to get in and out of the sink.
       Cons: The initial cost of this dispenser is high at around $485, but the filter lasts longer than most, so the annual filter replacement cost is comparable to some jugs that filter out less contaminants.
        The bulky look of a colander can be annoying, but this sleek wooden-handled pitcher is beautiful and easy to use. Nicole Papantaniou, director of the Kitchen Utensils and Innovation Lab at GH, loves the wooden handle and the ease of gripping and pouring. It’s almost ready to go out of the box, although you’ll need to soak the filter before using it (the filter bag doubles as a soak bag!).
        We also found it easy to fill using the flip-top lid: simply place the jug under the tap and the top valve will lower with water pressure. While not the fastest filter, it still has a decent drain rate of 74 seconds per cup. While it doesn’t filter out as many contaminants as some of the other water filter pitchers we’ve tested, our review of third-party lab test data confirms that it removes chlorine to improve water taste, as well as four heavy metals.
        Most water filters remove chlorine to improve the taste of the water, which can also lead to an increase in bacteria in the filtered water. Larq solves this problem by using ultraviolet light to suppress the accumulation of E. coli and Salmonella in water due to dechlorination. It filters over 45 pollutants such as microplastics, heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, endocrine disruptors PFOA and PFOS, pharmaceuticals and more, as verified by third-party test data analysis. It has a rechargeable, removable wand that powers the UV light that sees it when the water is being filtered.
        During our lab testing, the Larq app was easy to install and useful for keeping track of when you needed to change your filter. It should be noted that we have found that the app sometimes disconnects or uninstalls itself, so tracking may not be entirely accurate.
        We love the modern look and the comfortable spout that doesn’t splash water all over the place. Our pros found its setup to be intuitive, and it was one of the few dishwasher-safe pitchers in our test. The wand needs to be washed by hand, but we found it easy due to its compact size. Cons: The cost of an annual filter change is higher than others we’ve tested.
        What sets Aarke apart is the unique stainless steel water filter. Instead of throwing away the plastic filter cartridge like most filter jars, the Aarke filter jug ​​makes it easy to replace the particles inside the stainless steel filter. Helps remove chlorine, copper, lead and limescale.
        The pitcher holds 10 cups of water and it was easy for us to fill it with the removable lid. The pitcher looks sleek and is made of glass and stainless steel, giving it a more modern look than plastic pitchers. Unfortunately, it also costs more than most 10-cup plastic jugs. The silicone bumpers prevent the pitcher from slipping and falling, and can be removed when you don’t need them.
        Many colanders are not dishwasher safe, so you’ll have to wash them by hand, which is one of the reasons our experts love this Pur colander. All parts can be washed in the dishwasher, so there is no need to wash your hands. When we tested it at home, we found it easy to fill and pour thanks to the flip-top lid that stays in place while pouring. Standard filters help remove chlorine and some heavy metals, which we verified by analyzing third-party lab test data.
        We also appreciate the slim design of this 7-cup jug, which saves space in the fridge by the fact that you may need to refill it often. Another bonus of this slim pitcher is that it comes in fun colors including lime (pictured), blush and blue. They also have an 11-cup water pitcher to save on trips to the sink.
        This small yet powerful water filter improves water taste and clarity and removes over 30 contaminants including chlorine, microplastics, sediment, heavy metals, VOCs, endocrine disruptors, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, E. coli and cysts. Confirm by reviewing the brand’s third-party lab test data. Most brands only offer plastic jugs, but LifeStraw is available in both glass and plastic.
        In our tests, we liked that it’s lightweight, easy to hold and pour, and weighs only 6 pounds when filled. The tradeoff is that you’ll have to fill it up more often because it doesn’t hold a lot of water (only holds 2.5 cups of tap water). LifeStraw states that the pitcher needs to be refilled multiple times to keep the water flowing, but we noticed that even after a few refills, the water still filtered slowly. PLEASE NOTE: We have found that the filter is easy to clean by accident, causing soap to enter the filter, so be sure to read the instructions and remove it from the plastic housing before cleaning.
        The Berkey filter tops the list for removing more contaminants than any other water filter we’ve tested: over 200 contaminants, including common chemical contaminants that remove most pitchers such as chlorine, cadmium and lead, and we confirm it does as well. removes viruses, parasitic pathogens, bacteria. , volatile organic compounds, certain pharmaceuticals, and petroleum pollutants such as gasoline and crude oil. If you want to remove fluoride from water, this is one of the few devices that can do it, but you will need to buy a fluoride filter separately.
        In our lab tests, we noticed that this tabletop dispenser requires more work to set up than others, and the instructions weren’t as clear as we’d like. But once it’s installed, it’s pretty easy to use, though we didn’t like that you can’t put the tank on (the screws will get in the way, so you’ll either have to hold it while it fills or move the tank back and forth). pour the water from the jug into the tank). On the other hand, it has a large fuel tank, so you don’t have to spend a lot of time filling it up.
        We have also found that it is slowly filtered in our lab tests. However, our home testers did not encounter this issue. Berkey comes in a variety of sizes, starting at $345 for the smallest, but Berkey says the filter can be cleaned up to 100 times with a 3M Scotch-Brite cloth. This can save money over time compared to pitchers that need to change filters every few months.
        The Hydros Slim Glass Pitcher removes chlorine and sediment, improving the taste and clarity of the water. This is great for those who want a simple pitcher, and its small 4-inch size can save space in the fridge. trace diameter. Our reviewers found it to be light when full, weighing just under 4 pounds. What we love is that this filter does not require pre-soaking, just rinse it under running water for 15 seconds and it’s ready to use.
        Our pros were pleasantly surprised that it filters water almost instantly. Disadvantages: The opening is small and water easily overflows through the lid when filling. The water pours out smoothly, although there is a heaviness at the bottom when you grab the neck of the jug to pour. It is also available in a plastic version.
        Yes, a water filter can remove contaminants such as heavy metals, chemicals, drugs, and more. Some chemicals, such as chlorine, are added to city water to disinfect it, but many people choose to filter it as it can negatively affect the taste.
        Remember that not all water filters remove the same contaminants. Most basic designs remove contaminants such as chlorine and its derivatives only when combined with organics, while others remove more pollutants.
        Dr. Birnur Aral, Executive Director of the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Laboratory, said: “The performance of a water filter also depends on the quality of the water source and the regularity of filter replacement.” with well water, which will lead to clogging faster. “People who have well water systems should consult a professional water filtration service such as Culligan.
        The experts at our Institute for Good Housekeeping scour the market for the best water filter pitchers and then use our experience to narrow our tests down to the most promising products. Our laboratory specialists spent three months researching and testing these filter tanks and continued testing for a year. We’ve spent over 37 hours going through over 200 pages of data to ensure that water filters remove what they claim to do, such as removing certain chemical or physical contaminants or killing bacteria.
        In addition, we appreciated how easy the pitcher is to set up, how much it weighs when filled with water, and how easy it is to pour. We also considered the clarity of the instruction manual and the possibility of washing the jug in the dishwasher. We tested performance factors such as the filtration rate of a glass of water and measured how much tap water a tank can hold. We have tested the lifetime of each filter and have included the cost of replacement filters in our annual filter replacement cost calculation over the recommended time period.
        To evaluate the claims, we requested third-party data from each brand of water filter. The Executive Director of our Health, Beauty, Wellness & Sustainability Laboratory, GH, carefully analyzes the data to validate various pollutant removal and purification claims such as water clarity, health effects, emerging contaminants, and more.
        ✔️ Filtering ability: not all water filter jugs remove the same contaminants; if you have specific filtration needs, be sure to check what each product claims to remove. Many water filter brands are starting to share pollutant removal data on their websites, so if you’re looking for a specific contaminant, visit the brand’s website or try contacting the company.
        ✔️ STYLE AND SIZE: When choosing a style, consider size and weight. If you need to save space, choose a smaller pitcher that will require more filling. Large water jugs allow you to pour water less often, but they are inconvenient to carry and pour. If you have countertop space and prefer large capacity water dispensers, consider countertop models as they can often hold a fair amount of water.
        ✔️ Price: Generally, the more contaminants a filter removes, the more expensive it costs, and if your water doesn’t need to remove certain contaminants, choosing a jug with an extensive list can be a waste of money. When deciding which jug to buy, consider the price of the jug and the price of a replacement filter: some have higher upfront costs but lower filter costs, and vice versa.
        ✔️ SPECIAL FEATURES: If you find it hard to remember when to change your water filter, choose a model that is easy to follow or tells you when to change it. Some pitcher filters now have apps that remind you of this.
        ✔️ Need for Filtration: Not all tap water contains the same contaminants, so your contaminant removal needs may vary depending on where you live (i.e. depending on the age of your plumbing and pipes) and your personal preferences regarding taste of tap water. water. We recommend using the EWG Tap Water Database to find out what’s in your tap water, but if you’re not sure what’s in your water, it’s best to use a filter that removes a wide range of contaminants. The EPA does not regulate all pollutants, but at the very least, our professionals recommend using a filter that will at least remove heavy metals.
        ✔️ NSF and ANSI tested. Many pitchers claim to have passed NSF/ANSI standards tests that test the removal of various water contaminants, but be aware that NSF/ANSI standards are not the same for everyone. Some standards only test for water purity, while others test for the removal of certain chemical and physical contaminants. The NSF website explains in detail their standards and what they test for.
        This guide to the best water filter jugs has been written and tested by several Good Housekeeping Institute experts, including Jamie Kim, a freelance writer with a background in consumer products; she specializes in product testing and reviews. It has tested over 20 water filters and continues to road test pitcher filters.
        Dr. Birnur Aral is the Executive Director of the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Laboratory with over a decade of research and development experience. Birnur’s Investigative Story at GH Is your tap water safe? The Good Housekeeping Seal from SafeHome’s self-testing water test kit was recently reviewed. It also helps the brand customize marketing communications and insert instructions for its kits, including lead, tap water, and well water kits.
        Nicole Papantoniou is Director of the Kitchen Technology and Innovation Lab, overseeing all content and testing related to kitchen and cooking appliances, tools and fixtures. She constantly tests the filter canisters throughout the year. Professionally testing kitchen appliances since 2013 and studying classical culinary arts.
        Jamie Kim is a consumer products specialist with over 17 years of product development and manufacturing experience. She has held senior positions in mid-sized consumer goods companies and one of the world’s most famous and largest clothing brands. Jamie is involved in several GH Institute labs including Kitchen Appliances, Media & Technology, Textiles and Home Appliances. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, traveling and playing sports.
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