When it comes to our health, we must do everything we can to feel good. Besides proper nutrition, exercise and visiting a doctor now and then, you should also check the water you’re drinking and possibly fix it with a water filter pitcher or an under-sink water filter.
Sadly, we’ve entered a stage of our living where our water is possibly contaminated a little bit more than we think it is. Big factories, vehicles and similar systems that produce toxins and release them into the environment can be very tricky to defeat.
Besides, it is also possible that your water is contaminated with things that are supposed to be in it, but are present in a too big percentage! That’s why you want to look into all options you possibly can and find the one that’s best for you.
Many people find the idea of water filtering very invasive. They don’t like the idea of having to change the appearance of their kitchen, just to put in a gadget they possibly won’t like. That’s what happens with under-sink water filters or water filter standing machines. You possibly have to put in a new faucet or make room for them.
Little steps count as well, though, and it’s important to note that even if you’re not looking forward to changing your current lifestyle, you can still get healthy water. Let us introduce the idea of water filter pitchers.
What Are Water Filter Pitchers?
You probably already have a pitcher at home, right? It’s convenient to have them once you have guests coming and maybe for a picnic or something like that. But what if we told you that you could get a pitcher that will also clean the water you drink? Yeah, that’s right. Looks like a regular pitcher often isn’t much more expensive than a high-quality one, and will help you achieve that healthy life!
Did you know that about 85% of Americans deals with hard water? While this isn’t something to worry about too much if the mineral levels and the chlorine levels are in the “approved area”, many people feel like the water they get isn’t tasty and that it actually has an odor.
Getting a water filter pitcher won’t be a big change when it comes to cash or looks. The only difference between a regular and a filter pitcher is the fact that the filter one has another “gadget” under the cap.
How Do Water Filter Pitchers Work?
Now that you get the idea of a water filter pitcher, let’s go over the few methods that “Power” these gadgets. Typically, the idea is the same in all of these and it goes something like this: you pour your water in. It enters the filter and then drains into the container. After that, you can pour it and it will go by the filtering system.
It’s a pretty straight-forward process that can take a little bit of time, so make sure that you either leave the pitcher to do its thing for 10 minutes or you can possibly get a pitcher that will do the job a bit faster.
Let’s go over the two different ways a filtering pitcher could work.
Carbon Filters
Carbon filters are a great eco-friendly option that many people go for. They are usually made from materials that you can find in nature: coconut shells, wood, coal or possibly even lignite.
This filter is created in the process of carbonization or possibly chemical activation. The chemical activation does include the carbonization process as well, but the filters are then made to last longer and remain better quality through time.
Carbon filters use the nature of the products they are made to do the filtering process. The surface is extremely porous and they trap ions. If you’re looking for a scientific term to prove this, it would be the power of adsorption. It’s just the idea that atoms in a liquid or a gas try to “catch” a surface.
These have to be changed when the pores get too covered in the ions and the other particles. Their lifetime depends on the user and the manufacturer, but when compared to cartridge filters, it’s shorter.
Cartridge Filters
It can be a bit tough to understand the concept since these filters are a bit more advanced than the carbon ones, but cartridge filters essentially just combine many types of filtering.
Besides the activated carbon, you’re looking at ion and mineral balls, tourmaline and many more technologies. Ion exchange resins are tiny balls that are filled with minerals that control the other minerals in the water. Mineral balls will make sure that your water stays healthy enough.
Best Water Filter Pitcher
As always, we can’t tell you what is the best water filter pitch out there, since this can heavily depend on the way you use it, the amount of water that goes through the pitcher daily and the health concerns you have as well.
Water filter pitcher can’t fit into your fridge? Try to consider using Refrigerator Water Filter instead of the water filter pitcher.
We can, however, present you the most popular models and explain you a few their features, including the pros and the cons of each, just so you have an idea about which one may possibly serve you best.
PUR Ultimate 7 Cup Pitcher
Getting a PUR water filter pitcher is a choice many go with because they’re already familiar with the company. This filter removes lead, mercury, pesticides, chlorine, and 22 other contaminants. It holds up to 7 cups of volume, but it obviously depends on the size of the cup.
The technology combines ion exchange and activated carbon filters for maximum efficiency, and also saves the planet! The design is BPA-free, ergonomic and you can easily replace the filtering part. You just soak the filter, twist the old part and the new one in, and flush it again.
This water filter pitcher is certified with the NSF 42 and the NSF 53 standards, which proves the efficiency.
| Feature | Info |
|---|---|
| Lead Reduction Filter | The PUR Pitcher Replacement Filter with Lead Reduction fits any PUR pitcher or dispenser to provide up to two months of clean, delicious water. |
| Focus on Convenience | The slim, space-saving design fits easily in your fridge. The CleanSensor Monitor visibly indicates filter status and guarantees you will always have safer drinking water. |
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Clearly Filtered Water Filter Pitcher
Here we have a filter by Clearly Filtered, and the manufacturer states that it is better than other 5 leading brands combines! It fits 10 cups inside of it, making it a really spacious model. One filter is supposed to go 2-3 times longer than a regular water filter pitcher.
They say that it’s 4 months of use, but it really depends on the number of gallons you are drinking daily. For some it could be three months, it could be three weeks of heavy use.
Eliminating fluoride, organic chemicals, glyphosate, PFOAs, pesticides and more, this filter earned the NSF standards it has. Don’t worry about your minerals like calcium and magnesium, you’re still going to be provided of them.
The taste and the odor of your water will be significantly improved since the amount of ins and heavy metals in the water will be regulated. The filter is also BPA-free and it is made from food-grade materials that have been approved to be perfect for the environment as well.
The efficiency of this piece goes up to 99.9% and you will have lifetime support from the company!
| Feature | Info |
|---|---|
| Better Taste | Our filter improves the taste of your tap water by filtering out all of the things that make it taste bad. This will make all of your beverages taste better than ever before! |
| Long Lasting Filtration | Our water pitcher includes one filter that has an average life of 4 months. Our filter gives you 100 gallons of clean water providing you with a longer filtration life than other filters. |
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Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher
Another NSF certified filter right here! It has both the NSF 42 and the NSF 53 standards, which proves that fluoride, chloramine, chromium sic, chlorine, mercury and lead filtration in this product is up to your regular standards!
The packaging is 100% free of BPA and it is also approved by the FDA. What makes it interesting is the fact that it’s also completely vegan, which means that you can 100% recycle it. You can filter an amazing volume of 150 gallons before this filter gives up and you have to get the replacement cartridge.
The taste of your water will improve, but won’t be perfect. The flow isn’t perfect as well, but if you’re a patient person, this should not bother you at all.
| Feature | Info |
|---|---|
| Rigorously Tested | USA-made and independently tested to remove fluoride (90.6%), chlorine (99.9%), chloramine (99.9%), chromium 6 (99.4%), lead (99.9%), mercury (97.8%), arsenic (99.8%), over 50 VOCs, and more. |
| Be a Clean Water Hero | For every purchase, the Aquagear Foundation provides 6 months of water to someone in need with biosand filtration. |
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DRAGONN pH RESTORE Alkaline Water Pitcher
Getting an alkaline water filter pitcher can have many health benefits and help you with recovering your body from daily stress. In this 7-stage process, you will see benefits such as no chlorine, no lead, no copper and a pH varying anywhere from 8.5 to 9.5, which is very alkaline.
Many methods such as ion exchange, tourmaline, mineral balls, and activated carbon filters are combined to provide you with the most effective way to filter your water. A single filter is supposed to last up to 2 months, but this depends on the amount of daily use you get.
Remove free radicals from your water and lower your chances for mutations that lead to cancer. The oxidation-reduction process will leave you with only the important minerals.
This water filter pitcher filters particles of micro sizes as well. The spill-free design and the comfortable handle make the pitcher ergonomic and practical.
| Feature | Info |
|---|---|
| Improve Hydration | Allow your body to easily absorb water more easily with micro-clustering (reduces water molecule size naturally through contact with naturals stones and ceramics contained in the cartridge). |
| Benefits Of Drinking Alkaline Water | Increases PH levels and Removes Free radicals and Eliminates Toxins with powerful ANTIOXIDANTS, and HIGH NEGATIVE ORP. |
Pros:
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Brita Large 10 Cup Water Filter Pitcher
If you’re looking for something that can hold even more volume, this 10-cup pitch is a very good choice. It’s a BPA-free water filter pitcher made by Brita. Unlike other ones, this one comes in three different colors that are appealing for the more modern kitchens.
It reduces chlorine, which means that your water will have no taste and no odor, but is also removes copper, zinc, cadmium and even mercury. These are all present in tap water.
The status indicator will show you when you need to change the filter, so you don’t have to count the months and keep track of the days.
The filter should go for about 40 gallons before it needs to be changed, and this can vary anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months, depending on the usage.
| Feature | Info |
|---|---|
| Cleaner And Great Tasting | The BPA free Brita filter reduces chlorine (taste and odor), copper, mercury, zinc and cadmium impurities found in tap water for cleaner great tasting water. |
| Filter Change Reminder | For optimum performance, a helpful status indicator on your filtered water pitcher notifies you when your water filter needs to be replaced. |
Pros:
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PUR (CR1100CV3) 11-Cup Classic Water Pitcher
Once again, we’re looking at a water filter pitcher from a pretty big company. It fits in your fridge easily and has an indicator light that will let you know when you need to replace the filter. This makes sure you don’t need to keep track of days and months and do the calculation yourself.
The filter itself removes up to 22 different contaminants. You should get about 40 gallons of usage before the indicator light runs up, but this could be up to 2 months of usage if you use it averagely.
The combination of activated carbon and ion exchange works wonders for chlorine, but also for other 22 basic contaminants that all other filters remove as well. The capacity in single-use is 11 cups; depends on the size of the cups, though.
The MAXION technology does a great job at making the water healthy and the efficiency of lead removal is up to 96% with this technology.
| Feature | Info |
|---|---|
| The PUR Difference | MAXION Technology is PUR’s unique formulation approach for blending carbon and ion exchange materials for maximum contaminant reduction. |
| Superior Water Filtration | PUR Basic pitcher water filters reduce 22 contaminants, including chlorine, by using activated carbon & ion exchange. |
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Brita Atlantis Water Filter Pitcher
Going back to slightly smaller models, this Brita water filter pitcher is just perfect for those who like to wear it around to make a picnic. It’s a water filter that can fit only up to 6 cups of liquid, but the amount depends on the size of the cups as well. You can get it in blue or white, whatever fits you.
It will filter chlorine, zinc, copper, cadmium, and mercury. This means that your water will have no taste and no smell. This BPA-free pitcher won’t contaminate your water after the filtration, and the filter indicator will let you know when is the right time for you to change the filter.
You can get up to 40 gallons of usage without replacing the filter, but you’ll have to change it after that.
| Feature | Info |
|---|---|
| Better Health | Drinking filtered water helps keep you hydrated, maintain energy and feel better. |
| Better World | Just one Brita water filter saves 300 standard 16 ounce plastic bottles from ending up in our landfills. |
Pros:
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Brita Pitchers 36205
We’re starting off with a mid-range model that almost looks like your regular day-to-day pitch. It’s a white design that has been created without any harmful chemicals: it’s BPA free and environment-friendly.
You can filter up to 10 cups of water in one use and reduce the chlorine, as well as possible odors. When the filter doesn’t do you justice anymore, you will have to buy a replacement cartridge. You’ll know it’s time once you see the indicator light up.
About 40 gallons of water can go through it before it starts to “act up”. Say goodbye to copper, mercury, and similar toxins: this filter has been certified to keep your water all fresh and safe! You will have to experiment a bit when replacing the filter since the mechanism is tricky, but otherwise, the construction is very simple!
| Feature | Info |
|---|---|
| Filter Change Reminder | For optimum performance, a helpful status indicator on your filtered water pitcher notifies you when your water filter needs to be replaced. |
Pros:
Cons:
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Lake Industries7000 Alkaline Water Filter Pitcher
Filters that have more stages and combine different technologies are usually more effective, so you may enjoy this 7-Stage water filter pitcher by Lake Industries. The technologies they use are ion exchange, tourmaline, mineral balls, and activated carbon.
The BPA-free material will make sure that your water doesn’t get contaminated after it is filtered, and the recyclable plastic will make it much easier for you to do good to the environment once this filter won’t do you justice.
You’re getting the regular 40 gallons of volume before you need to change the cartridge, and you will get the toxin-free water full of antioxidants. The easy-to-fill pitcher has a steady cap and a great flow, which means that you will be quick and there won’t be any mess, even when children handle it.
Zinc, copper, lead ad many more are removed through the oxidation-reduction process, and you can also expect the double fine particle filter to remove any microparticles. Just make sure to remove the stickers on the bottom.
| Feature | Info |
|---|---|
| Easy Pour Spout | Ensures the perfect pour with no mess every time. |
| Easy Fill Reservoir | Simply open the lid without removving the pitcher cover and fill with water. |
Pros:
Cons:
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ZeroWater, ZP-006-4
The Zero Water filter pitcher is the regular 6-cup filter that gives you that clean, BPA-free experience. It can go in your fridge and your freezer, and you’re also getting a free water test that will let you know more about the quality of your water.
You are getting 5 stages of filtration that result in water without smell or taste, and you’ll easily get that NSF certified experience. Efficiency goes up to 99.6% and it is most efficient with heavy metals.
1st stage removes dust and soil, the 2nd removes additional solids, the 3rd gets rid of organic contaminants (pesticides, herbicides, parasites, bacteria, etc.), the 4th will eliminate radiological toxins, while the 5th one removes anything that made it that far.
Both NSF 53 and the LG Chem certificates make this product unique and prove its efficiency.
| Feature | Info |
|---|---|
| Five Stage Water Filtration | Unlike many water filters & pitchers, ZeroWater filters use 5 stages of filtration, to bring you cleaner, better tasting water. Instead of carbon filtering only, our filters use Ion Exchange Technology to reduce contaminants. |
| Certified to Reduce Both Lead and Chromium | ZeroWater is the only pour through water filtration system that’s NSF-certified to reduce both lead and chromium* to 99%. |
Pros:
Cons:
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Should you buy a water filter pitcher?
When you’re buying something, or thinking of buying it, you often reconsider your choice and rethink those things that went through your head when you initially wanted to get the product. When it comes to spending money, you’re always thinking that there is maybe another way to go.
Let us give you simple reasons why you should get a water filter pitcher, and you’ll see if you find yourself in enough of them to invest in one!
- I don’t want to make changes in my kitchen. I don’t want to put in big products, gadgets or faucets. I just want something simple that won’t require any real installation.
- I can’t commit to long-term, premium products. Cash is an issue for me. I don’t want to spend cash on something I never tried out before.
- I use a pitcher anyway. It wouldn’t make a difference if I switched it for another one. I’m going to use one either way.
- I want to put my health and the health of my family first. I think that we are surrounded by an unhealthy environment and it’s time for me to change the way I think about it. Rather than ignoring the issue, I’m going to treat it.
- The water I’m drinking isn’t healthy enough. I am aware of it, because of the taste, the smell or the tests that have proven it. I don’t want to be exposed to all of that.
- I am only a beginner when it comes to water filtering. I’m not sure where to start. I don’t really have much knowledge about the whole process and I want something simple to begin with, something I won’t have to worry about too much!
- Online shopping is my favorite shopping. I prefer to check products online, compare them and read reviews. It’s much easier to find a good product! The joy when I get a package delivered to my door can’t be replaced with the “thrill” of buying stuff in the store.
- I don’t like to do the research. It’s useful to know how something works and what’s the fuss about it, but I get so annoyed when I have to research on my own. It just seems like it’s too tough to do. How can I know which information is correct and which is false? I like my information laid out by someone else.
- I already tried a water filter of another kind and it didn’t live up to my expectations. I don’t want to invest big anymore because I’m skeptical of how the next product will work. Because I got disappointed by the last product, I think I’ll be disappointed in all of them.
- I want something easy to use and clean. I don’t have the time and the nerves to take care of a complicated system. It’s just not my thing. I want something that won’t bother me daily, something that I already know how to use.
What Contaminants Will Water Pitcher Remove?
Let’s talk about the actual power of these. Many think that small gadgets cannot really do a good job when it comes to filtering, just because their build is smaller. This is not true and it all depends on the quality of the product, not the size of it.
We will now go over the things that are usually filtered by water filter pitchers, but you have to keep I mind that each product is a bit different and you won’t be able to “apply this list” to all of the product. If each one could filter everything, there would be no price difference between them, right? Let’s go alphabetically.
Chlorine
It’s one of those elements that you encountered in chemistry at an early age, right? We’re pretty sure that you can sense the “bleachy” smell of it as well. It’s not tough to conclude that chlorine can really alter the taste and the smell of your water, but it can also be very dangerous and lead to coma and death in extreme overdoses.
Chlorine byproducts (methane compounds)
These are a result of a chemical reaction with chlorine and they come in pair with it. It’s just organic compounds + chlorine, essentially. They’re not life-threatening, but when combined with other toxins, they can further worsen your health.
Giardia
You know what parasites are and you know that most of them cause pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and vomiting, but giardiasis can be far worse. Blood in your stool and fever are not really an attractive offer and these parasites that live in your water for up to 3 months!
Organic toxins
You have probably heard of VOCs (volatile organic chemicals); they appear in chemicals that treat our food. Herbicides and pesticides are the most common ways to encounter them! These can be a big issue for those with a weak immune system, especially elders and the youth.
Parasites
Besides giardia, the most dangerous one, we have other like cryptosporidium and even bacteria that live with them. These can cause several problems both with your stomach and your lungs, and those with a weak immune system can find this deadly.
Benefits of Using Water Filter Pitchers
Fluoride filtering
What if we told you that a water filter pitcher removes fluoride that you’re so afraid of? Yes, that’s correct. There are water filter pitchers on the market that provide that opportunity for you, which is fantastic. Fluoride has been connected with arthritis, bone issues, brain issues, cancer, diabetes kidney diseases, thyroid diseases and more!
No more plastic bottles.
Plastic bottles create a huge problem for our environment and buying new ones daily is not helping at all. That’s why we need to find an alternative. Buying your own stainless steel/glass/BPA-free bottle can significantly help because you can just refill it with your filtered water!
BPA-free and environment-friendly design.
Most of these are made to work in sync with nature! You’ll be able to recycle them once they break, but before that, you will be able to replace just the filter cartridge many times! Most people get more than 2 years of use with a single pitcher.
Happy and healthy living.
This is an obvious one, but isn’t it attractive to be living a healthy, sustainable life? Yeah, we bet it is. No more parasites, bacteria, fungi, organic compounds and chemicals! You’re going to bring your hormones back in place!
Filtered water vs bottled water: what’s better?
We need 2-3 liters of liquid a day, and that’s just an average number. Because we often change our positions while traveling to work/school/college, it can be easy to forget your water bottle and buy a plastic one in the store. But did you know how many problems you encounter with PVC, PET and similar materials coming in contact with your water?!
These have been linked to asthma, cancer, obesity, type 2 diabetes and more. Not to mention that there have been studies that show the link between BPA and infertility. Bring that water bottle around with you and don’t buy the cheap plastic that’s out there.
Protection from long-term consequences
Being in contact with lead, mercury, phthalates and more of these, it’s easy to feel the results over time. Any toxin can cause an issue in mitosis of the cell, which can lead to tumors and, unfortunately, cancer.
Installation and Maintenance
Now that you know everything about water filter pitchers, you may be interested in getting one. We’re glad to hear that! Because it can sometimes be tricky to get into new things, we decided to also show you how you can take care of the water filter pitcher you will buy! It’s really simple.
When to Change a Water Pitcher Filter?
If you have a filter with an indicator light, you’re lucky. Just about when you need to buy a new cartridge, it will light up and let you know. You don’t need to take care of the month-counting or anything.
If your water filter pitcher does not have an indicator light, you will possibly need to do something else. You can either go with the standard 2 to 3 months, or you can calculate how much gallons you use a day, versus the number of gallons that is stated by the manufacturer.
For example, they say that after 40 gallons you need to replace the filter. If you know you use 0.5 gallons a day, you know that after 80 days you need to change it. Just make sure you don’t forget the date!
How to Change a Water Pitcher Filter?
Most of the replacement filters are simple to switch. You open the cap, find the filter, twist it out and twist the other one in. After that, you fill the pitcher and let the first round of water go through. Don’t drink that round, though. It will get the filter going.
If you have trouble with replacing the filter, you should contact the manufacturer and let them know. You may find online instructions or YouTube videos that help as well, but this is not a heavy-duty gadget, so it shouldn’t be a big problem at all.
If you want to be 100% sure that you got the right head start, you can also fill a bowl with cold water and let the water filter pitcher soak for 10 or possibly 20 minutes. After that, you can activate the carbon by filling it for three times and letting it filter out.
Summary
You should now be familiar with all of the info you need. Water filter pitchers are extremely useful and are a great start for beginners. Cleaning them, using them and replacing the filter cartridges is not hard to do at all, so you don’t have to bother with DIY-like research.
Just make sure to get a filter that fits all of your needs! Small changes in price can result in big changes in performance, and that’s why you want to make sure you’re getting the best price vs. quality ratio out there.
Even if you don’t end up buying the product online, it is still very useful to know a bit about these products and what features are equal to what price points. If you’re familiar with that, you can get a really good deal even in the store that you’re in.
