Life

These Filtered Pitchers Will Give You Bottle-Quality Water At Home

by Maria Cassano

My most notorious accessory is a massive blue water bottle that's roughly the size of my torso. I'm big into hydration, but I'm not going to fill it with just anything; the quality of my water matters to me. Still, finding the best water filter isn't as easy as it seems. Most department stores (and even drug stores) sell them, but the selection is never too impressive. For someone who's particular about their water filtration options, like me, the internet is absolutely the way to go.

So what's the best water filter pitcher to buy? That all depends on your personal needs and preferences. I wanted something that filtered out fluoride, worked quickly, and fit in a mini-fridge. You might need something that fills your whole family's hydration needs without breaking the bank. And gone are the days of bulky, clinical-looking pitchers — many feature modern designs that look good on your countertop, too.

All these pitchers are highly rated because they filter out contaminants to produce great-tasting water. However, their sizes, special features, amounts of contaminants removed, and filtration techniques all differ. If you're in the market for a new and safer way to hydrate, check out the five best options here.

1The Best Large-Capacity Water Filter Pitcher

Brita 10-Cup Everyday Water Pitcher, $33, Amazon

The Brita everyday water pitcher has over 4,000 reviews for a reason: it's functional, reliable, and easy to use. It holds ten cups of pre-filtered water with significantly less chlorine, zinc, copper, mercury and cadmium than tap water. This model has a slim oval shape that easily fits in most refrigerator doors, and the soft grip handle makes for comfortable pouring. It even comes with your first filter and a sticker that reminds you when to change it (approximately every two months).

2The Best Japanese Water Filter Pitcher With Long-Lasting Filters

Nakii Long-Lasting Water Filter, $26, Amazon

When looking at prices, you'll also have to factor in the expense of the replacement filters. The Japanese-made activated carbon filters for this Nakii pitcher last a whole four months before they need to be replaced, which is a 300 to 400 percent better value than other brands. They also filter out 97 percent of chlorine, mercury, rust, sediment and suspended particles, so your water tastes and smells fresh. Reviewers are thrilled with the sleek and functional design: the slim pitcher fits on most refrigerator doors, and the top can be refilled without even removing a cover. It also has an easy pour spout that eliminates mess, it's made from all FDA-approved materials, and the 1.8 liter capacity is perfect for a small family or individual college student.

3The Best Brita Water Pitcher That Filters As Your Pour

Brita 10-Cup Stream Filter As You Pour Pitcher, $30, Amazon

People are pretty psyched about this Brita Stream, because it's one of the only pitchers you don't have to wait for. It removes the need for a traditional reservoir and instead uses filter-as-you-pour technology so you can get clean, fresh water directly after refilling it. It also has a ten-cup capacity, a streamlined design, an easy fill locking top, and an electric filter-change indicator. The filter itself is created specifically for this model, and it skips the pre-soak and black flecks — leaving you with chlorine-free water in seconds.

4The Best Eco-Friendly Water Filter Pitcher With A Plant-Based Filter

Soma Sustainable Pitcher & Plant-Based Water Filter, $40, Amazon

This sustainable, USA-made Soma filter is a really popular option; in fact, it began on Kickstarter where it raised over $140,000, because polluting water while making clean water doesn't make any sense at all. The pitcher is made from shatter-proof plastic, the handle is made from sustainable white oak, and the filters use coconut shell carbon and plant-based casing that removes chlorine and improves taste. Reviewers absolutely love that the top automatically opens to fill it, the water filters quickly, and the handle is durable as well as beautiful. As an added bonus, for every Soma purchased, the company donates clean drinking water to people in need through their non-profit partner, charity: water.

5The Most Effective Water Filter Pitcher That Eliminates 89 Contaminants

Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher, $70, Amazon

The Aquagear water filter pitcher is ideal if you're looking to get the most impurities out of your drinking water. It's rigorously tested to meet the highest standards for contaminant reduction. A five-stage filter with two micron pores get rid of chlorine, but it also tackles 88 other contaminants like flouride, lead, chromium 6, chloramines, and mercury — unlike other brands. It does all of that while still leaving healthy trace minerals like calcium and magnesium in your water, and its slim design fits well in your space.

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