Water Filter Pitcher: The secret to having clean water at home
Everybody appreciates clean drinking water, no matter the source, even if it comes from a plastic bottle or a kitchen faucet. However, recent headlines about deadly lead remind us that our drinking water does not always come from cascading mountain streams. This article explains what a water pitcher is and how it relates to clean water free of pollutants, sour flavor, and rancidness.
What is the Purpose of a Water Filter Pitcher?
Pitchers are the second most common type of water filter after refrigerator filters. They’re also inexpensive and simple to operate. Fill them with water from the faucet and wait for it to flow through the cartridge.
They can remove contaminants and remove unpleasant smells and odors from your water. They’re also reasonably priced. Most water filters are convenient since they don’t require an under-sink installation. Fill it with tap water, place it in the refrigerator, and store it for as long as desired.
These filtration jugs can contain up to 10 glasses of water – as it filters the water over time. You may find yourself waiting a long time—or constantly refilling the pitcher—depending on your drinking habits or how many family members are pouring from the pitcher. In CR’s lab, each pitcher is put through a series of testing, including timing how long it takes to filter a quart of refills at various stages of the filter cartridge’s lifespan. The best takes over a minute to complete the task, while others take 43 minutes.
Is Filtered Water Ideal For Human Consumption?
The truth is that most toxins found in tap water are harmful and can be deadly. Unwanted elements, pesticides, and germs can all be found in tap water, even if they are clean. Drinking tap water, in reality, exposes you to the risk of lead poisoning every day.
While distilled water eliminates toxins and germs, drinking distilled water can not save people from quickly becoming dehydrated. This can cause health issues due to a lack of nutrients present in water. Bottled water can absorb plastic particles and increase pollution of the environment. Thus making it below par for drinking.
On the other hand, filtered water saves us lots of trouble health-wise and environmentally; it contains nutrients needed by the body while hindering most toxins. As a bonus, it improves the water’s taste.
How Does A Filtration Pitcher Work?
A typical filtration pitcher has a straightforward design concept. Water is poured into the top chamber(reserve), then passes through a changeable cartridge with a charcoal filter before flowing into the pitcher below. These filtration dispensers can be kept in the fridge and are ready for use whenever you desire a glass of cold, filtered water.
The most common water complaints are odors and taste. These issues are directly related to the drinking water supply. And it is in this area that filtration dispensers shine. In CR’s tests, most products had improved flavor and reduced smell.
How Do Manufacturers Tests Water Filters?
At Cedar Rapids South, pitchers are tested by timing how long it takes them to filter 1 quart of water at various intervals until they’ve gone through up to 40 gallons of clean water, which is how long a filtration dispenser should last. They also determine whether a filter’s flow rate slows (clogs) as the cartridge’s capacity is exceeded, and if so, how much.
Each assertion that a water pitcher complies with NSF/ANSI standards for removing specific contaminants such as chlorine is independently validated. The American National Standards Institute and the National Sanitation Foundation, NSF International, create quality filtration standards.
They have reviewed and tested claims of reduced flavor and vile nature of water by spiking the water with common substances that may make water ooze and taste like a sewage treatment facility, moist earth, metal, and a swimming pool. A trained panel of professional tasters assesses the filters’ efficacy in eliminating these smells and odors.
Most individuals would not distinguish between filtered and pure spring water if it had an excellent grade. For filters with a fair or poor score, you’ll most likely be able to discern the difference.
The Pros Of Filter Pitchers
Using a filtration dispenser has several advantages. Some of the benefits are as follows:
Small, light, and transportable
You may transport these filtration dispensers on camping vacations or other outdoor activities, saving money over purchasing a case of disposable plastic bottled water. The filtration jugs also eliminate the worry of microplastics or unknown toxins leaching into your water from the plastic container.
Instructions Are Simple And Easy To Follow
Filtration is an easy way—more accessible than other filtration systems, and they don’t require any setup. The essential items include a top reservoir, pitcher, and charcoal filter; almost all pitcher products have similar designs.
When using a pitcher for the first time, soak the charcoal filter in a big cup of water for at least a quarter of an hour. You can then directly insert the filter into the reservoir and snugly secure it in the cartridge.
Put sufficient water into the reservoir and wait for the filtration process to finish. You’ll have fresh, filtered water ready to drink once you’ve completed those processes.
Availability of Activated Carbon Granules
There is the availability of an activated charcoal system in most filtration pitchers, which effectively removes pollutants from water.
Increase of Alkalinity in Your Water
While the various claimed advantages of ingesting alkaline water are questionable, National Institute of Health researchers found that water with pH levels between 8.4-9.2 pH can help those with acid reflux.
This is because alkaline water with the correct pH can kill the enzyme pepsin, producing acid reflux. For those interested, some products can modify the pH level of your water.
Least Expensive Method To Purify Water
Compared to other techniques of purifying water, they are significantly less expensive. They are available in numerous sizes and colors to complement your mood or décor for an average of $30.
When you compare the cost of filtration jugs to the price of a water cooler or buying bottled water regularly, you’ll see that you’re saving money and being more environmentally conscious.
Cons Of Using Filter Pitchers
Using a filtration pitcher is a cakewalk with healthy benefits. However, there are some drawbacks to these pitchers (as with anything else):
They are Not Quite As Powerful As Some Other Methods For Purification
While the quality of these filtration items may vary, they aren’t as successful at removing some impurities. Only a few metals, such as copper, lead, and cadmium, are filtered out by some pitchers. Others aren’t made to get rid of pharmaceuticals and hormones.
When a water system is purchased for the first time, you may likely have to consider the time it takes to get filtered water and hunt for a different choice if it takes too long to get your filtered water.
They are Too Slow To Work
The pitcher’s filtering process is much slower than under-sink filtration systems. Some filter pitchers are ready within 2 hours, while others might take six hours. When purchasing a filtration system for the first time, keep in mind how long it takes to filter water and look for another option that varies from the preceding one– if it appears to be too long.
Charcoal Filters Need To Be Replaced Regularly
According to certain manufacturers, the charcoal in your water pitcher dispenser is suggested to be changed every 40 gallons. As a reminder, some people use a sticker or an electronic indicator. In any case, it’s critical to replace the filters regularly, which takes a little extra time, money, and effort.
Criteria For Choosing Your Water Pitcher
CR examines each claim made by a manufacturer that their products satisfy standards for eliminating specific contaminants like mercury, cadmium, and lead. And the following criteria are used to rank most manufacturers.
Can the Water Pitcher Make Water Taste and Smell Better?
Zinc and hydrogen sulfides are compounds and chemicals that can give your water a metallic taste or a sewage-like fetidness. Research how the products were analyzed to reduce impurities from water and how to combine the flavor and smell reduction ratings. The majority of models have good quality and can help minimize flavor and smell.
Check the Drinking Water’s Content
Even if your primary motivation for using a filtration pitcher is to improve the flavor of your drinking water, a quality water jug can also help remove harmful toxins. You can also look into other potential toxins in your municipality’s water. Your local water supplier, Consumer
A confidence Report (CCR) will enumerate every contaminant present in the water, such as heavy metals, pesticides, and microorganisms.
The plumbing in your home or flat may also impact your water quality. Cadmium is perceived to cause cancer, and it can seep into your water from galvanized pipes that are deteriorating. You should also check your water for lead that may often leak from the lines if it was built before 1986 when lead-free pipes became mandatory.
A safe level of lead exposure does not exist. Even low amounts might cause health issues such as hypertension, renal disease, adult reproductive disorders, learning deficiencies, stunted growth, anemia, and hearing difficulties in children.
Free testing kits for various pollutants, including cadmium, may be available from your state or local health authority. Alternatively, you can gather a sample and submit it to a certified lab for testing, which might cost anywhere between $20 and $100.
Keep in Mind that Each Filter is Unique
Not one single filter gets rid of every contaminant. Zinc and hydrogen sulfide are among the impurities that some products remove. Others get rid of the lead. If a pitcher does filter out toxins like volatile organic compounds, heavy metals, medicines, and hormones—the package should list each one separately. If your water includes major impurities, a water pitcher filter may not save you entirely from contaminants problems. You may need a more extensive filtration system.
Calculate the Cost of Filter Replacements
The manufacturer’s recommendations should be followed when changing the filter. It’s usually every two months, or every 40 gallons, whichever comes first. Filters clogged with particulates stop operating, so you’ll want to follow those rules. In addition, the activated charcoal in filters that trap smells and odors has a limited capacity to absorb them before it stops working.
If the filtered water from your pitcher is flowing slowly, the filter is likely blocked, and it’s time to replace it. Some Filter pitchers include a filter-life indicator that indicates when to change the filter.
Allocate the Time it will take to refill the Water
If you frequently fill your pitcher and keep it in the fridge for later use, the quality of the flow rate may not be an issue. However, if your active family uses a lot of water daily, it’s something to think about.
Top 4 Best Water Filter Pitchers
The importance of water filtration cannot be overstated. The best water filters are those that have been through extensive testing and research to ensure your safety, which is why we recommend the following:
Brita Standard Everyday Water Filter Pitcher
Price: $26.99 on Amazon (Save $8.00)
- #1 Best water filter pitcher
- 49,001 Reviews
- Availability: In Stock (Ships outside the US)
Product Description
The Brita Standard Everyday Water Pitcher is BPA-free and certified to reduce the taste and odor of chlorine for great-tasting drinking water. This product is certified to reduce copper, and mercury impurities, which can adversely affect your health over time. The Brita water pitcher’s flip-top lid makes it incredibly easy to refill, and by just looking at the filter indicator, you know when to change the Brita replacement filter.
Product Features
- Dimensions – 5.4 x 10.7 x 10.1 inches
- Weight – 2.29 Pounds
- Capacity – 10 Ounces
- BPA free
Verdict
Brita Pitcher is a great choice. If you’re searching for water filters that will save you time with their ease of operation and ability to hold a high volume of water, then this is your best bet. Another outstanding feature of the Brita Pitcher is its versatility; it can work with several other dispensers except for Stream.
ZeroWater Ready Pour Water Filter Pitcher
Price: $29.88 on Amazon (Save $5.11)
- Amazon choice
- 11,210 Reviews
- Availability: In Stock (Ships outside the US)
Product Description
The ZeroWater 20 Cup Water Dispenser is perfect for in-home or small office usage. The high-capacity slim profile features Ready-Pour technology to adhere to your on-the-go lifestyle. The compact design features a one-hand push-and-pour spout that enables you to dispense water without any lifting.
Product Features
- Dimensions – 10.63 x 5.5 x 11.75 inches
- Weight – 0.69 Kilograms
- Capacity – 20 Cups
- Certified to reduce 99% lead, chlorine(taste and odor)
- Eco-friendly, saving you about 2000 plastic bottles per year.
- Durable and affordable.
- Extra Items in Box – Water quality meter, 20-cup Water Dispenser
Verdict
ZeroWater’s 20-cup pitcher is perfect for larger households, offices, or anyone who wants to enjoy delicious TDS-free drinking water. The 5-stage filters turn your natural water into pure, refreshing drinking water. The dealbreaker is that it may be a bit pricier than its competitors.
Seychelle pH20 Alkaline Water Pitcher Filter
Price: $70 on Amazon
- The Ultimate Alkaline Water Filter
- 1,083 Reviews
- Purchased online or in a local store (Ships outside the US.)
Product Description
Seychelle’s pH2O Alkaline Water Filter Pitcher is the perfect way to ensure you and your family are drinking clean, healthy water. All filters are tested to remove Mercury, Asbestos, Chromium 6, Benzene, MTBEs, VOCs, THMs, Chloroform, Arsenic, Fluoride, and many more contaminants. Keep your family safe and healthy with Seychelle’s pH2O alkaline water pitcher.
Product Features
- Dimensions – 11 x 5.5 x 10.5 inches
- Capacity – 4 Pounds
- Enhances PH up to 9.5
- It’s simple to put together, operate, and maintain
Verdict
Whether you’re worried about the quality of your drinking water or searching for a cost-effective and straightforward way to purify your water at home, Seychelle ph20 is a perfect choice. With the ph20, you can save almost half the price, as this product delivers filtered water while enhancing the PH. The water tastes great! While some users say the lid does not come off, this pitcher is a good buy and has delivered quality consistently for over 20 years.
Best Water Pitcher on a Budget
Brita Standard Metro Pitcher
Price: $16 on Amazon
- 51, 504 Reviews
- In Stock (Ships outside the US)
Product Description
The Brita Standard Metro Pitcher can be considered one of the top deals and latest trends on amazon. It has BPA-free filters that hold 5 cups of clean water, which is enough to fill two 2.24-ounce reusable water bottles. It produces excellent-tasting water with no waste. Also, the Brita pitcher dispensers come with a Longlast Filter that lasts up to three times the ordinary water filters. The filtration pitcher takes up little space.
It fits nicely on the shelves of a refrigerator. The product has an easy-fill locking lid that makes pouring a breeze. TDS such as chlorine (odor), Mercury, Copper, Zinc, and Cadmium are all reduced. It also has an electronic indication, making reminders a breeze.
Product Features
- Dimensions – 9.8 x 4.45 x 9.37 inches
- Weight – 1.17 pounds
- Capacity – 40 gallons
- Compatible with Longlast and Standard water filters
- Does not eliminate 100% TDS
- Long-Lasting as well as eco-friendly.
Verdict
Brita Standard Metro Pitcher is a good buy for several reasons. This water pitcher dispenser is the perfect addition to any kitchen at a budget-friendly price. Using the Brita Standard Metro Water Pitcher, you can save some cash on your light bills while ensuring that your family is drinking clean, pure water. So if you’re looking for an affordable, convenient way to improve the quality of your drinking water, look no further than the Brita Standard Metro Water Pitcher!
Amazon’s Choice
Epic Nano Water Filter Pitcher
Price: $60 on Amazon
- 838 Reviews
- In Stock (Ships outside the US)
Product Description
Epic Water Pitchers are among the best 10-Cup 10 Cup 150 Gallon Long Last Filters. Like other water pitchers, it filters incredibly healthy and pure water for you to drink. Multiple independent labs have rigorously tested the Epic Pure Pitcher for the removal of over 200 known water contaminants.
These contaminants include chlorine, fluoride, heavy metals such as lead and mercury, pesticides, herbicides, trace pharmaceuticals, PFAS, PFOA, and volatile organic compounds that other water pitchers do not remove. The package comes with a 10 cup, which provides 150 gallons of water. It has Tritan BPA-Free Long-Lasting Filters that instantly transform ordinary water into clear, exceptional water.
Product Features
- Dimensions – 10 x 8 x 10 inches
- Capacity – 3.5 Liters
- BPA Free
- LED timer
- Virus Water Filters
- Purification Method – Gravity Nano Fiber Media
Verdict
Considering the $60 price tag, we would have expected more from this product. While it does an excellent job with filtration, and the water tastes great, you might have to remove the lid to pour out filtered water completely. The design is ideal; however, the volume of filtered water it holds might be slightly lesser (about 4 cups in a filtered water chamber.)
Conclusion
Pitchers come in different sizes and styles. When choosing a pitcher, consider your needs and budget. And although our choices may vary, there will be a perfect match for you. Quality products with more filters will be more expensive and provide better filtration. Choose a size that will save space and match your kitchen decor. Get top deals latest trends on Amazon, Target inc., or any prominent online store. There will be a perfect pitcher for you with many options for pitchers and dispensers!
FAQs
Can water pitchers eliminate bacteria?
No. Water pitchers can only remove contaminants like copper, lead, and other organic compounds that reduce water quality.
How can I clean water pitcher dispensers?
Cleaning is usually effortless. It would be best if you cleaned it like every other kitchenware. Brita and ZeroWater recommend that users should change their filters.
Can I buy any of these products outside the United States?
Yes. Amazon ships to customers outside the US. Alternatively, you can make your purchase from Target Brands inc if you’re in the US or surrounding countries.
