The 6 Best Water Filter Pitchers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Final Verdict

Our top pick is the Brita 10-Cup Rapids Stream Water Pitcher because it's easy to set up, filters water quickly, and does a great job of improving its taste. If you're looking for a pitcher with a more robust filter, we recommend the Epic Nano Water Filter Pitcher which can remove bacteria and heavy metals from well water. 

Our Testing Process

To find the best water filter pitchers, we first took water samples from our New York City, Birmingham, and Des Moines offices and sent them off for analysis. We had the results analyzed by NSF’s Rick Andrew, who has 30 years of experience in preserving and maintaining clean drinking water. Though all the water turned out to be safe to drink, the water in Des Moines was the murkiest, so we tested 18 water filter pitches at that Lab. 

For our initial test, we compared the control water (tap water) to the filtered water poured from the pitchers, taking note of what the different waters tasted and smelled like. After that, we used these pitchers for two weeks, filling them and drinking the filtered water every day. Throughout our testing period, we paid close attention to whether the pitcher made our water taste better, how easy it was to set up and use, and if the filter is worth the cost. 

How to Shop for Water Filter Pitchers Like a Pro

Materials

The most common materials for water filter pitchers are glass and plastic. They both have pros and cons, so the material you choose depends on your lifestyle. Plastic weighs less than glass and is more durable, so it’s ideal for people who live with small children and don’t want their pitcher to fall and shatter. On the other hand, glass is more sustainable than plastic. If you don’t mind the extra weight and fragility, a glass pitcher is a sleek and functional addition to your fridge. 

Capacity

Water filter pitchers come in various sizes, and there isn’t one capacity necessarily better than the other. According to Ajami, “It's just a matter of how much time you have and how much water you need.” The smallest pitchers have a 5- to 6-cup capacity and are ideal for those who live solo or in tight quarters. Standard pitchers will fall within the 7- to 10-cup range. But if you need to filter a lot of water, opt for a filtered dispenser that can hold up to 30 cups of water. 

Filter

Despite the number of water filters available, Ajami says that there are more similarities between them than differences. Most water filter pitchers use activated carbon to remove contaminants. The most effective type of filter is a carbon block filter, which contains activated carbon shaped into bricks. These filters have more surface area that comes in contact with the water, making them more adept at removing harmful substances, but they’re generally more expensive and can get clogged with debris. 

Granulated activated carbon filters are the most common filter type, though they are less effective because they offer less surface area. While they don’t clog as easily as a carbon block filter, they often let water trickle through after they’ve lost effectiveness. If you purchase a granulated activated carbon filter, you want to stay on top of regularly swapping out the filter.

The effectiveness of carbon block and granulated activated carbon filters can vary based on how slowly water trickles through each filter. While some filters only improve the taste of water and remove chlorine, others can remove VOCs, asbestos, and other substances.

A growing number of water filter pitchers, such as the Hydros Glass Slim Pitcher, use coconut shelter carbon filters. This type of filter has a larger surface area than activated carbon, so they’re more efficient at removing contaminants from water. Coconut shell carbon is a renewable resource so it’s better for the environment, and it doesn’t leave black flecks in your water either. 

If you’re concerned about a specific contaminant, Ajami recommends using a resource like SimpleLab (she discloses that since it’s new, its database is limited) or the EWG. These tools can help you find the potential contaminants in your water, so you can choose a filter that addresses your needs. Ajami cautions: “If there is a serious issue with the water source, pitchers cannot necessarily clean that up. Just because you’re using a pitcher does not mean you’ll be able to take all the lead.”

More Water Filter Pitchers to Consider

ZeroWater 12-Cup Ready-Pour 5-Stage Water Filtration Pitcher: This water pitcher did a great job at removing chlorine from the smell and taste of our tap water, and it tasted extremely refreshing. However, this pitcher is heavier, so it may not be the best choice for people with kids or mobility issues, and the bottom spout splattered water when we tried to use it. 

Seychelle Gen 2 Dual pH2O Pure Water Pitcher: We liked how you could fill this pitcher without having to lift the lid, though the included spouts used to change the filter didn't fit on our faucet, which made the setup process less convenient. Given the price, we think there are similar options that are more efficient to use and offer better value. 

Questions You Might Ask 

How often should you replace your water pitcher’s filter?

There’s no set answer, as filter replacement will vary based on how often you refill your pitcher. “It just really depends where you are, how hard your water is, and what kind of purpose you're using it,” Ajami says. “If the water is from a source that is clean and doesn’t need a lot of treatment, the filter might not get as compromised as fast as somebody who has hard water.” 

Another factor that can impact how often you need to replace your filter is the number of times you refill your pitcher. Ajami notes that “it's much less about the time and it's much more about the amount [of water] that gets circulated through.” Typically, most filters will last for 40 gallons, or roughly two months of use, before needing to be changed, but it's best to check the care instructions that come with your pitcher. If you notice your filter is percolating water more slowly or that your water has a funny taste, then it's time to replace your filter. Additionally, many pitcher lids will have an electronic indicator that lets you know when a replacement is needed.

How do you clean a water filter pitcher?

It’s good practice to clean your pitcher each time you replace your filter to prevent mold growth and mineral build-up. Some pitchers are dishwasher-safe while others are hand wash only, so check the manufacturer's instructions for proper care tips. If you want to be extra thorough with cleaning, you can use mild dish soap with a toothbrush to get into the nooks and crannies. For mold growth, spray a white vinegar solution onto your pitcher and scrub with a toothbrush. 

For filters, most manufacturers recommend replacing them rather than washing them. However, Ajami says you can potentially backwash the filter if you’re using it to improve the taste of your water. She explains that the process of backwashing is when you push water through your filter in the opposite direction, but it may or may not work depending on the type of filter. She also stresses that if there are contaminants in your water that need to be taken care of, she wouldn't backwash it. She would just replace the filter.

Do all water filter pitchers remove bacteria?

While most water filter pitchers can remove contaminants such as lead, copper, and chlorine, not all possess the materials to remove bacteria. Your tap water should be treated for bacteria already, but if it’s a concern for you, you’ll want to research filters that specify bacterial removal in their products. Most filter companies will include testing reports on their website, so you can check how efficient they are at removing certain kinds of bacteria before purchasing. For bacteria removal, we recommend the Epic Nano Water Filter Pitcher, which has been tested to remove bacteria, giardia, cryptosporidium, and viruses.

Who should use a water filter pitcher?

Contrary to what you may think, water filter pitchers can benefit everyone, not just those with concerns about the quality of their tap water. Ajami emphasizes that “the water that comes out of your tap is highly tested and treated,” but mentions that your filtration needs can vary “depending on which location people are in.” If your water supply has an elevated level of contaminants, using a water filter pitcher can improve its quality for peace of mind. 

Another benefit that Ajami points out is that a water filter pitcher can soften hard water. “If [people] are cooking or boiling water, [filtered water] would leave less marks in their pots or other kitchen appliances," shes says. Additionally, “people like water filter pitchers just because of the taste,” which is a bonus if you struggle with drinking enough water daily. 

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Jen Woo, a design, lifestyle, and culture writer and content strategist with over 10 years of experience. To write this article, we tested 18 water filter pitchers in our Lab and evaluated them based on their improvements to the taste and smell of our tap water, ease of use, and overall value. We also got expert advice on shopping for water filter pitchers from Newsha Ajami, PhD, hydrologist and director of Urban Water Policy at Stanford University.

What Is Real Simple Selects?

Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.

Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.