Best Water Filter Pitcher

Introduction

A water filter pitcher is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to improve the quality of your drinking water at home. It sits in your fridge, filters tap water as you pour, and delivers cleaner, better-tasting water without the cost and waste of bottled water. Here are the best water filter pitchers.

What Does a Water Filter Pitcher Remove?

Different pitchers use different filter technologies. Most reduce:

• Chlorine and chloramine (taste and odor)
• Heavy metals: lead, mercury, cadmium, copper
• Some reduce PFAS/PFOA (forever chemicals)
• Sediment and particulates
• Some reduce total dissolved solids (TDS)

Note: Standard pitcher filters do not remove bacteria or viruses. For microbiological concerns, you need a different filtration system.

Best Water Filter Pitchers

Best Everyday Pitcher: Brita 10-Cup Water Filter Pitcher

The Brita is the most popular water filter pitcher in the US for good reason. It's affordable, widely available, and the filters are easy to find and replace. The 10-cup capacity is large enough for most households, and it reduces chlorine, mercury, cadmium, copper, and zinc — the most common tap water concerns. The BPA-free construction and Stone Blue color make it a clean, attractive addition to any fridge.

• Capacity: 10 cups
• Filters: Brita Plus filter (included)
• Reduces: Chlorine, mercury, cadmium, copper, zinc
• Filter life: 2 months / 40 gallons
• BPA-free: Yes
• Best for: Everyday drinking water, reducing taste and odor from chlorine

Check Brita 10-Cup price on Amazon →

Best for Maximum Filtration: ZeroWater 20-Cup Ready-Pour Dispenser

ZeroWater uses a 5-stage filtration system that reduces total dissolved solids (TDS) to near zero — the only pitcher certified to reduce lead, chromium, and PFOA/PFOS to non-detectable levels. The 20-cup capacity is ideal for larger households or heavy water drinkers. It comes with a free TDS meter so you can measure your water quality before and after filtering.

• Capacity: 20 cups
• Filtration: 5-stage ion exchange
• Reduces: Lead, chromium, PFOA/PFOS, TDS to 0
• Certified: IAPMO certified
• Includes: Free TDS meter
• Best for: Households with hard water, heavy metal concerns, or who want the purest possible filtered water

Check ZeroWater 20-Cup price on Amazon →

Brita vs ZeroWater — Which Should You Choose?

How Often to Replace the Filter

• Brita: Every 2 months or 40 gallons
• ZeroWater: Every 25–40 gallons (varies by TDS level of your tap water — higher TDS = shorter filter life)

Tips for Using a Water Filter Pitcher

• ✅ Keep the pitcher in the fridge for cold, ready-to-drink water
• ✅ Replace filters on schedule — an expired filter can release contaminants back into the water
• ✅ Rinse the new filter before first use
• ❌ Don't use filtered water for cooking if you need minerals (e.g., bread making) — ZeroWater removes everything including beneficial minerals

Final Thoughts

For most households, the Brita 10-Cup is the practical everyday choice — affordable, effective for taste and common contaminants, and easy to maintain. If you have specific concerns about lead, PFAS, or want the purest possible water, the ZeroWater 20-Cup is worth the higher filter cost.