We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. What to Buy Containers & Organization The 5 Best Water Filter Pitchers to Stay Safely Hydrated Our top picks remove harmful contaminants from tap water for safer and tastier sipping at home. By Stella Totino Stella Totino Stella Totino is a former Pastry Chef turned writer, and now also a food scholar. With over five years of experience in restaurants, she knows a thing or two about the best ingredients and tools to use in the home kitchen, especially when it comes to gluten free finds or sustainable brands. Along with writing about products she loves, Stella is currently pursuing her Masters in Food Studies at NYU where she hopes her anthropological and environmental research will help to further inform choices in her daily culinary adventures. Food & Wine's Editorial Guidelines Updated on September 6, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Factors to Consider FAQ Our Expertise Photo: Food & Wine / Williams Sonoma If you’re on top of your hydration game, you likely already own an insulated water bottle you love. You’ve also probably invested in a filtered water bottle to safely fill up wherever you go. For hydrating at home, one of the easiest ways to get your recommended daily water intake is with a water filter pitcher. These handy devices supply consistently crisp, clean, and contaminant-free water for making coffee, watering your herb garden, or filling up your favorite drinking glass. "If you’re a big water drinker, I’d recommend drinking filtered water. There’s nothing to lose and a lot to potentially gain when you filter your water. For example, recent test results found that at least 45 percent of our country’s tap water supply harbors at least one, if not more, PFAs — aka 'forever chemicals' — that have harmful health effects," says senior editor Brierley Horton, M.S., R.D. While most water filter pitchers use a similar filtration system, not all are created equal when it comes to material, functionality, and effective removal of impurities, chemicals, and contaminants. Investing in a water filter pitcher will not only ensure you’re sipping safely, but many of our favorite picks also happen to look gorgeous sitting on your countertop. Our Top Picks Best Overall Water Filter Pitcher: SALE Larq PureVis Water Filter Pitcher at Amazon $168 $135 Jump to Review Best Value Water Filter Pitcher: PUR Classic Water Filter Pitcher at Amazon $17 Jump to Review Best Splurge Water Filter Pitcher: Aarke Water Purifier Pitcher at Amazon $130 Jump to Review Best Alkalizing Water Filter Pitcher: Seychelle Gen2 Dual pH20 Pure Water Pitcher at Amazon $80 Jump to Review Best Easy-Pour Water Filter Pitcher: SALE LifeStraw Home Water Filter Pitcher at Amazon $50 $42 Jump to Review Best Overall Water Filter Pitcher Larq PureVis Water Filter Pitcher PHOTO: Amazon $168 $135 at Amazon View on Livelarq.com Pros This pitcher's pair of purification systems double-teams contaminated water with carbon and UV light. Cons It's fairly expensive, and the UV purification system requires occasional recharging. Like many other water filter pitchers, Larq's model eliminates particulates, heavy metals, chlorine, and a range of other objectionable chemicals. (The brand's advanced filter removes more than 75 pollutants.) But this pitcher adds on a second step: At the push of a button, the PureVis system exposes the water to ultraviolet light, which inhibits the growth of bacteria that can create odors and off-flavors. Larq's pitcher is also smart: It tracks how much water it's purified and notifies you via app when the filter's hit its 60-gallon limit and is ready to be replaced. The main downside with the Larq is that it's pretty pricey — both the initial pitcher itself and its replacement filters. It's also a little annoying to take the extra step of plugging the pitcher into the wall to recharge the PureVis system, but that only needs an hour of charge for up to a month of use. Dimensions: 9.45 x 9.06 x 9.84 Inches | Pitcher Capacity: 64 ounces | Filter Lifespan: 60 gallons Best Value Water Filter Pitcher PUR Classic Water Filter Pitcher PHOTO: Amazon $17 at Amazon $18 $17 at Target $37 at Wayfair Pros This basic gets the job done without requiring a hefty investment. Cons Its filter works slowly, sometimes taking close to 15 minutes to fill the basin. Although the PUR is the least expensive model in this list, it still filters the same harmful chemicals and contaminants as the rest of the pitchers, with NSF certifications to remove chlorine, mercury, copper and zinc. (There's also a slightly pricier PUR Plus model, whose filter also removes lead.) Slim enough to fit in moststandard refrigerator doors, the pitcher’s filter and lid lock securely in place to keep the filtered and unfiltered water separate, without leaks even as you pour. That's especially helpful because the PUR filter works quite slowly — you might find yourself wanting to start pouring while the water is still working its way through. It takes as long as 15 minutes to fill the comparatively small 7-cup pitcher, longer with the PUR Plus filter. The standard filter can handle 40 gallons, or about 2 months of regular use, and replacements are similarly inexpensive to the pitcher itself. Dimensions: 11.3 x 4.8 x 10.9 Inches | Pitcher Capacity: 56 ounces | Filter Lifespan: 40 gallons Best Splurge Water Filter Pitcher Aarke Water Purifier Pitcher PHOTO: Williams Sonoma $130 at Amazon $130 at Williams Sonoma $130 at Food52 Pros This gorgeous glass-and-steel pitcher features a unique reusable filter system. Cons It's expensive, especially for its small capacity. From the same company that makes one of our favorite soda makers, this splurgy filter pitcher sets itself apart with plastic-free construction; its glass and metal parts are less porous and less likely to host bacteria or absorb odors. Its filter system is a unique as well, with disposable granules you pour into a reusable metal canister rather than an entire cartridge to throw away. The standard granules remove limescale, chlorine, lead, and copper, or you can choose the Enriched granules to also add magnesium and make the water more alkaline. This is a designer device and looks cool on the counter or in the fridge. It's also priced accordingly — actually a little less than our top pick, the Larq, but with much smaller capacity. The Aarke's granules need replacing slightly more often than other pitchers, but refill packs are comparatively cheap thanks to their lower weight and bulk. Dimensions: 8.54 x 12.6 x 6.45 Inches | Pitcher Capacity: 40 ounces | Filter Lifespan: 32 gallons Best Alkalizing Water Filter Pitcher Seychelle Gen2 Dual pH20 Pure Water Pitcher PHOTO: Amazon $80 at Amazon $80 at Walmart View on Seychelle.com Pros This pitcher’s high-capacity filters remove a variety of contaminants and raise water's pH as high as 9.5. Cons Replacement filters are quite expensive. If you’re looking to filter and alkalize water, the Seychelle Gen 2 Dual is the option for you. Along with filtering out a long list of odors, metals, organic compounds, and even radioactive radon, this BPA-free pitcher effectively raises the pH, to as high as 9.5. The combination makes a noticeable difference in the water, making it taste and feel more refreshing, without even a trace of metallic or mineral notes. This Seychelle pitcher holds half a gallon and filters it quickly, thanks to twin filters that will handle 150 gallons each. However, the filters are awfully pricey: A single replacement pair costs almost as much as the whole original pitcher set. On the other hand, bottled alkaline water is also pretty expensive. If you drink a lot of it, you'll probably come out ahead making your own. Dimensions: 11 x 5.5 x 10.5 Inches | Pitcher Capacity: 64 ounces | Filter Lifespan: 150 gallons Best Easy-Pour Water Filter Pitcher LifeStraw Home Water Filter Pitcher PHOTO: Amazon $50 $42 at Amazon $55 $52 at Walmart $65 at Crate & Barrel Pros We like this pitcher’s comfortable, ergonomic handle and simple, curved spout for easy pouring. Cons Due to the wide base and tall height, it may not be able to fit in smaller refrigerators. The Lifestraw Home has a simple, curved spout that's far less likely to spill than many competitors. This pretty pitcher generates a steady, accurate stream that can fill water bottles of any size and doesn’t require much precision or wrist control as you tilt. Removing most concerning particles, chemicals, and pollutants, the Lifestraw’s two-part filter system is housed below an easy-fill lid. Its regular filters need changing every 2 months, while the more expensive membrane microfilter lasts a full year. The 10-cup capacity of this pitcher is quite impressive and should last even a thirsty drinker quite a while, but there is a 7-cup version that's a bit more compact. Unfortunately, both options are round, tall, and wide-based, not the most efficient use of space. Dimensions: 7 x 7 x 14 Inches | Pitcher Capacity: 80 ounces | Filter Lifespan: 40 gallons (activated carbon filter), 264 gallons (membrane microfilter) Factors to Consider Filtering Needs Your filtering needs depend on your local water system — both where your tap water comes from and how it's treated and transported. You can check the quality of the water in your area by consulting the EPA’s Consumer Confidence Report page, where you can click on your state and search your zipcode to find an accurate water testing website. Finding out what the general contaminants in your water source may be will help you determine exactly which kind of filter is best suited to you. There are also plenty of water testing kits you can purchase online if you want to get into the nitty-gritty of what exactly is spewing from your spout. Filters trap dangerous contaminants like lead and pesticides as well as harmless minerals that only affect flavor, and each brand removes a slightly different combination. (If you want to dive deep, most water filter brands provide links to extensive third-party test results on dozens of contaminants.) Pitcher Shape and Size You’ll need to consider where your water filter pitcher will fit in your home. The refrigerator is a common place to keep it for cold, refreshment on demand, and a popular pitcher shape is tall and slim, meant to fit into a door, sliding between the milk carton and orange juice bottle. But if you have a smaller fridge, a large-capacity pitcher could be too tall to fit between shelves. There are also shorter, squatter pitchers, but these take up more space on the shelf itself. It seems silly, but it might be helpful to break out a tape measure to be absolutely sure the pitcher you like will fit where you want it to, with room to lift it in and out. Capacity According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, everybody needs to drink at least half a gallon of water a day — up to almost a full gallon depending on age, sex, exercise, and weather conditions. "Total water intake includes drinks beyond plain water, and also the water in our food," says Horton. "Most people typically get about 20 percent of the water they need from food." A bit under half a gallon — four full pint glasses — is a fairly common capacity for water filter pitchers, but there are both extra-small and extra-large options out there. You should consider how many people the pitcher's supplying, how much space you have for it, and how vigilant you'll be about refilling it when it gets empty in selecting your size. Keep in mind that filtered water does not just have to be utilized only as drinking water! A bigger pitcher is useful to fill the coffee maker or kettle, for example. If you’ll be using a water filter pitcher strictly for occasional glasses of drinking water, capacity may not be as important a factor. Special Features Some water filter pitchers include features that go above and beyond standard carbon filtration. A few we’ve included have secondary filters, embedded UV lights, or alkalizing filtration methods. For the average hydration-minded person, a dependable and efficient standard carbon filter will do the trick, but these extras can be helpful. There are also special heavy-duty filters available for some pitchers that are certified to remove lead or other specific contaminants, which you'll only need if your water contains those contaiminants. Frequently Asked Questions How does a water filter pitcher work? Most water filter pitchers use a carbon filtration system. The carbon is often made from natural sources like coconut shells, and is ground into tiny particles full of cracks and fissures. As the water passes through layers and layers of granules, they absorb and remove contaminants. This is a highly effective filtration method in general, but there are different calibers of carbon filter available in different sizes and configurations, which are more and less effective on different chemicals.Once the filter is in place, the process is simple: You pour water into the top of the pitcher and wait for it to trickle through the filter into the reservoir at the bottom.There are also other water filters available that do the same thing in different forms. Some sit on the counter, some attach to a faucet or under a sink, and others hook into the main intake to filter a whole house's water supply at once. How often should you replace the filter in a water filter pitcher? Filters have varying capacities, but each one is equipped to handle a fixed amount of water before being replaced. A lifespan of 40 gallons is quite common for pitcher filters, which should last roughly 2 months with average use.While some pitchers have an indicator that will notify you when it's time to swap out your filter, it's important to pop it out once a week to look for any mold growth or funky odors. A telltale sign that your filter needs to be replaced is if you notice the pitcher taking longer than usual to fill up, or if you notice any change in the usual taste. How do you clean a water filter pitcher? Protocols vary. Some pitchers can go in the dishwasher and others can’t. In general, it’s best to remove the filter and hand-wash the rest of the parts with warm soapy water and a sponge. Depending on how often you’re using your pitcher, and where you keep it, you may only need to wash it once a week or so. You should always give the pitcher a thorough wash every time you replace the filter to get rid of any residual mold or bacteria. What contaminants should a water filter pitcher remove? That's...complicated. The National Sanitation Foundation and American National Standards Institute have a set of three standards for water filtration: NSF/ANSI 42, 53, and 401. These deal with, respectively, contaminants like chlorine that only affect taste, chemicals like lead that affect health, and "emerging compounds" like pharmaceutical residues whose effects aren't fully known.What this all boils down to is that a filter has to prove it can remove whatever contaminants it claims it can remove, but there's no single universal standard. If there's a particular chemical in your water that you're most worried about look for a filter that specifically deals with it. Do water filter pitchers remove bacteria? Some of them remove some bacteria. As with other contaminants, different filters are certified for different things. Cryptosporidium (technically a protist, not a bacterium) is one bug many filters can remove. If you're concerned about a particular strain of bacteria in your drinking water, aside from consulting the user manual for your filter pitcher, you may consider buying some bacteria-specific water test kits to see what’s in your water before and after filtering. Our Expertise Stella Totino is a former pastry chef turned food writer with years of experience testing and researching all things food. Invested in discovering fun, new flavors, and the tools that help to make them, you can find her work in EdibleLA, Apartment Therapy, and The Kitchn. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit