Are Water Filter Pitchers Good?

water filter pitcher and a glass of water
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Water filter pitchers are a popular choice for those looking for an easy and cost-effective way to get clean drinking water. Not only do they easily fit into most kitchen fridges, but they also provide great-tasting water with minimal effort.

But how good are these home water filtration systems? In this article, we’ll be taking an in-depth look at the advantages and disadvantages of water filter pitchers to help you decide if these systems are right for you.

Key Takeaway
  • Water filter pitchers are an easy solution for those looking to improve their water quality.
  • However, they only filter out a certain number of water contaminants compared to standard water filtration systems
  • Water filter pitchers are also less durable than some other water filtration systems and have a limited holding capacity

Do Water Filter Pitchers Really Work?

Water filter pitchers have become a popular choice for many households due to their convenience and cost-efficiency. But are water filter pitchers effective in filtering out harmful contaminants?

The answer is a resounding yes. High-quality water pitcher filter utilizes activated carbon filters, ceramic filters, and ion exchange resin to effectively remove chlorine, lead, arsenic, cysts, mercury, and other contaminants from drinking water. 

When it comes to filtering life, water pitcher filters should be frequently replaced; depending on the brand and model of the pitcher as well as the quality of the water being filtered, filters can last up to two months before needing to be replaced.

filling a brita pitcher with water

Know the Contaminants in your Water

Choosing the best water filter pitcher for your home is an important decision. Before deciding on a water filter pitcher for your home, it’s important to know what contaminants are found in your water. 

Tap water can contain various contaminants including chlorine, lead, mercury, arsenic, nitrates, and pesticides. Knowing what kinds or levels of these substances are present in your drinking water will help determine which type of filtration system is best for you. 

Different types of water filter pitchers remove different pollutants – so knowing the specific pollutants in your tap water can help determine which filter works best for you.

Pros of Water Filter Pitchers

Water filter pitchers are a convenient and cost-effective way to access clean drinking water. They come in various shapes, sizes, colors, and capacities to suit all users’ needs. 

You can find various types of best water filter pitchers on the market today such as Brita Filter, Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher, or Zero Water Filter Pitcher. The benefits of using a water filter include their compact size for easy storage and portability, their affordability compared to other water filtration options like reverse osmosis systems or under-sink filters, the convenience of filling them after each use with no need for installation or plumbing services, as well as their ability to improve the water taste and smell.

Economical Water Filtration Solution

Water filter pitchers are a convenient, economical, and eco-friendly water filtration solution for anyone looking to improve the taste and quality of their drinking water. Compared to bottled water, filter pitchers offer a less expensive on-demand water supply without sacrificing the quality of your drinking water.

Aside from eliminating the cost of the water bottling process, water filter pitchers also remove the costly installation of other home filtration systems. 

water filter pitcher and a glass of water

Convenient Installation and Use

Water filter pitchers are becoming increasingly popular for their convenience and ease of use. Not only do they provide clean and purified water, but they require no installation whatsoever. With a filter pitcher, all you have to do is fill it with tap or filtered water and it does the rest of the work for you.

Most filter pitchers come in various sizes so you can choose one that fits your needs perfectly. The filters themselves are also very easy to change — usually taking just seconds to swap out an old one for a new one when required. 

Plus, most brands offer long-lasting filters which help cut down on how often they need to be replaced. In addition, some filter pitchers even have features like automatic shut-off once the filter has reached its capacity, making them even more convenient and user-friendly.

Portability

These small and lightweight pitchers provide convenience and portability that allows people to take them anywhere they go. This makes it easy for those who want to stay hydrated but also want to avoid the cost of purchasing bottled water. With a filter pitcher, you can refill your own water at home and then drink it wherever you go.

brita filter with water on a table

Cons of Water Filter Pitchers

Water filter pitchers, which are designed to filter tap water for contaminants, are becoming increasingly popular options for households looking to reduce their exposure to chemicals and pollutants. 

However, although these compact water filters may seem like a convenient and cost-effective solution to obtaining clean drinking water – there are still some disadvantages that should be considered.

Costly Water Filter Replacement

One of the disadvantages of the filtered water pitcher is the cost of filter replacement which could add up over time. Like most water filters, the filters used in water pitchers are not intended to be permanent and should be replaced regularly.

So, if you are thinking about getting a filter pitcher, always consider the upfront cost as well as the cost of replacement filters. Needless to say, choose a water filter pitcher that will address the issues of your tap water, so it’s worth every penny. 

Substandard Filtration

Water filter pitchers differ from each other. Others can only filter a few water contaminants, while others can filter more impurities. In general, these filters can improve the aesthetics of your drinking water; however, not all of them can filter out other water contaminants like  VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), pesticides, plastic waste, and harmful pathogens. 

Before buying a water filter pitcher, make an effort to do some research. Most importantly, check its performance data sheet as well as product reviews. 

Smaller Holding Capacity

With an average holding capacity of 10 cups, it is likely that you will have to refill your water filter pitch more often. For many people, this could be frustrating and inconvenient.   You might consider your water consumption before choosing a water filter pitcher. Doing so will help you choose the right size according to your needs. 

Slower Filtration

Although water filter pitchers offer easy access to filtered water, the time it takes them to purify water is typically much slower than comparable countertop filters. Filtration takes time when the tap water passes through, especially water filters with a low micron rating. 

Frequent care and maintenance

Consumers who choose water filter pitchers must be prepared to regularly clean, disinfect and refill the devices. While this is not a difficult task by any means, it can become tedious for those who do not wish to spend a good deal of time caring for their water filtration systems.

rinsing brita water filter

FAQs

What is the right way to clean my water filter pitcher?

Cleaning a water filter pitcher is an important part of ensuring your water tastes clean and fresh, and lasts longer. But how do you go about cleaning it the right way? Here are some tips for effective cleaning that will keep your pitcher in top shape.
The first step is removing the filter cartridge from the pitcher. Make sure to dispose of it properly according to any instructions provided by the manufacturer. Next, rinse out the inside of the pitcher with warm water and dish soap to get rid of any bacteria or dirt. 
If you’re concerned about bacterial growth, consider adding one teaspoon of bleach for every quart of warm water used in this step. To ensure thorough cleaning, use a bottle brush or sponge to scrub away all surfaces inside and outside the pitcher before rinsing with cold water again.
While there are many things that you can do to keep your water filter pitcher in good shape, it’s important always to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

What is the difference between a small water filter pitcher and a standard water filtration system?

A small water filter pitcher is a small, portable product that filters water as you pour it through the device. It’s designed to be used at home and can hold up to 16 cups of water. They are also typically less expensive than standard water filtration systems. Conversely, a standard water filtration system is a larger unit that sits on the countertop and can filter up to 100 gallons at a time. They are often used in restaurants and businesses and can cost thousands of dollars.

What type of water filter pitcher should I buy?

Water filter pitchers come in different sizes and filtration performances. To choose the best water pitcher,  consider your water consumption, budget, and the contaminants you want to remove from your drinking water. 
Water filter pitchers come in 5 to 16 cups of holding capacity. If you don’t want to refill more frequently, you might want a bigger water filter pitcher. Furthermore, water filter pitchers that eliminate more water impurities are more costly than those that only remove a handful.

What are some common causes of a water filter pitcher stopping working?

Several common causes can lead to a water filter pitcher not functioning properly. Firstly, it might be due to the filter itself becoming clogged with sediment or other particles. 
This can make it difficult for the filtered water to pass through and cause a decrease in the flow rate. To check if this affects your filter pitcher, inspect the filter for any blockages and replace it if necessary. 
Another potential cause could be hard water buildup over time, which can reduce its ability to filter out impurities from the water properly. Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium which may accumulate in the reservoir of your pitcher and impair its performance.

Conclusion

So, water filter pitchers can be incredibly useful for those wishing to reduce their exposure to contaminants and lead in their drinking water. Although the technology may not be as advanced as larger water filtration systems, it can still provide sufficient protection for most people. 

Despite their many pros, like affordability and convenience, there are also a few cons to consider such as the limited filtration capabilities of some models. Weighing the pros and cons is important to choose the best option for your needs. 

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