I’ve Tried Dozens of Water Filter Pitchers—These Are the 5 Worth Buying

• Aarke Water Filter Pitcher: We love how sleek this pitcher looks and that the filter granules are refillable, so you don’t have to discard plastic filters. However, it removes fewer contaminants than other filters on our list.
• Culligan ZeroWater 32-Cup Ready Read Water Filtration Dispenser: This dispenser can hold up to 32 cups of water; however, in our testing, it filtered extremely slowly.
• Epic Water Filter Pitcher​: This filter removes nearly 150 contaminants, according to third-party data; however, yearly filter replacement costs range from over $140 to $200.
• Hydros Slim Pitcher​: The biggest advantage of this pitcher is that it filters almost instantly. The drawback is that it filters only chlorine and sediments.
• Rorra Filtered Water Pitcher: This newer model is currently being tested in the Lab.
• Sans Water Purifier: This dispenser-style countertop filter is popular, and we look forward to testing it as well.
• Waterdrop Compact Electric Water Filter​: We like the slim design that fits in a refrigerator. But the rechargeable battery is a pro and a con; you're not tethered to an electrical outlet, but you also need to remember to charge it.
• Waterdrop PT-72W Glass Water Filter Pitcher: This is a reasonably priced glass filter, but our testers didn’t like the water flavor from this filter as much as others.

In the Kitchen Lab, we evaluate water filters for performance and ease of use. We also thoroughly review third-party test data to ensure they effectively remove what they claim to remove.

✔️ Filtering ability: Many water filter brands now share their contaminant removal data. If you have specific filtration needs, check the brand's website or contact the company.

✔️ Filtration methods: Many filters use multiple types of materials or methods to remove specific contaminants.

• Activated carbon is one of the most common materials in water filters. Different carbon filters remove contaminants such as chlorine and VOCs and improve the water’s taste and odor. Multi-stage filters may include a pre-carbon filter to remove large sediment before the water is filtered through the carbon layer.
• Reverse osmosis (RO) uses pressure to push water through a membrane with microscopic pores that let water pass but leave many contaminants behind. Reverse osmosis systems are often found in under-the-sink models, but a few are countertop and generally require electricity.
• Mineral/alkaline filters can add minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Filtration can strip these out, and you may prefer to add them back for taste.
• Ion exchange filters use resin to bind to the ions of certain contaminants and remove them.

✔️ Style and size: If you need to save space, opt for a smaller pitcher, which will require more refills. Large-capacity filters don’t need frequent refilling, but they can also be cumbersome to carry and pour. If you have the space and prefer a large-capacity water dispenser, consider a countertop model.

✔️ Price: Generally, the more contaminants a filter removes, the higher the cost—and if your water doesn't need certain contaminants removed, you may be wasting money on a pitcher with an extensive list. Consider both the initial price and the cost of replacement filters.

✔️ Special features: If you have a hard time remembering when to change your filter, some models alert you when it’s time. Some also come with apps to remind you.

✔️ Filtering needs: Your contaminant removal needs may differ based on where you live (i.e., according to your water supply and the age of your plumbing) as well as your personal taste preference. We recommend using the EWG Tap Water Database to see what’s in your tap water, but if you’re unsure what your water contains, it may be best to choose a filter that removes a broad range of contaminants. The EPA doesn’t regulate all contaminants, but our pros suggest a filter that removes heavy metals as a minimum.

✔️ NSF and ANSI tests: You’ll see many water pitchers claim they’ve been tested to NSF/ANSI standards, which test for various water contaminants. Keep in mind that multiple NSF/ANSI standards (NSF/ANSI 53, 42, 401, etc.) test for different contaminants. Some standards test only for water clarity and chlorine, while others test for the removal of certain chemicals and physical contaminants. The NSF website provides a detailed explanation of its standards and what it tests for.

Yes, water filter pitchers work to remove contaminants such as heavy metals, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and more. Some chemicals, such as chlorine, are added to city water to disinfect it; however, many people prefer to remove it, as it negatively affects the taste.

Keep in mind that not all water filters remove the same contaminants. Most basic designs remove only things like chlorine and sediment, while others remove many more. Water filter performance also depends on the quality of the water source and whether you replace filters regularly.

Additionally, these pitchers are not designed to work effectively with well water, which can cause them to clog. People with well water systems should consult with professional water filtration services, like Culligan.

Jamie Ueda is a contributing writer in the Kitchen Lab. She specializes in product testing and reviews with over 15 years of experience in consumer products. She's tested more than 30 water filters and continues to road-test water filter pitchers year-round. She also holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering.

Nicole Papantoniou is the senior director of the Kitchen Lab, where she oversees all content and testing related to kitchen and cooking appliances, tools, and gear. She continually tests water filter pitchers year-round. She's been testing kitchen appliances professionally since 2013 and is trained in classic culinary arts.

Lizzy Briskin is a contributing analyst and writer in the Lab. She has over a decade of experience writing about and testing kitchen and cooking products, and she most recently updated this guide.