Reviews of The Best Water Filter Pitchers of 2018

Everyone knows the benefits of drinking water, yet so many of us fail to get the recommended daily amount of water. One of the reasons for this is the unappealing nature of tap water, whether it is for the taste, the smell or in some cases — the safety.

One way to motivate yourself to drink more water is to always have a fresh supply of filtered water available to you. In this article, we will review the best water filter pitchers available today to help you drink more water each and everyday.

How we compared water filter pitchers

We looked at three primary factors to come up with our list: contaminant removal, filtration speed and taste (subjective). The most important is obviously how well each filter removes contaminants, and we used various lab results to come up with the averages.

We (the iWater Purification Foundation) have a full-time staff of water treatment experts as well as best in class water testing equipment to inform our guide. We have the means necessary to give you the most accurate information about water filtration. Our reviews are completely unbiased and we are not sponsored by any water filtration company. Beware of guides that recommend a lot of Brita products, which our data shows is one of the poorest performing water filters on the market.

The Best Water Filter Pitchers Compared

Our Top Pick: Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher

In today’s market, there is simply no better water filter pitcher than the Aquagear. This “best of the best” filter is capable of removing fluoride, lead chloramines and chlorine in impressive amounts, something nearly all other water filter pitchers cannot. In fact, this water filter pitcher is proven to remove 2000% more contaminants than Brita! It is so effective, that this filter has been used successfully in Flint, Michigan after their terrible water crisis.

There are other things we love about this filter too: It’s made 100% in the USA and is 100% BPA free. You don’t have to worry about questionable materials and production facilities when it comes to the water you drink everyday.

And while it is more pricey than cheap filters you can find anywhere, it will last longer and remove more contaminants, a few extra dollars is very easy to justify for just about everyone.

 The bottom line: This is the only water filter pitcher that will remove fluoride and chlorine and still keep magnesium and calcium.

Runner Up: Epic Pure Water Filter Pitcher

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The runner up in premium water filter pitchers, the Epic Pure Water Filter Pitcher is one of the only other pitchers to compete with the Aquagear model. Using a similar 5 stage filtration process, it is able to remove contaminants that traditional filter pitchers cannot: fluoride, chlorine and lead to name a few.

You can rest assured in the production materials as well; all 100% recycled, BPA free and made in the USA.

And just as the Aquagear water filter pitcher, the Epic Pure Water Filter removes 2000% more contaminants than the Brita filter line.

 The bottom line: If you want premium water filtration but want to spend a little less, this is the filter for you.

Best Alkaline: pH Restore Alkaline Water Pitcher Ionizer

While still a relatively new technology, Alkaline water has begun to demonstrate some benefits, especially those with heart burn. Put simply, Alkaline water is simply filtered water that is pH adjusted. And while new studies are published every year on the subject and more benefits are found every day.

In the early days, some of these Alkaline water machines would cost well over $5,000. Today, you can purchase these Alkaline Water Filter Pitchers for less than $60!

Our top pick is Invigorated Living’s pH Restore Alkaline Water Pitcher Ionizer. This impressive unit is able to not only outperform a traditional Brita filter on contaminant removal, it also lowers the acidity of the water at the same time. All without using any electricity or requiring any installation. We recommend purchasing their Ultrafiltration Membrane Filter if your tap water is heavily contaminated.

 The bottom line: If you want both a great water filter and alkaline water, this is the water filter pitcher for you.

Runner Up Alkaline: Reshape Water Alkaline Pitcher w/ Fluoride Filter

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There are a lot of people who aren’t sold on the idea of the government adding fluoride into the water supply. In fact, most countries in Europe have banned this practice. However, across North America, fluoride is being added to the water supply in varying amounts, in an effort to fight tooth decay. If you would prefer to remove this from your water, you will need a powerful water filter.

Not only does Reshape Water’s Alkaline Pitcher remove Fluoride from the water, it also pH adjusts the water to lower the acidity.

What we really love about this water filter pitcher is that it also filters waters quickly, achieving high purity and pH balance and all for under $50!

 The bottom line: If you want Alkaline water and to remove fluoride, this is the water filter pitcher for you.

Best UV Light Water Filter: Aozora Water Purifier Pitcher

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If you draw water from a lake or other natural spring, you are at heightened risk of having pathogens in the water supply. In addition, this water builds up bacteria and mold more frequently than treated tap water in most municipalities.

And while many filters remove up to 99.9% of contaminants, you may want to take that extra step and ensure any pathogens are killed off after the water has been filtered. The Aozora Water Purifier Pitcher is one of the only premium water pitchers that is not only a great water filter but also has an added UV light for additional safety from living organisms in the water.

The UV light is rechargable and is good for 100 disinfection cycles.

We also love that this pitcher is larger than others, coming in at 3.5L, which doesn’t require as much refilling as the 1L or 2L models.

 The bottom line: If you are mostly concerned with pathogens, this is the right water filter pitcher for you.

Most Beautiful Design: Water Fall by KOR Water

If beauty and design are important for your water filter, whether for a special occasion, for a business or simply as decoration, we couldn’t resist but adding the Water Fall by KOR water to our list.

While it performs roughly as well as a traditional Brita filter, it’s design is simply stunning. It screams modern contemporary with it’s minimalist design and classic shape of the pitcher.

We’ll be the first to admit, in terms of value for your money for water filtration, you won’t get that with this unit. You are paying for the design, not for the filter. Although the filter is adequate, if the removal of contaminants is a top concern, this isn’t the right water filter pitcher for you.

 The bottom line: If it’s the best design you’re after, this is the right water filter pitcher for you.

Best Budget Filter: AmazonBasics Water Filter Pitcher

If you just want a simple, affordable water filter pitcher to improve the taste of your water, you don’t need to spend more for the Brita brand. If you basically want a Brita filter for less, opt for the Amazon Basics Water Filter Pitcher, which is up to 25% less expensive than Brita and takes the exact same size water filter.

You can save money on the initial pitcher and replacement filters. If you happen to come across standard Brita filters; they will work in this water pitcher as well.

AmazonBasics is known for using the exact same factories as many name brand products. While we can’t confirm their water filter pitcher is identical to Brita’s, we can say it functions exactly the same, is the same weight and capacity. We don’t see any noticeable difference between the two products other than the word “Brita” on it.

 The bottom line: If you want something cheap to improve taste alone, AmazonBasics is the right water filter pitcher for you.

Conclusion

Choosing the best water filter pitcher is a matter of personal preference and individual circumstances. If you just want something cheap and simple, and know that your tap water is already relatively safe, you can opt for something like the AmazonBasics. If you are pulling water from a lake, you’ll want to look into UV lights or ultrafiltration. If it’s stunning design for your new restaurant, office or dinner party, try the Water Fall. When heart burn and indigestion are a concern, you can look into the Alkaline water models. And finally, if you want fluoride and chlorine removed, but beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium left in, be sure to look into the Aquagear.