Best Water Filter Jugs Review – 2022 (Buyer’s Guide Included!)

Water filter jugs are rapidly growing in popularity, and in the next 10 years, we expect them to become indispensable. Around 63 million Americans exposed themselves to contaminated water in the last decade according to USA Today. With ever-increasing water pollution, having access to clean, safe water has never been more important.

Ecological & economical reasons are also driving the demand for better water filter pitchers. Rather than buying bottled water, many people prefer to filter and purify their tap water. They consume less plastic and also save on money.

Inside this article we will:

• Review the best water filter jugs
• Help you decide if water filter pitchers are worth it
• Show you how to use water filter pitchers
• Provide a detailed buyer’s guide on the most important features to consider when making your choice
• Answer frequently asked questions

Are Water Filter Pitchers Worth It?

There are three big reasons for buying water filter jugs:

1. Safety
2. Save Money
3. Ecological

Consider buying a water filter such as the Brita Marella Water Filter Jug. It will cost you around 38 cents per day to have access to as much safe drinking water as your heart desires.

Not only will the water you drink be much safer as it will filter out contaminants, but you’ll also save money and avoid wasting all that plastic you would waste when buying bottled water. In addition, there is no more hassle of recycling that plastic or throwing it away.

Water filter pitchers allow you to enjoy clean, safe water for your:

• Coffee or tea in the morning/evening
• Family (including children and babies)
• Furry friends (dogs, cats, and other pets)
• Flowers & other plants in your home

How to use a Water Filter Pitcher?

Using a water filter pitcher is simple and easy. The process differs slightly from model to model, but the basics are very similar.

Always read the instructions of the model and filter you’ve purchased before use!

We will illustrate the process of using a water filter jug on in the video on the Brita Marella model.

This process includes the following steps:

1. Unpack the new filter, fill the jug with water, and submerge and lightly shake the filter a few times.
2. Throw the water out, and proceed. toinstall the filter in its container, making sure it fits.
3. Fill the pitcher with water, and let it filter, then throw the water out. This will clear away any impurities.
4. Repeat step #3 another time.
5. Now the water filter jug is ready to use 🙂 Just fill it with water, let it filter, and then pour it in a cup and enjoy drinking clean and fresh water!

The process is as simple as that.

Overview of the Best 4 Water Filter Jugs in 2021

(You may need to scroll right to see the full table on mobile devices or iPads!)

Which water filter pitcher is the best?

It gives you great value for money, filters are easy to replace, and it eliminates most contaminants that you’re likely to encounter. In addition, it’s also super easy to maintain. You can put it in the washing machine (apart from the cap), and it easily fits in the fridge for storage.

Which water filter pitcher removes the most contaminants?

Detailed Reviews of the Best Water Filter Jugs

Best Water Filter Pitchers Buying Guide

Below we will explore the most common characteristics you should consider when choosing the right filter for you. These include:

1. Maintenance
2. Storage Capacity
3. Ease of Storage
4. Filtration Capacity
5. Portability
6. Product Warranty
7. Filters Included
8. Speed of Filtering
9. Contaminants Removed
10. Filter Lifetime

We will explore these characteristics in greater depth, and for each one recommend the best water filter jug we found.

1. Maintenance

When it comes to maintenance, it’s important to consider how easy it is to clean the pitcher. You can clean some pitchers straight in your dishwasher, while others require manual cleaning.

Generally, you should never use any cleaning products on the filter. You shouldn’t clean the filter – just replace it from time to time. And it goes without saying, never place the filter in your dishwasher.

Out of the models we have reviewed, the easiest to clen was the Brita Marella Water Filter jug. All the components come off easily. In addition, with the exception of the cap and filter, you can wash all of them in your dishwasher.

Also, you don’t have to remember when to change the filter, because the timer on the cap always reminds you.

2. Storage Capacity

Storage capacity represents the total amount of water your pitcher can hold. This doesn’t include just filtered water, but also unfiltered water that the pitcher has yet to filter.

Due to gravity, it is impossible to fill the water jug to the brim. It will usually filter to the point where the water level of filtered water is equal to the water level of unfiltered water.

Out of the water filter jugs we have tested, we were most impressed by the storage capacity of the ZeroWater ZD-018 ZD018 Water Filter Pitcher model.

3. Ease of Storage

Apart from how much water the filter can hold, the other important characteristic is how easy it is to store the filtered water for later reuse.

Here two traits are really important: ideally, you want to be able to store the water in the fridge, so that you can cool it down. Some pitchers such as the Brita Marella Water Filter jug fit perfectly within the fridge, even on the fridge door.

The second trait is that you want to store the water, ideally, in the pitcher itself, so that it’s easy to use.

4. Filtration Capacity

Filtration capacity represents the amount of water you’re able to filter before impurities are likely to start slipping through. This is because most filters behave in ways similar to a sponge. As impurities clog up more of the paths the water uses to travel through, the likelihood of them slipping into the filtered water increases.

For this reason, it’s important to not filter more water than your filter’s capacity. When you’ve reached the filter’s capacity, it’s recommended to change the filter.

The other factor that could lead you to changing the filter before it reaches its filtration capacity is the recommended length of time of using the filter. This is because bacteria can build up over time in the filter, and you don’t want them to land in your drink.

So if the recommended time of changing the filter elapses before the filtration capacity, then you should change the filter.

5. Portability

Many times you’ll want to use the filtered water for different purposes. The most common are using it for drinking water, using it to water plants, or to provide water for household appliances and pets.

How portable the pitcher is, and how easy it is to use it to pour water where you need it is an important factor. Out of the pitchers we have reviewed, the Brita Marella Water Filter Jug is our favorite in terms of portability.

It’s lightweight and you can carry it around with you. The pitcher is specially constructed so that the water you pour never contains unfiltered water, and it’s easy to pour with its specially shaped edge.

6. Product Warranty

What happens if you buy a pitcher, you drop it on the floor, and it cracks? Well, ideally you want a pitcher that is built in a solid manner, and that also comes with a warranty in case it breaks.

Our favorite choice here is the Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher, which comes with lifetime warranty, and is also the one that feels the most resistant when you hold it, and therefore the least likely to break.

7. Filters Included

If you’re getting your first water pitcher, it’s best to get it with a couple of filters included. This will save you from having to pay transportation costs every time you order, and will also make it easy for you to replace them when needed.

From the models we have reviewed, the best package we found is for the Brita Marella Water Filter jug which comes with 12 filters included. The Brita model recommends replacing the MAXTRA+ filters once every 30 days, so 12 filters should last you for a full year.

8. Speed of Filtering

Water passes through the filter slowly, and usually, the stronger the filter, the slower the speed of water passing through. Speed is important because the last thing you want is to be thirsty, pour water in the jug to be filtered, and then wait 30 painful minutes while watching the water barely trickle through the filter!

So if you’re in an area where tap water is relatively clean, and you don’t need a very strong filter (such as a filter capable of filtering out human viruses and bacteria), then you can opt for a faster filter that will be easier to use and still get the job done for you.

When it comes to filtering speed, we’ve had the best experience with the Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher, though the Brita brand came very close.

9. Contaminants Removed

Contaminants in drinking water can have negative effects upon your health, and also create a bad taste in your drinking water. That’s why it’s very important to choose a filter that will remove the contaminants you’re likely to find inside the water you’re looking to filter.

Obviously if you intend to filter groundwater, you’ll need a different and stronger filter compared to filtering tap water in an area where water is relatively clean.

In most cases, tap water is already treated to eliminate microbial contaminants such as viruses and bacteria. In such cases, you don’t need a filter capable to eliminate them. Instead you need a filter that can help you eliminate some of the other contaminants that may be present in tap water: industrial chemicals, lead, herbicides, pesticides, heavy metals or even radioactive material in some rare cases.

However, if your tap water is likely to be microbially contaminated, or you’re drinking ground water, then a stronger filter that can also remove viruses and bacteria is recommended.

Out of the filters we reviewed, the Epic Nano Water Filter Jug has the strongest filter. It will filter out bacteria, human viruses, lead, heavy metals, lime, copper, mercury, pesticides, herbicides, PFOA, PFOS, PFC, and trace pharmaceuticals. Overall, it filters 2000% more contaminants than some of the other leading filters and it is independently tested against NSF/ANSI water filtration standards 42 / 53 / 401 / P478 / P321

10. Filter Lifetime

Filter lifetime is an important characteristic to consider. Water filter jugs with a higher filter lifetime will usually require less cost (financial and in terms of time) spent changing the filters, giving you greater peace of mind.

Combined with the previous characteristic, filtration capacity, these two will determine when you need to change the filter. For most household usage needs, usually the filter lifetime will be reached before the filtration capacity, so it will be the determining factor when changing the filter.

New filters usually have to be purchased, so they represent an added cost to you. From all the pitchers we have evaluated, the Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher has the longest filter lifetime, at 180 days. Meaning that you only need to change the filter twice per year!

Water Filter Pitchers Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What do filter pitchers remove from water?

Water filter jugs can remove a series of contaminants, based on the filters they use. They are generally broken down into two categories: contaminants that pose a risk to your safety, and contaminants that give water a bad taste.

The most common contaminants that can account for a bad taste in your water include chlorine, zinc and hydrogen sulfate. Other contaminants can also pose a risk to your health, such as heavy metals, lead, organic compounds, pharmaceuticals, herbicides, or hormones.

Many water filter pitchers will help remove these from your water. However, there are situations when you may encounter even worse contaminants, such as viruses, bacteria or cysts. These are typically not removed by most water filter jugs. Amongst those reviewed by us, the Epic Nano Water Filter jug is the exception.

Whenever you buy a water filter pitcher, check the packaging and look for a specific certification mark for each contaminant type you’re interested in. And if you’re dealing with water that is likely to be very contaminanted, a water filter pitcher may not be enough, and you may need a more complex purification system. 

Are water filter jugs easy to install & use?

Yes. In most cases all you have to do is correctly install the filter, let it filter a few times and throw the water, and then the pitcher is ready to use. In each case, you’ll want to check

Some water pitchers also have timers that let you know when you need to replace the filter, so that you don’t forget. For example, the cap on the Brita Marella Water Filter Jug lets you know when the time has come to change the filter, making sure that you never forget.

Can I use any filter in my pitcher?

The short answer is no. You can only use a filter that is designed to work with the model of the pitcher you have. Typically each brand of water pitchers will produce their own filter that works perfectly with the brand.

If you try to use a different filter, it may not fit perfectly, and water may leak by the sides of it and not be filtered. Which is definitely not what you want to experience.

So our recommendation is always to check for the filter types that are made to work with your jug before making a purchase decision. It’s important to also check for how often you need to replace the filter and what the cost will be. You don’t want to buy a really inexpensive pitcher only to find out that the filters need to be replaced often, and they are expensive.

How often do I need to replace the filter in my jug?

It will depend on the jug and brand that you have and how much water you filter with it. The time can range from 30 days, all the way to 180 days. And of course, this time is also affected by the volume of water you choose to filter.

Filters have a “filter life” that is generally given in terms of gallons of water they can effectively filter. This value will range from 20 gallons all the way up to 150 gallons or more. What you want to do generally is that you want to replace your filter when the first limit is hit… either the limit in time, or the limit in filtration volume.

What can I do if my water doesn’t taste nice?

First, make sure that you don’t drink the first one or two rounds of water that pass through the filter. With many filters, they will have some left-over particles from the filter itself, and while these are not dangerous, they will not taste nicely.

The second step you’ll want to take is to make sure that you don’t leave your filter on for more than its lifetime. Leaving a filter on for longer can lead to the buildup of bacteria and other harmful substances which can start leaking into your water as the filter becomes less efficient, giving it a bad taste.

If you have a new filter, and you’ve properly installed it, and the water still tastes bad, it’s probably time to use a water test and check the filtered water composition so you can determine where the bad taste may come from.

Why is my water filter so slow?

In order to filter your water, it has to be passed through a complex, sponge-like labyrinth which will trap molecules of unwanted contaminants such as lead. The process of having water travel through the filter is slow. In fact, usually, the more powerful the filter, the slower the process usually.

In addition, your filter may get slower over time. As more of the labyrinth is filled with trapped particles, the flow slows down even more. Not only does this happen, but you also risk having bacteria and other unwanted biological contaminants build up in the filter. That’s why it’s important to replace your filter on time!

What are the health risks of drinking unfiltered water?

It’s important to note that drinking water from your tap isn’t the same as drinking water from a stream. Water that comes to your tap is generally treated, and hence safer than water found out in nature.

However, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), even tap water can contain a whole list of contaminants, including industrial chemicals, lead, herbicides, pesticides, heavy metals or even radioactive material in some cases.

What your risk is depends on where your tap water comes from and how it is treated.

Some of those contaminants can be harmful, others can cause long-term effects on the body. Lead poisoning can cause learning disabilities in children and in adults it harms your kidneys and raises your blood pressure. Other contaminants such as viruses or bacteria can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, bloating and stomach pain.

For these reasons, it is very important to have even your tap water filtered, and especially so for those who live in areas where groundwater pollution is likely to be high.

Do I need my water filtered?

Since most tap water is already treated, you most likely don’t NEED to filter it. Nevertheless, filtering will make it safer, and remove potential contaminants that could cause short or long-term effects on your health.

Treatment is usually quite effective at removing harmful bacteria unless there is an outbreak in your region. Nevertheless other harmful contaminants may not always be removed, especially if they come from the pipes the water travels through.

How do I clean my filter pitcher?

Some pitcher parts you will be able to wash straight into your washing machine. It’s best if you read the individual instructions for the model you’re working with.

For example, for the Brita Marella Water Jug, you can wash all its parts in the washing machine apart from the cap.

If you can’t wash in the washing machine, then you can usually gently scrub the pitcher parts with a water and a sponge.

You should never use any cleaning products on the filter itself, but, depending on the model, you can use cleaning products on the pitcher.

How do I change my water filter?

Remove the old filter from the pitcher, and go through the steps required to install the new filter. The steps can vary from model to model, but usually you’ll need to submerge the new filter in water to eliminate any air from it, and then let it filter one or two rounds of water before using it to filter water that you will use inside your household. It’s that simple!

Best Water Filter Jug – Short Review

That’s it. We hope the information in this guide will help you make better decisions when it comes to choosing the best water filter jug for yourself and your family.

The most important factors to consider are the contaminants you need to remove, the filtration speed and capacity, and the filter lifetime.

To make the choice easy for you, we’ve provided you with the top 4 best water filter pitchers to choose from which we have reviewed in-depth, and also provided an in-depth buying guide so that you can understand the role each one of the factors plays.

Let us know below which water filter pitcher you chose and why, or let us know if you’d like to ask any questions about any of the water filter jugs presented! 🙂

If you’re interested to learn about more advanced filtration systems you can install in your kitchen, read our article on the best faucet water filters on the market.