The 9 Best Filtered Water Pitchers for Any Kitchen
Keep your tap water clear of unwanted minerals, pollutants, and odors.
Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?
If your tap water has the off-putting flavor and odor of chlorine or potential heavy metals, keeping a water filtration pitcher in your fridge is a handy solution. These pitchers have internal filters designed to remove potentially harmful compounds such as mercury and lead, as well as other bacteria and pollutants that could make you sick.
We all need water to thrive, so the best way to ensure that your recommended 11 to 15 cups of H2O a day is as healthy as possible without any odd flavors is to filter it through a tested and trusted purification system. Instead of having to install an under-sink or countertop water filtration system, these pitcher- and dispenser-style water filters are easy to keep on hand in your fridge.
The Expert: Lizzy Briskin is a trained chef, recipe developer, and food writer for Insider, Munchery, Simply Recipes, and more. She appreciates the importance of cooking with filtered water to avoid off-flavors, unwanted minerals and other less-than-appetizing additions to a meal. In addition, as an avid marathon runner, regular hydration is key, but she refuses to buy filtered water in wasteful plastic bottles. Instead, she aims to keep her H2O as clean-tasting and healthy as possible by always running tap water through a filtration system.
What to Consider
Container size
First, consider how much water your household consumes each day. You don’t want to constantly be refilling the pitcher. If you have a one- to two-person household, a smaller pitcher (10 cups or less) should be sufficient. For larger households (or if you consume a lot of water), you may want a larger dispenser-style filtration system, which can hold more water and will be easier to fill than many pitchers.
Cold vs. room temperature water
Not every filtration system will fit in the fridge. So if you’re particular about keeping your water chilled, make sure to choose a pitcher or dispenser that your fridge can accommodate by checking its dimensions. You may have to rearrange the shelves a bit to make room.
Filter type
There are a few varieties of water filters in these devices. Many filters are made in part with activated carbon, which removes chlorine flavor and smell, pollutants, and agricultural compounds that may leach into drinking water. In addition, many filters also have physical barriers made from tightly-knit fibers that prevent sediments and other larger molecules from getting into your water.
When it comes to certifications, look for one with NSF which stands for the National Sanitation Foundation. This seal offers assurance that a product “meets strict standards for public health protection,” based on third-party testing. WQA is a voluntary third-party certification specifically for water treatment products. Products with the WQA Gold Seal Product Certification have “passed the rigorous testing requirements of industry standards, pass annual manufacturing facility audits, and comply with WQA's Certification Schemes.”
Filter replacement
Check how long each filter lasts and how much each costs. Most filters last six months, though less expensive options will need more regular replacement. It’s also helpful to choose a filtration system that has some sort of indication of when the filter needs to be changed. Many on this list have an electronic indicator light to let you know.
How We Evaluated
To find the best filtered water pitchers for your home, I researched the most highly rated products across various brands. I made sure to include a range of price points, sizes, and designs. The selections below are based on my personal experience, customer ratings and reviews, and product specs. I have personally tested the Brita pitcher and in-fridge dispenser, as well as the Berkey countertop purifier. Ultimately, this list includes both high-end premium products as well as budget-friendly filters that work well, last for years, and have a place in kitchens of all sizes.
Brita Brita Longlast Everyday Water Filter Pitcher
Pros
- Long-lasting filter
- Comfortable to hold
Cons
- May not be large enough for big households
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 5.4 x 10.7 x 10.1 in.
- Capacity: 10 cups
- Weight: 2.29 lbs
Brita is a long-time leader in the world of water filtration, and this pitcher-style filter reflects why the brand remains the gold standard of in-home water filtration. The pitcher is designed to fit easily on most refrigerator shelves and has a neat pouring spout to prevent leaks. It holds 10 cups of water and comes with a filter that’s shown to reduce 99 percent of lead, chlorine smell, and flavor, as well as other hard metals commonly found in drinking water. A sticker indicator shows you when to change the filter, which lasts about six months.
Amazon Basics Amazon Basics 10-Cup Water Pitcher
Pros
- Electronic indicator to indicate filter change
- Affordable
Cons
- Filter doesn’t last as long as other options
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 9.84 x 5.7 x 10.04 in.
- Capacity: 10 cups
- Weight: 1.52 lbs
This no-frills plastic pitcher gets the job done without breaking the bank. The plastic pitcher is BPA-free and the filter is certified by the Water Quality Association (WQA) to reduce copper, mercury, benzene, and chlorine taste and smell from tap water. Each filter lasts for 40 gallons, or about 2 months, of regular use. The replacement filters are also Brita-compatible.
Invigorated Water pH Vitality Stainless Steel Alkaline Water Pitcher
Pros
- Two color options (gold and silver)
- Attractive design
- Stain-resistant materials
Cons
- Smaller capacity than other options
- Cannot see how full the pitcher is
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 12.91 x 6.18 x 4.88 in.
- Capacity: 1.9 L
- Weight: 1.85 lbs
This sleek and curvy stainless steel pitcher is a pretty serving piece that doubles as a water filter. The filter is a small mesh pouch of stone-like filtration compounds that balance the pH of water without removing essential minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. The result is softer, more alkaline water that tastes better and is more gentle on your body. Each filtration bag can filter up to 105 gallons of water.
LifeStraw LifeStraw Home 7-Cup Glass Water Filter Pitcher
Pros
- B-corporation and Climate Neutral Certified brand
- Looks great
Cons
- Smaller capacity
- More fragile than other materials
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 6.4 x 6.4 x 11.2 in.
- Capacity: 7 cups
- Weight: 0.86 lbs
If you prefer drinking out of glass rather than plastic, this clear pitcher is a great option. The filter has two parts: a super long-lasting outer membrane that endures for 264 gallons, or up to a year of regular use, and an inner carbon core, which has a shorter two-month lifespan, or 40 gallons. The slim design won’t dominate your fridge, but it has a 7-cup capacity, which is a good size for one- to two-person households.
Hydros Hydros 64-oz. Water Filter Pitcher
Pros
- Lightweight
- Four color options
- Fast filtration
Cons
- Filter does not last as long as other options
- Small refill opening
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 11.06 x 5.51 x 5.43 in.
- Capacity: 64 oz.
- Weight: 1.08 lbs
This cute clear plastic pitcher has a coconut shell carbon filter that removes over 90 percent of chlorine and 99 percent of sediment from water. It has a handy flip-top lid for drip- and leak-free pouring. The rubber base also prevents falls and wobbles, and the pitcher fits comfortably inside most refrigerators. The filter works quickly (thanks to what Hydros calls Fast Flo Technology), so there’s no lengthy delay while you wait for great-tasting water. However, it does needs replacement every four to six weeks with regular use.
Pros
- Carabiner included
- Removes parasites and bacteria
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy for a personal water bottle
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 3.14 x 3.14 x 9.25 in.
- Capacity: 22 oz.
- Weight: 1.4 lbs
For travel, hiking, and everyday portability, this durable and heavy-duty bottle from LifeStraw offers personal water filtration on the go. It’s made with BPA-free plastic and has an accessible drinking straw. The activated charcoal filter removes microplastics, chlorine, off-odors, and flavors. The filter is also encased by a microfiltration membrane that protects against bacteria and parasites. The outer membrane lasts up to 1,000 gallons, while the inner carbon filter should be changed every 26 gallons.
Pros
- Two filters for faster water flow
- Filter change light
Cons
- Takes up a lot of fridge or counter space
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 20.87 x 11.22 x 2.17 in.
- Capacity: 2.75 gal
This smart and spacious dispenser-style filter purifies water faster than most, thanks to two filters. It comes with a countertop stand that doubles as a storage space for backup filters. Or you can skip the stand and keep the water dispenser in the fridge for colder H2O.
Brita Brita Extra Large 18-Cup Filtered Water Dispenser
Pros
- Extra-large capacity
- Electronic indicator for filter replacement
Cons
- Cumbersome to fill
- Heavy
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 14.57 x 6.06 x 13.7 in.
- Capacity: 1.13 gallons
- Weight: 3 lbs
If you live in an especially thirsty household, this 18-cup in-fridge dispenser will keep you well-supplied with chilled, fresh-tasting water at all times. While it’s heavier and bulkier to fill than more nimble pitcher-style filters, you’ll have to replenish it less frequently. The container comes with one Longlast filter, which will work for about six months, or 120 gallons.
Berkey Big Berkey® Gravity-Fed Water Filter
Pros
- High level of filtration
- Large capacity
Cons
- Takes up counter space
- Expensive
- Cannot see how much water is left
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 19.25 in.
- Capacity: 8.5 L
- Weight: 7.35 lbs.
This gleaming stainless-steel filter is as much a practical appliance as it is a statement piece in your kitchen. The Berkey holds an impressive amount of water and cleans it using two Black Berkey purification filters, which are discerning enough to turn pond water potable. Berkey takes its purification seriously, applying third-party lab testing to ensure the purification filters remove over 200 contaminants. The water comes out tasteless and fresh.
More Water Filtration Tips from Our Expert, Lizzy Briskin
Q: What minerals and pollutants have you encountered in your water, and what filters have you used to remove them?
A: According to the Environmental Working Group’s tap water database, the drinking water where I live may contain chloroform, bromodichloromethane, and dichloroacetic acid, among other potential carcinogens. In addition, the water shows levels of aluminum, bromide, fluoride, nitrate, and nitrite. I use activated carbon filtration in a countertop Berkey water filter to remove the more dangerous contaminates that exceed public health guidelines, as well as off-putting flavors, odors, and sediment.
Q: How do you recommend someone tell when it’s time to change their filter when a pitcher doesn’t come with an indicator?
A: If your filter doesn't have a built-in filter change indicator, your water will likely tell you that it’s time for a change. If your water starts to look, smell, or taste different, you probably need a fresh filter. Another indication is if the filter itself starts to work more slowly. That can be a sign that the system is backed up. Most filters also have an estimated total amount of water they can filter, so if you’re fastidious about tracking how many times you fill the container, you can swap it out when the filter reaches its lifespan volume.
Q: When would you recommend someone upgrade from a standard pitcher or dispenser to an installed under-sink or countertop filtration system?
A: If you find that you have to refill your pitcher more often than you’d like, or you don’t like the hassle of carrying a heavy, full pitcher or dispenser from the sink to the fridge (not to mention the likelihood of spilling), it might be time to upgrade to an in-sink water filter for touch-free filtration. Likewise, if you find that your water filter is taking up too much precious space in the fridge or on the kitchen counter, going under the sink is a great space-saver.
Lizzy Briskin, a food writer and product reviewer who runs Earthen Food Co, is a trained chef and avid home cook who loves to put new gadgets to the test to help people make informed buying decisions; she contributes food, cooking, and lifestyle content to publications including the Chicago Tribune, Simply Recipes, Munchery, Insider, and others. She also tests and develops recipes for national food brands. When she’s not cooking, eating, or writing, she can be found hiking, cycling, and training for marathons.
Watch Next
The Best Dehumidifiers for Bathrooms and Basements
The 7 Best Home Printers
The 5 Best Gaming Laptops You Can Buy Right Now
The Best Ceiling Fans for Cooling Down Your Space
