ConsFirst / Water filter pitchers
Water filter pitchers: the downsides, first
Slow filtering and leaks or cracks each come up for six of the eight pitchers and dispensers we compared — and what each filter is certified to remove varies a lot, even between filters from the same brand. Here are the most popular water filter pitchers and dispensers in the US, with their downsides first.
8 models compared12 sources readUpdated October 2026
We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes what we report. Learn more
All 8 water filter pitchers, ranked
Ranked by test scores, minus how common and serious the complaints are. How we rank
#1
Brita
$$PitcherScore 4.1/5
11%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Listing for the 10-cup Elite-filter pitcher (4,657 ratings). Brita sells many similar pitchers under separate listings.The pick Wirecutter, Good Housekeeping and CNN Underscored agree on: a cheap, easy pitcher whose Elite filter has broad certifications and lasts six months. Its weak spots are clogging, a filter that must be pushed firmly into place, and reports of pitchers or indicator lights failing.
Top complaints
- Elite filter clogs and slows downVery common
Wirecutter says many, many owners complain of clogging, and its own Elite filter began to slow long before reaching its 120-gallon rating. Sediment in tap water (often from rusty pipes) makes it worse.
- Filter is easy to seat wrong or knock looseMentioned often
Wirecutter says the filter needs an extra shove to seat fully, or unfiltered water can leak around it. Good Housekeeping found the filter comes out if you tip the pitcher too far when pouring.
- Indicator light or pitcher failsMentioned often
Amazon's review summary says reliability and durability are mixed: the indicator light stops working, and some owners say the pitcher broke after about 6 months. Good Housekeeping notes it is hand-wash only.
What owners love
- Most broadly certified pitcher filter
Wirecutter says the Elite filter is ANSI/NSF-certified for more than 30 contaminants, including lead, mercury, microplastics, asbestos, PFOA and PFOS. CNN Underscored and Good Housekeeping list NSF/ANSI 42, 53 and 401.
- Fast for a pitcher
Wirecutter timed 5 to 7 minutes per refill with a new Elite filter. Good Housekeeping measured 38 seconds per cup, one of the fastest it tested.
- Easy to fill and clean
Wirecutter says it is Brita's easiest pitcher to take apart and clean, with no nooks and crannies, a one-handed thumb-flip cap, and a SmartLight that measures water used.
Skip it if…- Your tap water has a lot of sediment (clogging)
- You want a dishwasher-safe pitcher
- You only need better-tasting water (the cheaper Standard filter will do)
Good for- Most households on a budget
- Broad certified filtration (lead, PFOA/PFOS, microplastics)
- Fewer filter changes (6-month Elite filter)
Scores (tap for why)
- Filtration (certified)4.5
Why 4.5?
Certified for 30+ contaminants including lead, PFOA/PFOS and microplastics (Wirecutter); NSF/ANSI 42, 53 and 401 (CNN, Good Housekeeping). No bacteria or cyst claims for gravity use. - Filter speed4.5
Why 4.5?
5-7 minutes per refill when new (Wirecutter); 38 seconds per cup, among the fastest (Good Housekeeping). It slows as it clogs. - Filter cost & life4.5
Why 4.5?
Rated for 120 gallons or 6 months, about three times most filters (Wirecutter); under 13 cents per gallon (CNN). Clogging can shorten real life. - Easy to use & clean4.0
Why 4.0?
Easiest Brita to clean, one-handed flip cap, SmartLight (Wirecutter); but hand-wash only and the filter can fall out when tipped (Good Housekeeping). - Leaks & durability3.0
Why 3.0?
Amazon owners report indicator lights failing and pitchers breaking after about 6 months; a poorly seated filter lets water bypass it (Wirecutter).
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick (Elite filter) and favorite Brita pitcher: the most certified gravity filter it has tested, with a 6-month life; it is prone to clogging and the filter must be seated firmly.
- Good Housekeeping: Best value: low upfront and yearly cost and one of the fastest filters tested; the filter can fall out when tipped and the pitcher is hand-wash only.
- CNN Underscored: Best budget pick: no other filter met its contaminant baseline so cheaply (under 13 cents per gallon), though the taste improvement was modest.
#2
Brita
$$DispenserScore 3.9/5
9%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Listing for the 27-cup dispenser with an Elite filter (9,248 ratings). Standard-filter versions have separate listings.The dispenser Wirecutter and Serious Eats recommend: slim, fridge-friendly and easy for kids to use, and it takes the same filters as Brita pitchers. It is heavy when full, and some Amazon owners report cracks and leaks.
Top complaints
- Cracks and leaksVery common
Amazon's review summary says customers report the dispenser cracking at the bottom, and some mention leakage problems.
- Heavy when fullMentioned often
Wirecutter says the one drawback of dispensers is weight: about 15 pounds when both reservoirs are full.
- Standard-filter version has fewer certificationsMentioned often
Serious Eats tested the version with Brita's standard filter and notes it is certified only to NSF/ANSI 42 and 53. Wirecutter says the standard filter is not certified for lead or industrial compounds, so buy the Elite-filter version if that matters.
What owners love
- Big capacity in a slim shape
About 18 cups filtered plus about 10 in the top reservoir; its narrow form uses fridge space efficiently (Wirecutter). Serious Eats says its straight sides waste no space.
- Spill-resistant spigot kids can use
Wirecutter says the spigot snaps closed after use. Serious Eats liked that the tab clicks into place to pour continuously, and Amazon owners call it easy for children.
- Easy to refill
A hinged door on the lid makes filling easy without removing it (Serious Eats), and you can pour water while the filter is still working (Wirecutter).
Skip it if…- You'd struggle lifting about 15 lb
- You want filtered water only in a pitcher you can pour
- Your water clogs filters (sediment)
Good for- Families who drink a lot of water
- Kids pouring their own water (spigot)
- Narrow fridge shelves
Scores (tap for why)
- Filtration (certified)4.5
Why 4.5?
With the Elite filter, same broad certifications as the pitcher (Wirecutter); the standard-filter version is only NSF/ANSI 42 and 53 (Serious Eats). - Filter speed3.5
Why 3.5?
Wirecutter timed about 12 minutes per fill of the dispenser's larger reservoir with a cartridge it says filters as fast as Brita's standard filter; you can pour while it filters. - Filter cost & life4.5
Why 4.5?
Elite filter: 120 gallons or 6 months (Wirecutter). The standard filter is 40 gallons (Serious Eats). - Easy to use & clean4.0
Why 4.0?
Hinged fill door, self-closing spigot, kid-friendly (Serious Eats, Wirecutter); about 15 lb when full (Wirecutter). - Leaks & durability3.0
Why 3.0?
Amazon owners report bottom cracks and leaks, though the 1-2 star share is low.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Pick for households that need more water (Elite-filter version): large capacity, kid-friendly spigot, slim fridge fit; heavy at about 15 lb full.
- Serious Eats: Best dispenser (standard-filter 'XL' version): fits the fridge with no wasted space and dispenses smoothly; the standard filter is only NSF/ANSI 42 and 53 certified.
- CNN Underscored: Suggested as the larger alternative to its budget Brita pitcher pick, since it holds 27 cups and fits the same Elite filter.
#3
LARQ
$$$PitcherScore 3.5/5
17%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample: 547 ratings.A premium, dishwasher-safe pitcher with an app, a UV-C light and an Advanced filter that covers PFOA/PFOS. It costs several times more than a Brita, its filters cost about $120 a year, and the app and charger can be finicky.
Subscription: Optional: filter subscription; Serious Eats lists $26 per filter with subscription vs $33 standard
Top complaints
- Expensive pitcher and filtersVery common
CNN calls it the priciest in its pool, with Advanced filters lasting 60 gallons at about 42 cents per gallon. Good Housekeeping says yearly filter cost is higher than others, and Serious Eats lists it among the most expensive.
- App and charger quirksMentioned often
Good Housekeeping found the app occasionally disconnected after a year, making tracking less accurate. Serious Eats says the magnetic charger falls off easily if bumped.
- Battery or unit failuresMentioned often
Amazon's review summary says some owners report it stopped charging after 1.5 months or broke within two months.
What owners love
- Broad certified filter
The Advanced filter is NSF/ANSI 42, 53 and 401 per Serious Eats, Good Housekeeping and CNN, covering lead and PFOA/PFOS. Good Housekeeping counts over 45 contaminants from third-party data.
- Comfortable, easy to fill, dishwasher-safe
Thick, comfortable handle and large trapdoor (Serious Eats); one of the few dishwasher-safe pitchers Good Housekeeping tested, with an easy-pour spout.
- Great-tasting water, fast filtering
Good Housekeeping says the water tastes amazing and the pitcher filters rapidly. Amazon owners say there's no chlorine taste.
Skip it if…- You're price-sensitive
- You don't want to charge a pitcher
- You'd pick the cheaper Essential filter (fewer certifications)
Good for- A dishwasher-safe, design-forward pitcher
- Tracking filter use in an app
- Great-tasting water
Scores (tap for why)
- Filtration (certified)4.5
Why 4.5?
Advanced filter: NSF/ANSI 42, 53 and 401, including lead and PFOA/PFOS (Serious Eats, CNN, Good Housekeeping). The Essential filter covers far less (CNN). - Filter speed4.0
Why 4.0?
Good Housekeeping says it filters water rapidly. - Filter cost & life2.0
Why 2.0?
60-gallon filter; about $120 a year (Good Housekeeping) or about 42 cents per gallon (CNN). - Easy to use & clean4.0
Why 4.0?
Dishwasher-safe, trapdoor fill, comfortable handle and app tracking (Good Housekeeping, Serious Eats); needs monthly charging and the charger falls off easily. - Leaks & durability3.0
Why 3.0?
Some Amazon owners report charging failures or breakage within two months (small sample); Good Housekeeping used one for over a year with only app disconnects noted.
What experts say
- Serious Eats: Best splurge: comfortable, easy to fill, with app tracking and UV-C; expensive, and the charger falls off easily.
- Good Housekeeping: Best with UV light: amazing-tasting water, rapid filtering, dishwasher-safe; pricey filters and an app that sometimes disconnects.
- CNN Underscored: Not a pick: clean taste, but the highest price in its pool, and CNN saw no strong evidence that the UV-C feature matters in a well-kept pitcher.
#4
PUR
$$DispenserScore 2.9/5
19%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)5,991 ratings.Good Housekeeping's best dispenser: slim, dishwasher-safe and certified for lead. It filters very slowly, you have to remove the whole lid to fill it, and Amazon owners often report leaking or broken spigots.
Top complaints
- Leaky, breakable spigotVery common
Amazon's review summary says the spigot breaks after a couple of months and the spout drips after being closed. Leakage and durability are its most-mentioned negative topics.
- Very slow, sometimes clogsVery common
Good Housekeeping says it filters very slowly. Amazon owners call the filter speed slow and report water getting stuck in the upper chamber.
- Lid must come off to fill; rounded endsMentioned often
Good Housekeeping and Serious Eats both note you must remove the entire lid to fill it. Serious Eats says the rounded ends waste fridge space.
What owners love
- Slim and dishwasher-safe
Good Housekeeping says it is only slightly over 5 inches wide, has a handle for carrying it to the sink, and is dishwasher-safe once you remove the spigot.
- Certified for lead and more
Good Housekeeping lists NSF/ANSI 53, 42 and 401 and over 25 contaminants. CNN says PUR's PPF951K filter is certified under NSF/ANSI 53 to reduce mercury, copper and benzene, among others.
- Big capacity, good taste
Amazon owners like the high capacity and say it makes water taste good. Good Housekeeping cites 30 cups total, 18 of them filtered.
Skip it if…- You want PFAS certification
- You hate waiting for water to filter
- You want to fill it without taking the lid off
Good for- A dishwasher-safe dispenser
- Lead reduction on a budget
- A built-in filter-change light
Scores (tap for why)
- Filtration (certified)4.0
Why 4.0?
NSF/ANSI 53, 42 and 401 and over 25 contaminants including lead (Good Housekeeping, CNN), but no PFAS certification (Wirecutter). - Filter speed2.0
Why 2.0?
'Filters very slowly' (Good Housekeeping); slow speed and clogging are Amazon complaints. - Filter cost & life3.5
Why 3.5?
Filter lasts up to 2 months, about $54 a year (Good Housekeeping); CNN puts PUR filters at around 28 cents per gallon. - Easy to use & clean3.0
Why 3.0?
Dishwasher-safe with a filter light (Good Housekeeping), but the whole lid must come off to fill and the rounded shape wastes fridge space (Serious Eats). - Leaks & durability2.0
Why 2.0?
Leaks and spigots breaking after a couple of months are the top Amazon complaints, with a 19% 1-2 star share.
What experts say
- Good Housekeeping: Best dispenser: slim, easy to set up, filter light, dishwasher-safe; filters very slowly and the whole lid must come off to fill.
- Serious Eats: Not a winner: the lid has to be removed to fill, and its rounded ends waste fridge space; it liked the flip-down spout lever.
- Wirecutter (NYT): The PUR Plus filter (PPF951K), a former top pick, is 'excellent' and PUR's designs are its favorite, but it lacks PFAS certification.
#5
Epic Water Filters
$$PitcherScore 2.9/5
23%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample: 619 ratings.CNN Underscored's top pick for removing a very wide range of contaminants, confirmed by its own lab water test, with a 150-gallon filter and a lifetime pitcher warranty. It is not certified by NSF, WQA or IAPMO, and Amazon owners report slow filtering and leaks.
Subscription: Optional: filter subscription from Epic saves 15% (CNN)
Top complaints
- Slow to filterVery common
Amazon's review summary says it can take several hours to filter one pitcher.
- Leaks and a lid that falls offMentioned often
Amazon owners report unfiltered water seeping through when pouring, and say the lid falls off too easily.
- Not officially certified; pricey filtersMentioned often
CNN notes the Pure filter isn't certified by NSF, WQA or IAPMO (it relies on third-party lab data) and the replacement filters cost $54, though a subscription saves 15%.
What owners love
- Removes a very wide range
CNN says it reduces over 200 contaminants including arsenic, lead, nitrate, disinfection byproducts, PFAS and uranium; its tester's lab test showed lead, uranium and THMs eliminated.
- Long filter life, lifetime warranty
CNN cites a 150-gallon filter (about 36 cents per gallon), an included replacement timer and a lifetime pitcher warranty.
- Easy to use, tastes great
Amazon owners find it easy to use and say the water tastes great.
Skip it if…- You require official NSF/WQA/IAPMO certification
- You want water quickly
- You want cheap replacement filters
Good for- Wide contaminant removal (arsenic, nitrate, uranium per maker data)
- A long 150-gallon filter
- A lifetime pitcher warranty
Scores (tap for why)
- Filtration (certified)3.5
Why 3.5?
Very broad removal per third-party lab data and CNN's own test, but no NSF, WQA or IAPMO certification (CNN). - Filter speed2.0
Why 2.0?
Amazon owners say it takes several hours to filter one pitcher. - Filter cost & life3.0
Why 3.0?
150-gallon filter at $54, about 36 cents per gallon; 15% off by subscription (CNN). - Easy to use & clean3.0
Why 3.0?
Owners call it easy to use and it includes a replacement timer, but the lid falls off easily (Amazon, CNN). - Leaks & durability3.0
Why 3.0?
Lifetime pitcher warranty (CNN), but Amazon owners report leaking and lid durability problems; 23% 1-2 star share on a small sample.
What experts say
- CNN Underscored: Best water filter pitcher: the widest effective removal of common contaminants with few downsides, though not yet certified and the filters are pricey.
#6
LifeStraw
$$PitcherScore 2.9/5
24%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Listing for the 10-cup plastic pitcher (3,551 ratings). Serious Eats and Good Housekeeping tested the 7-cup versions, which have separate listings.Serious Eats' top pitcher, with a two-stage filter that also targets bacteria and parasites. It is slow to filter, tall and awkward to pour for some, and has one of the highest 1-2 star shares here.
Top complaints
- Very slow filteringVery common
Serious Eats found it among the slowest, though it sped up with use. Good Housekeeping says it still filtered slowly after multiple refills. Amazon owners say it can take over an hour to fill.
- Tall and awkwardMentioned often
CNN Underscored found the 10-cup nearly 13 inches tall and needing two hands to pour smoothly when full. Serious Eats says it may be a tight fit in the fridge and hard to fill in a shallow sink.
- Cracks and quality complaintsMentioned often
Amazon's review summary says owners report the bottom cracking within two months, mixed quality, and trouble with the filter housing cap.
What owners love
- Clean, neutral taste
Serious Eats says it produces clean, neutral-tasting water; Good Housekeeping calls the taste very clean. Taste is the top positive on Amazon.
- Two-stage filter including microbes
A carbon filter plus a membrane microfilter for bacteria and parasites. Serious Eats and Good Housekeeping list NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401, 473 and P231.
- Trapdoor lid fills easily
Serious Eats says the trapdoor opens when water hits it, and the narrow spout pours a thin stream that's easy to aim.
Skip it if…- You want water fast
- You have a short fridge shelf or shallow sink
- You don't want to track two filters
Good for- Neutral, clean-tasting water
- Bacteria and parasite reduction (P231)
- Glass option (7-cup glass version)
Scores (tap for why)
- Filtration (certified)4.5
Why 4.5?
NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401, 473 and P231 per Serious Eats and Good Housekeeping, including bacteria and parasites; Wirecutter says some of these are 'tested to' rather than certified (see notes). - Filter speed1.5
Why 1.5?
Among the slowest in Serious Eats' test and still slow after refills (Good Housekeeping); Amazon owners report over an hour per pitcher. - Filter cost & life3.0
Why 3.0?
Carbon filter every 40 gallons (about 2 months) plus a membrane every 264 gallons (about a year); about $76 a year (Good Housekeeping) or about 30 cents per gallon (CNN). - Easy to use & clean3.0
Why 3.0?
Self-opening fill door and easy pour (Serious Eats), but tall and two-handed when full (CNN); the filter must be removed before washing (Good Housekeeping). - Leaks & durability2.5
Why 2.5?
Amazon owners report bottom cracks within two months and leakage; 24% 1-2 star share.
What experts say
- Serious Eats: Best water filter pitcher (and its glass version is best glass pitcher): great taste, easy fill and pour; tall and slow.
- Good Housekeeping: Best small (7-cup glass): light and easy to pour with clean taste, but slow to filter even after several refills.
- CNN Underscored: Keeps pace on contaminant removal, but the 10-cup is too tall to pour comfortably and you must track two filters with no reminder.
#7
Clearly Filtered
$$$PitcherScore 2.7/5
18%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample: 1,087 ratings.Claims the longest contaminant list of any pitcher CNN tested, and CNN's own water test backed it up. But its certifications listed by Serious Eats are narrower than its claims, it is expensive to run, and priming the filter is messy.
Top complaints
- Expensive pitcher and filtersVery common
CNN says the 100-gallon replacement filters cost around $55, and a family of three to four could spend up to $220 a year per the maker's calculator. Serious Eats says the price was significantly higher than other pitchers.
- Messy, fussy filter primingMentioned often
Serious Eats had to fill a plastic bladder and squeeze water through the filter; water leaked all over. CNN calls the purge bag wasteful and fussy, and notes there is no replacement reminder.
- Leaks and slow for someMentioned often
Amazon's review summary calls leakage a significant issue, and says filtration speed is mixed, with some owners reporting it takes hours.
What owners love
- Longest contaminant list
CNN says its performance data sheet targets over 365 contaminants, including PFAS, THMs, lead, nitrate and microplastics, and its tester's water test showed all notable contaminants removed.
- Long-lasting filter
Serious Eats highlights the 100-gallon filter life.
- Good taste
Amazon owners say it produces clean water that tastes good and removes chlorine and fluoride.
Skip it if…- You're on a budget
- You want a filter-change reminder
- You want a simple, mess-free filter swap
Good for- Removing as many contaminants as possible
- Fluoride or PFAS concerns (per maker data)
- A 100-gallon filter
Scores (tap for why)
- Filtration (certified)4.0
Why 4.0?
Widest claimed coverage, confirmed in CNN's own water test, but Serious Eats lists only NSF/ANSI 42 and 372 certifications; the broader claims rest on the maker's data sheet. - Filter speed3.0
Why 3.0?
Amazon owners are split: some find it fast, others say it takes hours. - Filter cost & life2.0
Why 2.0?
100-gallon filters at around $55 each; up to $220 a year for 3-4 people (CNN). - Easy to use & clean2.0
Why 2.0?
Messy bladder priming (Serious Eats), a purge bag at each change and no reminder (CNN); some Amazon owners still call priming simple. - Leaks & durability2.5
Why 2.5?
Leakage is a significant Amazon complaint; CNN calls the design lackluster.
What experts say
- CNN Underscored: Removes the most contaminants of any model tested, but a lackluster design and premium price kept it out of the top spots.
- Serious Eats: Not recommended: promising 100-gallon filter with NSF/ANSI 42 and 372 certifications, but annoying, leaky filter prep and a high price.
#8
ZeroWater
$TDS-reducing pitcherScore 2.6/5
15%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)49,024 ratings; the 22-cup ZeroWater dispenser shows a similar ~49K count, so ratings appear pooled across ZeroWater models.Removes nearly all dissolved solids, so the water tastes like bottled water, and it comes with a TDS meter. The filters wear out fast and cost far more per year than rivals, and it strips minerals too.
Top complaints
- Short, expensive filtersVery common
Wirecutter says the filter is rated for only 20 gallons and costs about $16, or almost $200 for a year's supply. Amazon owners say filter life is short.
- Leaks and slow filteringMentioned often
Amazon's review summary says the unit leaks everywhere and is slow to filter. Serious Eats had water leak around the filter on ZeroWater's 23-cup dispenser until it was screwed in just right.
- Strips minerals; replacement timing unclearMentioned often
Wirecutter and CNN note that removing all TDS also removes beneficial minerals. CNN noticed taste changes while the meter still read zero, so replacement timing isn't always obvious.
What owners love
- Bottled-water taste
CNN's tester found the difference obvious next to every other pitcher, similar to bottled water.
- Removes dissolved solids, certified for lead
Wirecutter confirmed in 2016 tests that it removes total dissolved solids and says it is ANSI/NSF-certified for several contaminants under 42 and 53, including lead. The Amazon listing claims IAPMO certification for lead, PFOA/PFOS, chromium and mercury.
- Cheap to buy
CNN says its get-in price is not high and replacement filters start at $18, dropping to $13 in bulk.
Skip it if…- You want low yearly filter costs
- You want minerals like calcium kept in
- You hate frequent filter changes
Good for- Crisp, bottled-water taste
- Very hard or mineral-heavy tap water
- Seeing a TDS reading
Scores (tap for why)
- Filtration (certified)3.5
Why 3.5?
Certified under NSF/ANSI 42 and 53 for several contaminants including lead (Wirecutter); IAPMO-certified and tested to NSF/ANSI 53 (CNN). No 401 listed by these sources. - Filter speed2.5
Why 2.5?
Slow filtering is an Amazon complaint; Good Housekeeping found ZeroWater's 32-cup dispenser extremely slow. - Filter cost & life1.5
Why 1.5?
Only 20 gallons per filter, almost $200 a year (Wirecutter); short filter life is a common Amazon complaint. - Easy to use & clean2.5
Why 2.5?
CNN found the newer model easy to refill and pour; Serious Eats found its 10-cup awkward with hard-to-clean corners. Knowing when to replace isn't always obvious (CNN). - Leaks & durability3.0
Why 3.0?
Amazon owners report leaks; Serious Eats saw leaks around a poorly threaded filter on the ZeroWater dispenser.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Not recommended: only 20 gallons per filter (almost $200 a year), and removing all TDS isn't necessarily good.
- CNN Underscored: Tested the newer Culligan ZeroWater 10-cup: the best-tasting water, easier to refill and pour than old ZeroWater, but it removes minerals too and the meter can lag.
- Serious Eats: Not recommended: its ZeroWater 10-cup with a button spout was awkward and hard to clean; the 23-cup dispenser leaked around the filter.