ConsFirst / Water filter pitchers

Brita

Brita UltraMax (XL) 27-Cup Water Filter Dispenser: the downsides first

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#2 of 8
$$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 leaks

    Amazon's review summary says customers report the dispenser cracking at the bottom, and some mention leakage problems.

    Source: Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • Heavy when full

    Wirecutter says the one drawback of dispensers is weight: about 15 pounds when both reservoirs are full.

    Source: Wirecutter
  • Standard-filter version has fewer certifications

    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.

    Source: Serious Eats, Wirecutter

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.

    Source: Wirecutter, Serious Eats
  • 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.

    Source: Wirecutter, Serious Eats, Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • 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).

    Source: Serious Eats, Wirecutter
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).
    Source: Wirecutter, 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.
    Source: Wirecutter
  • Filter cost & life4.5
    Why 4.5?Elite filter: 120 gallons or 6 months (Wirecutter). The standard filter is 40 gallons (Serious Eats).
    Source: Wirecutter, 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).
    Source: Serious Eats, Wirecutter
  • Leaks & durability3.0
    Why 3.0?Amazon owners report bottom cracks and leaks, though the 1-2 star share is low.
    Source: Amazon.com product page

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.
Check price on AmazonWe don't list prices — they change daily. Paid link.

If that catch is a deal-breaker

Highly ranked water filter pitchers whose biggest complaint is something else.

#1 in water filter pitchersBrita Standard Everyday 10-Cup Pitcher with Elite Filter

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.

Its catch: elite filter clogs and slows down#3 in water filter pitchersLARQ Pitcher PureVis with Advanced Filter

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.

Its catch: expensive pitcher and filters#4 in water filter pitchersPUR Plus 30-Cup Water Filter Dispenser

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.

Its catch: leaky, breakable spigot

Head-to-head

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