(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 filters
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 filtering
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 unclear
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.
Source: Wirecutter, CNN Underscored
What owners love
- Bottled-water taste
CNN's tester found the difference obvious next to every other pitcher, similar to bottled water.
Source: CNN Underscored - 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.
Source: Wirecutter, Amazon.com product page - Cheap to buy
CNN says its get-in price is not high and replacement filters start at $18, dropping to $13 in bulk.
Source: CNN Underscored
- You want low yearly filter costs
- You want minerals like calcium kept in
- You hate frequent filter changes
- Crisp, bottled-water taste
- Very hard or mineral-heavy tap water
- Seeing a TDS reading
Scores (tap for why)
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.