Filter pitchers are probably the most popular method when it comes to filtering water. They’re affordable, easy to put together and significantly reduce a variety of contaminants. While more complex filtration systems can provide cleaner water, filter pitchers are ideal if you want a temporary filtration solution that’s effective enough to get the job done.
To know about the best water filter pitchers on the market and how to buy them, check out this article. For all the frequently asked questions about filter pitchers, keep reading. We’ve answered everything you need to know.
1- Are water filter pitchers better than bottled water?
When we need a quick solution for clean water, we tend to reach over to bottled water, assuming that bottled water is cleaner than tap water and perhaps even better than filtered water somehow. In reality, bottled water is often simply filtered tap water and there’s a good change your bottled water contains a variety of contaminants. There’s also the chance of the plastic bottle leaking toxins into the water. Additionally, bottled water is much more expensive than filtered water and is also extremely bad for the planet making it an unwise choice in most situations. Water filter pitchers can improve the taste and smell of water as well as make it safer to drink. It gets rid of most common contaminants in drinking water and can improve the taste and smell of water. Some filter pitchers can even remove biological contaminants like bacteria and viruses. All things considered, water filter pitchers are better than bottled water in a range of ways. The only times bottled water would be better is in an emergency where access to filtered water isn’t available.
2- Which water filter pitcher removes the most contaminants?
When purchasing a water filter pitcher, check the list of contaminants that the model can remove. This can range depending on the type of filter. In general, water filter pitchers remove chlorine as well as other contaminants like lead, mercury, sediment, rust, pharmaceuticals and so on. Some models are NSF certified to remove up to a certain number of various contaminants, while others don’t provide a list at all. To find the model that removes the most contaminants, you’d have to do a comparison of different models. One model that stands out for its filtration capacity is the Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher which removes up to 220 toxic chemicals.
3- Do water filter pitchers really work?
Don’t confuse the small size of a water filter cartridge with its effectiveness. Water filter pitchers are an excellent solution if you need clean filtered water and are extremely effective at removing chlorine and other contaminants. However, if your water is highly contaminated, a more complex filtration system like reverse osmosis might be more suitable to your needs. If, however, you have city water, a filter pitcher can help improve the water quality.
4- What to look for when buying water filter pitcher
When buying a water filter pitcher, consider the following information:
· What contaminants does the filter pitcher remove?
· How long does the filter last?
· What is the filtration speed?
· What materials are the pitcher and filter made of?
· Does it have a filter life indicator?
· What’s the pitcher’s capacity?
· Is it easy to clean?
· What do other customers say about the pitcher?
· What brand is it?
· Is it NSF certified?
5- Which is the best water filter pitcher?
It’s not easy to pick out a single best water filter pitcher because the concept of ‘best’ is subjective. Best depends on what you’re looking for and what’s best for me might not be best for you. Having said that, we’ve picked out 11 of the best filter pitchers out of thousands of models and reviewed them, identifying what makes them so amazing.
6- Which water filter pitcher removes lead?
There are several pitchers we’ve identified that are certified to remove lead. For example, the ZeroWater 6-Cup Water Filter Pitcher is NSF certified to remove lead and chromium from the water. Again, check the list of contaminants that the filter pitcher removes as this will tell you whether it targets lead or not.
7- What water filter pitcher removes fluoride?
Not every filter pitcher can remove fluoride so it’s important to check for this specifically if you want to target this contaminant. Fluoride is controversial because some people want to have it in their water while others see it as a chemical and want to remove it. If you want to remove fluoride from your water, check out the ZeroWater 6-Cup Water Filter Pitcher and the Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher.
8- How often do you have to change a water pitcher filter?
This depends on the model of the filter. Most filter cartridges last between 2-3 months depending on your usage and water quality. However, some filters can last much longer for up to 6 months, like the Brita Longlast Filter which is compatible with most Brita water pitchers. When choosing the filter life, consider your household’s size and water usage. If you’re using over 2 gallons of filtered water a day, then a filter pitcher may prove more expensive to maintain in the long run, due to frequent replacements. In this case, it’s better to go with an under-sink water filter or a whole house water filtration system which last much longer.
9- What happens if you do not change water pitcher filter?
When you buy a filter pitcher, the manufacturer will recommend a window within which you should replace the filter. This will be either by a certain number of gallons or months. Filter pitchers typically use activated carbon block cartridges, which work to adsorb contaminants just like a sponge. Like a sponge, ACB filters have a threshold and once this is passed, the filter can’t adsorb anymore. If you don’t replace your filter on time, you may notice that the water flow begins to slow down. The taste and smell of the water may change, or the contaminants collected in the filter may start to leak through. Another scenario is that the water may just flow right through without getting filtered, meaning that you’ll be drinking regular tap water. To avoid any of this happening, change the filter when its life is up.
