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It’s January, so we are making a list of resolutions for a healthier and happier new year. Instead of sweeping declarations that will cause us to burn out by spring break (we know we can’t meal prep 365 days a year), we’re focusing on smaller, manageable changes that still have a big impact. One of those changes is increasing our water intake. Our year of hydration nation, aka drink more water, starts now with help from our favorite Brita water devices.
By now, we all know that single-use plastics are, in a word, the worst. Plastic water bottles are one of the biggest offenders, with millions of tons of plastic bottles ending up in landfills and oceans yearly. Not only are they terrible for the environment, but cases of water are expensive, cumbersome to carry, and take up a lot of storage space in the home. Thankfully, Brita makes several great alternatives for use at home and on the go.
Brita filters make it simple and convenient to have safe water that tastes great in areas with poor water quality. With a Brita filter, common contaminants like chlorine, copper, mercury, cadmium, and zinc are reduced to give users water that is safe to drink and tastes great. Brita filters can be used for homes with well water that is municipally treated, but the company recommends changing their filters more often when used with well water.
Brita water pitchers are available in a variety of sizes to fit any fridge or countertop. The company even makes a reusable water bottle with a sleek filter, ensuring users have filtered drinking water even when away from home.
While most of us are familiar with the Brita brand, there may be some features of the Brita lineup that customers are unaware of.
Are Brita water pitchers BPA free? Yes, all Brita watch pitchers are BPA free.
Are Brita water pitchers recyclable? Yes! Brita is part of the TerraCycle program. Customers can learn more about how to ship their used Brita products for free to ensure they are properly recycled by clicking here.
Are Brita water pitchers safe? Yes. Brita products are certified to provide safe drinking water by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF).
Can Brita water pitchers go in the dishwasher? No. Brita water pitchers are not dishwasher safe, but Brita water bottles are top rack safe.
Picking the best Brita water pitcher is mainly up to personal preference. Do you want a water pitcher that is compact and fits in a mini fridge or large enough to last an entire week without being refilled? Whatever your style, there’s a Brita water pitcher for you. Find SPY’s picks for the best Brita pitcher (plus a few competitors) below.
1. Brita Small 6 Cup Water Filter Pitcher
BEST OVERALL
For a water jug that will fit in just about any fridge and works in single-family homes or residences with multiple water drinkers, the Brita Small 6 Cup Water Filter Pitcher is a great option. Available in a white, red, or turquoise finish, the Small 6 Cup is large enough to fill two 24-ounce water bottles in one pour. Made without BPA, the Small 6 Cup has an electronic indicator on the lid that alerts users when a new filter is required. At less than 10” tall, the Small 6 Cup can fit into a mini-fridge and takes up minimal room in a standard fridge.
2. Brita Standard Everyday Water Filter Pitcher
RUNNER UP
If you want a Brita that doesn’t require refilling as frequently as the Small 6 Cup, check out the Everyday style. The Everyday style is large enough to fill 10 glasses of water or three 24-ounce water bottles in one pour. A great size for larger families or anyone who wants to cut down on refill time, the Everyday is BPA-free and 10.7” high. It has a sticker indicator instead of an electronic feature to help users keep track of filter replacement schedules, which helps to keep this an affordable option.
3. Brita Marina Medium 8 Cup Water Filter Pitcher
BEST DÉCOR PIECE
We’ve discussed the benefits of using a Brita water pitcher and dispenser. Still, if you want all those benefits and a pitcher that looks great, we like the Brita Marina Medium 8 Cup Water Filter Pitcher. The Marina boasts a sleeker, more modern design than the traditional Brita water pitcher, making it a great option for leaving on your counter or table when entertaining. The comfort grip handle makes it easy to pour water for guests, and with an eight-cup capacity, it’s small enough to fit in most fridges.
4. Brita 12-Cup Stream Filter As You Pour Water Pitcher
FAST ACTING
Unlike most Brita filters that require customers to wait for the water to run through the filter before they can pour, the Brita 12-Cup Stream Filter As You Pour Water Pitcher will filter water as it’s poured from the pitcher, meaning no wait time. We also like this pitcher because of the light indicator on top that alerts users when it’s time to change the filter.
5. Brita Stainless Steel Water Filter Bottle
BEST TRAVEL OPTION
Keep your water tasting great even when you’re away from home by using the Brita Stainless Steel Water Filter Bottle. The 32-ounce water bottle is designed with a personal Brita filter that helps to reduce the taste and odor of chlorine in your drinking water. Water stays cold thanks to the double-wall insulated design. One filter lasts approximately two months, and the tough stainless steel exterior, available in several colors, means this water bottle will last much longer.
6. Brita Water Bottle Plastic Water Bottle with Water Filter
BEST BUDGET WATER BOTTLE
For a Brita water bottle that is slightly less expensive, we like the company’s plastic option. Available in several colors, the plastic water bottle won’t keep water cold as long as the insulated option, but it is lightweight and comes with a replaceable filter that will last for two months. The plastic bottle has a generous 26 oz capacity, and we like that it has a handle and a cover for the mouthpiece.
7. Brita Soft Squeeze Water Filter Bottle For Kids
BEST WATER BOTTLE FOR KIDS
The Brita Soft Squeeze Water Filter Bottle is designed for kids, but we also like it as a smaller water bottle that can fit in fanny packs or running belts. The squeezable bottle comes with a filter that lasts for two months or 40 gallons of water, helping to ensure customers will always have clean drinking water. We also like that the bottle can be fully dissembled for easy cleaning.
8. Brita Stream UltraMax Water Filter Dispenser
BEST COUNTERTOP BRITA
The Brita Stream UltraMax Water Filter Dispenser is up to the task if you need a lot of water. An excellent option for large families or workplaces, the UltraMax can hold 25 cups of water or fill eight 24-ounce water bottles in one pour. UltraMax’s slim countertop design allows users to free up space in their fridge. We also like that the UltraMax can still fit inside most fridges, making it an excellent option for people who prefer their water cold. The BPA-free UltraMax has a precision-pour spigot and a SmartLight filter indicator that helps users know when it’s time to change their filter.
9. Brita XL Water Filter Dispenser
BEST OVERSIZED OPTION
For those who want a Brita pitcher that requires minimal refills, it doesn’t get any bigger than the Brita XL Water Filter Dispenser. The generously sized dispenser can hold up to 27 cups of water, enough to fill a 24-ounce water bottle nine times. A great option for those who want a counter or fridge water dispenser, the Brita XL includes an easy locking lid and a precision pour spigot to help ensure no wet messes.
10. Brita Tap Water Filter System
SPACE SAVING OPTION
For an easy way to ensure all the water in your kitchen gets the Brita treatment, check out the Brita Tap Water Filter System. The filter attaches directly to standard faucets without using tools and lasts approximately four months or 100 gallons of water. A small switch on the filter allows users to bypass the filter when using hot water, which can damage the filter. Brita makes both a Basic model and a Complete model, which includes an LED light that indicates when customers should replace their filter.
11. Brita Total 360 BRDTSS Two-Stage Water Filtration System
BEST FILTRATION SYSTEM
Want to bypass water pitchers and dispensers but still enjoy filtered water? Check out the Brita Total 360 BRDTSS Two-Stage Water Filtration System. The under-sink system reduces lead and cysts by 99 percent, as well as the odor and taste of chlorine by 97 percent. The system is easy to install and comes with a six-month filter to keep your tap water tasting great.
Best Filter Replacements
Depending on the filter’s style and the water quality level in your home, filters should be replaced every two to six months. Areas that use well water or have extremely poor water quality should be replaced more frequently than the suggested time for a specific filter. And remember to always run water over your Brita water filter for 15 to 20 seconds before first use.
Brita Standard Water Filter
BEST BARGAIN OPTION
For a cost-effective filter option, there’s the Brita Standard Water Filter. These Brita water filters for pitchers are sold with six filters, enough to last the average user one year (the Standard filters should be replaced every two months). The Standard filters work for all Brita pitchers and help reduce the taste and odor of chlorine, mercury, copper, zinc, and cadmium. A pull cap top makes it easy to remove the filters from any Brita jug when done.
Brita™ Elite™ Water Filter
LONG-LASTING FILTER
If you want a filter you can replace and forget about, check out the Brita™ Elite™ Water Filter. Each Elite filter lasts up to six months, meaning less plastic is disposed of every year by using fewer filter replacements. The Elite helps reduce 99% of lead in drinking water and filters the taste and odor of chlorine, cadmium, asbestos, mercury, and benzene. Made without BPA and suitable for all Brita water jugs, the Elite filters out more than three times the contaminants that are removed by the Standard Brita filters.
Best Alternatives
If you want a filtered water pitcher but are interested in something other than Brita, there are excellent alternatives available.
ZeroWater 10 Cup Round Water Filter Pitcher
INCLUDES TDS METER
Want to know exactly how clean your water is after going through a filter? Check out the ZeroWater 10 Cup Round Water Filter Pitcher. Each ZeroWater water jug comes with a free TDS (total dissolved solids) meter, which allows customers to test their water before and after filtration, giving them the chance to see the difference a filter can make. The Round Water Pitcher, available in several sizes, is BPA-free and NSF-certified. ZeroWater filters, sold separately, have a five-stage filtration process that removes 99 percent of TDS particles, including organic and inorganic materials like pesticides, minerals, lead, and mercury.
SOMA 10-Cup Water Filter Pitcher
ECO-FRIENDLY OPTION
All water filter pitchers are considered eco-friendly since they are often used to fill reusable water bottles, thus replacing single-use plastic bottles. Soma takes their environment pledge one step further with the design of their filters, which use plant-based and renewable materials for 60 percent of their filters, thus helping to lower the user’s carbon footprint. Soma filters last two months, and help reduce chlorine, mercury, cadmium, copper, and zinc in drinking water. The minimalist and modern design of their 10-cup water filter makes this an excellent option for everyday use and entertaining. Made with a bamboo handle and BPA-free, shatter-proof plastic, the Soma water filter pitcher features a filter door with an automatic opening that allows users to refill the jug without removing the lid.
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