DRINKING WATER FILTERS
Pitchers and Countertop
Filter Reviews
Countertop filters and water filter pitchers are popular options because of their low cost, ease-of-use, portability, and they don’t require installation. These systems can help you get cleaner, better-tasting water — but not all options are equally good. To help you choose the best countertop filter or water filter pitcher for your home, we’ve compared systems and created this guide with everything you need to know.
What is a Water Filter Pitcher?
Water filter pitchers are glass or plastic pitchers that have a filter built-in to remove contaminants and provide cleaner, better-tasting water. Most water filter pitchers work using gravity — water that’s poured in gets pushed down through a carbon filter by the natural force of gravity. As water passes through the filter, contaminants are caught and filtered water trickles through to the reservoir for use.
Pros and Cons of Water Filter Pitchers
Water filter pitchers are popular because they’re easy-to-use, low-cost, portable, and require no-installation. Simply pour water in, wait, and enjoy filtered water. You can even bring the filter with you when traveling to enjoy clean water wherever you go.
Drawbacks of these systems include limited efficacy, smaller capacity, and slow filtration speed. Since most water pitcher filters only feature one stage of filtration, they may not be able to remove all the contaminants in your water. To do this, you may need a system with multiple stages of filtration like a whole house or under sink filter. The pitchers also have limited capacity, so you’ll need to refill often and will find that doing so usually takes a while since you’ll need to wait for water to slowly pass through the filter.
What is a Countertop Water Filter?
Countertop water filters, sometimes referred to as dispensers, are systems that sit on a countertop and provide filtered water with the push of a button. They typically feature multi-stage filtration with two or more methods used to remove contaminants. Often, these systems will use some combination of activated carbon, catalytic carbon, ion-exchange, and mechanical filtration among others. Some countertop water filters and dispensers use power to force water through the filter to immediately provide cleaner, better-tasting water.
Pros and Cons of Countertop Water Filters
Countertop water filters and dispensers are easy-to-use, require no-installation, and offer decent performance with fast filtration speed. You can fill them up and quickly get filtered water with the push of a button or pull of a handle.
Some of these systems don’t offer the same level of performance as more expensive whole house and under sink systems, but they are also generally much more affordable.
Differences Between Water Filter Pitchers and Countertop Filters
Pitchers and countertop filters are both popular among consumers, but there are a few differences to be aware of when comparing them:
Performance
Most pitchers only use one stage of filtration while countertop systems often use several — so countertop systems usually offer better performance and are more effective at removing contaminants.
Cost
Pitchers are generally the cheapest of all water filters, while countertop water filters and dispensers are a bit more expensive because of the enhanced features and performance they offer.
Capacity
Most pitchers are designed to be compact so you can fit them in the fridge, with a capacity that can hold around 10 cups of water. Countertop water filters and dispensers are intended to sit on a countertop where space isn’t as much of a concern, so they usually offer a higher capacity starting at around 15 cups.
Filtration Speed
Pitchers and countertop water filters usually rely on gravity to push water through the filter, which means you’ll need to wait for the water to slowly trickle through each time you fill it up. Some countertop systems and dispensers use power to push water through, which provides filtered water much faster by comparison.
Buyer’s Guide for Pitchers and Countertop Water Filters
Beyond product reviews, there’s a lot more you should know to choose the best water filter pitcher, countertop water filter, or dispenser. We’ve included everything you need to make an informed decision including a definition of what these systems are, the differences between them, and how to decide which one to purchase.
Should You Choose a Pitcher or Countertop Water Filter?
Now that you have more information about water filter pitchers and countertop water filters, it’s time to choose which option is best for your home.
Water filter pitchers are an affordable entry-level option if you want to improve the quality of your tap water, but countertop filters and dispensers offer greater performance and additional features at a higher cost if you have a higher budget to work with.
The most important factor in choosing a water filter is ensuring it will remove harmful contaminants that are present in your tap water, so it’s a good idea to check your local water quality report and cross reference the list of contaminants with what the filter you’re considering is certified to remove. If a pitcher will do the job, you can start with one and eventually upgrade if you want more features later on. However, if a pitcher won’t remove the contaminants identified in your water quality report — opt for a more robust option like a powered dispenser, under sink system, or whole house water filter.
Pitcher & Countertop Filters
Aquasana - Clean Water Machine - AQ-CWM-2-B
The Clean Water Machine filters 77 contaminants including lead at the push of a button with no installation. This no-install countertop water filter uses power to force unfiltered water through an ultra-dense filter block to remove 15x more contaminants than the leading pitcher, including lead, PFAS, chlorine, pesticides, microplastics and more.
Learn More about the Aquasana - AQ-CWM-2-BBest Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.20
System
$199.99
Replacement
$60.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
77
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401
Capacity
300 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
0.5
Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.20
System
$199.99
Replacement
$60.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
77
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401
Capacity
300 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
0.5
Key Contaminants Removed:
Lead
Chlorine
Chloramines
PFOA/PFOS
Pesticides & Herbicides
VOCs
Pharmaceuticals
Cysts
Other Benefits:
- 60-day satisfaction guarantee
- 90-day warranty
- Easy install
- Eco-friendly
- Electronic filter life indicator
Pentair Rocean - The Reservoir - 4005799
This countertop water filters doesn't require plumbing or installation. Just plug in, fill up reservoir and press the button to dispense water on demand. Removes 77 contaminants and is IAMPO certified.
Learn More about the Pentair Rocean - 4005799Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.11
System
$249.00
Replacement
$44.10
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
76
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 372, 401
Capacity
390 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
0.37
Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.11
System
$249.00
Replacement
$44.10
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
76
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 372, 401
Capacity
390 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
0.37
Key Contaminants Removed:
Lead
Chlorine
Chloramines
PFOA/PFOS
Pesticides & Herbicides
VOCs
Pharmaceuticals
Cysts
Other Benefits:
- 30-day satisfaction guarantee
- Lifetime warranty
- Replacement subscription option
Culligan - Pitcher Filter - PIT-1
The Culligan® PIT-1 pitcher is the perfect solution for great-tasting water at an economical price. Easy to pour, easy to store in refrigerator. For pennies a gallon stay hydrated with Culligan! The Culligan® 2-quart water pitcher uses PR-1 cartridge with up to 50 gallon capacity per cartridge. It alerts you when to replace the cartridge with the built-in filter change indicator on the lid. The filter reduces bad taste and odor, aesthetic chlorine taste and odor, Mercury, Copper, Zinc, and Particulate Class VI. The pitcher features a unique space saving design, an ergonomically designed handle for easy pouring, and a spout cover to prevent refrigerator odor transfer into the pitcher. So enjoy drinking all the water you want or need with the economical Culligan® PIT-1 water filter pitcher.
Learn More about the Culligan - PIT-1Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.14
System
$24.27
Replacement
$7.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
6
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 53
Capacity
50 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
0
Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.14
System
$24.27
Replacement
$7.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
6
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 53
Capacity
50 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
0
Key Contaminants Removed:
Lead
Chlorine
Chloramines
PFOA/PFOS
Pesticides & Herbicides
VOCs
Pharmaceuticals
Cysts
Other Benefits:
- Eco-friendly
- 2-year satisfaction guarantee
- 2-year warranty
- Easy install
Berkey - Big Berkey Water Filter - BER-BU2
The Big Berkey has a 2.25 gallon capacity can provide water for medium-sized families of one to four people. According to the manufacturer this system purifies water, addressing over 200+ contaminants in tap water or raw, untreated freshwater sources like ponds, rivers and streams.
Learn More about the Berkey - BER-BU2Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.03
System
$405.00
Replacement
$166.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
203
Certified
Independently tested NSF/ANSI 42, 53
Capacity
6,000 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
0
Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.03
System
$405.00
Replacement
$166.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
203
Certified
Independently tested NSF/ANSI 42, 53
Capacity
6,000 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
0
Key Contaminants Removed:
Lead
Chlorine
Chloramines
PFOA/PFOS
Pesticides & Herbicides
VOCs
Pharmaceuticals
Cysts
Other Benefits:
- 30-day satisfaction guarantee
- Lifetime warranty
Brita - Ultramax Water Dispenser - OB24
The UltraMax water dispenser is made without BPA and can hold 27 cups of water. This filter reduces chlorine (taste and odor), Mercury, Copper, and more. Able to fit in your fridge.
Learn More about the Brita - OB24Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.38
System
$34.39
Replacement
$15.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
5
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 53
Capacity
40 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
0
Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.38
System
$34.39
Replacement
$15.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
5
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 53
Capacity
40 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
0
Key Contaminants Removed:
Lead
Chlorine
Chloramines
PFOA/PFOS
Pesticides & Herbicides
VOCs
Pharmaceuticals
Cysts
Other Benefits:
- Eco-friendly
- 90-day satisfaction guarantee
- 90-day warranty
- Easy install
- Color options
Brita - Grand Water Pitcher - OB36/OB03
The BPA-free Grand water pitcher with filter holds 10 cups of water. This space efficient Brita pitcher fits on refrigerator shelves and features an easy-fill locking lid and is easy to pour. Filters chlorine (taste & odor), Mercury, Copper, Zinc and Cadmium.
Learn More about the Brita - OB36/OB03Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.38
System
$31.46
Replacement
$15.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
5
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 53
Capacity
40 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
0
Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.38
System
$31.46
Replacement
$15.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
5
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 53
Capacity
40 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
0
Key Contaminants Removed:
Lead
Chlorine
Chloramines
PFOA/PFOS
Pesticides & Herbicides
VOCs
Pharmaceuticals
Cysts
Other Benefits:
- Eco-friendly
- 1-year satisfaction guarantee
- 1-year warranty
- Easy install
- Color options
Pur - Ultimate Pitcher Filtration System with Lead Reduction - PPT711W
This PUR water filter pitcher is WQA certified to reduce lead and other chemical and physical contaminants that could be lurking in your drinking water. This water filter pitcher features an easy-fill lid and a Filter Change Light to indicate filter status.
Learn More about the Pur - PPT711WBest Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.67
System
$49.14
Replacement
$27.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
20
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 53
Capacity
40 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
0
Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.67
System
$49.14
Replacement
$27.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
20
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 53
Capacity
40 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
0
Key Contaminants Removed:
Lead
Chlorine
Chloramines
PFOA/PFOS
Pesticides & Herbicides
VOCs
Pharmaceuticals
Cysts
Other Benefits:
- Eco-friendly
- Easy install
- Replacement subscription option
- Color options
Zero Water - 20 Cup Ready-Pour 5-Stage Water Filter Dispenser - ZD-20RP
The 20 Cup 5-stage Water Filtration Dispenser with Ready-Pour technology enables you to dispense delicious water while the reservoir is still filtering. The compact design includes a one-hand, push and pour spout. It removes 99.6% of all dissolved solids from your tap water.
Learn More about the Zero Water - ZD-20RPBest Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$2.30
System
$33.00
Replacement
$27.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
23
Certified
Independently tested NSF/ANSI 42, 53
Capacity
20 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
0
Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$2.30
System
$33.00
Replacement
$27.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
23
Certified
Independently tested NSF/ANSI 42, 53
Capacity
20 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
0
Key Contaminants Removed:
Lead
Chlorine
Chloramines
PFOA/PFOS
Pesticides & Herbicides
VOCs
Pharmaceuticals
Cysts
Other Benefits:
- Eco-friendly
- Easy install
- Replacement subscription option
Zero Water - 6-Cup 5-Stage Water Filter Pitcher - ZP-006-4
ZeroWater’s 6 Cup 5-stage Water Filter Pitcher features a space-saving design to fit in compact or small refrigerators. It removes 99.6% of all dissolved solids from your tap water.
Learn More about the Zero Water - ZP-006-4Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.77
System
$25.00
Replacement
$46.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
23
Certified
Independently tested NSF/ANSI 42, 53
Capacity
20 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
0
Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.77
System
$25.00
Replacement
$46.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
23
Certified
Independently tested NSF/ANSI 42, 53
Capacity
20 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
0
Key Contaminants Removed:
Lead
Chlorine
Chloramines
PFOA/PFOS
Pesticides & Herbicides
VOCs
Pharmaceuticals
Cysts
Other Benefits:
- Eco-friendly
- Easy install
- Replacement subscription option
Other Types of Drinking Water Filters
Direct Connect
Direct Connect water filters – also known as Main Faucet Filters – are gaining popularity because of their high-performance and easy installation. We’ll help you make the best choice for your home.
Under Sink
Under Sink water filters offer a great mix of performance, affordability, easy installation, and simple maintenance. Learn about the benefits of these systems, the types available, and top selections.
Reverse Osmosis
These systems can remove up to 99% of contaminants in tap water, and many experts consider RO to be the most powerful and effective water filtration method available for home use.
Faucet Attach
Faucet Attach water filters are a popular choice due to their compact form, easy installation, and entry-level price point relative to other options. Learn more about these filters.
Resources
How To Read Your Water Quality Report
Just because your tap water looks and tastes fine doesn’t mean it is. Sometimes, tap water contains chemicals and impurities that could harm you and cause problems to your appliances.
Bottled Water vs Filtered Tap Water: Important Facts
Americans consume around 1,500 disposable plastic water bottles each second, or nearly 2.2 million each day. Many Americans place a high trust in bottled water, and assume it’s safer than tap water. The truth is there are virtually no real benefits to consuming bottled water. Most bottled water is little more than over-priced tap water in a bottle that contributes to over 2 million tons of plastic waste in our landfills every year.
Comparing Water Filter Technology
Depending on the type of water filter you’re interested in, you may be able to choose from a range of different water filter technologies including mechanical, activated carbon, reverse osmosis, ion exchange, and ultraviolet light filtration. With so many options to choose from, it’s important to understand these filter technologies to determine which option is best suited for your needs. To assist you with the buying process, we’ll explain how each of them work.
Why Do I Need a Water Filter?
Just because your tap water looks and tastes fine doesn’t mean it is. Sometimes, tap water contains chemicals and impurities that could harm you and cause problems to your appliances. Yes, it happens. We’re not saying this applies to all homes but in many cases, unfiltered tap water just isn’t safe enough.
Need Help?
Get expert advice choosing a water filter
*Product performance claims and prices were taken from publicly available information on Amazon, are accurate as of 9/1/2022, and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Cost per gallon is calculated as replacement filter price/capacity. Not all contaminants will be listed in charts. If you find information that is inaccurate, please send the correct info with supporting documentation to info@waterfiltercomparisons.com, and we will address any errors. As an Amazon Associate, Water Filter Comparisons receives a commission on purchases made through our Amazon links.