WaterFilterComparisons’ Review

The Brita Grand Water Pitcher (OB03/OB36) is an affordable, quick, and easy option for families who want a reliable source of clean water — but it has some limitations in both capacity and filtration capabilities. Let’s dive into the ins and outs of this water pitcher so you can decide if it’s the right one for your household.

Product Specs

• Size: 10.16 x 5.77 x 11 inches; 2.48 Pounds
• Capacity: 10 cups or 2400 mL of water
• Filtration Technology: Two-stage filtration process including an activated carbon and ion exchange resin filter
• Water Type Filtered: Public tap water
• Contaminants Addressed: Chlorine, zinc, copper, mercury, and cadmium
• Certifications: NSF/ANSI Standards 42 and 53
• Flow Rate: 0 GPM
• Installation: Incredibly easy setup, where you insert the filter into the pitcher, fill the reservoir with tap water, and wait for it to be filtered
• Warranty: 1-year

Performance

The Brita Grand Water Pitcher features a two-stage filtration process to target specific contaminants:

• Stage 1: Activated carbon works by adsorbing (not absorbing) impurities and contaminants, such as chlorine and volatile organic compounds, onto its surface.
• Stage 2: Ion exchange resin swaps harmful ions, like heavy metals, with less harmful ions, effectively removing these contaminants from the water.

With this system, the following contaminants are removed or reduced from tap water:

• Chlorine
• Zinc
• Copper
• Mercury
• Cadmium

Certifications

For an unbiased, third-party perspective, the National Science Foundation (NSF) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) test water filtration products for efficacy and performance to help consumers vet products. The Brita Grand Water Pitcher received approval from both of these entities in the following certifications:

• NSF/ANSI 42: This standard certifies water filters for improving the aesthetic qualities of water, including taste, odor, and chlorine reduction.
• NSF/ANSI 53: This standard certifies water filters for reducing specific health-related contaminants, such as lead, cysts, and volatile organic chemicals, providing safer and healthier drinking water.

Flow Rate

The Brita water pitcher is not attached to any plumbing fixtures, so flow rate is not applicable. Although there is no official flow rate for pitcher systems, it is important to note that many like this one relay on gravity-based filtration which has a separate issue with a slow flow. Essentially, gravity-based filters rely on water to trickle from the top of the pitcher through the filter into the reservoir. This process can take a few minutes, so you’ll find that after refilling the pitcher it will need to sit for a bit before you can use the water. This may be an inconvenience if you’re having to refill the pitcher multiple times a day and wait before pouring. 

Limitations

Although the Brita Grand Water Pitcher effectively removes several contaminants, it may not be suitable for households with water sources containing high levels of other common impurities like lead, fluoride, salts, TDS, and pesticides. It’s also not intended to be used with well water and its low capacity may not be sufficient for households of larger families who consume more water. It also does nothing to help with hard water, so you’d need a softener or conditioner to address that issue.

While setup and filter swaps may be quick, the filter is limited in how quickly you can use filtered water after filling it up. Due to the reliance on gravity-based filtration, you’ll need to wait a few minutes for water to slowly trickle through the filter before it can be used.

Installation and Maintenance

The installation process for this Brita pitcher is straightforward and hassle-free. Per the manufacturer:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water prior to touching the filter. For 15 seconds, rinse the filter with cold running water.
2. Insert the filter into the pitcher by aligning it with the notch in the reservoir. Press down until it forms a tight seal.
3. Add cold tap water. Do not drink the first three pitchers of water as they may contain carbon dust residue. Instead, use it to water plants or drain in the sink.
4. Once water within the pitcher comes out clear, it’s good to drink.

Maintenance is also simple, only requiring regular replacement of the filter to ensure optimum performance. The manufacturer recommends replacing the filter every two months or after filtering approximately 40 gallons (150 liters) of water. While filter replacements are readily available, some users may find the ongoing cost of replacing filters to be inconvenient.

Pros and Cons

The Brita Grand Water Pitcher (OB03/OB36) offers several advantages and a few considerations to keep in mind when evaluating its suitability for your home.

Pros

• Generous capacity suitable for medium to large households
• Effective two-stage filtration system that removes or reduces various contaminants
• NSF-certified for contaminant reduction
• Convenient and easy installation process
• Reputable brand with a standard warranty

Cons

• May not be ideal for water with high concentrations of specific contaminants
• Ongoing cost of filter replacements
• User reports the product is cheaply made with flimsy plastic that can break, making it unusable or prone to leaks
• Design results in spills if any water is still in the top while trying to pour
• Risk of contamination when the container is open
• Doesn’t treat all contaminants, so users will need to check what’s in their water and make sure it’s covered

FAQs

How much is the Brita Grand Water Pitcher?

The Brita Grand Water Pitcher is competitively priced compared to other similar water filtration systems on the market. Prices may vary depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions, but they generally fall within the $30-60 range.

How much water does the Brita Grand Water Pitcher hold?

This pitcher has a capacity of 10 cups (2400 ml) of water, making it suitable for standard-size households or those who regularly consume water.

How good is the Brita Grand Water Pitcher filter?

The Brita Grand Water Pitcher filter is generally effective at reducing various contaminants, resulting in cleaner and better-tasting tap water. While it may not handle exceptionally high concentrations of specific impurities, it remains a reliable and popular choice for improving water quality in most households.

Summary

The Brita Grand Water Pitcher (OB03/OB36) offers a convenient and effective water filtration solution for households seeking great-tasting, odor-free water. With its quick, simple setup and ease of use, it provides refreshing water instantaneously.

However, its 10-cup capacity may require more constant refills for avid water drinkers or large households, resulting in higher maintenance costs. It’s also only capable of filtering five contaminants. For an alternative water filtration system that gives you filtered water 5x faster, you may want to try Aquasana’s Clean Water Machine, capable of filtering 78 contaminants, including leads, microplastics, and PFAS. While a bit pricier, it offers much healthier water, filters quickly, and doesn’t take up a lot of space on your counter.

If you’d like to explore other countertop systems, head on over to our product page or browse our buyer’s guide to countertop water filters to see how our Clean Water Machine holds up against leading brands.