The Best Water Pitcher Filtration System on the Market

When looking for the best water pitcher filtration system, there are a variety of sources available that offer research, rankings and consumer reports. Some elements are a matter of subjective taste and individual requirements, such as preferences for a slimmer pitcher that fits in the refrigerator door, a large pitcher that holds enough water for a dinner party, or colorful products for a countertop. These options cannot be objectively ranked. Therefore, this article will concentrate more on the effectiveness of the water pitcher filtration system of each brand and product.

When it comes to the bestseller list, Amazon is a reasonable place to browse due to their vast pool of consumers. Currently, Amazon's top-l selling water pitcher filtration systems are, in order of popularity, the PUR 18-cup pitcher, the Mavea Elemaris 9-cup pitcher, the PUR 7-cup pitcher and the Brita Atlantis 6-cup pitcher. Each system received 4.5 stars by Amazon voters. However, the PUR 18-cup received 1,149 votes whereas the Brita received only 199 votes. As previously mentioned, aesthetic choices as well as appropriate size are subjective and a personal consumer choice, so the model is essentially a wash. The brands, however, have different strategies for getting the job of purifying the user's water done. The fact that all of the systems received 4.5 stars, regardless of the number of voters, makes it more difficult to point to a clear-cut winner.

For information on the top brands and how their pitchers function, an informative site is filterfast.com. Filterfast.com sells every type of filter imaginable and also provides ample information and research data on various models. Their top three filter brands, as with most sites, are Brita, Mavea and PUR. To choose the best water pitcher filtration system, it can be helpful to look at each system and how they work.

Brita is the brand that consumers in the United States purchase 70% of the time. It is extremely popular and there are sixteen unique models to choose from, depending on the buyer's personal needs and preferences. The Brita utilizes activated carbon and ion exchange resin to filter impurities and reduce metals. Brita smart pitchers now come with a life indicator that serves as a reminder to change the filter.

Mavea was actually started by the original CEO of Brita. Once Brita was sold to Clorox, he created Mavea. Although Mavea doesn't offer as many styles as Brita, they claim to be a superior system. Their pitchers have a unique micromesh filter that supposedly block more contaminants than Brita's filters.

PUR pitchers are "certified" to cut three times more contaminants than other water pitcher filtration systems. It does this in two stages. PUR utilizes activated carbon as well as heat-treated coconut shells to further absorb and trap contaminants. PUR pitchers can also be purchased with a filter life indication system.

Although the bestseller list along with information about how each system works can be useful, it can also be beneficial to look at research conducted on the available systems out there. Good Housekeeping recently teamed up with the Arizona Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants to test water filtration systems against 15 typical contaminants. They tested each filtration system with the typical 40 gallons for a filter's lifetime, and tested every pitcher four times to catalogue their effectiveness along the way. According to their research on PUR and Brita, the PUR system removed 71% of all drugs and 80% of contaminants compared to Brita's removal of 60% of contaminants.

Further, according to research compiled by waterfiltercomparisions.com, the PUR system reduced 13 contaminants compared to Mavea's eight and Brita's five. Their research also puts the PUR system at the top in performance of water pitcher filtration systems.

PUR and Brita water pitcher filtration systems tend to run around the same price range, while Mavea tends to cost anywhere from $5 to $7 more than the comparable models of PUR and Brita. On Amazon, the standard seven-cup CR-6000C PUR pitcher currently costs $18.72, the Brita 10-cup everyday pitcher sells for $22.97, and the Mavea 9-cup Elemaris costs $32, alternatively go for an Aquasana deal. As previously mentioned, each brand has larger as well as slimmer sizes available, which can slightly alter the price point. Even in the price matchup, PUR appears to come out on top as well.

The bottom line is that PUR's price is comparable to Brita's and is less than Mavea's price point; more Amazon buyer's choose PUR over Brita and Mavea; and multiple research sources indicate that PUR eliminates more contaminants than other leading water pitcher filtration systems. The questions remains, which model is more appropriate for the individual buyer? That option is up to the consumer, but for the money and quality, PUR seems to be the best water pitcher filtration system on the current market.

Aquasana or Brita?

Are you looking to purchase a water filtration system for your home? There are a lot of systems out there, and they all do different things. First, to establish your filtration needs, you should have your water tested. If you have a well, there are plenty of companies that will test a sample of your water. If you get your water from your town, you can call the town office and ask for a water analysis. They should provide you with paperwork about what is in your water. Once you know what is in your water, you can be educated in your choice when picking a water purification system.

Aquasana and Brita

Two popular companies that make water filters are Aquasana and Brita. Aquasana filters are manufactured by a company called Sun Water Systems. They started making their line of filters in 1997 and are located in Texas. They offer countertop systems as well as under-the-counter systems.
Brita GmbH was started in 1966 and has factories in Switzerland, Germany and the U.K. Their line of products includes countertop systems, pitchers, water jugs and kettles. The active ingredient in their filters is activated carbon, and they get it from the shells of coconuts.

Water Filter Regulations

There are no federal regulations for water filters. They do not have to meet any kind of standards for effectiveness or design, and there are no federal tests perform. Four of the 50 U.S. states do regulate the quality of water filters sold and distributed within the state. California, Massachusetts, Iowa and Wisconsin require companies to renew certifications and licenses. Companies are subject to regular testing, and must follow up on any complaints from customers. This makes it very hard to judge the quality of water filters. Each company posts statistics about their filtration devices on their website that contradict the other websites. But there are certain things about each company that might help you decide.

Aquasana Pros and Cons

The Aquasana system attaches right to your faucet. The water goes through the multiple stages of filters as you turn on the tap, eliminating impurities. The system can be turned on and off with the push of a button so that you don't have to waste filtering power on water for non-drinking purposes. Aquasana estimates that a gallon of filtered water costs 9.6 cents, and the entire system costs $72 for every 750 gallons of filtered water. Aquasana's countertop system can produce 30 gallons of filtered water per hour while filtering out VOCs, lead, giardia, MTBE and cryptosporidium. Aquasana filters are also said to filter out 99% of chlorine. Filters only need to be replaced every 500 gallons. They are certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF). Aquasana offers a 60-day satisfaction guarantee.

The Aquasana filter system costs more to get started and the filters cost more to replace. The unit costs around $100 to start. The Aquasana filter does not filter asbestos, mercury, toxaphene, PCBs, chlordane or turbidity.

Brita Pros and Cons

Brita offers several types of filtration. Their countertop system that attaches to the faucet retails for around $30. The filters are NSF certified and remove 99.9% of asbestos, 87.5% of toxaphene, chlordane, turbidity, chlorine, lead, VOCs,and more. When you turn on the tap, you can choose from filtered water, a spray, or steam. The water comes out at a rate of .58 gallons per minute, which is slightly faster than Aquasana's system. The electronic filter life indicator shows you when it is time to change your filter. Their alternative pitcher system is convenient and fits right in the refrigerator, keeping water cold and right at your fingertips.

Brita's countertop system costs $112.50 for every 750 gallons of filtered water. This comes out to 15 cents per gallon, which is more expensive than Aquasana. Brita's filters do not remove mercury or PBCs, but neither does Aquasana. Brita offers the shortest satisfaction guarantee of 30 days. Brita pitcher filters need to be changed at least every two months, or after 40 gallons of filtered water, otherwise they can develop mold inside. If you choose the pitcher system, the pitcher needs to be cleaned and cared for on a regular basis. The activated carbon inside the filter has been known sometimes to make its way into the drinking water.

In conclusion, there are good and bad things about both Aquasana filters and Brita filters. The Brita filters cost more to run in the long run when compared to Aquasana, but Brita offers more filtration choices. Brita's counter-top system dispenses water in several different flows, while Aquasana's filter can be turned on and off with the touch of a button. Brita's filters remove more toxins, but there is a chance that the activated carbon from the pitcher filter can end up in your drinking water. And Brita filters need to be changed every 40 gallons, while Aquasana filters last for 500 gallons.

Make sure you take into account long-term costs as well as short-term costs when purchasing a filtration system, not forgetting Aquasana offers. Also make sure to contemplate which type of system will be most convenient for your living situation. Pick a system that will match your kitchen d(C)cor while also filtering out the greatest amounts of toxins from your drinking water. Drinking water is an important part of everyday life, and it is important to have clean water in order to ensure your good health.

How To Install an Under Sink Water Filtration System

Thinking about improving the quality of your drinking water? An under-the-sink filtration system may be an affordable solution for you. These filters only provide filtration to the sink where they are installed. They provide the best filtration for your drinking water because they filter out any impurities right before the water leaves your faucet. Under-the-sink systems come in different models designed to filter out different contaminants. An Aquasana water test will give you a better idea of the quality of your water and what you might want to filter out. Installing a system under your sink is fairly easy and can be completed in a few easy steps.

The First Step: Filter Placement

The first thing you will need to do is to determine where you want to place the filter. It needs to be indoors to avoid freezing, unless you live somewhere it does not freeze. Make sure that there is enough space under the filter so that once you hang it by the bracket, you can still take the filter cartridge out for easy replacement. If you put it too close to the bottom of the cabinet, the filter will be stuck. Pre-drilling the holes for your bracket will make installation easier. Make sure to use wood screws in order to ensure that the filtration system will stay where you put it.

The Second Step: Access the Water Supply Line

Next, you will need to gain access to the water supply line. Always make sure to shut off your water and have a bucket handy before attempting this installation. Determine what type of pipes you have under the sink. If you have copper pipes, you will need a tubing cutter. Make sure to leave at least three inches above the shutoff valve so that you don't interfere with the shutoff mechanism. If you have flexible plastic tubing, you can simply disconnect the tubing from the supply line. Drain your supply line into the bucket.

The Third Step: Place a Compression Nut on Both Ends of the Line

Now you need to connect the two pipes. Compression fittings, or compression nuts. are an easy, inexpensive way to connect two pieces of plumbing. They have a semi-rigid ring that spreads out and securely fills the space between the two cut pipes. When installed correctly, they will ensure that there are no leaks between the two pieces of cut pipes. If you have copper pipes, insert the compression nut into the lines leading to and from the filter, then tighten the nut using two adjustable wrenches. If you have flexible plastic tubing, connect the tubing that is from the outlet of the filter right to the faucet, and then tighten the compression nuts.

The Fourth Step: Connect the Water Lines to the Filter

This step is only for copper pipes. If you have flexible plastic tubing, you should skip this step and move on to the next step. Place compression nuts over each side of the water line. Using an adjustable wrench again, tighten the nuts onto the filter. Make sure they are tight so there are no water leaks.

The Fifth Step: Flushing Out Your New System

Make sure that the cartridge is installed in the system, and then turn the water on. You may see some dirt and sediment coming out of the faucet for a few minutes. This is normal and you should continue to run the water until it is clear. Check your work for leaks. It is better to find one now than to find one months from now that has caused damage. If there are no leaks, then your new system is ready to go!

If you are a visual learner, there are videos available on YouTube detailing these same steps. These tutorials are not always performed by a licensed plumber, however, so be careful when choosing one to watch. Experts from your local hardware store can help you pick the right fittings for you pipes and any other tools that you might need. Different filtration systems may need slightly different instructions.

Tackling your own home improvement projects can leave you with a sense of accomplishment and ownership, and they get even cheaper with Aquasana special offers. Installing an under-the-sink water filtration system will allow you access to clean drinking water, which is so important to everyday life.

Examining Water Filtration Systems Aquasana Reviews

Everyone needs potable drinking water, not just to maintain hydration, but to keep the body away from harm as well. To meet this need, there are numerous products offering water filtration systems, and one of the most popular choices is Aquasana. As a matter of fact, Aquasana has been on the market for years and they have earned a reputable name for being one of the most trusted brands to offer water filters. Furthermore, they were awarded by Consumer Digest as the best buy in the water filtration category.

The Price Range

Aquasana has been found to be more affordable when compared to other competitors. The reason for this is that they do not have a middleman working for them. Their products are sold directly through websites and the only extra charges applied are shipment or credit card fees. Nevertheless, their shower filters range from $55.99 to $69.99 and their replacement filters cost $44.62. As for the cartridges for the water softeners, they are priced from $594.99 to $769.30.

Aside from affordability, they also offer a money-back guarantee. This is to ensure their clients that all of their products are made from quality materials. In fact, a money-back guarantee is a good way to determine superiority, since it shows the company is confident in their brand.

How Aquasana Works

The Aquasana water filtration system works by using dual filtration that can hold 500 gallons of water. Each filter can function for up to six months, which is the equivalent of 500 gallons. Aside from this, they have two options for a drinking water system, which are the countertop and under-counter filter types. Both products are certified by the NSF (National Sanitation Foundation), which is a credible, non-profit organization that aims to protect and improve health on a global scale. Furthermore, Aquasana's filtration systems can filter 60 contaminants, including chlorine.

The company also offers ways to soften water through water softener systems. It works by removing the hard particles such as calcium and sodium from the water. Moreover, these products are guaranteed to last for three years, which is equivalent to 300,000 gallons.

After the system has transformed the hard water into a softer fluid, it can offer the whole household a myriad of benefits. On the health aspect, it prevents skin irritations as manifested by dryness and flaking. In addition, it also aids in the removal of residue that has built up in the lining of pipes, prevents colored clothes from wearing out, and eliminates soap residue on clothes, countertops, kitchen equipment and many others.

What the Customers Say

A grateful customer named Esther Schindler defined Aquasana as a serious water filter. After she had tried out various filtration systems available on the market, only the products of Aquasana have rendered efficient function. Eventually, it has resolved her husband's dilemma, which is allergy to chlorine, since the product has effectively screened out chlorine content.

In some cases, there are testimonials with regards to the product's inconsistencies. A customer from Jonestown, Texas claimed that the filter is excellent but it does have its imperfections. The consumer stated that three filters have cracked and he was required to pay a shipping fee even if the company offers a free replacement, however Aquasana coupon codes compensate for this.

In Conclusion

Aquasana has been proven to deliver quality water filtration and water softening systems that are greatly appreciated by most consumers. If there are any inconsistencies, it may have resulted from improper handling and shipping of the product. Nonetheless, Aquasana should reiterate to delivery companies that there is expected quality of delivery before any future complaints arise.