Pitcher Filters
Gravity-fed pitchers use activated carbon or ion-exchange media to filter water as it drips from an upper reservoir to a lower one. No plumbing, no electricity.
System Cost
$20 - $100
Annual Filters
$40 - $215 in replacement filters
Installation
None
How It Works
Water pours into the top reservoir and drips through a replaceable filter cartridge under gravity alone. Most cartridges combine granular activated carbon (GAC) with ion-exchange resin. The carbon adsorbs chlorine, VOCs, and some organic compounds while the resin targets heavy metals like lead. Filtration takes 5-15 minutes per fill depending on the cartridge design.
What It Removes
Removes Well
- Chlorine taste and odor
- Lead (NSF 53 certified models)
- Mercury
- Some pesticides and pharmaceuticals (NSF 401 models)
- PFAS (P473 certified models like Epic Nano)
Does NOT Remove
- TDS / dissolved minerals
- Fluoride (most models)
- Bacteria and viruses (except P231 certified models)
- Nitrates
- Hardness
Installation
None. Fill from the tap and place in your refrigerator. No tools, no plumbing modifications.
Who Should Choose Pitcher Filters?
Good fit if you...
- ✓Renters who cannot modify plumbing
- ✓Small households (1-2 people) with municipal water
- ✓Budget-conscious buyers who want basic chlorine + lead reduction
- ✓First-time filter buyers who want to start simple
Not ideal if you...
- ✗Households needing high-volume filtered water for cooking
- ✗Well water with bacteria or high TDS
- ✗Anyone concerned about fluoride (unless using Clearly Filtered)
- ✗Families of 4+ who would refill constantly
Pitcher Filters in Our Database
7 products sorted by price (lowest first).
PUR PLUS 7-Cup
2mo filter life
40 gal
$22
$59.94/yr filters
Price checked Apr 2026
ZeroWater 10-Cup
2mo filter life
40 gal
$35
$107.94/yr filters
Price checked Apr 2026
Brita Tahoe Elite
6mo filter life
120 gal
$42
$39.98/yr filters
Price checked Apr 2026
LifeStraw Home 7-Cup
2mo filter life
40 gal
$45
$126.65/yr filters
Price checked Apr 2026
Epic Water Filters Pure Pitcher
4mo filter life
150 gal
$70
$212/yr filters
Price checked Apr 2026
Epic Water Filters Nano
4mo filter life
100 gal
$82
$138/yr filters
Price checked Apr 2026
Clearly Filtered Pitcher
4mo filter life
100 gal
$90
$165/yr filters
Price checked Apr 2026
Related Resources
Check what's in your water
Open Tool →Informational guidance based on NSF certifications and manufacturer specs - not a substitute for professional water testing.