8 Best Water Filter Pitchers of 2022 – Top-Tested Water Pitchers - Good Housekeeping

✔️ Filtering ability: Not all water filter pitchers remove the same contaminants; if you have specific filtration needs, be sure to check what each product claims to remove. Many water filter brands are starting to share their contaminant removal data on their websites, so if you're looking for a specific contaminant check the brand's website or try reaching out to the company.

✔️ Style and size: When choosing a style, keep in mind size versus weight. If you need to save space, opt for a smaller pitcher, but it will require more refills. Large-capacity pitchers allow you to refill less, but they can also be cumbersome to carry and pour. If you have the counter or fridge space and like to have a large capacity water dispenser, consider a countertop model as these often hold larger amounts of water.

✔️ Price: The more contaminants a filter removes, generally, the higher the cost, and if your water doesn't need certain contaminants removed, you may be wasting money. When deciding which pitcher to purchase, consider both the price of the pitcher and the price to replace filters – as some have a higher upfront cost but filters cost less and vice versa.

✔️ Special features: If you have a hard time remembering when to change your water filter, choose a model that makes it easy to keep track or tells you when you need to change the filter. Some water filter pitchers now come with apps to remind you.

✔️ Filtering needs: Not all tap water has the same contaminants, so your contaminant removal needs may differ based on where you live (i.e. your water supply and age of plumbing) and your personal preference. We recommend using the EWG Tap Water Database to see what's in your tap water, but if you're unsure what your water contains, it may be best to have a filter that covers the removal of a broad range of contaminants. That said, water filter pitchers that remove more contaminants are not necessarily better if your water doesn't have the contaminants the filter is designed to remove. The EPA doesn't regulate all contaminants, but at the minimum, our pros suggest a filter that at least removes heavy metals.

✔️ NSF and ANSI tests: You'll see many water pitchers stating they've been tested to NSF/ANSI standards, which test removal of various water contaminants, but keep in mind that NSF/ANSI standards are not the same across the board. Some standards only test for water clarity while others test for the removal of certain chemicals and physical contaminants. The NSF website offers a detailed explanation of its standards and what it tests for more information.