best water filter pitchers in canada

The Best Water Filter Pitchers in Canada 

Many aspects of good health, such as a proper balance of body fluids, weight control, moisturized skin, maintenance of bowel movements and overall proper function of your organs, depend on a daily water intake.  However, many people limit the number of glasses of water they drink simply because of an unpleasant taste or chlorine scent. A proper water filter can improve not only the taste of your water and remove various contaminants, but also contribute to proper hydration.    

Besides an under-the-sink water filter or a refrigerator filter, a pitcher filter is a convenient and fast way to purify water with no required installation.   

We selected the best water filters in Canada that are not only highly rated by consumers, but also will easily fit into your fridge and look stylish on your countertop. Among the most popular water filter pitchers on the market, such as ZeroWater and Brita, you will also find glass and stainless-steel pitchers, as well as smart filtering systems, suitable for any budget.  

How to choose a good water filter pitcher

Type:

Water taste and quality could be affected by chlorine, copper, lead and heavy metals. Standard filter pitchers are designed to reduce those impurities, which is more than enough for most people. If, however, you are looking for filters that also remove bacteria and viruses from water, be prepared to pay more for reverse osmosis and ion exchange filtering systems.   

Size:

This factor directly depends on how many people live in your household. A small pitcher that fits six cups is more than enough for two people, while a family of four or more water drinkers should consider a larger model of at least twelve cups.   

Material:

Budget-friendly and most standard water filter pitchers are made out of plastic. While plastic pitchers like Brita, are durable and long-lasting, if you prefer a sturdier carafe, (and the one that offers a more sophisticated design) opt for glass or metal models.   

Price:

Varying from as low as forty dollars to a few hundred dollars, water filter pitchers could be found for any budget. If all you want is a simple, compact, affordable water pitcher, and do not spend too much on it, for even something like PRODUCT will suffice. However, if you are hoping to have an integrated water filter system expect to pay closer to $200-$300.   

Further, consider the cost of filters too. Most filters require replacement every three months, adding to the total cost of owning a water pitcher.   

Why Trust Us

We based our selection of the best water filter pitchers on three factors.

The first, and main one, is the analysis of users’ reviewers. That helped us not only to distinguish the best products but also to find out the pros and cons of each water filter.

Next, we researched what other buying guides had to say about water filter pitchers (CNET, Good Housekeeping, and others).

Finally, every selected product responds to various requests, such as the best small/large water filter, budget-friendly, stainless steel and more, and earned at least four stars on online retailers.

The Best Value Water Filter Pitcher

Brita Everyday Water Filter Pitcher with Elite Filter

One of the most popular water filter brands, Brita, has taken over many kitchens since the 1970s. The famous Elite water filter (that comes with Brita pitchers) offers impressive performance of filtering over thirty contaminants, including heavy metals, carcinogens, endocrine disruptors and more. One of the key elements that Elite filter removes is chlorine. Just that one step greatly improves the taste of water, making it easier to keep up with daily water intake.   

According to several reviewers, the Brita Everyday water filter pitcher is one of the fastest filters that delivers a cup of purified water in thirty-eight seconds.   

Another factor that users praise about this filter pitcher is the low yearly filter replacement cost. You can forget about changing a filter for six months (unlike other brands where filter replacement is required after every three months of use).   

A satisfied reviewer noted that Brita Everyday is a water system that is well built, ergonomic, filters out lead, and does so in a reasonable amount of time.  This system gives him water that tastes great and takes only five min to filter water.  

Finally, the Brita Everyday pitcher can hold up to ten cups of water, which is an ideal choice for a larger family.   

Pros
  • Best value pitcher.
  • No filter replacement up to six months.
  • Filters out up to thirty contaminants.
Cons
  • Not dishwasher safe.

The Best Water Filter Pitcher and Dispenser

ZeroWater 10-Cup 5-Stage Water Filter Pitcher

ZeroWater is an innovative two-in-one filtering system that can be used in two ways: by pouring out water from the spout or by pushing a spigot button.   

According to a satisfied user, ZeroWater 5-Stage is a life changer for her. The water even tastes cleaner than using a Brita. It comes with a tester for water quality which is so fun to use. She tested our water straight from the tap: both hot and cold had different levels of impurities. With this water filter jug, it makes a drastic difference in your water quality.  

The 5-stage filtering system features TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) that provides you with information about dissolved minerals and salts, including magnesium, sodium, calcium and more. Moreover, the system removes heavy metals, chlorine, endocrine disruptors (PFOS, PFOA) and chemical contaminants.   

Filter change is also fairly easy with the ZeroWater pitcher. Make it your bi-weekly habit to stick the meter in the water and read the results. The system will advise you to change the filter if the TDS measurements show at least 006 (TDS affects the taste, so it comes to personal preferences whether you want to replace the filter after a few weeks of use or later even if ZeroWater shows 006).  

This is another water filter that can hold up to twelve cups of water, making it a suitable choice for families with more than four people. 

Pros
  • Two ways to pour water.
  • TDS meter.
  • Large capacity.
Cons
  • Must change filters more often than Brita’s.

The Best Countertop Smart Water Filter Pitcher

AquaTru Connect Smart Countertop Water Purifier

Compared to two previously discussed water filter pitchers, the AquaTru filter dispenser removes eighty contaminants, which is one of the highest results on the market. It filters out chlorine, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, fluoride, endocrine disruptors and more.   

Speaking of filtering, the AquaTru features three filters: reverse osmosis, VOC filter and pre/carbon. The reverse osmosis removes impurities, arsenic, parasite cysts and more. Meanwhile, the pre/carbon reduces sediment and rust and improves water taste. The VOC filter enhances the taste of water, (additional Ph+ mineral boost creates a mineral-rich taste such as Evian water).   

A satisfied reviewer said how impressed with the system he is: it is easy, fast and works great. You can tell it is cleaning the water from the scaling from the returns. His only issue is that the tap water intake tank is plastic, so the scaling and grossness are hard to wash out.  

Pros
  • Removes up to eighty contaminants.
  • Customizable filters.
  • Compatible app to keep track of filter replacement.
Cons
  • Expensive.

The Best Stainless Steel Water Filter Pitcher

Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter

Berkey Gravity is another water filter pitcher that offers impressive performance by removing more than 200 contaminants. While most filters only take care of chlorine, lead and common contaminants, Berkey also removes viruses, bacteria, petroleum contaminants and parasitic pathogens. (If you also want to remove fluoride you would have to order fluoride filters separately.) 

This countertop dispenser, which also looks stylish in any kitchen space, is easy to set up and use. Its capacity varies from 1.5 to 6 gallons. However, the price goes higher with the larger capacity. As per reviewers, 4.5 gallons is more than enough for four to eight people in the household.   

The stainless steel Berkey water pitcher also allows you to see the remaining water level (lower chamber filtration system). The Gravity comes with an optional floater ball for enhanced water level visibility by installing it inside the spigot’s glass tube.   

Pros
  • Removes more than 200 contaminants.
  • Filters are long-lasting.
  • Removes bacteria and viruses.
  • Durable stainless steel structure.
Cons
  • Expensive.
  • As per some reviewers, it takes longer to filter than other pitchers.

The Best Reusable Glass Water Filter Pitcher

Aarke Glass Water Filter Pitcher

If you are not favouring the idea of replacing filters every three months, and wish there would be a water pitcher with a permanent filter, take a look at Aarke. This glass pitcher comes with a stainless steel water filter. You won’t be throwing it out like plastic cartridges, instead, you would have to replace granules inside the filter. Those will do all the work of removing copper, limescale and chlorine.  

This water filter glass pitcher with a refillable steel filter takes about five minutes to filter the water after filling up the metal container once, as per one satisfied reviewer. Aarke is simple and easy to use. It comes with a packet of granules that have to be transferred into the stainless-steel container. It is recommended to replace the granules filter every four weeks,” she added. The filtered water is fresh, and it tastes really good, plus the filter saves her so much from buying plastic water bottles.  

Aarke is another large-capacity pitcher that can hold up to ten cups of water and is easy to refill. Besides, the design is sleek and modern, compared to plastic pitchers, and will add a stylish touch to any counter space. (The bottom of the filter has a silicone bumper that prevents Aarke from sliding or tipping over.) 

Pros
  • Reusable stainless-steel filter.
  • Sleek modern design.
  • Easy to refill.
Cons
  • Some reviewers found the price too high.

The Best Affordable Glass Water Filter Pitcher

LifeStraw Home 7-Cup Glass Water Filter Pitcher

If you find Aarke pitcher price too high, but still want a glass water filter carafe, this LifeStraw is a worthy option at a lower price. This compact water filter easily improves the taste and purifies water by clearing out over thirty contaminants, such as chlorine, sediments, heavy metals, pesticides, VOC, bacteria and more.   

As one reviewer noted, the filter removes absolutely all earthy taste from their well water and has it coming out clean tasting and fresh. He recommends LifeStraw to anyone he knows. The only downside is the internal water reservoir that does not take much water, so it needs to be filled a few times for a full pitcher. LifeStraw only holds 2.5 cups of tap water, which is suitable for one person, but not a larger family, he added. 

Another factor to keep in mind with this pitcher is keeping the filter away from soap while washing the carafe.   

Pros
  • Lightweight and easy to hold.
  • Budget-friendly.
  • Filters many harmful contaminants.
Cons
  • Filters slowly.
  • Small capacity.

The Best Affordable Dishwasher-Safe Water Filter Pitcher

Pur Water Pitcher Filtration System

Most water filter pitchers are not dishwasher safe, and that is why Pur is a preferred choice by so many customers. Every part of the pitcher can be placed in a dishwasher for safe and efficient cleaning.   

The flip top is another advantage that makes it easy to pour water even into narrow glasses. The overall pitcher offers a slim design and a seven-cup capacity. Although it can easily fit into most kitchen spaces, the capacity requires constant refilling, especially if you have a few people in your household. Additionally, Pur comes in several colours such as lime, blush, and blue.   

A satisfied user of Pur noted that it offers even more superior filtration than Brita. “Brita does not fully eliminate the chlorine smell from tap water, but Pur does,” she noted. She continued that although Pur might show a bit slower filtration than Brita, the difference is not significant. She suggests trying to fill the pitcher when you are not using it to always have a fresh clean water ready for pouring. 

Pros
  • Slim and ergonomic design.
  • Available in several colours.
  • Budget-friendly.  
Cons
  • Must be refilled more frequently.

The Best Stainless Steel Affordable Water Filter Pitcher

pH Vitality Stainless Steel Alkaline Water Pitcher

pH Vitality is the last stainless steel water pitcher we want to feature. It is designed for high-pH alkaline water. The filter removes harmful elements including lead and chlorine, while leaving calcium and magnesium in the water.  The ionizing filtrating system purifies and softens water, increasing alkalinity and providing you with odourless drinking water.   

A satisfied reviewer noted that after a week of use, she came to realize, her family preferred to keep the pitcher full and at room temperature on their kitchen island near the faucet. When they use some water, they simply refill the pitcher and leave it on the counter. As for taste, the city water from the pitcher now has no off taste, she noted.  

The modern, curved design of pH Vitality is a stylish addition to any kitchen, an outdoor party or dining table. Besides, its capacity of 1.9 litres makes the pitcher a suitable choice for small families or friends gatherings.  

On-the-go filter pouch can purify up to 1700 cups of water ensuring long-lasting usability. Those filters are TUV and SGC tested which means in the long run you will save money and contribute to a cleaner planet by eliminating plastic disposable filters.   

Pros
  • Sophisticated design.
  • Large capacity.
  • Was tested for high quality.
Cons
  • As per several reviewers, the top edge is too sharp.

Questions and answers about water filter pitchers

What is the best water filter pitcher?

It depends on what you are expecting and looking for in a water filter pitcher. For instance, ZeroWater was voted by many reviewers as the best water filter pitcher due to combination of a price, capacity, purifying and chlorine removing capabilities.   

How does a water filter pitcher work?

A water filter pitcher comes with a filter installed inside the lid that works to reduce harmful contaminants from your drinking water. There are two ways of removing chlorine, chemically with activated carbon to attract contaminants, and physically with a net-like filter trap.   

How to use a water filter pitcher?

The first time you use a new filter it is recommended to fill up the pitcher and turn it upside down for at least fifteen minutes. Then release the water and flush the filter.   

A water filter pitcher can be used as often as you need clean water to drink. You have to refill the pitcher before putting it on the dining table or planning to drink a few glasses of purified water. Some water filter pitchers can take about thirty seconds to drip one cup, while others can take up to a few minutes.   

How to clean a water filter pitcher?

Unless you get a dishwasher-safe water filter pitcher, lid, reservoir and dispenser must be hand washed with a mild detergent. However, avoid washing filters with dish soap. Instead rinse them well or replace them when necessary. 

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Updated date

January 5th, 2024

About the author

Maria Kossman

Maria Kossman is an essayist, and content specialist at Rant-it.ca. Her writing appeared in a variety of fashion magazines. When she is not focused on reviewing and writing, she spends time exploring coffee shops, English literature and antique malls.
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