Which Filtered Water Brand is the Best Choice?

When it comes to filtering tap water, Brita Standard Metro Water Filter Pitcher is one of the most popular and well-known brands on the market. For those who want to purify all the water that comes out of the tap, an under-counter filter is a great option. However, these can be expensive and complicated to install. An excellent choice is the Aquasana 2-stage undersink water filter.

Another great option is the CleanWater4less countertop water filtration system, which is easy to install and has a universal diverter valve that connects directly to most faucets. The CleanWater4less system has a 10-cup capacity, making it a good balance between size and portability. The filter lasts 200 gallons before needing to be replaced. For larger families, the Brita Slim Water Dispenser has an 18-cup capacity and can be stored in the refrigerator.

It ships with long-life Brita filters that require replacement after 120 gallons, or you can use standard 40-gallon filters. For those on a budget, the AmazonBasics AMZB-G30CW filtration system provides countertop filtration at an affordable price. Each product can filter 30,000 gallons of water, but there is no replaceable filter so you'll need to discard it and buy a new one when it's done. When looking for a filtered water bottle, look for one with a high-quality filter that is designed to last.

The activated carbon filter should extend across the filter media for maximum surface area for ions and molecules to bind. Grayl's heavy-duty water filtration and purification system is designed to filter protozoa, chemicals, particles (such as dirt and sand), heavy metals, bacteria and viruses. It comes with a Longlast+ filter that lasts six months instead of two and doesn't leave black carbon stains in the water like the original filters. The Clearly Filtered Insulated Stainless Steel Filtered Water Bottle removes up to 99% of 220+ contaminants, including lead, fluorine, pesticides, pharmaceuticals and more.

Filter bottles offer a much simpler and more convenient solution than tedious methods of filtering or decontaminating water such as boiling water or adding disinfectant tablets. Pitchers don't offer the convenience of a sink strainer because they need to be refilled, but some people prefer them because they allow filtered water to cool which can make it more enjoyable to drink. The AmazonBasics AMZB-G30CW filtration system also removes radon, a radioactive material that most filters don't remove, and more than 90% of fluoride (which some prefer to remove while others don't). Both systems work in a similar way by trapping impurities when water flows through the filter media either inside the bottle when you fill it or out of the bottle when you drink from it.

The design requires users to press down on the filter for water to flow through the filter and be cleaned. All Brita filters come with NSF certifications and their jugs are popular for their ease of use - just place a filter in the jug and you're good to go. Since there are many times when filtered water isn't required, this makes it easy to turn filtering on and off so that drinking water is clean but dishes can be rinsed with unfiltered water. A water filter might cost more initially but the price and frequency of filter refills can save you money in the long run. Whole house water filters remove contaminants before they enter your home so you can be sure that all your cooking, washing clothes and showering needs are met with filtered and ready-to-use water.