Should You Be Using a Ceramic-Based Water Filter Pitcher?

(Photo : Shah Hussain)

Getting a water filter pitcher is one of the best decisions a homeowner can make. 

A water filter pitcher is the simplest and most handy water filtering system available. It easily removes impurities from your tap water and stores clean water in a reservoir for later. 

But a water filter pitcher, even at its best, has a few limitations. Let's consider its many advantages and also its disadvantages.

Advantages of Water Filter Pitchers

Different pitcher filters have different types of filtering media in them. Most water pitchers use activated charcoal; others use ceramic filtration to remove impurities. That said, both filtering media give similar results. 

Let's break down the benefits of a water filtering pitcher;

1. Small, Portable, and Lightweight

Due to their relatively small size, pitcher filters can fit in your refrigerator and on your kitchen cabinets.

They also come in handy when traveling or going on an outdoor trip. You can get filtered water on the move and spend less money on bottled water.   

2. Water Filtering Pitchers Produce Clean Drinking Water

Don't let its small size fool you. Water filter pitchers are excellent at filtering regular tap water.

The charcoal- or ceramic-based filter cartridges remove several water contaminants, including harmful metals and small suspended debris in water. 

Your pitcher can also improve your water's taste by taking out the contaminants responsible. 

3. Easy to Use

Among all water filtering systems, pitchers are the easiest to use. 

Anyone can use a water filtering pitcher without reading the instruction manual. 

All you need to do is fill the reservoir with water and wait to get fresh, filtered H2O.

4. Very Economical

You can buy a unit for as little as $20, which is a steal considering the many benefits. Getting a water filter pitcher saves you a ton of money that could have been spent on purchasing larger filters or buying bottled drinking water. 

5. Portability

Most types of water filters are attached to kitchen faucets or placed permanently on the countertop-but not if you are using a filter pitcher.

You can take it with you anywhere you might need it. You can take it camping or any outdoor event. Living in the wild doesn't mean drinking wild, unpurified water.

6. It Does Not Require Installation

As soon as you purchase a water filter pitcher, you can start using it. It doesn't need to be installed, making it a lot easier to use than other filtering systems, especially for home occupants with little or no technical know-how.

7. No Water Pressure Needed

Filter pitchers couldn't be easier to use. You don't even need a constant water supply, as you'd need in an under sink or countertop water filter.

 All you need to do is fill the top reservoir with source water and wait a couple of minutes. Voila!

These are only the some advantages of using filter pitchers. The compiled list of 8 filtering water pitchers reviewed on BOS not only shows off the best models currently on the market, it also lists all the benefits you get out of them.   

Disadvantages of Water Filter Pitchers

A water filter pitcher has some disadvantages too.

1. Slow Filtering Rate

The biggest setback you may encounter with a water filter pitcher is its slow filtering rate. 

You'll have to wait for a while to get clean water after filling your pitcher with water. 

If you want to get filtered water quicker, you'll have to buy a more expensive home water filter. 

2. Purifies Water in Small Quantities

Unlike other filtration systems, a water pitcher filters a limited amount of water only, and you have to refill it from time to time for water to be readily available. 

This can be frustrating for a large-sized family because you may need to wait in line to quench your thirst. 

3. Increased Cost of Maintenance

Because of their small size, pitcher water filter cartridges need constant replacement. This replacement is usually done every month, and it's rather costly depending on the model you have. 

While using a water filter pitcher, you'd find that it costs more to maintain one than to get one.

4. Cannot Remove All Impurities from Water

A water filter pitcher can thoroughly remove several impurities from # regular tap water, but there are some impurities the technology simply can't handle.

It will remove harmful metals and organic compounds, but it may not eliminate bacteria. 

That is why your home's water supply must be treated and sanitized to remove bacteria before it is being filtered. 

Conclusion

Water filtering pitchers have many benefits - and some drawbacks. Their biggest advantage is the combination of effective contaminant removal from drinking water and ease of use plus portability. The biggest downside is the slow filtration.