Water filter pitchers are not only for drinking water. Coffee lovers also use filtered water in espresso machines, bean-to-cup, and pod coffee machines. It's popular among coffee experts! And if you enjoy tea, using filtered water in your kettle can help prevent limescale build-up. So, it's a win for both coffee and tea enthusiasts!
We tested various jugs based on cost, ease of use, taste, and environmental credentials to find the best water jugs to buy. Read on for our recommendations.
Best Overall: Bluji Water Purifier: Launches on April 2024! £75
Best for Good Looks : Aarke Purifier £99
Best for Speedy Filtration: Laica Filter Bottle, £24.99
Best for Two-Stage Filtration & Purification: Larq Pitcher Pure Vis, £168
Best for Eco Credentials: Phox Wave, £40
Best All-Round: BRITA Style Water Filter Jug, £24.99
Best Large Capacity: BRITA Flow, £36.66
Best for the Environment: Wanda Carafe, £39.95
Best for Multi-Tasking: pH REPLENISH Glass Alkaline Water Pitcher, £38
Best for Accurate Filter Changes: Aquaphor Onyx Water Filter Jug, £21.99
Best for Instant Filtration: Tapp Water Pitcher Pro, £49
Best to Match Your Kitchen: BWT Penguin 2.7L Water Filter Jug, £48.58
Best Budget Option: Argos Home Water Filter Jug, £14
Best water Filter jug to buy in 2024:
Bluji water purifier
Available at www.returnabl.com
A New Water Filter Bluji, created by Returnabl Limited, will launch in April 2024. This innovative water filter addresses common issues found in other filters, such as bulky designs, frequent refills, and fitting into your fridge. Its standout feature is the refillable filter, eliminating the need to buy and replace plastic cartridges. Additionally, Bluji offers an optional alkaline capsule that can be easily twisted into the filter's bottom. The first Bluji filters will start shipping in August this year.
Pros:
- Stylish
- Exellent water taste
- Optional capsule for alkaline water
- Glass
- Large capacity of 3L
- Fits in the fridge shelf
- Refillable Filter
Cons:
- Caution when inserting the cartridge
Star rating: 5/5
- Capacity: 3L filtered water
- Material: Glass
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
- Filter Indicator: No, email notification
- Bpa free: Yes
- Fits in fridge: Yes
Best for Good Looks Aarke Purifier water filter jug
Available from Currys PC World (£94.99), Lakeland (£99.99), Very.co.uk (£100.00) and OnBuy com (£135.11)
Pros:
Stylish
Good water taste
Cons:
Heavy
Does not fit in the fridge door
Star rating: 4/5
The Aarke Purifier is a stylish water filter jug made of glass and stainless steel. It looks more like a coffee maker than a filter. It has a leak-proof rubber seal in the lid and a rubber base to keep it stable on surfaces. However, it might be too big for some fridge doors. This eco-friendly Swedish-designed jug has no plastic parts. It has a reusable stainless-steel filter that helps reduce limescale, heavy metals, and chlorine from your water. The filtered water tastes better, clean, and smooth. It has a handy dial on the lid to remind you when to change the filter granules. The granules last for up to 120 liters. The jug is dishwasher-safe, which is a plus. It's a bit heavy when full, but overall, it's a great water filter jug.
Capacity: filter 1.8 litres, total volume 2.4 litres
Fits in fridge door: no
Dishwasher-safe: yes
Filter indicator: dial in the lid
BPA-free: yes
Laica filter bottle
Best water filter jug for speedy filtration
Pros:
- Quick
- Instant filtration
- Budget price
Cons:
- Small capacity
- Awkward to get the top on
Star rating: 5/5
The Laica filter bottle is the smallest water filter tested, holding 1.1 litres. It filters water quickly and efficiently, eliminating the need to wait for water to pass through a jug. Simply fill it directly from the tap, screw on the top, and you're good to go.
The tall glass carafe is simple and elegant, fitting nicely in a fridge door or on a table. The screw-top housing holds the small Fast Disk carbon filter. The lid has a secure closure and an indicator to remind you to change the filter every month or after 120 litres.
It's important to screw the top on tightly to ensure a smooth pour. Initially, we had some difficulty with this, but it became easier with practice and the water flowed quickly and evenly. After filtering, the water still had a slight chalky taste from limescale, but any metallic flavors and odors were eliminated. Considering the price and convenience, this water filter is a great deal. It's simple, stylish, and gets the job done.
Capacity: filter 1.1 litres
Fits in fridge door: yes
Dishwasher-safe: yes
Filter indicator: dial in the lid
BPA-free: yes
Larq Pitcher Pure Vis
Best water filter jug for two-stage filtration and purification
Pros:
- Double filtration and purification
- Rechargeable filtration light
- Large capacity
Cons:
- Heavy
Star rating: 5/5
The Larq Pitcher Pure Vis water filter is impressive. It has a large glass jug with an easy-to-hold handle and a stylish screw-on reservoir that holds the advanced filter. The filter has a unique two-stage filtration process. The first stage involves water passing through a plant-based cartridge in the reservoir to remove contaminants. The second stage uses a patented PureVis™ UV-C LED blue light to reduce bacteria in the water. The light also automatically cleans the water in the jug every six hours for 60 seconds, making the jug self-cleaning.
This high-tech water filter is super-efficient and produces delicious-tasting, clear, clean, and soft water. The filter lasts an astonishing 230 litres, which is higher than many other filters. We believe it is worth the money for the quality of water it provides and the stylish look of the jug. It would be a great addition to any kitchen counter or table.
Capacity: 1.9 litres
Fits in fridge door: yes
Dishwasher-safe: self-cleaning
Filter indicator: in app
BPA-free: yes
Phox wave
Best water filter jug for eco credentials
Pros:
- Refillable cartridge
- Choice of filter purpose
- Letterbox subscription
- British made
Cons:
- Caution when inserting the cartridge
Star rating: 5/5
The Phox Wave is a new water filter jug made in Britain by a sustainable company near Glasgow.
It has excellent eco-credentials, as it tries to source most of its manufacturing, packaging, design, and distribution within a 50-mile radius of its office in Glasgow.
The water filter jug is attractive and made of BPA- and phthalate-free plastic with a stainless steel handle. It is lightweight and can hold up to 2.8 liters of water, fitting easily into most refrigerator doors. The filter is refillable and comes in two types: one for clean water and one for alkaline water. Each filter lasts up to 45 days or 200 liters, which is impressive.
We did have some difficulty fitting the filter into the reservoir and even dropped it twice, losing some of the granules. However, when we tested the clean filter, we were pleased with the soft and clean taste of the water it produced. It was one of the best filters we tested.
Capacity: 2.8 litres
Fits in fridge door: yes
Dishwasher-safe: yes
Filter indicator: in app
BPA-free: yes
BRITA Style water filter jug
Best all-round water filter jug
Pros:
- Simple and accurate filter indicator
- Sleek looks
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Small reservoir
- Confusing instructions
Star rating: 5/5
Many water jugs use BRITA filters because BRITA dominates the market. The jug has a stylish design with a choice of blue, grey, or green lids. It is made of durable materials and is easy to use.
The Style jug uses BRITA's new Maxtra+ filters, which need to be replaced every four weeks. A pack of three filters costs £17.25. The filter has a unique indicator that resembles traffic lights. It can be removed so that the entire jug can be put in the dishwasher. The indicator should last around five years. When you fill the jug, a light on the lid flashes green, orange, or red to show how much longer the filter will last. This gives you time to buy replacements. BRITA also has a filter recycling scheme that you can access online to find participating stores near you.
This model fits in a fridge door, but there is also a larger 3.6-litre XL version available. The reservoir of the 2.4-litre version only holds 1 litre of water, so it needs to be refilled regularly. The filtered water from this jug tastes noticeably softer. Overall, it is a great choice for all purpose
Capacity: 2.4l
Fits in fridge door: yes
Dishwasher safe: yes
Filter indicator: yes
BRITA Flow
Best large-capacity water filter jug
Pros:
- Great value
- Big capacity
- Recyclable filters
Cons:
- Bulky and heavy
- Confusing instructions
Star rating: 5/5
The tank version of the BRITA Style jug holds 8.2 litres, perfect for BRITA jug fans tired of frequent refills.
It has a tap at the bottom that pours smoothly and locks into place. The sleek design in blue and white looks great on your kitchen counter or in the fridge. Filling is easy with the sliding panel.
If you struggle with the instruction leaflet, don't worry. The filter is easy to fit. Instructions are printed on the packet and it's intuitive to install. This tank is not suitable for frail users, but it's great for households that use a lot of filtered water.
Capacity: 8.2l
Fits in fridge door: no
Dishwasher safe: yes, apart from lid
Filter indicator: yes
Wanda Carafe
- Available from Wanda (£29.95)
Best water filter jug for the environment
Pros:
- Looks great
- Filter is biodegradable
- No plastic
Cons:
- Filter less effective
- Slow filtering
- Expensive filters
Star rating: 4.5/5
This glass carafe is elegant and hand-made. It comes with a charcoal bamboo filter that removes taste and odors from tap water. The filter also adds minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
It is better for the environment than plastic filters, which are not always recyclable. To use the bamboo filter, rinse it and add it to the jug. Then fill the jug with water. It takes an hour to filter the water, so it is not the best choice for those who want filtered water quickly.
The bamboo filter lasts a month and needs a quick refresh in boiling water after two weeks. When you are done, you can crush the filter and use it as plant food. Replacement filters cost just under £10.
This carafe is undoubtedly attractive. It fits comfortably in the fridge door and can hold 1.4 liters of water. It is dishwasher-safe, except for the lid, which needs to be hand-washed. The glass is relatively thin, so it may not be ideal for those who are likely to bump it on the fridge door. However, as long as it remains intact, it will look fantastic.
Capacity: 1.4l
Fits in fridge door: yes
Dishwasher safe: yes, apart from the lid
Filter indicator: no
Available from:
pH REPLENISH glass alkaline water pitcher
Best water filter jug for multi-tasking
Pros:
- Biodegradable filter
- Long-lasting
- Good looks
- Travel pouch included
Cons:
- Doesn't fit in all fridge doors
- Need to buy test strips separately to check pH
Star rating: 4.5/5
The pH REPLENISH jug raises the pH of tap and bottled water from 6.5-7.5 to 9+. It comes with a leaflet explaining the health benefits of drinking alkaline water. However, these claims are not supported by strong scientific evidence. You can test the pH using separate drops.
The pH REPLENISH filter is a biodegradable pouch that contains mineral balls made of eight different materials. It removes harmful bacteria, lead, aluminium, and chlorine, while adding iron, zinc, and calcium. Each filter lasts for about 106 days. Replacements cost around £24 for three, which is a good value.
The filtered water is smoother and less tangy. The jug is easy to use. Simply soak the pouch for six minutes before putting it inside the infuser. It is also a stylish and sturdy glass jug that can be used for making fruit-infused and chilled water. Without the infuser, it can be used as a wine carafe. So, even if you're not convinced by the health claims, it is still an attractive option.
Capacity: 1l
Fits in fridge door: no
Dishwasher safe: yes
Filter indicator: no
Aquaphor Onyx water filter jug
Best water filter jug for accurate filter changes
Pros:
- Attractive design
- Good value
- Large capacity
Cons:
- Too big for a fridge door
- Bulky
- Filter requires soaking before use
Star rating: 4.5/5
Priced at £22, this jug offers great value. Unlike other plastic water jugs, it has a sleek rounded design, making it one of the most attractive options we tested.
One standout feature is the unique filter indicator. Instead of relying on batteries like most electronic indicators, this jug has an analog indicator that is triggered when you open the lid. Simply set it to zero when you attach a new filter, and it will increment each time you fill the jug, accurately measuring your usage rather than indicating the filter's age. It's a simple yet clever design.
It would have been nice to have a transparent reservoir to monitor the progress of water filtering. However, since this jug is larger than most, you won't need to refill it as frequently. Keep in mind that its size may prevent it from fitting in a standard fridge door. The filter effectively removes iron and heavy metals while adding magnesium, resulting in noticeably smoother water.
Specifications
Capacity: 4.2l
Fits in fridge door: no
Dishwasher safe: yes, apart from the lid
Filter indicator: yes
Tapp Water Pitcher Pro
Best water filter jug for instant filtration
Pros:
- Easy to assemble and use
- Filters 80+ substances
Cons:
- Instructions only on an app
Star rating: 4.5/5
The Tapp Water Pitcher Pro is an easy-to-use water filter. It comes with a sturdy glass carafe, a tube attachment for faster pouring, and an activated carbon fiber filter.
The filter can be rinsed under running water for 60 seconds, placed in the carafe lid, and filled with tap water.
The Pitcher Pro is an instant filtration filter, so it filters the water as you pour. It removes chlorine, limescale, heavy metals, microplastics, and up to 80 other organisms without removing healthy minerals.
The filter needs to be replaced every three months and is not reusable. Overall, we liked the simplicity and great taste of the water from the Pitcher Pro.
Capacity: 1.45 litres
Fits in fridge door: yes
Dishwasher-safe: glass and lid
Filter indicator: on an app
BPA-free: n/a
BWT Penguin 2.7l water filter jug
Best water filter jug to match your kitchen
Pros:
- Comes in a variety of colours
- Sturdy
- Enriches water with magnesium
Cons:
- Short filter life
- Opaque reservoir
Star rating: 4/5
Water jugs usually come in white and blue, but the Best Water Penguin comes in five different colors, including orange and aubergine, to match your kitchen.
It can hold 1.5 liters of filtered water and has a large reservoir, so you don't have to refill it often. It is also slim enough to fit in a fridge door. If you choose a colored lid, you need to wash it regularly to prevent limescale build-up.
The lid cannot be put in the dishwasher with the jug because of an electronic indicator that tells you when to replace the filter, either in liters or weeks. The lid of the jug is small and can be difficult to put on and take off, so it may not be suitable for people with weak hands.
The Best Water's filters use patented magnesium technology to add minerals to tap water, remove lead and copper, and make the water almost neutral in pH. The water tasted smoother after using the filter. However, the filters don't last long, only four weeks, and a three-month supply costs £12.99.
Capacity: 2.7l
Fits in fridge door: yes
Dishwasher safe: yes, apart from the lid
Filter indicator: yes
Argos Home water filter jug
Best budget water filter jug
Pros:
- Fantastic value
- Takes BRITA cartridges
- Easy to fill
Cons:
- Slow filtering
- Basic design
Star rating: 4/5
This water jug is great and surprisingly affordable. It has a filter change indicator and works with both BRITA Maxtra and own-brand filters.
The jug is simple and sturdy, with easy-to-remove parts and a tab to prevent the filter tank from coming out with the lid. It pours smoothly, is lightweight, and fits in a fridge door.
The tank is a bit small and the filtering process is slow, but considering the price, these are minor issues. When using Argos own-brand filters, there was no noticeable taste difference compared to tap water. However, choosing slightly more expensive BRITA filters will result in a distinct taste difference, and they are also recyclable.
Capacity: 1.25l
Fits in fridge door: yes
Dishwasher safe: yes
Filter indicator: yes
How to choose the best water filter jug
- Capacity: The size of the jug you need depends on a few factors. Consider how much you drink daily and how many people in your household will use the water filter jug.There are no strict rules for the size of the jug you should buy, but here is some general guidance: - For one to two people, a jug with a capacity of one to two liters is sufficient. - For families, individuals who drink a lot, or if you prefer not to refill the jug frequently throughout the day, a jug with a capacity of two liters or more is recommended.
- Size: if you plan on keeping your water filter jug in the fridge, check the dimensions of your chosen jug before buying to ensure that it’ll fit comfortably in or on the shelves.
How often should you change the filter on your water filter jug?
The answer to this question depends on the brand and model of your water filter jug, as well as how often you use it. Some filters have indicators to signal when it's time to change them. However, all new filters will have a specified lifespan, usually measured in months, ranging from two to six months. If you can't recall when you last changed your filter, watch out for these signs indicating that it needs to be replaced:
- Water smells odd
- Water tastes metallic
- Water is filtering slower than usual