Comparing Countertop Water Filters vs. Pitcher Filters
Countertop and pitcher water filters are both popular due to their low cost, ease of use, and portability. While these filters can help you get cleaner, better-tasting water—not all options are equal. To help you choose the right water filter for your home, we’ve pitted countertop and pitcher filters in a battle for hydration glory. May the best filter win!
Countertop Filters
Countertop water filters, sometimes called water dispensers, are systems that sit on countertops or refrigerator shelves and provide water with the push of a button or handle. These filters typically feature multi-stage filtration or nanotechnology to remove contaminants from drinking water. Some countertop filters will even use power to dispense water, providing an immediate and clear stream.
Pros of Countertop Filters
- Easy to use
- Don’t require installation
- Fast filtration speed
Cons of Countertop Filters
- Less portable
- Don’t provide whole-house filtration
- Limited in water capacity
Related: The Top 10 Contaminants in Your Drinking Water
Pitcher Filters
Water filter pitchers are typically glass or plastic pitchers with a built-in filter to remove harmful contaminants from drinking water. Most of these types of water filters use gravity to filter the water. Once water is poured into the top of the pitcher, it is filtered through a carbon filter by the natural force of gravity. As water passes through the filter, contaminants are caught, and the clean water trickles into the reservoir to be poured into a drinking glass.
Pros of Pitcher Filters
- Easy-to-use
- Low cost
- Portable
- Don’t require installation
Cons of Pitcher Filters
- Limited efficacy
- Restricted capacity
- Slow filtration speed
Which Water Filter is Right for You?
While both water filters are good for entry-level systems, countertop filters are generally the better option due to their increased efficacy and larger overall volume. Although pitcher filters are more portable, their slow filtration speed is a significant drawback, as users find themselves waiting for filtered water more often rather than having it on demand with a countertop filter.
Additionally, while many pitcher filters are effective in removing some contaminants, they aren’t usually the most effective filters on the market. Most feature only one stage of filtration, meaning they can’t remove all of the contaminants in your water, including microplastics and forever chemicals.
Learn More: Forever Chemicals: A Threat Lurking in Your Water
Filter Your Water with International Pure Water
At International Pure Water, we carry premier countertop water filters that deliver pristine drinking water through our nanotechnology filtration process. Our filter boasts a 200-gallon lifespan and includes four cartridge replacements annually. The 1.06-gallon lower chamber provides all-day hydration from water 99% free of forever chemicals, microplastics, lead, and more.
Get your hands on this game changing water filter by pre-ordering below.