The beginnings of PUR go back to the 1980s when Brian Sullivan, a 24-year old Harvard graduate and budding entrepreneur, learned of a potential opportunity fresh out of college. Here the Brita was swifter, but not by much. Insert the filter into the reservoir gently. Patricia Miller has a background in product development and deep roots in the housewares and appliance industry. Today, PUR produces filtration technology for water faucets, pitchers, and dispensers. It is more effective compared to simple carbon that does not get rid of every contaminant, especially dissolved inorganic substances. The pitchers are one thing, but the price of the replacement filters is what really matters. These dissolved solids can get deposited inside water in different ways. Coming with an NFS certification, Brita filters can remove most water contaminants effectively. The main purpose of any water filter pitcher is to remove as much junk from your tap water as possible. See how a store is chosen for you. Zero Water does an excellent job removing total dissolved solids from water, alongside a bunch of other impurities. If you want to read more reviews and compare current prices, both brands are available on Amazon at the links below: Tell us your thoughts on ZeroWater and Pur! PUR has been a leader in the water filtration industry for over 30 years, while ZeroWater is a relatively new brand best known for its innovative five-stage filter. Sullivan ended up buying the patent, launching a business, and developing the water filtration product line over time. The story of ZeroWater started back in 2003 when Rajan Rajan and his son Mathu were living in a small Michigan town with poor water quality. Theres a reason why PUR has been a market leader for decades; their products work, and they work really well. ZeroWater has a five-stage ion exchange filter. PUR has three price points for its pitchers, offering Basic (lowest cost), Classic (in the middle), and Ultimate (most expensive) models. Lets quickly compare each brands history to better understand the foundation of their products. Just like Zero Water, Brita functions to a high standard and promises to remove most contaminants in the water. According to the manufacturer, the pitcher can remove up to 99% of the fluoride in the water alongside a list of other chemicals, heavy metals, and organic contaminants. Fourth stage: This is the dual exchange of ion arrays that is very comprehensive. Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher Review: (Tested To NSF Standards), remove most solid contaminants from water. Brita water pitcher doesnt have a dispenser function, but if you have a bigger family and would rather buy a dispenser, you can opt for the brands Standard dispenser instead. Surprisingly effective, these pitchers come equipped with a patented 5-stage filtration system with ion exchange capabilities. Bottom Line: Which Water Filter Pitcher Is Better? These include everything from cordless and robot vacuum cleaners to fire pits, grills and coffee makers. It BPA-free and requires no installation before use, It approximately 4 minutes to filter 1 quart of water. PUR also lists heavy metals and inorganic non-metals, but also target pesticides, herbicides, pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemicals. A filter that you can attach to your faucet. Our impression based on our own tests is that the ZeroWater pitchers can produce gallons of water (one cup a second) with its only major shortcomings being its cost but it is still the best choice for product value & product quality. Quality Filter Testing Laboratory, LLC, an independent company that specializes in water quality testing, administered this test. ), Demineralized Water Vs Distilled Water Differences Explained, Chlorine, taste and odor, Lead, Other heavy metals, arsenic, Pesticides, and herbicides, Chloramines, Bacteria, Particulate, Chlorine, taste and odor, Mercury, Cadmium, Copper, Zinc, Particulate. Also known as Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) is the total concentration of inorganic salts, (e.g. So, in terms of the filter lifespan, theres no significant difference between ZeroWater and PUR. They recommend filter replacement every two months or when the sensor (on Classic and Ultimate pitcher models) shows its time. Do you agree or disagree with this comparison? All ZeroWater products come with a free water TDS meter test meter to test the purity. They consumed bottled water daily, which they dutifully lugged from the grocery store. Product Offerings: ZeroWater has six different sizes of water filter pitchers, compared to PURs three water pitcher designs and two sizes. Zero Water ZP-010 measures 12.25 x 6 x 11.63 inches, but it weighs only 1lb when empty. We prefer Britas electronic filter indicator, but if you want more thorough monitoring of the filtration process, Zero Water is for you. Fortunately, both ZeroWater and PUR have an excellent reputation in the water filtration marketplace. Just like Zero Water, Brita promises to remove most solid contaminants from water. Kitchen & CookingHome MaintenanceCleaningHome EssentialsBrowse All CategoriesBrowse All Brands, About UsMeet the TeamContact UsJobsTerms & ConditionsPrivacy Policy. A friend of his professor held a patent for a device that could desalinate (take salt out of) seawater. But its time to make a decision. Waiting around for water to run through a filter is a drag, especially when you're parched. The Best Water Filter Pitcher, according to the well-respected independent tester, The Wirecutter. When it comes to choosing between Zero Water and Brita, its all down to needs and preferences. Helen of Troy Ltd. is home to PUR and other recognizable brands such as OXO, Braun, Revlon, and Sure. Over time, though, many competitors have entered the ring. ZeroWater water pitcher gets rid of 99.6% of harmful by-products like herbicides present in your tap water and is NSF certified. Brita's Longlast filters are a little more expensive at $17 a pop. See our price match guarantee. During the second stage, a foam distributor disperses the water evenly across the width of the filter, increasing its efficiency as well as its lifespan. PUR offers a special Lead Reduction filter that is certified by the Water Quality Association (WQA) to remove 99% of lead. If you have a busy lifestyle and dont want to test your water, this system is more convenient. You can set it to alert you when it's time to swap in a new Brita water filter. National Primary Drinking Water Regulations list, ZeroWater water filter pitchers on Amazon, Environmental Working Groups (EWG) tap water database, Epic Water Filters Review: The Pros & Cons You Need to Know, Things to Buy for a New House (The Complete Checklist), How to Lower Your Water and Sewer Bill (30 Easy Ways), How Much Water Does a Dishwasher Use? However, tests show ZeroWater pitchers has been proven to be more effective for removing stuff like dissolved sediments like lead, chlorine & fluoride. By contrast, the reports from EWG and PUR are extensivebreaking down the lead level, providing an overview of contaminants, showing where your water comes from, treatment facilities, and how many times your local water is treated. ZeroWater claims to remove 99.6 percent of TDS to produce pleasant tasting water. Its like a magnet for the bad stuff in your water. Also, after multiple uses, the membrane gradually gets blocked which increases the time required for the system to work. In the process, it also gets rid of a certain amount of useful minerals. An NYC native, Brian now resides in bucolic Louisville, Kentucky where he rides longboards downhill in his free time. ZeroWater filter pitchers tend to be slightly more expensive than PUR. The boldest newcomer is ZeroWater. Youre concerned about the Lead content in your water. Brita water filter pitcher doesnt remove them. A specific size pitcher (ZeroWater products range from a 3 cup tumbler to a 40 cup dispenser). According to the manufacturer, Zero Water filters remove up to 99.6% of all dissolved solids in water, and they really stand up to their claim. Connect with Andrew viaemail,LinkedIn, or thePrudent Reviews YouTube channel. A 5-stage filter that removes virtually all TDS and reduces or removes 23 contaminants on the. Which begs the question, why? Luckily though, you dont have to break a bank to drink clean water. You can get false readings on the water test meter if unfiltered or soapy water is in the pitcher when you start a new batch of filtered water. Heres an overview of the PUR three-stage filter: PUR focuses on tackling specific contaminants rather than focusing on overall TDS levels. CWM is an EPA-certified lab when it comes to testing drinking water. One company, Brita, has dominated this space for decades. Zero Water and Brita Standard Everyday may look alike, but they are very different. Each level has a cumulative effect on purity until the neutral taste is achieved. There have also been reports of these particular toxins causing irregular heartbeats, allergic reactions, mood changes, kidney and liver damages. Since the water has to go through the length of five tiers of purification, the speed & flow rate can be a bit slow. It also removes compounds like zinc and chlorine taste via oxidation alloy which could be responsible for the metallic taste or the overall horrible smell & taste that your water has. Brita uses an activated carbon filter to reduce chlorine from municipal water supplies and improve tap water taste. Push it down and twist it clockwise to secure it in place. Verify that the O-ring is present on your filter below the threads to prevent leakage. Speaking about kids (and people with hand arthritis), we must also mention that this water filter pitcher has a pouring spout and a spigot. Design and Special Features: ZeroWater has a patented five-stage ion exchange filter designed to remove virtually all Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and heavy metals from tap water. After soaking, flush the filter for at least 10 seconds under the tap (this helps flush out stray carbon grains). That fact outweighs all others and makes the ZeroWater top dog in my book. Lets take a look at each product offering: Like ZeroWater, PUR offers water filters, water filtration pitchers, and dispensers. The company manufactures a range of water pitchers with a capacity of between six and 40 cups. Zero Water is much younger than Brita, but the brand manages to impress. Then, the water passes through an activated carbon filter that removes organic contaminants and chlorine. For this reason, you should use the TDS meter daily to make sure the water is clean before drinking. To measure this I poured 16 ounces of tap water into each pitcher. PUR vs. Brita: Similarities, Differences, and Which is Best? Even bottled water is processed using various purification methods! Ease of Use: ZeroWater is easier to use since it does not require soaking and flushing filters. PUR Basic pitchers are the most cost-effective, then Classic pitchers, and finally Ultimate pitchers which are the most expensive. This is the step most Pur and Brita pitchers stop. The solvency of water makes it susceptible to easily dissolving impurities. The ZeroWater pitcher uses an exchange process via ions, in water purification, its one of the most effective methods that remove undesirable material and replaces it with a non-objectionable or less objectionable ionic substance. Afiltered pitcheris a simple, relatively affordable way to scrub your tap water so that it's a little cleaner, even if not necessarily free from all impurities. This makes ion tech a more efficient option to attain the purest form of water. Zero Water is one of the leading brands in the world of countertop water filters. No matter which you pick, rest assured you and your family will have access to clean, delicious drinking water. Numerous tests show purifying your water through the ZeroWater pitcher will lead to cleaner, pure-tasting clean water which some may consider bland because of its near-zero TDS but an overall better drinking experience. Rajan, an engineer and inventor, worked with his son Mathu to study existing water filtration systems. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Bottom Line: PUR is the more trusted brand with a longer track record of proven results, but ZeroWater has an innovative filtering system and unique features that make the extra cost worth considering. Or, maybe you recently entered your zip code into the Environmental Working Groups tap water database and discovered that the water from your faucet isnt as clean as you thought. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. The filter is NSF-certified to reduce lead and chromium (heavy metals). There are other systems available capable of cleaning tap water such as Brita water pitchers. Moments later, I ran tap water from the same faucet through each filter pitcher, then tested their ppm. The filter doesnt last for as long as advertised, but the water purity meter included in the pack shows its completely free of impurities. To save money with a less expensive pitcher and replacement filters. ZeroWater results show how your local water scores on the TDS meter. Based on that, ZeroWater wins the round, but overall they both rank high for addressing contaminants in waterespecially heavy metals. The goal of ZeroWaters five-stage filter is to reduce TDS to a zero reading (000) or score on its water test meter, hence the name of the product. It can distort the development of the fetus, especially the nervous system, causing children to be born with neurological defects and intellectual disability. The water filtered with Zero Water is palatable and has no detectable odor. I also appreciate the extra flap on the back of the lid that makes faucet refills easier. Zero Water and Brita Standard Everyday clean water in a similar way, but Zero Water removes more contaminants. In this section, I cover how each brand compares in terms of product offerings. (25 Real Examples), How Much Water Does a Washing Machine Use? The first layer of the filter consists of coarse filtration components developed to filter out fine particles and sediment. In this article, we are going to analyze the two main water pitcher brands, Zero Water vs. Brita. ZeroWater is an excellent option too, and their innovative 5-stage filters have proven to be just as, if not more, effective than PUR. The ZeroWater 8 Cup cut those impurities down to nothing. All systems including Brita pitcher does this. We made inquiries from a number of users including Brita users to bring you this informed, detailed critical review based on customer ratings. At $30 per two-pack, ZeroWater filters cost $15 each. I do know that my local water quality here in Louisville, Kentucky, is actually quite good. This 8-cup model from ZeroWater uses what the company calls five-stage water filtration. A water pitcher is a cost-effective solution to think of. However, the system only reduces a trace amount of fluoride. 2022 CNET, a Red Ventures company. Also, you dont need to flush the filter every time you refill the pitcher. The company even includes a TDS (total dissolved solids) meter with its products. But they also make refrigerator filters and filtration units that you can mount on faucets. A pro, however, is that it fits easily on most fridge doors. The brand has been around for decades and performs brilliantly. Prices, promotions, styles and availability may vary by store & online. While this claim is true, it is also true that excess fluoride can cause a series of diseases, including debilitating bone disease, kidney issues, cognitive impairment, hyperthyroidism, osteoporosis, cancer, and even depression. We like that it doesnt filter out healthy minerals and that it filters water relatively fast. Thus, Sullivan co-founded Recovery Engineering, Inc. in 1986, a Minneapolis, Minnesota-based business which creates and distributes water filtration systems, portable water systems, and reverse osmosis desalinators under the PUR brand name. While it did take slightly longer to process water, the filtering powers of the ZeroWater 8 Cup Pitcher were impressive. All Rights Reserved. The filter also removes lead and other heavy metals, chlorine, some chemicals, and impurities. I went to my local Target and selected the least expensive pitcher I could find from both brands. The EWG report also shows you how the level of each contaminant in your water compares to the national average, the state average, and the EWG Guidelines. Certified by the NSF, the Zero Water systems claim they can remove up to 99.6% of all solid contaminants in water. Both brands also offer replacement filters and water dispensers. Join our free newsletter and get the latest reviews, deals, giveaways, and exclusive content. The filter also reduces odors, while mechanical filtration removes impurities. Twist the filter tightly into the bottom of the reservoir. What makes Zero Water different from any other pitcher filter is the list of features and certifications that set it apart. That's a modest reduction of 21.4 percent. In moderate water conditions (TDS of 002-050), ZeroWater filters are designed to produce 40 or more gallons of water on a single filter. It is made of plastic and features a one-hand push to dispense button that makes it possible to fill your cup without any lifting. Provides 120 Gallons or 6 months of filtration capacity. Regardless of your reason, using a water filter pitcher or a faucet filtration system at home is a wise decision. While this is not a flaw but rather a conscious design choice, most people might prefer a pitcher that can remove fluoride too. ZeroWater reduces or removes 23 contaminants on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Primary Drinking Water Regulations list, while PUR reduces or removes only 12 contaminants on that list. Tests show exposure and consumption of high amounts of heavy metals including lead could cause brain and kidney damage, anemia, weakness, and even death. Brita may not remove as many contaminants as Zero Water, but we like the taste of water filtered with this pitcher better. EcoFilter 10 Cup Water Filter Pitcher from ZeroWater - Green, undefined out of 5 stars with undefined reviews. They spent five years researching and testing water filters and, based on their research, recommend the PUR Pitcher replacement filter with Lead Reduction or the Basic PUR pitcher filter used in conjunction with the PUR Classic 11-cup pitcher. Both Zero Water and Brita Standard Everyday water filter pitchers lived up to expectations. You also get a TDS meter that's bundled with the product. Portable water has numerous benefits and differences that Pur and Brita home systems dont have. Although they target different contaminants, independent tests show that both brands effectively purify your water. All these claims are proved by the TDS meter included in the package and which you can use to check the quality of the filtered water. Check out these results from recent tests on water filtration pitchers: The Wirecutter, a New York Times company, is a site dedicated to finding the best products for consumers through testing and research. Can I Drink Boiled RO Water? First stage: Removes items like fine particles and sediments from water. Water contaminants are a nuisance, but the vital liquid also contains nutrients you might not want to remove. The main difference is the 5-stage filtration system Zero Water employs. Click on the chart below to compare the current prices of each brands most popular pitchers and filters on Amazon. Extra features like Ready-Pour Technology, bottom spigots, and a free water quality meter. The truth is, you cant go wrong with either. Brita is a more affordable option for those who mainly use a municipal water supply. In my opinion, ZeroWater pitchers are easier to use than PUR. I also made sure that each pitcher came with one filter in the box. Zero Water ZP-010 and Brita Standard Everyday Water pitchers have the same capacity, but there are significant design differences to consider. Zero Water is slightly larger, but it is lighter and easier to handle. Fill pitcher reservoir on top with cold tap water and attach lid; the water will begin to trickle through the filter into the bottom of the pitcher. Both ZeroWater and PUR have fans and naysayers, but what do independent tests and comparisons show? ZeroWater made the cut, coming in at number seven for the Best Tumbler Water Filter. You pay a little more for the Brita Grand but it has slightly larger capacity (10 cups). It took 1 minute and 56 seconds to complete the task. If youve bought a water filter pitcher, you probably have questions like: How long do Brita filters last? or How often to change Brita filters?. In this in-depth comparison of ZeroWater vs. PUR, youll learn how these brands stack up in terms of reputation, product options, effectiveness, ease of use, design, filter lifespan, price, and much more. It also has a spigot on the bottom of most of their pitchers that allows you to fill your water glass without having to remove the pitcher from the fridge. To be notified when its time to replace the filter. Another highlight is the covered pouring sprout. However, sodium in water might be a concern if youre on a low sodium diet. I measured the TDS level of my tap water, unfiltered, to get a baseline number. That's why one important factor to consider is filtering time. You can check the water in your area for TDS by entering your zip code into the Environmental Working Groups (EWG) tap water database, or both ZeroWater and PUR offer similar water quality lookups on their websites (check it out on ZeroWater.com and KnowYourWater.PUR.com). Zero Water pitchers may be the best in the class, but they are not flawless. It disperses the water more evenly across the entire width of the pticher to remove more sediments more efficiently. Lead is dangerous in pregnant women because it can cross the placenta barrier. Some are from naturally occurring sources like rocks, while others come through human activities like agricultural and industrial runoff. The manufacturer does not give you a percentage though. PUR Ultimate 11-cup pitcher won fourth place. Sure, Zero Water removes more contaminants, and the wait might be worthwhile if your water source might be contaminated or if you live in an older building and are concerned about lead in the water. The filter lifespan depends on the number of people in your household and how much water each person consumes, which makes it difficult to pinpoint an exact time frame. We painstakingly performed numerous tests & researched everything you need to know about ZeroWater. And things are no different when comparing Zero Water vs. Brita. Unlike ZeroWater, PUR doesnt have an on-the-go tumbler or water test meters, but the Classic pitcher has an LED sensor to indicate filter lifespan and the Ultimate pitcher uses a CleanSensor Monitor to show you when its time to change the filter. Most people benefit from these healthy minerals. Your email address will not be published. PUR is known for its commitment to superior performance and innovation, and, in 2016, the PUR Faucet Mount Filter won a coveted Red Dot Award for product design. You might want to go for it, though, especially if youre on a low sodium diet. If youd rather use a dispenser instead of a water filter pitcher, youll be glad to know that Zero Water merged the styles and allows you to pour and dispense water from the same container. If you have well water or are concerned about lead contamination, this is undeniably the right water filter pitcher for you. Brita does not remove any of these effectively and has a bad overall taste. Based on this comparison table of ZeroWater vs. PUR water filter pitchers on PUR.com, PURs lead-reducing filter removes approximately 20 contaminants listed. The actual lifespan of your filters depends on the number of impurities in your tap water. However, it should be quite easy to keep track of your filters life and when to change it, by noting down either the gallons of water you filtered or the date when you installed it. Just like Zero Water, Brita comes with all BPA-free components and is safe to use by all family members. Handwash the pitcher, lid, and reservoir with warm soapy water. That means I'll never have to descale my coffee maker again, which for me is priceless. Naturally occurring minerals that are beneficial to the body are removed to attain zero TDS. The taste of the water was improved more than we expected. PUR has a three-stage ion exchange filter thats NSF and WQA-certified and a CleanSensor Monitor that indicates when its time to replace the filter. This could turn into a quite expensive countertop water filter system if you are drinking plenty of water, or if you also want to purify cooking water. That way consumers can personally test the results of their filtering. That said, ZeroWater filters have an estimated lifespan of 20 gallons. TDS meter readings of ZeroWater filtered water were an astonishing 0 ppm. If you live in a modern urban area and use a treated water supply, Brita is cheaper and does an excellent job improving water taste. One downside to ZeroWater in terms of ease of use is that water takes a little longer to get through its five-stage filter. PUR vs. Brita: Similarities, Differences and Which is Best? The lifespan of ZeroWater filters depends on the levels of TDS in your local water supply. But, before I compare the effectiveness of each brands filters, its helpful to understand what contaminants are most common in tap water. This water filter pitcher removes most contaminants, but it also removes minerals. The main difference between Zero Water and Brita is that the latter leaves all healthy minerals right where they belong, giving the water a thirst-quenching sapidity. The ZeroWater model number ZP-010, is a 10 cup ready pour pitcher design with a reservoir that retails for around the $26 price point, has a capacity of about 2.3 liters (10 cups or 1 glass jug) and weighs around 1 pound. We handpick the products and services we write about. If the item details above arent accurate or complete, we want to know about it. The oxidation-reduction alloy carbon removes contaminants and is constant in most conventional systems. They include lifetime benefits like proper skin hydration, detoxification, weight loss and general well-being. Compared to other options like Brita, ZeroWater pitchers are more expensive to maintain per cup. ZeroWater and PUR are both innovative brands, and their products are proven to effectively reduce and remove contaminants from your water. Purification takes longer because it goes through more steps than most brands and life expectancy is shorter compared to some other options available. These standards are outlined, in detail, in the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). Brita is an excellent choice if you have a smaller fridge and want to make sure your water filter pitcher fits on a door shelf. Recommended Reading: Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher Review: (Tested To NSF Standards). These nutrients include magnesium, sodium, and calcium minerals necessary for the proper functioning of our bodies. Just make sure your pitcher is clean and dry when its time for a replacement. The ZeroWater water pitcher is a water purifying system with multiple certifications like NSF certification that purifies regular tap water by getting rid of 99% of total dissolved solids with a 5 stage system unlike most pitchers currently available. Alongside removing almost all contaminants, these pitchers also come with an NSF certification that Brita lacks.