When you step into the world of college and begin your journey in a dorm room, you quickly realize the importance of having the right essentials. One such essential, often overlooked, is a water filter. The best water filter for dorms can be a game-changer, ensuring that you have access to clean and safe drinking water right in your room. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why having a water filter in your dorm is an intelligent choice and guide you through the process of choosing the perfect one for your needs.
Our top picks:
| Image | Product Name | Price |
|---|---|---|
 |
Brita Water Filter Pitcher | Check Price |
 |
aarke Purifier | Glass Water Filter pitcher | Check Price |
 |
Brita XL Water Filter Dispenser | Check Price |
 |
ZeroWater Water Filter Pitcher | Check Price |
 |
AquaTru Connect Countertop Water Filtration | Check Price |
 |
Bluevua RO100ROPOT Countertop Water Filter | Check Price |
 |
Royal Berkey Gravity- Water Filter | Check Price |
1. Brita Water Filter Pitcher
Pros
- Also, our Best Value pick
- Longer filter life than standard Britas
- Don’t leave black carbon specks
Cons
- Must hand wash
Specifications
- Filter Type: This pitcher comes with 1 Standard Filter, designed to remove impurities and improve the taste and quality of tap water.
- Filter Lifespan: The included filter is intended to last for approximately 2 months, but this can vary depending on the quality of your tap water and how frequently you use the pitcher.
- Capacity: The pitcher has a 6-cup (48-ounce or 1.4-litre) ability. This means it can hold up to 6 cups of water.
- Colour: The pitcher is available in a Turquoise colour, which adds a vibrant and attractive look to your kitchen or dining area.
- BPA-Free: The pitcher is made from BPA-free materials, ensuring no harmful chemicals from plastics leach into your drinking water.
Brita water filter pitchers are famous for reducing chlorine taste, odour, and the presence of common contaminants in tap water, providing a more refreshing and healthier drinking experience. The turquoise also adds a stylish touch to your kitchen or dining space.
|
Pitcher material |
Plastic |
|
Pitcher capacity |
10 cups |
|
Tank capacity |
6 cups |
|
Speed of filtration |
38 seconds per cup |
|
Filter replacement frequency |
Every 6 months |
|
Yearly filter replacement cost |
$35 |
|
Dishwasher safe |
No |
2. aarke Purifier | Glass Water Filter pitcher
Pros
- Refillable stainless steel filter
- Sleek design
- Easy to fill
Cons
- The price is outrageous.
Specification
The Aarke Purifier Glass Water Filter Pitcher is an excellent addition to any household looking for a convenient and eco-friendly way to filter their drinking water. With a capacity of 2.4L or 10 cups, this pitcher is perfect for providing clean and refreshing water for the whole family.
One of the standout features of this pitcher is its refillable steel filter. Unlike traditional water filter pitchers that require disposable filters, the Aarke Purifier utilizes a steel filter that can be easily refilled with pure filter granules. This not only saves you money in the long run but also reduces waste and environmental impact.
The steel filter is designed to effectively remove impurities and contaminants from your tap water, ensuring you drink clean and safe water. It can filter out chlorine, heavy metals, and other unwanted substances while retaining essential minerals for a refreshing taste.
In terms of convenience, this pitcher is dishwasher-friendly, making it easy to clean and maintain. The sleek and modern design of the pitcher also adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen or dining area.
|
Pitcher material |
Glass, stainless steel and silicone |
|
Pitcher capacity |
10 cups |
|
Tank capacity |
5 cups |
|
Speed of filtration |
90 seconds per cup |
|
Filter replacement frequency |
32 gallons or every 8 weeks |
|
Yearly filter replacement cost |
$39 |
|
Dishwasher safe |
Yes |
3. Brita XL Water Filter Dispenser
Pros
- It removes impurities and provides cleanness.
- The filter is super easy to remove and install
- Nice and easy to clean
Cons
- it’s tall, which means valuable vertical fridge space is taken up.
Specifications
- Capacity: The dispenser has a 27-cup ability, making it suitable for providing filtered water for a family or a small gathering.
- Filter: It comes with one Standard Brita filter, designed to remove impurities and improve the taste and quality of tap water. The filter is replaceable and should be changed approximately every 2 months.
- Colour: This model is available in black, which can be an attractive and stylish addition to your kitchen or dining area.
- Material: The product is made from BPA-free materials, ensuring your drinking water remains safe and free from harmful chemicals.
- Functionality: The dispenser is designed to fit in your refrigerator and has an easy-to-use spigot for dispensing filtered water. It’s a convenient way to have cold, filtered water readily available.
- Christmas Gift Idea: The product is marketed as a suitable Christmas gift for both men and women, which can be a thoughtful and practical present for loved ones during the holiday season.
|
Pitcher material |
Plastic |
|
Pitcher capacity |
27 cups |
|
Tank capacity |
13.5 Pounds |
|
Speed of filtration |
38 seconds per cup |
|
Filter replacement frequency |
Every 6 months |
|
Yearly filter replacement cost |
$35 |
|
Dishwasher safe |
No |
4. ZeroWater Water Filter Pitcher
Pros
- Pours from the spout or dispenser spigot.
- Includes a total dissolved solids (TDS) meter.
- Easy to determine when to change the water filter
Cons
- High yearly filter replacement cost
Specifications
- Capacity: This pitcher can hold up to 10 cups (approximately 2.4 litres) of water, making it suitable for daily use and serving multiple people.
- Filtration Technology: It features a 5-stage filtration process designed to remove various impurities and contaminants from tap water. The 5 stages typically include:
- Stage 1: Coarse filter screen
- Stage 2: Foam distributor
- Stage 3: Multi-layer activated carbon and oxidation reduction alloy
- Stage 4: Dual comprehensive ion exchange resin
- Stage 5: Non-woven membrane to remove ultra-fine particles
- TDS Reduction: The ZeroWater pitcher can reduce Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in water to 0 parts per million (0 TDS), ensuring the water is as pure as possible.
- NSF Certification: This product is NSF-certified to reduce lead, chromium, and PFOA/PFOS, which means it has been tested and proven to remove these harmful contaminants from your water effectively.
- Ready-Pour Design: The pitcher features a convenient Ready-Pour fixture, making it easy to pour water without waiting for the entire pitcher to fill.
- Water Quality Indicator: Some ZeroWater pitchers come with a digital water quality indicator that shows you the current TDS level of your filtered water.
- Included Components: Typically, the package consists of the water filter pitcher, a filter cartridge, and a user manual.
Maintenance: It’s essential to replace the filter cartridge periodically, as indicated in the user manual, to maintain the water’s filtration efficiency.
|
Pitcher material |
Plastic |
|
Pitcher capacity |
10 cups |
|
Tank capacity |
5.5 Pounds |
|
Speed of filtration |
87 seconds per cup |
|
Filter replacement frequency |
Every 20 gallons or every month |
|
Yearly filter replacement cost |
$125 |
|
Dishwasher safe |
No |
5. AquaTru Countertop Water Filtration
Pros
- Reduces more unique contaminants
- The app keeps track of filter replacement and cleaning
- Customizable water taste with different filters
Cons
- Pricey
- Bulky footprint
Specifications
- Filtration Technology: The “4-Stage Ultra Reverse Osmosis Technology” typically includes multiple stages of filtration. Reverse osmosis removes many contaminants, including PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) and other impurities commonly found in tap water.
- App & WiFi Capability: This feature allows you to connect the system to a mobile app and control or monitor its performance remotely. You might receive filter replacement notifications, real-time water quality data, and other alerts through your smartphone.
- Filter Types: The system likely uses a combination of different filters, such as sediment filters, activated carbon filters, and reverse osmosis membranes. The number and type of filters can vary.
- Water Output: Check the system’s water production rate, typically measured in daily gallons (GPD). This will determine how much-purified water the system can provide.
- Water Tank: Some countertop systems have built-in water tanks to store purified water for on-demand use. The tank’s capacity will vary between different models.
- Dimensions: Consider the size and dimensions of the system to ensure it fits on your countertop or in your kitchen space.
|
Pitcher material |
Plastic |
|
Pitcher capacity |
12 cups |
|
Tank capacity |
16 cups |
|
Speed of filtration |
66 seconds per cup |
|
Filter replacement frequency |
Six months to two years, depending on the filter type |
|
Yearly filter replacement cost |
$70/one-year combo |
|
Dishwasher safe |
No |
6. Bluevua RO100ROPOT Countertop Water Filter
Pros
- Extremely effective at removing contaminants such as fluoride, pesticides, or even microplastics. A feature unattainable from jug filters like Brita or Zero water
- Water tastes impressive, especially with the remineralizer. Excellent for infused water as well.
- TDS reader is an excellent feature
- Easy to operate; get used to it quickly
- Automatic backflush
- High quality overall, especially the Glass carafe
Cons
- can be tedious to fill and refill
- It has a relatively large footprint; in my tiny apartment, it takes up a lot of counter space.
- Expensive
The Bluevua RO100ROPOT Reverse Osmosis System is a countertop water filter that offers 4-stage purification for clean and purified tap water. This system utilizes reverse osmosis technology to effectively remove impurities and contaminants from your water, providing a safe and healthy drinking water option.
With a 2:1 pure-to-drain ratio, this water filter is designed to be efficient and minimize water waste. It purifies tap water by removing harmful substances such as chlorine, lead, bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants, ensuring that you and your family have access to clean and great-tasting water.
One of the key advantages of the Bluevua RO100ROPOT Reverse Osmosis System is its portability. Unlike traditional under-sink water filters, this countertop system can be easily moved and placed wherever you need it, making it ideal for small spaces or for those who are renting and cannot make permanent modifications to their plumbing.
The 4-stage purification process includes:
- A sediment filter.
- A carbon filter.
- A reverse osmosis membrane.
- A post-carbon filter.
Together, these stages effectively remove impurities, odours, and sour tastes from your water, leaving you with refreshing and pure drinking water.
The Bluevua RO100ROPOT Reverse Osmosis System is also user-friendly and easy to install. With its compact design and simple instructions, you can set it up in no time and start enjoying clean water right away. The system also features a built-in LED indicator that alerts you when it’s time to replace the filters, ensuring that you always have the best quality water.
|
Pitcher material |
Borosilicate Glass |
|
Pitcher capacity |
1700 ml |
|
Speed of filtration |
0.26 Liters Per Minute |
|
Filter replacement frequency |
Six months to two years, depending on the filter type |
|
Yearly filter replacement cost |
$115/one-year combo |
|
Dishwasher safe |
No |
7. Royal Berkey Gravity- Water Filter
Pros
- Able to remove bacteria, viruses and pathogens
- Removes 200+ contaminants
- Filters last a long time.
Cons
- Pricey
Review
- The Royal Berkey Gravity-Fed Stainless Steel Countertop Water Filter System is a highly efficient and reliable water filtration system. With a capacity of 3.25 gallons, it provides clean and purified drinking water for you and your family.
- This water filter system is made of high-quality stainless steel, ensuring durability and longevity. It is designed to be placed on your countertop, making it easily accessible and convenient. The sleek and modern design also adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen.
- One of the critical features of the Royal Berkey is its gravity-fed filtration system. This means that no electricity or plumbing is required, making it perfect for both everyday use and emergencies. Pour water into the upper chamber, and the gravity will do the rest. The filtered water then collects in the lower section, ready to be dispensed.
- The Royal Berkey is also easy to maintain and clean. The stainless steel construction makes it resistant to rust and corrosion, while the filters can be easily cleaned and scrubbed to remove any accumulated sediments or impurities.
|
Pitcher material |
Stainless steel |
|
Pitcher capacity |
3.5 gallons (also available in 2.25, 4.5 and 6 gallons) |
|
Speed of filtration |
0.07 Gallons Per Minute |
|
Filter replacement frequency |
Every 5,500 gallons |
|
Yearly filter replacement cost |
The initial cost of $154 for a 2-pack |
|
Dishwasher safe |
Yes |
Do water filter pitchers work?
Yes, water filter pitchers do work to improve the quality of tap water. These pitchers typically contain a filter cartridge that helps remove impurities like chlorine, heavy metals, and sediment from the water. The filter media, usually activated carbon or a combination of carbon and ion exchange resin, attracts and absorbs these contaminants as the water passes through the filter. This process helps to reduce unpleasant tastes and odours, as well as potentially harmful substances in the water.
However, it’s important to note that not all water filter pitchers are created equal. The effectiveness of a pitcher depends on the quality and design of the filter, as well as the specific contaminants it is designed to remove. Some pitchers may be more effective at eliminating particular pollutants than others, so it’s essential to choose a pitcher that suits your specific needs.
Additionally, it’s crucial to regularly replace the filter cartridge in your pitcher according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Over time, the filter can become saturated with impurities, and if not replaced, it may no longer effectively remove contaminants from the water. Regular maintenance and filter replacement are necessary to ensure optimal performance.
How do we test water filter pitchers?
Testing water filter pitchers involves several steps to ensure their effectiveness in removing impurities and providing clean, safe drinking water. Here is a general outline of the testing process:
- Research and Selection: Before testing begins, it is crucial to select water filter pitchers from reputable brands certified by independent organizations such as NSF or WQA. This ensures that the pitchers meet certain quality and performance standards.
- Pre-Testing Preparation: Before conducting any tests, the water filter pitchers should be thoroughly cleaned according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It helps eliminate potential contaminants or residues that could affect the test results.
- Contaminant Analysis: Various contaminants commonly found in tap water, such as chlorine, lead, mercury, pesticides, and bacteria, are selected for testing. These contaminants are typically measured using specialized equipment and techniques to determine their initial concentration levels.
- Testing Procedure: The water filter pitchers are filled with tap water that contains known concentrations of the selected contaminants. The pitchers can filter the water according to the manufacturer’s instructions and the recommended filtration time.
- Sample Collection: After the filtration process is complete, samples of the filtered water are collected for analysis. These samples are compared to the initial concentrations of the contaminants to determine the effectiveness of the filtration system.
- Laboratory Analysis: The collected samples are sent to a certified laboratory, where they undergo further testing. This typically involves using advanced analytical methods, such as spectrophotometry or chromatography, to quantify the remaining concentrations of the contaminants in the filtered water.
- Performance Evaluation: The laboratory results are compared against the established standards and guidelines for safe drinking water. This helps determine whether the water filter pitchers meet the requirements for contaminant removal.
- Repeat Testing: To ensure accuracy and reliability, the testing process is usually repeated multiple times using different batches of water filter pitchers. This helps verify the consistency of the filtration performance and ensures that the results are statistically significant.
- Reporting and Certification: Once all the testing is complete, a comprehensive report is generated detailing the performance of the water filter pitchers. This report may include information on contaminant removal percentages, flow rate, filter lifespan, and any additional features or benefits the pitchers offer. If the pitchers meet the necessary criteria, they may receive certification from independent organizations to validate their effectiveness. By following these testing procedures, consumers can make informed decisions when choosing a water filter pitcher that best suits their needs and provides them with clean, filtered water for their daily consumption.
What to look for when shopping for the best water filter pitcher
- When shopping for the best water filter pitcher, there are several key factors to consider. Here are some essential things to look for:
- Filtration Technology: The first thing to consider is the type of filtration technology used in the pitcher. Look for models that use activated carbon filters or a combination of carbon and ion exchange resin filters. These types of filters are effective at removing common contaminants like chlorine, lead, mercury, and other impurities.
- Filter Lifespan: Check the lifespan of the filters and how often they need to be replaced. Some pitchers require filter changes every 2-3 months, while others can last up to 6 months. It’s essential to choose a pitcher with filters that are easy to replace and readily available.
- Capacity: Consider the size and capacity of the pitcher. If you have a large household or consume a lot of water, opt for a pitcher with a larger capacity. Remember that more giant pitchers may take up more space in your refrigerator.
- Speed of Filtration: Look for a pitcher that filters water quickly. Some models have faster filtration rates than others, so if you want a pitcher that can fill up quickly, check the product specifications for this information.
- Design and Durability: Consider the design and construction of the pitcher. Look for a pitcher made from durable materials, such as BPA-free plastic or glass. Also, check for features like a comfortable handle, a spill-proof lid, and an ergonomic design that makes pouring water easy.
- Certification: Look for water filter pitchers certified by reputable organizations, such as NSF International or the Water Quality Association. These certifications ensure that the pitcher meets specific standards for contaminant removal and overall performance.
- Price and Cost of Replacement Filters: Consider your budget and the cost of replacement filters. While some pitchers may have a higher upfront cost, they may have more affordable replacement filters in the long run. Take into account the overall cost of ownership when comparing different models.
- Customer Reviews: Finally, take the time to read customer reviews and ratings for the water filter pitcher you are considering. It can provide valuable insights into the pitcher’s performance, durability, and overall customer satisfaction. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the best water filter pitcher that meets your needs and provides clean, filtered water for you and your family.