Nourish your body and quench your thirst with the finest H20.
Your key to high quality water. Image: iStockSource:BodyAndSoul
Want clean tasting and smelling water at home without using single-use plastics? We’ve rounded up the best water filter jugs, dispensers and bottles so you can stay hydrated consuming the healthiest H20.
Purchasing bottled water always feels like a rip-off. Why spend money on something you can get for free from the tap? And why pay for liquid that tastes like, well, nothing?
However, we’re not all fortunate enough to have access to the same quality tap water — in some places, it’s pure and in others, it can be filled with fluoride, impurities and can even leave an unpleasant taste in your mouth. The problem is: how do you know how clean and safe your tap water really is?
Unless you’re willing to test your water quality every time you need a glass of H20, we suggest investing in a water filter jug to provide you with peace of mind. The best ones on the market promise to improve the taste and smell of tap water, add minerals, remove dissolvable solids and some even make water more alkaline.
Moreover, not only do they make water more enjoyable to consume but filtered water is even favoured by top coffee and tea experts, who claim it really does make a difference to the end result of a good cuppa.
So, from pitchers to travel bottles and large dispensers, we’ve rounded up the best water filters available to suit a range of needs and budgets. Regardless of which one you choose, know that investing in one is a healthy, cost-effective and environmentally-friendly alternative to constantly buying bottled drinking water.
BRITA 2.4L Marella Fridge Water Filter Jug, $72.36 at Amazon
ZeroWater 20 Cup Ready-Pure 5-Stage Water Filter Pitcher, $61 at Amazon
Ecobud Gentoo 1.5L Lite Alkaline Water Filter Jug, $91.95 at Amazon
Philips 3L Instant Water Filtration Dispenser, $99.95 at Myer
Devanti 22L Bench Top Water Cooler Dispenser, $274.95 at Myer
Grayl GeoPress Water Purifier Bottle, $161.15 at Amazon
Philips Active Bottle+ Fitness Filter, $9.44 at The Good Guys
LifeStraw Mission Water Purification System, $209.46 at Amazon
Keep on reading for a breakdown of each…
BRITA is probably the best-known water filter pitcher brand and continuously dominate the market because their products just work.
The Marella Jug boasts an average 4.7 stars and over 15.5k global ratings on Amazon alone, proving just how good it is. One reviewer summed it up, saying: “I really didn't believe that I would notice a difference in the taste of water… The taste was in fact incredible, it tasted fresher somehow. I used the newly filtered water with orange squash and that definitely tasted much better. I can now drink the water and all my other water-based drinks ie squash, tea and coffee they all taste better, I have been advised to drink more water and really couldn't face the taste but now I can. I found it easy to assemble and would definitely recommend this product.”
Because BRITA is such a well-renowned brand, the filters are incredibly easy to find online and in supermarkets and department stores (this product also comes with one extra Maxtra+ recyclable cartridge, which lasts around four weeks) and you’ll know when to change them, thanks to the handy indicator system.
The Marella is specifically loved for its slim design, which fits most fridge doors but if its size isn’t right for you, you’ll be sure to find another BRITA jug that’s your perfect match. Their huge range spans from travel bottles to extra large dispensers, all of which work perfectly at effectively filtering your water.
ZeroWater 20 Cup Ready-Pure 5-Stage Water Filter Pitcher. Image: SuppliedSource:BodyAndSoul
ZeroWater is so confident this pitcher will remove 99 per cent of total dissolved solids from your tap water that it even comes with a water quality tester to prove to you just how well it works. It holds 20 cups (approximately 4.7L), making it big enough so you don’t have to keep refilling it every hour but small enough to be stored in your fridge. The water also dispenses ever so smoothly through the spout, which can easily be operated with one hand. ZeroWater claims this pitcher will save you up to 150 single-use plastic bottles per filter or up to 2,100 bottles per year, which is pretty impressive if you ask us.
Ecobud Gentoo 1.5L Lite Alkaline Water Filter Jug. Image: SuppliedSource:BodyAndSoul
If you live alone or specifically want a water filter jug just for yourself, you can’t go wrong with the Gentoo Lite. It’s straightforward to use, has a simple design and does its job without taking up much-needed space in your fridge. But its best feature? The filter cartridge alkalises water to a healthy pH range of 8.0 - 8.5, which if you’re intrigued with the whole concept of alkaline water, you’ll know it’s meant to neutralise acid in the bloodstream and may prevent diseases like cancer and heart disease (although maybe take this with a grain of salt).
Philips 3L Instant Water Filtration Dispenser. Image: SuppliedSource:BodyAndSoul
The problem with a lot of water filter pitchers on the market is they can be a tad slow at filtering and dispensing water out. But that’s certainly not the case with this one from Philips. The Micro X-Clean Instant filter achieves four times faster flow compared to standard pitchers, and achieves this without affecting the filtration performance. It can neatly fit inside most fridge doors (it’s about the size of two 2L milk jugs) and has a usage-based LED indicator that reminds you when the filter needs to be changed.
Philips 3L Instant Water Filtration Dispenser. Image: SuppliedSource:BodyAndSoul
Perfect for large families and office spaces, this extra-large 22L dispenser will ensure healthy and clean drinking water is always available. It’s built with a six-stage filtration system with two replacement filters to ensure your water is completely free from harmful chemicals and impurities. The cooler comes with three taps to deliver hot, cold or room temperature water and while definitely a larger option, it can still be neatly placed on any countertop for convenient use.
Grayl GeoPress Water Purifier Bottle. Image: SuppliedSource:BodyAndSoul
Obviously, you can’t take a whole water filter jug with you everywhere, and that’s why it’s a wise idea to invest in this bottle-sized water filter you can easily pack in your day bag. It holds 710ml of water and requires no setup time, batteries or pumps — simply fill, press the purification button, wait eight seconds and drink. Grayl states it can purify virtually any water source, be it a hotel sink or murky lake, leaving you with H2) free from pathogens, microplastics, sediment, chemical and metals.
Brita Stainless Steel Water Filter Bottle. Image: SuppliedSource:BodyAndSoul
This list wouldn’t be complete without a second Brita product because like we said, they are the leading water filter pitcher brand. We especially love this high-quality bottle as a cheaper option to the Grayl one. It holds 946ml (32 oz) of liquid, is made from a durable double-wall insulated stainless steel to keep your water cold for 24 hours and features a leakproof lid. The straw inside is fitted with a Brita filter (which should be replaced every two months) and while it won’t exactly filter extremely contaminated water like the Grayl option, it does a wonderful job at reducing chlorine (taste and odour). It’s available in seven different colourways and also comes in a smaller 590ml (20 oz) size if you’re looking for a more compact bottle.
LifeStraw Mission Water Purification System. Image: SuppliedSource:BodyAndSoul
Are you a regular camper or love spending your free time exploring the outdoors? Meet LifeStraw’s Mission Water Purification System. Seriously, this product has enough five-star reviews on Amazon alone that it probably deserves an Emmy. It’s the perfect water filter for hiking and camping — simply fill in the roll bag and collect safe water in a glass or bottle in minutes. It effectively removes bacteria, parasites and other nasties lurking in lake, stream or river water you stumble across when out and about.
As one reviewer summed it up: “Used this on a backpacking trip with my 3 sons. It worked great and so easy to use. Just set it up and let it do it's thing. Packed in a collapsible 5 gallon container and just let this fill it up with clean drinkable water. We started out with muddy river water and after filtering with this it was like drinking bottled water. We had 5 gallons of clean water at all times with no pumping or boiling.
It’s designed with a shoulder strap for easy carrying and hanging, comes in two different sizes - a 5L and 12L - and has a filtration capacity of 18,000L. But our absolute favourite thing about this product? For every LifeStraw product you purchase, a school child in need receives safe water for an entire school year.
Below are a few things you should consider before purchasing a water filter jug.
The NSF International (the organisation that protects and improves global human health via product testing, inspection and certification) provides a range of product certifications to look out for. Key ones include:
You should also look out for the Australian standard AS/NZS 4348, which covers a range of contaminants including taste, odour and chemical impurities.
Ensuring the water filter jug you select is certified is the best guarantee it will be reliable and safe to use.
What size do you need?
Are you only buying it for yourself? Opt for a small pitcher around 1.5L. If it’s for a larger family, a 4L capacity jug should work well. Also, ensure you opt for one that can actually fit in your fridge.
Are you specific about its design?
Water filter jugs come in a range of shapes and colours — some are simple while others are made with curves and colourful patterns. You’ll also find some jugs have additional features for comfort and ease of use like rubber parts on the handle and bottom. Additionally, are you after a stainless steel, plastic or glass filter?
Do you need a filter change reminder?
Most of the more advanced water filter jugs will have a digital indicator that reminds you when to change the cartridge.
Are you keen on using recyclable cartridges?
Some filtration cartridges are recyclable or biodegradable, while others need to be thrown straight into the bin, so this is something else to consider if you’re trying to be greener.
To find out whether a water filter jug will benefit your health and lifestyle, let’s take a look at both the advantages and disadvantages of owning one.
The advantages of having a water filter jug include the following:
Just like any appliance, there are both advantages and disadvantages to water filter jugs. The disadvantages include the following:
While not essential, it’s highly recommended you store your water filter jug in the fridge. This is because jugs left outside of the fridge have a greater chance of producing bacteria, mould and microorganisms that can be harmful, which really defeats the whole purpose of having a water filter pitcher in the first place. It’ll also help keep your water tasting fresh and clean. If you do decide to not refrigerate your jug, ensure you keep it in a cool, dark area away from direct sunlight and you should consume or replace the water within a few days (the sooner the better, really).
Looking for more handy kitchen appliances? We’ve rounded up the best salad spinners for crisp, dry veggies in seconds and the best blenders to blitz your way to good health. Ready to shop? Check out our coupons page for the latest deals.
Any products featured in this article are selected by our editors, who don’t play favourites. If you buy something, we may get a cut of the sale. Learn more.
Any products featured in this article are selected by our editors, who don’t play favourites. If you buy something, we may get a cut of the sale. Learn more.
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