Filtration Types in the Best Water Pitcher Filters
Almost all pitcher/gravity filters use carbon-block filtration, which is a good start to robust filtration. Carbon is used in almost every type of filtration (be it for water or air), but there are different types of carbon filters. Some last longer than others, and some filter out a wider range of contaminants--fortunately, some do both really well!
And carbon filters represent only one type of effective filtration. There are other technologies worth applying as well. You'll learn more about these below in our reviews of the best water filter pitchers.
Does TDS Matter in Water Filter Pitchers?
If you’ve done any research into pitcher-style water filters, you’ve likely seen the termTotal Dissolved Solids (TDS). Many manufacturers use TDS reduction numbers to convince consumers that their filters remove a wide range of toxins. This is sneaky. TDS is not an adequate measure of water toxicity.
TDS meters do not detect many contaminants and toxins that can be found in water. A TDS meter can show a very low number on water that nevertheless contain toxins like arsenic, lead, chromium-6, and more. It takes more sophisticated equipment to properly test for those substances. The opposite is also true--your water can have poor TDS results and still be perfectly safe to drink.
From our perspective, using TDS results as a marketing tool is misleading. What you need to look at in your search for the best pitcher filter are the results of tests that look for the widest range of potential toxins. (By the way: If you want to test your current water at home, you can do so with this kit.)
As we found out here, pitcher filters can effectively filter small quantities of water. While we feel that in the long run it may be a better investment to install a quality under-counter system, but the above pitcher filters will do a pretty good job.
I don't personally use a pitcher filter (I have Gimme Clean Water under my sink), but Maia has an AquaGear because her kids love very cold water when they play sports.