Need help choosing a water-filtering pitcher.

[auger]

I am looking for a water-filtering pitcher to take along with us on trips.
I went to walmart today and there were 4 or 5 different brands to choose from.
Can I get some feedback from y'all on the better brand to go with?
I'd like to hear the pros and cons of the different brands.
TIA!!

 

[ceecee]

We have a Brita, works great. May be cheaper to buy bottled water unless you plan on using it a lot. Our grocery store sells 1 gallon for .50

 

[thebeesknees]

I've only ever used a Brita but we like it very much. You do get some carbon specks the first gallon or two through, but one filter lasts us about 6 weeks. I buy the filters in big packs at Sam's Club, so the price isn't too bad.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

We used a Britta pitcher for years. The filters always leak charcoal bits in the top compartment.

We switched to Pur, which we like much better. It removes more contaminants as well. Pur is rated higher in Consumer Reports (I think in the July 2012 issue).

 

[granmanh603]

the charcoal is activated charcoal and it actually is good for your digestive system, absorbs toxins... so if you drink some you will be fine..

 

[auger]

Thanks for the help.
Brita and Pru were the two I was considering most.
Didn't know about the charcoal issue with the Brita.
I'm sure it's probably perfectly safe, but yuck!!

Nice to know CR rates the Pur higher.
Anytime I have followed CR's rankings, I have done well.
So I think I'll go with the PUR and see how I like it.

Thanks everyone!!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

the charcoal is activated charcoal and it actually is good for your digestive system, absorbs toxins... so if you drink some you will be fine..

The charcoal bits stay in the upper part of the pitcher - they don't go through into the actual drinking water. It just makes a mess and can leave black marks in the filter area. Besides, if you're filtering water, why would you want your water to have particles floating in it?

I still much prefer the Pur.

 

[patsal]

I have PUR. I have a bit harder time finding the refills on sale as compared to Brita.

 

[mouselovr]

We have a Brita, actually 3! We love them and use them every trip. They stay in our Disney box and they come out only when we go on vacations. I got them on sale and bought lots of extra filters at the same time. We wouldn't go to Disney without them.