Elite Filter Pitcher (10-Cup)

Score: 7.6/10 | The Brita Elite is the right choice for families who need reliable lead and chlorine removal without premium PFAS filtration. At $35 with 6-month filters costing $15 each, it is genuinely the most affordable certified pitcher on the market.

This review uses R3's Water Filter Methodology v1.0.0.

NSF 53 certification confirms the Brita Elite removes 99% of lead. This matches premium filters and is critical for homes with older plumbing.

Here is the key limitation: Brita Elite does NOT hold NSF P473 certification for PFAS removal. Brita claims the Elite filter "reduces" PFAS but provides no third-party verification. If PFAS is your primary concern, look elsewhere.

The Elite filter does carry NSF 401 certification for pharmaceuticals and pesticides - an upgrade from Brita's standard filters.

Standard chlorine taste and odor reduction meets expectations.

The Elite removes 30+ contaminants - a significant improvement over Brita Standard (15) but far below Clearly Filtered (365+) or ZeroWater (23 certified, claims more).

This is the Brita Elite's standout feature. At 120 gallons, it has the longest filter life of any pitcher filter:

• Brita Elite: 120 gallons
• Clearly Filtered: 100 gallons
• ZeroWater: 15-40 gallons
• PUR Plus: 40 gallons

For a family of four, that's genuinely 6 months per filter.

Brita filters quickly compared to premium options. Full pitcher in 5-8 minutes versus 15-20 for Clearly Filtered.

Built-in electronic indicator tracks filter life - helpful for remembering replacements.

Nearly one-third the cost of Clearly Filtered's $90 pitcher.

At $15 per filter lasting 6 months, annual cost is approximately $30-40.

The cheapest certified pitcher on the market:

Brita partners with TerraCycle for filter recycling - a sustainability advantage most competitors lack.

Standard pitcher size fits most refrigerator doors.

Standard twist-lock cartridge replacement every 6 months.

Available at Target, Walmart, Amazon, grocery stores - replacement filters are never hard to find.

The Brita Elite is the best budget water filter pitcher for families whose primary concerns are lead, chlorine, and general water quality. At $35 with $30/year in filters, it delivers certified contaminant removal at one-quarter the cost of premium alternatives. However, families in PFAS-affected areas should invest in Clearly Filtered's P473-certified pitcher instead.

Score: 7.6/10 | The Brita Elite is the right choice for families who need reliable lead and chlorine removal without premium PFAS filtration. At $35 with 6-month filters costing $15 each, it is genuinely the most affordable certified pitcher on the market.

This review uses R3's Water Filter Methodology v1.0.0.

NSF 53 certification confirms the Brita Elite removes 99% of lead. This matches premium filters and is critical for homes with older plumbing.

Here is the key limitation: Brita Elite does NOT hold NSF P473 certification for PFAS removal. Brita claims the Elite filter "reduces" PFAS but provides no third-party verification. If PFAS is your primary concern, look elsewhere.

The Elite filter does carry NSF 401 certification for pharmaceuticals and pesticides - an upgrade from Brita's standard filters.

Standard chlorine taste and odor reduction meets expectations.

The Elite removes 30+ contaminants - a significant improvement over Brita Standard (15) but far below Clearly Filtered (365+) or ZeroWater (23 certified, claims more).

This is the Brita Elite's standout feature. At 120 gallons, it has the longest filter life of any pitcher filter:

• Brita Elite: 120 gallons
• Clearly Filtered: 100 gallons
• ZeroWater: 15-40 gallons
• PUR Plus: 40 gallons

For a family of four, that's genuinely 6 months per filter.

Brita filters quickly compared to premium options. Full pitcher in 5-8 minutes versus 15-20 for Clearly Filtered.

Built-in electronic indicator tracks filter life - helpful for remembering replacements.

Nearly one-third the cost of Clearly Filtered's $90 pitcher.

At $15 per filter lasting 6 months, annual cost is approximately $30-40.

The cheapest certified pitcher on the market:

Brita partners with TerraCycle for filter recycling - a sustainability advantage most competitors lack.

Standard pitcher size fits most refrigerator doors.

Standard twist-lock cartridge replacement every 6 months.

Available at Target, Walmart, Amazon, grocery stores - replacement filters are never hard to find.

The Brita Elite is the best budget water filter pitcher for families whose primary concerns are lead, chlorine, and general water quality. At $35 with $30/year in filters, it delivers certified contaminant removal at one-quarter the cost of premium alternatives. However, families in PFAS-affected areas should invest in Clearly Filtered's P473-certified pitcher instead.