REASONS TO BUY
Incredible filtration
Included TDS meter
Easy setup
REASONS TO AVOID
Filters slowly after a few weeks of use
ZeroWater 10-Cup 5-Stage Pitcher Review
Best-in-class filtration and convenience for an approachable initial and annual cost
Credit: Abriah Wofford
By Graham Faulknor ⋅ Senior Review Analyst ⋅ November 28, 2023
Contributions From: Isaac Laredo
Our Verdict
The ZeroWater 10 Cup 5 Stage Filter is a highly effective water filtration system that is easy to use and produces light, neutral water. The 5 stage filter was among the most effective in the review. The taste of the filtered water is light and neutral, possessing a distilled character, which may not be suitable for those who prefer more mineralized water. The pitcher is easy to set up and use. The bottom of the pitcher's handle is equipped with a spigot similar to a Kilner Jug, providing easy water access. It offers an ideal blend of convenience and efficacy. It's an exceptional choice for individuals seeking top-notch filtration performance in a user-friendly pitcher format. This model truly is one of the best water filters we've tested to date.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The ZeroWater 10 Cup 5 Stage Filter is the gold standard for water filtration, whether a pitcher or not. The 5-stage filter was among the best for contaminant removal, and its easy-to-use nature was on par with other pitchers. A Kilner Jug-style spigot on the pitcher's handle allows convenient access to water while it's in the fridge or still filtering from the upper compartment. The ZeroWater is a favorite amongst our test team for its effective filtration, delicious water, and convenience.
The ZeroWater is a top-performing filter due to its incredible contaminant removal, light taste, and low annual cost. Credit: Abriah Wofford
Contaminant Removal
The model uses filters certified by the NSF to remove chromium, Polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFOA/PFOS), and lead. PFOA/PFOS are chemicals commonly used in items such as nonstick cookware, stain-resistant clothing, and firefighting foams. Unfortunately, they can leech into water sources, and not every filter is suited or certified to pull out PFOA/PFOS. A 2023 United States Geological Survey (USGS) study estimates that 45% of tap water contains PFOA/PFOS. According to the EPA, these chemicals can bioaccumulate with humans and pets within the blood, kidneys, and liver. Exposure can cause developmental, reproductive, and systemic problems. We didn't test the filter's effectiveness on these chemicals, but we did check for the NSF certification which verifies its removal of these chemicals. Few filters hold this certification, and the ZeroWater is one of them.
In our testing, this pitcher removed 100% of the chlorine (12mg/l out of 12mg/l), 100% fluoride (10mg/l out of 10mg/l), 100% sulfate (2300mg/l out of 2300 mg/l), 100% copper (52mg/l out of 52 mg/l), 99.46% iron (626.6mg/l out of 630 mg/l), and 100% lead (.02 mg/l out of .02 mg/l). The ZeroWater is one of the only pitchers that filters out nearly all contaminants. This model only left an impressive 3.4mg/l of contaminants in its purified sample. In our pre-filtered test sample, each contaminant was far above the acceptable standard, which helped simulate a compromised water system. The ZeroWater filter is one of the best-performing filters on the market and is suitable for nearly any water source.
Our preliminary water concoction. The model made this brown slurry into nearly perfect drinking water. Credit: Graham Faulknor
Anyone who may be concerned about their drinking water quality can reach out to their local water utility company for a water quality report. The report should give comprehensive data on the various contaminants in your water. The report may also include information about the source of your water, treatment processes used to purify the water, and any violations of federal or state drinking water standards. Reviewing this information lets you decide which filter is best for you and your local area.
The included TDS meter allows you to gauge the quality of your water before and after filtration. Credit: Abriah Wofford
Taste
The ZeroWater was loved or passed over by our test team due to a flat, light, and nearly distilled flavor profile.
The impressive filtration power of this filter can remove the majority of dissolved solids, resulting in a very light taste. This may be great for some, but it may leave those who prefer more mineralized water wanting more. The water that came from this filter is around two ppm. While that degree of filtration is impressive, the water carries that distilled and light character. For reference, distilled water is around 0.5 ppm, while the popular bottled water brand Figi is 210 ppm. The amount and character of a water's TDS are largely responsible for its great or even horrible taste.
The ZeroWater concentration range is two to six ppm, higher than distilled water's 0.5 ppm, yet it tastes similar. Credit: Abriah Wofford
The ZeroWater has reviews on both ends of the spectrum. Some testers ranked it as poor, while others ranked it as excellent. This highlights the subjective nature of taste. This filter should easily rid your tap water of chlorine or metallic flavors and substantially improve overall taste. It comes down to understanding what taste and experience you are after. This filter ultimately produces water with a clean, light, and neutral presence.
The ZeroWater has one of the largest filters of any pitcher model. Credit: Abriah Wofford
Setup and Maintenance
The ZeroWater has virtually no setup and is easy to maintain but comes with a slightly higher annual cost than other pitchers in the review.
The setup is simple: wash the pitcher with soap and warm water or in the dishwasher, then rinse the filter for 30 seconds. After that, you can screw the threaded filter into the receiver. Voila, you are ready to fill the pitcher up and start filtering. The entire process is less than 10 minutes — fast and simple.
The ZeroWater provides an easy-to-use experience, as do most other pitchers. Most notably, it has a gravity-fed spigot on the handle side of the pitcher to allow access to water while the upper zone is filtering. The Spigot allows you to take the pitcher out of the fridge and position it near the edge of a shelf to access water like a Kilner jar.
Operating Costs
The maintenance is as easy as the setup: wash the pitcher and replace the filter. The filters are more expensive than other pitchers due to the 5 stage construction responsible for best-in-class filtration. The filter should be replaced when the included TDS meter reads six ppm; the expected life of a filter is around 18,000 mg of dissolved solids, generally around 40 gallons. The cost and life span of the filters give the model the highest annual cost among pitchers.
The lower spout on the bottom of the pitcher enables easy, fast access, whether on the edge of the counter or fridge. Credit: Abriah Wofford
Should You Buy the ZeroWater 10 Cup 5 Stage ?
The ZeroWater 10 Cup 5 Stage is one of the best filters on the market. It is an impressive product due to its filtration performance and functional design, like the fixture on the backside. We recommend this product for those looking for top-tier filtration to enhance your drinking water.
What Other Water Filters Should You Consider?
If you're looking for a pitcher that delivers the best-tasting water, consider the PUR Classic 11 Cup Pitcher. It emerged as one of the top choices in our blind taste tests. If you're looking for a top-tier reverse osmosis filter that sits on your countertop, we recommend the Bluevua RO100ROPOT.
—Graham Faulknor and Isaac Laredo
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