Clear2O Water Filtration Pitcher

Bottom Line

The Clear2O Water Filtration Pitcher delivers great-tasting drinking water while reducing major contaminants like lead. It filters water faster than most other pitchers, and an indicator light signals when the 50-gallon filter life has been reached. The slim profile holds more water than competing models while fitting nicely in your fridge.

Performance

Excellent filtering, fast filling. After performing independent tests, one major consumer organization says the Clear2O Water Filtration Pitcher is the best carafe-style filter at reducing contaminants including lead, disinfectant byproducts and organic particulates. It also does so faster than most competing brands: Instead of relying on gravity to drip water through the cartridge, a filler hose attaches to the faucet and forces water through the filter at high pressure. Good Housekeeping names the filter a Good Buy, saying it takes only 30 seconds to fill, which is much faster than the five to 10 minutes of other pitchers.

The Clear2O has an electronic filter replacement indicator light that measures actual water usage. After 40 gallons the light changes from green to yellow, and after another 10 gallons it turns red.

Ease Of Use

Minor setup, filling issues. The Clear2O Water Filtration Pitcher's hose-fill system requires a bit of setup on your kitchen faucet, a nonexistent step for most pitcher filters. "A bit frustrating at first, but once the attachment is on, I'm just leaving it in place for future jug filling," says Sean Paajanen, a former About.com coffee and tea guide. The adaptor "doesn't interfere with your tap use," he adds.

Most users say the included adaptors fit their faucet, but a few had to buy a hose extension. On Amazon.com, some reviewers call the container unwieldy during filling, saying it doesn't allow for hands-free filling. Its top-heavy design can also cause spillage. "It's a little bit of a hassle, but the great-tasting water and coffee it produces makes the inconvenience well worth it for me," says one owner.

The Clear2O stores nine 8-ounce glasses of water with a sleek shape that's a good fit for small fridges. "With no top compartment, it holds 50 percent more water than older pitchers," reports Good Housekeeping. Filters last longer than average, providing about 50 gallons of water, and can be ordered from the manufacturer or Amazon.com.

Customer Service

Basic warranty, but limited customer support. A 90-day warranty protects users against basic defects, and the Clear2O Water Filtration Pitcher carries the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. Some Amazon.com users say customer service can be difficult to reach and isn't always helpful. The Clear2O website provides basic information about the water pitcher, but requires registration for more information about replacement filters.