Brita UltraMax dispenser (Elite filter) vs LifeStraw Home 7-cup pitcher
Only the LifeStraw Home 7-cup pitcher is certified to reduce cysts and copper. Verdict: the LifeStraw Home 7-cup pitcher for broader certified protection (6 vs 4 of the contaminants we track); the Brita UltraMax dispenser (Elite filter) if running cost matters more. Replacement filters and water for 2 people cost about $40 a year on the Brita UltraMax dispenser (Elite filter) and $127 on the LifeStraw Home 7-cup pitcher; they cost $50 and $65 to buy.
| Brita UltraMax dispenser (Elite filter) | LifeStraw Home 7-cup pitcher | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Dispenser | Pitcher |
| Price | $50 | $65 |
| Filters + water a year (2 people) | $40 | $127 |
| Filter cost per gallon (rated life) | 17¢ | 52¢ |
| Gallons per day | — | — |
| Pure to drain | — | — |
| Installation | none | none |
| PFAS | — | Brand test only |
| Lead | Certified | Certified |
| Chlorine | Certified | Certified |
| Mercury | Certified | Certified |
| Microplastics | Certified | Certified |
| Cysts | — | Certified |
| VOCs | — | Brand test only |
| Bacteria and viruses | — | Brand test only |
| Copper | — | Certified |