Epic Pure Pitcher Review: Lab Analysis & Hands-On Testing

Full Analysis of the Epic Pure

Filtration: 3.73/5.00

The Epic Pure water filter pitcher scored 3.73/5.00 for filtration. How? Most importantly, it achieved adequate results in both our 2024 and 2025 lab testing. In our 2025 test, the filtered water had a much improved taste compared to our tap water (though it was not perfect), while we noted a little remaining taste in the 2024 test (no odor was noted either year). Finally, while the pitcher has no NSF/ANSI certifications for contaminant reduction, it is pretty much fully covered by third-party testing to 100% filter life.

1. Lab Results: 3.85/5.00 (2025) & 3.60/5.00 (2024)

In our 2024 and 2025 lab tests comparing an unfiltered and a filtered tap water sample, the Epic Pure pitcher could remove 9 undesirable impurities and contaminants to below the minimum detection level (so essentially to 100%): chlorine, bromodichloromethane*, bromoform, dibromochloromethane*, chloroform*, copper, iron, nitrate, and uranium.

The following substances remained in our water:

• Barium wasn’t reduced at all in 2024. Although this seems like a particularly bad result at first glance, barium was already at the lowest detectable level (0.01 ppm) in the unfiltered water sample. Due to a limitation of that year’s testing method (the lab reported barium only in 0.01 ppm increments), reduction could only be calculated as either 0% or 100%. That said, the very low 6% reduction in 2025 further suggests that the Epic Pure is not effective at removing barium. This seems to contradict the pitcher’s third-party test data which claims the reduction of barium by 92.70%. This apparent discrepancy may be explained by differing test conditions: Epic evaluated barium removal from feed water spiked to ~1 ppm, whereas our feed water contained a 25x-100x lower concentration. (The same may also apply to other contaminants for which our observed reduction rates differ materially from those reported by the manufacturer, including cases of potential leaching.)
• Boron was reduced by a solid 75% in 2024. In 2025, it was completely removed.
• Lithium increased by 100% in 2024 (not present in 2025). Like barium, lithium was detected near the analytical detection limit (0.01 ppm) in 2024, so this percentage change reflects a minimal absolute difference and could also represent natural fluctuations. Anyway, we don’t expect the Epic Pure filter to add lithium to the water but it may not reduce it, either.
• Strontium increased by 72% in 2024 and by 33% in 2025. Both years, strontium was present in the feed water at a concentration well above the lowest limits of detection, so these large increases are not likely due to natural variability. This suggests the Epic Pure is not effective at removing strontium and may even cause potential leaching. Fortunately, in both lab tests strontium was well below the strictest health guideline (1.5 ppm).
• Manganese increased by 144% in 2025 (it wasn’t present in 2024). This could represent natural fluctuations as it occurred at a fairly low concentration in our feed water, but it could also suggest potential leaching. However, while excessive exposure may pose risks to sensitive populations – the California OEHHA has set a very conservative notification level of 0.02 ppm for drinking water based primarily on limited animal data and the application of large safety/uncertainty factors to protect bottle-fed infants – manganese is an essential dietary element for humans and the measured level (0.0088 ppm) remains below the notification threshold. As with barium, a 144% increase in manganese contradicts the Epic Pure’s test data which reports 99.10% reduction.
• Fluoride decreased by a moderate 59% in 2024. However, we used a different and presumably more accurate fluoride detection method in 2025, and fluoride was completely eliminated. This later result is consistent with Epic’s reported reduction rate of 97.88%.

Finally, limescale/hardness increased by 17% in 2024 and by 7% in 2025. These increases might actually be the pitcher releasing ions from its ion exchange resin and should subside quickly. That said, it still might not be suited for protecting your kettle and/or coffee maker from buildup.

Aside from contaminant reduction, we found 2 substances in our 2024 filtered water that were not present in the unfiltered water, suggesting potential leaching: aluminum (0.08 ppm) and methylene chloride (0.71 ppb). Although far from ideal, aluminum was present below the public health goal of 0.6 ppm per the OEHHA. In 2025, methylene chloride reappeared in the filtered water and at a higher level (1.63 ppb) than the previous year which we find more concerning. Though even in the 2025 test, methylene chloride was still almost 2.5x lower than the strictest public health guideline of 4 ppb per the OEHHA. The detection of aluminum and methylene chloride in the filtered water also contradicts Epic’s third-party test data which reports 76.70% and >97.30% reduction, respectively, and may be subject to the same test-condition and leaching considerations discussed above.

Lab Results Charts

2. NSF/ANSI Certifications and Other Test Data

The Epic Pure pitcher has no NSF/ANSI certifications for contaminant reduction. However, it is pretty much fully covered by extensive third-party testing to 100% filter life against NSF/ANSI standards 42, 53, 401, and other non-NSF/ANSI standards. This testing covers 212 different impurities, including many organics and several heavy metals. Reported reduction rates include VOCs (92.60-99.70%+), semi-volatiles (87.00-99.80%+), pesticides (99.00-99.90%+), herbicides (98.90-99.90%+), trace pharmaceuticals and other emerging contaminants (90.00-99.20%+), microplastics (99.62%), a bunch of radiological elements (>99.73%), PFOA (>99.60%), PFOS (>99.80%), lead (99.94%), mercury (91.80%), chromium 6 (99.20%), arsenic (94.00%), beryllium (98.00%), and aluminum (76.70%).

3. Filtration Process

The Epic Pure filter cartridge features an activated carbon block and an ion exchange resin. In addition to adsorption, the activated carbon block provides fine mechanical filtration due to its smaller pore size compared to granular carbon, enabling it to reduce chlorine and chloramine, improve taste and odor, and remove disinfection byproducts, other organic compounds, certain metals, and fine particulate matter. The ion exchange resin targets dissolved, unwanted ions in the water.

4. Taste and Odor Tests

In our 2024 test, the filtered water was odorless but had a little remaining taste. In our 2025 test, the filtered water was odorless as well, and the taste was much improved compared to our tap water (though it was not perfect).

Usability: 4.60/5.00

The Epic Pure pitcher achieved a usability score of 4.60/5.00, based on its performance in the following categories:

1. Initial system assembly including filter priming (0.80/1.00)
2. Day-to-day use (3.10/3.10)
3. Filter replacements (0.70/0.90)

1. Initial Setup: 0.80/1.00

Assembling the Epic Pure pitcher is easy. In addition to the provided user booklet including clear illustrations, there is a tutorial video on YouTube for the visual learners. However, some might find the booklet’s written instructions to be a bit annoying, as the long-winded, cutesy phrasing makes it harder to figure out each step.

Here’s a quick overview of the setup process:

1. Check to ensure the filter’s clear silicone gasket is in place to prevent any leaks.
2. Hand wash the pitcher and its components with a mild detergent and rinse well. Note: Keep the filter itself away from soap and hot water. Do not soak lid underwater, as the digital timer is water resistant, not waterproof.
3. Screw filter back onto your reservoir – no need to match up reservoir holes with the filter holes.
4. Make sure the lid fits securely on the pitcher (sometimes the top reservoir gets turned around when you take it out). The flat side of the reservoir goes towards the direction of the spout. It should fit on snugly.
5. Flush your filter by filling the reservoir with cold tap water. Discard the first two jugs of filtered water to remove any loose carbon fines (or use on house plants).
6. Hit start on your digital timer to begin the 90-day countdown.

2. Day-to-Day Use: 3.10/3.10

2.1 Speed & Water Capacity: 1.20/1.20

The Epic Pure pitcher is an excellent choice for daily use. Firstly, its reservoirs are large and well-balanced (8-cup feed, 11-cup filtered capacity), so it can store plenty of water and requires fewer daily refills to meet your needs – we estimate 4 refills for the average-sized US and US family households. This means you will not have to make frequent trips to the tap, unlike with pitcher models that have smaller feed (or feed + filtered) reservoirs, which will need to be topped off repeatedly.

In addition, the Epic Pure filters fast enough to meet the daily water needs of the average-sized US (family) household, and it can handle thirst bursts. That said, on-demand filtering still takes some patience. In our 2025 filtration speed test, the pitcher could filter 4 cups in 8:41 min. In 2024, it took slightly longer at 9:30 min.

Finally, the pitcher fits both on the shelves and in the door of a standard fridge (dimensions: 5.4″x10.8″x10.75″), and thanks to the ample feed and filtered capacities, you can fill a large 40-oz bottle with a single refill.

2.2 Handling & Pouring: 1.15/1.15

The Epic Pure’s attractive round wood handle provides a very comfortable grip and allows for smooth pouring without spills, even when pouring quickly.

Its weight including the wet filter cartridge is average compared to the other pitchers we have tested, coming in at 2 lb 4.2 oz. While heavier weight may indicate sturdier construction (e.g., thicker plastic) and/or more filter media (desirable for better filtration results), it also can make handling more of a challenge.

2.3 Refilling: 0.75/0.75

The Epic Pure is easy to refill with one hand thanks to its flip-top lid that opens by pressing the blue rubber tab near the top of the handle. The clear upper reservoir allows you to see how much water remains to be filtered.

3. Filter Replacements: 0.70/0.90

Filter replacements are very easy, and this pitcher comes with a 90-day timer built into the lid to remind you when to do so. Rated filter life is 150 gallons. Assuming 300 gallons of yearly water consumption for the average household, we estimate that you will only have to change the filter 2x annually. Note: per the manufacturer, the timer is set for 90 days just as a reminder. Depending on use and water quality, the filter may last longer or shorter than 90 days. If the filter is still working after 6 months, they recommend changing it to ensure maximum filtration.

Costs: 4.73/5.00

Based on value for money, the Epic Pure pitcher achieved a cost score of 4.73 out of 5.00, indicating it is relatively inexpensive for what it offers compared to competing pitchers (a score of 4.00 represents average value). Notably, its upfront price is around average and annual filter replacement cost is slightly below average compared to the other pitchers we tested.

1. Upfront Price

As of September 16, 2025, the Epic Pure is priced at $79. Applying our 20% off discount code reduces the upfront cost to $63.20, which is similar to the $58.53 average across all the water filter pitchers we tested. Alternatively, choosing a filter subscription would provide you 15% off.

2. Long-Term Expenses for Filter Replacements

Based on 300 gallons consumption and a 150-gallon filter life, we estimate $106 in annual filter replacement costs, which is slightly below the $120.13 average across all the water filter pitchers we tested. That said, you can save 15% with a filter subscription.

3. Product Warranty

The system is covered by a lifetime warranty and satisfaction guarantee.

4. Other Cost Factors

• The pitcher is made from medical-grade Tritan, which, according to Epic, is free from BPA & BPS.
• The pitcher feels sturdy and well-built.
• The recycling program provides 1 free filter in exchange for 5 used ones.

Additional

1. Looks

The wooden handle and blue rubber tab create a stylish, modern appearance.

2. Environmentally Friendly Packaging

We like that all of the packaging appeared to be eco-friendly – per the manufacturer, it is 100% compostable.

3. Frequent Customer Complaints

We read about issues with cracked plastic, lid/flap problems, water leaking/spilling when pouring, and slow filtration.

While we agree that filtration is on the slower side for this pitcher, we actually found the overall handling experience to be very positive: the lid is easy to open one handed thanks to the blue tab, it pours smoothly and seems solidly built.

Bottom Line: Our #1 Pitcher for Usability (4.10/5.00)

Filtration weighted at 60%, and usability and cost at 20% each, the Epic Pure pitcher scored a final rating of 4.10 out of 5.00.

If day-to-day usability is your focus, the Epic Pure is our top pick amongst the tested water filter pitchers. It’s a cinch to set up, use and maintain; its large feed/filtered volumes allow you to store plenty of water with fewer refills (easily done one-handed), and its long, 150-gallon rated filter life means filter replacements will be infrequent (though they, too, are simple). It pours well and looks good while doing it, with its attractive wooden handle giving it a modern flair.

However, its filtration performance fell short; it showed incomplete removal and even potential leaching of a few contaminants in our lab tests, occasionally contradicting the extensive 3rd-party testing data provided by the manufacturer (no NSF/ANSI certifications). That said, it’s a budget-friendly option, as upfront cost is about average and annual filter replacement costs come in slightly below average; other incentive programs like filter recycling further stretch your dollar.

(Use Code BOSEpic for 20% Off!)