Brita Ultramax Elite Review: Lab Analysis & Hands-On Testing

Full Analysis of the Brita Ultramax Elite Water Filter Dispenser

Filtration: 2.80/5.00

The Brita Ultramax Elite scored 2.80/5.00 for filtration. How? Most importantly, it achieved mediocre results in our 2024 lab testing, though the filtered water had a clean taste and no odor. Plus, while the system has a higher count of NSF/ANSI-certified contaminants, this is mostly limited to the easier-to-remove organics.

1. Lab Results: 3.11/5.00

Remember that our before vs after lab comparison is not an exact science. It’s informational and subject to variability, inaccuracies, and interferences caused by natural fluctuations in water quality, accidental contamination, human error, instrumentation issues, and more. Furthermore, our lab testing is limited to those contaminants present in our water supplies and at their respective concentrations, which is why the results may contradict third-party test data. As such, our lab testing can only give us a general idea for how effective a certain water treatment product might be.

In our lab test comparing an unfiltered and a filtered tap water sample, the Brita Ultramax Elite could remove 7 undesirable impurities and contaminants to below the minimum detection level (so essentially to 100%): chlorine, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, chloroform, copper, zinc, and lithium.

The following substances remained in our water (note: in our view, most concentration increases are generally due to leaching, although natural fluctuations cannot be ruled out):

• Barium decreased by 75%.
• Boron decreased by 20%.
• Strontium was reduced by 25%.
• Nitrate increased by 28%. While this may suggest leaching at first glance, we’re confident this increase is due to natural fluctuations, as we’ve found significant amounts of nitrate in our water supply before.
• Fluoride was reduced by 3%.
• Uranium wasn’t reduced at all.

Aside from contaminant reduction, we found the following substances in our filtered water that were not present in the unfiltered water:

• Aluminum – At 0.04 ppm, it was 15x lower than the strictest aluminum health guideline we could find (0.6 ppm, California OEHHA), established to prevent neuro- and immunotoxic effects.
• Silver – At 0.06 ppm, it was 1.67x lower than the strictest silver guideline we could find (0.1 ppm, EPA secondary standards). Associated effects above that guideline are skin discoloration and graying of the whites of the eyes. One possible explanation is the use of silver-impregnated media, which might have released trace amounts of silver.

Lab Results Chart

2. NSF/ANSI Certifications and Other Test Data

The Brita Ultramax Elite is certified for the reduction of 32 contaminants by the WQA against NSF/ANSI standards 42, 53, and 401 and by the IAPMO against NSF/ANSI standard 53. However, this coverage primarily focuses on the easier-to-remove organics.

Reported reduction rates include:

• Chlorine (97.40%)
• Particulate class I (99.60%)
• Lead (99.50-99.60%)
• Mercury (95.50-95.90%)
• Cadmium (96.90-99.20%)
• Asbestos (>99.00%)
• Microplastics (0.5-1 μm – 99.60%)
• Several other emerging compounds, including pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals (93.00-99.00%+)
• A few other herbicides, pesticides, and VOCs (87.30-99.30%)

Reduction rates are per the official performance data sheet.

3. Filtration Process

The Brita Ultramax Elite filter uses activated carbon (and possibly other adsorbents) contained within a fibrous matrix. Activated carbon removes things like bad tastes and odors, chlorine/chloramine, disinfection byproducts and other organics, as well as certain metals. The pleated, fibrous framework and built-in mesh screens presumably act like a sieve, allowing for mechanical filtration of undissolved particulates. Silver is added to support the hygiene of the filter.

4. Taste and Odor Test

In our test, the filtered water was odorless and had a perfectly clean taste.

Usability: 4.40/5.00

The Brita Ultramax Elite achieved a usability score of 4.40/5.00, based on its performance in the following categories:

1. Initial system assembly including filter priming (1.00/1.00)
2. Everyday use (2.60/3.10)
3. Filter replacements (0.80/0.90)

1. Initial Setup & Filter Priming: 1.00/1.00

Assembling the Brita Ultramax Elite is easy. In addition to clear, illustrated directions in the instruction sheet, there’s a helpful tutorial video on YouTube.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the setup procedure:

1. Wash your hands, then hand-wash the dispenser (clean tank), lid and reservoir (feed tank) with a mild detergent and rinse.
2. Insert filter into reservoir by lining up groove in filter with the notch in the reservoir, pressing firmly.
3. Fill reservoir with cold tap water to the Max Fill line and allow water to filter.
4. Discard the first dispenser of filtered water.
5. Activate the filter change indicator by pressing the status button and holding it down for 6 seconds. Release when the light next to LONGLAST FILTER blinks green three times.
6. Now your system is ready to use.

2. Day-to-Day Use: 2.60/3.10

2.1 Speed & Water Capacity: 1.05/1.20

The Brita Ultramax Elite is suited for daily use. It’s even fast enough for on-demand filtering, which we define as 1 cup in <1 minute. In fact, this setup could filter and dispense 1 cup of water in a quick ~31 sec and 4 cups of water in ~2:08 min in our filtration speed tests.

However, as the spigot sits just above the bottom of the clean tank, the system must first process and collect ~4 oz of water before any can be dispensed, which took ~29.5 sec. As a result, starting from an empty system, the total time to filter and dispense 1 cup was ~1:01 min, while dispensing 4 cups took ~2:38 min.

Requiring only 6:06 min to fully filter and dispense the entire feed tank, the Brita Ultramax Elite can produce large volumes relatively quickly for a dispenser-style system. It’s definitely fast enough to handle 8-10 cup/hour thirst bursts for average US households, which we assume consist of 2.55-3.15 people.

Dispensing filtered water from a full clean tank is also very fast – we measured about 4 seconds for 1 cup.

The 9.5-cup feed tank and 34.5-cup clean tank allow you to readily fill a 40-oz bottle or 2-quart pitcher from a single refill. Assuming 25.5–31.5 cups of daily water consumption for the average US households, we estimate 3-4 daily refills when filling the system to the max fill line – average for the countertop water filter dispensers we tested.

2.2 Dispensing: 0.85/1.00

Using a full clean tank, dispensing water is very fast and without splashing. The sturdy plastic spigot is easy to use, and there is no dripping after the pour.

Due to the low spout height, the system must sit on a stand or at the edge of a counter or fridge shelf to allow enough clearance for pouring into glasses, 40-oz bottles, or 2-quart pitchers.

Plus, since the spigot sits just above the base of the clean tank, the last ~4 oz of water cannot be poured unless you tilt or angle the tank forward. However, this is a common limitation and applies to almost all dispenser-type countertop filters we tested.

2.3 Refilling & Size: 0.70/0.90

Refilling the Brita Ultramax Elite is easy using the flip-top lid. Simply use a pitcher or other container to fill the upper reservoir with water or place the unit in the sink and fill directly from the faucet.

Instructions state to open the flip lid and always fill to the max fill line, as this is part of how the system indirectly tracks water usage. Brita also advises against opening the lid (for more than a few seconds) unless you are refilling; the filter change indicator is activated when the lid is opened for 16 seconds, and it estimates water use by counting the number of times the lid is opened to fully fill the reservoir.

Unfortunately, the opaque upper reservoir does not allow you to see how much water remains to be filtered. You’ll have to (quickly) open or lift the lid to see if there’s room to top off and be careful when moving the unit after refilling to avoid spilling any unfiltered water.

Measuring 5.25″x10.25″x13.5″ (WxHxD), the Brita Ultramax Elite fits under most kitchen cabinets (18″ clearance). We could even place it on our fridge shelves without any rearrangement, though it’s too big for the door.

At 2.7 lbs with a wet filter installed, it’s lighter than the average dispenser-style countertop systems we tested. Its smaller footprint also saves space on the counter or fridge shelf, occupying only ~70.88 in² (~0.49 ft²), and at less than 6″ wide, it’s streamlined enough to fit in tight spots.

3. Filter Replacements: 0.80/0.90

Filter replacements are very simple: the filter is easily accessible through the lid and is simply pushed in/pulled out. The filter change indicator light tracks the number of refills and alerts you when it is time to replace it.

Rated filter life is 120 gal or 6 months.

Assuming 500 gallons of yearly water consumption for the average household, we estimate you will have to replace the filter 4-5x annually.

Costs: 4.74/5.00

Based on value for money, the Brita Ultramax Elite achieved a cost score of 4.74 out of 5.00, indicating it is priced below average for what it offers compared to competing systems (a score of 4.00 represents average value). Notably, its upfront price is around average, but its annual filter replacement costs are well below average compared to the other countertop water filters we tested.

1. Upfront Price

As of Jul 13, 2026, the Brita Ultramax Elite is priced at $49.98, which is around the $48.53 average we estimate for this type of water filter.

2. Long-Term Expenses for Filter Replacements

Based on 500 gallons consumption and a 120-gal or 6-month filter life for the filter cartridge, we estimate $73 in annual filter replacement costs, which is well below the $120.11 average across all the tested countertop water filters.

3. Product Warranty

The Brita Ultramax Elite is covered by a 1-year warranty.

4. Other Cost Factors

The filter life indicator tracks refills and lets you know when it’s time to replace the filter.

Additional

1. Construction

The unit’s BPA-free plastic construction feels solid overall, though the tank walls are slightly thinner than those of comparable units. We can also envision the hinge on the flip-top lid not lasting over time.

2. Frequent Customer Complaints

We read about issues with cracked plastic tanks or bases and leaking.

We did not experience these issues firsthand.

Bottom Line: User-Friendly and Affordable but Disappointing Filtration (3.51/5.00)

Filtration weighted at 60%, and usability and cost at 20% each, the Brita Ultramax Elite scored a final rating of 3.51 out of 5.00.

Filtration performance was somewhat poor overall, largely due to its mediocre lab results: it completely removed only 7 out of 13 contaminants in our lab test and achieved little to no reduction for most of the remainder. Still, it produced filtered water that tasted and smelled perfectly clean. While it has a higher number of NSF/ANSI-certified contaminants (32), coverage is centered on the easier-to-remove organics and skips over some key impurities, including many heavy metals.

On the other hand, usability is solid: it’s very easy to set up, and it processes plenty of water quite quickly for this type of countertop system – it’s even on-demand capable (1 cup <1 min). Dispensing is also very fast as well as drip- and splash-free at 4 seconds per cup with a full clean tank. However, you either need to place the unit at the edge of your counter/fridge shelf or on a stand to pour, as the spout is located at the bottom of the clean tank.

The flip-top lid makes refilling simple. Filter replacements are also very easy, with the filter change indicator light alerting you when it’s time to swap out the cartridge based on the number of completed refills.

Unfortunately, the opaque plastic hides the water level in the feed tank. To avoid spills after refilling, you must move the system carefully or lift the lid to see if any unfiltered water remains.

Build quality is good overall with its BPA-free plastic construction, though the tank walls are on the thinner side, and the hinge on the flip-top lid seems prone to failing over time. Lightweight and compact, the unit is easy to move and carry while also saving space on your counter or fridge shelf.

While its upfront price is about average, ongoing filter replacement costs are well below average.

Though user-friendly and affordable on the whole, the Brita Ultramax Elite isn’t one of our favorite countertop water filter dispensers due to its disappointing filtration performance.