Review: Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher

Full Analysis of the Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher

Filtration: 4.50/5.00

The Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher scored 4.50/5.00 for filtration. How? It achieved solid results in our 2024 lab testing and had an even better performance in 2025, yielding excellent results. In our 2025 test, the filtered water had a much better taste than our tap water while in 2024, we enjoyed a clean taste. (No odor was noted in either test round). Finally, while the pitcher has only two NSF/ANSI certifications for contaminant reduction, it is pretty much fully covered by third-party testing to 200% filter life.

1. Lab Results: 4.97/5.00 (2025) & 4.16/5.00 (2024)

In our 2024** and 2025 lab tests comparing an unfiltered and a filtered tap water sample, the Clearly Filtered pitcher could remove 12 undesirable impurities and contaminants to below the minimum detection level (so essentially to 100%): chlorine, bromodichloromethane*, bromoform, dibromochloromethane*, chloroform*, copper, barium, lithium, strontium, iron, manganese, and uranium.

The following substances remained in our water:

• Boron – showed a very poor 14% reduction in 2024 but was completely removed in 2025.
• Nitrate was only reduced by 6% in 2024, which again is very poor, but was removed by a very high 96% in 2025. While our 2024 lab findings seem to challenge the Clearly Filtered’s third-party test data which claims the reduction of nitrate by >99.96%, our 2025 results were much more comparable. The apparent discrepancy with our 2024 results may partly be explained by differing test conditions – the Clearly Filtered’s feed water had a ~17.5x greater concentration of nitrate (27 ppm) compared to our feed water. The same rationale may also apply to other contaminants for which our observed reduction rates differ substantially from those reported by the manufacturer, including cases of potential leaching.
• Fluoride increased by 184% in 2024. However, it’s unlikely that the Clearly Filtered pitcher adds fluoride to the water. For one, there’s no fluoride-based filter media. Such a large increase is also unlikely to be the result of natural fluctuations. That said, our 2024 fluoride test method is known to be susceptible to alkalinity interference, with higher alkalinity producing artificially elevated fluoride readings. Because the filtered water showed increased alkalinity, it’s possible that this apparent fluoride increase is not real. In our 2025 testing, where we used a different lab method to measure fluoride (one which we consider to be much more reliable compared to 2024), the Clearly Filtered completely removed all fluoride from the water. This later result is compatible with the Clearly Filtered’s third-party test data which claims >99.54% fluoride removal.

Finally, limescale/hardness decreased by 95% in 2024 and by 55% in 2025. Given this range, the Clearly Filtered pitcher could help protect your kettle and/or coffee maker from limescale 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: silver (0.033 ppm) and titanium (0.07 ppm). Titanium also showed up in our 2025 filtered water (0.00205 ppm), and a third contaminant, cobalt, was also detected (0.0012 ppm).

Silver was found at a 3x lower level than the strictest silver heath guideline at 0.1 ppm. While excess silver does not pose any health risk, elevated levels can still cause undesirable cosmetic effects (skin discoloration and graying of the whites of the eyes). We couldn’t find any health guideline for titanium in drinking water; the lack of a guideline suggests it shouldn’t be a health concern. While cobalt is more worrisome given its adverse effects on the heart and other organs, it was found in our filtered water at a much lower level (58.3x) than the strictest cobalt health guideline of 0.07 ppm. The detection of silver and cobalt in the filtered water also contradicts Clearly Filtered’s third-party test data which reports >99.02% and >98.31% 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 Clearly Filtered pitcher is certified only for the reduction of 2 contaminants (chlorine and taste/odor) by the WQA against NSF/ANSI standard 42. But it has comprehensive third-party testing for the reduction of 355 contaminants to 200% filter life against NSF/ANSI standards 42, 53, 401 and other non-NSF/ANSI standards. Reported reduction rates include chlorine (>99.52%), chloramine (>99.68%), fluoride (>99.54%), heavy metals like aluminum (>99.13%), antimony (>98.00%), arsenic (98.00%), chromium 6 (99.68%), lead (99.34%), and uranium (96.67%), many herbicides (98.09-99.99%+), microplastics (>99.99%), 9 PFAS (95.00-99.50%+), dozens of pesticides (98.19-99.98%+), trace pharmaceuticals (98.40-99.99%+), radiological elements (98.00-98.04%+), semi-volatiles (98.51-99.99%+), and nearly 100 VOCs (98.49-99.99%+). Reduction rates are per the official performance data sheet.

3. Filtration Process

The Clearly Filtered cartridge contains a woven sediment filter screen, granular activated carbon and a proprietary composite layer (based on ion exchange resin).

• The woven sediment filter screen (mechanical filtration) acts like a sieve to remove solid (undissolved) particulates such as dirt or rust.
• Granular activated carbon removes things like bad tastes and odors, chlorine/chloramine, disinfection byproducts and other organics, as well as certain metals.
• Ion exchange targets dissolved, unwanted ions in the water.

4. Taste and Odor Tests

In our 2024 test, the filtered water was odorless and had a clean taste. In our 2025 test, the filtered water was odorless as well, and the taste was much improved compared to our tap water but not 100% perfect.

Usability: 4.10/5.00

The Clearly Filtered pitcher achieved a usability score of 4.10/5.00, based on its performance in the following categories:

1. Initial system assembly including filter priming (1.00/1.00)
2. Day-to-day use (2.50/3.10)
3. Filter replacements (0.60/0.90)

1. Initial Setup: 1.00/1.00

Assembling the Clearly Filtered pitcher is easy and straightforward. In addition to clear, illustrated directions, a convenient QR code also links users to a tutorial video. Also, setup before first use begins with filter priming, which is expedited by the use of the provided priming bag that avoids the need to wait for real-time filtration.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the setup process:

1. Remove the sticker covering the filter’s intake holes.
2. Flip the priming bag upside down and fill it with cold water. Once the bag is full, twist the threaded base of the filter onto the priming disc of the priming bag until snug.
3. Flip the priming bag right side up; holding the bag over the sink, squeeze it with both hands to force the water down through the filter. Water should drip out of the bottom of the filter – a sign that the filter is primed.
4. Squeeze the bag until empty and then repeat this process 2-3 times.
5. Disconnect the filter from the priming disc/bag and twist it onto the threaded base of the pitcher reservoir.
6. Lower the reservoir with attached filter into the pitcher body until it clicks into place. Open the reservoir lid and fill with cold or room temperature water.
7. Close the lid and wait for the water to pass through the filter.
8. Now your pitcher is ready to use.

2. Day-to-Day Use: 2.50/3.10

2.1 Speed & Water Capacity: 1.20/1.20

The Clearly Filtered Pitcher is a practical choice for daily use. For one, its reservoirs are large and well balanced (8.5-cup feed, 11.5-cup filtered capacity), so it can store enough water and requires fewer daily refills to keep your family hydrated – we estimate 3-4 refills for the average-sized US and US family households, respectively. This means you will not have to make repeated trips to the faucet, unlike with models that have smaller feed (or feed + filtered) reservoirs, which will need to be topped off repeatedly.

In addition, the Clearly Filtered filters fast enough to meet the daily water needs of the average-sized US households, and it can handle thirst bursts. That said, on-demand filtering takes patience. In our 2025 filtration speed test, the pitcher could filter 4 cups in 13:31 min. In 2024, it took more than twice as long (29:30 min), though we suspect the problems we had with the initial filter priming may be the culprit.

Finally, the pitcher fits both on the shelves and in the door of a standard fridge (dimensions: 5.25″x10.5″x11.8″), and thanks to the generous feed and filtered capacities, you can fill a large 40-oz bottle with a single refill.

2.2 Handling & Pouring: 0.55/1.15

The Clearly Filtered’s large handle provides a comfortable, secure grip and allows for fine pouring when using slow, controlled movement. However, it can produce a wide zone of splashing if pouring too quickly and unfiltered water may escape from the flip-top lid if tilted too steeply. To eliminate this problem, we recommend always refilling the pitcher to the top, and allowing it to process all water before pouring.

It is relatively heavy compared to the other pitchers we have tested, with a weight including the wet filter cartridge of 2 lb 15.6 oz. While that may be a disadvantage from a handling perspective, heavier weight can generally indicate sturdier construction (e.g., thicker plastic) and/or more filter media which is desirable for better filtration results.

2.3 Refilling: 0.75/0.75

The Clearly Filtered is easy to refill owing to its flip-top lid that opens on a hinge and provides plenty of room for filling. Also, the clear upper reservoir allows you to see how much water remains to be filtered, making sure that you don’t pour with unfiltered water left risking leaking.

3. Filter Replacements: 0.60/0.90

Filter replacements are very easy though there is no filter change indicator to alert you to do so. Rated filter life is 100 gallons. Assuming 300 gallons of yearly water consumption for the average household, we estimate that you will have to change the filter 3x annually.

Costs: 3.50/5.00

Based on value for money, the Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher achieved a cost score of 3.50 out of 5.00, indicating it is relatively expensive compared to competing pitchers (a score of 4.00 represents average value). Most importantly, both its upfront price and annual filter replacement cost are well above average compared to the other pitchers we tested.

1. Upfront Price

As of September 16, 2025, the Clearly Filtered is priced at $100. Applying our $10 discount code reduces the upfront cost to $90, which is still well above the $58.53 average across all the water filter pitchers we tested. Choosing a filter subscription would provide you another 10% off.

2. Long-Term Expenses for Filter Replacements

Based on 300 gallons consumption and a 100-gallon filter life, we estimate $155 in annual filter replacement costs, which is well above the $120.13 average across all the water filter pitchers we tested. That said, you can save 10% with a filter subscription.

3. Product Warranty

The system is covered by a 2-year warranty.

4. Other Cost Factors

• The pitcher is made from medical-grade Tritan which, according to Clearly Filtered, is free from BPA, BPS, phthalate, and estrogen & androgen activity.

Additional

1. Frequent Customer Complaints

We read about issues with clogged filters or slow flow, as well as reservoir and lid instability, leading to leaking and spills. Other customers complained of pouring issues or found the pitcher to be too heavy or bulky.

While we experienced somewhat slow filtration during our 2024 test, once we figured out the priming bag, filtration sped up considerably. However, we agree that the Clearly Filtered needs to be poured with a bit more care than some of the other pitchers to minimize splashing, for example. And while its heaviness may be a con for some, it could also be viewed as a tradeoff for better quality and performance.

Bottom Line: Our #1 Overall Pitcher (4.22/5.00)

Filtration weighted at 60%, and usability and cost at 20% each, the Clearly Filtered pitcher scored a final rating of 4.22 out of 5.00.

If you are in the market for a water filter pitcher, the Clearly Filtered is our top pick. It takes the #1 spot for most effective filtration as it completely removed most contaminants in our lab tests, comes with extensive third-party testing against 355 different impurities, and its filtered water was odorless and tasted much better than our tap water (clean taste in 2024). It clinched the best all-rounder status as well, as it is easy to setup, use, and maintain (even if filtration is a little on the slow side). High quality comes at a price, however, and the Clearly Filtered costs well above average – both for the initial purchase and filter replacements.

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