Review: Culligan 10 Cup Water Filter Pitcher

Full Analysis of the Culligan 10 Cup

Filtration: 4.50/5.00

The Culligan 10 Cup Pitcher achieved a filtration score of 4.50/5.00. How? It did excellent in our lab testing and has a higher count of NSF/ANSI-certified contaminants, though key ones like nitrates and VOCs are missing. The filtered water had a much better taste compared to our tap water and smelled perfectly clean.

1. Lab Results: 4.84/5.00

In our lab test comparing an unfiltered and a filtered tap water sample, the Culligan could remove 9 undesirable impurities and contaminants to below the minimum detection level (i.e., 100%): chlorine, bromodichloromethane*, dibromochloromethane*, iron, barium, boron, strontium, nitrate, and fluoride.

A few substances were not fully removed:

• Chloroform* was reduced by 97%, which is still very high.
• Copper saw a 45% reduction, which is moderate and far lower than the reduction rate of 99.60% listed in Culligan’s performance data sheet for its NSF/ANSI standard 53 certification. The reason for this difference may be the much lower copper level in our feed water (0.0136 ppm) compared to the higher level used in certification testing (~3 ppm), and the fact that the Culligan pitcher uses KDF media (a copper-zinc mix) which might have released trace copper.
• Manganese was reduced by 64%, which is quite solid.

Finally, with 100% limescale reduction, this pitcher is a great pick if protecting kettles or coffee makers is your priority.

Lab Results Charts

2. NSF/ANSI Certifications and Other Test Data

The Culligan 10 Cup Pitcher is certified for contaminant reduction by IAPMO against NSF/ANSI standards 42, 53, and 401. We counted 28 certified contaminants, with average reduction rates listed in the performance data sheet including lead (98.80-98.90%), mercury (94.20-96.60%), chromium 6 (99.40-99.50%), fluoride (99.70%), total PFAS (99.70%), and emerging compounds (96.60-99.40%).

Despite these certifications covering a relatively high number of important contaminants, nitrate, VOCs, and others are missing. There is no additional third-party testing beyond these NSF/ANSI certifications.

3. Filtration Process

The Culligan pitcher uses a multi-stage filter that combines particle filtration, activated carbon, KDF media, and ion exchange resin. Particle filtration (mechanical filtration) acts as a sieve to trap solid (undissolved) impurities like sand, rust, and dirt. 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. KDF is a copper-zinc media which also removes chlorine and certain water-soluble heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and iron, and also inhibits microbial growth

4. Taste and Odor Tests

In our test, the filtered water from the Culligan pitcher had a much better taste than our tap water and no odor.

Usability: 3.50/5.00

The Culligan pitcher achieved a usability score of 3.50/5.00, based on its performance in the following categories:

1. Initial system assembly including filter priming (1.00/1.00)
2. Day-to-day use (2.00/3.10)
3. Filter replacements (0.50/0.90)

1. Initial Setup: 1.00/1.00

Assembling the Culligan pitcher is simple. In addition to clear, illustrated directions, a convenient QR code also links users to a tutorial video.

Here’s a quick overview of the setup process:

1. Remove the lid, reservoir, and TDS meter from the pitcher.
2. Pull the tab on the TDS meter. The screen will turn on when the meter is ready to use.
3. Wash pitcher using warm water and mild dish soap; rinse and dry.
4. Unwrap your filter, peel off the lid, and rinse the outside shell with water for 30 seconds.
5. Insert the filter into the reservoir and twist clockwise until it locks in place.
6. Replace the lid, open the circular disc, and fill the reservoir with cool or room-temperature water.
7. Insert the TDS meter into the dock with the screen facing out.
8. Now your pitcher is ready to use.

2. Day-to-Day Use: 2.00/3.10

2.1 Speed & Water Capacity: 0.40/1.20

The Culligan pitcher is a decent choice for daily use but there are better options if day-to-day practicality is your primary concern. Firstly, it has smaller reservoirs (3.5-cup feed, 9.25-cup filtered) that are not well-balanced. And so because filtered capacity is nearly 3x greater than feed, you need to refill thrice in order to top up the filtered reservoir. As a result, more refills are needed to keep up with your daily demands – we estimate 8-9 per day for the average-sized US and US family households, respectively.

While on-demand filtering takes patience, the Culligan pitcher could filter 4 cups of water in 5:04 min in our 2025 filtration speed test. It therefore filters fast enough to handle thirst bursts and can meet the daily water needs of the average-sized US (family) household.

Finally, the pitcher fits both on the shelves and in the door of a standard fridge (dimensions: 5″x10.5″x10″). However, the smaller feed capacity means you won’t be able to fill a large 40-oz bottle with a single refill.

2.2 Handling & Pouring: 1.15/1.15

The Culligan pitcher’s thick handle provides a comfortable grip and allows for smooth pouring without spills, even when pouring quickly. It is relatively heavy compared to the other pitchers we have tested, with a weight including the wet filter cartridge of 3 lb 5 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: 0.45/0.75

The Culligan pitcher might be a little bit tricky to refill compared to some other pitchers; its circular sliding lid covers about 1/3 of the opening even when fully pushed to the side. While it should be fine in most cases, it may get messy with faucets that have a wide spray pattern.

2.4 Other: 0.00/0.20

We have a removable, built-in TDS meter which accurately measures the TDS of the filtered water in the reservoir. However, we are not fans of the “zero TDS” idea. A TDS meter can’t detect several important impurities, including many organic compounds like disinfection byproducts, particulate lead and other non-dissolved contaminants. Therefore, these substances don’t count towards total dissolved solids. What it does measure are mainly harmless or even beneficial salts and minerals. Additionally, it reads in parts per million, so it’s far too imprecise for contaminants that can be harmful at much lower concentrations.

Since the information provided by the TDS meter can cause confusion and promote a false sense of security, we didn’t award the Culligan any extra points for this feature.

3. Filter Replacements: 0.50/0.90

Frequent filter replacements are required if following the Culligan’s short 20-gallon rated filter life. Assuming 300 gallons of yearly water consumption for the average household, we estimate that you will have to change the filter 15x annually for this pitcher. While the process is straightforward, 1-2x monthly filter changes may get tiresome.

Alternatively, Culligan states you may replace the filter when the TDS meter reads 6 (the pitcher lacks a traditional filter life indicator). However, this latter approach means you’re likely exceeding the NSF/ANSI-rated filter capacity.

Costs: 2.90/5.00

Based on value for money, the Culligan pitcher achieved a cost score of 2.90 out of 5.00, indicating it is relatively expensive compared to competing pitchers (a score of 4.00 represents average value). Most importantly, while its upfront price is well below average compared to the other water filter pitchers we tested, annual filter replacement cost is well above average.

1. Upfront Price

As of September 16, 2025, the Culligan pitcher is priced at $34.99, which is still well below the $58.53 average across all the water filter pitchers we tested.

2. Long-Term Expenses for Filter Replacements

Based on 300 gallons consumption and a 20-gallon filter life, we estimate $205 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 20% with a filter subscription.

3. Product Warranty

The system is covered by a short 90-day warranty.

4. Other Cost Factors

• Built-in, removeable TDS meter
• Pitcher feels sturdy and well-constructed, especially the reservoir and thicker plastic handle

Additional

1. Looks

Gray handle and reservoir give the pitcher a more sophisticated look.

2. BPA-Free Construction

The pitcher is made of BPA-free materials.

3. Frequent Customer Complaints

We read about issues with bad taste or odor of filtered water, inconsistent TDS readings, and bad design/ergonomics. Other customers complained about the very short filter life (needing replacement in days).

The Culligan does have a shorter rated filter life compared to most of the other pitchers we tested. Contrary to some of its critics, however, we found its filtered water to be odorless with an improved taste compared to our tap water. Additionally, we were pleased with the attractive design and overall sturdy construction, even if it was a bit hefty (though we agree the feed and filtered reservoirs are not well-balanced). Finally, although we are not fans of the TDS method to inform about water quality, our readings were consistent with our lab reports.

Bottom Line: Our Runner-Up Pitcher for Most Effective Filtration (3.98/5.00)

Filtration weighted at 60%, and usability and cost at 20% each, the Culligan pitcher scored a final rating of 3.98 out of 5.00.

The Culligan takes the #2 spot for the pitcher with the most effective filtration as it completely removed most contaminants in our lab test, has a higher count of NSF/ANSI certifications for contaminant reduction (though it’s missing some key ones like nitrates and VOCs), and its filtered water was odorless and tasted much better than our tap water. It is also sturdy, attractive, and easy to setup, handle/pour, and maintain.

However, it is slightly impractical for daily use, largely due to the small feed and unbalanced feed/filtered capacities – frequent refills will be necessary to keep up with your day-to-day needs. Its relatively short 20-gallon rated filter life means you will need to make frequent filter replacements, too; while you’ll save a bit on the initial purchase of the Culligan pitcher, plan to spend more over time on its maintenance.