This page contains affiliate links. If you buy a product or service through such a link, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Our Verdict (Best For)
We recommend the ZeroWater 10-cup Ready-Pour as our #1 water filter pitcher for nitrate. It’s also possibly highly effective targeting fluoride (but our lab data might be flawed here). Besides, the ZeroWater also removed most other undesirable impurities in our tap water. More pros: Taste and odor of the filtered water were flawless, we have a handful of NSF certifications + additional third-party testing, and we quite like the pitcher in terms of usability. But there are also big issues: A) ZeroWater filters might have problems dealing with chloroform/disinfection byproducts. B) We don’t like the “0 TDS approach”. And C) The very short filter lifespan makes the pitcher extremely expensive to maintain.
The ZeroWater 10-cup Ready-Pour is a water filter pitcher. It’s designed for use as a drinking water filter and can purify both tap water and properly disinfected well water.
As usual, we’ve tested the pitcher with our own hands:
- Hands-on experience: We assembled, primed, used, and maintained it.
- Filtration effectiveness: We sent an unfiltered and a filtered tap water sample to a professional lab for analysis in order to determine real-life contaminant reduction capabilities. Plus, we checked for NSF certifications and other test data.
- More testing: We performed a taste & odor test as well as a filtration speed test.
- All other product aspects: We considered initial + long-term cost, product warranties, additional features, frequent customer complaints, etc.
Contents
Final Rating: /5.00
Filtration: /5.00
Usability: /5.00
Costs: /5.00
| Type: | Water Filter Pitcher |
| Price (Jan 20, 2025, No Short-Term Sales): | $47.99 |
| Yearly Cost for 300 gal Based on Rated/Claimed Filter Life (Mar 19, 2024): | ~$235-295 or More |
Final Rating: /5.00
What We Like Most
- Good filtration results in our lab testing especially for a water filter pitcher.
- Taste and odor of filtered water were 100% clean.
- Extensive third-party testing for metal/salt reduction to 100% filter life (we miss most organics).
- Straightforward to set up, use, and maintain, with push-button dispensing.
- Includes a free TDS meter.
What We Don’t Like
- Our second test of filter element and other third-party testing showed lackluster filtration of chloroform/disinfection byproducts.
- Copper increased by 1,100% in our filtered water, but below strictest health guidelines.
- Only a handful of NSF certifications for contaminant reduction.
- “0 TDS approach” is a misleading indicator of filter lifespan and performance.
- Lid must be removed to refill pitcher (which isn’t easy), and it may fall off if you pour too fast.
- Very expensive annual maintenance costs, with a very short filter lifespan (15-17 gallons).
- Short 90-day warranty.
- Third-party customers complained about slow filtration, clogged filters, leaking, and taste issues.
Video: Adam Reviews the ZeroWater 10-Cup Ready-Pour
Video Chapters
- 00:00 – Intro
- 00:26 – General Information
- 01:57 – Lab Results
- 03:52 – Copper Leaching
- 05:45 – TDS
- 08:01 – Disinfection Byproducts
- 09:05 – Taste, Odor, Speed
- 09:23 – NSF Standards
- 10:19 – Usability
- 11:15 – Filter Replacement & Cons
- 12:14 – TDS Meter
- 12:26 – Price + Warranty
- 12:39 – Summary
- 14:41 – Clearly Filtered Pitcher
- 15:18 – Outro
How the ZeroWater 10-Cup Ready-Pour Compares to…
10 Other Water Filter Pitchers
In this video, Mike explains why the ZeroWater 10-Cup Ready-Pour is our top pick when it comes to nitrate (and possibly fluoride) removal among the 11 water filter pitchers we’ve tested.
Please note: Our full guide on the best water filter pitchers is available here.
Video Chapters + Comparison Sheet
- Link to Comparison Sheet
- 00:00 – Intro
- 00:58 – Our 11 Pitchers
- 02:00 – How We Tested & Ranked
- 04:29 – Pitcher Assembly & Filter Priming
- 05:21 – Sampling Process
- 06:18 – Taste & Odor Test
- 06:58 – Speed Test
- 08:28 – Best Overall (Clearly Filtered)
- 12:27 – Best for Usability + Affordability (Waterdrop)
- 15:45 – Best for Bacteria & Cyst (LifeStraw)
- 18:30 – Best for Nitrate (ZeroWater)
- 23:00 – Best for Fluoride
- 23:39 – Summary
Full Analysis of the ZeroWater 10-Cup Ready-Pour
Filtration: /5.00
1. Lab Results: /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. As such, it can only give us a general idea for how effective a certain water treatment product might be.
Lab Results Chart
| Potentially Harmful | Aesthetic Issues | Feed Water Level | Filtered Water Level | Reduction Rate | |
| Water Disinfectants | |||||
| Chlorine (mg/L) | ✖ | ✖ | 0.2 | 0 | 100% |
| Disinfection Byproducts | |||||
| Bromodichloromethane (µg/l) | ✖ | 0.58 | 0 | 100% | |
| Bromoform (µg/l) | ✖ | 0.75 | 0 | 100% | |
| Dibromochloromethane (µg/l) | ✖ | 0.94 | 0 | 100% | |
| Metals | |||||
| Copper (mg/L) | ✖ | ✖ | 0.01 | 0.12 | 1,100% Increase |
| Barium (mg/L) | ✖ | 0.01 | 0 | 100% | |
| Boron (mg/L) | ✖ | 0.04 | 0.01 | 75% | |
| Lithium (mg/L) | ✖ | 0.01 | 0 | 100% | |
| Strontium (mg/L) | ✖ | 0.18 | 0 | 100% | |
| Salts | |||||
| Nitrate (N) (mg/L) | ✖ | 1.65 | 0 | 100% | |
| Fluoride (mg/L) (Flawed?) | ✖ | 0.46 | <0.1* | Anywhere Between 78% and 99%* | |
| Other | |||||
| Uranium (µg/L) | ✖ | 7 | 0 | 100% | |
| Aesthetic Parameters | |||||
| Hardness (mg/L) | ✖ | 111.9 | 0.3 | 100% | |
| Impurities NOT Detected in Unfiltered Tap Water Sample | |||||
| Aluminum (mg/L) | ✖ | ✖ | 0 | 0.01 | |
| Iron (mg/L) | ✖ | 0 | 0.01 | ||
| Zinc (mg/L) | ✖ | 0 | 0.03 | ||
| *Due to known interferences of the applied testing method, we assume fluoride levels must be taken with a grain of salt. | |||||
| Explanation: | |||||
| Full Removal | |||||
| Considerable Reduction | |||||
| Concentration More Than Double of Unfiltered Water Sample | |||||
| Potential Leaching Reached or Exceeded the Strictest Public Health Guideline We Could Find | |||||
*100% means reduction to below the minimum detection level. To learn more about our testing procedures check our editorial guidelines.
Link to Filtered Water Report
Link to Unfiltered Water Report
Usability: /5.00
Costs: /5.00
Please note: This page is still a work in progress. Additional content and details will be added shortly – stay tuned!
Paraphrased Video Script
Introduction
Hey guys, and welcome to another review, this time featuring the ZeroWater Filter Pitcher! Most importantly in this review, we will discuss the results of our lab testing for real-life contaminant reduction that we conducted on the ZeroWater. Plus, there are several other things we MUST talk about which, apparently, many people don’t know about ZeroWater filters but they definitely should. So, let’s not waste any time and dive right in!
Model & Test Context
We will be reviewing the ZeroWater 10-Cup Ready-Pour which is the most popular ZeroWater pitcher model right now. Almost all ZeroWater pitchers and dispensers use the same filter element, which means that filtration results of our lab testing can also be applied to them.
The ZeroWater 10-Cup Ready-Pour was part of our big water filter pitcher comparison video featuring 11 of the most popular and most effective pitchers on the market. The comparison included lab testing for each of the 11 pitchers. We measured contaminant levels in our unfiltered tap water and compared that to the levels in the filtered water. This way we could calculate real-life contaminant reduction rates for each pitcher, including the ZeroWater.
We will discuss these results in just a second. Besides, there are several other things you should be aware of before buying a ZeroWater pitcher or if you are using one already – and we’ll cover all of them. We will also do a brief comparison of the ZeroWater pitcher to its main competitor: The Clearly Filtered pitcher – so make sure to stay till the end!
For today’s review we will be using the same analysis we used for our top 11 pitcher comparison video, meaning we will use the same Google Sheet, which will also be linked in the video description. The sheet contains a full analysis of all 11 water filter pitchers and makes it really easy to compare them. The sheet also contains all the product links and some discount codes, so don’t forget to check these! All of that info will also be included in the description box.
Like & Subscribe CTA
Ready to discuss how the ZeroWater 10-Cup Ready-Pour performed in our lab testing? Before we do, please consider supporting our channel by liking this video. And if you subscribe and hit the notification bell you’ll always know when we publish new content.
Lab Testing Method
We took 2 water samples, one of our raw tap water and one after that water had been filtered by the ZeroWater. We then sent both samples to an independent lab for analysis and compared the contaminant levels once we had received the lab reports.
Disclaimer: Please keep in mind that this before vs after lab testing is not an exact science and you won’t get 100% accurate results. Also, we cannot test for the reduction of contaminants not present in our water.
Lab Results
For the vast majority of relevant analytes, the ZeroWater did really well:
- Chlorine: 100% reduction
- All 3 disinfection byproducts: 100% reduction
- Barium, lithium, strontium, nitrate, uranium: 100% reduction
- Boron: 75% reduction (none of the 10 other pitchers we tested scored higher than 75%)
- Fluoride: ≥78% reduction (lab couldn’t quantify remainder; <0.1 ppm). Highest minimum reduction among all 11 pitchers. Likely flawed due to alkalinity interference in the test method
However, copper levels increased by 1,100% (from 0.01 ppm to 0.12 ppm). This might be coincidence, but our theory is that the ZeroWater leaked some of its KDF filter media into the water. KDF is a mixture of copper and zinc, and the ZeroWater was the only pitcher in our test that increased copper levels. Other pitchers reduced copper to 100%.
Is Copper a Big Deal?
The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment set a public health goal of 0.3 ppm for copper, with health risks including nausea and diarrhea. The EPA allows up to 1.3 ppm, with possible gastrointestinal distress short-term and liver or kidney damage long-term. 1 ppm or more can cause a metallic taste and blue-green staining.
So our increased copper was still below health guidelines and caused no taste issues. Other lab tests found ZeroWater reduced copper to 100%, so maybe we just had a bad filter. Still, we felt it’s worth mentioning because ZeroWater promotes reducing TDS to 0. While true, this can confuse people into thinking the water is perfectly healthy – which isn’t necessarily the case.
About TDS
TDS (total dissolved solids) is a combined measure of dissolved solids in water. But it doesn’t include undissolved contaminants like radionuclides, VOCs, or bacteria. So:
- 0 TDS ≠ pure H2O
- High TDS doesn’t always mean dangerous water (many healthy minerals raise TDS)
- Low to moderate TDS can be fine if it’s just minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium
In our case, ZeroWater reduced TDS from ~220 ppm to 0.6, mainly by removing harmless salts and minerals, not actual contaminants.
Third-Party Data
Third-party test data (e.g., from Environmental Working Group) showed ZeroWater may struggle with higher levels of disinfection byproducts. These are common in U.S. water supplies and linked to health issues. ZeroWater didn’t always achieve 100% reduction like other pitchers did. This might also apply to other organics, but that’s speculation.
Other Performance Notes
- Taste & odor: filtered water tasted and smelled clean
- Speed test: 4 cups in 5:47 minutes (not the fastest, not the slowest)
- NSF Certifications: Standards 42 & 53 (chromium 6, lead, PFOA/PFOS)
- Performance data sheet: chromium 6 reduction 99.6%, lead 95.9–99.7%, PFOA/PFOS 94.9%
- Additional NSF test data: effective against metals and salts (fluoride, nitrate), but limited data on other contaminants
Usability
The pitcher is easy to assemble:
- Clean all parts (except filter) with warm soapy water
- Rinse filter exterior with warm water for 30 seconds
- Twist filter into bottom of reservoir
- Fill reservoir and wait for water to filter
The pitcher holds 10 cups and pours nicely. You can also use the push-button to dispense water without moving the pitcher. Downsides: the lid must be removed for refilling and may fall off if you pour too fast.
Filter Replacement
- Simple twist-in/out process
- Very short rated filter life (17 gallons, sometimes less than 10 gallons)
- Common user complaints: clogged filters, slow filtration, leaks, taste issues
- Annual filter replacement cost: ~$235, making ZeroWater the most expensive to maintain out of all 11 pitchers tested
- Includes a free TDS meter (replace filter at TDS ≥6)
Price & Warranty
- Upfront price: $35–40 on Amazon
- Warranty: only 90 days (short compared to competitors)
Summary
The ZeroWater 10-Cup Ready-Pour:
- Performed well in our lab testing (except copper increase)
- Has NSF certifications and NSF testing
- Filtered water taste & odor was good
- Usability is solid
- Upfront price is acceptable
But:
- Lackluster performance for disinfection byproducts at higher levels
- Misleading focus on 0 TDS
- Highest maintenance cost of all 11 pitchers we tested
We only recommend ZeroWater if:
- You know your water has low disinfection byproducts (check your water quality report)
- Your #1 priority is nitrate or fluoride reduction (though fluoride data may be flawed)
In all other cases, we recommend the Clearly Filtered pitcher, which achieved the best overall filtration in our tests and handles higher disinfection byproducts more effectively. The main downside is higher upfront price, but we have a discount code.
Outro
That’s it for today’s video. For a more detailed comparison of the ZeroWater against the Clearly Filtered and 9 other pitcher models, check our Google Sheet and comparison video. We also have a standalone review of the Clearly Filtered – you’ll find all links in the description! Please drop any questions in the comments, like and subscribe for more content, and let us know which filters you want us to review next. Thanks for watching!
Further Reading
About the Author(s)
Adam has always loved testing and reviewing the latest products. He began his BOS Water journey doing simple pitchers and has since expanded his expertise to installing and evaluating advanced point-of-entry systems. Cultivating a small business in the filmmaking industry, Adam is also in front of the camera sharing his findings on the BOS Water YouTube channel.
Mike is a former team member who made his mark by contributing to our first big water filter pitcher comparison video and reviewing a couple POE water treatment systems. Beyond the world of water solutions, Mike is a full-time blogger and YouTuber alongside his wife, Ashley. Together, they’ve transformed their passions into a creative space called Joyfully Growing, where they share DIY tutorials and simple home improvement tips to help others love the homes they’re in.
Raoul has a background in mechanical engineering and has been writing about home water treatment since 2015. He designs our product review processes, analyzes the results, and ties everything together. As editor-in-chief, he tries hard to keep the whole operation running smoothly behind the scenes.