Filtering facts:

Understanding pitcher filters vs. reverse osmosis

Access to safe, clean drinking water is a key priority for many families. With various pollutants affecting water quality—from contaminants to odours and unpleasant tastes—it’s essential to understand the filtration options available. While pitcher filters are good for improving taste and reducing minor impurities, reverse osmosis systems provide more thorough filtration, removing a broader range of contaminants. Learn the benefits of each to help you decide which solution best suits your household’s water needs.

How pitcher filters work

Pitcher filters are noted for their straightforward operation and affordability, making them a practical choice for basic water filtration. Here’s the typical process:

Step 1: filling the reservoir
You add unfiltered water to the upper chamber, preparing it for filtration.

Step 2: gravity filtration
Water passes through an activated carbon filter by gravity, reducing common contaminants such as chlorine and some heavy metals and subtly improving taste and smell.


Step 3: dispensing
The filtered water collects in the lower part of the pitcher, ready for drinking


While most pitcher filters adhere to this basic method, some models include additional filtration technologies that can further reduce specific contaminants. These models often have a performance datasheet that verifies their effectiveness against particular impurities. However, their range of contaminant removal generally needs to be expanded compared to more comprehensive systems like AquaTru.


How reverse osmosis system (AquaTru) works

AquaTru’s reverse osmosis (RO) filtration system outperforms basic pitcher filters, providing a more thorough clean. The system features a patented 4-stage filtration process designed to maximise contaminant removal and simplify home use.

Initially, a sediment filter captures large particles like dirt and sand. Following this, a carbon filter addresses chlorine and other chemicals, enhancing the water's taste and extending the lifespan of the RO filter. The water then moves through the reverse osmosis membrane, eliminating nearly all contaminants, including heavy metals, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals, thus ensuring exceptionally pure water.

The process concludes with a polishing filter, which further refines the water’s taste and consistently delivers fresh, clean water. AquaTru’s comprehensive filtration system removes up to 99% of harmful substances, a capability independently verified.

  • Key benefits of AquaTru’s RO filters:

    • Superior contaminant filtration: they remove up to 99% of harmful substances, such as heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides.
    • Taste and odour improvement: the system significantly enhances the water's taste and smell.
    • Durability: fewer replacements and maintenance are required compared to other systems.
    • Ideal for home use: it provides a convenient, comprehensive solution for families seeking clean drinking water.
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Filter features compared: AquaTru vs. pitcher filters

Learn the key differences with our detailed comparison to see whether pitcher filters or Aquatry better suit your needs.

Cost and investment

  • Pitcher filters are initially appealing due to their lower cost, making them a viable option for those on a budget. However, the frequent need for filter replacements can lead to higher ongoing expenses. In contrast, AquaTru, despite its higher upfront cost, offers significant long-term savings. With less frequent maintenance and replacement parts, it proves to be a cost-effective choice for dedicated users.

Environmental impact

  • Pitcher filters operate without electricity, which is beneficial for energy conservation. However, their ecological advantage is offset by the need for regular disposal and replacement of filters, contributing to waste. In contrast, AquaTru, while using a small amount of electricity, significantly reduces environmental impact. It decreases reliance on bottled water and features longer-lasting filters, supporting a more sustainable lifestyle over time.

User experience and convenience

  • While pitcher filters are straightforward and portable, making them ideal for immediate use with minimal setup, they require frequent refilling and maintenance that can become cumbersome over time. AquaTru offers a seamless experience with its automated system and larger capacity, which means less frequent intervention and more consistent access to clean water, making it particularly suitable for those who value convenience and efficiency.

Filtration speed and capacity

  • Though effective for small-scale use, pitcher filters' gravity-based filtration system operates more slowly and can be less suitable for larger households or higher water demands. AquaTru provides a rapid filtration solution that efficiently caters to both high demand and immediate needs, ensuring that purified water is always readily available without the wait.


    Pitcher filters effectively reduce common contaminants like chlorine, taste, and odours, which enhances the drinking experience to a certain extent. However, they may need to address more severe water quality issues adequately. AquaTru, equipped with advanced reverse osmosis technology, extensively removes a broader spectrum of harmful contaminants, including TDS, heavy metals, chemicals, and microorganisms, offering higher water purity and safety.

Deciding on a water filtration system involves matching your needs with the right technology. For straightforward, temporary solutions, pitcher filters might offer a temporary solution, enhancing taste and efficiently reducing basic contaminants. However, if your focus is on comprehensive purity and reducing a wide range of impurities, the AquaTru system—with its advanced reverse osmosis process—offers a superior and sustainable choice. Check the performance data sheet for each model—Carafe, and Classic—to ensure your choice meets your water quality needs.

Learn more about Aquatru

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