Clearly Filtered Pitcher Review — Does It Really Remove 365+ Contaminants?
Pros
- + Removes 365+ contaminants (independently lab-tested)
- + Removes fluoride, lead, PFAS, and glyphosate
- + BPA-free Tritan plastic
- + Lifetime guarantee on the pitcher
- + No funny taste unlike some filters
Cons
- - Slow filtration — takes 15-20 minutes per fill
- - Filters are expensive ($32.95 every 4 months)
- - Holds only 10 cups (smaller than Brita UltraMax)
Why This Pitcher Is Different
Most water pitcher filters (Brita, PUR) use basic activated carbon that removes chlorine taste and some heavy metals. The Clearly Filtered pitcher uses Affinity Filtration Technology — a multi-stage process that targets specific contaminant groups.
Contaminant Comparison
| Contaminant | Brita Standard | ZeroWater | Clearly Filtered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorine | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lead | Partial | Yes | Yes (99.5%) |
| Fluoride | No | Yes | Yes (98%) |
| PFAS/PFOA | No | Partial | Yes (99.9%) |
| Glyphosate | No | No | Yes (99.9%) |
| Microplastics | No | Partial | Yes (99.9%) |
| Total contaminants | ~20 | ~30 | 365+ |
The Speed Trade-off
Let’s address the biggest complaint: it’s slow. A full pitcher (10 cups) takes about 15-20 minutes to filter. Brita takes 3-5 minutes.
Our workaround: fill it before bed, and you wake up to a full pitcher of clean water.
Filter Cost Analysis
| Pitcher | Filter Cost | Filter Life | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brita Standard | $7.99 | 2 months | $47.94 |
| ZeroWater | $14.99 | 2-3 months | $71.95 |
| Clearly Filtered | $32.95 | 4 months | $98.85 |
Yes, it’s more expensive per year. But per contaminant removed, it’s actually the best value.
Taste Test
We did a blind taste test with 5 people comparing tap, Brita, ZeroWater, and Clearly Filtered water:
- Clearly Filtered: 4/5 preferred (described as “clean, natural”)
- ZeroWater: 1/5 preferred (described as “flat, empty”)
- Brita: 0/5 preferred over Clearly Filtered
ZeroWater removes almost everything including minerals, which gives it an odd flat taste. Clearly Filtered retains beneficial minerals while removing contaminants.
The Bottom Line
At $90 for the pitcher and $33 per filter, the Clearly Filtered system costs more upfront. But if you’re concerned about PFAS, fluoride, lead, or microplastics in your water — and you should be — this is the most effective pitcher filter you can buy.
Our Verdict — 9/10
If you care about what's in your water, this is the best pitcher filter available. Period. The slow speed and higher cost are the price of genuinely clean water.