You may have noticed the growing interest in alkaline water, as more people seek to switch from drinking regular water to consuming more alkaline water. Studies conducted as recently as 2016 suggest that high pH (alkaline) water may have health benefits, specifically for people with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Alkaline water pitchers work by filtering regular water, adding minerals to the water, and raising its pH. The best alkaline water pitchers also remove contaminants from regular tap or well water. In our research, we focused on the features that determine the efficacy of an alkaline water pitcher and why they are important. We looked at things like the pitcher size, the filter capacity and form, and safety. Read along to find out how each of these influences the effectiveness of the pitcher and how to choose an alkaline water pitcher that is right for your lifestyle.
We spent months investigating the performance of each pitcher and filter. Do the filters retain their efficacy over time? After how long should you replace the filter? Are some filters better than others? These are some of the questions we sought to answer in our research. And we found the answers, which we bring to you in a simple, easy to follow format that includes a comparison table, in-detail reviews of each product, and a buying guide. It’s our hope that this information helps you in your search for an appropriate alkaline water pitcher.
More features: BPA free, open spout, sport bottle of 24 oz included, glass pitcher
The 12-cup Dafi Astra is a glass alkaline water pitcher made from borosilicate, a type of glass that is chemical resistant and won’t react with your alkaline water or acids from your tap water. This makes it safe to use for your drinking water. It’s also thermal shock resistant, durable, stain resistant, BPA-free and scratch and shatter-proof, so you’re looking at a long duration of use.
The Dafi Astra filters water in 5 steps. As you pour water through the pitcher, the top cap of the cartridge blocks any mechanical pollutant present to create room for the proper circulation during the filtration. In the second step, a special filtrating net located under the cap blocks sludge and suspension. The third step involves ion exchangeable resin and activated carbon. The resin removes heavy metals from the water and decreases water hardness, while the activated carbon removes chlorine and any organic compounds, effectively getting rid of all unpleasant smell and taste. In the fourth step, the alkaline ceramic bed increases the water pH level and negative ORP (oxidation reduction potential), which raises the amount of antioxidants in the water. It also infuses the water with useful minerals like magnesium. Then the microporous cap at the bottom repeats the mechanical filtration, ensuring you get the purest water quality.
The pitcher comes with 2 filters, each with a 40 gallon capacity, which is approximately 30-45 days of use each, and an LED indicator to remind you when it’s time to replace the filter.
More features: BPA-free, PP material, anti-drop feature, LED display, smart touch buttons, ionizer
The GOSOIT Hydrogen Alkaline Machine is a great tool for electrolyzing drinking water. It uses advanced SPE/PEM technology to rapidly electrolyze water into hydrogen and oxygen, and with the ionizer, dissolve more hydrogen ions in water, turning it into hydrogen-rich water. The process produces alkalized water (with a pH of 7.5-8.2) rich in hydrogen, magnesium, calcium and potassium.
With its 70 oz capacity, which can cater for 4-5 people, you’ll have enough hydrogenated water for the entire family. The only catch is that you have to consume the water within 30 minutes to an hour as it volatilizes rather quickly.
To activate the membrane for first time use, you need to soak PEM membrane in hot water for 1-3 minutes. Also, for first time dispenser use, add some lemon and hot water and let it steep for 30 minutes then empty. This improves the taste of your water.
The LED display and smart touch button operation makes the hydrogen machine easy to use. It operates at 3 working levels; you can adjust as needed to suit your water volume requirement.
The hydrogen pitcher is made from food grade polypropylene, which is by and large safe, durable, and does not leach chemicals. You can separate the pitcher from the base when not in use for easy storage.
More features: up to 9.5 pH, filters heavy metals, BPA-free, FDA approved
Seychelle pH2O Alkaline Water Filter Pitcher is what you buy when you want your tap water completely purified and tasting great. Filtered water has a pH of 7.5-9.5. The company claims their pitcher filter removes 99.99% of contaminants. We certainly hope so because the water tastes so much better after passing it through the pitcher. If this is proof that the filter works, then the Seychelle filter does a fine job. Perhaps it is the filtration technology behind the filters that’s superior; Seychelle uses ionic adsorption micro filtration in every filter.
The filter has a capacity of 200 gallons, which is on the higher end as far as filter usage is concerned. However, the filter slows up after using it for a while. Representatives from Seychelle advise that you should re-flush the filters with high-pressure water to open them up and reactive them.
The quick fill lid design means you don’t have to remove it to pour the water. Plus, at 11 ” x 5.5″ x 10.5″, the pitcher is compact enough to fit in the refrigerator. Even better, the filtered water maintains its alkalinity for more than 30 days, so even if you filter lots of water, you’re not worried about it losing its alkaline quality.
This filter is only designed for use with tap water. If you have well water, you may need to find another filter.
More features: BPA-free, easy-change cartridge
The Pitcher of Life Alkaline Water Pitcher raises pH by at least 2 units and gives a pH of 7-10 depending on the source water. It is primarily designed to remove chlorine, odor and taste. It is not meant to remove contaminants, so remember this when choosing this filter. You’ll need a second filter that’s capable of removing contaminants if you choose to buy this pitcher.
The pitcher is made from BPA-free polycarbonate material, a material that is also used to make the lid, cartridge, and seal. While the pitcher’s slim, space-saving design is perfect, the spout is a little too small. You need patience to pour out the water. Also, it’s designed such that if there’s water in the reservoir, you have to remove the lid and reservoir to pour out your filtered water. Otherwise, both the unfiltered and unfiltered water will pour out. The lid isn’t secured, so you have to hold it in place to keep it from falling off.
The pitcher has a 3.5 liter capacity, with a 2.5 liter capacity for filtered water. If you let the filtered water sit in the pitcher, it slowly loses its alkalinity, so it’s advisable to filter only a little at a time, say, what you need for the day.
The filter has a capacity of 40 gallons, which on average could last 2 months. Either way, aim to replace the filter every three months. The cartridge is easy to remove and replace.
More features: BPA-free, filters heavy metals, easy-fill lid
Choose the Santevia Water Systems Alkaline Water Pitcher is you want a fuss-free filter that works hard but doesn’t cost as much. According to the manufacturer, it is designed to remove heavy metals, industrial chemicals, agricultural contaminants, chlorine taste, and odor. The filtration process is fast, and with the 9-cup pitcher, you’ll be able to filter enough water for everyone within a reasonable time.
The filter produces 1,250 8oz glasses before replacement, which comes down to 80 gallons of water. You should comfortably use the filter for 2 or 3 months before replacing it, depending on how high your water intake is. An extra filter would have been lovely to have, but it only comes with one filter, so be ready to buy a new filter in about two months. There’s a clock that counts down to when you should replace the filter. Be careful not to spill water on the clock as it will malfunction.
With dimensions of 10″ x 5.3″ x 10.8″ (HxWxL), it is small enough to fit in your refrigerator. An easy-to-fill lid makes pouring water easy and ensures quick filling with no spills. The pitcher is made from durable, BPA-free plastic.
More features: calcium balls, filters heavy metals, dishwasher safe pitcher, waterproof pouch, BPA-free
The first thing that draws you in about the Invigorated Water pH REPLENISH Glass Alkaline Water Pitcher is its classy design. Its aesthetic appeal will have you displaying it on your kitchen counter, but it’s also slim and small enough to fit in and not take up too much space in your refrigerator. The gooseneck-shape of the pitcher makes it appear small, but it has a 63 oz capacity, which is nearly at par with some of the best alkaline pitchers in the market. For a 1 or 2-person family, the size of the pitcher will suffice, but it may be too small for a larger family.
The pitcher is made from borosilicate glass and has a stainless steel reservoir. While these materials earn it points for, among other things, being BPA-free and dishwasher safe, you’ll need to handle it with care as the glass is prone to break on impact.
It uses calcium balls, ORP balls, Maifan stones, and ceramic mineral balls to infuse the water with minerals and increase negative ORP. It also uses far-infrared to activate and oxygenate the water.
It’s among the pitcher filters that are designed to filter out heavy metals, and the manufacturer uses zeolite and activated alumina to achieve this. And given the high filter capacity, you won’t be replacing the filter frequently. The indicated filter capacity is 105 gallons. For a 1 or 2-person family, this could mean over 3 months of use.
After reading the reviews of some of the top alkaline water pitchers above, it’s natural to want to learn how these pitchers work. This section of the review will explain this and more, including the benefits of an alkaline water pitcher and what to consider when buying one. We’ll also answer a few FAQs about alkaline water pitchers.
First and foremost, best feature of the filters – removing toxins from our drinking water. You can never be 100% sure of how safe the water coming through your tap really is, not even when you have faith in your local water district and the EPA. And while these state agencies do a lot to keep our water safe, they may not get rid of all contaminants. Even 0.05% of contaminants in your water can wreak havoc on your health and that of your family members. Using an alkaline water pitcher helps eliminate any impurities in your water, including chemicals, bacteria, and all manner of toxins.
Improves pH balance in the body – Tap water is generally acidic. Using an alkaline water pitcher to filter your drinking water raises its alkaline level, which in turn helps in balancing your body’s pH level for greater wellness.
Changes the taste and smell of drinking water to the better – Using an alkaline water pitcher improves the taste and smell of drinking water, which may entice you to drink more water throughout the day and in turn improve your overall health. Getting rid of compounds like fluoride and adding minerals like magnesium and calcium alters the taste and smell of the water, which you’ll notice immediately you taste alkaline water for the first time.
Cheaper than bottled water – The cost of bottled water is negligible when you’re buying the occasional bottle, but when you’re relying on bottled water to meet your everyday drinking water quota, it can quickly add up. This amount multiplies further depending on the size of your family. Switching to an alkaline water pitcher will drastically cut down your drinking water expenses.
Good for the environment – Having an alkaline water pitcher means you rarely need to buy bottled water, if ever, which means fewer bottles to dispose of and fewer bottles in our landfills.
The pitcher uses a built-in filter to purify any water that you pour through it, getting rid of contaminants like heavy metals and other pollutants. To do so, it relies on compounds like activated carbon and alumina to draw out the contaminants through adsorption.
The filter also contains minerals that dissolve in the water and improve its alkalinity by raising its pH level to about 9 or 10 on average. The pH results depend on the pH of the water. If the water is very acidic, with a pH of 5, for example, the filter may not outright bring it to an 8 or 9, but may raise it to pH 7, which is neutral.
On the higher end, expect to spend about $200 on advanced alkaline water pitchers. Otherwise, the price range for an average unit is $50-$100. When looking at the cost factor, recognize that there are no additional costs associated with using the pitcher, except for the occasional replacement of the filter. This is the biggest advantage in using the water pitcher as a water filter, and given the benefits you stand to gain, may not be a big deal.
The cost of filters varies from as low as $7 to as high as $50. Consider the availability of replacement filters when choosing an alkaline water pitcher. How readily available are they? Can you buy them from any dealer o do they have to be proprietary filers? The latter will be more expensive.
Now that you understand the importance of alkaline water pitchers, let’s look at the features to consider when choosing one.
Size entirely depends on how much water you consume in a day, which is tied to how big or small your family is and how much water each person consumes. If your family is big, go for a large pitcher that can hold enough water to take you through most of the day if not the entire day. If you settle for a small pitcher, you’ll have to constantly filter water throughout the day to cater for everyone’s needs. In a small family, a small pitcher will often suffice.
When filtering water for later use, bear in mind that in most pitchers, the water loses its alkalinity the longer you store it. So you might want to consider filtering only what you can drink in a day so that you’re not losing all the benefits of filtering the water. Alternatively, buy a pitcher that preserves the water’s alkalinity for longer. The Seychelle pH2O Alkaline Water Filter Pitcher is a good example of a pitcher that will preserve the filtered water’s alkalinity for more than a month.
The filter capacity refers to how much water the filter will treat before it can be replaced. Most filters have a capacity of 40-100 water gallons, which means the filter lasts 1-3 months. The higher the filter capacity, the better for you in terms of finances. If it takes you three months to replace each filter, you’ll spend far less on filters over the long term than someone who replaces theirs every month.
The type of filter used can determine the kinds of contaminants removed and in what quantities. Activated carbon and Ionic Adsorption Micro Filtration (IAMF) Technology eliminate a wide range of chemicals and heavy metals through adsorption, while ion exchange resin allows the chemical removal of contaminants on one hand, and on the other, releases minerals into the water. Some types of filters are only designed to remove the smell, taste, and maybe a few specific compounds. An example is the filter used in Pitcher of Life Alkaline Water Pitcher. It’s only designed to filter out chlorine but won’t remove heavy metals.
Some pitchers have a timer that alerts you on when you should replace the filter. If your family is a heavy water consumer and it wouldn’t be easy to keep track of how much water you’re filtering each day, buying a pitcher with a timer is a good idea. It will notify you when the filter needs replacing.
The pitcher is more than a utility device. It is something you’ll use regularly, probably on a daily basis and even multiple times a day. Choosing a well-designed and aesthetically appealing pitcher like this Invigorated Water pH REPLENISH Glass Alkaline Water Pitcher will give you a sense of pride every time you handle it or when displaying it on your countertop. Your alkaline water pitcher can be one of the accessories that define your kitchen. And there are lots of design, shapes and colors to choose from, from soft hues that complement your kitchen decor, to bright greens and reds that add a stylish contrast to the tonal palette of your kitchen.
The pitcher you’re about to buy will be a big part of the items that influence your health. You want to make sure that it is safe for use, and you can only do so by double checking whether it meets all the major health standards and regulations. Confirm that the materials used to make both the pitcher and the mineral-releasing ions are FDA approved. Look for things like food-grade quality and BPA-free. If you see any red flags or can’t confirm whether a material is safe or government-approved, find another pitcher. There are lots of safe pitchers in the market. You just have to be keen in identifying them.
Our top choice for alkaline water pitcher is the Dafi Astra. There’s a lot that stands out in this pitcher, among which are the 5-step water filtration process which removes heavy metals and all kinds of contaminants while infusing the water with beneficial minerals. We also like its glass construction, the large pitcher, and the LED filter replacement reminder.
Our second-best choice is the GOSOIT Hydrogen Alkaline Machine, an electrolysis device that uses advanced SPE/PEM technology to hydrogenate water. We like its large capacity pitcher, smart button operation and LED display. We also like that it has three operating levels.
Rounding up our top three best alkaline water pitchers is the Santevia Water Systems Alkaline Water Pitcher, also our budget pick. Obviously, the price point is a major attraction, but we also appreciate that it filters out heavy metals, and at the same time improves water alkalinity and taste. We also like the huge filter capacity, easy fill lid, and the digital indicator for filter replacement.
