Water Filter Pitchers for Microplastic Removal: Top Options, Selection & Maintenance

Microplastics – tiny plastic particles smaller than 5mm – have become an increasing concern in our drinking water supplies. These invisible contaminants potentially pose health risks as they can harbor chemicals and pollutants. Water filter pitchers offer a convenient home solution, but not all are created equal when it comes to removing these microscopic particles. This article examines which water filter pitchers effectively remove microplastics from your drinking water, comparing technologies, effectiveness, and value to help you make an informed decision for cleaner, safer drinking water in your home.

Microplastics come from numerous sources including the breakdown of larger plastic items, microbeads from personal care products, synthetic clothing fibers, and industrial waste. Studies have found microplastics in tap water across America, with some research indicating the average person may consume thousands of microplastic particles annually through drinking water.

While research on health impacts is ongoing, concerns include potential inflammation, chemical leaching, and the ability of microplastics to absorb and transport other environmental toxins into the body. Standard municipal water treatment isn’t specifically designed to remove these tiny particles, creating demand for additional home filtration solutions.

How Water Filter Pitchers Remove Microplastics

The effectiveness of a water filter pitcher against microplastics depends primarily on its filtration technology and pore size. Filters with pore sizes smaller than 1 micron generally perform best since most microplastics range from 1 to 500 microns in size.

Several filtration technologies can address microplastics:

• Activated Carbon Block Filters: Dense carbon blocks with small pores can physically trap microplastics, unlike loose granular carbon.
• Sub-Micron Mechanical Filtration: Filters with pore sizes in the 0.2-0.5 micron range can physically block most microplastics.
• Composite/Multi-Stage Filtration: Systems combining multiple filter media often provide better microplastic removal capabilities.
• Membrane Filtration: Ultra-fine membranes with precisely sized pores can effectively screen out particles above a certain size.

Top Water Filter Pitchers for Microplastic Removal

Based on independent testing and manufacturer specifications, these pitcher filters demonstrate notable effectiveness against microplastics:

Brand & Model	Filtration Technology	Microplastic Removal	Filter Lifespan	Capacity	Price Range
Clearly Filtered	Composite (0.2 micron)	Excellent (99.9%+)	100 gallons (4 months)	10 cups	$75-90
Epic Pure	5-stage with sub-micron	Very Good (99.62%)	150 gallons (3-4 months)	8 cups	$70-85
LifeStraw Home	Membrane (0.2 micron)	Excellent (99.999%)	264 gallons (12 months)	7 cups	$55-65
ZeroWater	5-stage ion exchange	Good (>1 micron)	15-40 gallons	10 cups	$30-45
Aquagear	Multi-stage sub-micron	Very Good (99.9%)	120 gallons (6 months)	8 cups	$70-90
Brita Elite	Carbon block with ion filter	Moderate	120 gallons (6 months)	10 cups	$30-40

Clearly Filtered

The Clearly Filtered pitcher uses proprietary Affinity® Filtration Technology with pores as small as 0.2 microns, making it highly effective at capturing microplastics. Independent testing shows removal of 99.9% of tested microplastics along with hundreds of other contaminants. While it has a higher initial cost, its comprehensive filtering capabilities justify the investment for many consumers.

Epic Pure

Epic Pure employs a solid carbon block filter with proprietary sub-micron filtration technology. It removes over 200 contaminants including microplastics, with test results showing 99.62% microplastic removal efficiency. The longer filter life (150 gallons) provides better long-term value despite the higher upfront cost.

LifeStraw Home

Using technology derived from their emergency filtration products, the LifeStraw Home pitcher combines a 0.2-micron membrane microfilter with activated carbon. This combination provides excellent microplastic removal while also addressing taste and odor issues. Its outstanding filter longevity (up to 264 gallons) makes it cost-effective over time.

ZeroWater

ZeroWater’s five-stage filtration system uses ion exchange technology that can remove many dissolved solids and some microplastics. While not specifically marketed for microplastic removal, independent testing shows it can catch particles larger than 1 micron. The shorter filter life is a drawback, especially in areas with hard water.

What to Look For When Choosing a Microplastic-Removing Pitcher

When selecting a water filter pitcher specifically for microplastic removal, consider these key factors:

Filter Specifications

• Pore Size: Look for filters with pore sizes under 1 micron, ideally around 0.2-0.5 microns
• Filter Material: Dense carbon blocks, composite filters, or membrane filters typically outperform basic granular activated carbon
• Multiple Filtration Stages: Systems combining different filtration methods often provide better overall performance

Verification and Testing

Since no standard certification specifically addresses microplastic removal yet, look for brands that provide transparent test results. Companies conducting third-party testing and openly sharing their methodologies generally offer more reliable products. While NSF/ANSI certification doesn’t specifically cover microplastics, pitchers certified to Standards 53 and 401 typically have better overall filtration capabilities.

Practical Considerations

• Total Cost of Ownership: Calculate long-term costs by considering filter replacement frequency and price
• Filtration Speed: More thorough filtration often means slower water flow – consider your household needs
• Capacity: Ensure the pitcher size meets your daily water consumption needs
• Filter Life Indicators: Some pitchers include electronic indicators or apps to track filter usage

It’s worth noting that higher-priced pitchers often deliver better microplastic removal performance, but they typically address a broader range of contaminants too, providing better overall value than their basic counterparts.

Maintenance for Optimal Microplastic Removal

Even the best water filter pitchers require proper maintenance to perform effectively against microplastics:

• Replace filters on schedule – expired filters lose effectiveness for microplastic removal
• Pre-rinse new filters thoroughly before first use to remove any carbon dust
• Clean the pitcher body regularly with mild soap (never put filters in the dishwasher)
• Store filtered water in the refrigerator to maintain freshness
• Consider pre-filtering visibly turbid water to prevent premature filter clogging

Some manufacturers recommend specific maintenance procedures for optimal performance. Following these guidelines ensures you get maximum microplastic removal efficiency throughout the filter’s lifespan. Most high-performing filters maintain peak efficiency for about 2-3 months of regular use before requiring replacement.

Beyond Pitchers: Alternative Water Filtration Options

While water filter pitchers offer convenience and affordability, households with high water consumption or seeking even more thorough filtration might consider these alternatives:

Filtration Type	Microplastic Removal	Approximate Cost	Installation Complexity
Under-sink Reverse Osmosis	Superior (99.9%+)	$200-500+	Moderate
Countertop Filter Systems	Very Good to Excellent	$100-300	Low
Faucet-Mounted Filters	Moderate to Good	$20-70	Very Low
Whole-House Systems	Varies by system	$500-2,000+	High

Reverse osmosis systems provide the most comprehensive microplastic removal but require more significant investment and installation effort. These systems use a semi-permeable membrane with pores small enough to block virtually all microplastics along with many other contaminants.