Guide to Choosing a Home Water Filter

While tap water is generally safe to drink, regional variations in hardness and taste are common. High limescale content can damage household appliances, while substances like chlorine can affect the flavour of your water. A water filter provides a practical solution for improving the water quality right in your own home.

This article serves as a guide. We will introduce different filter types and provide you with factual information to help you make an informed decision if you want to filter your tap water.

What to Consider When Buying a Water Filter

The selection of drinking water filters is vast. To find the right model, you should consider three key aspects.

1. Use Case: At Home or On the Go?

The first step is to determine where the filter will be used primarily.

• For the Home: A water filter jug is the most common solution for the kitchen. It's easy to use and fits in most refrigerator doors. Ideal for preparing coffee, tea, or for daily drinking.
• For On the Go: An on-the-go water filter bottle is the right choice for work, sports, or travel. It filters water directly as you drink, allowing you to get fresh, filtered water from any tap. This reduces the need for single-use plastic bottles.

2. Filter Performance: Limescale Reduction or Taste Improvement?

Filter cartridges have different specialities. Consider what goal you want to achieve with filtration.

• Limescale Reduction: In regions with hard water, protecting kettles, coffee machines, and irons is an important factor. Special cartridges effectively reduce limescale content and can extend the lifespan of your appliances.
• Taste Optimisation: Many filters, such as models from BRITA, use activated carbon to reduce taste- and odour-impairing substances like chlorine. The result is softer water that enhances the flavour of hot beverages.
• Mineral Enrichment: Some manufacturers offer cartridges that not only filter the water but also enrich it with minerals like magnesium.

3. Capacity and Ongoing Costs

Pay attention to the jug's capacity and the lifespan of the filter cartridges. A larger jug is suitable for families, while a smaller model is often sufficient for a single-person household. The cost of replacement cartridges and their replacement interval are important factors for long-term use.

Recommended Water Filter Systems

Based on functionality and use case, we have compiled a selection of different water filter models.

BRITA Marella Cool White Water Filter Jug, 2.4 L

What makes this model stand out

The BRITA Marella is a popular model that relies on proven filter technology. This package includes the jug and three MAXTRA PRO filter cartridges, ensuring several months of use. The jug is designed to fit in the refrigerator door and features an electronic indicator that reminds you when it's time for the next cartridge change.

Benefits at a glance

• Total capacity: 2.4 litres (1.4 litres of filtered water)
• Filter technology: Reduces limescale, chlorine, and other taste-impairing substances
• Practical design: Fits in standard refrigerator doors
• Included accessories: 3 MAXTRA PRO filter cartridges included

Who is this model suitable for?

This set is a great choice for beginners and small to medium-sized households looking for a reliable solution to improve the taste of their tap water and reduce limescale buildup.

BWT Aqualizer Home Water Filter – White – 2.7 L

What makes this model stand out

The BWT Aqualizer stands out with its patented magnesium technology. According to the manufacturer, BWT, the water is not only freed from limescale, chlorine, lead, and copper but is also enriched with magnesium. An LED display indicates the optimal time for a filter change. With 2.7 litres, the jug offers a slightly higher capacity.

Benefits at a glance

• Special feature: Enriches water with magnesium
• Filter performance: Reduces limescale, chlorine, lead, and copper
• Capacity: 2.7 litres
• Change indicator: LED indicator for cartridge replacement

Who is this model suitable for?

This model is aimed at users who not only want to filter their water but also enrich it with the mineral magnesium. It is ideal for health-conscious individuals and households looking to specifically refine the taste of their water.

BRITA Vital Water Filter Bottle 0.6 L

What makes this model stand out

The BRITA Vital is a lightweight and durable on-the-go water filter bottle. It uses MicroDisc filter technology, which works as you drink. The filter reduces chlorine and other taste-impairing substances while preserving important minerals like calcium and magnesium in the water. The bottle is made from BPA-free plastic and is dishwasher-safe.

Benefits at a glance

• Application: Ideal for sports, the office, and travel
• Filter technology: MicroDisc filters chlorine and microparticles
• Material: Lightweight, durable, and BPA-free Tritan
• Capacity: 0.6 litres

Who is this model suitable for?

The BRITA Vital is perfect for active people who want access to filtered water on the go. It is an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to single-use bottled water.

Discover More Options

Haven't found the right model for your needs yet? There are numerous other solutions available, from larger systems to specialised filter cartridges.

? Discover a wider selection of products for [Filtered Water] in our range.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the real benefits of a water filter?

A drinking water filter is primarily used to optimise tap water for domestic use. Depending on the filter cartridge, it can:

• Improve taste and odour by reducing substances like chlorine.
• Reduce water hardness (limescale filter), which protects household appliances and minimises limescale deposits in cups and pots.
• Reduce certain heavy metals like lead or copper, which can leach from old household plumbing.

How often do you need to change the water filter?

The replacement intervals depend on the manufacturer and water hardness. For most water filter jugs, it is recommended to change the cartridge every four weeks or after 100 to 150 litres of use. Many jugs have a manual or electronic indicator to remind you of the replacement. For water filter bottles like the BRITA Vital with MicroDisc, the interval is often around 60 litres or four weeks.

Can filtered water prevent limescale buildup?

Yes, using a water filter with a cartridge designed for limescale reduction can significantly decrease limescale buildup in kettles, coffee machines, and other appliances. The filtered, softer water results in fewer visible deposits and can help extend the lifespan of your appliances.