Brita Chrome Water Filter Pitcher, 8 Cup

I bought this filter because I was sick of buying bottled water. Not only was I losing money but after buying a package of bottled water that tasted like plastic, I had enough. I drink a lot and so I wanted good, clean, and great tasting water without paying 20 dollars a week or more on bottles. This brita filter was the answer! I have been using it for about a month now and have no complaints at all. The reviews that talk about the top falling off are misleading. The top has a clip on the sides that fit into the sides of the pitcher. At first I thought mine was broken because the top didn't stay on and one of the little clips was shorter than the other but after wiggling it into place it stays on fine (just push down a little and you'll know when it sticks). My top stays on great now!Also, I can see why people complain that you have to wait for the water to filter before filling up a glass (otherwise you end up pouring unfiltered water into your drinking container). But it's really not that big of a deal because it filters very quickly. I fill my glass up and refill the tank and put it back in the fridge and by the time I come back it's ready again.One thing that I will say is a con is that if you fill the filter reservoir up too much the unfiltered water will start to trickle into the filtered reservoir. But this is an easy fix once you figure out how much to fill up the tank on top. I was overfilling it and that's why this happened. The top reservoir holds more than you think so fill it up a little at first until you get a feel for it and you will avoid this problem all together.Another downside is the digital timer. It's not incredibly helpful because it just measures time. They say to change the filter every two months or X amount of gallons. The timer just counts off two months no matter how much water you filter and that is sort of a dumb system. But the alternative (one that measures the water) would probably be too costly. So the timer is a nice reminder but I suggest keeping track of how much water you filter or just judge it on taste. The timer is helpful if you drink it all the time and so it can be a fairly accurate judge. Also, the timer will expire after 5 years (the battery can't be changed and will run out around then). Fortunately, the filter will still work so it's not that big of a deal if you can live without a timer.Also, a friend of mine says he tried a brita but didn't like the taste. He also said the town he lived in had horrible tap water to begin with so I suppose that could be a factor; however, that has not been my experience and the city I live in is a much less populated rural area then his was.Keep in mind that all Brita filters are the same and so even if you don't get this pitcher they will all make the same water. I like this pitcher because it holds a lot of water and it is slim so it doesn't take up much room in the fridge which I like. Plus the chrome top is shiny which is nice!Oh and you may notice small black flakes in the top reservoir, I believe these to be coming from the filter (inside the filter are the same black flakes)but I figure since they filter the water anyway, it's not a big deal to have them in the top part where the unfiltered water sits. Every once in a while you get one in your glass but I think the filter just had to settle as I haven't found one in a long time.Overall, if you want great tasting water without having to buy bottles I highly recommend the Brita!

Like how it looks. But overpriced for sure. And the filter come with the pitcher is not in good shape, the small charcoal pieces come out from inside and they go into the water all the time. I know they are Non-toxic, but it's really annoying to have some charcoal in the water you drink all the time.Overall, like the pitcher, but can't use the filter come with it.

I was initially apprehensive in purchasing the Brita 42632 Riviera chrome pitcher due to the various criticisms of it. I chose it due to the high rating by Consumer Reports as well as the many stars given by Amazon consumers. After our family of three has used it for several weeks now, I can say we are perfectly happy with it. The water tastes great (just don't use stale ice), the design is streamlined (my 1st choice was white, but chrome looks fine), the ergonomics are good no matter the amount of water inside, it's the right size for us (we go through about a pitcher a day), and there are no spills or leaks whatsoever.I believe the key is simply to follow the instructions. It took me an hour to get the entire thing going after reading every word, but we have had no problem since. Under "Getting Started," note particularly the last step, where you need to discard the first two pitchers to remove any particulate matter. Just to be sure, I discarded a third (our flowers enjoyed this).Also, note the tip to fill the pitcher by allowing tap water to run down the side of the reservoir rather than hit and disturb the filter directly. This should help ensure no charcoal bits.Finally, observe the instruction to wait for the water in the reservoir to drain completely before pouring or filling again (it takes about 2 reservoir-fulls to actually fill the pitcher, and a few minutes wait each time). This way you will not be as likely to overfill, as there's nowhere for the extra water to go but out the little covered spout. It should also eliminate the charcoal flakes from coming out, too.In conclusion, when all else fails, follow directions!PS: Apparently the filters for all the different Brita models are the same; they are one standard interchangeable filter, but haven't researched the most economical place to purchase them yet.

I got the Brita pitcher so could have filtered water for cooking, making tea and coffee and for filling my cat's water bowl. Not so much for drinking because we live I philly where tap water is not so safe so we are used to drinking bottled. It works just fine. It tastes as good as bottled. And my cat's water bowl does not get mineral buildup, like it would if I had been using tap. Good size, not too heavy when full, not too small either, so I'm glad we went with this size. Have been using it for at least six months and the lid has not broken off yet, like other reviewers have stated. But I did read the reviews prior to purchasing so I knew to be gentle with it. We use it quite a bit so it gets refilled a few times a day and I wash it each time I replace the filter. It does have some flaws, like the timer which so many people have mentioned measures time and not refills, but we still go by it. Also the lid tends to close while refilling, but if you hold the pitcher still or just leave it sitting in your sink while refilling, the lid will stay up. Also make sure you read and follow the instructions about soaking your filter in water prior to using it, and the part about directing the water to the side and not directly on the filter while refilling. I have the chrome colored one and it looks nice but it's a little bit more maintenance than the white, because if you get any water drops on it and don't wipe them off right away, they'll leave water stains, even though it's plastic, painted to look like chrome. But I'm still happy with the product and the color.