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Buying a water filter bottle seems so easy, but with dozens of results on Amazon and everyone else, finding the right one is tougher than it seems. What size do you need, and what material? What are the important features, and is a water filter bottle best for your needs?
Our buyer’s guide will answer all these questions and more. These are the most convenient filters available and soon you’ll see why.
How Water Filter Bottles Work
The specific bottle you pick may be different, but most have three mechanisms for removing contaminants from your water and leaving you with fresh, clean drinking water that’s way better than tap water. The major factors are:
- Activated Carbon/Activated Charcoal: Both of these are the same. This is basically carbon (usually from coconut shells) that has been transformed in a furnace to be more porous than normal. It also increases the carbon’s surface area so that it can absorb a tremendous amount of contaminants.
- Ion Absorption: This is usually done with a special resin that attracts and removes heavy metals and other contaminants. The ion absorbing material has a charge that pulls away the contaminants from the water and ensures the water you drink is much cleaner.
- Filtration: The final step, the bottle water filter will remove as many particles and other contaminants as possible to improve the quality of your water.
Recommended Products
Brita 26oz Premium Filtered Water Bottle
Brita does it again with this 26oz bottle. The leak-proof lid ensures water never spills out, plus it keeps the concealed straw clean. Made from BPA-free plastic, there are over a dozen colors to choose from and the filter is simple to change. Another benefit is the bottle is dishwasher safe.
LifeStraw Go 2-Stage Integrated Filter
Here’s a water bottle with filter that’s perfect for any situation. Made to remove 99.9% of waterborne protozoan and an impressive 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria, it’s all done without iodine, chemicals, batteries, or anything other than the integrated filter. The 23oz bottle is highly durable and made from BPA-free Tritan. Plus, it has a safe, food-grade silicone mouthpiece.
SurviMate 4-Stage Integrated Filter Bottle
The SurviMate filter bottle boasts an impressive filter made with activated carbon, hollow fiber membrane, beads and medical-grade cotton. Plus, it claims to last for 1,500L, or almost 400 gallons. Made from BPA-free Tritan, this bottle ensures you have clean water no matter where you go.
GRAYL Ultralight Water Purifier
One of the few water bottle with filters that has a wide-mouth design rather than a straw, but that’s not the only unique thing about it. It removes 99.9999% of viruses like SARS and Hepatitis A, 99.999% of protozoan cysts, and 99.9999% of bacterial like E. coli and cholera. It only takes 15 seconds to filter and it also removes fine particles and other chemicals and heavy metals.
Brita 20oz Premium Stainless Steel Bottle
This durable stainless steel bottle filters 40 gallons of water, or 300 water bottles worth, and it has an enclosed straw with a lead-proof lid. A convenient carrying loop on top makes it simple to take this with you, and the filter only takes seconds to replace.
Pros and Cons of Water Filter Bottle
Advantages
Price
An average filtered bottle is able to clean about 40 gallons of water. That’s the equivalent of 300 water bottles. Even on sale, you can see how water bottles cost much more than a filter. All you have to pay for is tap water, which is significantly less than bottled water.
Environment
Same thing as the price discount. If you buy a water filter bottle, then you’re only buying one bottle and the material for the filter. That’s much better than buying 300 plastic bottles. Even if you’re recycling them, a filter is much more eco-friendly.
Convenience
This might seem a little confusing at first, but I promise it makes sense. You’re driving for a long time and desperately thirsty. You can search around for the first store, which make take more time and requires you to buy bottled water, or you can find the first available water source (bathroom sink, water fountain, anything else) and fill your bottle with ease.
Speed
Unlike most pitchers, bottle filters only take a few seconds until the water is ready to drink. Most pitchers need several minutes. However, some pitchers are just as fast, like the Brita Stream.
Portable Filter
Other filters are sink units, which can’t move around, or pitchers, which aren’t as convenient as bottles. A water filter bottle is just as convenient as bottled water, but with all the other advantages.
Disadvantages
Relatively Small Container
This is a matter of perspective. Most filtered bottles are around 20 to 30 ounces. Compared to bottled water (which is around 16oz), these are somewhat larger. But, most other filter pitchers carry about 10 cups of water. It depends on how you look at it.
Straws
Straws are common to these bottles. Almost every model has one, but not all of them. Some people don’t like straws, plus them make it hard to get a big gulp of water. Plus, you’ll have to clean them regularly. For most this isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s definitely a disadvantage.
Less Filtering
This depends on the brand, but most water filter bottles have weaker filters than the ones found in pitchers and sink units. Bottle models are primarily concerned with removing contaminants that affect taste and odor. Pitchers and sink filters usually remove more heavy metals and other contaminants. You can read more about this in our Brita Vs Zero Water Vs Pur article.
Water Filter Bottle Buying Guide
Here we’ll discuss the most important aspects you need to know when buying a bottle water filter.
Filtered Contaminants
Check to see what the filter removes from tap water. Most bottle models are able to remove chlorine, minerals, viruses, bacteria, and many other contaminants that affect the taste and odor of tap water. What you’re left with is a crisp and refreshing water that’s very palatable.
If you’re more sensitive to heavy metals and other contaminants, then be sure to check the filtered contaminants to see what is removed from the tap water.
If you want to use river water (some models can), then make sure the filter can remove protozoa and other organic contaminants.
Material
In general, most bottles are made from either plastic or stainless steel. This is largely a matter of preference (plastic is more affordable, stainless steel is more durable). Be sure to check the quality of the material before buying the bottle.
The plastic must be BPA-free and the stainless steel should be pure. Check the material before buying.
Bottle Size
Most bottles are around 20-30oz, but there are some that are larger and others are smaller. Check the bottle size and make sure it’s enough for you. For comparison, an average water bottle is 16.9oz.
Final Thoughts
A water bottle with filter is extremely convenient, is very portable, and is significantly more eco-friendly than bottled water. They are just like water filter pitchers, but you can carry them around with you. Get yours today and see how useful they can be.