Sawyer Mini
Score: 75/100
Brita UltraMax Elite
Score: 70/100Rankings
The Sawyer MINI is a lightweight personal water filtration system that effectively removes bacteria and microplastics using 0.1 micron hollow fiber technology. Its main limitation is the inability to filter viruses and its tendency to clog in dirty water, requiring regular backflushing. It is best suited for backpackers and travelers in areas with low viral risk.
The Brita UltraMax Water Dispenser offers a large 27-cup capacity with certified 99% lead reduction, making it a convenient option for families and offices. Its primary limitation is the lack of comprehensive contaminant filtration, such as arsenic and fluoride, and its large physical footprint. It is best suited for busy households with safe municipal water who prioritize convenience and volume over advanced purification.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
— | 6 monthsbest | |
1 stagesbest | 1 stagesbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.1 micronsbest | — |
| ↓ lower better | 7 inchesbest | 9.67 inches |
| ↓ lower better | 5 inchesbest | 13.94 inches |
| ↓ lower better | 2.5 inchesbest | 5.19 inches |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Health & Safety(2) | ||
Lead Reduction | false | true |
Chlorine Reduction | false | true |
Installation & Compatibility(1) | ||
Installation Type | Portable | Countertop |
Filtration & Performance(3) | ||
Filtration Technology | Hollow Fiber | Carbon-Block |
Flow Rate (GPM) | N/A GPM | null GPM |
Micron Rating (microns) | 0.1 microns | null microns |
Maintenance & Warranty(2) | ||
Filter Lifespan (months) | N/A months | 6 months |
Warranty (years) | N/A years | null years |
Dimensions & Build(3) | ||
Height (inches) | 7 inches | 9.67 inches |
Width (inches) | 5 inches | 13.94 inches |
Depth (inches) | 2.5 inches | 5.19 inches |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers highlight the Sawyer MINI's exceptional efficiency and longevity, noting it filters 30 times more water than comparable filters. However, experts consistently warn that the filter does not treat viruses and clogs easily in turbid water.
No specific consumer sentiment data or user quotes were provided in the source material.
Professional reviewers assess the Brita UltraMax as a practical, large-capacity option for households with generally safe tap water that offers noticeable taste improvement and convenient, low-maintenance operation. While praised for its solid lead reduction and cost-effectiveness, experts caution that it is not a comprehensive water purification system and lacks the broad contaminant coverage of premium alternatives, particularly regarding arsenic, fluoride, and comprehensive PFAS removal.
Everyday consumers generally praise the product for its convenience, large capacity, and noticeable improvement in water taste, particularly appreciating the fridge-friendly design and long filter life. However, recurring complaints focus on the significant space requirements, unintuitive filling logistics, and disappointment regarding its inability to filter specific contaminants like arsenic and fluoride found in some municipal water supplies.
