ZeroWater 20-Cup
Score: 88/100
Brita UltraMax
Score: 72/100Rankings
The ZeroWater 20-Cup Ready-Pour is a countertop water filtration dispenser featuring 5-stage ion exchange filtration that removes virtually all dissolved solids, achieving 0 TDS water. It includes a TDS meter for quality verification, though users must manually test the water rather than relying on an automatic display. It is best suited for health-conscious consumers and small offices seeking superior tap water taste and purity verification.
The Brita UltraMax is a large-capacity water dispenser designed for families and offices, offering 27 cups of filtered water to minimize refilling. It features a slim, fridge-friendly design and effective chlorine removal, though it lacks the advanced contaminant reduction of the Elite variant. It is best suited for busy households that prioritize volume and convenience over maximum filtration purity.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
12 monthsbest | 2 months | |
1.9 gallons per hourbest | — | |
99.6 %best | — | |
1.56 gallons | 6.3 gallonsbest | |
5 stagesbest | 1 stages | |
11.75 inchesbest | 10.47 inches | |
5.5 inches | 5.67 inchesbest | |
10.63 inches | 18 inchesbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance & Filtration(7) | ||
Certifications | NSF 53, IAPMO | null |
Contaminants Reduced | Lead, Chromium, Mercury, PFOA/PFOS | Copper, Cadmium, Mercury, Chlorine |
Filtration Technology | Carbon block, Ion exchange | Carbon Block |
Filter Lifespan (months) | 12 months | 2 months |
Flow Rate (gallons per hour) | 1.9 gallons per hour | null gallons per hour |
TDS Reduction (%) | 99.6 % | null % |
Filtration Stages (stages) | 5 stages | 1 stages |
Capacity & Dimensions(5) | ||
Water Capacity (gallons) | 1.56 gallons | 6.3 gallons |
Height (inches) | 11.75 inches | 10.47 inches |
Width (inches) | 5.5 inches | 5.67 inches |
Depth (inches) | 10.63 inches | 18.0 inches |
Product Weight (pounds) | 3.3 pounds | 3.0 pounds |
Design & Installation(2) | ||
Housing Material | BPA-Free Plastic | Plastic |
Filter Type | Ion Exchange | Standard |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers highlight the product's superior filtration effectiveness, noting it removes significantly more dissolved solids than leading competitors. The inclusion of a TDS meter is praised for eliminating guesswork regarding filter life, though some note legacy spout design issues and the inconvenience of manual testing compared to newer integrated display models.
Users appreciate the product's ability to improve tap water taste and quality, making it suitable for health-conscious consumers and those looking to reduce plastic waste. It is valued as a secondary filtration layer even for homes with whole-house filters, though some users may find the manual testing process less convenient than automatic indicators.
Expert reviewers awarded the Brita UltraMax a 9.0 performance score, praising its exceptional flow rate and effective chlorine removal, while noting the Standard filter's maintenance frequency as a drawback.
Consumer feedback is limited, but expert assessments indicate general satisfaction with build quality and performance.
