Amazon Basics 10-Cup Pitcher Review

What sets the Amazon Basics 10-Cup Pitcher apart from the pack is its combination of high capacity and budget-friendly design. At 10 cups, it reduces the need for constant refills, making it ideal for households that go through water quickly. Its compatibility with multiple filter brands adds flexibility when you're shopping for filter replacements, and the spout cover helps keep the water safe from absorbing any odd fridge odors. Lightweight and easy to handle, it's a practical option for kitchens that don't have space for under-sink systems.

It's not the perfect filter, but it does a serviceable job filtering common contaminants, especially for its price.

Contaminant Removal

When it comes to contaminant removal, the Amazon Basics does an ok job. It removes most PFAS and heavy metals, such as lead, from filtered water; however, it is unable to achieve 100% removal rates for either, which places it slightly below average compared to other filters in this review. It's also not NSF certified for many other contaminants like fluoride or nitrates. Overall, this pitcher provides peace of mind, but it's not a replacement for a full under-sink or RO system if you're targeting extreme water concerns.

PFAS

The Amazon Basics pitcher wasn't able to remove all PFAS from a contaminated water sample, but it lowered two subtypes a significant amount. It removed a hefty amount of PFNA (84.88% removed) and lowered PFBA to undetectable levels. Still, its ability to remove these 'forever chemicals' isn't perfect, and if this is a significant concern for you, there are plenty of other filters to choose from that remove 100% of these contaminants.

Heavy Metals

The pitcher performs well for the heavy metals many users worry about, namely lead and uranium (both 97.2% removed). This makes it a solid choice for city water with low-to-moderate contamination levels. It was not able to put a dent in arsenic levels, but to be clear, the only filters that were able to remove 100% of arsenic were reverse osmosis systems. Filtered samples from the Basics Pitcher returned from the lab with arsenic content still present, but well below safe levels. It's not a deal breaker, but obviously, it's a big red flag if you're looking for a filter that specifically deals with arsenic.

Secondary Contaminant Removal

This filter performed much better when it came to secondary contaminants and covers the most common concerns effectively. It removed copper, vanadium, nickel, strontium, iron, and chromium at rates that should be sufficient for standard tap water.

The filter leached some aluminum and very small amounts of silver, but unless you draw water from a private well source, aluminum is not a problem for most households. Trace elements like cadmium, thallium, antimony, and cobalt were not detected after filtering. This makes it a reliable option for basic heavy metal removal without adding new contaminants, unless you're concerned about aluminum in your area.

Overall, this was one of the best pitcher-style filters for handling secondary contaminants.

Taste

The filtered water from the Amazon Basics pitcher is consistently reported as clean, crisp, and free from chlorine taste. Users consistently note that water tastes fresher and more refreshing compared to tap water, with some mentioning that chemical or metallic tastes were removed. While taste improvements aren't dramatic compared to high-end systems, this pitcher reliably delivers better-tasting water at a very low price.

Maintenance and Setup

Setup and maintenance are both very simple. The pitcher has a spout cover for hygiene and accepts multiple filter brands, making replacement convenient and flexible. Filters need to be swapped roughly every two months or after 40 gallons, which is typical for pitchers of this size. While it requires frequent filter changes, the process is straightforward: just wash the pitcher periodically and replace the cartridge. Overall, this pitcher is low-maintenance and approachable for anyone new to water filtration.

Operating Cost

This is where the Amazon Basics 10-Cup Pitcher really shines. Replacement filters are inexpensive; roughly $13 for a 3-pack or $22 for a 6-pack. Annual costs are minimal compared to other pitchers or under-sink systems. Plus, you can shop around for the best deals because it accepts other filter brands. Our tester estimates that filters for the first year might cost around $44 if you use an average of 40 gallons each month, which is typical for a 2-person household. Over time, the cost savings add up, making it ideal for everyday use.

Should You Buy the Amazon Basics 10-Cup Pitcher?

If you want a simple, low-cost way to improve the taste and safety of your tap water, this pitcher is a solid choice. It's perfect for anyone who wants a budget-friendly option that's easy to fill and maintain, and it handles everyday contaminants like lead and PFNA reasonably well. However, it doesn't provide 100% removal of these contaminants. There are other filters that do reach a 100% removal rate, and one of these may be the best choice if you need serious filtration for health reasons.

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