Water Filter Reviews

The water filter for the Braun Flavorselect 12 cup coffee maker Model KF187 is a great design. I rate it #5 for it's design, but since my original purchase of the coffee maker, I can't find the filter units anywhere.

I've enjoyed my Braun coffee maker, and this filter is one of the reasons. I have well water that already tastes great, but some grit gets into the tap water, and this filter takes care of that. People often say what I great cup of coffee I make, but I use perfectly ordinary coffee, just with really great water.

However... these filters are expensive and virtually impossible to find. No major retailer seems to carry them, and the Braun customer service center is only open during business hours, and does not seem to have a website that I can find... This filter system would be a lot more appealing if it were easier to buy and replace, and also cheaper.

I received this water filter two days after I placed the order. I'm happy with the fast service. As for the water filter, you might want to consider rinsing it after taking it out from the package before inserting it into the coffee maker. Also, I ran water through the coffee maker twice before making the first pot of coffee for the peace of mind. If you have paper filter placed before running the water, you will be able to see little green particals in it at the end of the process.

This is a good alternative but has its drawbacks. I think a britta sink/faucet model would be more convenient but my faucet is not set up for one. The water from this pitcher tastes very good and I use it for my coffee which allows me to not buy filters for the pot...however.... a full pitcher is just under a full pot of coffee and the refilling of the britta is very slow. (The re-fill rate seems to decrease as the filter gets older) Something to consider if you will be bringing the pitcher to the dinner table for a family... You really cant pour it till its done filtering. The filters are fairly expensive but less than buying bottled water. I also find the pitcher to be a bit heavy and the lid delicate. altho it has not broken i can see that that might be a problem... This is a good alternative to a faucet model or bottled water but it isnt without its drawbacks.

water doesn't taste quite as good as ozarka spring (from the smaller, hard-plastic bottles). but when cold, taste is still good enough for me. much, much, MUCH easier than lugging home those gallon jugs. also a lot cheaper. plus, after reading some of the reports about bottled waters, i'm beginning to doubt if it is any better than tap with regards to bacteria and other chemicals. in fact, consumerreports.com reports that some of the plastic containers, especially the type used in 1 gallon jugs, can contaminate the water.

The top of this pitcher is a bit fragile; if you drop it on a tile floor, it can break, or at least the small spout cover can break, so beware.

The water does filter "slowly" but acceptable. I say "slowly" because the job of filtering water by gravity naturally takes some time. The water has to percolate down through the filter surface area; this just is a slow process without any help from positive or negative (vacuum) pressure.

The pitcher holds 2 quarts. Frankly, if your water is bad-tasting, you will be filling this pitcher up many times a day. If that is the case, get an inline filter instead. This pitcher is ok for a small family, but for a large, water-drinking, Kool-aid making, tea drinking family you may need a lot more. We have one, and we use it a lot, so I have to say it's pretty good, overall.

I bought one of these because I figured it would be easy to dispense all of the water I wanted, and the large size would help me not need to fill the pitcher all the time. I never really had any problems with the product. The water was decently filtered and the dispenser operated smoothly.

The real problem I had with it was how much of a hassle I always found it to fill. The jug dispenser was too large to easily fit in my sink, so I couldn't fill it up that way. So I tried switching to a system of filling it up with consecutive glasses of water, but that was hard to do in the confines of my refrigerator. I would end up taking the whole thing out of the fridge, filling it up with a number of glasses of water then trying to move the dispenser with the top half full back into my fridge without spilling it. This really turned out to be too big of a hassle for me so the darn thing was always empty. I just went back to ye-old-fashioned pitcher and have never been happier.

I upgraded from the 3-quart pitcher to this model and I find I use this one more frequently (no lifting during dispense) and I find it very convenient in terms of how it fits in the fridge (perfectly) and its sheer mass (children can frolic in it during the summer months). But it suffers from three inadequacies: 1) it takes 2-3 fill-ups of the top chamber to fill the unit so you have to come back to it several times over the course of 15 minutes. 2) the cover doesn't snap on so if the top resevoir area still has water in it the chance of you heaving a 2-gallon container into your Frigidaire without spilling any into the crisper is near nil. 3) if there are any dishes in your sink, this won't fit there to fill up so you invariably have to pitcher the water into the top.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy this again and I would highly recommend this over the pitcher, but it seems clear the design could be improved.

If you can spare a little more room in your fridge I HIGHLY recommend buying this 2-Gallon UltraMax over the pitchers. It lies flat on the shelf and has a easy to use tap. MUCH MUCH better for kids and anyone else who has trouble gracefully lifting 3 quarts of liquid with one hand (read: most everyone). With this design you simply open the door and fill using the tap. With the pitcher models, the tilt and weight tend to be awkward and I think spill or overpour about 30% of the time -- especially in the middle of the night. The Ultra Max hold about 2 1/2 times the water (less refilling) and costs only $3 more.

This change in taste has dramatically changed how much water I drink. Highly recommended. A great gift, especially for those people with the pitcher models.

We always kept two boxes of these on hand as replacements when we used our Brita filter pitcher (we went to an in-line because we drink so much filtered water --we'd go through 40 gallons in no time, but that is a LOT of water.) There are three "gotcha's" on these filters to be aware of:

1. Do not let the filter dry out. When the pitcher is empty, you should refill the reservoir right away. When the pitcher is full or partly full, the bottom of the filter is in the water and keeping moist.

2. The filter needs to be soaked and flushed exactly according to directions. Some of the charcoal packing comes off in the flushing process, and if you don't take care of it, you will have specks in the water. This is no big problem, just something to be aware of.

3. Never put overly warm or hot water through the filter.

If you follow the directions, you will have, as we did, gallons of water that cost a lot less and taste as good or better than the water you buy in plastic containers in the supermarket.

The Brita makes good water (period). I have tried a number of filters from whole house to faucet--singly and in combination. If your experience is like mine, convenience is a limiting factor and here's how convenient these replacements are:

1. Rip, cut or tear open the plastic envelope.
2. Drop the filter in a dish of cold water and let soak for fifteen minutes.
3. Remove filter from dish and rinse it off under cold water.
4. Drop the filter into the hole in the top part of your pitcher (it's notched on one side so it fits only one way).

Are you going to enjoy filtered water?? You bet! Tastes good?? Yep! Can ANYONE do this?? Definitely! Does it add any sodium to your diet?? Nope! Low-carb diet friendly, too.

Buy these in multi-packs; that's when they are the most economical.

One caveat...yes, there are always little carbon particles floating in the top part of the pitcher where you do the fillin', and I have seen a small amount of these in the bottom where the filtered water is. My solution is "If you see 'em, dump 'em out."

I have been using Brita filters for over six years now and I have nothing but the best to say about them. Living in a part of the country where the tap water contains impurities resulting in poor taste, at first I resorted to bottled water. Besides being hard on the old wallet, I found that some brands had a burnt aftertaste to them. So I tried Brita. I was amazed at how it improved the taste of ordinary tap water. It tasted better than some bottled water I had been purchasing and it was crystal clear. I have been using Brita ever since. The only drawback initially is the cost of the pitcher, but once you have it the only other cost are the filters that are readily available at most stores. Each filter lasts about 40 gallons, which translates into getting bottled water quality for seventeen cents per gallon.

There really isn't much to debate with these. They are built into the machine and SHOULD be replaced occasionally. I happen to notice a better taste to the coffee after switching these every few months, but I wouldn't let that be the only factor in your decision to buy. Leaving the same filter in place for a long period of time w/o changing it will most certainly lead to build up of minerals and potentially cause bacterial/fungal accumulation (the filter, unlike the water, does not get sanitized by boiling water). I don't want to make anyone too paranoid, but there are basic biological consequences to leaving pools of water and minerals sitting around too long.

a really good cup of coffee, then you might buy beans whole and grind your own...use a french press...and STILL taste the chlorine unless you use spring water or a filter system. If you spent the money for a Braun maker that uses this filter (brita), then you should use the filters if you buy gourmet whole beans...a small premium for a good cup of coffee (you already paid for premium beans and took the time to grind your own). You save with no french press to clean! Too much trouble, too expensive, and you don't taste the chlorine or minerals in your tap water? Then use tap water in the inexpensive maker of your choice! Caffeine is caffeine in the end!

I used to buy these filters locally for my Braun Flavor Select, but, when I moved, I could not find a source. I am so glad I've found them here because I wouldn't want to do without them.

Although the Flavor Select does come with a dummy cartridge to place where the filter belongs, it is well worth your while to use the water filters. I was going through coffee pots every couple of years because of hard water deposits in the lines - and vinegar cleanings did not help. The filters have kept my Braun brewing coffee without ever having to use vinegar or other methods of interior cleaning. While I can't say that my coffee tastes better, I can attest that these filters have lengthened the life of my brewer.

I had one a few months ago. When I filled in water, the water just passed the filter quickly. I was not sure if the water is filtered. One day, I wanted to clean it. I put it in hot water for about 10 minutes. The pitcher was out of shape and I had to discard it. I believe the pitcher was made from cheap materials. I sent an email to the custom no service of Brita. I got no response. I will not buy Brita products any longer.

This is a very convenient item, especially if you have well water and are bothered by funny tastes and/or smells in your water. This is excellent for filtering water to drink or to cook with, and for coffee and/or tea. Another reviewer did not recommend, but it seems they used hot water (never, ever do this - cold only!), and be sure you have fitted the filter properly. For people who live with unpleasant water, this is a godsend.

I love Brita water filtering items. If the water goes thru too fast when you fill it then the filter is not placed properly. If filter is placed properly the water goes thru fairly quickly but not "right through." Maybe that was the other user's problem.

This system is good if you perfectly place (install) the filter head on the bottle and the numbering gage is tight. If not, the system will leak more water than allowable in the holding tank. This is bad news if you the water dispenser system that dispense cold and hot water, for the excess water in the tank will submerse the relieving valve for the hot water tank, which will lead to the water in the holding tank and the filter head to heat up. Per the Addipure literature, hot water will damage the filter head and make it useless.

We've been using this system for a couple of months now, and we think it's great. We're drinking alot more water now that it isn't as expensive as delivered water. As Alhambra/Sparkletts users for many years, we were concerned that the taste and quality would suffer with this system. Cold water is wonderful. Room temperature water tastes as good as Arrowhead, but the dramatically reduced costs makes it worth it.

It's a great concept & a great price! I wish it was a little easier to drink out of. You have to actually squeeze it to force water through the filter. Also, it does tend to leak a little. I have ended up using it primarily next to my bed & has been great for that. I can just refill from the bathroom sink! :)

Strong,reliable and leak proof, these bottles fit very nicely in bicycle cages. When touring, these bottles do a wonderful job of reducing the chemical flavor of many local municipalities water supplies, especially in the mountains. Although the carbon filters reduce the water flow slightly, a good squeeze will quench your thurst...

I've used the Krups coffee maker with these filters in 2 different states including 5 addresses. It works great. Don't know that I would use this particular coffeemaker without the filter. I'm having difficulty obtaining replacement filters.

I received my Krups Model 476 coffeemaker as a gift. Now it is time to change the Duo-Filter.....and I can't find one anywhere. Mine has split, so I definitely do not want to continue using it. I am disappointed in this product. I do believe the filter made the coffee taste better, but; what good is it if you can't use the maker properly! I have spent too much time looking for this little "accessory". I think I'm more inclined to make the coffee without it, and when the coffee maker sees its last days, I will be searching for a new brand of coffee maker to purchase. Seems little to ask for a company to readily provide accessories for the products they make. If its this difficult, Krups better rethink their marketing practices, or they will find themselves at the bottom of the list.

I believe that the reason why some people are having difficulty finding these filters is because the coffe makers, Crystal arome (model #398) and Crystal arome time (model #458) have been discontinued, these filters fit those models. But as someone else has mentioned you can buy the filters on-line. Simple solution.

You can go to krups.com to find out more about the discontinued coffee makers.

I brought this Brita pitcher 2 Christmases ago, and have used it ever since. However, be warned, you might have the problems I have been having. Basically, the whole top of the pitcher is broken. The little plastic piece that you open to put water in the filter broke and fell off about 6 months after I got the pitcher. Now I have to buy a new one. So be warned and try not to handle the thing too roughly, because it can't take any abuse. Of course, it still filters water, but it's a hassle just to get it out of the 'fridge.

There's no doubt about it -- you need water because the human body is up to 70% water by weight. Most people love water, and certainly coffee is a strong second. Even if you don't like water or coffee, and you are still looking here, you need good tasting water.

I bought a Brita pitcher originally because I was looking for the best cup of coffee. If you want GREAT coffee, water that's clean, cold and fresh is essential. I found the Brita filter pitcher to deliver--clean and cold (when refrigerated), although I can't really confirm the claimed characteristics of "soft".

This model is my second Brita and the things I like about it most are the space saving flat sides which take up less space in the fridge than the original rounded model, the capacity of three quarts which is enough for a couple of glasses of water besides a full twelve pot coffee maker, and the convenience of the flip top lid where you fill the pitcher.

This pitcher gets a little heavy on the arm and wrist, but no more so than a gallon milk jug. The water weighs about six pounds and the pitcher about two pounds for a total of about eight pounds. The rubberized grip on the pitcher helps assure a good grip, and if you are in the habit of storing your pitcher in the fridge, it works best if you adjust the shelf on which you set the pitcher a little above waist high.

Emptying the pitcher before refilling is no big deal as the filter will not dry out just because you pour out all the water. Just don't let the pitcher sit with a water level below the bottom of the filter as it is installed in the pitcher.

One final thing is there always seems to be little carbon particles in the bottom of the pitcher. They come out of the filter with use. Personally, I've never been fearful of those little things because the human body is also about 23% carbon. I don't think I would see them so much if the water wasn't so clear, though. Best of life to you!

Brita water is so good I won't drink tap water anymore anywhere! I've bought one for myself (I also have the small water bottle by brita) one for my mom in Toronto (for when i visit) and one for my mom in law in New York for when I visit there! It is really great and the fact that I can see the difference in the water and in the color of my teas and coffee is the real clincher. I would reccomend this or any Brita pitcher to everyone.

I personally have this model and it is so easy to fill with the flip top. Also the rubber grip makes holding the pitcher comfortable and effortless. It gets a little heavy when it is full but maybe I'm just weak. Since we've bought it I drink so much more water (which is a good thing) and I love the taste.