Clear2O Water Filter Pitcher Review: When Speed is What You Need

The Model CWS100 Advanced Water Filtration Pitcher from Clear2O is undoubtedly the fastest water filter pitcher out there. But that speed doesn't come without some inconvenience.

In this review, we'll take a close look at this super fast pitcher style water purifier - the features, how it works, and just what it does for your drinking water. I'll also share my thoughts from trying it out myself.

My hope is that you'll have all the information you need to decide if this is a good fit for you. Because, as you'll see, it's not for everybody.

To do a quick price check at Amazon, click here.

In a hurry? You can click on a question below, or scroll down to read the whole review.

What are the key features of the Clear2O CWS100 water filter pitcher?

Solid Block Carbon Filter

GAC (Granular Activated Carbon) and carbon block are the two basic forms of activated carbon used in water filtration today.

As the name implies, GAC is in the form of loose granules. A common problem with this medium is that the water tends to make channels through the granules. So, some water might flow through without ever making contact with the carbon.

Carbon block is more effective at reducing contaminants than GAC because the carbon particles are much smaller and are packed tightly together. Plus, unlike GAC, the tiny pore size doesn't allow for the growth of bacteria inside the filter.

So, because the Clear2O uses a carbon block filter, it's able to reduce a wide range of contaminants and makes the water taste sparkling clean.

We have well water at our house that tastes good as is. But, I have to say, it's even better after going through this filter.

Suggested Reading: Carbon Block Filter Buyer’s Guide (CB Tech)

BPA Free Pitcher

The pitcher is made of BPA free recyclable plastic, and it holds 9 cups of filtered water.

There's a hinged flap over the spout that opens automatically when you pour. It's there to prevent dust and dirt from getting into the clean water.

None of the parts are dishwasher safe, so you'll need to wash it by hand.

Attaches to Faucet for Fast Filtration

Most water filter pitchers take at least a good ten minutes to filter a batch of water.

But that's not the case with the Clear2O CWS100. 

This model has a built-in hose that connects directly to the faucet. It uses water pressure to force the water through the filter.

And it's fast!

You just connect the hose, turn on the water, and a minute or so later, the pitcher is full.

Your results may vary, depending on your water pressure. It was about a minute and a half when I timed it at my house.

Now, this all sounds great, but there are a few drawbacks to this method you'll want to know about before you decide to buy it.

Drawback #1: This will only work with a standard faucet. You can't use it with a pull-out or pull-down faucet, like many people have at their kitchen sink these days.

That's because you have to take off the aerator and replace it with an adapter that comes with the pitcher.

And the adapter isn't pretty. It's also fairly long, leaving less space between the faucet and sink.

I have a pull-out faucet in my kitchen so I had to use it in the bathroom. Not my preference, for sure.

Drawback #2: The hose is only 9 inches long. So, if your sink is shallow, it won't work as is. In this photo, you can see why -

The good news is that you can buy a Quick Connect Hose Extender, and it'll add another 18 inches onto the length of the hose.

So, with the extender, I was able to set the pitcher on the bathroom sink counter and fill it up.

As long as you have everything connected properly, it works great. It took a little trial and error for me to get the hose snapped on tight to the faucet adapter so it wouldn't pop off when I turned on the water.

Check the price and availability of the hose extender at Amazon or at Clear2O.

Drawback #3: It's noisy. When you turn on the water, it makes a screeching noise. I'm afraid that's unavoidable due to the way that it works. It's not super loud, but it's annoying.

Drawback #4: Water, water everywhere. When you disconnect the hose, the pressure inside causes water to spray all over the place. Not such a big deal at the kitchen sink, but I didn't appreciate the spatters on the bathroom mirror and wall.

And, there's always water left in the hose that dribbles out. Again, not a big deal, but you will need to wipe up a bit after using it.

Filter Life Indicator

This indicator takes the guesswork out of determining when to replace the filter.

Green means it's good. Yellow means you've got ten gallons of use left, and red means time's up.

Here's a video by Clear2O showing how the system works -

What contaminants does the Clear2O remove?

According to the manufacturer, the Clear2O Model CWS100 removes or reduces over 200 contaminants, including the following:

• chlorine
• heavy metals such as arsenic, chromium and lead
• herbicides
• industrial waste
• pesticides
• pharmaceuticals
• PFOAs
• VOCs

It does not remove fluoride. If that's important to you, don't buy this filter. (See my review of the best fluoride water filters for more information about fluoride removal.)

Clear2O has published a performance data sheet for this filter, which you can see here. 

Unfortunately, the data sheet isn't specific. Instead of giving the per cent reduction of the contaminants, it simply says "passed". So, there's no way to compare it to other brands that have published exact numbers.

On their website, Clear2O states that the filter has gone through third party testing to NSF/ANSI Standards 43, 53 and 401, and it meets or exceeds those standards.

And what are those standards all about?

Standard 43 is for aesthetic (not health-threatening) impurities like chlorine taste and odor. Standard 53 is for contaminants with health effects, and Standard 401 is for emerging contaminants.

In case you're wondering, emerging contaminants are pharmaceuticals or other chemicals that aren't regulated by the EPA yet.

Suggested Reading: Contaminants of Emerging Concern (Water Quality Association)

How long does the filter last?

This filter's capacity is 50 gallons.

That's fair, but not great. One person could easily use a gallon a day. So that means changing out the filter about every month and a half, if you're the only one using it.

Clear 2O filter

There are other pitcher filters that have a much longer life, like the Clearly Filtered. It's good for 100 gallons. (See my review of the Clearly Filtered pitcher for more information.)

You can save money by buying the replacement filters in multi-packs. Or you might consider Clear2O.com's subscription service.

Click here to check the price and availability of replacements at Amazon.

What kind of water can I put in it?

For your safety, you should use only treated municipal water or potable well water.

Remember, too, this needs water pressure to make it work. It's not a survival type filter.

What comes in the box?

Here's what you get when you buy this system:

• pitcher with lid/filter housing
• one pre-installed filter
• faucet adapters and washers
• owner's manual

What are the pros and cons of this filter?

After reading lots of online reviews and trying it out myself, here's the general consensus of the pros and cons.

Where is Clear2O made?

It's manufactured in the People's Republic of China.

What kind of warranty does it have?

This filter comes with a 90-Day Limited Warranty, applicable only in the US and Canada. The warranty doesn't cover shipping and handling for replacement, according to the owner's manual.

That's if you buy it directly from Clear2O. If you purchase from another retailer, the return policy might be different.

Where can I buy one of these filters?

I've seen it listed at several online retailers, including eBay, Home Depot, and Amazon.

Check the price and availability at Amazon by clicking here.

You can buy directly from Clear2O, but they charge for shipping if your order is over $100.

Verdict: Love the speed but not the inconvenience

If the main thing you're looking for in a water filter pitcher is speed, then the Clear2O CWS100 is what I'd recommend. There simply is no other pitcher filter that works this fast.

And, besides the speed, the high quality carbon block filter makes it an attractive choice.

It's also a great option if you want the speed and effectiveness of an under-the-sink carbon block filter, but you aren't able to make a permanent installation.

But, if the thought of having to attach a hose to your faucet every time you want to use it doesn't appeal to you, then you probably should pass this one by. 

Plus, if you don't have a standard faucet in your kitchen, you're going to have to fill this in the bathroom, laundry room, or some other location in your house. That could be a deal breaker for you, or maybe not.

If you think you can live with these inconveniences, then you'll probably be happy with the Clear2O.

Click here to read the reviews and shop for the Clear2O at Amazon.

Want to check out some other options? Please see my review of this year's best water filter pitchers.

Disclaimer: I was provided with a free Clear2O CWS100 water filter pitcher in return for my honest review. I have not - nor will I - receive monetary compensation from Clear2O for this review. All opinions expressed herein are my own and not influenced by the manufacturer and/or its affiliates, in any way.