Here's why the Aquaphor Fresh water filter jug is making staying hydrated easier than ever...

After testing out the Aquaphor Fresh water filter jug, I can’t see myself going back to drinking water straight from the tap. Removing contaminants such as chlorine and heavy metals, this water filter jug delivers great-tasting, clean water that’s safe to drink and free of any nasties. Plus, its easy-to-use design makes getting the filtered water easier than ever!

Keep reading to find out how I tested this must-have kitchen item and why investing in a water filter jug is kinder to both the planet and our wallets…

The setup process

After receiving the Aquaphor Fresh water filter jug, I was excited to immediately put it to the test! I’d never used a filter jug before, so I wasn’t sure how complex the setup process would be. Fortunately, it was extremely straightforward.

The jug comes with an operating manual, which describes what the filter does (i.e., removes water impurities and hardness) and has instructions for use, including a series of illustrations that explain how to clean and fit the filter cartridge. If I’m being extremely nitpicky, I think some additional written instructions would have been helpful, but having said that, it didn’t take me long to figure out what to do.

The diagram instructs you to submerge the cartridge in water for ten minutes before fitting it into the jug, which just involves placing it into the top. The next step is to fill the jug with 2L of water, allow it to filter through, then discard the water, repeating this process three times in total. The manual includes written instructions for how to use the flip-top lid and set the mechanical water meter, which cleverly indicates when it’s time to replace the cartridge. Again, this couldn’t have been simpler to set up – all you have to do is turn the dial to ‘100’ after inserting a new cartridge. I was impressed with the built‑in cartridge counter, which activates each time you open the lid and doesn’t require a battery.

After the third round of flushing out the cartridge to ensure it was clean and safe to use, my jug was all ready to go, so I filled it up to capacity. It only took a few minutes for all the water to filter through, making the process of getting filtered water extremely quick and convenient.

Design

One of my favourite things about the Fresh water filter jug is how sleek and compact it is – fitting neatly into the door shelf of the fridge. One of the main cons about water filter jugs in general is that they can take up a lot of fridge space, so being able to easily tuck it away (and still have space for a 4-pint bottle of milk) is ideal.

Despite its compact design, the jug can hold an impressive 3.2L of water. The jug also pours easily and smoothly, and the handle provides a comfortable grip – so I’d give the design full marks!

Taste test

After setting up my jug and inspecting the design, it was finally time for the main event – sampling the water. Chilled and refreshing from being stored in the fridge, the water is great-tasting and ready to grab and pour a glass whenever you need it, making staying hydrated super easy.

But what’s even better than the taste of fresh, delicious water is knowing that it’s free of any harmful contaminants. The cartridge captures impurities including chlorine, rust, organic compounds, heavy metals, phenols, microplastics, and pesticides, so you can feel reassured that you’re not ingesting anything unsafe – just clean, purified water.

This filter also reduces water hardness, so if you’re planning to boil the water, you’ll have less descaling of the kettle – a major win in my opinion. It's worth noting that you won't want to store your water filter jug in the fridge if the water is going in your kettle, or you’ll be using more energy to heat the chilled water. But it’s great for helping prevent the film you often get on cups of tea, which I'm extremely grateful for, as a big tea drinker myself. This filter jug really is changing the game for my hot and cold drinks!

Additionally, you can purchase the AQUAPHOR MAXFOR+ Mg / B25 Mg filter, which adds magnesium to your water. I haven’t tested this filter yet personally, but as magnesium offers a range health of benefits, including higher energy levels, improved sleep, and healthy muscles and bones, I’ll definitely be trying it in future.

Better for the environment and your wallet

One of the best things about the Aquaphor Fresh Maxfor+ filter jug is that it's eco-friendly. Only needing to be replaced every 200L, buying these cartridges instead of bottled water helps cut your single-use plastic footprint – think how much plastic is needed for 200L of bottled water!

The cartridges are also far more cost-effective than bottled water. With a 12-pack of cartridges costing £41.99 and each cartridge lasting 200L, this works out less than 2p per L of purified water – a bargain in my opinion!

My verdict

So, my final verdict – would I recommend this water filter jug? The answer is a resounding yes! Being extremely easy to set up and a far more affordable and eco-friendly alternative to bottled water, my fresh water filter jug is now an essential item in my kitchen.

You can buy the Aquaphor Fresh water filter jug on Aquaphor's website aquaphor.com or on Amazon.