Brita Ultramax Water Filter Dispenser (27 Cup) In-depth Review
Overall Verdict
The Brita UltraMax 27 cup water filter dispenser comes with a powerful Elite filter that is well-built and lasts longer than most. It could easily filter out high concentrations of chlorine while maintaining an excellent flow rate. What’s more, the filter doesn’t leak material—a problem affecting many pitchers and dispensers of this type. While there is some room for improvement in its design, the Brita UltraMax is generally easy to work with. If you’re a small family or household (up to five people) looking for a fridge-fitting water dispenser that doesn’t require constant refilling, the UltraMax is a good choice.
Things We Like
- Fast flow rate
- Large capacity, less refilling
- Flap opening for easy refilling
- Durable, flexible spigot
Things We Don’t Like
- No side handles
- Opaque reservoir
The Brita UltraMax 27 cup dispenser comes with two handy filter options. The Standard filter option lasts 1 - 2 months while the Elite filter lasts three times as long costing only $10 more. We went with the Elite filter as it seemed a more sensible choice given the dispenser’s large capacity. For a total of under $40, the combo was very affordable.
At first sight, the filter dispenser has a slim body that appears to fit in a refrigerator without taking too much space. Its Elite filter piece looks almost identical to the Standard filter, which had performed well in our chlorine and flow rate tests previously but unfortunately leaked filter material.
We installed the Elite filter and discarded the first tank of water as per instructions. Then, we put the dispenser through the exact same series of tests we do to determine the Best Water Filter Pitchers. Here’s what we discovered about the Brita UltraMax.
9.0 Performance
The Elite filter worked like a charm against chlorine. It produced crisp, odor-free water without stripping off all the dissolved solids. The filter also took the same amount of time as some other pitchers, such as the Brita Style, to produce double the amount of clean water. If you’re tired of having to refill your pitcher constantly, this large capacity UltraMax-Elite filter combo might just be the answer.
8.0 Chlorine
The Brita Elite filter performed exceptionally well in our chlorine test with the UltraMax. It managed to cut down more than 90% of the chlorine from the test water, which had a concentration of 10+ mg/l (the safe level recommended by the CDC is up to 4 mg/l).
This means whatever you tap water chlorine level, this filter pitcher can handle it. The Brita is NSF 53 certified to remove 99% of lead and claims it ‘reduces more contaminants than Zerowater and PUR’, but we have not verified the latter.
10 Flow Rate
With a similar design as the Standard filter, the Elite filter did not disappoint with flow rate. It outpaced many others in this test, producing a standard glass of water in just 24 seconds.
9.7 Taste & Smell
All three testers agreed that the UltraMax provided water with excellent aesthetics, with two giving it a solid 10 for the crisp but sweet taste. This filter dispenser may be a game changer for those tired of the taste and smell of tap water.
8.2 Design
The Brita UltraMax’s design may not be a conversation starter—it looks as basic as it can possibly be. The tank walls may even feel a little flimsy, while the grips are not ideally positioned. However, other small details, such as the lid flap, the indentation at the bottom for drainage, and the two-way spigot, are all well designed and made. These user-friendly and convenient features set the UltraMax apart from many similar-looking filter dispensers.
In the Box
- Brita UltraMax 27 cup water filter pitcher
- 1x Brita Elite filter
The Brita UltraMax comes in a cardboard box with an Elite filter. There was no user guide or booklet, but you can consult the online LongLast filter guide, which is the old name for the Elite filter.
Dimensions
7.0 Build Quality
All Brita pitchers and dispensers we’ve tested have a decent build and the UltraMax is no exception. For its size, the pitcher walls could be a little thicker, but this seems a compensation for a lighter weight. The lid has a slightly less polished look than other Brita pitchers, with negligible pieces of plastic flash on the inside. The reservoir, filter funnel, and spigot are all well made and all parts are BPA-free.
There are two strong, easy-to-grip handles at the rear of the dispenser. While this makes the whole unit look slimmer, it actually require more space (for your arm or for wiggle room) when you place it in the fridge.
8.0 Conveniences
The UltraMax can fit in the main section of most fridges, though it may require removing a shelf to make up vertical space in a small refrigerator. The dispenser has an easy-to-use spigot and a filter replacement indicator that works on both compatible filter types—the Standard and Elite.
9.0 Filter
The UltraMax is compatible with the Standard and Elite filter (aka Long Last filter). They share a similar external design and are equally sturdy and easy to install. However, we went with the Elite because it can handle three times the amount of water. Given that the UltraMax’ reservoir holds 2550 ml or 0.7 gallon, you can refill it 178 times before a replacement is necessary. That’s about one reservoir per day over a period of six months. The Standard’s 40-gallon capacity would require very frequent replacement.
Apart from its ability to reduce chlorine, the Elite is also NSF certified to reduce lead, mercury, cadmium, and a number of other contaminants. We could find no black specks in the filtered water after leaving it to sit for a few days, and we thought this may be due to the ‘pleated filter design’. Therefore, this filter scored higher than the Standard filter, which repeatedly leaked materials in our tests.
8.3 Usability
Considering its size and weight, moving the Brita UltraMax at full capacity and placing it into the fridge might be a little challenging to those with short or weak arms. Other than that, this filter dispenser is comparatively easy to use, assemble, and maintain.
8.2 Assembling
With very basic parts, the Brita UltraMax filter dispenser is easy to put together and take apart. The lid is slightly awkward but not difficult to assemble. Its parts are grippy and easy to work with. However, they do not fit as tightly as a pitcher would, nor do they need to because dispensing is via a spigot, not spout.
7.7 Refilling
Instead of a small trap door like on a pitcher, the UltraMax features a lid with two flap openings. You can add water without taking the whole unit out of the fridge, by pulling the dispenser forward until you can open up the small flap. Most people take the whole unit out to refill, however, no grippy parts on the sides makes this a little awkward.
The reservoir has a whopping capacity of 2550 ml, and you have to refill twice before the lower tank is full.
8.8 Dispensing
The Brita Ultramax has a durable and well-designed spigot. It looks sturdy and secure but works both ways, allowing you to take water by gently pressing or pulling the lever. The spigot has excellent flow control and can lock in place for hands-free dispensing. We’ve experienced no splashing or leaking with it thus far.
There’s a small area near the spigot that’s lower than the rest of the tank that works to support maximum drainage of water. However, the spigot is placed higher than the bottom of the tank and we could not empty the tank completely through it.
8.0 Cleaning
While not made to survive a dishwasher, the Brita UltraMax is otherwise easy to clean. The only part is the inside of the spigot, which we recommend disinfecting routinely with mild vinegar.