UltraMax 27-Cup Water Dispenser

Score: 7.7/10 | The Brita UltraMax solves the constant-refilling problem that plagues standard pitchers. At 27 cups, it holds enough filtered water for a full day for most families. Combined with Elite filter compatibility and a $45 price point, this is the budget king of high-capacity filtration.

This review uses R3's Water Filter Methodology v1.0.0.

With a Brita Elite filter installed, the UltraMax achieves NSF 53 certification with 99% lead reduction. Critical for homes with pre-1986 plumbing.

Like all Brita products, the UltraMax lacks NSF P473 certification for PFAS. Brita claims "reduction" but without third-party verification. For families in PFAS-affected areas, this is the key limitation.

When using Elite filters, NSF 401 certification covers pharmaceuticals and pesticides. Standard Brita filters do not carry this certification.

Standard chlorine taste and odor reduction performs well. Water tastes clean and neutral.

This is the UltraMax's defining feature. At 27 cups, it holds more than double a standard 10-cup pitcher. For a family of four drinking 12+ cups daily, this means refilling once instead of 2-3 times.

Using Elite filters, expect 6 months of filter life. Even with the larger reservoir, the dispenser fits standard refrigerators.

The push-button spigot allows one-handed filling of glasses and water bottles without lifting the heavy dispenser.

The lid flips open for filling without complete removal. Practical when the dispenser lives in the refrigerator.

Slightly more than standard Brita pitchers ($30-35) but significantly cheaper than premium options like Clearly Filtered ($90).

Using Elite filters at $15 each, replaced every 6 months. Among the lowest ongoing costs of any water filter system.

Matching under-counter systems while requiring zero installation:

Dimensions (approximately 10" x 5.5" x 14.5") fit most refrigerator shelves, though you may need to adjust shelf positioning. Check your fridge measurements before purchasing.

At 27 cups, the filled dispenser weighs approximately 14 pounds. The spigot means you rarely need to lift it.

The large reservoir requires periodic cleaning. Brita recommends monthly washing. The size makes hand-washing slightly awkward.

The Brita UltraMax delivers the best value for families needing large-capacity filtered water without installation hassles. The 27-cup capacity eliminates constant refilling, Elite filter compatibility provides solid contaminant removal, and the $0.12 cost-per-gallon matches more expensive under-counter systems. The lack of PFAS certification is the only significant limitation.

Score: 7.7/10 | The Brita UltraMax solves the constant-refilling problem that plagues standard pitchers. At 27 cups, it holds enough filtered water for a full day for most families. Combined with Elite filter compatibility and a $45 price point, this is the budget king of high-capacity filtration.

This review uses R3's Water Filter Methodology v1.0.0.

With a Brita Elite filter installed, the UltraMax achieves NSF 53 certification with 99% lead reduction. Critical for homes with pre-1986 plumbing.

Like all Brita products, the UltraMax lacks NSF P473 certification for PFAS. Brita claims "reduction" but without third-party verification. For families in PFAS-affected areas, this is the key limitation.

When using Elite filters, NSF 401 certification covers pharmaceuticals and pesticides. Standard Brita filters do not carry this certification.

Standard chlorine taste and odor reduction performs well. Water tastes clean and neutral.

This is the UltraMax's defining feature. At 27 cups, it holds more than double a standard 10-cup pitcher. For a family of four drinking 12+ cups daily, this means refilling once instead of 2-3 times.

Using Elite filters, expect 6 months of filter life. Even with the larger reservoir, the dispenser fits standard refrigerators.

The push-button spigot allows one-handed filling of glasses and water bottles without lifting the heavy dispenser.

The lid flips open for filling without complete removal. Practical when the dispenser lives in the refrigerator.

Slightly more than standard Brita pitchers ($30-35) but significantly cheaper than premium options like Clearly Filtered ($90).

Using Elite filters at $15 each, replaced every 6 months. Among the lowest ongoing costs of any water filter system.

Matching under-counter systems while requiring zero installation:

Dimensions (approximately 10" x 5.5" x 14.5") fit most refrigerator shelves, though you may need to adjust shelf positioning. Check your fridge measurements before purchasing.

At 27 cups, the filled dispenser weighs approximately 14 pounds. The spigot means you rarely need to lift it.

The large reservoir requires periodic cleaning. Brita recommends monthly washing. The size makes hand-washing slightly awkward.

The Brita UltraMax delivers the best value for families needing large-capacity filtered water without installation hassles. The 27-cup capacity eliminates constant refilling, Elite filter compatibility provides solid contaminant removal, and the $0.12 cost-per-gallon matches more expensive under-counter systems. The lack of PFAS certification is the only significant limitation.