Brita UltraMax 27-Cup Water Filter Dispenser Review 2026
The UltraMax is the undisputed king of pitcher/dispenser filtration for families. The 27-cup capacity and spigot design make it more practical than any pitcher. Upgrade to Elite filters for best results.
Overview
The Brita UltraMax is the clear leader in high-capacity pitcher-style water filtration. With a 27-cup (6.3-liter) reservoir and a precision-pour spigot, it is designed for households that go through a lot of filtered water and are tired of constantly refilling a standard 10-cup pitcher. At $34.99, it sits at a modest premium over basic pitchers while solving the single biggest complaint people have about pitcher filtration: you always run out of water at the worst time.
What separates the UltraMax from other large-capacity dispensers is Brita's filter ecosystem. The included Standard filter handles basic chlorine and taste reduction, but the UltraMax also accepts the Brita Elite filter — a serious upgrade that delivers 99% lead reduction, NSF 42/53/401 certification, and a 120-gallon lifespan that lasts three times longer than Standard. That flexibility means you can start with the budget option and scale up your filtration as needed without buying new hardware.
The spigot design is the other standout feature. Instead of lifting and pouring a heavy, full pitcher (which is genuinely awkward at 27 cups), you simply push the spigot to dispense. It works on a refrigerator shelf or kitchen counter, and kids can fill their own glasses without needing to lift anything. For families, this is a practical quality-of-life upgrade that smaller pitchers simply cannot match.
Key Features & Specifications
| Filtration Stages | 2 |
| Technology | Activated Carbon + Ion Exchange |
| Capacity | 27 cups (6.3 liters) |
| Certifications | NSF 42/53 (Standard filter), NSF 42/53/401 (Elite filter) |
| Dimensions | 14.4 x 5.6 x 10 inches |
| Weight | 3.2 lbs (empty) |
| Filter Life | 40 gallons / 2 months (Standard), 120 gallons / 6 months (Elite) |
| Compatibility | Brita Standard and Brita Elite filters |
| Contaminants Removed | Chlorine taste/odor, mercury, copper, cadmium, zinc (Standard); + lead, asbestos, benzene (Elite) |
The UltraMax uses Brita's proven 2-stage activated carbon and ion exchange filtration. With the included Standard filter, you get NSF 42/53 certification covering chlorine taste, mercury, copper, cadmium, and zinc. Upgrading to the Elite filter adds lead (99% reduction), asbestos, benzene, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides to the removal list — along with NSF 401 certification. The 27-cup reservoir is made from BPA-free plastic and weighs 3.2 pounds empty, though it tops 8 pounds when full.
Pros & Cons
What We Like
- ✓ Massive 27-cup capacity — serves families of 4+ without constant refilling
- ✓ Precision-pour spigot makes dispensing easy and mess-free
- ✓ Fits on refrigerator shelf or countertop
- ✓ Compatible with both Brita Standard and Elite filters
- ✓ Trusted Brita brand with 42,000+ reviews and 4.6 stars
What Could Be Better
- ✗ Takes up significant refrigerator shelf space due to large footprint
- ✗ Heavy when full — difficult to move or pour from
- ✗ Included Standard filter is basic — Elite upgrade recommended
- ✗ Spigot can drip if not fully closed
Performance & Real-World Testing
The UltraMax excels where it matters most: capacity and convenience. A full 27-cup fill takes approximately 15-20 minutes to pass through the Standard filter (slightly longer with the Elite due to its denser media). Once filled, the spigot dispenses cleanly with minimal splashing. The water tastes noticeably cleaner than unfiltered tap — the chlorine bite disappears completely, and with the Elite filter, even hard water tastes smoother. In side-by-side testing with the Amazon Basics pitcher using the same Standard filter, taste results were identical, confirming that filtration performance is driven by the cartridge rather than the dispenser.
The main practical challenge is the UltraMax's footprint. At 14.4 inches wide, it commands a full refrigerator shelf and will not fit in any standard door compartment. When full, it weighs over 8 pounds, making it impractical to move around. This is a "set it and forget it" dispenser — pick a spot in your fridge or on your counter and leave it there. The 42,000+ Amazon reviews with a 4.6-star average confirm what we found: the UltraMax is remarkably reliable and consistently delivers on its promise of hassle-free high-volume filtration.
Value Analysis
At $34.99, the Brita UltraMax is one of the best investments in kitchen convenience for families. Compared to a standard 10-cup pitcher ($20-25), the extra $10-15 buys you nearly triple the capacity and a spigot that eliminates awkward pouring. Annual filter costs depend on your cartridge choice: Standard filters run about $18 for a 3-pack (6 months), while Elite filters cost about $30 for a 2-pack (12 months). Ironically, the premium Elite route works out cheaper per year — roughly $60 annually vs $72 for Standard — while providing significantly better filtration.
Compared to bottled water, the math is overwhelming. A family of four drinking 2 liters each per day spends roughly $1,500-2,000 per year on bottled water. The UltraMax with Elite filters costs about $95 in the first year and $60 per year after that. You break even in less than a month. The only scenario where the UltraMax does not make sense is for single-person households with limited fridge space — the Amazon Basics 10-cup pitcher offers the same filtration in a smaller footprint at a lower price.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need to refill the Brita UltraMax 27-cup dispenser?
Can I use Brita Elite filters in the UltraMax dispenser?
Will the Brita UltraMax fit on my refrigerator shelf?
Does the Brita UltraMax spigot leak?
Final Verdict
The UltraMax is the undisputed king of pitcher/dispenser filtration for families. The 27-cup capacity and spigot design make it more practical than any pitcher. Upgrade to Elite filters for best results.
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