Welcome to our detailed Soma water filter review. Here, you’ll discover everything you need to know before you buy. It’s important to know if your filter removes fluoride, lead, and a long list of other contaminants. Why? Because these days powerful water filters are available at affordable prices. The problem is the number of options available, and the reality that not all water filters are created equal.
In our review, we’ll explore the key features of the Soma water filter pitcher, filter information (including fluoride and lead removal), a Soma vs Brita comparison, alternative options, and our complete review. By the end, you’ll know without a doubt if the Soma water filter pitcher is the best option for you and your family.
Let’s get started with the features.
Key Features
- A BPA-free plastic reservoir – Holds 10 cups (80 oz.) of filtered water (6-cup size also available)
- Filter Type: 65% plant-based carbon filtration (initial purchase includes 1 filter)
- Filter Life: 40 gallons or approximately 2 months
- Additional filter information: Filter casing is made of renewable plant-based sugar cane, the filtration media is activated coconut shell carbon, and the new upgraded filter takes 4-6 minutes to fill the 10-cup pitcher
- The filter removes chlorine odor and taste, mercury, copper, cadmium, zinc (NSF-certified to Standards 42 and 53)
- Sustainable white oak or bamboo handle
- 10-Cup Pitcher Dimensions: 6″ x 10.5″ x 9.0″ (Width x Height x Depth)
- 6-Cup Pitcher Dimensions: 4.5″ x 9.4″ x 9.0″ (Width x Height x Depth)
- Easy-fill lid allows you to fill the pitcher without removing the lid
Soma Water Filter Information
In this section, we’ll focus on the Soma water filter effectiveness and the replacement filters. Is the Soma filter worth the money and is it right for filtering your tap water? This is an important question to ask yourself before investing in a water filter pitcher.
Does the Soma water filter remove fluoride?
The Soma water filter doesn’t remove fluoride. Fluoride removal typically requires activated alumina or a reverse osmosis water filtration system.
We’ve reviewed a long list of water filter pitchers, and the Seychelle Water pH2O Pitcher does the best job of removing contaminants, including fluoride up to 90%.
Are Soma water filter test results available?
Of all the water pitcher companies I’ve reviewed, Soma is one of the least transparent I’ve come across when it comes to sharing its contaminant reduction rates and lab test results.
They do link to the WQA (Water Quality Association) website to show their NSF/ANSI 42 and NSF/ANSI 53 certifications for aesthetic chlorine odor & taste removal as well as cadmium, copper, and mercury reduction.
Overall, I’m not impressed with the Soma filter, and I believe the company hinges on manufacturing a 65% plant-based filter with renewable materials. The one highlight is the filters are made in the USA, yet that doesn’t cancel out the lack of contaminant removal.
If you have hard well water or iffy municipal water, you’re better off jumping to the better alternatives section below.
Does the Soma filter remove lead?
According to all the information available, the Soma filter does not remove lead.
Overall, the Soma water filter effectiveness is low compared to other options available for a similar price.
Soma Replacement Filters
One of the advantages of the Soma pitcher beyond its visual appeal is the cost of the replacement filters. Each Soma filter has a 40-gallon life (approximately 2 months at 1 full pitcher per day).
Click Here #ad to view the current price for a 2-pack of Soma replacement filters at Amazon.
What to expect?
When we compile our key points, we identify trends to give you the best idea of what to expect before you purchase a product.
- The design may cause water to spill while pouring
- It does an excellent job of improving taste and removing chlorine odor
- The visual appeal of the pitcher makes it a good choice for people who often host guests
- Mold issues may occur due to the hard-to-reach spots when cleaning
- Inconsistent filtering times
- There’s a chance of filtered water mixing with unfiltered water
- Filter clogging issues may arise
Our Soma Water Filter Review
In this section, I share our complete Soma water filter review.
Likes
- The pitcher has undeniable visual appeal, making it a great option for hosts.
- Soma donates a portion of its proceeds to charity.
- The filters are manufactured in the United States.
- The easy-fill lid is a cool concept that adds a noteworthy level of convenience.
- Replacement filters are affordable.
- The NSF certifications
- Delicious tasting filtered water
Dislikes
- We’re water-obsessed, and while we do love the idea of plant-based and sustainable materials, these aren’t the first qualities we look for in a water filter. We prefer a water filter that removes at least 90% of a long list of contaminants including VOCs, lead, and fluoride.
- We prefer companies that share water quality test reports right on their websites for everyone to see.
- The shape of the pitcher makes it somewhat impractical for storing in the refrigerator. The handle looks great, but it sticks out.
- A need to treat the handle with mineral oil is irritating.
- The pitcher is very difficult to take apart and clean.
- Mold issues – that are impossible to remove – growing inside the pitcher (not a great option for people living in humid climates). This problem is a major dealbreaker for us.
- The pitcher spilling during the pouring process indicates a fundamental design flaw.
- A slow filtration process and clogged filter problem (bad news for people who want to filter well water or hard water).
- The filter doesn’t make alkaline water.
- Preparing and removing air from the filter is an overly-complicated process.
Final Score: 4/10
Soma Water Filter vs Brita
Key Considerations
- Both pitchers use BPA-free plastic
- The Brita pitcher features a filter change reminder while the Soma does not
- Both filters rely on activated carbon to remove impurities and reduce chlorine taste & odor, although Brita adds ion-exchange resin to its filtration media
- Both products have a mold issue, with Soma’s being more common
- The Brita pitcher costs less, and the replacement filters cost considerably less (same filter life of 40 gallons or 2 months)
- Brita does not feature an easy-fill lid, has a plastic handle, and is not near as visually appealing as the Soma pitcher
- Soma uses sustainable and renewable materials
In our opinion, Soma is targeting existing Brita customers who prefer a product made of renewable and sustainable materials.
Brita has a longer list of NSF certifications and manufactures a slightly more powerful filter. We’re not impressed by either filter. There are better options available for people who are serious about drinking clean, healthy water, which leads us to our next section…
Better Alternatives
Are you serious about removing impurities from your water? Do you prefer drinking alkaline water? Do you have well water? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you’re in the right place.
One of our favorite water filter pitchers is the EHM Ultra pitcher #ad:
Want to know more? Read our complete EHM Ultra water pitcher review.
The pitchers referenced throughout this article or a reverse osmosis system with remineralization are your best alternatives to the Soma water filter pitcher.
Bottom Line
Soma water pitchers are best for people who value the visual appeal of a pitcher over the power of the filter. If you live in a dry climate (to avoid the mold issue), have clean tap water, and love the thought of sustainable materials, then the Soma pitcher could be the one for you.
Are there better alternatives? Yes, we think so.
In the battle of Soma vs Brita, it comes down to your taste. Brita replacement filters cost less and most likely do a better job of removing impurities.
The problem with all water filter pitchers is that none of them are perfect. They all come with drawbacks.
