Waterdrop Chubby Water Filter Pitcher In-depth Review

Waterdrop filter pitchers are known for their sleek designs, and the Chubby is no exception. Its ergonomic body and the subtleness in every detail give it that classy, sophisticated look that stands among the dozens of other water filter pitchers. But, is there more to it than meets the eye? Find out what our hands-on testing revealed.

Key Specs

Where to Buy Price at publication $33.03

*You help support HealthyKitchen101's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners.

Compared to Other Water Filter Pitchers

9.2 Performance

The Waterdrop Chubby was the second-best performer among all the filter pitchers we’ve tested thus far (0.2 points behind the Aquagear, which ended up with lower Design and Usability scores). It reduced chlorine by more than 90% in our extremely high chlorinated test water—and did so at an unmatched speed. Its NSF 42 certified double filter produced crisp, sweet tasting water without stripping off total dissolved solids (TDS) which may contain beneficial minerals.

8.5 Chlorine

The Waterdrop Chubby surpassed many others in our chlorine removal test. The double filter reduced the 10+ mg/l concentration of chlorine to below 1 mg/l. 

Note that at 10 mg/l, our test water contains at least 2.5 times more chlorine than the CDC’s recommended level of 4 mg/l or below. If you’re filtering normal tap water, it’s highly likely that the filter will reach its advertised maximum residual chlorine reduction rate of 97.4%.

10 Flow Rate

Those who hate having to refill their filter pitchers in advance will appreciate the Chubby’s fast flow rate. It takes less than 3 minutes to process a full reservoir—that’s 22 seconds to produce a standard glass of water! Among a dozen or so filter pitchers we’ve tested, none matched this performance. Its double filter with two dispensing holes clearly takes the speed to the next level.

This mid-size pitcher is ideal for singles and families who need filtered water for both drinking and cooking. Even if you forget to refill, the wait will be minimal.

9.3 Taste & Smell

While stripping away most of the chlorine, the Waterdrop filter kept the TDS at an acceptable level. Because the water retains its TDS or mineral content, it has a sweeter, more natural taste than water filtered by a reverse osmosis system—which tends to be more acidic or sour.

9.0 Design

The Waterdrop Chubby perfectly blends aesthetics with top-notch functionality. Each part embraces a modest and refined design. Likewise, the craftsmanship has a superb fit and finish so it looks delightful on a countertop. The PF-01A duo-filter is highly effective, well-built, and easy to work with.

In the Box

• The Waterdrop water filter pitcher
• 1 x filter piece
• 1 x user guide

The Chubby filter pitcher arrived with a lot of dirt inside. Since our lab is in Ho Chi Minh City, a replacement from the US was not so practical. Luckily, however, a little water and mild soap did the job. The filter was wrapped separately and in mint condition. If you see any faults or hints of tampering, it might be better to ask for a replacement. 

Dimensions

9.0 Build Quality

The Chubby is well-built with a minimalist touch. It’s a rare product where style doesn’t come at a cost to durability or functionality. Additionally, the wooden handle gives a unique and elegant appeal. Its surprising sturdiness also questioned the necessity of a typical all-plastic design and the filter fit felt very robust. Considering the price at just over $20, it certainly looks a lot more expensive.

9.0 Conveniences

Measuring 5.4 inches in width, the Waterdrop Chubby didn’t fit in our 290 L fridge door (5 inches across), but it left ample space on the shelves. The pitcher does not have a spigot nor does it need one for its medium size and weight. 

We like that the refill trap door is transparent, so you can clearly see when the reservoir is full. Even so, the trap door conveniently closes as the volume reaches capacity. It actually has a metal spring at one end, which we suspect may be prone to rusting after a few years. After a few months of use, our pitcher still looked and worked like new.

The filter replacement light is neatly built into the lid and needs only a quick press to display the filter life status. It shows a blue hue for a new and usable filter, bright red for a replacement needed soon, and dark red for an immediate replacement. The two shades of red can be confusing for new users, so make sure you refer to the manual the first time you see a red dot on the pitcher lid.

9.0 Filter

Like all other Waterdrop filter pitchers, the Chubby uses the PF-01A, which is a double filter with multiple input holes and two dispensing openings—hence the superfast filtration speed. The filter appeared well made, with everything neatly in place and no signs of material leakage. Installation involves placing it into the reservoir and gently pushing down. It couldn’t be easier.

8.9 Usability

The Waterdrop Chubby is easy to assemble and disassemble, with secure yet easy-to-remove parts. Its rounded corners add to the safety and sleek appearance. The pitcher features a trap door for convenient refilling and a firm, grippy wood handle. Handwashing takes only a few minutes to maintain its cleanliness.

9.5 Assembling

With only a few basic pieces with clear indications of their positions, the Waterdrop Chubby pitcher is easy to put together and take apart. The parts fit securely and do not require excessive effort to remove. All parts are rounded at the corners, which not only softens and smoothens the look but also makes them safer to work with.

8.2 Refilling

The Chubby features a sensitive spring-loaded trap door for single-handed, hassle-free refilling. This flap is clear and closes up as the water level rises in the reservoir, allowing you to stop before it overflows. You will need two refills to reach maximum capacity, but the wait is minimal due to the fast flow rate.

9.0 Dispensing

The Warterdrop Chubby has a small spout with a cover to keep out dust or insects. Its modest size and the pointed tip minimize splashing or overflow during pouring. The fast flow rate means you can have filtered water within minutes, plus the secure lid makes it safe to pour while the reservoir is still a third full.

We like that the handle is made of wood, which not only looks stylish but is also very grippy and warm to the touch. It can hold and support the weight of a full pitcher despite having just one joint.

9.0 Cleaning

Though it cannot be tossed into a dishwasher, the Chubby takes only a few minutes to wash manually. Drying the wood handle with a towel immediately after washing may be useful to prevent bacteria, mold, or discoloration.