The dispenser control is much stiffer than my previous one, often causing it to snap back to a locked open position while I’m trying to pour. The force needed to switch from open to closed feels about twice as much, and when my glass is almost full, it can spring back unexpectedly. This could lead to spills, especially for children who might not react quickly enough—making the difference between overfilling by 2 ounces or half a gallon.

Opening the filling lid can be a bit of a struggle, as there isn’t a clear grip point. While the design is sleek and fits well in the fridge, I often find myself fumbling for a way to lift it—my instinct is to pull from the front lip, but the best method is to palm it like a basketball, which feels awkward. Once opened, filling is straightforward, but I’ve noticed condensation collects under the lid and drips onto the top of the pitcher, requiring me to wipe it off before putting it back in the fridge. It’s not a major issue, but it can be annoying.

Additionally, this model is more prone to spills after filling compared to the old unit. The previous pitcher snapped securely in place, allowing me to move it around without worrying about spills. This new one doesn’t have a solid seal on top, so I need to let the water settle in the bottom before moving it to prevent any splashes from the filler door.

On the positive side, I appreciate the taller, slimmer design, which seems to take up less space in my fridge—though I feel like I’m refilling it more often. It appears well-built, and despite the firmer dispenser mechanism, it conveys a sense of quality.

My last Brita lasted an impressive 15 years, so I have high hopes for this one. However, I believe it’s wise to replace the entire unit every 4-5 years—not due to quality degradation, but for sanitary reasons, and it’s relatively inexpensive to do so.