BRITA Marella review: a simple, fridge-friendly water filter jug

The BRITA Marella is one of the best-known water filter jugs in Europe and a common first choice for anyone searching for the best water filter jug. It is a simple plastic jug with a flip-top lid and a date reminder that takes BRITA's MAXTRA PRO cartridges. It comes in a fridge-door-friendly Cool size and a larger XL version.

This BRITA Marella review is based on BRITA's specifications and independent roundups of filter jugs from UK testers. We cover capacity, what the filter removes, cartridge life and running costs, and when another jug or a tap filter might be the better choice.

Design and capacity

The Marella has a slim, rectangular shape that is easy to hold and pour. The Cool version holds 2.4 litres in total, of which 1.4 litres is filtered water, and measures 25.8 x 25.8 x 10.5 cm, so it is designed to fit in a fridge door. The XL version holds 3.5 litres in total and 2.0 litres filtered, but at 14.8 cm deep it needs a shelf rather than the door.

The flip-top lid lets you refill under the tap with one hand, without taking the lid off. It is a small detail, but it makes daily use quicker, and BRITA calls it a smart and easy filling function. The jug body goes in the dishwasher; the lid, which holds the reminder, does not. Colour options vary by market.

Before using a new cartridge, follow the preparation steps in BRITA's instructions. Setting the Memo reminder when you insert each new cartridge is the easiest way to stay on schedule.

The MAXTRA PRO filter: what does it remove?

The Marella comes with a MAXTRA PRO Pure Performance cartridge, which BRITA describes as a four-stage filter. A fine mesh catches coarse particles, activated carbon made from coconut shells reduces chlorine and other substances that affect taste, ion-exchange beads soften the water and reduce metals such as lead and copper, and a final mesh holds everything in place.

BRITA also says the cartridge reduces certain trace impurities such as some herbicides, pesticides and pharmaceuticals where they are present, and that it has been independently tested to reduce some PFAS compounds such as PFOS and PFOA. These are claims about reduction, not full removal, and depend on your local water.

• Chlorine and taste-affecting substances
• Limescale (carbonate hardness)
• Metals such as lead and copper
• Some trace impurities and certain PFAS, according to BRITA

Taste, limescale and everyday use

The main reason people buy a BRITA Marella is taste. By cutting chlorine and softening the water, the jug makes tap water taste cleaner and helps reduce the scale that builds up in kettles and coffee machines. BRITA notes the softening effect helps protect appliances, and says its carbonate hardness reduction has been tested for up to 150 litres per cartridge.

Filtering is not instant, so many owners keep a filled jug in the fridge. As with any filter jug, the filtered water should be used promptly, and the jug should be cleaned regularly to keep it hygienic.

How much difference you notice depends on your tap water. In soft-water areas with little chlorine taste, the improvement can be subtle. In hard-water regions, which cover large parts of Germany and the south of England, the reduction in scale on kettles and the cleaner taste of tea and coffee are the most obvious benefits. UK testers have praised the clean taste of water from BRITA's MAXTRA cartridges.

How often to change the BRITA filter and running costs

Each MAXTRA PRO cartridge can filter up to 150 litres. BRITA recommends replacing it every four weeks, and the BRITA Memo on the lid reminds you when that time is up. The Memo is a simple date-based indicator rather than a smart meter that counts how much water you have filtered, so heavy users may need to change the filter sooner.

Cartridges are the real cost of owning a filter jug. They are sold in multi-packs, and BRITA offers Marella bundles with 3, 6 or 12 cartridges, which work out cheaper per filter. Because MAXTRA PRO is sold almost everywhere, finding replacements is easy, and BRITA runs cartridge recycling schemes in several countries.

Sustainability

BRITA positions filter jugs as a way to cut down on bottled water. Each 150-litre cartridge replaces a lot of single-use bottles, and the company says it uses certified bio-based plastic under the ISCC PLUS mass-balance scheme in its products. The jug itself is durable enough to last years with care; only the cartridges need regular replacement.

BRITA Marella vs Style and other jugs

Within BRITA's own range, the Style adds a more premium look and a smart light that tracks usage, while the Aluna is a similarly priced alternative with a different shape. The Marella sits in the middle as a no-fuss everyday jug. BRITA's glass jug suits people who dislike plastic. All of them use the same MAXTRA PRO cartridges.

If you want to filter much more water with less refilling, a tap-mounted filter or a larger dispenser may suit you better. BRITA also sells MAXTRA PRO variants aimed at hard water, which are worth considering in areas with heavy limescale.

Who should buy the BRITA Marella?

The Marella suits couples and small families who want better-tasting water and less limescale without installing anything. The Cool size is ideal if fridge space is tight; the XL version is better for larger households who drink a lot of water.

It is not a treatment system for unsafe water. If you are worried about specific contaminants, check your local water report first and choose a certified system designed for that problem.

For single people, the Cool size is usually enough for a day's drinking water plus a few cups of tea. Families who also use filtered water for cooking pasta, making coffee and filling water bottles will appreciate the extra filtered capacity of the XL, which means fewer refills through the day.

Key specs

Capacity (Cool)

2.4 l total, 1.4 l filtered

Capacity (XL)

3.5 l total, 2.0 l filtered

Size (Cool)

25.8 x 25.8 x 10.5 cm

Filter

BRITA MAXTRA PRO (Pure Performance included)

Filter life

Up to 150 litres, change about every 4 weeks

Reminder

BRITA Memo

Cleaning

Dishwasher-safe except lid

Alternatives to consider

• BRITA Style: Same cartridges with a more premium design and a smart light that tracks filter use.
• BRITA glass filter jug: A borosilicate glass jug for people who prefer less plastic and a more stylish look.
• Aqua Optima filter jug: A cheaper alternative that performed well in independent filter jug tests.

Frequently asked questions

The BRITA Marella remains a sensible, budget-friendly water filter jug in 2026. It is easy to refill, fits in the fridge, and the MAXTRA PRO cartridge noticeably improves taste while reducing limescale and some metals. The ongoing cost of cartridges and the basic date reminder are the main compromises. If you want better tap water with minimal fuss, it is a safe choice.

How we research: Reviews are based on the maker’s specifications, published independent tests and owner reports. Scores compare the product with others in its class.