This isn't the first Brita 'Maxtra'-type water filter jug I've used. The first was a
Brita Aluna Xl. That was o.k. - well, I'm still using it - but it has a fairly limited capacity and the 'memo' cartridge meter function is pretty basic, simply warning you when you've been using the same filter for a while.
But this one is much better. For a start, the meter actually does a bit more than simply time the usage. According to the manual, the meter:
'...monitors the filtration performance and indicates the remaining cartridge life . The three-way measurement takes into consideration the volume of water filtered, water quality (hardness) and time'.
So, whereas the meter on the Aluna simply sits on top of the jug, this one has a couple of sensors that dip into the pre-filtered water. It also indicates when water is going through the system by displaying a flashing row of drops.
Another feature of this water filter jug is that you don't have to take the lid off in order to fill it (unlike the 'Aluna'). There is a covered hole in the top on a spring. When you run water on to it, it drops down, allowing the water to enter. Of course, the first time I filled it, I opened the tap far to wide with the result I sprayed myself and the whole kitchen with water - but, after a little practise, I determined the force of water required to open the trap door without soaking the kitchen.
It certainly seems to have a much larger capacity than my previous 'Aluna' model. That is good, but it does also mean that the jug is pretty hefty when full. Still, it has a very sturdy rubberised hand grip that feels solid and more than capable of handling the weight. Similarly, it has four rubberised feet which means that it stays put on my worktop and is not going to slide off if knocked.
It is quite wide and does not fit in my fridge, but the 'Aluna' model does, so I'm not really that worried about that. Anyway, if you want to use it for chilled drinking water, you could fill up large plastic bottles from it and keep those in the fridge. It does pour very well. (That's a good tip for keeping the cost of running your fridge down, by the way: always try to keep it full!)
The whole thing, except for the meter, can be washed in a dishwasher and it is a quite easy job to remove and replace the meter. The manual is o.k., but it covers 9 languages and nearly all current models, so can be a bit 'if yours is like this, then do this, but if it's like that, then do that' and you're sat there thinking 'well, it's not like this or that'. No, its not that bad, really.
All-in-all, a major improvement on my older 'Aluna' model. Both use 'Maxtra' filters and, even though the water that comes out of the taps is perfectly drinkable, filtering it does make a noticeable and pleasant difference to tea. Not sure about coffee 'cos I might as well face it, I'm addicted to tea.