The AquaTru Carafe takes the brand’s no-plumbing reverse-osmosis filtration and pours it into a borosilicate glass carafe — so the purified water you drink never sits in plastic. It’s the prettiest filter AquaTru makes and ideal for smaller kitchens, but it’s also pricier per litre than the Classic. Here’s our research-based take.
Who is this for?
The Carafe suits a smaller household, a flat, or anyone who wants filtered water served from glass rather than a plastic tank — and who likes the idea of a unit that looks good enough to leave out. Like all AquaTru units it needs no plumbing, so it’s renter-friendly and moves home with you.
It’s less suited to bigger households: the 1.9 L glass carafe means more frequent refills than the larger Classic, which holds more and costs only a little more.
Key specs
| AquaTru Carafe | |
|---|---|
| Type | Countertop RO — no plumbing |
| Filtration | 4-stage Ultra RO |
| Carafe | 1.9 L borosilicate glass |
| Tap-water tank | 2.5 L |
| Dimensions | 33 × 35.5 × 19 cm |
| Warranty (UK) | 1 year |
| UK price | £425 |
What it removes
The Carafe uses AquaTru’s same 4-stage Ultra Reverse Osmosis filtration, independently tested to NSF standards, reducing up to 99% of contaminants including PFAS (PFOA/PFOS), lead, arsenic, fluoride, microplastics and chlorine. That’s the same broad contaminant coverage that makes the AquaTru range stand out — now served from glass.
UK hard-water performance
In hard-water areas like London (~280 mg/L), the Carafe strips the dissolved minerals behind limescale, so you get clearer, better-tasting water with no scum on tea. As with any RO unit in hard water, the pre-filter benefits from changing toward the shorter end of its life, and it’s worth periodically rinsing the tank and carafe.
Installation
None — that’s the appeal. Unbox, rinse the filters, fill the tank, plug it in. It needs a worktop socket and a compact footprint. No plumbing, no drilling, nothing to undo when you move.
Running costs UK
Filter costs are similar to the Classic at roughly £110/year. The glass carafe itself is a one-off (replaceable if broken). You’re paying a premium for the glass and compact design, not for higher running costs.
How it compares
| AquaTru Carafe | AquaTru Classic | |
|---|---|---|
| UK price | £425 | £449 (often ~£375) |
| Clean-water vessel | 1.9 L glass carafe | Larger plastic tank |
| Footprint | Compact | Larger |
| Certifications | NSF-tested | NSF 42/53/58/401/P473 |
| Best for | Smaller kitchens, glass lovers | Most households (value) |
Verdict
The AquaTru Carafe earns 4/5. It’s a genuinely lovely, compact way to get RO-quality water from glass rather than plastic, with all the no-plumbing convenience that makes AquaTru ideal for renters. It loses half a point only on value: the larger AquaTru Classic holds more, has more explicit certifications, and often sells for a similar price on offer. Buy the Carafe if you have a small kitchen, value glass, and the looks matter. Buy the Classic if you want the best value and a bigger clean-water capacity.
Frequently asked questions
AquaTru Carafe vs Classic — which should I buy?
The Carafe is more compact and serves water from a borosilicate glass carafe, ideal for smaller kitchens. The Classic holds more, has more explicit NSF certifications and is usually better value. Most households are better off with the Classic unless they specifically want glass or a small footprint.
Does the AquaTru Carafe use glass instead of plastic?
Yes — the purified water is served from a 1.9 L borosilicate glass carafe, so your drinking water doesn't sit in plastic. The tap-water tank that feeds the system is separate.
Does the AquaTru Carafe need plumbing?
No. Like all AquaTru units it needs no installation — you rinse the filters, fill the tank and plug it in. That makes it ideal for renters and anyone who can't modify their kitchen.
Does the AquaTru Carafe remove PFAS and fluoride?
Yes. Its 4-stage Ultra Reverse Osmosis filtration is independently tested to NSF standards and reduces PFAS (PFOA/PFOS), lead, arsenic, fluoride, microplastics and chlorine.