If you’re not familiar with my perfect cup of tea formula, now’s the time to acquaint yourself with it:
W+3T = Perfect Cup of Tea
W = delicious pure water and 3T = temperature, time, and tea (excellent whole-leaf tea, of course). It almost goes without saying that no tea can be outstanding without first starting with optimal water.
So when I was asked to review a water-filtration system by Mavea, I couldn’t resist. Upon opening the box, my heart sunk – assembly was required. As a long-time feminist, I’m ashamed to confess to my initial impulse to call my husband and ask him to put it together for me. Upon further consideration, however, I realized that if I was truly to evaluate this product, I must do everything myself. With my heart in my throat, I unwrapped everything and started to read the manual. Much to my delight, it wasn’t difficult at all. In fact, I had it washed and put together in less than five minutes. Truth be told, my husband could have done it in half the time. But suffice it to say, the setup was easy. Finding the design pleasing to my aesthetic, I had no objection to having the product sit on my counter or table. After two run-throughs to clean and prime the charcoal filter, I was ready to try the water. I was impressed that they recommended using the undrinkable water for plants – I’m a huge fan of water conservation. We all must be if we expect to have sufficient water to quench the masses. The unique design allows you to fill the pitcher right through the lid and lets you know it has reached its maximum capacity by closing itself.
My first glass of water was delicious, so I knew my tea would be more than happy swimming around in the pot. And boy was I right. I thought white tea, having the most subtle of flavor profiles, would be the best to assess the water quality and the harshest judge. The results were as I had expected – all tea – no unpleasant flavor or taste that didn’t belong.
I also appreciate the electronic component, which, once activated, reminds you that it’s time to replace the carbon filter. According to the company, they use a three-way meter that measures “volume of filtered water, water quality (hardness) and time.” They estimate that the filter will need to be changed every two months, but, of course, it is heavily dependent on usage. If I had one complaint, it was that the pitcher doesn’t hold much water. However, given how quickly it filters through the carbon filter, it’s really not such a big deal. I wouldn’t want the overall size to be any bigger, so short of that, there doesn’t appear to be any other option.
I’d decided to give this to my daughter, but she reminded me that she has a water filter system at her sink – thank you very much. When I asked her when she last changed the filter, she said “about a year ago.” Need I say more?
Thank you, Mavea, for creating a beautiful and important product for tea drinkers in America, France, and Spanish-speaking cultures – just wanted to prove that I read the manual.
For more information, check out Mavea’s blog.
Thanks for the review. What I’m really interested in how this system compares to the Brita pitcher. Any thoughts?
I can’t imagine brewing tea in tap water anymore since getting into the retail tea business and tasting what a good filtration system does for the taste. I do wish health departments didn’t require
the expense of a mini build-out just to do tea sampling in stores. At least here. It sounds as if this Mavea system makes the water ‘invisible’ so that the most subtle notes come through.
I would have to say, first off, that it has an electronic system to monitor when to change the filter which I think is very important. It’s right on the top so you can’t miss it. It also has an easy fill system – no removing the top. You just put it under the faucet and it fills through the top. Unfortunately I don’t have a Brita so I can’t speak beyond that.
I am the lucky recipient of the above-mentioned filtration system, which I absolutely love. It has removed all taste and color from our otherwise funky tap water. The best thing about the Mavea is how beautifully and thoughtfully designed it is. Unlike the Brita, you don’t have to lift off the top to fill it, you just pour the water directly in. The lines, the weight, the handle, and the balance all make the unit a pleasure to use. The only downside is how frequently the filter needs to be changed. With a regular 6- to 8-cup-a-day habit, it only lasts about a month, which I foresee as being somewhat expensive. All in all, though, I highly recommend it.
Michelle – Thanks for bringing awareness to another product that enhances our tea drinking experience. I am a bit surprised, however, that you didn’t mention one negative in that it is made from plastic. Do you know if they use BPA free plastic? I suppose that since the world is an imperfect place, one way to deal with that would be to filter the water in their pitcher but then pour it into your own glass pitcher for longer term storage.
Sandy – I am unaware of ANY water filtration pitcher that isn’t plastic. I have contacted the company to inquire if it’s BPA free plastic however. As I had mentioned, the pitcher isn’t that big so I don’t envision any “long term storage”.
According to a company representative:
All components are completely 100% BPA free!
The main active ingredient in the filters comes from coconuts (not plastic) and is 100% recyclable. Every part of the filter is broken down, cleaned, and reused. Nothing goes to a landfill.
Mavea’s recycling program is completely hassle free. Simply go online, fill out a recycle request form, and a few days later you’ll receive a pre-paid envelope to return your filters.
The new issue of Fresh Cup does a feature on water and Mavea is mentioned. It’s a good story and, of course, Cirqua’s David Beeman is quoted throughout the article.
Thanks for the heads up Diane. I’ll be sure to check it out.
Diane – Can’t get the magazine in Hood River – can you tell me what page they mention Maevea and I can check it out on-line? Thanks
Here you go:
http://freshcup.epubxpress.com/wps/portal/cup/c1/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3iLkCAPEzcPIwOLMAtnA093L9dQHxcvQwMDU6B8JJK8e5i_KUje18jMPdDAwNmMgO5wkH349YPkDXAARwN9P4_83FT9gtwIgywTR0UAuvEqRw!!/dl2/d1/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnB3LzZfOFRSSDRGSDIwOFY4QzBJR0pFVUxESjEwMDU!/