MAUNAWAI vs. Brita

How Brita filters

Brita jugs use a combination of several filter media, which are contained within a replaceable cartridge. In the current standard model, MAXTRA PRO, the water passes through three successive layers.

A fine sieve is located at the inlet of the cartridge. It traps coarser particles and sediments before the water penetrates further. The water then flows through a layer of activated carbon granules. According to Brita, this activated carbon is sourced from sustainably certified coconut shells. It primarily binds chlorine and chlorine-containing compounds, as well as organic substances that affect taste and smell.

At the core of the cartridge is the ion-exchange resin. It consists of tiny synthetic resin beads that bind dissolved calcium and magnesium ions and exchange them for hydrogen or sodium ions. To ensure the water flows through quickly, additional pressure from the volume of water above the filter comes into play. Depending on the model, one litre is filtered in a few minutes. The result is softer water with reduced limescale. Brita states that this process can also remove traces of metals such as lead and copper. The company does not publish specific reduction figures or independent laboratory reports for the European MAXTRA PRO.

The cartridge has a capacity of around 150 litres and should be replaced every four weeks. For certain contaminants such as lead, there are special models (Brita Elite) that go beyond standard filtration. On the US market, these special models are certified to NSF/ANSI 42, 53 and 401. The MAXTRA PRO sold in Europe has undergone TÜV testing relating to material safety and suitability for food contact. Brita does not publish independent laboratory reports on the specific contaminant filtration performance of the European standard cartridge.

How MAUNAWAI filters

The MAUNAWAI Kini operates on the principle of gravity filtration. The water is poured into an upper reservoir and flows slowly through two coordinated filter stages solely by gravity. The flow time is between one and five minutes per litre, depending on water quality.

Stage 1: The pre-filter pad

Before the water reaches the actual cartridge, it passes through a flat pre-filter pad. This retains coarse limescale deposits. In the process, some of the calcium is removed from the water, and in return the pad releases potassium into the water, a mineral that the body needs for its cellular functions. In addition, the pad binds heavy metals such as lead, copper and cadmium, as well as some of the nitrate and nitrite. This means the water enters the second stage already purified. Like the main cartridge, the pad is replaced every two to three months.

Stage 2: The multi-stage Kini cartridge

The actual deep filtration takes place in the cartridge. It has a multi-layered structure, comparable to the rock layers through which spring water flows in nature.

First, the water encounters high-performance activated carbon made from coconut shells. Just four grams of this activated carbon has an internal surface area of around 6,400 square metres, which is roughly equivalent to the area of a football pitch. A Kini cartridge contains 170 grams of it. Through adsorption, the activated carbon binds dissolved pollutants such as chlorine, pesticides, hormones and medication residues. Embedded within this layer are precious shungite and zeolite. These support the adsorption process and act against germs.

The water then flows through a total of 21 different mineral ceramics in several layers, including Pi ceramics, tourmaline ceramics, quartz ceramics, Alcalina ceramics and EM ceramics. Each ceramic fulfils a specific function. The Pi ceramic provides the water with selected minerals. The water takes from this layer only what it lacks to achieve its natural balance. The result is water of spring water quality, not through addition, but through restoration. The tourmaline ceramic acts as a catalyst and helps to restructure the water. The Alcalina ceramic gently raises the pH value to a neutral to slightly alkaline range. The EM ceramic contains Effective Microorganisms that stabilise the water environment. Unlike with ion exchange, minerals important for the body, such as calcium and magnesium, are retained in the water.

The Kini cartridge lasts for up to three months, as independently confirmed in a 90-day endurance test. The Kini is CE-certified, TÜV-tested and IIREC-certified. Its filtration performance is verified by DAkkS-accredited laboratory tests and an IIREC long-term test. Further information can be found under Science and Studies.

Materials and workmanship

The quality of a filter jug depends not only on the filter media, but also on the housing. This is because the water often sits in the jug for hours, and the material comes into direct contact with it.

Brita jugs are made from food-safe plastic. Depending on the model, the jug body is made from styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) or polypropylene (PP) and is BPA-free according to the manufacturer. Those who prefer glass will find Brita models with a glass carafe.

The MAUNAWAI Kini goes one step further and is made from SMMA M30, a medical-grade plastic also used in surgery. SMMA M30 is BPA- and phenol-free and passes the European contact test with warm liquid over ten days at 40 °C without leaching any substances into the water. The plastic is produced in Frankfurt am Main. The manufacturing process also meets this standard: the cartridges are laser-welded rather than glued. This ensures that neither adhesives nor solvents end up in the water. We have deliberately opted not to use glass. A shatterproof glass jug of a comparable size would weigh around five kilograms. When full, the Kini weighs around 2.7 kilograms, making it suitable for everyday use.