The pitcher is easy to use and you have cold water at the ready. I like that the new design keeps the unfiltered water from mixing with the filtered water as that was an issue in the previous design. Now I don't have to wait until it's all filtered before I can poor myself a glass. The only downside is the spout lid. It lifts on it's own as you poor, but if you don't hold it up then water goes everywhere. It caused a few watery puddles before I figured that out. Thankfully it's the only problem I had with mine. The water tastes fresh and the overall pitcher is great!