The water filter industry has a plastic problem. From disposable filters to plastic water pitchers, our pursuit of convenience has created a kitchen full of plastic waste. That’s why the Chimera, now live on Kickstarter, is making waves by reimagining the classic household water filter as the world’s first truly plastic-free system. If you’ve ever owned a Brita or similar water pitcher, you already understand the appeal: filtered water, ready for drinking, brewing, or cooking. But Brita’s signature design is built around plastic, from the body to the replaceable cartridge. Chimera is taking direct aim at that model with a radical rethink: a ceramic housing paired with activated carbon, all set inside a pure glass carafe. No plastic touches your water, ever. Oh, and did we mention you can brew coffee with it too?
Proper By Design, the company behind Chimera, isn’t new to the coffee accessory scene. They previously created the Olympus, an all-in-one knockbox and tamping station designed to declutter espresso bars. With Chimera, they’re taking a similar approach, focusing on sustainability without sacrificing function or aesthetics. The product represents a collaboration between founder B.V. Davis and inventor Scott Keeley, an industrial designer and registered patent agent with nearly two decades of experience in product development. After years of development and dozens of prototypes, they landed on the ceramic plus carbon solution as the only way to truly remove plastic from the equation without sacrificing effectiveness.
Designer: Proper By Design (B.V. Davis & Scott Keeley)
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The story behind Chimera spans six years of determined innovation. Scott Keeley first noticed the wastefulness of conventional filters, with their sealed plastic cartridges that couldn’t be recycled or composted. His idea was deceptively simple: what if the filter could be made of ceramic, a reusable natural material that could house the carbon without any plastic? After thirty two prototypes, countless tests, and meetings with major coffee maker brands about licensing opportunities, Keeley held firm to his vision. Though those licensing deals fell through, the patents were secured and the concept refined until Proper By Design stepped in to bring it to market.
This is a substantial innovation in water filtration. Traditional water filters use a plastic shell to hold activated carbon, which does the actual work of removing chlorine, odors, and impurities. Chimera replaces that shell with a high-fired ceramic produced by Ohio Stoneware in the U.S., forming a durable, taste-neutral container for the carbon. The result is a filter that does the same job as a Brita or PUR, but with no plastic leaching, no microplastics, and no single-use plastic waste. The ceramic filter housing fits securely into the glass carafe, which is made from borosilicate glass designed for durability, clarity, and thermal shock resistance. That glass vessel not only eliminates the need for plastic pitchers but also elevates the experience of pouring and serving water.
The environmental impact numbers are compelling. Each two-month carbon refill saves the equivalent of about 300 single-use plastic bottles, which means over 1,800 bottles per year, depending on usage. The ceramic housing is fully reusable and biodegradable when it does eventually reach the end of life. The activated carbon refills are packaged to minimize waste while delivering maximum performance. Traditional water filter pitchers require replacement cartridges every few weeks, creating a steady stream of plastic waste that Chimera eliminates entirely.
Chimera’s Kickstarter campaign puts the Brita comparison front and center. The pitch is straightforward: if you already use a water pitcher, why not choose one that’s plastic-free? The 36-ounce capacity (roughly six cups) makes it perfect for daily use at home or in the office. The filter lasts about as long as a standard cartridge, up to two months or 40 gallons per filter, depending on use, and can be replaced without tossing more plastic into the trash.
The details make Chimera stand out. The all-glass carafe is sturdy and easy to clean, with a wide pour spout and an ergonomic handle that feels secure in the hand. The ceramic filter locks into place with a gentle twist and can be rinsed out or replaced in seconds. Every part of the system is designed for longevity, from the high-temperature ceramic to the thick borosilicate glass. The styling is minimalist, with a sculptural quality that looks at home in contemporary kitchens and classic spaces alike. There’s even an amber glass and black ceramic version for those who want something with more visual warmth. There’s no branding splashed across the front, just clean lines, tactile surfaces, and the satisfaction of seeing your filtered water with nothing to hide.
Watching water slowly filter through the ceramic into the carafe turns an everyday task into something almost meditative. The process has a gentle rhythm that transforms the mundane act of water filtration into a quiet ritual. For those who care about aesthetics as much as function, Chimera delivers both, creating a piece you’ll want to leave out on the counter rather than hide in the refrigerator.
Maintenance is straightforward too. The ceramic filter can be cleaned with a simple rinse or light scrub, while the glass carafe is dishwasher safe and can handle both hot and cold liquids thanks to its thermal shock resistance. This ease of cleaning encourages regular maintenance, which extends the life of the product and ensures optimal performance. There are no complicated cleaning cycles, no plastic parts to degrade or replace.
For many households, water filtration is part of daily life. Whether you’re filling up a bottle, making tea, or brewing coffee, the quality of your water determines the taste of everything. Chimera’s creators are quick to point out that better water equals better coffee, and they’ve made sure the system doubles as a pour-over brewer for those who want to take their morning ritual to the next level. The process is simple: once your water is filtered, fill up your favorite pour-over kettle, remove the ceramic filter, and add ground coffee with a paper filter to brew directly in the same vessel. Coffee is a supporting act here, but it’s a thoughtful bonus for anyone who values both sustainability and flavor.
This approach isn’t about reinventing coffee brewing. Chemex and others have already perfected the pour-over form. Instead, Chimera reframes the process around the principle that great water equals great coffee. By eliminating plastics from the water filtration process, coffee lovers can taste their beans without interference, enjoying clarity and flavor the way it was meant to be experienced.
Chimera redefines what a household water filter can be. You get a system that’s built to last, looks beautiful on the counter, and actually improves the taste and purity of your water without adding to the plastic problem.
Priced at around $119 for Kickstarter backers, Chimera isn’t the cheapest option on the market, but then again, if cheap is what you’re looking for, you might not be the target audience here. The Chimera was made for people who want to consciously pivot to a healthy, plastic-free lifestyle, while also embracing design minimalism. The savings, however, do come in the longer run by eliminating the need for filters, cartridges, or outright replacing plastic pitchers every few months or years.
Click Here to Buy Now: $119 $149 (20% off). Hurry, only a few left!
The post This Plastic-Free Water Filter Wants to Replace Your Brita for Good first appeared on Yanko Design.