The new pitcher design is user friendly being easier to pour and exchange filters. The new filter design is also more functional and appears to work better than the old one. That said, my pitcher came without the rubber inserts around the bottom which would cushion it on the counter top. This leads to a second small but important issue. Upon filling the chamber with water, I frequently need to 'tap' it on the counter to release air bubbles from the filter so that the filtering process can occur. So I'm having to place a cloth to cushion the filter. That's the only reason for not giving a 'Five plus' star rating! Thanks for asking my opinion!