Pioneer Pet Raindrop Stainless Steel Fountain 60 oz

The Pioneer Pet Raindrop is a low, 60 oz fountain made of 18/8 stainless steel, with a pool and a bubbling stream to drink from. The maker says it is dishwasher safe.

Who it suits

Single-cat homes that want a mostly steel fountain that is quick to take apart and wash. It holds less than many fountains, so it needs topping up more often.

Key facts

• 60 oz capacity, 18/8 stainless steel, replaceable charcoal filter (Pioneer Pet)
• Easy clean and dishwasher safe (Pioneer Pet)
• Clean the fountain once a week, change the filter every two to four weeks, and take apart and clean the pump once a month (Pioneer Pet)
• Corded 12 V pump (replacement pump #3026A) (Pioneer Pet)
• Listed out of stock on the maker’s own site at the time of writing; it is sold through retailers (Pioneer Pet)

What reviewers say

Cats.com named it the best stainless steel fountain: one of the easiest to assemble, and simple to take apart and put in the dishwasher. It has no flow control, and the high-gloss surface showed smudges after just hours.

Wirecutter, which used to pick it, says it is still a good choice for more stainless steel than plastic, but that it shares issues with its larger sibling, the Big Max, which was noisier and harder to clean than its current picks. We did not test it ourselves.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Dishwasher safe, per the maker
• Pro: One of the easiest fountains to assemble (Cats.com)
• Pro: Mostly stainless steel rather than plastic
• Con: No adjustable flow (Cats.com)
• Con: Glossy surface shows smudges quickly (Cats.com)
• Con: Smaller 60 oz capacity means more refills

Cautions

• The maker suggests cleaning the fountain weekly and the pump monthly.
• Keep the water topped up so the pump does not run dry.
• Introduce a fountain gradually: International Cat Care suggests putting it out empty first, then adding water, then turning it on.
• If your cat starts drinking much more or less than usual, contact your vet.