PUR Classic 11 Cup Pitcher Review

The PUR Classic 11 Cup Pitcher stands out for its user-friendly design, delicious-tasting water, and overall filtration ability. A common drawback of pitcher-style filters is that you cannot pour the filtered water until all the water from the holding tank has been processed through the filter. With the Classic, there's no waiting for the entire chamber to filter through; you can pour mid-filtration.

Performance Comparison

Contaminant Removal

Consumers who are looking to improve the taste of their water or are worried about the quality of their tap water often opt for some sort of filter. Higher levels of contaminants in drinking water can lead to health problems in the future, so it's important to choose a filter that effectively removes them. To determine which models are most effective, we created a sample to stress test these filters. We used water with high chlorine, iron, sulfate, lead, fluoride, and copper levels and processed it through each filter in our review. We then shipped samples of our filtered water to Western Environmental Testing Laboratories, an independent testing facility, for further analysis. The PUR Classic returned some of the best results as far as removing unwanted contaminants.

The model uses filters certified by the NSF to remove iron, chlorine, zinc, and copper, to name a few. After testing for contaminants, we found that the PUR removed 94.83% chlorine (11.38 mg/l out of 12mg/l), 100% fluoride (10mg/l out of 10mg/l), 34.78% sulfate (800 mg/l out of 2300 mg/l), 88.48% copper (48mg/l out of 52 mg/l), 84.92% iron (535mg/l out of 630 mg/l), and 100% lead (.02 mg/l out of .02 mg/l). Iron and sulfate were the only values that exceeded the standard for acceptable water quality. These were the two contaminants that challenged the other filters. After this analysis, we found the PUR Classic filter to be one of the most effective pitcher filters in our lineup.

Polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFOA/PFOS), or forever chemicals, have become a bit of a hot topic in recent years. These substances are often used in the manufacturing of common items such as non-stick cookware, firefighting foams, and stain-resistant clothing and can leech into water systems. While we did not test filtered water for PFOA/PFOS removal ourselves, we did check the NSF certification on each model in our review. PUR does not state whether the filter has this capability or not, so if PFAS removal is important to you, a safer bet may be the ZeroWater 10-Cup 5-Stage Pitcher, which does have an NSF certification verifying the removal of these chemicals.

Taste

A water filter can enhance tap water's flavor, especially if it has an undesirable taste of sulfur or iron. The perception of taste varies from person to person, with some preferring a mineral taste and others preferring a flat taste. If you prefer mineral water, water filters can have a polarized task as they need to remove everything yet leave in certain minerals to ensure the water has some presence. To assess and evaluate the taste, a panel of our office staff engaged in a blind taste test to rank their favorites. For this test, each filter processed water from a garden hose to produce a sample for drinking. The Classic was a favorite amongst testers for its neutral, clean, and fantastic taste.

The Classic stood out for its incredible taste. The model is a favorite amongst our test team, with almost the entire panel ranking the water above average to excellent. It produces water that neutralizes any chlorine or plastic-like tastes. Online reviews also rave about the taste of the water produced by the filter. The taste is one of its most frequently mentioned attributes.

If you are tired of buying bottled water and want to have equally or even better-tasting water readily available in your refrigerator, this product is an excellent choice for you. Investing in this product means you can say goodbye to the inconvenience and expense of constantly purchasing bottled water. Not only will this save you money in the long run, but it will also reduce plastic waste, making it an environmentally friendly option. Additionally, you can enjoy the convenience of having cold, refreshing water at your fingertips whenever you need it. It offers a convenient and reliable way to have great-tasting water right in your home without constantly buying bottled water.

Setup and Maintenance

Pitcher filters can vary in user experience, especially in setup and ongoing use. When considering which pitcher to choose, it is important to consider factors such as setup procedures, daily usage, long-term maintenance, and overall cost. Our testers prepare each filter, assessing the setup process and the overall user experience. We also consider the daily usage, annual cost, and maintenance requirements. The Classic pitcher stands out for its simplicity in terms of setup and use, as well as its low maintenance needs and affordable annual cost.

Much like other pitcher filters, the setup of this model is simple and fast. After washing the dishwasher-safe pitcher, one needs to soak the filter for 10 minutes, then screw the filter into the bottom of the reservoir. The filter and pitcher feature threaded inserts to provide a secure and easy connection. The entire process can be hands-off and should take less than 15 minutes, and the product is ready to be put in service.

The daily use of the Classic provides an overall pleasant experience. It has an ergonomic handle, which helps distribute the weight and improve the maneuverability of the pitcher. Unlike some pitchers, you can use already filtered water while the remainder is processed. This feature reduces the wait time until you can access fresh and quality water. The fill port will also remain open while you top off the filter to make the process easier.

Operating Costs

The ongoing maintenance of this filter is minimal and will take the same amount of time as the start-up. All you need to do is soak and then replace the filter every 40 gallons or two months. The lifespan of these filters is rather short compared to its competitors; however, this is reflected in the lower price for the replacements. Despite the shorter life, the annual cost to own this filter is comparable to the rest.

Should You Buy the Pur Classic 11 Cup Pitcher?

The Classic's price point, water quality, and ease of use make it an easy-to-recommend product for water sources lower in iron and sulfate. If you're looking for an affordable water pitcher, this is an excellent option.

What Other Water Filters Should You Consider?