Our Verdict
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PUR Classic 11 Cup Pitcher | |||||
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Awards | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | |
Price | $30 List $24.99 at Amazon | $220 List $197.99 at Amazon | $35 List $34.99 at Amazon | $145 List $111.99 at Amazon | $42 List $44.99 at Amazon |
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Star Rating | |||||
Bottom Line | A low-cost pitcher that easily produces high-quality water | If you have space and are willing to install a one-time system, this is the best way to purify your water | Top-notch filtration and convenience at an affordable price point | Reduced installation hassle, comparable filtering power, and lowest yearly cost | An easy-to-use water pitcher that produces good-tasting water, but struggles to remove certain contaminants |
Rating Categories | PUR Classic 11 Cup... | iSpring RCC7 | ZeroWater 10-Cup 5-... | APEC WFS-1000 | Brita Tahoe 10-Cup... |
Contaminant Removal (60%) | |||||
Taste (30%) | |||||
Setup and Use (10%) | |||||
Specs | PUR Classic 11 Cup... | iSpring RCC7 | ZeroWater 10-Cup 5-... | APEC WFS-1000 | Brita Tahoe 10-Cup... |
Type | Pitcher | Reverse Osmosis | Pitcher | 3 Stage under sink | Pitcher |
Measured Annual Cost | $36.00 | $50.00 | $57.50 | $40.00 | $30.49 |
Measured Chlorine Removal | 95% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 75% |
Measured Fluoride Removal | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 37% |
Measured Sulfate Removal | 35% | 100% | 100% | 39% | 43% |
Measured Copper Removal | 88% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 17% |
Measured Iron Removal | 85% | 100% | 99% | 46% | 35% |
Measured Lead Removal | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
Model | 11 Cup | RCC7 | 10 Cup | WFS-1000 | 10 Cup |
Replacement Schedule | 2 months or 40 gallons | Stage 1 - 3 every 6 months RO every 2 - 3 years Post carbon every 12 months |
18,000 mg of dissolved solids; 1-40 gallons | Every 12 months | Every 120 gallons, or about every 6 months |
Replacement Cost | $24 for a 4 pack | 2 year supply for $100 | 2 for $30 4 for $40 8 for $90 12 for $115 16 for $150 |
Stages 1-3 for $40 | $18.40 per filter, $30.49 for two |
Pure Water to Waste Water Ratio | N/A | 2:1 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
NSF/ANSI certified | Tested and certified by NSF to reduce chlorine, mercury, copper, zinc and other chemical & physical substances. | N/A | 5-stage Ion Exchange water filtration is NSF Certified to reduce PFOA/PFOS, Lead & Chromium | NSF Certified filters and tubing | Systems tested and certified by the WQA against NSF/ANSI Standards 42 and 53 for the reduction of the claims specified on the Performance Data Sheet. |
Follows NSF/ANSI or other cert | N/A | In strict accordance with American quality standards. Certified to NSF/ANSI 58 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The PUR Classic 11 Cup Pitcher stands out for its user-friendly design, delicious-tasting water, and overall filtration ability. A common drawback of certain pitchers is that you cannot access filtered water until all the water 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 worried about the quality and taste of their water often opt for water filters. Higher levels of contaminants in drinking water can lead to health problems in the future, so it's important to choose a filter that can effectively remove them. To determine which water filters are most effective, we created a sample with high chlorine, iron, sulfate, lead, fluoride, and copper levels. We then shipped samples of our filtered water to Western Environmental Testing Laboratories for further analysis. The PUR Classic was one of the best pitcher water filters for 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.
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 Use
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.
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 at $36 per year.
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?
If your water source is higher in sulfate or iron, check out the ZeroWater 10 Cup 5 Stage. This filter removed 100% of sulfate and 99.46% of iron. On the other hand, if you want to upgrade to an under-sink option that removes most contaminants, we recommend the iSpring RCC7.