Tired of questionable tap water quality or constantly buying bottled water? A faucet-mounted water filter can be a game-changer for your kitchen. Among the myriad options available, the PUR Plus Faucet Mount Water Filtration System stands out as a popular choice for many households seeking an immediate and effective solution. This comprehensive review delves into the PUR Plus system, exploring its features, performance, and overall value, helping you decide if it’s the right investment for cleaner, better-tasting water directly from your tap.
The Science Behind Clean Water: How the PUR Plus Works
The effectiveness of any water filtration system lies in its core technology, and the PUR Plus Faucet Mount filter employs a sophisticated Mineral Core™ filtration system. This proprietary blend typically includes activated carbon, an ion exchange material, and natural minerals working in concert to purify your water. Activated carbon is highly effective at reducing chlorine and organic chemicals that often cause unpleasant tastes and odors. The ion exchange material specifically targets heavy metals like lead and copper by exchanging them for harmless ions.
The PUR Plus system is rigorously tested and certified by leading independent organizations. It is WQA certified to reduce lead and NSF certified to reduce a wide array of contaminants. These certifications (NSF/ANSI Standards 42, 53, and 401) confirm its ability to reduce over 70 chemical and physical substances that might be present in tap water. This includes, but is not limited to, lead, mercury, chlorine (taste and odor), benzene, certain pesticides, herbicides, disinfection byproducts, pharmaceuticals, VOCs, and microplastics. It also effectively removes 99.99% of microbial cysts like Cryptosporidium and Giardia. It’s important to note, however, that while it tackles cysts, standard PUR faucet filters are not designed to remove smaller microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses.
Key Features and Design of the PUR Plus Faucet Filter
The PUR Plus Faucet Mount system is designed for both efficiency and user convenience, making it a practical addition to any kitchen.
Effortless Installation
Table is empty.One of the most frequently praised aspects of the PUR Plus is its remarkably straightforward installation. The system attaches directly to most standard kitchen faucets in minutes, requiring no special tools. It typically comes with various adapters to ensure compatibility, streamlining the setup process even for those who aren’t particularly handy.
Convenient Toggle Switch
A standout feature is the integrated lever, allowing users to effortlessly switch between filtered and unfiltered water. This functionality is incredibly practical; you can use filtered water for drinking and cooking, and quickly switch to unfiltered tap water for tasks like washing dishes or filling larger pots, where filtration isn’t necessary and a faster flow rate might be preferred.
Intuitive Filter Change Indicator
To ensure you’re always enjoying optimally filtered water, the PUR Plus includes a helpful filter change light. This indicator illuminates when it’s time to replace the filter, removing the guesswork and ensuring consistent performance. Each filter is designed to last approximately three months or purify 100 gallons of water, whichever comes first.
Compact and Modern Aesthetic
The system boasts a compact and contemporary design that blends seamlessly with most kitchen decors. Available in various finishes, it mounts directly onto your faucet without taking up valuable counter space, a significant advantage for smaller kitchens.
Performance: What to Expect from Your PUR Plus
When investing in a water filter, performance is paramount. The PUR Plus Faucet Mount Water Filtration System generally delivers on its promise of improved water quality.
Enhanced Water Taste and Odor
Users consistently report a noticeable improvement in the taste and odor of their tap water after installing the PUR Plus. The system effectively reduces chlorine and other common impurities that contribute to unpleasant flavors and smells, leaving you with crisp, clean-tasting water. PUR’s Mineral Clear technology is often credited with providing a distinctively fresh, almost alkaline taste.
Flow Rate Considerations
While the PUR Plus provides effective filtration, it’s important to manage expectations regarding water flow. The filtered water flow rate is typically around 0.52 gallons per minute (GPM). This is slower than the average unfiltered tap water flow rate, which can range from 1 to 2.2 GPM. For drinking or cooking, this reduced flow is usually negligible, but for tasks requiring rapid water access, the convenient toggle switch to unfiltered water becomes invaluable.
Contaminant Reduction Effectiveness
Backed by its NSF and WQA certifications, the PUR Plus excels at reducing a broad spectrum of contaminants. Its ability to significantly lower levels of lead, mercury, pesticides, and microbial cysts instills confidence in the quality of your drinking water. This comprehensive filtration makes it a strong contender for those concerned about specific impurities in their municipal water supply.
Pros and Cons: A Balanced View
Understanding both the advantages and limitations helps in making an informed decision about the PUR Plus Faucet Mount Water Filtration System.
Advantages of the PUR Plus
- Comprehensive Filtration: Certified to reduce over 70 contaminants, including lead, chlorine, and microplastics, providing a high level of purification for a faucet-mounted system.
- Effortless Installation: Tool-free setup means you can have filtered water in minutes.
- Improved Water Taste: Significantly enhances the taste and eliminates unpleasant odors from tap water.
- Convenient Design: The switch between filtered and unfiltered water and the filter change indicator offer excellent user experience.
- Cost-Effective: A more affordable long-term solution compared to constantly buying bottled water, with annual filter costs often staying under $100.
- Space-Saving: Its compact design avoids cluttering your countertops.
Potential Drawbacks
- Reduced Flow Rate: Filtered water dispenses slower than unfiltered tap water, which can be a minor inconvenience for some tasks.
- Filter Lifespan: While adequate at 100 gallons or three months, some competitor filters may offer a slightly longer lifespan per cartridge.
- Plastic Construction: The primary plastic build, while durable enough for typical use, may raise longevity concerns for some users compared to metal alternatives.
- Microbial Filtration Nuance: While effective against cysts, it does not filter out bacteria and viruses.
PUR Plus vs. The Competition: A Head-to-Head with Brita
When considering faucet filters, Brita is often the most direct competitor to PUR. Here’s how the PUR Plus stacks up against popular Brita faucet filter systems.
Filtration Capabilities
PUR typically holds an edge in the sheer breadth of contaminants it can reduce. The PUR Plus is certified to remove a wider variety of contaminants compared to many Brita standard filters, notably its advanced reduction of lead, certain pesticides, and pharmaceuticals. While Brita filters also reduce chlorine and lead, PUR’s certifications often cover a more extensive list of emerging contaminants.
Filter Lifespan and Cost
In terms of filter longevity, Brita Basic faucet filters sometimes offer a slightly longer lifespan (around 4 months for 100 gallons) compared to the PUR Plus (3 months for 100 gallons). Over time, Brita replacement filters can also be marginally more economical, and their wider availability, including compatible off-brand options, can offer more flexibility. However, PUR filters are often available in cost-saving bundles.
Ease of Use and Installation
Both brands excel in offering easy, tool-free installation. The PUR Plus has often been lauded for its “ease of attachment” in direct comparisons. Both also feature a convenient toggle to switch between filtered and unfiltered water and filter change indicators.
Taste Preference
Taste is subjective, but some comparative taste tests have suggested Brita might slightly edge out PUR in overall water taste. However, many users find the PUR Plus provides a refreshing, clean taste, effectively eliminating chlorine and metallic notes.
Ultimately, if your primary concern is comprehensive contaminant reduction, especially for lead and a wider range of chemicals, the PUR Plus often presents a stronger case. If filter lifespan, lower replacement costs, and broader off-brand compatibility are higher priorities, a Brita system might be more appealing.
Installation and Maintenance: Keeping Your Filter Running Smoothly
The PUR Plus Faucet Mount Water Filtration System is designed for minimal hassle from setup to ongoing care.
Simple Installation
Installing your PUR Plus filter is typically a breeze. First, ensure your faucet has an external aerator. Simply unscrew your existing aerator, select the appropriate adapter from the kit provided with your PUR Plus, and then twist the filter unit securely onto the faucet. No plumbers, no complex tools, just a few minutes, and you’re ready for filtered water.
Regular Filter Replacement
The filter’s capacity is 100 gallons or approximately three months of use. The built-in filter change light takes the guesswork out of maintenance by signaling precisely when a replacement is needed. Regularly replacing your filter is crucial for maintaining optimal filtration performance and ensuring your water remains clean and safe.
Basic Cleaning Tips
Beyond filter replacement, routine cleaning of the exterior of the unit with a soft, damp cloth can help keep it looking new and prevent mineral buildup. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could damage the finish.
“A reliable faucet filter like the PUR Plus offers peace of mind, transforming ordinary tap water into a cleaner, more enjoyable drinking experience with minimal effort.” – Admin, ReviewUB.com, Water Filtration Expert
Is the PUR Plus Faucet Mount System Right For You?
The PUR Plus Faucet Mount Water Filtration System is an excellent choice for a variety of households. It’s particularly well-suited for renters who cannot make permanent plumbing alterations, individuals living in apartments or smaller kitchens where counter space is limited, or anyone seeking an immediate, cost-effective upgrade to their tap water quality. If you’re concerned about lead, chlorine, or emerging contaminants in your municipal water and desire an easy-to-install solution that delivers improved taste on demand, the PUR Plus deserves serious consideration. It’s always beneficial to check your local water quality report to understand the specific contaminants present in your water supply and verify that the PUR Plus effectively addresses those concerns.
Conclusion
The PUR Plus Faucet Mount Water Filtration System offers a compelling blend of effective filtration, user-friendly design, and overall value. Its Mineral Core™ technology, backed by NSF and WQA certifications, diligently works to reduce a wide array of contaminants, ensuring cleaner, better-tasting water directly from your tap. With its straightforward installation, convenient filtered/unfiltered toggle, and helpful filter change indicator, the PUR Plus simplifies access to purified water in your home. While considering the flow rate and filter lifespan, its benefits as an affordable, space-saving, and robust water purification solution are clear. Are you ready to transform your daily hydration experience with the reliable performance of the PUR Plus?
Frequently Asked Questions
What contaminants does the PUR Plus Faucet Filter remove?
The PUR Plus Faucet Filter is certified by NSF and WQA to reduce over 70 contaminants. These include common impurities like lead, mercury, chlorine (taste and odor), benzene, certain pesticides, herbicides, pharmaceuticals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), microplastics, and microbial cysts such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia.
How often should I replace the PUR Plus Faucet Filter?
You should replace the PUR Plus Faucet Filter every three months or after filtering 100 gallons of water, whichever comes first. The system features a convenient filter change light that will indicate when it’s time for a replacement, ensuring consistent water quality and optimal performance.
Is the PUR Plus Faucet Mount Water Filtration System easy to install?
Yes, the PUR Plus Faucet Mount Water Filtration System is designed for exceptionally easy, tool-free installation. It typically attaches directly to most standard kitchen faucets in just a few minutes using the provided adapters, making it a hassle-free upgrade for your home.
Does the PUR Plus filter reduce water flow?
When using the filtered water setting, you might notice a slightly reduced water flow compared to unfiltered tap water. The filtered flow rate is typically around 0.52 gallons per minute (GPM). However, the system has a convenient lever that allows you to switch to unfiltered water for tasks where a faster flow is desired.
Can the PUR Plus Faucet Filter remove bacteria and viruses?
No, while the PUR Plus Faucet Filter is highly effective at reducing many contaminants, including microbial cysts like Cryptosporidium and Giardia, it is not designed to filter out smaller microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. For protection against these, more advanced filtration systems are typically required.
Is the PUR Plus Faucet Filter compatible with all faucets?
The PUR Plus Faucet Mount Water Filtration System is compatible with most standard kitchen faucets that have an external aerator. It includes various adapters to fit different faucet types. However, it is generally not designed for use with pull-out, handheld, or spray-style faucets.
