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PUR Classic 11 Cup Pitcher Review

A simple, effective pitcher that produces high-quality water at a low yearly cost
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PUR Classic 11 Cup Pitcher Review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $30 List
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Manufacturer:   PUR
By Graham Faulknor and Isaac Laredo  ⋅  Nov 28, 2023
85
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#5 of 9
  • Contaminant Removal - 60% 8.3
  • Taste - 30% 9.0
  • Setup and Use - 10% 8.4

Our Verdict

The PUR Classic 11 Cup Pitcher is a user-friendly water filter that produces delicious-tasting water and effectively removes contaminants. It can pour filtered water while the upper section produces more, addressing a common issue with other pitchers. It was one of the best water filter pitchers for removing unwanted contaminants. The taste of the filtered water was neutral, clean, and fantastic, according to the panel for a blind taste test. The setup and use of the Classic pitcher is simple, with low maintenance needs and an affordable annual cost despite the filters' shorter life span. It is an excellent choice for those who want great-tasting water readily available in their homes without constantly buying bottled water.
REASONS TO BUY
Great taste
Can pour water while the reservoir is still filtering
REASONS TO AVOID
Filters have short lifespan

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Best Buy Award
Best Value Pitcher Filter
Editors' Choice Award
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Best Value Under-Sink Filter
 
Price $30 List
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Overall Score Sort Icon
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Bottom Line A low-cost pitcher that easily produces high-quality waterIf you have space and are willing to install a one-time system, this is the best way to purify your waterTop-notch filtration and convenience at an affordable price pointReduced installation hassle, comparable filtering power, and lowest yearly costAn 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%)
8.3
10.0
10.0
8.4
5.9
Taste (30%)
9.0
7.9
6.6
7.9
8.5
Setup and Use (10%)
8.4
6.5
8.1
8.1
8.4
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
Replacement Schedule 40 gallons or 2 months Stage 1 - 3, every 6 months
RO, every 2-3 years
Post carbon, every 12 months
After 18,000 mg of dissolved solids; 1-40 gallons Every 12 months After 120 gallons (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
NSF/ANSI certified NSF certified to reduce chlorine, mercury, copper, zinc and other chemical & physical substances Certified to NSF/ANSI 58 N/A NSF Certified filters and tubing N/A
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
Pure Water to Waste Water Ratio N/A 2:1 N/A N/A N/A
Other certifications N/A In strict accordance with American quality standards IAPMO certified to reduce PFOA/PFOS, lead, chromium and mercury FDA Certified JG Food grade tubing IAPMO R&T certified against NSF/ANSI Standard 53
WQA certified against NSF/ANSI Standards 42, 53,
and 401

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


The PUR was a top-performing pitcher and a favorite for its delicious and neutral-tasting water.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

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.

You can contact your local water utility company for a water quality report if you are concerned about the quality of your drinking water. This report will provide detailed information about the levels of various contaminants in your water, including bacteria, lead, pesticides, and other chemicals. The report should also be able to tell you the source of your water, the method of purification, and any violations of federal or state drinking water standards.


pur classic 11 cup pitcher - this is one of the best pitcher water filters to remove containments.
This is one of the best pitcher water filters to remove containments.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

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.

pur classic 11 cup pitcher - the natural and clean-tasting water is the first pitcher our team...
The natural and clean-tasting water is the first pitcher our team reaches for when they need a glass of water.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

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 locking pop top adds to the convenience of this easy-to-use model.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

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.

pur classic 11 cup pitcher - the pur classic lid is easily removable.
The PUR Classic lid is easily removable.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

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.

Graham Faulknor and Isaac Laredo