PUR PLUS 11-Cup Review: Lab Analysis & Hands-On Testing

Full Analysis of the PUR PLUS 11-Cup

Filtration: 2.87/5.00

The PUR PLUS 11-Cup water filter pitcher scored 2.87/5.00 for filtration. How? Most importantly, it achieved poor results in our 2025 lab testing, a downgrade from its adequate 2024 performance. In our 2025 test, the filtered water had a much better taste than our tap water though not 100% perfect. In 2024, there was some taste remaining (no odor was noted in either test round). Finally, while the PUR PLUS has a higher count of NSF/ANSI certifications for contaminant reduction, these mostly cover “easier-to-remove” organics.

1. Lab Results: 2.78/5.00 (2025) & 3.98/5.00 (2024)

In our 2024 and 2025 lab tests comparing an unfiltered and a filtered tap water sample, the PUR PLUS 11-Cup pitcher could remove 8 undesirable impurities and contaminants to below the minimum detection level (so essentially to 100%): chlorine, bromodichloromethane*, bromoform, dibromochloromethane*, chloroform*, copper, lithium, and uranium.

The following substances remained in our water:

• Barium increased by 1,200% in 2024 (at 0.13 ppm, it was still below the strictest EWG health guideline of 0.7 ppm) and by 2,271% in 2025 (at 0.965 ppm, it was higher than the EWG health guideline). This is extremely concerning for potential leaching at a level that may make the water unsafe to drink.
• Boron decreased by a moderate 50% in 2024 but increased by an astounding 4,456% in 2025, which is highly suggestive of potential leaching. At 0.697 ppm, the concentration again exceeds the strictest health-based guideline we identified (5 ppm, WHO).
• Also note: During our testing of another PUR PLUS filter cartridge in the PUR 30-Cup Dispenser as part of our countertop water filter comparison, both barium and boron were also detected in the filtered water above health guidelines, supporting the findings from our PUR PLUS pitcher lab results.
• Strontium was reduced by a very high 94% in 2024. In 2025, it was reduced by a solid 72%.
• Manganese was reduced by a poor 22% in 2025 (not present in 2024).
• Nitrate was reduced by a minimum of 70% (solid) and up to 99% (very high) in 2024. In 2025, it was completely removed.
• Fluoride increased by 20% in 2024. While it seems improbable that such a large increase could be the result of natural variability, it’s also unlikely that the PUR PLUS adds fluoride to the water, as there’s no fluoride-based filter media. In contrast to this underwhelming result, the PUR PLUS pitcher completely removed fluoride in our 2025 test, where we used a different lab method to measure fluoride. (We consider this method to be much more reliable compared to the 2024 method).

Finally, limescale/hardness was reduced by 99% in 2024 and by 90% in 2025. Therefore, the PUR PLUS should help protect your kettle and/or coffee maker from buildup.

Aside from contaminant reduction, we found 3 substances in our 2024 filtered water that were not present in the unfiltered water, suggesting potential leaching: iron (0.01 ppm), silver (0.07 ppm) and zinc (0.07 ppm). Iron and zinc are merely aesthetic impurities which only become relevant (e.g., impacting water taste) at a higher level (0.3 ppm and 5 ppm, respectively) than detected in our sample per the EPA secondary standards. Silver, on the other hand, neared but did not exceed its EPA guideline (0.1 ppm); while excess silver does not pose any health risk, elevated levels can still cause undesirable cosmetic effects (skin discoloration and graying of the whites of the eyes).

In 2025, silver and zinc also showed up in our filtered water, albeit at lower levels than the previous year (0.0012 ppm and 0.054 ppm, respectively). Our lab findings at first glance seem to contradict the PUR PLUS pitcher’s official performance test data which claims the reduction of zinc by 92.70%. However, this apparent discrepancy may be explained by differing test conditions: PUR PLUS feed water contained 10 ppm zinc whereas ours contained no measurable zinc; therefore, the amount we observed post-filtration is more consistent with trace leaching from the filter media rather than incomplete removal.

Lab Results Charts

2. NSF/ANSI Certifications and Other Test Data

The PUR PLUS is certified for the reduction of 27 contaminants by the NSF against NSF/ANSI standards 42, 53, and 401 and by the WQA against NSF/ANSI standards 42, 53, and 401. Listed reduction rates include:

• Chlorine (taste and odor – 97.50%)
• Lead (99.40-99.70%)
• Mercury (>96.40%)
• Pharmaceuticals (94.30-96.80%+)
• So-called emerging compounds including industrial chemicals/herbicides (94.50-99.00%+)
• Microplastics (99.80%)
• VOCs and other organic pollutants (81.10-98.30%+)

3. Filtration Process

The PUR PLUS filter cartridge utilizes particle filtration, granular activated carbon, and ion exchange resin. Particle filtration (mechanical filtration) acts as a sieve to trap solid (undissolved) impurities like sand, rust, and dirt. Activated carbon removes things like bad tastes and odors, chlorine/chloramine, disinfection byproducts and other organics, as well as certain metals. Ion exchange targets dissolved, unwanted ions in the water.

4. Taste and Odor Tests

In our 2024 test, the filtered water was odorless but had some taste remaining. In our 2025 test, the filtered water was odorless as well, and the taste was much improved compared to our tap water but not 100% perfect.

Usability: 3.30/5.00

The PUR Plus pitcher achieved a usability score of 3.30/5.00, based on its performance in the following categories:

1. Initial system assembly including filter priming (1.00/1.00)
2. Day-to-day use (1.60/3.10)
3. Filter replacements (0.70/0.90)

1. Initial Setup: 1.00/1.00

Assembling the PUR Plus pitcher is very easy. The user manual provides clear, illustrated directions outlining each step. In addition, there is a tutorial video on YouTube for the visual learners.

Here’s a quick overview of the setup process:

1. Soak the filter for 15 minutes, then rinse for 10 seconds.
2. Hand wash the pitcher, lid, and pour tray with mild, soapy water and rinse well. (Remove filter light from the underside of the lid before washing).
3. Insert the filter into the pour tray, push down and twist clockwise to lock.
4. Hold reset button on filter light for 10 seconds until it blinks green.
5. Fill reservoir with cool tap water and let it filter completely.
6. Now your pitcher is ready to use.

2. Day-to-Day Use: 1.60/3.10

2.1 Speed & Water Capacity: 0.80/1.20

The PUR Plus pitcher is a mediocre choice for daily use – we feel there are better options if day-to-day practicality is your primary concern. On a positive note, its filtered reservoir (12.5-cup capacity) is generous and can store plenty of water, but it has a smaller feed (6-cup). Since the filtered capacity is more than double the size of the feed, you need to refill twice in order to top up the filtered reservoir. We estimate 5-6 daily refills for the average-sized US and US family households, which also happens to be average for the pitchers we tested.

In addition, the PUR Plus filters fast enough to meet the daily water needs of the average-sized US households, and it can handle thirst bursts. That said, on-demand filtering takes patience. In our 2025 filtration speed test, the pitcher could filter 4 cups in 11:14 min, though it was much faster in our 2024 test at 6:20 min.

Finally, the pitcher fits both on the shelves and in the door of a standard fridge (dimensions: 5″x10.5″x11″), and thanks to the sufficient feed and filtered capacities, you can fill a large 40-oz bottle with a single refill.

2.2 Handling & Pouring: 0.15/1.15

The PUR Plus feels fine in the hand, though we prefer a rounded handle over its flatter style. More importantly, we found it tricky to pour cleanly at first; water tends to run down the front of the pitcher until you find the sweet spot. With daily use and practice, we assume users would get the hang of it; however, there may be a bit of a messy learning curve in the meantime.

To add insult to injury, unfiltered water can leak through a gap near the spout, mixing with filtered water while pouring, so you definitely have to wait until all water has filtered.

Its weight including the wet filter cartridge is average compared to the other pitchers we have tested, coming in at 2 lb 4.6 oz. While heavier weight may indicate sturdier construction (e.g., thicker plastic) and/or more filter media (desirable for better filtration results), it also can make handling more of a challenge.

2.3 Refilling: 0.65/0.75

The PUR Plus is easy to refill with one hand thanks to its uncomplicated flip-top lid that opens by pressing the lifted edge near the top of the handle.

3. Filter Replacements: 0.70/0.90

Filter replacements are very easy, and this pitcher comes with a filter change indicator built into the lid to remind you when to do so. We assume the indicator is time-based.

Rated filter life is 40 gallons. Assuming 300 gallons of yearly water consumption for the average household, we estimate that you will have to change the filter 7.5x annually. Note: per the manufacturer, the filter lasts “up to 2 months.” Based on this estimate, you may only have to change the filter 6x yearly.

Costs: 4.78/5.00

Based on value for money, the PUR PLUS pitcher achieved a cost score of 4.78 out of 5.00, indicating it is relatively inexpensive for what it offers compared to competing pitchers (a score of 4.00 represents average value). Notably, both its upfront price and annual filter replacement cost are well below average compared to the other water filter pitchers we tested.

1. Upfront Price

As of September 16, 2025, the PUR PLUS pitcher is priced at $24.99, which is well below the $58.53 average across all the water filter pitchers we tested.

2. Long-Term Expenses for Filter Replacements

Based on 300 gallons consumption and a 40-gallon filter life, we estimate $70 in annual filter replacement costs, which is well below the $120.13 average across all the water filter pitchers we tested.

3. Product Warranty

The system is covered by a short 90-day warranty.

Additional

1. Looks

The PUR PLUS comes in two color options.

2. BPA-Free

The pitcher is made of BPA-free materials.

3. Easy to Clean

The pitcher is dishwasher-safe (the filter is not).

4. Frequent Customer Complaints

We read about issues with cracked plastic or the lid falling off when pouring. Other customers complained clogged filters.

We did not experience these issues first-hand.

Bottom Line: We’re Worried About Potential Leaching (3.34/5.00)

Filtration weighted at 60%, and usability and cost at 20% each, the PUR PLUS pitcher scored a final rating of 3.34 out of 5.00.

It is somewhat middle of the road as far as usability is concerned. It holds enough water and filters fast enough to keep pace with your daily needs, and is easy to set up, refill, and maintain. However, it’s a little messy to pour and not quite as comfortable to hold as some of the other pitchers we reviewed.

More importantly, we’re worried about the PUR PLUS’s results in our lab testing. Although it fully removed 8 contaminants, our 2025 results showed evidence of potential leaching of both barium and boron above the strictest health guidelines (we got similar results with a PUR PLUS cartridge tested in the PUR 30-Cup Dispenser). In 2024 testing, barium also showed potential leaching.

So even with its low upfront price and maintenance costs, the lab results make the PUR PLUS difficult to recommend.