PUR Plus 30 Cup Dispenser In-depth Review

Is PUR water pure? We had a great impression with the brand after testing its faucet-mount filter, the FM2500V, which was easy to install and worked great against chlorine, though at an unimpressive flow rate. The unit landed a spot in our Top Faucet Filters compilation and gave us good reasons to have hope for this filter pitcher dispenser.

It turned out that the two have more similarities than differences, even down to their drawbacks. Unfortunately, this one didn’t qualify for our Top Water Filter Pitchers nomination.

Key Specs

Where to Buy Price at publication $35.34

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Compared to Other Water Filter Pitchers

5.6 Performance

The PUR filter had no problem tackling the high concentration of chlorine in our test water. It produced clear, crisp water; unfortunately, it did so at a speed inappreciable by someone in a hurry. You can rely on this filter dispenser to turn your stale tap water into something more drinkable as long as you remember to refill it immediately after emptying it.

8.5 Chlorine

To test filter pitchers’ chlorine reduction rate, we used test water with a chlorine concentration of 10+ mg/l, more than two times the ceiling deemed safe by the CDC. The PUR Plus filter brought it down to below 1 mg/l, well within safe levels.

1.0 Flow Rate

Taking over an hour to complete processing a full reservoir, the PUR filter was one of the slowest we’ve tested thus far, beating only the LifeStraw which features a membrane microfilter. You’ll have to pre-fill this dispenser way in advance for enough clean water. 

This result was consistent with the PUR FM2500V faucet filter, which did similarly well against chlorine but suffered the same low speed.

9.3 Taste & Smell

Our three testers were happy with the water produced by the PUR filter. It tasted bland as water should be with no detectable odor.

8.7 Design

There’s not much to write home about the design of the PUR 30-cup dispenser—it looked low key and function-oriented, the only flashy part being the indicator lights. We could tell, however, that it was built with good materials and great fit and finish. Even its filter piece felt more solid and durable than most.

In the Box

• The PUR filter dispenser
• PUR filter with lead production
• User guide

The PUR 30-cup filter dispenser comes in a large cardboard box with one filter in a plastic poach (not pre-installed) and a user guide. 

The guide is also available online in English and Spanish.

Dimensions

9.5 Build Quality

The PUR 30-cup dispenser has a simple design and with the filter installed, some of our coworkers have mistaken it for a fish tank when it sits alone on the table. 

The whole unit is strongly built, with thick, substantial walls and parts. It gives a much more solid feel than the Brita UltraMax dispenser. While nothing shiny, all its parts including the pitcher, reservoir, lid, spigot, and filter are robust and durable, well-fitted, and neatly finished. Its handles are thick and substantial, giving a firm, easy grip. The lid, while not having the best design, is well made and fits without issues.

8.0 Conveniences

Unlike your typical Brita pitcher, the PUR 30-cup filter dispenser features a filter life indicator on its spigot instead of the lid. A gentle press and hold on the silicone button will trigger the three lights, and the one indicating the current status remains and flashes for longer. 

With the built in light indicator, the spigot is substantial and easy to grab. It works only one way but is easy to maneuver and can stay in one fixed place for hands-free dispensing.

Similar to the Brita UltraMax, this PUR dispenser features handles at its front and back ends instead of on its two sides. While this may look like it’d help save some fridge space, the reality is you have to reach deeper into the fridge compartment to place it, which can feel awkward if you are not tall or have short arms.

8.5 Filter

The PUR dispenser comes with two filter options: the standard PUR filter and the PUR Plus, which is certified to reduce lead. We went with the Plus. 

The filter piece feels strong, solid, and robustly built. Assembling is effortless, but removing the filter takes a little force to twist it and take it out. The filter did release small black flecks, but only in the reservoir and fortunately not in the filtered water.

8.4 Usability

Its straight-forward design means the PUR Plus 30-cup filter dispenser is user-friendly. It takes mere minutes to put it together or take it apart, and cleaning is pretty much a breeze. While it would be more convenient if we didn't have to remove the entire lid for refilling, there are few other drawbacks to mention about the usability of this dispenser.

9.2 Assembling

Without too many parts, assembly and disassembly was straightforward with the PUR dispenser. Its reservoir is made so its rim covers the rim of the lower tank, which makes removing it easier than other pitchers/dispensers. The most challenging part is putting on and taking out the filter, but that doesn’t require great force. 

7.7 Refilling

The lid on the PUR dispenser is one piece, so you have to remove the whole thing when refilling. Which is not particularly difficult, but we think the flaps on the Brita UltraMax makes refilling easier. 

The reservoir is large in proportion to the tank and can offer enough water for at least two persons through the day. The whole unit can hold more than 2 gallons (8 liters) of water at a time, so rest assured you won’t have to take too many trips to refill it.

8.7 Dispensing

With a handy spigot, it’s easy to get water from the dispenser. The spigot can also stay in a fixed position, allowing for hands-free dispensing. 

Like most dispensers with a spigot, we could not completely empty the PUR even by tilting it. That said, the amount left was negligible.

8.0 Cleaning

The PUR dispenser should not be tossed into a dishwasher, but as it only contains water, handwashing it doesn’t take more than a few minutes. The trickiest part to clean is its spigot, which requires a small sponge on a stick to reach. There are also some other corners, but thanks to the dispenser’s spaciousness, they’re all easy to work with.