PUR Faucet Water Filter Review
Product Overview
The PUR Faucet Water Filter, model PFM200B in Black and Chrome, offers an easy-to-install solution to improve your tap water’s taste and safety. Designed to reduce contaminants like lead, chlorine, and some pesticides, it provides cleaner, fresher water straight from your kitchen faucet. This filter’s sleek design blends well with most kitchens, and installation requires no tools, making it accessible for anyone wanting to upgrade their drinking water quickly.
PUR Faucet Water Filter, PFM200B, Black and Chrome
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Key Takeaways
- Easy installation with no tools required.
- Effectively reduces lead, mercury, chlorine, and other contaminants.
- Sleek black and chrome finish fits modern kitchen faucets.
- Filter replacement frequency requires attention.
- May not fit all faucet types without adapters.
Why You Might Need the PUR Faucet Water Filter
If you are concerned about the safety and taste of your tap water, the PUR Faucet Water Filter offers a straightforward way to improve both. Perhaps your water has a noticeable chlorine flavor or you’ve read about lead concerns in your local supply. Or maybe you just want peace of mind knowing your family is drinking filtered water. This filter is an ideal choice if you want a system that attaches directly to your faucet without taking up counter space or requiring complex plumbing.
First Impressions: What to Expect
When you unbox the PUR PFM200B filter, you’ll find a compact filter unit, a few adapters to fit different faucets, and clear installation instructions. The filter housing feels sturdy with its metal and plastic blend, notably heavier and more solid than some plastic-only models. The adapters included offer a reasonable range of faucet types compatibility, though you’ll want to check if yours matches before purchasing. Installation is straightforward: you unscrew your aerator and attach the filter, then select the flow setting—filtered or regular water.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | PFM200B |
| Color | Black and Chrome |
| Filter Life | Up to 100 gallons or ~2 months |
| Contaminants Reduced | Lead, Mercury, Chlorine, Benzene, PCPs, Asbestos, and more |
| Water Flow Rate | Approx. 0.5 gallons per minute |
| Installation | Tool-free, fits most standard faucets |
| Dimensions | 4.8 x 2.7 x 5.7 inches |
| Weight | 12.8 ounces |
PUR Faucet Water Filter, PFM200B Specs Overview
Design & Build Quality
The PUR PFM200B Filter balances sturdy build and sleek style effectively. Its black and chrome finish adds a polished look to your sink area without feeling bulky or out of place. The cartridge housing is solid and feels like it can handle daily use without breaking or leaking. One user noted, “The filter feels well-made and the switch between filtered and regular water settings is smooth, with no awkward jerks or leaks.” Installation adapters cover the basics, but if you have an unusual faucet, you might need an additional fitting.
The filter’s design includes a clear cartridge replacement indicator, which helps remind you when it’s time for a new filter. This is valuable since using an overextended filter reduces effectiveness. The flow rate during filtering is somewhat slower than unfiltered tap water, but that’s typical for faucet-mounted filters.
Overall, you’re getting a filter that looks good, lasts well, and operates smoothly—important factors if you want something reliable without a complicated setup.
Durable and Sleek Design
Real-World Performance
In real use, the PUR Faucet Water Filter delivers fresh, clean water with a noticeable difference in taste. Many users mention that the unpleasant chlorine smell and taste are significantly reduced. One reviewer shared, “I immediately noticed my morning coffee tasted better after using this filter. The water was just cleaner and smoother.” This filter manages to retain water’s natural minerals while removing harmful contaminants, which means you won’t get flat-tasting water.
Installation usually takes under 10 minutes, and switching between filtered and unfiltered water is simple via the built-in diverter switch. The reduced water flow while filtering is evident but not a strong inconvenience for everyday use. Most users replace the filter approximately every two months, depending on water consumption and quality.
Routine maintenance is straightforward. Replacing the cartridge is hassle-free, though it requires some attention to timing, as using the filter past its recommended lifespan diminishes its effectiveness. The filter’s ability to remove lead and other heavy metals adds an extra layer of security, which is critical for those living in older homes or regions with known water quality issues.
Real-World Water Filtration Performance
What Makes It Stand Out?
Compared to other faucet water filters like Brita’s faucet filter and Culligan’s FM-25, the PUR PFM200B stands out for its robust contaminant reduction. While Brita also offers chlorine and lead removal, PUR lowers a broader range of impurities including mercury and asbestos, which makes it a stronger choice for households with concerns about multiple contaminants.
Culligan’s filter models sometimes feature a self-indicator for replacement, but PUR’s cartridge change reminder is clearer and more user-friendly. Moreover, the black and chrome aesthetic of the PFM200B has a more modern feel compared to the often purely white filters of competitors. This might not affect performance but adds to kitchen styling.
One trade-off is that PUR’s water flow is slightly slower than some competitors. However, the filtration effectiveness justifies this minor inconvenience. Installation ease is on par but checking faucet compatibility prior to purchase with PUR’s adapters is recommended, as Brita and Culligan sometimes cover a broader range of faucet designs.
Strengths vs. Trade-Offs
| ✅ Strengths | ❌ Trade-Offs |
|---|---|
| Removes >70 contaminants including lead and mercury | Slower flow rate when filtering |
| Sleek black and chrome finish | May not fit all faucet types without adapters |
| Easy installation without tools | Filters need replacing roughly every 2 months |
| Simple switch between filtered and unfiltered water | Limited filter lifespan per cartridge |
| Clear replacement indicator | Flow reduction may be noticeable |
Balance of Strengths and Trade-Offs
Who Is It For?
If you want an easy way to improve tap water taste and safety without major plumbing changes, this filter fits the bill. It’s especially good for families in areas with known lead or chlorine issues. Also, if you’re a renter or someone who values convenience, its tool-free installation and compact size are wins.
Health-conscious individuals looking to filter out a broad spectrum of contaminants will appreciate the comprehensive approach PUR takes. This product also suits anyone wanting to reduce bottled water use by having better tap water available instantly.
It may not suit those with faucets incompatible with the included adapters or households that use large volumes of water daily since filter lifespan requires monitoring and prompt cartridge changes.
Expert Advice to Maximize Results
For best performance, install the PUR water filter on kitchen faucets compatible with the included adapters. If unsure, measure your faucet’s thread carefully before buying. Switch to filtered water mode only when you need clean water—using unfiltered water for washing dishes preserves cartridge life.
Replace the filter cartridge promptly every two months or after about 100 gallons, whichever comes first. This keeps filtration strong and prevents contaminants from passing through a worn filter. Cleaning the faucet aerator before installing the filter reduces clogging risk.
Also, flush the filter with several gallons of water initially as instructed—this clears loose carbon particles and primes the system for optimal use. If your water contains high sediment, you might want to pre-filter or clean your faucet head regularly.
Tips to Maximize Filter Performance
FAQ
Q: Will this filter work with any faucet?
A: The PUR PFM200B comes with adapters to fit most standard faucets but may not fit specialized pull-down or sprayer types without extra fittings.
Q: How long does each filter last?
A: Each cartridge lasts about 100 gallons or roughly two months for average households.
Q: What contaminants does it remove?
A: It reduces lead, mercury, chlorine, benzene, asbestos, and other common tap water pollutants.
Q: Is installation difficult?
A: Installation is tool-free and straightforward, usually done in under 10 minutes.
Q: Can I switch between filtered and unfiltered water?
A: Yes, a built-in diverter switch lets you toggle based on your needs.
Q: Does it affect water pressure?
A: You’ll notice a slower flow while filtering, which is normal for such units.
Q: How do I know when to replace the filter?
A: A clear indicator shows when the cartridge needs replacing, plus regular reminders based on time and volume filtered.
Verdict
The PUR Faucet Water Filter, PFM200B Black and Chrome offers an effective, simple, and stylish way to improve your tap water’s safety and taste. Its easy installation and solid contaminant reduction make it a reliable choice for households looking to enhance water quality without bulky systems or complicated setups.
