Fred Meyer Pur Plus Water Filtration Pitcher
Activated carbon filters and plastic pitchers pose low PFAS concern without brand verification.
This PUR Plus pitcher uses activated carbon filtration in a plastic housing without water-resistant or nonstick coatings that require PFAS. PUR has not made public statements about PFAS in this product.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Activated carbon filter media, plastic pitcher housing
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
No PFAS disclosure
The company has not publicly discussed PFAS in this product.
Bacterial growth on exhausted or improperly maintained filter media
Activated carbon filters can harbor bacteria if left in place beyond recommended replacement intervals or if the pitcher is stored in warm, humid conditions. NSF certification assumes proper maintenance; the user bears responsibility for timely cartridge swaps.
Filter media degradation and particle release
Activated carbon can shed fine particles or dust, especially if the cartridge is cracked or if the filter is not seated properly. Inspect cartridges before installation and ensure a snug fit to minimize bypass of unfiltered water.
PFAS
Standard activated carbon does not effectively capture all PFAS compounds; PUR has not disclosed PFAS-specific removal performance or marketed the Plus model as PFAS-targeted. Users in areas with known PFAS contamination may need supplemental testing or alternative filtration.
Source: ATSDR ↗Contaminant rebound if pitcher is left standing unused
If the filled pitcher sits for extended periods (days), microorganisms can begin to multiply in the filtered water, reducing safety margins. Use filtered water within 24-48 hours when feasible, or refrigerate to slow microbial growth.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
BPA & bisphenols
Modern polypropylene pitcher housing does not typically leach BPA or phthalates at room temperature. No established recalls or test reports have identified leaching in the PUR Plus pitcher line under normal use conditions.
Source: FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Fred Meyer PUR Plus uses activated carbon as the primary filter medium, which adsorbs chlorine, taste, odor, and some contaminants without chemical leaching concerns typical of some older filter designs. The pitcher housing is plastic, likely polypropylene or copolymer, which is chemically stable at room temperature and not exposed to heat during normal use. Activated carbon itself is inert; the safety profile depends on pitcher construction quality and adherence to replacement schedules to prevent bacterial colonization on exhausted filter media.
The brand's record and disclosure
PUR is a subsidiary of Helen of Troy and holds NSF/ANSI Standard 42 and 53 certifications for many of its pitcher and faucet-mount models, indicating third-party testing for contaminant reduction claims. The company has not made public statements specifically addressing PFAS removal or PFAS mitigation strategy in its standard pitcher line, despite PFAS being a known drinking-water concern in many U.S. regions. No major product recalls or safety controversies have been established for the PUR Plus pitcher line based on available public records.
How it compares in its category
Activated carbon pitchers are among the most common and lowest-risk filtration methods for home use; the PUR Plus occupies the mid-market segment with NSF certification backing claims. Compared to reverse osmosis systems (which require plumbing) or pitcher alternatives lacking certification, the PUR Plus offers a balance of ease, cost, and tested performance. However, unlike some specialty filters marketed for PFAS removal, standard activated carbon pitchers do not reliably capture PFAS perfluorinated compounds, a limitation shared across most budget pitcher models.
If you buy it
Replace the filter cartridge every 2-3 months or per manufacturer guidance (typically after 40 gallons) to prevent bacterial biofilm growth and ensure contaminant-removal performance. Do not use hot water in the pitcher; keep it at room temperature to avoid any thermal stress on plastic housing. Store in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. After each use, rinse the pitcher and ensure the filter area drains; allow wet surfaces to air-dry to discourage microbial growth between uses.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 68% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- PUR has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Safer alternatives in Water Filters
ZeroWater
Culligan 12-Cup Water Filter Pitcher with ZeroWater Technology
Activated carbon and ion-exchange resin filter media
Bacterial growth in reservoir if filter unmaintained or water stored too long
Limited concern
Filter cartridge degradation and particle escape if overfilled or misseated
Limited concern
Ion-exchange resin saturation without visible warning
Moderate concern
Lower concern; filters are designed to remove PFAS, not introduce them.
✓Naturally PFAS-free material
ZeroWater
22 Cup Ready Read Water Filtration Dispenser
Ion-exchange resin cartridge, plastic dispenser housing
Bacterial growth in filter housing
Limited concern
Ion-exchange resin particle shedding into water
Limited concern
Mineral scale buildup and mold on external surfaces
Limited concern
Cartridge disposal and resin environmental burden
Moderate concern
Lower concern. PFAS-free claim backed by standard certifications.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Generic
Reverse Osmosis System (generic)
Bacterial growth in storage tank and tubing
High concern
BPA & bisphenols
Limited concern
Semipermeable membrane integrity failure
Moderate concern
Chlorine damage to membrane and pre-filters
Limited concern
Low PFAS risk from the filter mechanism itself.
✓Lab test found no PFAS
More water filters grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.