Purewell 1.5 Gallon Gravity Water Filter: features, specs and who it suits

The Purewell 1.5-gallon gravity water filter is a countertop dispenser that filters tap water without a pump, a plumbing connection or electricity. You pour water into the upper chamber, gravity pulls it through the filter elements, and filtered water collects below, ready to pour from the tap. It suits anyone who wants filtered drinking water on the kitchen counter without installing anything.

How a gravity filter works

Gravity systems rely on the weight of the water itself. Water sits in the top chamber and slowly drips through the filter elements into the lower tank. Because there's no pressure behind it, flow is slower than a tap-mounted or under-sink filter, so the usual routine is to refill the top chamber and let it work while you do something else. The unit measures 7.5 x 7.5 x 18.1 inches (about 19 x 19 x 46 cm), so check the space under your cabinets before choosing a spot.

The visible water level

Many countertop filters are opaque, so you have to lift the lid to see how much is left. Purewell built a transparent window with a scale into the stainless steel body, which lets you see at a glance when to refill. It's a small feature, but with a slow-flowing system it helps you keep a steady supply.

304 stainless steel construction

The body is made from 304 stainless steel, a grade commonly used in kitchen equipment because it resists corrosion. Purewell describes the material as thickened, resistant to deformation and lighter than glass, with none of the breakage risk of a glass container. Stainless steel is also easy to wipe down, though it's worth following the manual for cleaning the chamber and tap.

Three stages of filtration

According to Purewell, the water passes through three stages:

• Activated carbon, which the brand says reduces chlorine and improves odour and taste. Carbon is widely used for this purpose.
• Silver ion, which Purewell describes as dealing with tiny particles.
• Hollow fibre ultrafiltration membrane, with a pore size of 0.01 microns. Purewell says this filters out 99.99% of fine material, including lead, chromium and mercury, and compares it with other filters using 0.2-micron pores.

A smaller pore size generally means finer particles are physically blocked. Ultrafiltration membranes are typically used to hold back particles, while carbon handles taste and chlorine.

Filter life and replacement

Purewell says each filter element lasts up to 5,000 gallons and the pair together can supply up to 10,000 gallons, with the exact figure depending on your water quality. For best performance, the brand recommends replacing the elements every six months. The system comes with two upgraded carbon filters.

What it doesn't do

The brand notes that these elements do not lower TDS (total dissolved solids). Reducing TDS typically requires a different type of filter, such as reverse osmosis. Purewell says the system can be paired with its FL-2 or PD-2 fluoride filters, or with similar filters from other makers, if you need that extra stage.

What to check before you buy

• Counter and cabinet clearance for an 18-inch-tall unit, plus space to lift the lid for refilling.
• Which contaminants matter in your local water. Check your supplier's water report and compare it with what the filter says it addresses.
• How much water your household drinks and cooks with, since a 1.5-gallon capacity needs regular refills.
• Whether you want TDS or fluoride reduced, which needs an additional filter.
• The replacement schedule and how you'll obtain new elements.
• Cleaning needs for the chamber and tap, as set out in the manual.

The short version

• A countertop gravity-fed filter with a 1.5-gallon capacity and no power or plumbing needed.
• 304 stainless steel body with a transparent window to show the water level.
• Three stages: activated carbon, silver ion and a 0.01-micron ultrafiltration membrane.
• Elements are rated by Purewell at up to 5,000 gallons each, with replacement suggested every six months.
• It does not reduce TDS; fluoride filters can be added separately.

Bloiq is reader-supported. Some links may earn us a commission; it never affects what we write. How we make money.