Written by: Gene Fitzgerald // Expert Fact-Checking: Buddhini Dolapihilla, MBSS // Last Updated: Aug 4, 2023
This page may contain affiliate links. If you buy a product or service through such a link we earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Propur offers a variety of gravity-based water filter systems that make use of 1 or more ProOne® G2.0 ceramic filter elements to provide drinking water of exceptional purity.
The systems are simple to use and work “with just about any water source including tap, lake, stream, river, pond and rain water”, says Propur.
What’s more, they don’t require any electricity which is great for outdoor use and in an SHTF scenario.
Sounds like a no-braine, but is it?
Propur Big |
|
Price: | $$$ |
Serving: | 2-4 people |
Flow Rate: | 0.26 gal/h per filter |
Storage Capacity: | 2.75 gallons |
Warranty: | Lifetime |
NSF: | 42, 53, 401, P473, P231 |
Our Rating
|
Propur Traveler |
|
Price: | $$ |
Serving: | 1 person |
Flow Rate: | 0.18 gal/h per filter |
Storage Capacity: | 1.6 gallons |
Warranty: | Lifetime |
NSF: | 42, 53, 401, P473, P231 |
Our Rating
|
There are 5 system sizes for you to choose from. And since they all achieve the same level of water purity the only question you have to ask yourself is: How much purified water do you need per day?
(Mobile Hint: Swipe to Scroll)
Model | Serving | Storage Capacity | Fully Expanded | Maximum Flow Rate with ProOne G2.0 Filter | Maximum Flow Rate with ProOne G2.0 SLIMLINE Filter |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Propur Scout | 1 person | 55 oz | 1x 5” filt. element | – | 0.58 gal/h* |
Propur Traveler | 1 person | 1.6 gal | 1x 5” filt. element | 0.18 gal/h* | 0.58 gal/h* |
Propur Nomad | 1-2 people | 2 gal | 2x 5” or 7” filt. elements | 0.18 gal/h* | 0.58 gal/h* |
Propur Big | 2-4 people | 2.75 gal | 3x 7” filt. elements | 0.26 gal/h* | 0.74 gal/h* |
Propur King | 4+ people | 3.75 gal | 4x 9” filt. elements | 0.5 gal/h* | 0.9 gal/h* |
*Based on a single filter
As you can see, the larger the system, the higher the number of filtration elements it can employ for a faster flow rate. You don’t have to use all available filter slots, though. Plugs are supplied with each system to plug any holes that are not being used.
On a side note: As these Propur systems are gravity-fed, their flow rate also depends on how much water is in the top reservoir. More water results in higher pressure which in turn increases filtration speed.
The Propur Big is probably the most popular unit. It has the perfect size to provide enough clean water for a whole family and is not too bulky for most kitchens. Another benefit is that it’s still portable and can be moved around without problems.
Propur’s Scout is the smallest in size and ideal if you are on the go, be that indoors or outdoors.
Or you might want to opt for the Propur Traveler which can hold about 3 times the amount of water that goes into the Scout. Also, unlike the Scout, the Traveler is compatible with regular ProOne G2.0 filters and not only their SLIMLINE version (more on this in a bit).
Next in line is the Propur Nomad that has been sized between the Propur Traveler and the Propur Big for good portability in combination with higher flow rates. You can choose between 5” and 7” filters and whether you want to use 1 element or 2 simultaneously.
Last but not least, the Propur King: Going that large is only really necessary if your water consumption is very high and you want to eliminate long waiting times (can be expanded to 4 filters).
Of course, if you were to ask a dealer he’d probably tell you that bigger is always better, because storage capacity and flow rate increase and you will need to refill less often for added convenience.
However, the cost for a system gradually goes up with its size, too, and a Propur King is significantly more expensive than a Scout. Bottom line, make sure to choose a large-enough unit so that you have sufficient water at times of peak consumption while not going overboard wasting your money.
By the way, no matter which model you go for they all feature 304 stainless steel containers (polished or brushed finish) for longevity. The only difference is that the Scout does not come with a stainless steel spigot because it’s small enough to pour.
On top of that, all steel components are backed by a limited lifetime warranty, the Propur Scout being the exception with only 2 years warranted.
We have already mentioned that Propur gravity water filter systems rely on ProOne G2.0 ceramic filters to make water safe for consumption. Thereby, we need to distinguish between the regular and the SLIMLINE variant.
Generally speaking, SLIMLINE filters were specifically designed for emergency cases, whereas the regular version has a longer lifespan perfectly suited for daily use. And yes, the filters can be used interchangeably and will remove the same contaminants.
In addition, there are different filter sizes, namely 5, 7 and 9 inches.
Where is the difference between a ProOne G2.0 5” and a 7” cartridge for example? You will find that the latter will usually last longer due to a larger surface area.
One thing is for certain, if the lab tests on propurusa.com are to be trusted then Propur’s ProOne G2.0 elements provide a very, very thorough water filtration without the need for add-on filters.
They combine granular activated carbon (GAC) based media with silver-infused ceramic (the silver helps to prevent bacterial growth).
Here is a summary of the testing conducted by an independent lab certified by the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection:
ProOne G2.0 filter elements reduce/remove
*Testing requirements for NSF standards 42, 53 and P231 were met.
What’s more, the filters reduce at least 99.9% of bacteria (Klebsiella Terrigena), viruses (Poliovirus 1 and Rotavirus) and cyst (Giardia Lamblia), but only for the first 50 gallons of use as per NSF Protocol P231.
Testing according to NSF Standard 401 for emerging contaminants has shown a reduction of BPA (99.9+%), estrone (86.5%) and linuron (99.9+%) among a couple of others.
Meanwhile, almost 100% of magnesium and potassium are retained in the water adding to your daily nutritional intake. Calcium on the other hand is reduced by about 80% which, in our opinion, is not that big of a deal.
About TDS
Filtering your water with a Propur ProOne G2.0 filter, it might read higher in TDS afterwards. This is due to the filter releasing minerals into the water and does not necessarily indicate an underlying issue.
Generally speaking, we don’t consider TDS the best way to measure contamination anyway.
Setting up a Propur gravity filter system couldn’t be simpler:
The whole process shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes.
FYI: It is recommended to discard the first 2 to 3 cycles before you start using the water.
(Mobile Hint: Swipe to Scroll)
Model | Filter Lifetime |
---|---|
ProOne G2.0 5” | Up to 6 months* |
ProOne G2.0 7” | Up to 10 (12) months per pair* |
ProOne G2.0 9” | Up to 12 months per pair* |
ProOne G2.0 5” SLIMLINE | Up to 4 (6) months* |
ProOne G2.0 7” SLIMLINE | Up to 8 (9) months per pair* |
ProOne G2.0 9” SLIMLINE | Up to 10 (12) months per pair* |
*May vary depending on the condition of the feed water and water use
If you notice a change in taste, smell or flow rate the filters need to be cleaned. If you’ve cleaned a few times already replacement is the next logical step.
Speaking of cleaning, all you have to do is rinse with cold water for 2 minutes while scrubbing the white part with the dark green side of the sponge as explained above. Rinse well and reinstall.
How often should you clean your filter(s)? About every 2 to 3 months on average. The same goes for washing the steel containers.
Manual: https://propurusa.com/assets/images/Propur%20Instructions%202015.pdf
For the majority of users, Propur gravity systems seem to work as advertised. Still, browsing through dozens of customer ratings we repeatedly stumbled upon the following complaints:
That being said, it can be challenging to get a response from the Propur customer service team, according to Amazon customer feedback.
A minor inconvenience is that you need to lift the upper container to find out how full the bottom storage tank is.
All in all, we are looking at a solid product line of gravity water filter systems that do an outstanding job at removing even the most stubborn contaminants. The result: Clean drinking water that tastes great.
Most customers are pleased with their purchase and would buy again.
Taking into account the flaws listed above and the relatively high purchase price and cost for replacement filters, our final rating is 3.5 stars!
Propur gravity filters are best for people who don’t mind slow filtration speed and paying a bit more for NSF-tested contaminant reduction.
This completes our review of Propur’s gravity water systems. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
Information provided on BOS is for educational purposes only. The products and services we review may not be right for your individual circumstances.
We adhere to strict editorial guidelines. Rest assured, the opinions expressed have not been provided, reviewed, or otherwise endorsed by our partners – they are unbiased, independent, and the author’s alone. Our licensed experts fact-check all content for accuracy. It is accurate as of the date posted and to the best of our knowledge.