The PUR FM-9100 Horizontal Faucet Mount System offers the option of plain tap water or clean, pure filtered water by simply turning a lever.

Designed in chrome, white or black, the FM-9100 attaches easily to most kitchen faucets. The installation was quick, easy, and accomplished in minutes, without any special tools. In most cases, you simply unscrew the existing adapter and screw the Faucet Mount in its place. A set of adapters is included for accommodating most faucet types. The only type that won't work with the Faucet Mount is a spray head faucet.

We liked the space-saving horizontal design. Once attached, the Faucet Mount stays up and out of your way. The horizontal design is the least intrusive in terms of taking up valuable sink space. This unit sits directly beside the faucet, measuring 2.5 inches vertically and reaching close to 6 inches horizontally along the faucet.

The front of the Faucet Mount unscrews so you can insert a PUR three-stage filter cartridge. Each cartridge is designed to remove 99.99 percent of microbial cysts, as well as contaminants such as lead, asbestos and mercury.

The three-stage filter is PUR's best. It has one layer to trap sediment, a second layer to remove contaminants and a third layer of natural minerals to impart a clean, fresh taste to your drinking water. The filter removes most chlorine, but leaves beneficial fluoride in the water. Our testers found a noticeable difference in the smell and taste of the filtered water.

Each cartridge lasts up to 2-3 months, or long enough to filter 100 gallons of water. An electronic indicator built into the Faucet Mount blinks green to indicate that the filter is working properly, yellow, as it's nearing the end of its functional capacity or red when it's time to insert a new cartridge. Once the filter is used up, you simply throw away the cartridge and insert a fresh one. However, it was somewhat awkward to unscrew the front panel and insert a new filter cartridge once the system was mounted on the faucet. Each new cartridge should be flushed with water for about 5 minutes to remove any dust or loose carbon particles. Replacement filters are available at your local retail outlet and cost between $18.99-$20.99.

We especially liked the smooth-turning water switch, which lets you shift from filtered to unfiltered water. All PUR filters must pass rigorous tests and are certified by NSF International.


Pros: 3-stage filter for optimum quality, two-position lever offers choice of filtered or unfiltered water, mounts directly onto faucet, small and unobtrusive
Cons: Can't be used with spray-head faucets, somewhat awkward to unscrew the front panel and insert a new filter cartridge once system is mounted on faucet

Warranty
5 years, limited