Part of the cost problem may be that PUR has tacked on the obligatory welfare donation for Africa. I’m not sure why this countertop water cooler stops working so quickly. Some might not like the fact that there isn’t any indicator showing when it is time for you to replace the filter. Merchandise shipped as described will always recommend vendor, ideal for drinking water and using to make espresso. Not really a problem – I have been using Pur filters for a long time, since I read about the technologies they use. Additionally they mentioned they don’t know just how long it will likely be before this problem is rectified. There is no indicator, which I didn’t notice until I got them. Moreover, the countertop water cooler filters last longer that those placed on the sink spout and cost much less. The way water ought to taste! The one thing I do not like is that these countertop water coolers do not last too long where I live.