The best gravity water filters are portable, easy to set up and use in any location, and capable of reducing dozens of contaminants without the need for water pressure or electricity.
We test and compare water filters using our own hands-on comprehensive assessment process, covering all areas of performance.
I’m a WQA Certified Water Specialist (CWS) and Certified Water Treatment Representative (CWR), and I’ve used my experience and knowledge to personally test and review each product on this list.
Culligan ZeroWater
British Berkefeld
Epic Pure Dispenser
Quick Answer: Best Gravity Water Filters of 2026 by Category
- Best Overall: Culligan ZeroWater (9.33/10), the only gravity filter that removed 100% of health-related contaminants in our test water
- Best Stainless Steel System: British Berkefeld (9.08/10), NSF 42/53/401 certified stainless steel, no plumbing required
- Best on a Budget: Epic Pure Water Filter Dispenser (9.05/10), reduced every contaminant below lab health guidelines at $0.31 per gallon
- Fastest Stainless Steel Filter: Alexapure Pro (8.93/10), fastest-pouring stainless system at 1 GPH and rated for untreated water
- Best Portable Pitcher: Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher (8.78/10), WQA certified for chlorine and PFOA/PFOS reduction
- Longest Filter Life: ProOne Big+ (8.56/10), filters last 1,000 to 1,200 gallons, the longest of any system here
Methodology: Rankings come from our own lab-based water filter testing and scoring process, which weights contaminant reduction at 55% of the total score.
Table of Contents
- Our Testing & Selection Process
- The 6 Best Gravity Water Filters
- Culligan ZeroWater: Best Gravity Water Filter Overall (9.33/10)
- British Berkefeld: Best Stainless Steel Gravity Filter (9.08/10)
- Epic Pure Water Filter Dispenser: Best Budget Gravity Filter (9.05/10)
- Alexapure Pro: Fastest Stainless Steel Filter (8.93/10)
- Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher: Best Portable Pitcher (8.78/10)
- ProOne Big+: Longest Filter Life (8.56/10)
- Frequently Asked Questions
Our Testing & Selection Process
We tested more than a dozen gravity-fed systems and scored the six highest performers. Every contaminant reduction score on this page comes from our own hands-on testing: we sent pre- and post-filtration samples to an accredited third-party laboratory (Tap Score by SimpleLab), and for the systems rated for untreated water we ran a separate pond or river water test for bacteria. Contaminant reduction is 55% of the total score. Scores are never based on manufacturer claims.
How We Test & Score
The filters in our “best” listicles are ranked based on the results they obtain in our water filter scoring system. We award overall scores to water filters based on a weighted average of 6 key scoring factors, comprising 9 sub-factors.
For our Best Gravity Water Filter guide, we selected the highest-scoring filters that qualify as gravity-fed filters, meaning that they filter water without water pressure or an electric pump.
The main performance tests that we carry out for each filter are for contaminant reduction, design, filtration rate, setup, maintenance, and company. Filters are more likely to be featured and shortlisted if their collective scores – and their contaminant reduction scores in particular – are high. 
There were a few other factors we evaluated when testing and selecting the filters in this guide, including their filtration media, water-holding capacities, and whether or not they could also be used to filter untreated water.
We aim to review water filters as fairly and objectively as possible, but some of our data is subjective – such as what we personally think about a system’s ease of setup or design quality.
We chose the winners for this review based on their overall performance capabilities.
There are a whole host of factors that we consider when choosing the best products to recommend, and the order that they should feature.
We know our readers have different preferences when it comes to setup, design, and costs, so we aim to keep our recommendations as varied as possible, with different filters that appeal to different situations.
Many water filters that we’ve reviewed didn’t make the cut. For instance, those that use electricity or need to be plumbed in didn’t fit the description of gravity filters, so they were excluded from this list. We also discounted systems that weren’t available in the USA, were sold by lesser-known manufacturers, or simply performed more poorly than their competitors.
Good to Know: We test new water filters every week, and we occasionally swap out products in our guides when we come across better-performing systems that we want to recommend.
Article Update History
- 06/07/2026 – Updated British Berkefeld score to reflect NSF certifications
- 11/11/2025 – Added Culligan ZeroWater
The 6 Best Gravity Water Filters
| Product | Culligan ZeroWater | British Berkefeld | Epic Pure |  Alexapure Pro |  Clearly Filtered |  ProOne Big+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Score | 9.33 | 9.08 | 9.05 | 8.93 | 8.78 | 8.56 |
| Price | $24.99+ | $190.00+ | $75.00 | $259.95+ | $90.00 | 229.95+ |
| Certifications | NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401, 372 | NSF 42, 53, 401 & 372 | Not certified | Not Certified | NSF/ANSI 42 & 53 | NSF 42 (materials safety only) |
| Filter Capacity | 20 gallons | 400 gallons | 150 gallons | 200 gallons | 100 gallons | 1,000 – 1,200 gallons |
| Cost per Gallon | $0.90 | $0.16 | $0.31 | $0.59 | $0.55 | $0.41 |
| Warranty | 90 Days | Lifetime | Lifetime | 1 year | 2 years | 5 years |
| Read Review | Culligan ZeroWater review | British Berkefeld review | Epic Pure review | Alexapure Pro review | Clearly Filtered review | ProOne Big+ review |
Culligan ZeroWater: Best Gravity Water Filter Overall (9.33/10)
The Culligan ZeroWater Pitcher is the top-performing gravity water filter system on this list, with an overall weighted score of 9.33. It was the only filter in this category to eliminate all health-related contaminants from our water, as well as the only one to have official performance certifications for every single contaminant it’s claimed to remove.
Best For
Product Specs
| Price | $24.99+ |
| Contaminants Reduced | 25 |
| Certifications or Testing | NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401 & 372 |
| Holding Capacity | 7- 40 cups |
| Filter Lifespan | 20 gallons |
| Approx. Annual Cost | $160+ |
Key Finding: It was the only gravity filter we tested that removed 100% of every health-related contaminant in our water, and the only one certified for every contaminant it claims to reduce.
How did the Culligan ZeroWater perform in our contaminant reduction test?
Our Tap Score test results saw the Culligan ZeroWater Pitcher earn the highest contaminant reduction score of all the gravity water filter systems we tested: an impressive 9.65. This was influenced by two key factors:
First, the filter was the only one we tested that removed 100% of all contaminants with health effects in our water, including uranium and fluoride (both initially exceeding the HGL), sulfate, nitrate, zinc, chlorine, copper, strontium, barium, and molybdenum. This is a highly impressive result for a non-RO system.
Second, the filter has IAPMO certifications to NSF 42, NSF 53, and NSF 401, for every single contaminant that it’s claimed to reduce; something that no other product in this guide comes close to.
What stopped it from earning the highest possible score in this category? Data from our testing showed that the ion exchange process didn’t only eliminate the bad stuff, but it also greatly reduced or removed carbonate, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, sodium, and hardness. The pH of our water was reduced from 7.6 (slightly alkaline) to 6.6 (slightly acidic), pulling the aesthetic score down to 8.00 and affecting the overall contaminant reduction score.
Is the Culligan ZeroWater easy to set up?
The Culligan ZeroWater Pitcher also impressed us with its fast filtration rate of 1.9 GPH (based on how long it took to filter a full pitcher – just under 7 minutes). This made it over 5X quicker than the larger British Berkefeld model, and, while it’s not the fastest on this list, it still earned a top score of 9.50.
With a simple, sturdy plastic construction, the pitcher earned high setup and design scores of 9.50 and 9.40, respectively. It’s available in sizes from 7-cup pitchers through 40-cup glass dispensers and requires no difficult filter priming before use. Plus, it’s IAPMO certified for materials safety (as a component of its performance certifications) and lead-free design.
Maintenance was a bit of a letdown with this filter, earning it a score of 8.00 (the lowest on this list). This was mostly due to the short 20-gallon filter capacity that made replacement costs much higher than other gravity water filters. Culligan could also improve on its company policies. Its 90-day warranty is pretty short, and its returns policy is downright confusing. Plus, free shipping is only offered on orders that exceed $99, contributing to a lower company score of 7.60.
| Criteria | Results |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.33 |
| Health Related Contaminants | 9.70 |
| Aesthetic Related Contaminants | 8.00 |
| Performance Certification | NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401 |
| Filtration Rate | 1.9 GPH |
| Component Quality | Excellent |
| Component Certification | NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401 & 372 |
| Setup | Outstanding |
| Servicing Requirements | Exceptional |
| Costs | $0.90/ gallon |
| Warranty Length | 90 days |
| Shipping | Free shipping within the continental US on orders above $99 |
| Returns | Limited returns |
British Berkefeld: Best Stainless Steel Gravity Filter (9.08/10)
The British Berkefeld is the top-performing stainless steel cylindrical gravity countertop filter we reviewed. It has a similar look to a couple of other systems on this list, but with a few design upgrades, including a sturdier, more durable stainless steel construction and filters that don’t need to be primed, simplifying the setup process by a mile.
The model with the Ultra Fluoride filters secured an overall score of 9.08, while with the Ultra Sterasyl Filters, it scored only slightly lower (8.99). We’ll be discussing our contaminant reduction testing for both in this review.
Best For
Product Specs
| Price | $190+ |
| Contaminants Reduced | 10+ |
| Certifications | NSF 42/53/401 |
| Process | Ceramic + Activated Carbon + Activated Alumina |
| Filter Capacity | 400 gallons |
| Cost per gallon | $0.16 |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Key Finding: With NSF/ANSI 42, 53, and 401 certifications and a minimal-plastic 304 stainless steel build, it was the best-performing stainless steel gravity system we tested, though its 0.42 GPH flow rate is among the slowest on the list.
How well did the British Berkefeld filter our tap and pond water?
In our treated tap water testing, the standout performer of the two British Berkefeld filters we tested is the Ultra Fluoride cartridges. These received the highest score of the two (9.50 for removing health-related contaminants, versus the Ultra Sterasyl Filters’ 9.25) because they effectively reduced more contaminants in our water. Along with eliminating fluoride, uranium, barium, chlorine, and chloroform, the filters also reduced several trace contaminants, including strontium and aluminum.
Their overall contaminant reduction score was an impressive 9.37, also influenced by their certifications to reduce turbidity, Particulates Class I, and Microplastics, under NSF 42, 53, and 401.
The Ultra Sterasyl Filters also have official NSF 42, NSF 53, and NSF 401 performance certifications for reducing particulates, turbidity, cysts, and microplastics. Plus, they performed well in our own testing, eliminating copper, chlorine, and molybdenum completely and nitrate by 70%. But, unsurprisingly (given that British Berkefeld sells separate filters for this purpose), they didn’t remove fluoride effectively. They also struggled to reduce barium and strontium.
However, the Ultra Sterasyl Filters’ overall contaminant reduction score was pulled up to 9.20 thanks to their high score of 10.00 for filtering untreated water. The filters completely removed E. coli and coliforms from our pond water*, which is a great result.
That said, we did note that the suspended matter in our untreated water quickly clogged the ceramic surface, affecting flow rate and requiring us to scrub the filters clean regularly.
To prevent this, we pretreated the water with disinfection & coagulation using P&G Purifier of Water Portable Water Purifier Packets, then filtered out the floc using a cloth. We recommend using this method for untreated water to maintain a consistent flow rate and protect the filters.
*The ceramic shell can physically block some pathogens and is certified for pathogenic cyst reduction, but keep in mind that additional disinfection (chemical, UV, boiling, etc.) is always recommended for non-potable surface water, just to be safe.
Is British Berkefeld certified for materials safety?
Looking beyond contaminant reduction, the British Berkefeld impressed us with its 304 stainless steel construction, including the spigot, which felt sturdier and more durable than many similar systems we reviewed. The minimal use of plastic should appeal to folks who are concerned about microplastics exposure, giving Berkefeld an advantage over Epic. The model has been certified to NSF 372 for lead-free design, resulting in a design score of 10.00.
We were equally pleased with the setup process, especially after a few bad experiences with similar systems that had ridiculous filter priming processes. British Berkefeld’s filters do not require tedious priming, and the assembly process took us just 20 minutes, translating to a setup score of 9.00. There’s a bit more to it than the Epic Pure’s assembly, but you still don’t need technical knowledge or tools.
Replacing filters in this unit is pretty simple, and maintenance is cost-effective for both systems: the Ultra Sterasyl Filters cost $0.09 per gallon, and the Ultra Fluoride Filters cost $0.16 per gallon. Both received the same maintenance score of 9.25 thanks to their long filter lifespans and low upkeep.
Gravity dispensers like Epic’s are typically limited in size options, but the British Berkefeld offers six water-holding capacities to choose from. We tested the 2.25-gallon and 3.17-gallon systems, but you can size down to the 0.25-gallon Baron or up to the massive 6-gallon King Berkefeld if needed.
British Berkefeld gets a lot right, but we think flow rate is one area that could be improved. We recorded the Fluoride Filters’ flow rate at 0.42 GPH (gallons per hour), and the Sterasyl filters lagged even further behind at 0.3 GPH—around one-seventh of the speed of the Epic Dispenser, despite using two much larger filters. This resulted in a low score of 6.00.
That said, we think this unit has some unique perks compared to Epic. If you’re looking for a gravity system with a minimal-plastic construction, performance certifications, and the ability to filter untreated water, the Berkefeld with Ultra Sterasyl Filters is worth considering. Or, if you want fluoride reduction specifically, consider the Ultra Fluoride model.
| Criteria | Results |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.08 |
| Health Related Contaminants | 9.50 |
| Aesthetic Related Contaminants | 9.90 |
| Performance Certification | NSF 42/53/401 |
| Filtration Rate | 0.38 GPH |
| Component Quality | Exceptional |
| Component Certification | NSF 42/53/401 |
| Setup | Excellent |
| Servicing Requirements | Good |
| Costs | $0.16/ gal |
| Warranty Length | Lifetime |
| Shipping | Free Shipping on orders over $99 to the contiguous US |
| Returns | 30 days |
Epic Pure Water Filter Dispenser: Best Budget Gravity Filter (9.05/10)
The Epic Pure Water Filter Dispenser is the best-performing gravity-fed water filter dispenser that we’ve tested so far. It got the third-highest overall performance score, despite being significantly more affordable and easier to set up than the British Berkefeld.
Best For
Product Specs
| Price | $75.00 |
| Contaminants Reduced | 200+ |
| Certifications | Not certified |
| Process | Solid Activated Carbon Block |
| Filter Capacity | 150 gallons |
| Annual Cost | ~$150 |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
What We Thought
The Epic Pure Dispenser is the most affordable gravity-fed water filter on this list, and it did a better job at reducing contaminants than many systems costing up to five times its upfront price.
It also has the least complex design of all the gravity filters we tested, with just three main components (the dispenser, the upper reservoir, and the filter), so it’s great for folks who want a lightweight system that’s super easy to assemble.
In our testing, the Epic dispenser reduced all impurities to below the lab’s Health Guideline Levels, and its 2.23 GPH filtration rate is great, especially given that it uses just one filter that’s smaller than the filters in the stainless steel systems.
Key Finding: At $0.31 per gallon and roughly one-fifth the upfront price of the stainless steel systems, it reduced every contaminant below the lab’s health guideline levels while filtering faster (2.23 GPH) than any other dispenser we tested.
How did the Epic Pure Dispenser perform in testing?
The Epic Pure Dispenser’s overall contaminant reduction score was 9.00 – one of the highest scores of all the gravity filters we tested. We used it to filter our water containing chlorine, uranium, copper, phosphorous, molybdenum barium, fluoride, nitrate, and sulfate.
It eliminated the first four contaminants, and reduced 57% molybdenum, 41% barium, 27% fluoride, and 20% nitrate, and 92% sulfate.
Again, the Pure dispenser isn’t performance-certified.
We had a great experience with the setup process for the dispenser; much better than with many of the other systems we tested for this guide. We gave it a 9.50 score because we only had to wash and assemble the pitcher and reservoir, then insert the filter. The filter didn’t need to be primed – we just filtered and discarded the first batch of water.
This Epic system also had a fast filtration rate of 2.23 GPH, and its simple servicing requirements and low ongoing spend of $0.31/ gal also gave it a great score of 9.50 for maintenance.
The only area of improvement was design. The Pure dispenser isn’t certified for materials safety, and it got a lower design quality score from us because it’s made from plastic, which felt quite thin and flimsy.
We think the Epic Pure dispenser is the best gravity-fed filtration system for people with smaller budgets who want a capable system that’s easier to install than many stainless steel alternatives.
| Criteria | Results |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.05 |
| Health Related Contaminants | 9.30 |
| Aesthetic Related Contaminants | 9.90 |
| Performance Certification | Not certified for any reduction claims |
| Filtration Rate | 2.23 GPH |
| Component Quality | Good |
| Component Certification | Not certified |
| Setup | Outstanding |
| Servicing Requirements | Outstanding |
| Costs | $0.31/gallon |
| Warranty Length | Lifetime |
| Shipping | Free shipping for the Clean Water Club only |
| Returns | Lifetime |
Alexapure Pro: Fastest Stainless Steel Filter (8.93/10)
The Alexapure Pro is another stainless steel countertop gravity-fed filter, and at 1 GPH it was the fastest-pouring stainless system we tested. It trails the British Berkefeld on contaminant reduction and certifications, but it ships pre-primed for an easy setup and, unlike most gravity systems, can filter untreated water thanks to its microbiological contaminant reduction ability.
Best For
Product Specs
| Price | $259.95+ |
| Contaminants Reduced | 200+ |
| Certifications | Not Certified |
| Process | Ceramic + Carbon |
| Filter Capacity | 200 gallons/cartridge |
| Annual Cost | ~$120 |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Why It Made This List
The Alexapure Pro took the fourth spot on our list because we were impressed with its ability to reduce contaminants in our treated and untreated test waters.
We also appreciated the fact that the unit uses just a single main filter that’s designed to target all contaminants, including fluoride (although we had a different experience in our testing – see below). Plus, its filters are shipped pre-primed, which saved us a big job when we were setting it up.
Key Finding: It earned a perfect 10.00 design score, but leaching from its break-in water meant it did not reduce fluoride in our test.
How did Alexapure perform in our lab tests?
The Alexapure Pro earned a strong contaminant reduction score of 9.34. We tested the system using two water sources: one treated municipal water, and the other was untreated river water.
In our river water test, the Alexapure Pro eliminated all bacteria and greatly reduced aluminum. This is one of the unique benefits of this filter – it’s one of the few gravity-fed filters that can filter unpotable water, too.
In our treated water test, the Alexapure Pro performed well in reducing 100% lead, chloroform, total THMs, chlorine, and manganese. It also did slightly better at reducing 100% copper and aluminum, as well as 43% barium, but only 16% sulfate.
However, what let the Alexapure Pro down in this category was that the concentrations of fluoride, magnesium, calcium, and strontium actually increased in our filtered water, and potassium and silver appeared when they weren’t present before.
We think this was due to leaching from the initial 100 gallons of a different water source that we sent through the filters before conducting our test, but our results still showed that the Alexapure Pro didn’t effectively reduce fluoride. This was disappointing because we’d anticipated that the system should reduce >97% fluoride (according to Alexapure’s test results) without a separate filter.
Additionally, the Alexapure Pro doesn’t have any performance certifications, so although its contaminant reduction was overall very good, there’s still room for improvement.
However, there were a few things that we loved about the Alexapure Pro, and design quality was one of them. It secured the highest 10.00 score here because it’s made from high-quality stainless steel parts, including the spigot. It also did well in the setup and maintenance categories, securing high scores of 9.00 and 8.25 respectively. We didn’t have the hassle of priming the filters, so it was quicker and easier to set up and maintain than the others.
The Alexapure Pro’s maintenance score could have been higher – its ongoing cost of $0.59/ gallon made it more expensive than its top competitors.
We think the Alexapure Pro is a great choice for folks who want a gravity-fed filter that effectively reduces a whole host of contaminants (but not necessarily fluoride) and has the easiest setup and maintenance and the highest-quality design.
| Criteria | Results |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.93 |
| Health Related Contaminants | 9.70 |
| Aesthetic Related Contaminants | 9.90 |
| Performance Certification | Not certified for any reduction claims |
| Filtration Rate | 1 GPH |
| Component Quality | Exceptional |
| Component Certification | Not Certified |
| Setup | Excellent |
| Servicing Requirements | Good |
| Costs | $0.59/gallon |
| Warranty Length | 1 year |
| Shipping | Free shipping to lower 48 |
| Returns | 30 days |
Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher: Best Portable Pitcher (8.78/10)
The Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher has a smaller water-holding capacity than the other gravity filters on this list, so it’s the best choice for folks looking for a portable water filtration solution. It also has a few benefits over many of the other systems we reviewed: it has a WQA performance certification, and it’s more affordable upfront than the larger stainless steel systems.
Best For
Product Specs
| Price | $90.00 |
| Contaminants Reduced | 365+ |
| Certifications | NSF/ANSI 42 & 53 |
| Process | Coconut Carbon Block |
| Filter Capacity | 100 gallons |
| Annual Cost | ~$150 |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Our Verdict
We shortlisted the Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher for this listicle because it removed more contaminants more thoroughly than most of the other water filter pitchers we tested. It also impressed us with its 100-gallon filter capacity, which is better than most other pitcher/dispenser filters (although Epic still did better with its 150-gallon capacity).
Plus, assembly and maintenance were both super easy – we used the included priming tool, which made the process simple – and the system costs less than $100 upfront, so it’s the makes-sense solution for smaller budgets.
Key Finding: It holds a performance certification for chlorine, but 0.0054 PPM of cobalt appeared in our filtered water, which we attribute to filter leaching and plan to retest.
How did the Clearly Filtered pitcher perform in our lab test?
The Clearly Filtered Pitcher got a score of 8.24 for contaminant reduction. Its score would have been higher, likely securing it in a top-three position, if it wasn’t for one disappointing outcome of our testing: 0.0054 PPM of cobalt was detected in our water after filtration, which we assume leached from the filters (we plan to repeat testing in the future to see if this issue occurs again).
That aside, the Clearly Filtered pitcher did an excellent job of eliminating 100% fluoride, uranium, chlorine, and copper, as well as 86% barium, 67% strontium, 53% molybdenum, and low levels of nitrate and sulfate, from our test water. It also has a performance benefit that no other system on this list has so far: a WQA certification to NSF/ANSI Standard 42, for the reduction of chlorine, and Standard 53, for the reduction of PFOA/PFOS.
The pitcher’s filtration rate measured at 2.27 GPH, making it slightly faster than Epic’s (2.23 GPH), and it got the highest score of 10.00 in this category.
We’ve tested numerous plastic pitchers that feel thin and flimsy, but the Clearly Filtered pitcher got a high 9.70 score in the design category. It’s made from BPA-free Tritan plastic, which might not be comparable to stainless steel, but we noted that it felt thicker, sturdier, and more durable than most other pitchers we tested. It also has a materials safety certification and a WQA certification for lead-free design.
The CF pitcher actually costs around $15 more than the Epic Pure dispenser upfront, and it has the highest cost of any gravity filter on this list ($0.55/ gallon), but we think its certifications and better design quality make it worth this extra cost.
The Clearly Filtered pitcher is the best gravity-fed water filter for folks who value certifications and want a more portable system that offers a superior filtration performance.
| Criteria | Results |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.78 |
| Health Related Contaminants | 8.30 |
| Aesthetic Related Contaminants | 9.90 |
| Performance Certification | Certified for 0.82% of reduction claims |
| Filtration Rate | 2.27 GPH |
| Component Quality | Outstanding |
| Component Certification | Certified |
| Setup | Outstanding |
| Servicing Requirements | Outstanding |
| Costs | $0.55/gallon |
| Warranty Length | 2 years |
| Shipping | Free shipping |
| Returns | 30 days |
ProOne Big+: Longest Filter Life (8.56/10)
The ProOne Big+ is another stainless gravity-fed water filter, like the Alexapure Pro and the British Berkefeld. The system was slightly behind its competitors in the contaminant reduction category, but it had the highest design score because it’s the only stainless steel system we tested with a top-quality design and a materials safety certification (for the filter only). It’s also at least $50 more affordable than its competitors.
Best For
Product Specs
| Price | 229.95+ |
| Contaminants Reduced | 200+ |
| Certifications | NSF 42 (materials safety only) |
| Process | Ceramic + Carbon |
| Filter Capacity | 1,000 – 1,200 gallons |
| Annual Cost | ~$100 |
| Warranty | 5 years |
Our Take
The ProOne Big+ is one of the only other gravity filters (along with the Alexapure Pro) that can be used to filter untreated water. That means it’s another of our recommendations on this list that’s suitable for filtering water off-the-grid or in emergency situations. It also got the highest overall design score of all the stainless steel units, and did better than Alexapure in the maintenance category.
Like the Alexapure Pro, the Big+ doesn’t require a separate fluoride filter – its main filter element can reduce this contaminant. The difference here is that the filter actually did reduce 100% fluoride in our water (the same couldn’t be said for Alexapure).
Key Finding: Its filters last 1,000 to 1,200 gallons (the longest of any system here) and it removed 100% fluoride, but it reduced only 47% of total THMs.
How did the ProOne Big+ perform on treated and untreated water?
The ProOne Big+ secured a score of 8.44 for contaminant reduction.
It eliminated 100% lead, copper, fluoride, aluminum, and manganese in our testing, but its score was affected by its inability to effectively address disinfection byproducts: it reduced just 47% of total THMs and 56% chloroform.
In our untreated river water test, we were pleased with our Big+ results, which showed that the filter had eliminated all three bacteria types detected in our unfiltered water.
But there was no difference in the performance certification category: like the other stainless steel gravity filters, the Big+ isn’t certified.
This ProOne unit combined the best design features of the other two stainless steel systems: the same high-quality, durable steel design as the Alexapure Pro, and a design certification like the British Berkefeld (in this case, a materials safety certification for the filter elements themselves), awarding it the highest 10.00 score in this category.
We had an easier time setting up the system than we did with others, although not quite as easy as Alexapure. The filters didn’t need priming, but we still had to scrub them under cold water with a scouring pad. The lack of filter priming also meant the Big+ secured a good maintenance score of 8.75, although it has a higher ongoing servicing cost of $0.41/ gallon.
The ProOne Big+ is the gravity-fed filter we recommend to folks who want the most affordable stainless steel system with a high-quality design, easy setup and maintenance, and suitability for emergency preparedness situations.
| Criteria | Results |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.56 |
| Health Related Contaminants | 8.65 |
| Aesthetic Related Contaminants | 9.90 |
| Performance Certification | Not certified for any reduction claims |
| Filtration Rate | 0.77 GPH |
| Component Quality | Exceptional |
| Component Certification | Exceptional |
| Setup | Good |
| Servicing Requirements | Good |
| Costs | $0.41/gallon |
| Warranty Length | 5 years |
| Shipping | Free shipping on orders over $69.95 to the lower 48 states |
| Returns | 30 days |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best gravity water filter?
A: In our testing, the Culligan ZeroWater pitcher scored highest (9.33/10). It was the only gravity filter that removed 100% of the health-related contaminants in our water and the only one certified for every contaminant it claims to reduce. The British Berkefeld (9.08) is our top pick for a stainless steel system, and the Epic Pure Dispenser (9.05) is the best budget option.
Q: Do gravity water filters remove fluoride?
A: Some do, some do not. In our tests, the Culligan ZeroWater, Clearly Filtered pitcher, British Berkefeld Ultra Fluoride cartridges, and ProOne Big+ all reduced fluoride (the ZeroWater and Clearly Filtered by 100%). The Alexapure Pro and the British Berkefeld Ultra Sterasyl cartridges did not meaningfully reduce fluoride in our testing, so check the specific cartridge before buying.
Q: Can gravity water filters be used with untreated or river water?
A: A few can. The British Berkefeld (with Ultra Sterasyl cartridges), Alexapure Pro, and ProOne Big+ all eliminated bacteria from our untreated pond or river water in testing. Even so, we recommend disinfecting non-potable water with chlorine, iodine, boiling, or UV before or after filtration, since these systems are not a substitute for proper disinfection.
Q: Are gravity water filters as good as reverse osmosis?
A: For most drinking water contaminants a strong gravity filter comes close, but reverse osmosis still reduces a wider range of dissolved solids. The Culligan ZeroWater was the only non-RO system in our gravity testing to remove 100% of health-related contaminants, which is unusual. If your priority is portability with no plumbing and no electricity, gravity is the better fit; if you want maximum dissolved-solids removal, RO is stronger.
Q: How long do gravity water filter cartridges last?
A: It varies widely. Among the systems we tested, filter life ranged from 20 gallons (Culligan ZeroWater) to 1,000 to 1,200 gallons (ProOne Big+). Longer-life cartridges usually cost less per gallon: the British Berkefeld works out to about $0.16 per gallon, while the ZeroWater is roughly $0.90 per gallon.
Q: Do any gravity water filters have NSF certification?
A: Yes. The Culligan ZeroWater is certified to NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401, and 372, and the British Berkefeld carries NSF/ANSI 42, 53, and 401 certifications. The Clearly Filtered pitcher holds WQA certification to NSF/ANSI 42 and 53. The stainless steel systems (Alexapure Pro and ProOne Big+) are not performance certified, though the ProOne filter carries an NSF 42 materials-safety certification.