The best gravity water filter in 2024 is the ProOne Big+, due to its superior contaminant removal abilities, NSF-certified design, and long filter lifespan. Here, we’ve shared our review of the ProOne system and similar competing gravity filtration systems, many of which we have tested personally at our homes in Colorado.
Propur PROONE BIG+
Clearly Filtered Pitcher
Epic Pure Water Filter Dispenser
Most of us know by now that “clean” drinking water isn’t quite as clean as it seems. The EPA regulates more than 80 contaminants that pose a health risk – but these chemicals, metals and plastics can legally still be in our water in trace amounts.
What’s more, there are many emerging contaminants that aren’t regulated at all.
If you’re inclined towards choosing a gravity filter to treat your water, you’ve made a good decision. Gravity filters are generally easy to assemble, portable, and capable of removing hundreds of drinking water contaminants. But with so many options at your disposal, how do you choose the best gravity water filter for your situation?
That’s where this guide should help. We’ve researched, reviewed, and compared a selection of the top gravity water filter systems available today, and we’ve shared our shortlisted picks below.
Table of Contents
🥇 Best Gravity-Fed Water Filter
- Best Overall & Emergency Preparedness: ProOne BIG+
- Top Pitcher: Clearly Filtered Pitcher
- High-Performance Budget Pick: Epic Pure Water Filter Dispenser
- Runner Up Stainless: Waterdrop King Tank
- Adds Healthy Minerals: Santevia Gravity Water System
- Best for Camping: LifeStraw Peak Series Gravity Purifier
📊 Comparison Chart of Gravity Water Filters
System | ProOne BIG+ | Clearly Filtered Pitcher | Epic Pure Water Filter Dispenser | Waterdrop King Tank | Santevia Gravity Water System | LifeStraw Peak Series Gravity Purifier |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th |
Ratings | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Price | 229.95+ | $90.00 | $75.00 | $229+ | $219.99 | $189.95 |
Type | Countertop | Water Pitcher | Countertop | Countertop | Countertop | Hanging gravity |
Contaminants Removed | 200+ | 365+ | 200+ | 200+ | 95+ | Bacteria, Parasites, Microplastics |
Certifications or Testing | NSF 42, 53, P231 | NSF 42, 53, 401 & 473 | NSF 42, 53, 401 | – | NSF 42, 53, 401 | NSF P231 |
Process | Ceramic + Carbon | Mechanical + Carbon + Ion Exchange | Carbon | Carbon + Ion Exchange | Ceramic Filter + KDF + Activated Alumina + GAC + Mineral Stones | Membrane microfiltration |
Filtration Capacity | 1,000 – 1,200 gallons | 100 gallons | 150 gallons | 6,000 gallons | Ceramic: 1 year Fluoride filter: 4 months Mineral stones: 2 years | 500 gallons |
Annual Cost | ~$100 | ~$140 | ~$140 | ~$60 | ~$180 | ~$180 |
Warranty | 1 year | Lifetime | Lifetime | 1 year | 90 days | 3 years |
🏷️ The Best Gravity Water Filters in the News: The Latest Deals and Discounts
Below, we’ve shared all the latest news, discounts, and deals that we could find for the filters in this guide. We’re regularly updating this section whenever we come across anything new, so it’s a great place to find your favorite filter system at an unbeatable price.
- Free replacement filter if you recycle four filters on Epic Water Filters
- Save up to 25 percent on Lifestraw systems for a limited time
- Up to $600 off on waterdrop filters through March 24
⭐️ Best Gravity Water Filter Reviews 2024
ProOne BIG+
In our opinion, the ProOne Big+ is the best gravity water filter available today. We love this system because it has a high water holding capacity of 3 gallons and removes more than 200 contaminants, including arsenic and fluoride, without the need for add-on filters. It’s one of the few gravity filters to treat potable and non-potable water sources and has an NSF certification for component quality.
Specs
Price | 229.95+ |
Type | Countertop |
Contaminants Removed | 200+ |
Certifications or Testing | NSF 42, 53, P231 |
Process | Ceramic + Carbon |
Filtration Capacity | 1,000 – 1,200 gallons |
Annual Cost | ~$100 |
Warranty | 1 year |
Out of the box, the ProOne Big+ system came with all the components needed for a quality filtration experience upfront, including a stainless steel spigot (we’ve reviewed many similar systems that come with a plastic spigot, requiring you to pay extra for a stainless steel alternative). It’s bigger and bulkier than the gravity-fed pitchers and dispensers on this list, which is both a good and a bad thing: the high 3-gallon water holding capacity meant we didn’t have to constantly refill throughout the day, but it was too tall to fit underneath on our kitchen countertop beneath the cabinets, which meant we had fewer locations to keep the unit in.
When we got the ProOne Big+, we had the option to choose between 1, 2, or 3 included filters. You still get the same contaminant removal regardless of how many filters you choose, but the more filters you install in the system, the greater the volume of water production. We went for 2 filters for our 2-person household, but if you have a large family or use a lot of water every day, the 3-filter Big+ is a good investment. The upfront unit cost depends on your chosen finish (brushed or polished steel) and the number of filters you choose. At the time of our review, the 2-filter polished steel system cost around $290. No, the ProOne Big+ wasn’t the most budget-friendly gravity filter we’ve tested, but we still think the value is definitely there when you consider how long the filters last (generally between 9 and 18 months depending on your water usage and how many filters you use). Plus, our projected annual cost was less than $100 – cheaper than most other filters on this list.
ProOne Big+ Options | Price (Polished) | Price (Brushed) |
---|---|---|
1 G2.07 Filter Element | $229.95 | $239.95 |
2 G2.07 Filter Element | $289.95 | $299.95 |
3 G2.09 Filter Element | $369.95 | $379.95 |
Best For:
Anyone looking to invest in the very best countertop gravity filtration system with a long filter lifespan, NSF certified components, and third-party testing to NSF Standards to remove 200+ contaminants.
What We Like:
- Targets 200+ contaminants
- Can treat potable and non-potable water
- Long filter lifespan
- Removes fluoride and arsenic with no dedicated filters required
What We Don’t Like:
- Only reduced our water’s disinfection byproducts by around 50%
- Tall, bulky design takes up a lot of counter space
Stainless Steel Gravity System
We mentioned that the ProOne Big+ is a stainless steel gravity filtration unit. You’ve probably seen a few of these around, and we’ve tested a handful of them, too. The Berkey system is perhaps the most well-known in this category, but we’ve personally tested this system and we determined that the ProOne Big+ is the better of the two. Design-wise, the ProOne Big+ had a few free features that came at an extra cost with the Berkey system in our testing. These included a stand for the unit, which raised it off the surface of our counter and enabled us to hold a glass beneath the spigot without having to position the unit right on the edge, and a stainless steel spigot with a sturdier, safer design than plastic alternatives.
To quickly overview how the Big+ works: the unit consists of two stainless steel drums, one on top of the other, connected by 1-3 filters (depending on how many you purchased with your system). Once we’d assembled the unit on our countertop and inserted the filters, we added water to the top chamber and waited for it to filter into the bottom chamber. From here, we could open the stainless steel spigot to expel filtered water into our glass. Some patience is of course required – we didn’t expect instant access to water, as is the case with all gravity filters. As we mentioned earlier, the number of filters you buy affects the speed of filtered water production, and in our own testing, with two 7-inch G2.0 filters, the water filtration rate was around 0.5 gallons per hour.
Superior Contaminant Removal
The ProOne Big+ impressed us more than any other stainless steel gravity system when it came to contaminant removal. For a start, the G2.0 filters can remove arsenic and fluoride without the required investment in a separate filter, as is the case with Berkey units. Plus, the filters have been independently tested by a laboratory to NSF Standards 42, 53, P231, P401, and P473 for their ability to reduce or remove more than 200 contaminants, including chlorine, lead, emerging contaminants, disinfection byproducts, PFAS, and more. Another big performance benefit of this system for us was that it can remove microorganisms – a rare ability that most gravity filters don’t have.
We used the Big+ to filter city and river water in Steamboat Springs, CO, and our results were overwhelmingly positive. Our initial city water sample contained contaminants including lead, copper, aluminum, fluoride, and manganese, as well as disinfection byproducts and other dissolved solids. The G2.0 filters removed 100% of the first 5 contaminants, and around 50% of disinfection byproducts.
The filters also came through when it came to microbiological filtration, eliminating all bacteria in our natural water sample, including E. coli and total coliform. We’re only disappointed to see that the Big+ isn’t officially certified for its performance – it only has an official NSF certification for its component quality.
Below is an overview of how the ProOne BIG+ performed based on our 3rd party laboratory analysis.
Contaminant | Measurement | Priming Water | Test 1 Pre-Filtration | Test 1 Post-Filtration | % Reduction | Test 2 Pre-Filtration | Test 2 Post-Filtration | % Reduction |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Aluminum | PPM | ND | 0.052 | 0 | -100.00% | 0.03 | 0 | -100.00% |
Barium | PPM | 0.0265 | 0.0127 | 0.0275 | 116.54% | ND | ND | ND |
Bromodichloromethane | PPB | 0.00289 | 0 | 0.00319 | n/a | ND | ND | ND |
Calcium | PPM | 35.1 | 8.8 | 19.3 | 119.32% | ND | ND | ND |
Chloride | PPM | 14.4 | 6.9 | 8.3 | 20.29% | ND | ND | ND |
Chloroform | PPB | 0.0141 | 0.0352 | 0.0155 | -55.97% | ND | ND | ND |
Cobalt | PPM | 0.0013 | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND |
Copper | PPM | 0.0424 | 0.0434 | 0 | -100.00% | ND | ND | ND |
E. coli | CFU/100ml | ND | ND | ND | ND | 15 | 0 | -100.00% |
Enterococcus | CFU/100ml | ND | ND | ND | ND | 4 | 0 | -100.00% |
Fluoride | PPM | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0 | -100.00% | ND | ND | ND |
Iron | PPM | ND | ND | ND | ND | 0.1 | 0.02 | -80.00% |
Lead | PPM | 0.0009 | 0.0006 | 0 | -100.00% | ND | ND | ND |
Magnesium | PPM | 10.6 | 2.19 | 7.91 | 261.19% | ND | ND | ND |
Manganese | PPM | ND | 0.001 | 0 | -100.00% | 0.02 | 0 | -100.00% |
Phosphorus | PPM | ND | ND | ND | ND | 0.01 | 0.21 | 2000.00% |
Potassium | PPM | 1.91 | 0 | 1.27 | n/a | ND | ND | ND |
Sodium | PPM | 12.5 | 10.4 | 14.2 | 36.54% | ND | ND | ND |
Strontium | PPM | 0.193 | 0.062 | 0.098 | 58.06% | ND | ND | ND |
Sulfate | PPM | 24.1 | 10 | 16.9 | 69.00% | 42.29 | 27.4 | -35.21% |
Total Coliform | CFU/100ml | ND | ND | ND | ND | 75 | 0 | -100.00% |
Total THMs | PPB | 0.01699 | 0.0352 | 0.01869 | -46.90% | ND | ND | ND |
Read the full review: Proone Big Review (updated: 2024)
Clearly Filtered Pitcher
Of all the gravity-fed water pitchers we tested, the Clearly Filtered pitcher was head and shoulders above the rest. This highly capable pitcher can remove more than 360 drinking water contaminants and has WQA certifications to two NSF Standards to support its performance claims.
Specs
Price | $90.00 |
Type | Water Pitcher |
Contaminants Reduced | 365+ |
Certifications/Testing | NSF 42, 53, 401 & 473 |
Process | Mechanical + Carbon + Ion Exchange |
Filtration Capacity | 100 gallons |
Annual Cost | ~$140 |
Warranty | Lifetime |
We tested the Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher on tap water in two of our testing locations: Steamboat Springs and Fort Collins, Colorado. From our research to the actual unboxing, we noted a few obvious differences between this pitcher and the ProOne unit: it’s much smaller and intended to be more of a portable solution, with a 10-cup capacity and a handle for us to carry it to our desired location after filling, and its filter can remove about 160 more contaminants (around 360 in total). The Clearly Filtered lifespan is also lower – something we expected given that the filters are smaller. Each filter cartridge lasts up to 100 gallons, or 4 months, which is pretty good for a pitcher filter (for context, most other pitcher filters we’ve tested last 2-3 months at most). In our testing, our filter lasted 3.5 months before the flow rate slowed significantly and we needed to buy a replacement.
More on performance shortly – let’s take a moment to discuss price. At the time of our review, the upfront cost of the Clearly Filtered pitcher, including the first filter, was $90. That’s more than a third of the price of the ProOne Big+, but it’s definitely on the higher end for a pitcher filter. Filter changes are more expensive, too, at around $140. You pay more for the filter’s exceptional contaminant removal abilities, which we’ve never found another filter to replicate as effectively. We noted that Clearly Filtered offers an Autoship option, which means the filter only costs $81 upfront and you get 10% off replacement filtered (which you’ll get shipped every 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 months depending on your chosen schedule). This is a good option to consider if you’re happy to commit to using the pitcher for months and years to come.
Bundles | Price |
---|---|
Pitcher Only | $90 |
Pitcher + 3 Pack | $245 |
Pitcher + 6 Pack | $395 |
Best For:
Folks looking for a smaller, more portable gravity water filtration solution that’s WQA performance certified and tested to remove hundreds of drinking water contaminants.
What We Like:
- Removes more contaminants than any other gravity filter on this list
- Portable solution that’s ideal for on-the-go filtration
- Cheaper upfront than larger units
- Made from durable, BPA-free Tritan plastic
What We Don’t Like:
- Costlier than other gravity pitchers
- Only holds 10 cups, requires regular refills
Removes 365+ Contaminants
We know the assumption is that water filter pitchers can’t remove as many contaminants because their filters are smaller and there’s no room for multi-cartridge filtration. This isn’t helped by the fact that some of the biggest names in the pitcher industry (*cough* Brita) can only remove a handful of contaminants. But the Clearly Filtered pitcher is a prime example of just how small and mighty a water pitcher filter can be, removing more than 360 contaminants with a single multi-layer filter cartridge. We were pretty blown away by this filter’s ability to remove roughly 160 more contaminants than the ProOne countertop filtration system, which had already offered a performance that we don’t see often in our testing.
Independent test data to NSF performance standards on Clearly Filtered’s website lists all the contaminants that the pitcher has been tested to remove, including tens of different pesticides, PFAS, semi-volatile contaminants, VOCs, and more. We were the most interested in the pitcher’s listed 99.9% chloramine and chlorine removal, 99.5% lead reduction, and 99.9% PFAS removal. We taste-tested our filtered water and compared it to our tap water, and the filtered stuff had a noticeably crisper, cleaner taste, with no chlorine odor. We could still taste our water’s natural mineral content because healthy minerals were retained post-filtration – pretty impressive given the thoroughness of the filtration process. We’re planning to do a water test soon so we can see which specific contaminants are present in our water and assess the CF pitcher’s ability to remove them.
We were very pleased to learn that Clearly Filtered has recently obtained a WQA certification to NSF/ANSI Standard 42, for the reduction of aesthetic contaminants, and 53, for the reduction of PFOA/PFOS, for its pitcher filter. In our eyes, there’s nothing more reassuring than an official performance certification, rather than anonymous third-party testing that could potentially be biased or inaccurate.
Portable & Easy to Use
We found it easier to assemble the Clearly Filtered pitcher compared to the ProOne unit. There was less effort involved in the entire process, from attaching the components to priming the filters (which is fast and easy thanks to the included reusable priming bag).
Like all gravity filters, the filtration rate was slow and steady. But honestly, we would rather wait for our water to be gradually filtered and know that it’s having plenty of contact time with the filter media. An advantage of the Clearly Filtered model, at least, is that we could take it with us to another room while we waited for enough water to filter. That’s something we couldn’t do with a larger model like the ProOne unit.
Capacity-wise, the CF pitcher holds 80 ounces, or around 10 cups. So, for about every 1 refill of the larger ProOne unit, we had to fill the Clearly Filtered pitcher 5 times. We personally didn’t mind doing the refills since the pitcher is small and light enough for this to be easy – but if you have a very large family or need constant access to filtered water, any pitcher might be too small for you.
Read the full review: Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher Review
Epic Pure Water Filter Dispenser
The Epic Pure Water Filter Dispenser is our top pick for the best high-performing budget-friendly gravity water filter available today. This 1.5-gallon countertop gravity water dispenser comes in at just $75 and has been third-party tested to reduce or remove 200+ contaminants from tap water using a solid carbon block filter.
Specs
Price | $75.00 |
Type | Countertop |
Contaminants Removed | 200+ |
Certifications/Testing | NSF 42, 53, 401 & P473 |
Process | Activated Carbon |
Filtration Capacity | 150 gallons |
Annual Cost | ~$140 |
Warranty | Lifetime |
We tested the Epic Pure Dispenser on our city water in Steamboat Springs, CO. The dispenser is an alternative take on the stainless steel countertop unit: it’s rectangular rather than cylindrical, with a smaller capacity (1.5 gallons compared to the ProOne Big+ system’s 3-gallon capacity) and a shorter filter life of up to 3-4 months. The Pure Dispenser uses the same filter as Epic’s Pure Pitcher, which can remove 200+ contaminants, making it a top contender on this list as far as performance is concerned.
Cost was one of the biggest draws of this dispenser unit for us. At the time of our review, the upfront cost was just $75, or you could further knock the price down to $60 by subscribing to receive a replacement filter every 2-6 months with Epic’s Clean Water Club. Subscribing also knocks 20% off replacement filters and entitles you to free shipping, so we think it’s well worth taking advantage of if you plan to use the dispenser long-term. Out of the box, the Epic dispenser was essentially ready to go – the assembly process was more similar to that of a filter pitcher than a stainless steel gravity unit. All we had to do was assemble the two reservoirs and fit the filter, then dispense and discard the first batch of water.
Best For:
Folks who don’t want to spend a fortune on a countertop gravity water filter but still want a high-quality filter with a large water holding capacity and the ability to effectively remove hundreds of contaminants.
What We Like:
- Budget-friendly upfront & ongoing costs
- Exceptional contaminant removal for the price
- Third-party tested to NSF/ANSI Standards
- Option to save even more money with filter replacement subscription
What We Don’t Like:
- No official performance certifications
- Majority-plastic design
Removes 200+ Contaminants
We noted that the Epic Pure filters were very similar to the ProOne Big+ filters when it came to contaminant removal. We analyzed the contaminant removal datasheets for both systems to compare their performance and found that the Epic Pure filters could remove very similar levels of 200+ contaminants, including nitrate, chlorine, fluoride, VOCs, arsenic, lead, and PFAS. The ProOne G2.0 filters generally removed slightly higher concentrations of contaminants, but not by much. That was impressive to us given that the Epic Pure filters are so much smaller and have less physical room for filtration, although of course, their performance still doesn’t quite match up to the Clearly Filtered pitcher’s superior 365+ contaminant removal. We were pleased to note that Epic’s performance claims are supported by independent testing to NSF/ANSI Standards 42, 53, and 401, so we didn’t have only Epic’s word to go by.
Simple Design For Easy Use
Despite being larger and bulkier, the Epic Pure Dispenser reminded us more of a pitcher than it did of a standalone countertop unit. We enjoyed being able to test the unit in different locations because, unlike the ProOne Big+, it’s not too tall to fit underneath kitchen wall units. Our preferred place for the unit was on the middle shelf in our fridge, so we could enjoy cool filtered water whenever we wanted it. Rather than moving the whole unit for refills, we kept it in its place and refilled it with batches of tap water from a jug.
Another feature that we appreciated on the Pure Dispenser was the filter change timer, which meant we didn’t have the extra hassle of writing our own filter change reminders and remembering to buy replacement filters on time. To set the timer, we just pressed the start button for 3 seconds until “90” showed on the display. The filters need replacing after 150 gallons of filtration (ours lasted just over 3 months before the flow rate slowed significantly, so we used the filter change reminder as a guide rather than taking it as gospel). And on the subject of maintenance, the pitcher unit is dishwasher safe, though Epic recommends handwashing it in soapy water. We often struggle with what to do with our used water filters, so it was good to see that Epic offers a recycling program, where you can get a free filter for returning 4 used filters.
Read the full review: Epic Water Filters Pure Dispenser Review
Waterdrop King Tank
Our runner-up gravity filter with a stainless steel construction is the Waterdrop King Tank. This 2.25-gallon gravity filter unit uses a carbon filter and ion exchange resin to remove a host of common contaminants from drinking water.
Specs
Price | $229+ |
Type | Countertop |
Contaminants Removed | 200+ |
Certifications or Testing | – |
Process | Carbon + Ion Exchange |
Filtration Capacity | 6,000 gallons |
Annual Cost | ~$60 |
Warranty | 1 year |
The Waterdrop King Tank has the look and feel of all the other stainless steel countertop gravity water filters we’ve come across, with a cylindrical design that’s split into two chambers: the top unfiltered water chamber and the bottom filtered water chamber. We were reminded of the Berkey unit with this system since it has a very similar setup, right down to the filters it uses and the names they’re given (“black filters” versus Berkey’s “Black Berkey elements”, plus two separate fluoride filters, like Berkey). However, like the ProOne Big+, the Waterdrop King Tank has a few advantages: it’s around $100 cheaper than the Berkey system and comes with a pure copper spigot – no need to pay for an upgrade.
On the subject of price, the King Tank cost $249 when we got it to review, including the two black filters and two fluoride filters. If you don’t want or need to remove fluoride, you can pay $20 less for the unit with just two black filters. The black filters have a great lifespan of up to 6,000 gallons and the fluoride filters last up to 1,000 gallons. Waterdrop hasn’t given an estimated timeframe for what this equates to – it depends on your water quality and usage.
Waterdrop King Tank Configurations | Price |
---|---|
2 Black Filters | $229 |
2 Black Filters + 2 Fluoride Filters | $249 |
Best For:
Anyone who, for whatever reason, doesn’t like the ProOne Big+ unit and wants the next best stainless steel countertop unit for removing common contaminants from their water.
What We Like:
- Removes most common impurities
- Competitive pricing
- Smart design features
- Long filter lifespan
What We Don’t Like
- Separate filter required for fluoride removal
- No accessible performance data and no certifications
Components Included
There were a few smart design features of the Waterdrop King Tank that we particularly appreciated. The stainless steel spigot is the best we’ve tested as a free included component rather than an add-on accessory. We were able to monitor our water level with just a quick glance thanks to the red floating ball inside the spigot, so we never had to guess when a top-up was needed. We’ve had issues with leaking around the spigot in the past, but the Spigot in this case was attached to a flat section of the unit, so there was no way for the water to escape.
The only real setback of the Waterdrop King Tank’s design in our eyes was that we had to use separate filters for fluoride removal. That meant that we’d be paying more to replace the filters and have to commit to more maintenance. We already know that it’s possible to remove fluoride with just one comprehensive filter because the ProOne Big+ does just that.
Removes Fluoride, Lead, & More
The exact contaminant removal abilities of the Waterdrop King Tank are unclear: the Waterdrop website says that the system can remove 98.95% of chlorine and reduce heavy metals, sediment, and “other impurities”. We were unable to find test data to support these claims, and, as far as we can tell, although other Waterdrop systems are performance-certified by the WQA, this one isn’t. So for this system, our own at-home before-and-after water testing was essential.
We conducted this testing on tap water in Steamboat Springs, CO, which contained trace levels of aluminum, chloroform, fluoride, lead, manganese, and total THMs (disinfection byproducts). We were pleased to see that all these contaminants were 100% removed. Our water also contained trace levels of barium, chloride, copper, and sulfide, which were reduced by 7-93%. Our conclusion: Waterdrop definitely undersells the King Tank by failing to mention its ability to reduce lead, fluoride, disinfection byproducts, and more – and those are just the contaminants that were present in our water. That said, although we don’t know for certain because we don’t have official manufacturer testing, it’s looking like the unit can’t remove as many contaminants as the ProOne Big+. We also didn’t test the Waterdrop King Tank’s ability to filter natural water because the user manual explicitly says that it shouldn’t be used to filter water that’s microbiologically unsafe without adequate disinfection first – something that the ProOne Big+ can do.
Our third-party laboratory testing results for Waterdrop King Tank are outlined in the table below.
Contaminant | Measurement | Pre-Filtration | Post-Filtration | % Change |
---|---|---|---|---|
Aluminum | PPM | 0.052 | 0 | -100% |
Barium | PPM | 0.0127 | 0.0075 | -41% |
Calcium | PPM | 8.8 | 15.7 | 78% |
Chloride | PPM | 6.9 | 6.4 | -7% |
Chloroform | PPB | 0.0352 | 0 | -100% |
Copper | PPM | 0.0434 | 0.003 | -93% |
Fluoride | PPM | 0.1 | 0 | -100% |
Lead | PPM | 0.0006 | 0 | -100% |
Magnesium | PPM | 2.19 | 3.99 | 82% |
Manganese | PPM | 0.001 | 0 | -100% |
Sodium | PPM | 10.4 | 10.7 | 3% |
Strontium | PPM | 0.062 | 0.076 | 23% |
Sulfate | PPM | 10 | 7.2 | -28% |
Total THMs | PPB | 0.0352 | 0 | -100% |
Potassium | PPM | 0 | 1.1 | n/a |
Santevia Gravity Water System
If we were given the option to add an extra dose of healthy alkaline minerals to our filtered drinking water, most of us would probably say yes. So, we looked for gravity water filter systems that could do just that, and the best, most capable system available in this category was the Santevia Gravity Water System with Fluoride Removal Filter.
Specs
Price | $219.99 |
Type | Countertop |
Contaminants Removed | 95+ |
Certifications or Testing | NSF 42, 53, 401 |
Process | Ceramic Filter + KDF + Activated Alumina + GAC + Mineral Stones |
Filtration Capacity | Ceramic: 1 yr, Fluoride filter: 4 mos, Mineral stones: 2 yrs |
Annual Cost | ~$180 |
Warranty | 90 days |
We like the appearance of the Santevia Alkaline Gravity Water System – it has the classic look of a water cooler and is made of clear plastic, so we could see the water inside. Personally, we preferred this to the industrial-looking stainless steel gravity systems that are the most similar to the Santevia unit in shape and size. We were happy with the high 2.6-gallon capacity and appreciated that the unit was slightly raised, so we could fit a glass beneath the dispenser spigot at the bottom without having to hang the spigot off the side of our countertop.
Price-wise, when we got the system, it cost around $219, which is a bit cheaper than the similar stainless steel units we’d reviewed. But replacing the filters isn’t quite as easy or cost-effective as with, say, the ProOne Big+, which has just one long-lasting filter to replace. In comparison, this alkaline gravity water filter system has more maintenance requirements: the ceramic pre-filter, fluoride filter, and mineral stones all need to be replaced separately because they all have different lifespans. The pre-filter lasts up to 1 year, while the fluoride filter lasts up to 4 months and the mineral stones last up to 2 years. Santevia sells combo packs of filters to reduce the cost per filter, but even then, we estimated our annual spend to be quite high at around $180.
Best For:
Anyone looking for a gravity water filter that offers the double benefits of filtered water with an enriched mineral content.
What We Like:
- Filters and mineralizes water
- Large 2.6-gallon capacity
- Removes 90+ contaminants
What We Don’t Like:
- Separate fluoride removal filter is a hassle
- No official performance certifications
Contaminant Removal & Mineralization
There are a few different gravity water systems that promise to filter water and remineralize it at the same time. We’ve found that generally, the issue with these filters is that their actual filtration performance lets them down and their only real selling point is their mineral-enhancing abilities. So when we reviewed the Santevia Alkaline Gravity Water System, we were pleasantly surprised by the comprehensiveness of the filtration process. It combines a 0.3-micron ceramic pre-filter with a fluoride removal filter (which contains activated alumina, KDF, and granular activated carbon) as well as mineral balls and silica sand for mineralization. We examined the performance datasheet on Santevia’s website and noted that the system removes 96 contaminants by our count, including up to 99.9% chlorine, 99.0% arsenic, 99.5% fluoride, 99.9% lead, 98.4% hexavalent chromium, and 99.9% PFAS. Uniquely to any other system on this list, it also raises pH by 2.0+, giving water a more pleasant alkaline taste and providing a few extra health benefits thanks to the increased mineral content.
The system has been tested by a third party to NSF Standards 42, 53, and 401, but as far as we can tell, it has no official certifications. Here’s where we have to call Santevia out for misleading information: in the description of the filtration process, the activated alumina and GAC stages are listed as being “NSF certified”, which suggests that the filter is performance-certified when it isn’t.
LifeStraw Peak Series Gravity Purifier
If you want a reliable gravity filter that you can use to make natural water safe to drink on camping trips we think the LifeStraw Peak Series Gravity Purifier is the best filter available for this purpose. This 3-liter hanging gravity bag filter protects against bacteria and other microorganisms and lasts up to 500 gallons.
Specs
Price | $189.95 |
Type | Hanging gravity |
Contaminants Removed | Bacteria, Parasites, Microplastics |
Certifications or Testing | NSF P231 |
Process | Membrane microfiltration |
Filtration Capacity | 500 gallons |
Annual Cost | ~$180 |
Warranty | 3 years |
The LifeStraw Peak Series Gravity Purifier had some obvious differences compared to the other systems that we reviewed for this guide: it’s a portable filter system intended for hiking, camping, outdoor activities, and other emergency preparedness or survival uses, so it’s not a solid container or pitcher that sits on a countertop in your home. Instead, it’s a gravity filter that’s designed to hang from whatever is most convenient (a tree branch, your backpack strap, etc.). You fill the bag with water from a natural source, then wait for it to travel through the filter, down the tube, and into a bottle or container of your choice.
At just over $65, the LifeStraw purifier is affordably priced for the performance it offers. There’s the option to upgrade to the 8-liter bag if you want to filter bigger batches of water, and this costs around $95. You can also buy this gravity water filter with LifeStraw’s ultrafilter membrane for virus removal – we recommend this if you plan to use it to filter natural water sources in developing countries. The filter’s 500-gallon capacity is great, although we’re uncertain exactly what this equates to time-wise, especially if you’re only using it periodically on hiking or camping trips.
Best For:
Folks specifically looking for the best gravity-fed water filter for filtering natural water sources on camping, hiking, and other wilderness exploration trips.
What We Like:
- Affordable
- Durable, rugged design
- Targets microorganisms & makes water safe to drink
- Long filter life
What We Don’t Like:
- Needs to hang – can’t be placed on a surface while filtering
- No official certifications
Effectively Treats Non-Potable Water
Let’s talk performance. The LifeStraw Peak Gravity filter does one thing really well: it targets 99.999% of parasites and 99.999999% of bacteria, which means you can use it to treat natural water sources and make them safe to drink. Most folks use the filter for outdoor use rather than filtering tap water indoors, which is what we’d recommend – while the 0.2-micron filter offers reliable protection against bacteria, parasites, microplastics, and turbidity, it’s not your best solution for filtering the likes of VOCs, chlorine, lead, and other contaminants that are commonly found in city water from a faucet. According to the filter’s datasheet, it has been independently tested in LifeStraw’s own ISO certified lab to meet NSF/ANSI P231 for the reduction of bacteria and parasites. No, that’s not the same as having an official certification, and we’d prefer LifeStraw to outsource their testing to a third-party lab, but it’s better than no testing whatsoever.
Performance aside, we were generally pleased with the design of the filter bag and components out of the box, too. We’ve tested our fair share of hanging gravity filters in the past, and we noticed that many of these systems are made from thin, flimsy materials and plastics that look like they’re prone to ripping, cracking, and snapping. The LifeStraw Peak Series Gravity Purifier is the best-quality system we’ve reviewed, with a leakproof, durable bag made from “premium materials” (LifeStraw’s words – they haven’t chosen to disclose the actual material types used). We’d feel confident carrying this filter while it was filtering water without being concerned about leaks or bursts.
📚 Methodology: How We Ranked The Best Gravity Water Filters
Here’s everything we considered when choosing and ranking the best gravity water filters for this guide.
System Type
An important consideration for us was the system type, and how this could affect its performance, as well as other practical factors, like assembly and ease of use. For this guide, we mostly prioritized countertop units that (as the name suggests) sit on a flat surface, such as a kitchen countertop. We identified a few different countertop gravity water filtration systems available:
- Water filter pitchers
- Gravity water dispensers
- Stainless steel countertop water filter units
We also identified the types of gravity water filtration systems that were better suited to portability, such as the hanging portable gravity water filter bag. We featured our top pick in this category to provide a solution for folks specifically looking to filter natural water sources while camping or hiking.
Filter media & lifespan
Filter media and lifespan was another factor we considered carefully when selecting and ranking the gravity water filters in this list. We noted that the majority of gravity filters have a lifespan of roughly 4 to 12 months, although in all cases, the exact filter lifespan depended on two factors: the user’s water usage and the quality of the water being filtered. As for filter materials, the most common ones we encountered in our research and testing were activated carbon, coconut shell carbon, ceramic filter media, KDF, and ion exchange resin. Many of the best gravity water filters we tested used multiple filtration media to provide a more thorough water treatment process.
Our goal wasn’t to find the longest-lasting gravity filter system, but we knew that filter lifespan is tied with value for money, so we looked for systems with filters that had at least an average or longer-than-average lifespan within their category.
Contaminants removed
Contaminant removal was the most essential consideration for us when testing and ranking our shortlisted gravity water filters. Based on our own experience with these systems, we found that most gravity water filters remove chlorine from water at the bare minimum.
The very best, most capable systems could remove hundreds of contaminants, including bacteria, heavy metals, PFAS, fluoride, chromium, and chemicals like pesticides and herbicides. Some gravity water filters we tested could even mineralize water, and we made sure to share our review of the best filter in this category for folks looking for filtered, mineral-rich water.
Flow rate
Going into our testing, we knew that gravity water filters have a slower flow rate than other types of water filters by nature. Because they don’t have any pressure from a plumbing system pushing the water along, it takes them longer to filter water for drinking.
With that in mind, finding a system with the fastest flow rate wasn’t a priority for us while ranking the top gravity water filter systems, but it was still important to us that filtered water was produced within a reasonable timeframe. Our results varied for the different filters we reviewed, but if we noticed the flow rate was exceptionally slow and couldn’t be fixed with troubleshooting, this was a dealbreaker for us.
Portability
We also knew before our testing that gravity water filters are more portable than other filter types because they’re free-standing and don’t need a flowing water supply or electricity connection to work. That said, we identified that not all gravity filters are equal when it comes to portability. We used portability as a ranking factor to help us determine the best gravity water filters for different situations.
Unsurprisingly, we found that hanging gravity filters were the most portable option due to their small and compact designs. With these filters, when they were empty and not in use, we could simply fold them up and stash them away. Most of the countertop gravity filters we tested were still portable, but not to the level of a hanging filter. We could take our top-pick systems apart and sometimes even slot the components inside one another to save space, but we still needed a substantial amount of room to store and carry them. This was especially the case for the larger cylindrical countertop systems we tested.
👨🔧 See Also: Our Top Choices for Best Portable Water Filter in 2024
Storage Capacity
In our research, we didn’t identify a specific storage capacity as being best for a gravity water filtration system. Instead, we wanted to test and review different-sized systems with different capacities, which would suit a variety of situations.
We generally found that the average storage capacity across the board for a gravity-fed water filter was 0.5-3 gallons. Smaller-capacity filters, including hanging gravity filters and water pitcher filters, had the convenience of being more portable but required more frequent refills, while larger-capacity filters, such as dispensers and stainless steel countertop units, could hold more water but were less portable due to their larger size.
Brand Reputation & Customer Feedback
The majority of our ranking decisions were made based on our own research, and, ideally, experience with the filters we were reviewing. But we still considered customer feedback and brand reputation for the following reasons:
- They helped us decide whether a gravity water filter was even worth reviewing in the first place.
- We knew that our own individual experience could be biased by several factors, and we wanted to be certain that we weren’t ignoring important feedback from other customers.
During our research, we read hundreds of customer reviews to help us understand the general customer experience with each gravity water filter we’d selected to review. From here, we were able to more easily narrow down our choices and eliminate the gravity-fed filters with particularly poor feedback.
Chamber Material
Chamber material was the final important consideration we made when choosing the gravity water filters for this guide. Why? Because gravity filters hold water in their units before and after filtering, and we knew the importance of finding systems that used materials that were both durable and safe for the purpose.
We identified that one common chamber material for a countertop water filter is stainless steel. This material prevents rusting and helps keep water fresh for longer. Plastic was the other most common material, likely favored for being cheap and clear, giving the extra benefit of being able to see the water level at a glance. Hanging gravity water filters are generally made out of plastic and silicone.
We knew that different people would favor different materials, but there was one thing we made certain of regardless: the chamber materials had evidence of being food-grade and BPA-free, especially when plastic was involved.
❔ FAQ
Which is the best gravity water filter?
The best gravity water filter for you depends on the type of filter you’re looking for, the contaminants you want to remove, and the budget you have to spend. Generally, we recommend the Clearly Filtered Pitcher as the best, most capable gravity water pitcher, and we recommend the ProOne Big+ Countertop Water Filter as the most capable stainless steel countertop gravity system.
Are gravity water filters any good?
Yes – based on our own testing experience, some gravity water filters are excellent, performance-wise. We’ve tested gravity filters that can remove 200 or even 300+ contaminants from water, with third-party performance testing or official certifications to prove it.
Do gravity-fed water filters work?
Yes, gravity-fed water filters work. That said, it’s important to invest in a system that has been proven to work, because not all gravity filters are equal when it comes to performance quality and capabilities. Whether or not a gravity filter works for you also depends on what you want to remove. For instance, not all gravity filters work to reduce microorganisms because these are small enough to pass through the average filter’s pores.
Are gravity-fed water filters worth it?
Yes, we think gravity-fed water filters are worth it for anyone who wants an affordable, convenient solution for filtering water at home or on the move. They tend to be easier to install than inline systems and can remove tens or even hundreds of contaminants, making them a worthy investment for most folks. They might not be worth it for people specifically looking for an on-demand water filtration solution or anyone who wants to filter their whole home’s water supply.
🤓 About Our Experts
This guide was written by Brian, WaterFilterGuru.com’s founder and leading water expert, as well as Jennifer Byrd, one of our resident water treatment specialists. You can learn more about Brian and Jennifer in the author bios below.