Gravity filters are getting more popular day by day because of the way they operate. You can even use gravity filters while you are traveling. Just pour in the water, and the filters will do their work and get you filtered water. Maybe you are wondering if the gravity filters really work. Let us tell you that they do work, and after extensive research, we have prepared a list of the best gravity water filters you can choose from.
| Berkey BK4X2-BB (Best Overall)
 
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| Platypus GravityWorks (Best for Camping)
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| Waterdrop FSBUL-1 (Cheapest)
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| SimPure Portable
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| ProOne G2
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| Doulton W9361122
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| Santevia s101
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Table of Contents
Best Gravity Water Filter Reviews
1. Berkey BK4X2-BB Gravity-fed Water Filter
If we were preparing a list of the best gravity water filters, how can we miss one of the top brands in the market? The Big Berkey gravity-fed water filter can provide 2.25 gallons of filtered water in one go, which is suitable for a family of 1 to 4 members.
The powerful filtration system removes up to 99.99% of the viruses and bacteria from the water. The filter also removes lead, mercury, and many other pharmaceuticals chemicals.
After every 6000 gallons of water filtered, you will need to replace the filter cartridges of the system. You save a good deal of money on bottled water by getting this filter.
The installation part of this system is quite easy as well. You won’t be needing any electricity or water lines to get this filter to function. The stainless steel system will last quite long. You will only need to change the filter cartridges and wash the system once in a while.
The Big Berkey is lab tested by any third parties to remove the contaminants and chemicals from the water.
The Berkey filters last up to 2-3 years before needing the filter replacement. The providers offer 6 months warranty on any manufacturing defects, and the purification element has two prorated warranties at the intervals of every six months. These are some of the most eco-friendly systems that you can choose for your home.
What we like
- Easiest to install
- Stainless steel system that lasts long
- Excellent filtration system
- High capacity for filtration
- Removes 99.99% of the contaminants
- Filters have the capacity to filter 6000 gallons of water before needing replacement
What we don’t like
- No NSF certification
- A bit pricey
2. ProOne G2 Stainless Countertop Gravity Water Filter System
You might know this filter system as a Propur gravity water filter system, and the name of this filter system has been changed just recently, in January 2021. The functioning of this gravity filter system is easy; you just have to pour the water into the upper container of the system, and the water will filter through the lower chamber. The system is made out of stainless steel and will last for a really long time.
The ProOne gravity water filter system removes pesticides, viruses, bacteria, heavy metals as well as chlorine from the water.
Some lab testing even proved that the filter removes 100% of the lead from the water making it one of the filters you can get if you want to remove lead from the water. You even get a 6-inch stand that makes the water dispensing a lot easier.
The water filter system does not even require any kind of time-consuming installation. It has the capacity to filter 2.25 gallons and can be perfectly suitable for a family that has up to 4 members.
You will not require electricity or a waterline to use this system. When it comes to the filter cartridge of the system, you will have to replace it every 6 months if you are using the filter on a daily basis.
To ensure that the water you get out of your system is purified, you will have to maintain the system by cleaning every few weeks. The washing of the system will ensure that there are no bacterias or germs on the upper chamber of the system that can reduce the life of the filter.
What we like
- Easy to install and use
- Comes with 6 inches stand
- Removes contaminants as well as chlorine
- Long-lasting 304 stainless steel body
- Better tasting water
- The filters are NSF/ANSI 42 certified
What we don’t like
- Have to clean it manually
- Excess use might cause the need for early filter cartridge replacement
3. Doulton W9361122 Stainless Steel Gravity Filter System
We have another stainless steel gravity filter on our list because of its excellent performance and easy-to-maintain quality. How can we forget the oldest brand that is Doulton’s W9361122, if we are listing the best gravity filters? The filter’s capacity for filtration is 2.25 gallons.
The filters in the system are ceramic filters, and you can add up to 4 filter cartridges in the system. The one filter cartridge that comes with the system has 3 stages in one filter. The filter removes contaminants like bacterias and pesticides from the water.
The unique part of the filter is that it contains silver preventing bacterial growth in the system. Apart from that, the system is really efficient in removing any cyst, bad taste, or odor from the water.
Installation and the function of the water filter are extremely easy, you have to just pour the water into the top container that has the filters, and the water finds its way through the filters into the lower chamber.
The water that is collected in the lower chamber is filtered. At the base of the lower chamber, there is one elegant tap you can dispense your water from. The best part of the system is that it filters 2.25 gallons of water in just 10 minutes.
There’s no electricity or working waterline at home or your holiday home? No worries because the Doulton stainless steel gravity filters don’t need it to filter the water.
What we like
- Easy to install and use
- Long-lasting
- Filters 2.25 gallons in 10 minutes
- 3 stages filtration in 1 filter cartridge
- Removes particles that are larger than 0.9 microns
- Filter contains silver that stops bacterial growth
What we don’t like
- Flow rate is low
- The faucet is made from plastic
4. Waterdrop FSBUL-1 Personal Water Filter Straw With Gravity Bag
In our list of top gravity filters, waterdrop presents a perfect travel buddy for you. You do not have to worry about running out of water on your long tracking trip.
Waterdrop’s personal water filter straw that comes with a gravity bag will let you filter the highly contaminated water from any ponds or rivers. Do not be skeptical because of the filter’s size, and the filter cartridge can filter 1,00,000 gallons of water.
High graded carbon activated block in the filter also removes any bad taste or odor from the water while removing 99% of the contaminants.
The package includes a filter, a blue gravity bag, a small white bag, and a filter straw. Using the filter is really easy. You can directly connect the filter to your bottle, or you can fill up your large bag and let the gravity do its work.
The filters give you purified water instantly, and you do not have to wait any more than a few seconds to get perfectly filtered water. The filter removes all the contaminants that are larger than 0.1 microns.
If you are worried about filtered water quality, rest easy because the system meets the quality standards given by the EPA. Maintenance of the system is also very easy, and it just requires timely backwashing of the straw. You can just blow through the straw, or you can shake the straw frequently to get all the water out from the straw.
What we like
- Easy to carry and use
- Quickly filtered water
- Filters 99% of the contaminants
- Matches standard with EPA
- Extremely cost-efficient
- Better tasting water
- Removes hazardous bacterias and germs
What we don’t like
- No NSF certification
- Cannot be back-washed with soaps and chemicals
5. SimPure Portable Gravity Water Purification System
We have yet another portable water purification filter system that you can use while traveling or on trekking. There are multiple ways you can use this portable gravity filter.
The filter can be directly connected to your water bottle, or you can fill up the bag that comes with the purchase. If you are adventurous, you can sip from the filter’s straw from direct the river or the water flow. The filter is supposed to last for 3.5 years or approximately 1320 gallons of water filtered.
The filter removes 99.99% of contaminants from the water, and these contaminants include chlorine, metals like lead, and fluoride. The whole filtration system is tested and certified by the FDA.
All the plastic in the system is BPA-free making it safe for you to use. The filtration process includes a 0.1-micron hollow ultrafiltration membrane, an activated carbon block, and a PP cotton membrane.
The system also removes any foul taste or smell from the water. The storage capacity for storage is 3 liters of water at one time.
We think it is safe to say that the SimPure gravity water filters are one of the best choices for filtering out the water from rivers and ponds. You can carry it really easily and can use it in a time of emergency.
The filtration system is designed in such a way to give you purified water almost instantaneously.
What we like
- Easy to use and carry
- Lasts up to 3.5 years
- Removes any bad taste and smell
- Removes 99.99% of the contaminants from the water
- FDA certified
- BPA-free material
- Instantly filtered water
- 1-year warranty
What we don’t like
- Lower lifespan
- No NSF certification
6. Santevia s101 Gravity Water Filter System
With its clear BPA-free plastic model and ability to remove 99% of the contaminants from the water, Santevia’s gravity water filter system makes its way on our list. An interesting part of this countertop filter is that you can see through the filtration process.
The filtration works in 8 stages of purification. The filters are; ceramic pre-filter that remove sediments and bacteria, Granular activated coconut carbon filter that removes chlorine, pesticides and chemicals, Volcanic minerals Zeolite, Mineral stones that remineralize the water, pH mineral balls, Mineral stone immersion to release ionized minerals, and a Magnetic Energy breaks the water molecule to get you perfect water.
Installing the filter is very easy and takes up very little time. You will have to wash the mineral stones before you install them in the filter.
It is also advised to wash out your filters in the flowing water to activate them. It is instructed to fill up a filter and flush it twice before you start using it. This filter gives you perfectly purified water with added minerals that are good for your health. The specific mineral that the filter adds to the water is alkaline.
Even though there have been certain complaints about the functionality of the filter system, it still holds a high value in the market because of its exceptional customer support. In addition to all that, the filter system looks elegant on your countertop.
What we like
- Easy to use
- Excellent design
- Better tasting water
- Amazing customer service
- 8 stages of purification
- BPA-free plastic
- Remineralizes the water
- No electricity or waterline needed
What we don’t like
- There have been some complaints about leaks
- The filter change process is a little hard
7. Platypus GravityWorks High-Capacity Water Filter System
A gravity filter that purifies highly contaminated water in just a few minutes in an emergency or while you are camping. The Platypus gravity water filter system can filter pond’s or river’s water when you are camping. Now, with filters like this, you do not have to worry about running out of drinkable water.
The whole system includes a dirty water bag and a clean water bag. The bags for storage come in different capacities and can filter up to 4 liters at one go. The filters are really efficient in the process of filtration and remove 99% of the bacteria and protozoa.
The filter gives a flow of 1.75 liters per minute, making it perfect for even a small group of campers. You can use this water filter system without any fuss. Just pour the water into the dirty bag, connect the filter to the dirty bag, and to the clean water bag. When all of this is set, you just have to let gravity do its work.
The capacity of the filter system is 1500 gallons of water purified. It turns extremely cloudy water into crystal clear water that is healthy enough for you to drink.
The whole system is created to meet the standards given by NSF. Overall we are impressed by the large capacity, fast filtration, and quality of the water filtered.
What we like
- Easy to use
- Removes 99% of the bacteria and protozoa
- Available in different capacities
- A good water flow
- Meets NSF standards
- Large capacity for filtration
- Easy to carry
- Removes any bad taste or smell
- Makes the water crystal clear
What we don’t like
- No carbon filter
- Large capacity bags are heavy to carry
How does a Gravity filter work?
Based on the type of filter you are using, the feature and the function will depend on that. There are basically two types of gravity filters you opt for based on your needs: the countertop gravity filter and hanging filters. The countertop filters are ideal to be used in houses, and the hangings are to be used on camps, treks, etc.
Basically, you have to pour the water into one of the chambers of the system, and the water will pass through the filter that will remove the contaminants from the water. Later on, the filtered water will be collected into the lower chamber. The best thing about Gravity filters is that you do not need to connect the system to the electricity or waterline for it to function. It simply works only on Gravity. You will only need to replace the filter when the life of the filter ends. Although, you might need to check the contaminants in your water before you get the gravity filter system that is perfectly suitable for the quality of the water.
Types of Gravity filter
There are basically two types of gravity water filters you can use based on your needs. Let us tell you a little bit more about that.
Countertop Gravity filter
If you have a small number of members in your family, you can get this type of filter. You will not need any kind of waterline or electricity for it to operate. Basically, countertop gravity filters have 2 chambers; the upper chambers have filter cartridges that remove the contaminants from the water and send the water slowly to the lower chamber of the system. You can pour yourself a perfect filtered glass of water just by opening up a tap given in the filter. You can choose a perfect countertop gravity filter after getting the water you want to use in the system tested for the contaminants it holds.
Hanging Gravity filter
Hanging gravity filters are mostly used for traveling purposes. Especially if you are traveling to places where you might not have access to clean and pure water. To use this filter, all you have to do is fill up the dirty water bag with any kind of pond, river, or waterfall water, no matter how highly contaminated it is. There will be tubes the water will pass through to reach the filter. Then the water will get collected in the purified water bag. There are filters you can use directly to sip from the flowing water. You just have to make sure that this type of filter is made from BPA-free, food-grade material.
What to consider when purchasing a gravity water filter?
Before you make your choice on which gravity filter to purchase, it is necessary to look out for a few things. Almost all the system providers suggest you get a water report done for the water you will put in the system to be filtered.
We have prepared a list of features and quality points you have to look out for before purchasing a gravity water filter,
1. Size
Make sure that whatever filter system you purchase meets the need for your water consumption. There are some systems that have the storage tank larger than the dirty water tank. If you have a need for more water, you can always choose a larger filter system to match your needs.
2. Filtering efficiency
Not all systems have the same filtering capacity. Some filters cost more than the others and still don’t provide the same filtering efficiency as other budget-friendly systems. The performance of the filter can also depend on the water quality and the contaminants in it. Before you decide on one filter system, make sure that you compare all the possible choices that you can get for a cost-efficient filter.
3.Water flow
Now, if you want to get purified water, we are pretty sure you will want a filter that fills up your glass without making you wait. So when you choose a gravity water filter for your home, also look out for the water flow of the filtered water the system provides. The gravity filters do not have any flow pump in them, so the only way they work is by gravity. So a basic gravity filter system filters up to 4 to 7 gallons of water in 7 hours.
4. Filter life
The filter system that has a filter cartridge needs to be replaced after a certain period of time. All the cartridges have a lifespan that is predefined, whether in terms of the gallons of water filtered or period of time. You might see that some filters cost more than others. The reason for this price difference can be the longevity of the filter. If you want to avoid changing your filters in a short period of time, you can choose a system that has a longer lifespan when it comes to the filter change.
5. The capacity of the storage
Different filter systems have different storage capacities. Usually, gravity filters have the capacity of something between 2-6 gallons. You can get a filter system that meets your requirement perfectly.
6. Cost of the system
This part of the lookout can totally depend on you. You might already have a defined budget to get a gravity water filter. If you do not have any worries about any predefined budget, you can make a list of features you want in the system and choose one that matches your requirement.
7. Certification
The water filters that meet the standards or are certified by NSF/ANSI are said to be the best of the filter systems. The reason that these certifications matter is because it means that the NSF/ANSI has set certain standards for the filter system to be perfectly safe for use in every way. There are other certifications you can look for too before you purchase the system.
8. Portability
If you want to use a filter that you can use while traveling, or you can get a hanging gravity filter. You will have to decide for what purpose you need a gravity filter. Is it to be used at home or to be carried for travel. Based on that, you can choose an ideal gravity water filter.
The water filters are operated because of the gravity, which makes it portable anyway. You just have to choose the preferable one for you.
Installation and maintenance
Installation of the gravity filters is very easy. The main purpose of this filter is to deliver you purified water. There are basically two types of gravity filter systems available in the market as we know.
Let’s see how to install and maintain both of these filters.
1. Countertop gravity water filters– Installation of this kind of system is really easy. Countertop gravity water filters are made of three components in total; upper and lower chambers and filter cartridges. You will have to connect all of these parts like the instructional manual you get with the system suggests. Most of the countertop gravity filter systems do not need to be connected to the electricity or the waterline. Hence, you will have to pour the water into the upper chamber of the system and wait for it to filter through the lower chamber. Before you start filtering the water, you will have to wash the filter cartridges under running water in the process of installation.
2. Hanging gravity water filters– Hanging gravity filters are one of the fastest working filter systems you can get when you want filtered water while camping or trekking. For installation or rather the usage in this matter, you will have to connect the components of the systems. You will have to connect the dirty water bag with the straws that also connect with a filter, and you will also receive a bag that can be used to get the purified water. Connect all of these parts, and pour the water, no matter how impure or contaminated, into the dirty water bag. Hang the dirty water bag at a certain height and put the cleaned water bag at a low level. The gravity will do its work and slowly pour the lower bag with the filtered water
When it comes to maintenance of the gravity water filters, they are really low maintenance or no maintenance at all. Here are all the guidelines you will need for the maintenance of the filter system
- You will have to wash the gravity filters every few days to make sure that there is no germs or bacteria production on the system.
- You will have to change the filter cartridges when they reach their deadline. If you keep using the filters after they reach their limit, there are chances you will be consuming highly contaminated water.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Does the gravity water filter actually work?
Ans. Yes, the gravity filters work perfectly and remove 99% of contaminants from the water, depending on the system you choose.
Q. Are there any disadvantages of using gravity water filters?
Ans. The main two disadvantages the gravity water filters have are that they need to be cleaned every few days, and the largest gravity water filters can store only up to 6 gallons of water.
Q. How much the gravity filter costs?
Ans. If you want to get a countertop gravity water filter, that will cost you something between $100 to $400, and if you want a portable, traveling gravity water filter, you can get it up to the cost of $50. There are some portable gravity water filters you might get for less amount than that.
Q. How often should I clean my countertop gravity filters?
Ans. When it comes to cleaning the countertop gravity filters, you can clean them every 2-3 months.
Q. How do I know when to change the filter of the system?
Ans. There is no meter that you can use to keep track of the filters. Although there are two ways, you can know that it is time to change the filters. One, your filtering process will become faster than usual because filter cartridges will stop working after their deadline. Two, you will notice a change in the taste of the water.
I like #4, Works well and faster than a Sawyer in my experience. Easy back-flush – just blow the straw. Very pleased.
After a while of using the filter still works very well, I will buy one for my parents because they love it so much. They say my water tastes better than usual.