Do you want to make sure that you’re prepared if you want to get away or take an extended camping trip? Do you agree with us when we say that one of the most important things to have with you is drinkable and clean water? However, you know that it’s not available everywhere so having the best gravity water filter can be your best solution, right?
With the proper water filtration system, you and your family can go anywhere you desire and always have clean filtered water to drink.
Many water filtration systems take a lot of effort, or cost obscene amounts of money, but gravity water filtration systems have managed to bridge the gap between price and usability for campers everywhere.
The problem is that finding the right gravity water filtration system isn’t easy if you’ve never owned one, and that is why we decided to help you out in your quest.
In this article, we will help you choose the best model for you. First, we will take a look at the features to look at before buying one.
Then, we will provide a list of the top gravity water filters to choose from, and give a detailed overview of each one. That way, by the end of the article, you will already know which one to buy.
Note: We get commissions for purchases made through links in this article
| Product Name | Weight (Pounds) | Size (Inches) | Tank Size (Gallons) | Specific Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doulton W9361122 | 5.5 | 10 x 10 x 14 | 2.2 | Stainless steel tank, double filtration, lightweight & small | Check price on Amazon |
| British Berkefeld | 7.3 | 8.5 x 8.5 x 19.2 | 2.1 | Stainless steel tank, quad filtration, self-sterilizing & re-cleanable filters, filters up to 30 gallons of water a day | Check price on Amazon |
| Big Berkey BK4X2 | 9 | 8.5 x 8.5 x 19.2 | 2.25 | Stainless steel tank, 2 black Berkey filters & 2 fluoride filters combine for a quad filtration system | Check price on Amazon |
| ProPur Big With 2 ProOne-G 2.0 | 1 | 10 x 10 x 12 | 2.75 | Provides enough water for 2 to 4 people, dual filter (can hold up to 3) | Check price on Amazon |
| AquaRain 404 | 10 | 10 x 10 x 22 | 3 | Stainless steel tank lasts for 1,000 of gallons, quad filters | Check price on Amazon |
| Zen Water Systems 6-Gallon | 6.5 | 12.5 x 12.5 x 22 | 4, 6, or 8 | 5 mineral filtration system, low-cost | Check price on Amazon |
Best Products on Today’s Market
The following list has the best gravity water filters in the market. Each model is different, despite all having the function of filtering the water. Take a close look at the descriptions, features and pros and cons. That way you will have a good idea of what is the model you want to buy.
Doulton W9361122 Gravity Water Filter System
Weight: 5.5 lb
Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 14 in
Tank size: 2.2 gals
Specific features: Stainless steel tank, double filtration, lightweight and small
Best use: Everyday use, events
Description: The Doulton W9361122 Gravity Water Filter System is the most lightweight of all of the filtration systems on this list and is also the smallest dimensions.
The sleek design of the stainless steel gives the Doulton an excellent look that can fit everywhere from your counter to a log in the middle of the Adirondack. The Doulton comes standard with two ceramic filters that will remove almost all impurities from any source. It’s pretty easy to set up and use, you just need to follow the instructions that come with the product.
While the tank only holds 2.2 gallons, the small size and overall portability of this filtration system more than makes up for the smaller tank size. If you are looking for a lightweight, water filtration system that can be taken with you on long camping trips, or kept for emergency situations, this is the gravity water filter for you.
PROS:
- Easy to clean
- Not hard to carry it anywhere
- Durable
CONS:
- Doesn’t give the greatest taste
Related: The Stainless Works Replacement Spigot is a different type of spigot that goes very well with this gravity water filter. We recommend buying it in case you don’t like the original, or you ever need a replacement.
British Berkefeld Gravity Water Filter
Weight: 7.3 lb
Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 19.2 in
Tank size: 2.1 gals
Specific features: Stainless steel tank, quad filtration, self-sterilizing and re-cleanable filters, filters up to 30 gallons of water a day
Best use: Everyday use, camping trips
Description: The British Berkefeld Gravity Water Filter is a monster of a portable gravity water filter. With 4 filters working inside of the tank, the British Berkefeld is a total powerhouse when it comes to filtering large amounts of water.
The Berkefeld can filter up to 30 gallons of water per day and is ideal in situations with a large number of people. A human needs to have at least a half a gallon of water a day, and that is the minimum.
If you are hiking, hunting, fishing, or performing normal camping duties, you will find yourself drinking even more water than that. It is ideal for large camping trips or long extended stays at sites. The tank can hold a maximum of 2.25 gallons of water at a time. This gravity water filter is also quite good for larger rural families who are looking for a more pure form of water.
A big advantage with the Berkefeld is the cleanable filters. Instead of needing to replace filters constantly, the consumer can rinse out and gently scrub the filters for a practically new filter. This will save you so much money in the long run, the savings on filters will pay for the Berkefeld by themselves.
PROS:
- You can clean the filters instead of changing them
- Easy to carry around
CONS:
- Durability can be a concern after a year of use
Related: The Berkey Glass Level Spigot can be a good addition to the water filter. It is a longer spigot, which makes it easier to pour the water.
Big Berkey BK4X2 Water Filter System
Weight: 9 lb
Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 19.2 in
Tank size: 2.25 gals
Specific features: Stainless steel tank, 2 black Berkey filters and 2 fluoride filters combine for a quad filtration system, 2.25-gallon tank, filters last up to 6,000 hours of filtration
Best use: Everyday use, organized camping trips
Description: When it comes to the purest water filtration, no other Gravity Filter system can claim the purity that a Big Berkey BK4X2 Water Filter System can give you. The Big Berkey comes with four filters, two traditional ceramic filters, and two specially designed PF2 Fluoride filters.
The Big Berkey has the capability of making any water source drinkable, and has been proven to remove viruses, chemical compounds, and even passes the test for removing arsenic, uranium and other life-threatening elements. Because of the impurity removal system, the Big Berkey is ideal for campers that will be traveling in areas without much fresh water and for emergency preparedness.
If you are wanting to make sure that you and your family have drinkable water no matter what happens in the world around you, no other gravity water filter could do the amazing job that the Big Berkey does. For anyone looking to get the best in pure water, we believe that there’s no better than the Big Berkey BK4X2.
PROS:
- Big tank
- Filtrates for 6,000 hours
- Excellent durability
CONS:
- Heavy
- Expensive
Related: The Black Berkey Replacement Filters are always a good fit with this particular water filter. Make sure to always have a spare filter in case the original stops working.
ProPur Big + 2 ProOne-G 2.0 Water Filter
Weight: 1 lb
Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 12 in
Tank size: 2.75 gals
Specific features: Provides enough water for 2 to 4 people, dual filter (can hold up to 3).
Best use: Everyday use, camping, traveling.
Description: The ProPur Big With 2 ProOne-G 2.0 Water Filter is one of the best water filters on the market for anyone looking to get themselves a state of the art water filter that can hold up against any elements. The tough, high polish stainless steel tank provides ample protection from the elements outside.
On top of the rugged exterior, the Propur Big provides you with up to 3 filters into a tank that can hold up to 2.75 gallons of fresh and clean water. If you are a heavy outdoorsman that enjoys their time in the more rugged elements, this is the perfect gravity water filter for you.
For those of you that are looking for a perfect gravity water filter for emergency situations, there is no better than the Propur Big. Word of caution though, be prepared to spend a bit of money on this system, but it is without a doubt worth it for this powerhouse of a gravity filter.
PROS:
- Portability is excellent
- It is not heavy
- Excellent durability
CONS:
- Expensive
- Spigot can give some problems with leaking
Related: The ProPur Sight Glass Spigot is a good add-on to this water filter. Since the original spigot might give some trouble, having a spare one is always a great idea.
AquaRain 404 Gravity Water Filter
Weight: 10 lb
Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 22 in
Tank size: 3 gals
Specific features: 3-gallon stainless steel tank lasts for 1,000 of gallons, quad filters
Best use: Everyday use
Description: The AquaRain 404 Gravity Water Filter is considered to be one of the best gravity water filters on the market today, and the price tag will reflect this. While the high price tag may be a turn off for some people, there are few gravity filters on the market that can even compare the Aqua Rains power and filtration system (Big Berkey being one of the only models).
The Aqua Rain features four filters that can be taken out and washed or scrubbed. So while the price tag may be high, but the washable filters will help to cut the costs over the filter’s lifetime.
The Aqua Rain will find its home with anyone who is looking for a top of the line gravity water filter, the lightweight and high-quality stainless steel tank will make sure that this filter lasts you for a long long time. This filter is ideal for camping, long hunting trips, or just for keeping in your home to give yourself a high quality of purified water from home.
PROS:
- Durability of materials is excellent
- Lasts 1,000 liters
CONS:
- A bit heavy to carry around
- Expensive
Related: The Berkey Water Filter Stand is a good item to buy alongside this or other water filters. It will allow you to place the filter away from the ground and to a better height.
Zen Water Systems 6-Gallon Water Filter
Weight: 6.5 lb
Dimensions: 12.5 x 12.5 x 22 in
Tank size: 4, 6, or 8 gals
Specific features: 4, 6 and 8-gallon options available, 5 mineral filtration system, low cost
Best use: Organized camping trips, everyday use
Description: The Zen Water Systems 6-Gallon Water Filter is one of the most interesting gravity water filters on this list, and the low price tag makes this product extremely attractive for families looking for a cheap home water purification solution.
The Zen Water System uses a patented 5 mineral filtration system that alkalizes and mineralizes the water by the time it gets into your glass. There have been multiple scientific studies that show alkaline infused water has many health benefits including reducing acid reflux and helping to neutralize acids in your bloodstream, which can lead to higher energy due to increased oxygen in your blood.
On top of alkalizing the water, the added minerals help to reinforce you with extra vitamins and minerals that are often missing from the standard filtered water. The Zen Water system’s five levels of mineral filtration are Granulated Activated Carbon, Ionic Exchange Resin, Far Infrared Ceramic, Silica Sand, and mineral stones.
The Zen Water system is the ideal system for families looking for a clean water system that will help to improve their daily life. While the filtration may not be as fine as the other gravity filters on this list, the added health benefits can provide your family with a great service, especially at such a low price tag.
PROS:
- 5 Mineral filtration systems
- Not very heavy
- It alkalinizes water
CONS:
- Not easy to transport
- Spigot is not durable and easily breakable
Related: The Ceramic Dome Replacement Filter by Zen is a good idea to buy with the water filter. It will make sure that if it breaks or stops working, you have a replacement ready.
Things To Consider Before Buying
When it comes to searching for the gravity water filter for you, there are a few features you should keep an eye out for. It is not as simple as you think, features such as weight or size can actually determine if the gravity water filter is more suitable for an everyday use in a home, or if you can take it with you. Pay close attention so that way you will know exactly what to look for before buying one.
Size
Gravity water filters come in many different sizes, and can range from a lightweight 5 lb to more substantial 10 – 15 lb. If you plan on leaving the water filter on your counter, then the size will not be a very big issue for you, but if you plan on camping or taking the system on long trips, you should consider how large you want the product to be.
The best way to do this is to figure out your typical camping setup and determine how much room you can afford in your standard gear. Also, keep in mind the number of people going with you, or the number of days. Based on how many people there will be, a bigger or smaller sized filter is better.
Tank Size
Typically, most gravity filter tanks will be over 2 gallons, but there are smaller ones that you can find as well. If you need to store a large amount of water at a time or are trying to provide water for multiple people you need to take into account just how much water the gravity filter can hold. You don’t want to have a tiny tank.
On the other hand, there is no point in hauling a huge water tank if it’s just you on the trip. Therefore, if you are a solo traveler, opt for the small tank sizes that will serve your purposes quite nicely.
Filtration Time
Another feature that you should take into account is just how fast the water can filter through the system. Depending on the type of filter the system is using, the filtration times can be drastically different.
The truth is that the less time is usually more convenient, but if you are only using it at home, it is not as relevant. However, keep in mind that the slower the water comes out, the better it’s purified.
Material
Stainless steel tanks are the ideal material used to construct gravity water filters, but many other filters use plastic and other materials for the water tank. If you plan on traveling with the system you want to make sure that you get a stainless steel tank. Whereas if you are going to keep the system in one place any of the other materials will work perfectly fine.
Think ahead, if you are on a camping trip, moving around constantly, is it a good idea to take a ceramic filter? Probably your best shot is a stainless steel one. They are unbreakable and weigh much less.
Filter Type
Decide on what type of filter you would prefer, and what level purity you are looking for from your water filter. There are five different types of filtration systems or types: distillation, ultraviolet, ceramic, catalyst converter and reverse osmosis. Each one has a different level of purity.
Deciding which one suits you better, is a very subjective decision. However, we explain them in detail below so you can then choose on your own.
Distillation
By heating up the water to extremely high temperatures, and then collects the steam that results from evaporation and filters that into drinkable water.
While this is an extremely effective method, it is difficult to set up in any consumer application unless you are quickly putting something together in an emergency setting.
Ultraviolet
Ultraviolet purification is one of the most effective forms of purification, killing an enormously high percent of germs and bacteria with UV rays. These devices tend to be extremely expensive and are therefore not practical for every person.
Ceramic
Ceramic filtration involves a form of osmosis, which pulls the water through pores that filter out bacteria and germs. This is the oldest known method of water filtration and is still quite effective at removing most impurities from water. These forms of filters are common in gravity water filters.
Catalytic Converter
Catalytic converters work by neutralizing the harmful elements of your water for a short period of time. The issue with these systems is that the water needs to be drunk immediately, otherwise the water will again become impure.
Reverse Osmosis
This method of filtration uses pressure to push water through a membrane that removes impurities and minerals from the water. The water can then be stored and remains usable for an extremely long period of time. This is the typical method that is used by gravity water filters.
Now that you know the features to consider before buying, it’s time to explore the best gravity water filters.
Wrap Up
With the Zen Water Systems Countertop Filtration System, we have reached the end of our article. At this point, you should have most of the knowledge of gravity water filters to figure out what you are looking for.
When it comes to our health, there is nothing more important to our existence than pure and clean water. If your current water system does not provide you with the best in water purity, then it should be time to get that problem fixed.
No matter the problem you are looking to solve, a gravity water filter will be an incredible and surprisingly affordable addition to your life. Just use the information we have given you to find that perfect gravity water filter for you. For example, keep always in mind that features such as the filtration time can be a make or break factor depending on what you plan to use it for.
We would also love to hear from you on any gravity water filters, or any other filters you had previously used. If we missed a product that you feel should be on this list, let us know in the comments below. Also, if you have any questions, please ask, we would be happy to help!
Daniel is a gear freak when it comes to hiking, climbing and camping. He went to REI Outdoor School to meet new people and learn best practices. Don’t even try to argue with him about the latest backpack or ice axe, he tried most of them. Daniel’s dream is to climb Mount Everest.
Finally I can drink my tap water! (well, once it’s filtered through the British Berkefeld anyway…) Always steered clear of tap water and instead was spending a small fortune on bottled water. Did consider buying a filter water bottle but there weren’t any that were big enough to meet my needs. Each night I top up the Berkefeld and then I’ll refill it as and when I need to throughout the day. Easy for the whole family to use and is – thankfully – a lot quieter than the fridge door water dispenser!
Think how you’ve saved the planet by also ending the consumption of plastic bottled water. You’ll get goosebumps once you’ve seen the amount of plastics we use – and can’t even recycle! Having filtered water at home is a step in the right direction of protecting what’s left of Mother Earth.
In trying to raise the pH of the water I was drinking at home, I finally settled on the Zen Water Filter. Quite a few of the reviews spoke about the water being tasteless, which it’s not, however the water does taste incredibly crisp. Does take a while to setup to begin with, but you must let it run through the process. The mineral stones need to be boiled whilst the water needs to run through the filter until clear. It takes time, yes, but it is so worth it when it’s done! The pH is rising slowly but surely!
The Zen Water Filter is an excellent drinking companion. It produces clean and potable water for the least price. I don’t know how someone can say that the water is tasteless, probably they meant it has no peculiar taste like that of rust. With water filters, it is important that you let it finish the process for your water to be safe.
I have an AquaRain 4 filter and love it, but want to start filtering out fluoride. Are the filters for the other brands compatible?
Hi Hether! Based on the Amazon page of AquaRain, they wrote that the Berkey Flouride filter MIGHT work. They also informed users that they are coming up with their own version of their flouride filter sometime in May.