Is your drinking water safe? Given the number of “boil water orders” cropping up in cities and towns across America recently, you can’t necessarily trust even municipally treated water sources.
Even when it’s safe, tap water often tastes nasty, leading many to research filtered water options. Two of the most popular manufacturers of countertop systems are Berkey and Propur (PurOne). So let’s see how they compare to each other.
Berkey Vs. Propur: Areas To Compare
When it comes to deciding what kind of water filter to purchase, you’ll need to consider these details first.
- Type & Size Of Reservoirs
- Filtration Method
- Types Of Filters
- Pricing
- Maintenance
- Ease Of Installation/Repairs
Berkey Countertop Systems Come In A Variety Of Sizes
Berkey offers a variety of countertop systems as well as portable water bottles. Most of them have stainless steel reservoirs. There is also a plastic countertop model, which uses the same filters as the stainless steel models.
Here’s a list of starter kits, approximate holding capacities, and average filtration rates. Note that two filters come standard with each starter kit, but some reservoirs have space for extra ones to speed up the flow rate. The max number of filters is shown behind the “/” in the list below.
- Berkey Light (Plastic) — 2.75 Gallons / 4
- Travel Berkey (Stainless Steel)— 1.5 Gallons / 4
- Big Berkey (Stainless Steel) — 2.25 Gallons / 4
- Royal Berkey (Stainless Steel) — 3.25 Gallons 4
- Imperial Berkey (Stainless Steel) — 4.5 Gallons / 6
- Crown Berkey (Stainless Steel) — 6 Gallons / 8
Propur Countertop Reservoirs Have Fewer Options
ProOne offers a water pitcher that can be stored in the fridge, which is an option Berkey doesn’t have. They also have some whole-house water filtration systems, which are beyond the scope of this comparison. But let’s focus on their countertop options. As you will see below, ProOne offers fewer countertop options with smaller capacities. ProOne systems can have between 1–3 filters, with the max number shown behind the “/” in the list below.
- Scout II (Plastic) — 54 Ounces / 1
- Big II (Plastic) — 2.5 Gallons / 2
- Big + (Stainless Steel) — 3 Gallons / 3
- Traveler + (Stainless Steel) — 2.25 Gallons / 2
How Do These Filters Work?
Both companies offer gravity-based systems. The benefit of using gravity to filter water is that you don’t need electricity. Both systems allow you to filter water during power outages, other emergencies, and even while traveling if you choose a smaller portable model.
A Look At Black Berkey Carbon-Based Elements
Most Berkey systems use two or more Black Berkey Elements. These filters are sold in pairs and can filter up to six thousand gallons per pair. The elements include a 2-year prorated warranty.
Tests show that they exceed NSF/ANSI Standard 53 to remove many chemicals, heavy metals, and toxins while allowing beneficial minerals to remain in the water. They are made in the USA from carbon, high-grade coconut shell, and a proprietary mix of five other materials.
How Do Propur Filters Compare?
Propur countertop filters have a silver-infused ceramic shell. The inside is a carbon-based media with a proprietary composition. They filter the same types of impurities as Berkey. You can purchase them in packs of 1, 2, or 3. Each can purify up to 1000 gallons of water, substantially less than Berkey Black Elements.
Do These Filters Drain My Wallet?
Regarding pricing, you need to look at both initial costs and ongoing maintenance. Here, we’ll discuss startup pricing for countertop models. Given the size and packaging differences, this can be a complex area to compare.
Berkey Cost More In The Beginning
As of the time we’re writing this post, you can get started with a plastic countertop system for just over $300. The stainless steel starter kits (including 2 filters) vary from around $350 to nearly $500 for the largest model.
Propur Offers A Lower Entry Level Pricing
The pricing of ProOne systems varies depending on how many filters you choose to start with and whether you choose a brushed or polished steel finish. However, if you choose the minimum of 1 filter and polished steel, A ProOne Big+ system costs less than any stainless steel Berkey, coming in at under $250, while the plastic Big II costs under $200 to start.
Don’t Discount The Cost Of Maintenance
Sometimes, you do get what you pay for. Berkey’s may cost more upfront, but you’ll save money over time. Black Berkey Elements last much longer than Propur filters. One ProOne filter to fit a countertop model costs around $80 for 1000 gallons of water. Berkey replacement elements cost around $170 for a 2-pack.
Although they may be ever-so-slightly more expensive in this respect, don’t forget that a pair of Black Berkey elements filters up to 6000 gallons combined, so you’ll save a lot of money in the long run.
Ease Of Installation, Maintenance, & Repairs
Because both systems are gravity-based, they have similar installation and maintenance requirements. So, in this case, there’s little to compare.
We Only Sell The Best Water Filters
Although PurOne offers similar countertop systems to Berkey, they don’t quite measure up. There are fewer available sizes, and they cost much more to maintain in the long run.
Remember that Berkey technology has been around since the late 1990s, while Propur hasn’t been around nearly as long. Don’t settle for an imitator when you can have the best water filters available. Order your water filter system or replacement filters from USA Berkey Filters today.
