Berkey and Propur Water Filter Review : Should You Buy Berkey or Propur?
Propur and Berkey are two of the most well-known names in the water filtering business when it comes to high-quality household water filter system. They are both gravity filters with fairly similar designs and capabilities, although there are some minor variations. Their somewhat different designs and filtering options distinguish them from one another, and will eventually help you determine which brand is best for you.
While comparing Propur vs Berkey is difficult because of their similarity, the Berkey has the advantage when it comes to the number of pollutants it can remove and to what degree. Propur is owned by an ex-Berkey dealer who sought to copy the Berkey model. As a result, the items appear to be quite similar.
Filter Comparison Between Propur vs Berkey
Berkey and Propur both employ a gravity filter type, which is why Berkey vs Propur filter components are frequently contrasted. This type of filter, as the name implies, employs gravity to draw water through small pores in the filter medium, trapping pollutants and efficiently purifying the water.
Although the Berkey and Propur water filters serve the same purpose, they operate in somewhat different ways. In this article, we’ll look at Black Berkey elements and Propur’s ProOne filter, two of Berkey’s and Propur’s most popular filters.
Propur ProOne
The ProOne water filter from Propur is a low-cost, easy-to-clean gravity filter that targets pollutants often found in well water, outdoor lakes and streams, as well as those present in tap water. The ProOne filter was shown to be capable of lowering or eliminating more than 200 pollutants in independent lab testing on Propur’s behalf.
The ProMax filter for countertop and under-counter filters, and the ProOne G2.0 Slimline. The ProOne G2.0 is a gravity water filter identical to the ProOne that is also utilised in gravity-fed water filtration systems, are two more Propur water filters. There’s also a ProMax-enabled Inline Connect FS10 filter, a refrigerator filter, and a variety of ProMaxTM shower filters.
Black Berkey Elements
The Black Berkey is a gravity Berkey water filter element sold in pairs. According to independent lab testing, the Black Berkey water filter eliminates 100% of pathogens from water with 10,000 times the quantity of pollutants per litre. Small micropores in the Black Berkey water filter capture pollutants and remove them from the water flowing into the bottom chamber of a gravity water filter.
Berkey also produces a fluoride reduction filter that can be put directly onto the Black Berkey components, a 20,000-gallon shower filter for showering with clean water, and a sport gravity filter that fits in the Berkey water bottle, just to name a few.
What Contaminants Can Berkey and Propur Water Filtration Remove?
When it comes to water filtration, both the Berkey and ProOne filters claim to be able to eliminate more than 200 pollutants from water. Common drinking water pollutants like chlorine, lead, and VOCs, as well as well water contaminants including bacteria, viruses, and algae, are all included in these claims.
However, if we had to choose, the Berkey black elements would be the best filter for eliminating pollutants from water.
They are not only capable of removing over 200 different pollutants from water, but they are also NSF 42 and 53 certified. Demonstrating that they do what they say they do.
Although Propur has received NSF certification for aesthetic impurities, the ProOne filter has yet to get formal certification for standard 53. Independent tests have shown that the filter considerably decreases the number of pollutants in drinking water.
Comparison of Propur Water Filters Against Berkey in 2022
Berkey
The Black Berkey components provide excellent performance, eliminating over 200 contaminants from water at a rapid rate for a gravity water filter. A Big Berkey filter with the recommended two components can filter water at a rate of 3.5 gallons per hour – however the flow rate reduces as the water level drops, so you may want to keep topping up with water to get a faster job done.
Most Big Berkey filtration machines include capacity for an additional two Black Berkey components, which nearly doubles the speed of the water filtration process and the lifetime of each individual filter.
If you want proof that the Black Berkey filters do what they say they do, check at their NSF certification for Standard 53, which tests and certifies POU or POE systems for removing a considerable quantity of hazardous pollutants from drinking water.
Propur
Propur’s ProOne is an obvious competitor to Berkey filters, delivering a similarly high level of performance, however there’s no easy way to see how many pollutants it eliminates from water. The only place we discovered this information was on their website, in the form of third-party lab results.
In terms of flowing rate, the ProOne takes 6 to 7 hours to produce approximately 3 gallons of clean water using one filter, which is more than three times as long as the Black Berkey elements – but we’re only talking about one filter here, and the Black Berkey measurements may not be entirely accurate because they measure filtration speed when the water chamber is full.
You can add an additional filter to speed up the process, much like the Big Berkey, so there’s not much of a difference when comparing Berkey vs Propur here.
Professional testing backs up the ProOne filter’s claims to reduce a variety of hazardous pollutants, including chlorine, taste, and odour, according to NSF/ANSI Standard 42 and 53. T
he filter has been tested to these criteria, according to Propur’s website, and an independent lab result reveals a considerable decrease in pollutants – however the ProOne does not appear to have an official NSF certification. Here’s where Berkey has a tiny advantage over Propur in the Berkey vs Propur discussion.
Versatility
Berkey
Berkey’s water filtration devices come in three variations: Travel Berkey, Big Berkey, and Royal Berkey. The Big Berkey filter is the most popular.
The Travel Berkey is more portable than the other two and may be taken with you on your travels.
Next, the Big Berkey is a countertop type with a 2.25 gallon capacity and a 3.5 gallon per hour flow rate.
Finally, with a capacity of 3.25 gallons, Royal Berkey is the biggest unit. To improve mobility, the upper chamber nests into the bottom chamber.
Propur
Propur has a wide selection of filtration solutions to satisfy your needs at home. From stainless steel countertop units to shower filters and whole-house filtration systems, these items are available.
The ProOne Traveler+, ProOne Big+, and ProOne Big II are Propur’s filtration devices. ProOne Big+ is the most popular filter.
Next, the Traveler+ is a stainless steel filter with a capacity of 2.25 gallons and can only hold one filter. A non-slip mat, a wiring kit, and a hardware kit are included.
Lastly, the ProOne Big is a filter with a 3-gallon capacity that can hold up to three filters. It comes with all of the Traveler+’s accessories.
Cleaning and Care
Big Berkey
Before you begin filtering water with your Berkey, make sure the inner chambers are clean and clear of debris. The Black Berkey filter components must also be primed before being inserted into the filter.
Priming the filters is a simple operation that involves forcing water through small holes in the filter components to flush out any air that became trapped during the manufacturing process. Berkey advises cleaning the filter’s bottom chamber with soapy water once a month.
Any damaged components should be immersed in a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water for approximately a quarter of an hour if you will be filtering hard water with a high mineral content that might cause scale building. Scrape away the scale using a ScotchBrite pad or a soft brush, then wash with soapy water and rinse well before using.
The tiny micro-pores in the Black Berkey filter components are likely to have filled up with silt if the flow rate drops substantially before they are ready to be changed. This does not, however, imply that they will need to be replaced anytime soon.
Remove the filter elements and clean the exterior surface with a toothbrush or ScotchBrite pad to get them flowing correctly again, then reprime the filter elements before placing them back into the upper chamber of the filter.
Propur Big+
Cleaning the stainless steel chambers and plastic components using dish soap, but not dishwashing machine soap, or a 50/50 vinegar/water solution is recommended by Propur. Before washing and leaving to air dry, wash well with a soft cloth or sponge.
The Propur filters do not require priming prior to use; simply rinse them under running water. When cleaning the filters, be careful not to get any water into the stem of the blue plastic base. Hold the filter by the plastic base and run cold, clean water over it for two minutes, cleaning the white ceramic section of the filter with the abrasive side of the sponge that comes with it.
As a result, there isn’t much of a difference between the Big Berky and the Propur Big+ when it comes to cleaning and care; nevertheless, the Propur has a minor advantage here because the filters don’t need to be primed before installation.
Upfront Cost and Models
Berkey
The upfront cost of Berkey filters varies depending on whatever model you pick. The Black Berkey components alone cost $120 for a pair of two and provide water filtration for one to five years, depending on daily water use, but you’ll also need to buy a filtration system to utilise them in.
The Big Berkey filters, a 2.25 gallon system that costs $278 and comes with two basic Black Berkey filters, is the most popular of the water filtration systems. You may pay an additional $388 for an extra set of two Berkey filters to be included with the system, which will double the filter’s lifespan. This means you’ll spend $110 for the extra two filters rather than $120 if you buy them individually, so the savings aren’t huge. Berkey offers deals every now and again, bringing the price down by $10 or $20 for their filter systems.
The top and bottom chambers of this system are linked by the Black Berkey filter components, which are housed in a stainless steel housing. Except for the Berkey Light, which is constructed of BPA-free food-grade polyester, all of the Berkey countertop gravity water filters are of the same material in design.
Propur
The ProOne filters are used in many Propur water systems, the most common of which being the Propur Big. This filter system costs $279 and has a capacity of 2.75 gallons for their filter systems.
Comparing Berkey versus Propur, the Propur ProOne comes out on top, having a superior price-per-gallon water filtering capacity, when compared to Berkey’s 2.25 gallon Big Berkey at $278. Berkey’s countertop gravity water filter line, on the other hand, is so popular that it can probably charge more per gallon than its competitors.
The Propur filtering systems, like the Berkey gravity water filter, are made of 304 stainless steel, which is corrosion and oxidation resistant. The Propur units are very identical to the Berkey’s, with a top chamber and a bottom chamber separated by a water filtration device.
The ProOne filter is available as a stand-alone item or as a replacement, with costs varying based on the filter size: 5 inch, 7 inch, or 9 inch. The Traveler and Scout units may use the 5 inch filter ($69.50), while the Big units can use the 7 inch filter ($74.50). Because you only get one water filtration element for this pricing, even the smallest Propur filtration element’s per-filter price, and hence per-gallon price, is slightly more than the Black Berkey per-filter price.
Replacement Costs and Filter Lifespan
The longevity, or known as the lifespan of the filter components, as well as the cost of replacing them, can have a big influence on the overall operating expenses of a water filtering system. As a result, it’s critical to consider these criteria when selecting a filter that matches your budget. Below is a comparison of the filter lifespans and replacement costs for Propur vs Berkey.
Berkey
When you buy a set of two Black Berkey Elements for a countertop gravity water filtration system, you can anticipate them to last 6,000 gallons of water before they need to be replaced. It’s impossible to estimate how long this will take because it depends on how much water you use from the filter and how often you top it up each day.
If each member of your family drank a gallon of clean water per day, your Black Berkey components would last around 1,200 days, or 3 years and a few months. You’ll get more usage out of your elements if you use less filtered water than 5 gallons each day. Despite the fact that the components are a little costly at $120 for a bundle of two, you’ll only have to pay this once every few years, thus Berkey wins this Berkey versus Propur water filter systems debate.
Propur Water Filter Replacement
The Propur ProOne filters are offered separately at various costs depending on the size. The cheapest 5 inch filter is $69.50, followed by the 7 inch filter at $74.50 and the 9 inch filter at $79.50. The longer the filter lasts, the bigger it is. With everyday usage, the 5 inch filter can last up to 6 months. The 7-inch filter lasts for ten months, while the 9-inch filter lasts for twelve months.
If you want to spread out your filter purchases, keep in mind that you can’t always buy the biggest 9-inch filter. Make a note of the sizes your system accepts.
Independant Customer Reviews on Berkey and Proper Water Filters
Berkey
The Berkey has a lot of online admirers since it is one of the most well-reviewed gravity water filters. The Big Berkey presently has a 4.6-star rating on Amazon, based on almost 800 reviews. People expressed their satisfaction with the water container’s quality and the fact that it allowed them to live a more plastic-free lifestyle.
Many customers also praised Berkey’s optional fluoride filters, which can be purchased separately and added to the Black Berkey components for an extra fee.
The rubber smell and taste that some customers encounter while using the Berkey gravity water system is one of the most prevalent complaints. Berkey’s rubber washers and stopper are to blame for this. If the rubber flavour bothers you, an easy remedy is to discard the rubber washers and replace them with silicone washers, which you can purchase online. In the case of the stopper, Berkey manufactures a stainless steel spigot that may be used in its place and will not impart a rubbery flavour to the water.
Another concern raised by some customers was that setup was a little hard due to the lack of a decent graphic illustrating the correct valve locations in the instructions, making it simple to go wrong. However, there are many installation videos available online that explain setup better than the written instructions.
Propur
When it comes to Propur water filters, the Big Gravity water filter has a similar Amazon rating of 4.6 stars, although it only has 168 reviews. Customers appreciate the Propur for providing them with clean water and a plastic bottle-free option for drinking water, as well as giving their tap water a far better flavour than the Berkey filters. Some consumers also stated that they felt considerably better about their health after switching to the Propur’s contaminant-free water.
Many consumers stressed the significance of following the directions thoroughly while installing the Propur filter, particularly cleaning the filters before connecting them.
Despite being “stainless steel,” the Propur rusts, according to one customer. It’s hard to say how large of a problem this is because not everyone mentions it in their evaluations. According to Propur, who responded to a client who expressed concern about the problem, the problem was caused by his failure to properly clean the unit.
Another customer, however, appeared to believe that certain Propur systems are constructed of higher-quality metal than others, since after purchasing one and gifting another to a family member, the family member’s “cheap” metal tank rusted on the bottom within three weeks.
Another typical issue is that as filtration system from the top to the bottom tank, a tiny quantity of water remains in the top tank, which must be emptied before refilling. This isn’t a huge problem, but it’s something to be aware of.
Pros and Cons of Propur vs Berkey
Pros – Berkey
Stainless Steel build
Unlike the Propur, Berkey gravity filters is constructed of stainless steel, which has no complaints about its durability. Berkey gravity filters do not corrode and are built to withstand years of everyday usage.
Filters can be cleaned easily
Many water filters have the drawback of needing to be replaced as soon as they get blocked with pollutants. The Berkey allows you to clean the filters on a regular basis, which keeps the flow from being too sluggish. All you have to do now is re-prime them before using them again.
Filters large range of contaminants
When it comes to the sheer amount of pollutants it can remove, the Berkey is without a doubt one of the finest gravity water filters. It eliminates so many pollutants, which is approximately more than 200 of them, that you’ve probably never heard of half of the gravity water filters.
Portable
You may move the unit around or even empty it, remove the filters, and take it with you on your trips because it is a countertop unit. A Berkey Travel filtration unit is built particularly for bringing with you on the road, with extra space-saving mobility features that make it better-suited for storing in the trunk of your car.
Cons – Berkey
Needs to be refilled regularly
The Berkey gravity water filter, like other gravity water filters, does not have an endless supply of water to clean, as it would if it were connected to your plumbing. This implies that no matter whatever model you pick, you’ll have to replenish the unit on a daily or near-daily basis.
Costly upfront cost
Berkey is more expensive than Propur, owing to the fact that Berkey is the most well-known name in the gravity water filtration market. You might be hesitant to spend hundreds of dollars on Berkey filters if you’ve never used one before.
Lack of NSF certification
Berkey’s water filters have only been third-party tested to NSF Standards and do not have an official certification, prompting some sceptics to doubt the filters’ authenticity. Berkey would be able to reassure its consumers that their water filtering claims are backed up by a real certification if they received an NSF certification.
Pros – Propur
Cheaper than Berkey
Propur water filters are less expensive than Berkey, and you receive more for your money. The Propur filters may be the ideal alternative for you if you’re on a tight budget.
Removes fluoride without having to pay extra cost
The fact that the Propur element eliminates fluoride is a major gain, and you don’t have to buy a separate filtering element to get this benefit. When compared to Berkey, this is another cost-cutting benefit.
Cons – Propur
Filters is not long lasting
Berkey has a lot going for it in terms of how long its filters last. Propur’s filters, on the other hand, don’t last as long, and you can’t clean them as you can with Black Berkey elements to extend their life.
Removes less contaminants
The most well-known pollutants, including fluoride, are still removed by Propur filters, which is a significant benefit. However, they are unable to eliminate more than 200 pollutants, as Berkey says.
Takes longer to filter water
Propur’s gravity water filters take longer to filter a gallon of water than Berkey’s since they only have one filter with the option to add another, as compared to Berkey’s two filters with the ability to add two more.
Propur vs Berkey: Which Is The Better Water Filter Alternative?
When it comes down to it Berkey vs Propur, the Propur is simply a less expensive version of the Berkey, capable of eliminating less pollutants and perhaps rusting in some possibly faulty units, but otherwise almost similar for both Berkey and Propur.
It’s difficult to pick a winner between Berkey vs Propur. Both filters are quite popular among those searching for a bottle-free, clean drinking water solution, but Berkey wins hands out in terms of brand awareness and volume of consumer comments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use softened water with the Berkey filter?
No, Berkey water filtration system does not recommend using soft water with their water filter systems. The warranty of the Berkey system will immediately nullify the 2 year warranty given upon purchase because the elements within the soft water will greatly impair the lifespan of the water filtration system.
Can Berkey filters process spring water?
Yes, but this is not necessary with the Berkey system. The water filtration systems are designed to filter elements and provide clean water as it is equipped with chlorine and fluoride removal.
