Portuguese Prepper
Berkey vs. ProOne: Which gravity filter is best?
Countertop gravity filters are the most reliable solution for high-volume water purification during power outages or grid failures.
Unlike small hiking filters, these stainless steel systems sit on your counter and filter 2-3 gallons at a time without electricity or pumping.
The Big Berkey is the most famous name in the industry, but the ProOne Big+ has gained significant traction by offering independent NSF/ANSI certifications that Berkey lacks.
Both systems remove bacteria, protozoa, and heavy metals.
Gravity-fed: No electricity or manual pumping required.
ProOne filters include fluoride removal; Berkey requires an add-on.
The Certification Difference
This is the main dividing line for buyers. ProOne filters are independently tested and certified to NSF/ANSI standards (Protocol P231) for the removal of contaminants. Their lab reports are public and specific.
Berkey conducts its own third-party testing but has historically avoided official NSF certification. While millions of users (and our own tests) confirm they work effectively, the lack of official certification is a dealbreaker for some rigorous preppers.
Filter Elements & Fluoride
Berkey uses the “Black Berkey” carbon elements. They are exceptionally fast and long-lasting (6,000 gallons per pair). However, if you want to remove fluoride, you must buy separate white arsenic/fluoride filters that screw onto the bottom, taking up space in the lower chamber.
ProOne uses the “G2.0” all-in-one filter. It removes fluoride without needing a secondary add-on filter. This leaves more room in the bottom tank for clean water, though the flow rate is slightly slower than a fresh Berkey.
Which system is right for you?
A note on “Wire Stands” & Spigots
Both units usually come with a standard plastic spigot. We strongly recommend upgrading to a stainless steel spigot for durability. Additionally, these units are tall; unless you place them at the edge of a counter, you will likely need a “wire stand” to raise the spigot high enough to fit a glass underneath.
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