When it comes to providing clean and safe drinking water for your family, the importance of having a reliable water filtration system cannot be overstated. In this article, we will compare two popular gravity-fed systems: the Big Berkey and the Alexapure Pro. We'll evaluate their key features, filtration elements, ease of use, and more to help you make an informed purchase.
The Big Berkey: A Trusted Name in Water Filtration
The Big Berkey has long been recognized as one of the top choices when it comes to home water filtration systems. With a 2.25-gallon capacity and the ability to remove up to 99.9999% of contaminants, it's no wonder that many people trust the Big Berkey to provide their families with clean, safe drinking water.
Filtration Elements
- Black Filters: Big Berkey's black filters are designed to remove bacteria, viruses, chemicals, VOCs, and heavy metals. Each set of filters can process up to 6,000 gallons before needing replacement.
- PF-2 Fluoride Filters: The optional PF-2 fluoride filters can remove over 95% of fluoride from your water supply. These filters attach directly to the Black Filters and can filter up to 1,000 gallons each.
Ease of Use
The Big Berkey is easy to assemble, requiring just a few steps to get started. The stainless steel construction ensures durability, and the spigot allows for convenient access to filtered water.
Maintenance
Cleaning the Big Berkey is simple, only requiring occasional scrubbing of the Black Filters with a Scotch-Brite pad. Replacing the filters is also straightforward – just unscrew the old filters and screw in the new ones.
The Alexapure Pro: A Powerful Contender in the World of Water Filtration
The Alexapure Pro is another popular option when it comes to gravity-fed water filtration systems. With a 2.25-gallon capacity and the ability to remove up to 99.9999% of contaminants, it offers a level of performance similar to the Big Berkey.
Filtration Elements
- Alexapure Filter: The Alexapure Pro utilizes a single filter that combines activated carbon and silver-infused ceramic to effectively remove contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and pesticides. Each filter can last up to 5,000 gallons before needing replacement.
- Fluoride Filter: Like the Big Berkey, the Alexapure Pro offers an optional fluoride filter that can remove up to 90% of fluoride from your water supply.
Ease of Use
Assembling the Alexapure Pro is a simple process, with only a few steps required to start using the system. The stainless steel construction ensures longevity, while the spigot provides easy access to filtered water.
Maintenance
Cleaning the Alexapure Pro is also straightforward, only requiring occasional scrubbing of the filter with a brush or scouring pad. Replacing the filters involves removing the old filter and inserting the new one into the housing.
Comparing the Big Berkey and Alexapure Pro: Which System Is Right for Your Home?
Now that we've covered the basics of both the Big Berkey and Alexapure Pro, let's dive into some of the key differences between these two systems to help you decide which one is right for your needs.
Filter Lifespan & Replacement
While both the Big Berkey and Alexapure Pro have impressive filtration capabilities, the Big Berkey's Black Filters have a longer lifespan than the Alexapure Pro's filter (6,000 gallons vs. 5,000 gallons). Additionally, the Big Berkey's PF-2 fluoride filters have double the lifespan of the Alexapure Pro's fluoride filters (1,000 gallons vs. 500 gallons).
Flow Rate
The flow rate of a water filtration system determines how quickly it can provide filtered water. Both the Big Berkey and Alexapure Pro have similar flow rates, but the Big Berkey can accommodate additional filters for increased speed if necessary.
Price
When comparing the cost of the two systems, the Alexapure Pro is typically less expensive than the Big Berkey. However, keep in mind that the filter replacement costs may differ between the two models due to varying lifespans and prices for the filtration elements.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Home
In the end, the decision between the Big Berkey and the Alexapure Pro comes down to personal preference and specific needs. Both systems offer excellent filtration capabilities and are highly effective at removing a wide range of contaminants from your water supply. The most significant differences lie in the filter lifespans, potential for increased flow rates with additional filters, and overall cost.
By considering these factors and evaluating your household's specific requirements, you'll be able to make a well-informed decision and choose the perfect water filtration system for your home. No matter which option you select, you can feel confident knowing that you're providing your family with clean, safe drinking water.
