Big Berkey 2.25 Gallon
Score: 78/100
AquaTru Classic
Score: 75/100Rankings
The Big Berkey is a gravity-fed countertop water filtration system constructed from surgical-grade stainless steel, designed to remove over 200 contaminants without requiring electricity. Its main limitation is the slow filtration speed and lack of official NSF certification for the complete system. It is best suited for small households, off-grid living, and emergency preparedness.
The AquaTru Classic is a portable countertop reverse osmosis system that removes over 84 contaminants without plumbing. Its main trade-off is the slow batch-filling process and higher water waste compared to under-sink systems. It is best suited for renters and apartment dwellers who cannot modify plumbing.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
0.06 GPMbest | 0.04 GPM | |
60 monthsbest | 12 months | |
2 stages | 4 stagesbest | |
— | 91 %best | |
| ↓ lower better | 0 PSIbest | — |
| ↓ lower better | 0.2 micronsbest | — |
| ↓ lower better | 1 ratiobest | 3 ratio |
0.5 yearsbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Filtration & Performance(5) | ||
Filtration Technology | Gravity | Reverse Osmosis |
Flow Rate (GPM) | 0.06 GPM | 0.04 GPM |
Filtration Stages (stages) | 2 stages | 4 stages |
TDS Reduction (%) | null % | 91 % |
Pure to Drain Ratio (ratio) | 1 ratio | 3 ratio |
Maintenance & Warranty(2) | ||
Filter Lifespan (months) | 60 months | 12 months |
Warranty (years) | 0.5 years | years |
Dimensions & Build(3) | ||
Height (inches) | 21 inches | 14 inches |
Width (inches) | 8.5 inches | 12 inches |
Depth (inches) | 8.5 inches | 14 inches |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers and editors praise the Big Berkey for its robust contaminant removal capabilities, noting that it exceeds NSF/ANSI Standard 53 in laboratory settings. Experts highlight its durable stainless steel build and versatility for various water sources. However, they criticize the slow filtration flow rates and the lack of official NSF certification for the complete system.
Everyday users generally praise the Big Berkey for its reliability, long filter life, and ability to purify water without electricity, making it a favorite for families and emergency preparedness. Common recurring complaints include the slow filtration speed, which can take over two hours to fill, and the hassle involved in priming the filters.
“The water tastes crisp, clean, and like bottled water.”
“Ice made from AquaTru water is clearer and less odorous.”
“The pump is audible and can be annoying in small, quiet spaces.”
Professional reviewers rate the AquaTru Classic as a strong, portable alternative to under-sink RO systems, praising its NSF-certified contaminant removal and ease of installation. However, critics note the slow dispensing speed and the limitation that remineralization is only available on higher-end models.
Everyday users report overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding water taste and convenience, frequently describing the water as crisp and clean. Common praise highlights the ease of use and the benefit of chilled water from the removable tank.
