Are you looking for the perfect water filter for your home? Not sure which one to pick among Alexapure vs. Berkey?
Both offer high-end filtration capabilities and long-lasting durability, so figuring out the best choice for your needs can be confusing. In this article, I will compare the two brands, looking at their features and benefits, before concluding which could be the right option for you.
FAQs
1. How often do I replace Alexapure and Berkey’s filter cartridges?
Alexapure filters require replacement every 2-3 months, whereas Berkey filters require a replacement of the filter cartridge every 6 to 12 months.
2. How effective are Alexapure and Berkey water filters?
Both Alexapure and Berkey water filters are certified to reduce up to 99.9999% of impurities in your drinking water.
3. How does the taste of water compare between Alexapure and Berkey?
Both Alexapure and Berkey have designed their filters to reduce the taste of chlorine and other impurities and improve the taste of your water.
4. How portable are Alexapure and Berkey water filters?
Alexapure filters are lightweight and portable, while Berkey filters are heavier and bulkier. However, Berkey filters come with a convenient carrying case, so you can take them while traveling.
| Alexapure Pro | Berkey | |
| Filter: | Alexapure gravity block filter | Black Berkey elements |
| Holding Capacity: | 2.25 gallons | 2.25 gallons |
| Contaminants removed: | 200 | 203 |
| Filter lifespan: | 5,000 gallons | 3,000 gallons |
| Made from: | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Manufactured in: | USA | USA |
| Rating: | 4.8 | 4.8 |
Alexapure vs. Berkey: Overview
Alexapure is a brand of water filters offering a wide range of products designed to remove various contaminants from drinking water.
Their filters use a combination of mechanical and chemical processes to filter out impurities, including bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, chemicals, and other contaminants.
Alexapure offers a variety of water filters, from countertop models to under-sink systems. Their advanced filtration technology designs filters to remove contaminants from municipal and well water supplies and ensures your water is safe and healthy to drink.
In addition to their water filters, Alexapure offers a range of accessories, such as shower filters, replacement filters, and filter media. They also provide a range of water testing kits, so you can test your water and ensure your filter removes all the contaminants it should.
Berkey is one of the leading water filter companies in the industry. They offer a wide range of filters for both residential and commercial applications.
The primary filter used in Berkey products is a combination of carbon and ceramic, designed to reduce contaminants and remove bacteria and viruses. Berkey filters are designed to last up to 6,000 gallons, depending on the water quality and usage.
Berkey filters are user-friendly and easy to maintain. They come with detailed instructions, and all filters are recyclable. Additionally, the company offers a satisfaction guarantee, so you can be sure you will get the performance you expect from your filter.
Contaminants They Remove?
When comparing the Alexapure and Big Berkey for the removal of impurities, both gravity filters successfully eliminate more than 200 contaminants in independent lab tests, such as:
- Viruses & bacteria
- Heavy metals
- VOCs
- Chemicals like chlorine, pesticides, and herbicides
- Pharmaceutical drugs
Here are links for the complete lists:
- Click here for the complete contaminant removal list of Berkey
- Click here for the complete contaminant removal list of Alexapure
Alexapure vs. Berkey: Performance
The Alexapure has an advanced five-stage filtration process that utilizes proprietary materials, including activated carbon filter and ion exchange resin, to easily remove 99% lead and other common contaminants from tap water.
The system also features a unique combination of filters – a pleated sediment filter after its high-capacity carbon tank step – which can eliminate up to 92% of chlorine in regular tap water before it passes through the filtering process.
On the other hand, the Berkey water filter has two independent filtering chambers within one unit — that can produce up to 6000 gallons of clean drinking water per day!
This combination works by using a ceramic shell in the first chamber that acts as a sieve, trappings particles like dirt and sediment.
In contrast, the second chamber relies on Berkey’s, which contains millions of tiny pore spaces that more effectively capture harmful bacteria, viruses, and heavy metals while allowing minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium into your glass when consuming.
Alexapure vs. Berkey: Flow Rate
Flow rate is critical when selecting a water filter since it determines how quickly you can have a clean drinking water supply in your home. The higher the flow rate, the more efficiently the filter works – meaning less waiting time when filling up containers and bottles or simply taking a drink straight from the tap.
As already mentioned, most Alexapure water filtration systems utilize 5- stage ultrafiltration technology that provides a 0.1 to 0.3-micron rating for effective filtration of sediment, bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants.
They can filter up to 2 gallons per hour on average, but with more extensive filters like the Pro X model, it can provide up to 5 gallons per hour with a special high-pressure mode switch which increases the flow rate by almost 6 times more than regular mode.
The widely popular Berkey range has gravity-fed and pressurized models available on the market. These filters offer an even better quality of purification and microfiltration than Alexapure filters due to their dual filtration media; they can also remove pharmaceuticals, while other brands still don’t protect against these toxins.
However, compared to Alexapure filters, their flow rate is considerably lower as the latter only produces an average of 1 gallon per hour and offers no additional switches or settings.
Alexapure vs. Berkey: Strength and Durability
The Alexapure system is made of 18/10 stainless steel and features an upper chamber, lower chamber, top lid, and internal basket. Its durable construction makes it suitable for long-term use and ensures that its components won’t rust from contact with water over time.
The Berkey system uses stainless steel for its construction but only has a lower chamber and upper container rather than a complete setup like that of Alexapure.
While this reduces its overall weight compared to Alexapure’s design, it also means that some aspects may be less durable over time as less material protects against corrosion from contact with contaminated waters.
Alexapure and Berkey use centuries-old technology known as “gravity flow technology, ” designed to help bring clean water into their respective chambers before purifying it using filter media such as activated carbon blocks or ceramic filters.
This technology makes both systems incredibly efficient at removing contaminants while maintaining a fast flow rate – without sacrificing their strength and durability over time.
Alexapure vs. Berkey: Design and Aesthetics
When choosing a water filtration system, it’s essential to consider the design and aesthetics. Alexapure and Berkey offer sleek, modern designs that fit in with any home decor.
The Alexapure system has a sleek, stylish, durable, stainless steel design. The use of black steel gives the Berkey system a more conventional appearance, although it is intended to be super trendy. It really comes down to personal opinion since both systems look incredible.
Alexapure vs. Berkey: Size and Capacity
Size and capacity are essential when shopping for a water filtration system. The Alexapure Pro system is designed to be compact and easily portable. It has a capacity of 1.5 gallons and is 14.5 inches tall and 9 inches wide.
On the other hand, the Berkey system is more extensive and heavier. The capacity of the Berkey system depends on the type you purchase, but it can range from 2.25 gallons to 6 gallons.
The Berkey is a better option if you’re looking for a system that can provide clean water for many people. The Berkey system can filter up to 6 gallons of water per hour, while the Alexapure system can only filter 1.5 gallons per hour.
Alexapure vs. Berkey: Water Quality
The Alexapure Pro filters use a patented spin-down method significantly reducing tap water contaminants. It can remove 99.99% of microbiological organisms, including lead, arsenic, and benzene, from your water.
The Berkey filters also reduce most particles from tap water but not to the same degree – eliminating approximately 95% of sediment minerals such as iron, silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide, and other heavy metals.
Alexapure vs. Berkey: Taste
The taste of filtered water will vary depending on the type and level of filtration used. Generally speaking, though, the Alexapure Pro Water Filtration System and Berkey Water Filter produce fresh-tasting tap water free from unpleasant tastes or odors.
The unique filtering process used by the Alexapure system eliminates almost all chemicals from drinking water; however, some people have noticed that it can leave a slight metallic taste in their cups.
The Berkey has one advantage in this regard — its slightly alkaline filter media, which can make drinking water a little sweeter compared with Alexapure’s distilled process, which leaches out more beneficial minerals while purifying heavier elements like lead or mercury.
However, If you are looking for milder-tasting water, then Alexapure might be better – whereas if you’re looking for a crisper/stronger taste, then Berkey can be more suitable.
Alexapure vs. Berkey: Pros and Cons
Let’s look into the pros and cons of Alexapure and Berkey in detail!
Alexapure
| Pros | Cons |
| 1. Easy Installation Unlike other filtration systems, the Alexapure comes pre-assembled and ready to go right out of the box, making installation easy. | 1. Performance Issues Some customer reviews report issues with performance regarding flow rates slowing down after filters get clogged repeatedly with prolonged use over long periods. |
| 2. Money Back Guarantee If you purchase an Alexapure system and are unsatisfied after 30 days, the company will fully refund your money. This makes it risk-free to try out the product before committing to it fully. | 2. Limited Warranty The warranty coverage on the Alexapure system is relatively limited compared to similar models like the Berkey, which comes with a one-year parts/labor warranty plus a 5-year pro-rated warranty on replacement parts after that period expires. |
| 3. Compact Size The Alexapure Slim is a sleek product that doesn’t take up much room in your home or office. It can fit easily under countertops or inside cabinets without being an eyesore like some larger filtration systems can be. | 3. Short Filter Lifespan As mentioned above, the filter media lifespan on the Alexapure system is much shorter at 1,500 gallons versus 6,000 gallons, with the Berkey model requiring more frequent replacements over time if utilized heavily for larger families or groups of people living together under one roof. |
| 4. Quick Filtering The Alexapure can filter 2 gallons per minute, making it faster than most other models on the market. | |
| 5. Easy Setup The setup procedure is relatively simple and only requires the assembly of four components before you begin filtering water. |
Berkey
| Pros | Cons |
| 1. Larger Capacity The Berkey Gravity Filter can hold up to 6 gallons at a time which is helpful for households or offices with multiple people drinking filtered water over extended periods without needing refills as often as with smaller units like the Alexapure Slim (which holds just 2 gallons). | 1. Initial Investment Cost Although more affordable than other home filtering solutions, purchasing a Berkey system is an initial investment that may be costly for some consumers looking for budget-friendly options in terms of upfront costs. |
| 2. More Refill Options The Berkey can be refilled directly from most kitchen taps, while the Alexpure Slim cannot unless a conversion kit is purchased separately. This makes Berkey more convenient if you don’t have access to a standard-sized sink tap where the filter can be placed on top, like with most sinks. | 2. Space Requirements Since larger models filter more quickly than smaller ones, it might require more space under the sink or near the filter, as these units take up a bit more surface area than countertop filters. |
| 3. Higher Output Rate It’s perfect for people on short timelines who require quick results when efficiently filtering or purifying their water supply due to its larger capacity tank and improved pressure, which means faster fill speeds than units like the thin ones from Alexapure. | 3. Limited Flow Rates This might be an issue if wanting lots of clean water immediately, although they generally produce at least 2 GPH, which should suffice for most situations |
| 4. Durable Construction The Berkey filtration system utilizes stainless steel instead of plastic, making them highly durable and less likely to break. | |
| 5. Longer Filter Lifespan The black filters used in the Berkey system will last up to 6,000 gallons before needing to be replaced, compared with the 1,500-gallon lifespan of the Alexapure filters. |
So if you’re in the market for a new water filter,don’t forget to consider the pros and cons of Alexapure and Berkey.
Alexapure vs. Berkey: Installation
The Alexapure Pro requires no tools for installation, meaning you don’t need to worry about finding a wrench, screwdriver, or any other device.
The system comes with a reusable sediment filter and two-stage carbon-block line filters that twist on and off. This means setup is fast and easy – all you have to do is attach the sediment filter to the faucet adapter, then attach the second line filter before connecting it directly to your kitchen sink faucet.
The Berkey water filter requires some assembly to install properly. Unlike the Alexapure, which relies on adapters to quickly connect directly to your Kitchen sink faucet, this system requires you to tie in a pipe joint nut beneath your sink, so it is connected directly to your home’s water line.
This might involve unscrewing your kitchen sink base plate if one doesn’t already exist to get access to your sink cabinet.
Additionally, depending on how much extra space you may need beneath the sink bracket for additional parts, you may require a saw or basic tools for quick hacksawing or filing down surfaces for convenience of connection fittings.
Alexapure vs. Berkey: Costs and Maintenance
The cost of a water filtration system is assential when purchasing. The Alexapure Pro is the most expensive option, ranging in price from $400 to $500. On the other hand, the Berkey ranges in price from $220 to $400, depending on the type of system you purchase.
When it comes to maintenance, both systems require periodic filter replacements. The Alexapure system requires a filter change every 6 to 12 months, while the Berkey system can last up to 5 years before needing a filter change.
Another vital factor to consider is the cost of replacement filters. The Alexapure filters range in price from $50 to $100, while the Berkey filters range from $60 to $120. Additionally, the Berkey system requires a particular cleaning solution every 6 months, which can add to the overall cost of the system.
Check price of Alexapure Water Filter here!
Check price of Berkey Water Filter here!
Alexapure vs. Berkey: Portability
Another vital factor to consider when choosing a water filtration system is portability. If you plan to take your system with you when you travel, consider a lightweight and accessible transport system.
The Alexapure design is lightweight and portable, weighing only 8 pounds. The 11-pound Berkey system is slightly heavier, although it is also intended to be portable and lightweight.
If portability is significant to you, either system will function effectively since both are portable.
Alexapure vs. Berkey: Ease of Use
The Alexapure Pro and Berkey are both simple to set up and use.
The Alexapure Pro has four steps you need to complete: attach the upper chamber to the base, fill the upper chamber with unfiltered water, run the filtered water into the stainless steel pitcher for storage, and empty any residual sediment from the top-ground reservoir.
The Berkey requires just one step: adding either chlorine-free or iodine-free pre-filtered water inside and waiting for it to be filtered through. Electricity is not essential as both technologies filter drinking water using gravity.
Alexapure vs. Berkey: Level of Purification
Both systems remove up to 99.99% of bacteria and lead, common contaminants in drinking waters worldwide.
Even though both manufacturers claim to clean tap water of contaminants to make it safe to drink, they differ significantly when it comes to other chemical elements like fluoride or arsenic that could unintentionally end up in the water.
The Alexapure Pro can substantially reduce these chemical contaminants, while the Berkey cannot claim as much success in removing them from your drinking supply.
Alexapure vs. Berkey: Replacement Filters
The replacement cartridges or filters for the Alexapure Pro Water Purifier come in packs of 2-4.
The primary filter is the Sediment Pre-Filter which reduces solid materials such as sand, rust, silt, and dirt from the water; this should be replaced every 3 months or sooner depending on how much sediment and other contaminants exist in the water source you are using.
The other two types are Carbon Block Filters and Ultrafiltration Membrane filters, which need replacement every 6-12 months depending on usage and other factors.
When it comes to replacing filters for the Berkey water purification systems, things become more complicated due to the various filter models available, with different nations having different regulations on what they deem safe.
Although they offer Black Berkey Purification elements as standard with most products, some countries may require different types like PF-2 Fluoride & Arsenic Reduction Elements or Postfilter Elements for chemical removal.
Depending on your exact product model, you will need to replace these filters anywhere between 6 – 12 months or even up to 2 years if you choose ceramic models such as Doulton Super Sterasyl candle filters for specific Berkey Stainless Steel systems (these allow bacteria/viral removal).
Alexapure vs. Berkey: Warranty
Alexapure offers a limited lifetime warranty for their Pro Water Filtration System, the Purifier 30L Travel Filter Bottle, and the City line of powered gravity filters. The limited lifetime warranty guarantees that parts will be replaced if defective in materials or workmanship under normal residential service conditions.
Customers must register their product online within 30 days of purchase to receive this guaranteed coverage against defects and theft protection coverage.
Berkey offers a two-year pro-rated filter element warranty with their products. If any of their filter elements fail or wear out in less than two years, the customers will receive replacements at no additional cost.
However, customers can choose to extend the warranty up to four years by purchasing a new filter set every two years and registering it on the Berkey website.
This extended warranty also includes theft protection coverage as long as customers adhere to the terms and conditions outlined by Berkey.
Alexapure vs. Berkey: Certification
Alexapure water filters are certified to meet the highest safety and quality standards.
Each filter is independently tested by NSF/ANSI Standards 42, 53 and 401, to ensure that it meets the requirements for reducing contaminants commonly found in tap water.
The Alexapure filter also holds certifications from the Water Quality Association (WQA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The WQA certification means that the Alexapure filter can remove specific levels of contaminants, including lead, cysts, volatile organic compounds, herbicides, pesticides, and other impurities.
The EPA certifies that the filter meets the agency’s stringent requirements for reducing chlorine taste and odor and other contaminants like arsenic, nitrates, and sulfates. The Alexapure filter also meets the World Health Organization’s (WHO) drinking water standards.
On the other hand, Berkey water filters are certified by various organizations, from independent laboratories to state governments.
Some of the most notable certifications include NSF/ANSI Standards 42 and 53, which certify that their filters reduce chlorine, lead, and other contaminants. Independent testing and certification have confirmed that Berkey water filters remove bacteria and cysts, such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium.
The California Department of Public Health accredited Berkey’s Black Berkey purification elements to reduce arsenic, chromium, and other toxic heavy metals.
Finally, Berkey water filters are certified to meet or exceed EPA and WHO standards for microbiological purification.
Alexapure vs. Berkey: Customer Service
Customer service is the next factor to consider when comparing Alexapure and Berkey. Alexapure offers a dedicated customer service team available 24/7 to answer any questions or provide assistance. Berkey also offers a dedicated customer service team, but their hours are more limited, with only weekday hours available.
Alexapure vs. Berkey: Customer Review
Out of almost 400 reviews, Alexapure has a 4.5-star rating. According to customers, the filtration mechanism of Alexapure is superior to that of other brands and has allowed them to reduce their bottled water spending significantly.
Alexapure’s major flaw was that some users were perplexed by the fact that Alexapure offers only one filter, even though the system could accommodate up to four filters.
These users claim that when using only one filter, the flow rate of filtering is exceedingly slow and that they have to purchase more filters to increase the speed. This is probably happening since filter components need to function more, filtering the water as rapidly for these clients as their drinking water has a high level of contaminants.
Most customer evaluations for the Big Berkey are highly positive, and based on almost 900 reviews, the replacement filter elements have a 4.6 out of 5-star rating on Amazon. Because of how dependable and effective Big Berkey filters are, several consumers said they would never purchase another type of filter.
Although some customers did mention that a high chloramine level can significantly shorten the life of the Big Berkey elements, there is no evidence of this on the Berkey website, and chloramine is one of the toxins that Berkey’s filters can remove.
Similar Tutorials to Check Out!
- “Waterdrop Filter Review: Is It Worth Your Money?”: Have you ever wondered if investing in a Waterdrop filter is worth it? Let me help you with this complete Waterdrop filter review!
- “5 Best Water Softener For Well Water: [Tested]”: Choosing the best water softener for well water can make all the difference in improving your water quality and making your life easier. In this comprehensive guide I will help you to make an ideal decision on the best water softener for well water.
- “Takagi Tankless Water Heater Review [All You Need To Know]”: Wondering if the Takagi tankless water heater is worth your investment? We’ll look at the features, performance, cost, and more to comprehensively understand this appliance.
- ‘How to Fix a Leaking Water Filter’: This guide will provide an in-depth, step-by-step tutorial on how to fix a water filter leaking, so you can get back to enjoying clean, filtered water.
Conclusion: ‘Alexapure vs. Berkey: Which Water Purifier Is Right For You?’
Although both Alexapure and Berkey are reputable brands and offer high-quality products, it can sometimes take time to decide which is best for you.
Depending on your needs, choose one that provides the most effective filtration for the specific contaminants you want to remove from your drinking water, or you may prefer a more cost-efficient option that doesn’t offer as much filtering power.
No matter what type of water filter you decide on, it’s important to remember that you always need a backup to protect against potential fluctuations in your water supply. That way, you can always count on having clean, healthy drinking water whenever you need it.
