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Gravity water filters are standalone water purification systems that use gravity to produce clean, great tasting water. You simply pour water into the top tank and allow it to flow through a set of filters that remove sediment, chlorine, bacteria and other contaminants before collecting in the chamber below. As an everyday accessory, this system is great for providing safe drinking water at home, office and outdoors.
To help you find the right water filter machine for your needs, we researched more than 20 units and tested seven. Based on our results, we selected the WaterDrop King Tank Gravity Water Filter System as our top pick for its high-speed filtration, high-quality filtered drinking water, and overall value. Ahead, discover more about why the WaterDrop is the best gravity water filter and what other models we also like.
Comparison of gravity water filters
Overall excellent
Image: Amazon
What do we like?
- 2 carbon filters last up to 6,000 gallons
- Fluoride filters further reduce contaminants
- High filtration rate
- The nonslip stand allows a cup to fit under the spigot
What we don’t like
- Not for microbiologically impure water
Product specs
-
Potable water capacity
2.25 gallons
-
The filter
2 activated carbon filters, 2 fluoride filters
-
Maximum filtration rate
About 4 gallons per hour (gph)
Our rating
| Setup | 4.5/5 | Functionality | 4.8/5 | Water quality | 4.8/5 | Price | 4.8/5 |
The WaterDrop King tank gravity water filtration system earned our top award for its durable 304 stainless steel construction, National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certification, and reasonable price. It comes with two advanced coconut-powered carbon filters that reduce chlorine, heavy metals, sediment and other impurities, as well as two fluoride filters that remove 93 percent of fluoride. With a 2.25-gallon capacity and included stand, this countertop water filter is also easy to fill and ship.
In testing, one of the aspects we most appreciated about this stainless steel water purifier was its high-speed filtration of up to 4 gallons per hour. This type of water filter is notoriously slow, but at about twice the rate of most other models we tested, we never found ourselves waiting for fresh water. In fact, the only unit that filtered faster was the Platops Gravity Bag Water Filter, which is a backpack water filter. We also really appreciated the stand, which elevates the countertop gravity water filter so a glass or bottle fits underneath.
What our tester says: “In addition to producing great tasting water, I really love how quickly this model works and how much it does. Our family drinks a lot of water, and with one fill up in the morning and one in the afternoon, we always have plenty when we need it.” -Michelle Larson, product review tester and author
Get the Water Drop King Gravity Water Filter Amazonfor , for , for , . Walmartor Waterdrop (No stand).
Gravity water filters worth your money
The best water filter system for your home can be bigger, smaller or more portable than the Water Drop King. Every ceramic gravity water filter, stainless steel water filter, and gravity water filter backpacking unit also passed our tests with flying colors.
Borax Legacy Gravity Water Filter System
Buy on Amazon
Buy at Borox
Zen Water Vitality Gravity Water Filter
Buy on Amazon
Shop at Zenwater
Centivia gravity water system
Buy on Amazon
Shop at Santeria
Platypus Gravity Works Water Filter System
Buy on Amazon
Shop at Cascade Designs
Prowell 7 Stage Alkaline Gravity Water Filter System
Buy on Amazon
Big Bricky Water Filter
Buy on Amazon
Shop at Big Bricky
How We Tested the Best Gravity Water Filters
| The product was tested | 7 |
| Passed the test of time | 6 weeks |
| Tests were done | 6 |
| Price range | $150 to $600 |
To find the best gravity water filters, we considered more than 20 products, considering material construction, ease of use, filter life, filtration efficiency and price. We then spent a week testing each model, evaluating them on setup, durability, filtration rate, and water quality and taste. After factoring in the usefulness of additional features such as stands, water level indicators, and additional filters to remove fluoride or increase alkalinity, we scored them using a rubric and assigned the best overall award to the top performer.
General Questionnaire
Considering a gravity water filter for your home? You probably still have some questions about how the best water filters work and what kind of maintenance they require. Read on for answers to these and other frequently asked questions.
For a countertop gravity water filter, simply pour water into the top reservoir and let it filter. For a portable gravity water filter, fill a bag or bottle from a natural water source, mount it high above the filter, and let the water filter through. For each style, you can pour water from a spigot into a glass or bottle.
Gravity water filter maintenance is very similar to that required for water distillers: changing the filters as often as needed (which can be anywhere from a few months to a few years, depending on the filter type and material) and cleaning the water reservoir. Most manufacturers provide general guidelines for filter life and cleaning steps, so we recommend referring to your product manual for more information.
A gravity water filter for sink use gives you more control over the contaminants filtered out of your drinking water thanks to the available filter options and multi-stage filtration. These systems also eliminate the need for bottled water, reduce your exposure to microplastics and help keep plastic waste out of landfills and oceans.
No, most gravity water filtration systems will not soften water, as this involves removing calcium and magnesium. Gravity filters are primarily focused on filtering out sediment, chlorine, heavy metals, bacteria and other contaminants through physical filtration and adsorption. Although some add minerals to improve taste or alkalinity, this does not technically soften the water.
Yes, if you want an affordable, electricity-free way to get clean drinking water, a gravity water filter is worth it. Like a faucet water filter or an under-the-sink water filter, this will help improve water quality and taste. However, this type of filter is usually a bit slower and takes up a bit of space. In addition, gravity filters require minimal maintenance and their tanks require plenty of clean water.
A gravity water filter, whether it’s a countertop model or a walk-in water filter, will typically last 6 to 12 months, depending on frequency of use and water quality. The carbon filters in our picks for the best gravity water filters, WaterDrop King tanks can last up to 6,000 gallons, while the Platypus Gravity Water Filter for Camping will filter up to 1,500 gallons.
To clean a countertop gravity water filter, clean the filters as recommended and regularly clean the reservoir with mild soap or diluted vinegar. For bag models, hand wash and air dry the bag after use and replace the filter if needed.
Meet the tester
Michelle Larson has over a decade of experience writing and editing about home, health and lifestyle topics. She takes a practical, research-driven approach to product testing, focusing on real-world performance, ease of use, and long-term value to help readers choose accessories like water filters.
Additional research was provided by Jane Ryan.
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