Water? Purified or plain? Purified water has always been in huge demand over the last few decades. With a growing population and industrial increase, the availability of clean water is becoming questionable. From boiling up to filtering out the water, there have been different ways to purify it. As a kitchenware reviewer, I looked up some filters and have listed some of the best gravity water filters depending upon their use.
Here Are The Best Gravity Water Filters In 2020
PRODUCT |
FILTERS |
BEST FOR |
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES |
 Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System |
100,000 gallons | Best Overall |
|
|
4,755 gallons | Best For Home |
|
 Platypus GravityWorks 4.0 |
1,500 gallons | Best For Camping & Emergency Use |
|
| 100,000 gallons | Best Lightweight |
|
1. Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Highlighted Features
- Multiuse
- Lightweight
- High-performance filter
- Removes microplastics.
- Filters 100, 000 gallons.
- Reusable squeeze pouch
- KitchenFaction Rating
Sawyer Mini being the top pick is a versatile water filter system that comes in 3 pack sizes like 1, 2 and 4. You can enjoy clean and safe drinking water while you go camping or for any other outdoor activity with this water filter system that is lightweight, reusable, and compact. It can be used in everyday life; in offices, domestically and for outdoor tours or emergency services.
Construction: With a fast flow rate due to hollow fiber membranes present in the filter, it filters as much water as you want immediately, providing you freshly filtered water on the spot instead of storing it for later use. The filter set comes along with a reusable squeeze pouch, a drinking straw, a spare gasket, cleaning equipment and adapters for gravity hose.
How it works: Weighing less than half a pound, about the size of your palm, with a capacity to filter a gallon of water at a time, and producing 100,000 gallons per filter, it has a wide-mouthed reservoir that is easy to fill and has a handle for portability. It has been tested thrice for bacteria removal, protozoa, cysts, and microplastics, resulting in a removal percentage of 99.99%. Though small in size, it has the ability to remove bacteria like salmonella, cholera, and E. Coli, protozoa like cysts and giardia, and microplastics. It exceeds EPA standard rates for removal.
Maintenance and cleaning: With filtering membranes, this water filter has the ability to be cleaned by backwashing using a syringe, restoring the water filter flow rate after every cleaning process. It needs no expensive cartridge replacement.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight
- Versatile
- Durable and reliable
Cons
- No reservoir
2. LifeStraw Family 1.0 Portable
Highlighted Features
- Follows EPA standards
- Purifies 4,755 gallons
- Suitable for a small family
- Perfect for emergencies
- Multiuse
Reasonably priced LifeStraw Family comes in a pack of 1. This water filter handles the cooking, washing, and drinking needs of a family for up to 3 years. With gravity to power the filter, all you have to do is pour out and drink filtered water.
Construction: The filter is incredibly small and removes the impurities to the micron level. This filter is capable of removing viruses, bacteria and protozoan cysts from contaminated water. LifeStraw Family 1.0 Water Purifier provides a nine to twelve liters per hour flow rate. That is more than enough to provide a family enough distilled water for chores at home.
How it works: You don’t have to push the water through the filter to get it filtered. To maintain the flow rate you need to clean and flush the filter depending upon the contamination and the sediment in the water being filtered. Surpassing EPA standards for water purifiers, it removes viruses, bacteria, and protozoan cysts to 0.02 micron. This filter system has a two-liter bucket on top in which you pour dirty water. The dirty water flows down the tube passing through the filter, with a blue tap ready to pour distilled, clean water from it. There is a red tap at the bottom that releases the contaminated water.
Maintenance and cleaning: There is a red bulb attached to the filter body that backwashes, cleaning it and making its flow rate strong. For portability, you can switch the blue bucket on the top. Being used worldwide, it proves to be a solid choice. It can clean nearly five thousand gallons of water thereby providing a family of 4 distilled, pure water for up to 3 years.
Pros
- Strong flow rate
- No pipe required
- Non-electric.
- Simple to clean cartridge
- US FDA compliant
Cons
- No spare parts
3. Platypus GravityWorks 4.0
Highlighted Features
- EPA/NSF approved.
- 4-liter dirty water reservoir
- Hollow-fiber microfilter
- Replaceable cartridge
- Filters up to 1,500 gallons.
- Lightweight
The Platypus GravityWorks 4.0L Filter System can filter water for a whole group of people as it is capable of generating 4 liters of water in 2.5 minutes, ready for drinking, cleaning and washing purposes. This water filter has a high-capacity, gravity-fed, hollow-fiber system that is ideal for big camping groups, outdoor adventures, and emergency preparedness.
Construction: This filter system includes a 4-liter dirty water reservoir and a clean water reservoir, a hollow-fiber microfilter, hoses, a shutoff clamp, and a storage sack. The kit weighs 11.5 ounces and is made in the USA.
How it works: All you have to do is put a bag of contaminated water over the clean filter water bag with the filter in between them both. It utilizes hollow fiber technology and provides a pump-free water filter. This micron technology-based filter exceeds EPA guidelines, is easy to maintain, and is long-lasting. It can filter up to 1500 L of water and produces a flow rate of 1.75 liters/minute.
Maintenance and cleaning: This filter system is designed for base camping. With gravity filtration, the filter lasts for about 1500L before it is to be replaced and it requires no maintenance. A backflush for approximately 4 seconds is required for cleaning. The system flushes the streamlined, lightweight filter thus saving weight and space. It meets all the standard guidelines of EPA and NFS for protozoa, bacteria and particle removal.
Pros
- No pumping
- Easy to use
- Light and packable
- Quick filtering ability
- Great for group backpacking
- Doubles as shower/sink at camp
Cons
- Needs a large clean source of water
- Extra care to keep the filter from freezing
4. HydroBlu Versa Flow Water Filter System
Highlighted Features
- Disease protection
- Endless life
- Lightweight
- Lifetime warranty
HydroBlu Versa Flow Water Filter System is a multi-purpose water filter system. It is one of the most lightweight and convenient water filters in the market.
Construction: It is light in weight but has heavy-duty features. This filter system is designed exactly according to the EPA standards for filters. It has hollow fiber tubes. These hollow fiber tubes have thousands of tiny holes that can block bacteria, E. coli, protozoan cysts, giardia, cryptosporidium, etc.
How it works: This filter system has a micron hollow fiber membrane that has the ability to remove bacteria and protozoan cysts. This water filter is attached to a plastic bottle with internal threading, which is used to drink water directly from your water sources through a straw.
Maintenance and cleaning: This filter system allows you to backflush the filter, clearing out all of the precipitates and increasing the life of the filter. It requires no replacements and you can reuse it without replacing any filters, cartridges, pumps or even batteries. To increase the longevity of the filter you need to backflush it frequently. It can filter up to 100,000 gallons of water so you can do endless camping or place it in your bug-out bag.
Pros
- Efficient gravity system
- No O-ring – hence no leakage
- Versatile and easy to clean
- Small and durable
Cons
- Not compatible with SmartWater bottles.
5. LifeStraw Mission Water Purification System
Highlighted Features
- Disease protection
- Endless life
- Lightweight
- Compact roll-bag reservoir
- Easy use & maintenance
This gravity-powered filter system purifies water to the micron level, filtering it from bacteria, parasites, microplastics, and viruses.
Construction: This compact roll-bag reservoir comprises a 5 1/2 liter gravity bag with a detachable strap, so it can be either carried up or hung from a tree. Moreover, it consists of a sack, a hose, a purifying cartridge, and a backwashing system in it. It can filter out bacteria, parasites, and microplastics and can even remove viruses. This water filter is best built for groups, can purify up to 18000 liters of water, and can filter 12 liters per hour. It meets all the standards set by EPA and NSF.
How it works: This purifier is the best choice for backpacking trips, camping or prepping for disasters. It takes about two minutes to fill a half-liter bottle. The reason for it being the best for backpacking adventures is that it provides a supply of clean and running water instead of holding heavy liters for future use. With its large filter capacity, large filling bag, and quick flow rate, it is the best source for purifying water to cook, shower or for dishwashing as it makes the water clean of muck, bacteria, protozoa, dirt, viruses, chemicals, and other contagious materials.
Maintenance and cleaning: This hollow membrane water purifier is simple to use and maintains without any requirement of chemicals. For cleaning, after every use, remove the top of the filter bottle and backflush it by blowing air into the mouthpiece to keep the remaining water trapped in the filter. If you have access to some clean water, suck some into the filter bottle and backflush it again.
Pros
- Purifies 4,755 gallons
- Removes all bacteria
- Exceeds US EPA standards
- Compact roll bag reservoir
- Reduces muddiness
Cons
- Doesn’t filter salt, heavy metals & chemicals
6. Platypus GravityWorks 2.0 Kit
Highlighted Features
- Disease protection
- Compact roll-bag reservoir
- Easy use & maintenance
- Meets all EPA/NSF guidelines
- Replaceable cartridge
The Platypus GravityWorks 2.0L Bottle Kit is an ideal, portable filter system for backpacking and camping that is compatible with any bottle or reservoir.
Construction: The Platypus Bottle Kit is based on hollow fiber technology that offers pump-free water filtration. This technology makes it efficient and effective enough to filter 1.5 liters in just one minute. The kit has a 2-liter dirty water reservoir, a 2-liter bottle, a hollow-fiber filter, hoses, a universal bottle adapter, a push/pull cap adapter, and a storage bag with a replaceable cartridge.
How it works: This gravity-fed filter works with hydration bladders and bottles. It takes a container with dirty water and allows gravity to filter the water into your selected container. The container has a release fitting and a bottle adapter that enables the system to work with your chosen bottle.
Maintenance and cleaning: The cartridge that is installed in this filter system exceeds EPA/NSF guidelines for the removal of bacteria and protozoa. Being easily maintainable and long-lasting in nature, it can filter up to 1,500 litres of water before it needs to be replaced with a new one. For cleaning, the bottle kit back flushes in seconds to remove the residue. Light in weight, this filter is durable and covers less space.
Pros
- Easy collecting & dispensing
- Group-ready
- No pumping
- Rapid filter times
- Effective hollow-fibre filter
Cons
- Reservoirs can be difficult to fill
- Requires a lot of backflushing
7. Katadyn Gravity Camp 6 Liters
Highlighted Features
- Disease protection
- Meets all EPA/NSF guidelines
- 6-litre water bag
- Water level indicator window
- Quick-connect adaptor
The Katadyn Gravity Camp 6 L Water Filter allows you to have clean drinking water without any pumping and is ideal for family and group camping.
Construction: This gravity filter has an ultra-flow filter element that provides you a flow rate of 2 liters per minute and filters bacteria, cysts, and sediments. The water level indicator makes it quite visible when another trip to the water source is necessary. The hose can be removed with a quick-release valve equipped to shut the hose off automatically. This keeps the hose away from coming in contact with contaminated water. Just fill the 6-liter bag with water, clip the buckle and hang the bag above your water reservoir.
How it works: The fine pores in the filter strain out the junk, bacteria, and cysts. Moreover, the design doesn’t even require backflushing. It’s reusable and filters up to 1500 liters of water depending upon the quality of the water being filtered.
Maintenance and cleaning: Its filter is cleanable and can filter up to 1500 liters of water. It is a sleek and foldable gravity filter system and it comes with an anti-clog guarantee for over a year.
Pros
- Filters water fast
- Comes with a straw
- Durable
- Easy to set up
- Water tastes great
- Comes with a filter
Cons
- Expensive
8. Platypus Gravity Works Carbon Element
Highlighted Features
- Flow rate up to 2 L/min
- Carbon element
- Filter cartridge
- Push-pull adaptor
Platypus GravityWorks Carbon Element filters water without any pumping and is one of the easiest and fastest gravity water filters. It is great for backpacking or base camping groups, with 8 liters of filter capacity, and provides you filtered water for drinking, washing, cooking and cleaning purposes.
Construction: The Platypus GravityWorks Carbon Element has a hollow fibre element that has a tiny filter that contains activated carbon. The activated carbon is granulated and is packed inside the plastic cylinder and the cylinder is covered with foam. The filter has two bags at each end with a cylinder in the centre. The upper bag contains the granulated carbon and water simply flows through the carbon to another container where it pours out, filtered. The carbon element has a blue arrow labelled as ‘flow’ running to the water purifying chamber.
How it works: The Platypus filter system has the capability or removing flavours, odours, and organic compounds from the water for the best taste. The Platypus GravityWorks Carbon Element has a hollow fibre element with a hose. This filter system meets EPA standards for the removal of bacteria and protozoa but the carbon element is not effective against bacteria, particulates, protozoa, or viruses on its own. With a filterability of 1500 L, this gravity water filter will produce 10,584 sq ft (983 sq m) of surface area filtered.
Maintenance and cleaning: For maintenance and cleaning of this filter system fill the dirty chamber with 2 liters of water and add some drops of unscented bleach. Make sure the water reaches around every corner of the reservoir and leave it overnight. Run all of this water through the filter into the clean chamber containing distilled water.
Pros
- Fast, and easy filtration
- Hands-free filtration
- Great for backpacking
- Small
Cons
- No reservoir
Things To Look For Before Buying!
There are some things you need to keep in mind when you go out in search of a gravity water filter so that you get yourself a product that meets your requirements and comes up to the task.
Some of the more important ones to consider are a filters:
- Filter capability
- Chamber size
- Filter replacement frequency
- Chamber Material
- Budget-friendliness
- Portability
Buying Guide
Important Things To Know Before Getting Gravity Water Filters
A gravity water filter is the easiest way to remove solid impurities or precipitation from water. The impurity is filtered out into the filter paper, making the water distilled and pure for drinking. A gravity filter collects any solid material that is insoluble. These filters don’t require any electricity or any connection to the water supply. The container gets fitted with a small tap and you access safe, filtered water. This purification method has outstanding benefits and abilities. Gravity water filters come in different shapes and sizes, but before using gravity water filters you need to know some important things about why to choose gravity water filters out of other, ordinary ones.
What Is A Gravity Water Filter?
A gravity water filter allows you to filter water filled with harmful contaminants with the help of gravity. To make it work you don’t need any electricity; it works on its own when the water is poured into it.
Does It Meet Your Needs?
This totally depends on your consumption. Once you have understood just how much water you need, you can work out how much liquid you can filter from a filter cartridge. This way you can identify which filter meets your requirements.
Does The Capacity Matter?
Yes, it does as it is basically one of the main concerns of every person who wants to drink water that is clean and fresh. But do look for the ones that have a hook at the top so that while the water filters and you wanna use it, you can do so instantly by hanging it on a tree which will then allow you to use the filter comfortably. Some filters have the capacity to hold a gallon of water and that can be a little heavy to lift so that hook comes in handy as it gives you easy access to the water, without any inconvenience.
What Do You Need To Filter?
You need to get your water analyzed to know what chemical impurities you need to filter it for. This will make it easy for you to choose the right filter option for your water filtration. You can get your water report done with the EPA agency in your state. Or, if the agency is unreachable, you can conduct a water test by yourself with a water kit and check the results.
Alkaline Or Acidic Water?
Another thing you need to check is the pH level of your water. A neutral level is 7 on the pH scale and any number that is lower or higher than that means it is acidic or alkaline, respectively. Water that is high in alkalinity has some health benefits and if you want to get those benefits then go for a gravity water filter that improves pH levels.
Types Of Gravity Water Filters
Just like a water filtration system, gravity filters come in variations too. Each one has its own pros and cons. Let’s have a look at all those types:
Ceramic Gravity Water Filter: This filter type is best for those who are allergic and sensitive to chemicals. It works just like a steel water filter unit; you just have to put water inside the top ceramic chamber and you can have the system running.
Stainless Steel Gravity Water Filters: Stainless steel filters are available in the market today in huge sizes and are comparatively bigger than the average ceramic unit. The stainless steel units are ideal for home use. They are more durable as compared to the ceramic ones. They are lighter in weight and less complex to install.
Gravity Bag Water Filter: Also known as a backpacking filter, this is an on-the-go filter unit. This is best for people who travel a lot or go camping or hiking.
Normal Water Filters Vs Gravity Water Filters
Drinking water filters come in different varieties, like countertop, pitcher or under-sink option. Many of these use a combination of activated carbon/catalytic carbon to distill the water from impurities that are harmful to your health, more likely chlorine, chloramines, heavy metals, chlorine-resistant cysts like giardia and cryptosporidium, pharmaceuticals and more.
Purification is the best process. Water purifiers come in many shapes and sizes. They not only filter out impurities but remove some minerals from the water as well. This process is done by two methods, namely reverse osmosis and distillation. Distillation works much like reverse osmosis but not only does it purify water from contaminants, it also distills the unnecessary minerals and removes bacteria. Through the double-screening process, it screens out almost all unnecessary particles, be they small or big.
How Does A Gravity Water Filter Work?
It works by using the force of gravity to push the water down while it filters. Filtering almost every last bit of the harmful contaminants to provide you with clean and better water. Moreover, this type of filter method is workable for distilled water, etc.
Can You Use This Gravity Water Filter While You Go Backpacking?
Yes, certainly, you can use this gravity water filter when you go backpacking as it proves to be a great companion when you are in need of clean and fresh water to drink and you have run out of supplies. It is pretty easy to use and can be stored in your backpack without taking up much space as it is portable and lightweight.
Conclusion
And so, my discussion of gravity water filters for multiple purposes comes to a close. Out of all my picks, you can choose whichever goes best with your particular requirements and you’ll be good to go.