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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 sediments, chlorine, bacteria, and other contaminants before collecting in the chamber below. As everyday essentials, these systems are great for providing safe drinking water at home, in the 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 chose the Waterdrop King Tank Gravity Water Filter System as our top pick for its fast filtration, high-quality filtered drinking water, and overall value. Ahead, discover more about why the Waterdrop is the best gravity water filter and which other models we also love.
Gravity Water Filters Comparison
| Product | Drinking water capacity | Filters | Max filtration rate |
| Waterdrop King Tank Gravity Water Filter System | 2.25 gallons | 2 activated carbon filters, 2 fluoride filters | About 4 gallons per hour (GPH) |
| Boroux Legacy Gravity Water Filter System | 3 gallons | 2 activated carbon filters, 2 fluoride filters | About 2 GPH |
| Zen Water Vitality Gravity Water Filter | 2.5 gallons | 1 ceramic filter, 1 multi-layered mineral filter | About 1 GPH |
| Santevia Gravity Water System | 2.6 gallons | 1 ceramic filter, 1 multi-layered mineral filter | About 1 GPH |
| Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter System | 6 liters | 1 hollow fiber membrane filter | About 1.75 liters per minute |
| Purewell 7-Stage Alkaline Gravity Water Filter System | 2.25 gallons | 2 carbon composite filters, 2 multi-layer mineralization filters | 2 GPH |
| Big Berkey Water Filter | 2.25 gallons | 2 carbon composite filters | 3.5 GPH |
Best Overall
Photo: Amazon
What We Like
- 2 carbon filters last up to 6,000 gallons
- Fluoride filters further decrease contaminants
- Fast filtration rate
- Nonslip stand allows a cup to fit under spigot
What We Don’t Like
- Not for microbiologically unsafe water
Product Specs
- Drinking water capacity 2.25 gallons
- Filter 2 activated carbon filters, 2 fluoride filters
- Max filtration rate About 4 gallons per hour (GPH)
Our Ratings
| Setup | 4.5/5 | Functionality | 4.8/5 | Water quality | 4.8/5 | Value | 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-activated carbon filters that reduce chlorine, heavy metals, sediment, and other impurities, as well as two fluoride filters that eliminate up to 93 percent of fluoride. With a 2.25-gallon capacity and an included stand, this countertop water filter is also easy to fill and dispense.
In testing, one of the aspects we appreciated most about this stainless steel water purifier was its fast filtration of up to 4 gallons per hour. This type of water filter is notoriously slow, but at a rate about two times that of most other models we tested, we never found ourselves waiting for fresh water. In fact, the only unit that filtered more quickly was the Platypus gravity bag water filter, which is a backpacking 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 holds. Our family drinks a lot of water, and with one fill in the morning and another in the afternoon, we always have plenty on hand when we need it.”—Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Waterdrop King gravity water filter at Amazon, Walmart, or Waterdrop (no stand).
More Gravity Water Filters Worth Your Money
The best water filter system for your house might be larger, smaller, or more portable than the Waterdrop King. Each ceramic gravity water filter, stainless steel water filter, and gravity water filter backpacking unit also passed our tests with flying colors.
Boroux Legacy Gravity Water Filter System
Zen Water Vitality Gravity Water Filter
Santevia Gravity Water System
Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter System
Purwell 7-Stage Alkaline Gravity Water Filter System
Big Berkey Water Filter
How We Tested the Best Gravity Water Filters
| Products tested | 7 |
| Time spent testing | 6 weeks |
| Tests performed | 6 |
| Price range | $150 to $600 |
To find the best gravity water filters, we looked at more than 20 products, considering material construction, ease of use, filter life, filtration ability, 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 like stands, water level indicators, and extra filters for removing fluoride or increasing alkalinity, we scored them using a rubric and assigned the top performer the award of best overall.
| Product | Setup | Functionality | Water quality | Value | |
| Waterdrop King Tank Gravity Water Filter System | 4.5/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.8/5 | |
| Boroux Legacy Gravity Water Filter System | 4.5/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.2/5 | |
| Zen Water Vitality Gravity Water Filter | 4/5 | 4.3/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.5/5 | |
| Santevia Gravity Water System | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.5/5 | |
| Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter System | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3.8/5 | 4.3/5 | |
| Purewell 7-Stage Alkaline Gravity Water Filter System | 3.5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | |
| Big Berkey Water Filter | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3.5/5 |
FAQs
Considering a gravity water filter for your home? You likely 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.
Q. How do you use a gravity filter?
For a countertop gravity water filter, simply pour water into the reservoir at the top and let it filter through. For a portable gravity water filter, fill the bag or bottle from a natural water source, mount it higher than the filter, and let the water filter through. For each style, you can dispense the water from a spigot into a glass or bottle.
Q. What kind of maintenance do you have to do on a gravity water filtration system?
Gravity water filter maintenance is very similar to that necessary for water distillers: changing the filters as often as necessary (which can range from a few months to a couple of 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.
Q. What are the benefits of gravity filters?
A gravity water filter for sink use gives you more control over the contaminants filtered out of your drinking water, thanks to available filter options and multi-stage filtration. These systems also eliminate the need for bottled water, reducing your exposure to microplastics and helping keep plastic waste out of landfills and oceans.
Q. Will a gravity water filter soften water?
No, most gravity water filtration systems will not soften water, as that involves removing calcium and magnesium. Gravity filters primarily focus on filtering sediments, chlorine, heavy metals, bacteria, and other contaminants through physical filtration and adsorption. While some also add minerals to improve taste or alkalinity, this technically doesn’t soften the water.
Q. Is a gravity water filter worth it?
Yes, a gravity water filter is worth it if you want an affordable, electricity-free way to get clean drinking water. Like a faucet water filter or an under-the-sink water filter, it will help improve water quality and taste. However, this type of filter is generally a bit slower and takes up a bit of space. On the plus side, gravity filters require minimal maintenance and hold a substantial amount of clean water in their tanks.
Q. How long do gravity water filters last?
A gravity water filter, whether a countertop model or a water filter for hiking, will typically last 6 to 12 months, depending on frequency of use and water quality. The carbon filters in our pick for the best gravity water filter, the Waterdrop King Tank, can last up to 6,000 gallons, while the Platypus gravity water filter for camping will filter up to 1,500 gallons.
Q. How do you clean a gravity works filter?
To clean a countertop gravity water filter, replace the filters as recommended and clean the reservoirs regularly with mild soap or diluted vinegar. For bag models, hand wash and air dry the bags after use and replace the filter when needed.
Meet the Tester
Michelle Larson has more than 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 essentials like water filters.
Additional research provided by Jenn Ryan.
