In today's article, we are going to compare the Big Berkey versus Doulton Coutertop SS2 water filters. Berkey water filter was born out of a relationship with Doulton and why you'll find many similarities between the 2 systems.

Filtration Capabilities:

Both the Doulton and the Big Berkey filters are capable of removing a wide range of contaminants, including chlorine, VOC's, hazardous pesticides and chemicals, as well as sediment and taste and odors. The Berkey's standard filters also remove heavy metals, while additional post filters need to be used on the Doulton to reduce these contaminants. While the Doulton is capable of removing 99.99% bacteria and cysts, it is not capable of removing viruses to the required 99.9999% that qualifies the Berkey as a water purifier. The Big Berkey is capable of 99.9999% removal of bacteria, 99.9999% removal of cysts, and 99.9999% removal of viruses, making it a true water purifier that will ensure that the water you drink is free from harmful sickening contaminants. Both units can be fitted with post filters in the lower chamber to remove fluoride – the Berkey post filters remove fluoride and arsenic, while the Doulton post filters remove fluoride and heavy metals (heavy metals are removed by the standard Berkey filters – there is no need for additional post filters to remove toxic metals, such as lead). Advantage: Big Berkey

Big Berkey Water Filter

Output

The Big Berkey produces a maximum of 84 gallons per day with the standard 2 element system compared to a maximum of 12-15 gallons a day produced by the standard Doulton system. Both units can be expanded by adding 2 extra filters to the upper chamber, bringing the total number of filter elements to 4. This would increase the output of the Berkey to 168 gallons per day and the output of the Doulton to 24-30 gallons per day. The Berkey has a far greater output and is clearly able to support far more people. Advantage: Big Berkey

Doulton SS2

Affordability

The initial cost of the Big Berkey is slightly higher at $258 compared to the current price of the Doulton – the Doulton is currently on special at around $200 (normal recommended retail price is $359). However, the Berkey is much more economical to run and maintain in the long run. While the replacement costs of the Berkey filter elements ($54.50/filter) are slightly higher compared to $35 for the standard Doulton replacement elements ($49.95 for the Imperial Doulton filter elements), the replacement intervals are much longer. Each Berkey filter element will filter 3000 gallons of water (6000 gallons per set of 2) before needing to be replaced (with no time limit), compared to 535 gallons for the standard Doulton element and 1000 gallons for the more expensive Doulton Imperial filter element (1070 and 2000 gallons per set of 2 respectively) – both of which need to be replaced after 6 months regardless of the amount of water that has passed through them. Based on the maximum daily outputs and recommended replacement time limitations, the overall operating cost equates to approximately 1.8 cents per gallon for the Berkey compared with 6.7 cents per gallon for the Doulton – the Big Berkey clearly provides a much more economical source of clean, filtered water. Advantage: Big Berkey

Versatility (Setup and Portability)

These water filters are very similar in design – they are both freestanding gravity filters that don't require electricity or plumbing to operate, which makes for a simple setup and enables them to be readily portable. They have the same dimensions in terms of height and diameter, and as far as weight goes, there is not much in it – the Big Berkey weighs 9 pounds with 2 filters compared to the Doulton's 8 pounds with 2 filters. When turned on it's head, the upper chamber of the both units will fit snugly inside the lower chamber, reducing the overall size to aid portability. Advantage: Neither

Viewable Water Level

Both units are constructed from opaque material, which prevents the user from being able to quickly ascertain the level of water within the chamber to facilitate refilling. While both manufacturers offer translucent alternatives (eg. the Berkey Light), the Berkey also offers an optional waterview spigot upgrade for the Big Berkey, which lets the user view water levels on a tube indicator. Advantage: Slight advantage Big Berkey

Safety

Both units are constructed from plasma welded 304 stainless steel and will not leach chemicals or toxins into the water held within the chamber. Advantage: Neither

Aesthetic Design

As both units are constructed from sleek stainless steel they will both grace any kitchen with style. Advantage: Neither

Durability

Both units are constructed of durable food grade welded stainless steel, and are similar in positive feedback regarding spigots, parts, and filters. Advantage: Neither

Guarantee

The Berkey comes with a 6 month manufacturers guarantee against part defects, a 2 year manufacturers prorated warranty on the filters, and a lifetime BigBerkeyWaterFilters.com warranty on the stainless chambers, spigots, and hardware, together with excellent customer service and after-sales support. The manufacturers of the Doulton have a 1 year warranty against defects of the stainless steel, parts, and filters. Advantage: Big Berkey

Verdict

While these water filters are similar in many respects, the Big Berkey is superior in terms of its filtration capabilities, output, overall affordability, durability and after sales service.