In this article we will compare the Big Berkey drinking water filter with the Sawyer Complete 4-L Dual Bag system (Point ZeroTWO Purifier – Model SP194). Both these units are gravity fed water filters that purify water as it passes through filtration media.

Filtration Capabilities

Both these filtration systems are classed as water purifiers as they are capable of removing minute contaminants such as bacteria, viruses and cysts that standard water filters cannot always eradicate. However, while Sawyer state that their filter removes sediment and 'other' contaminants as well, it provides no further information on what other contaminants the filter is or isn't capable of removing. The Big Berkey on the other hand lists an extensive range of contaminants that their filters have been tested and proven to remove. The Big Berkey can also be fitted with post filters in the lower chamber to remove additional contaminants that the Sawyer definitely would not be capable of removing, such as arsenic and fluoride.

Sawyer Complete 4-L Dual Bag system

Output

The Big Berkey produces a maximum of 84 gallons per day with the standard 2 element system, while the Sawyer is reported to filter 1 gallon (4 liters) in 15 minutes (4 gallons per hour or 96 gallons per day at maximum flow rater). However, from reviews of the Sawyer system on Amazon, this seems to be rather optimistic, with reviewers citing inconsistent flow rates and clogging being issues, and that it typically takes around an hour to filter 1 gallon of dirty water. So depending on the sediment levels in the water this can effectively vary anywhere from 24-96 gallons a day. Additional filter elements can be added to the lower chamber of The Big Berkey to improve flow rate to 168 gallons should a faster flow rate be required.

Affordability

The purchase price of the Big Berkey is slightly higher at $278 compared to $140 for the Sawyer. Replacement filter elements for the Berkey cost $60, with an output of approximately 3000 gallons per filter element, while the Sawyer claims that the filter has an unlimited life with an output of 1 million gallons, but admits that this has not been tested.

Versatility (Setup and Portability)

The Big Berkey is a portable countertop gravity filter that is easy to setup, operates without electricity or plumbing, and weighing in at around 9 pounds is easy to move around. Weighing just 2.5 pounds, the Sawyer is an ultra-lightweight gravity filter that also doubles up as a hydration pack, making it an ideal choice for hiking, backpacking and outdoor activities. The Sawyer filters will not withstand freezing conditions, so it has some limitations as to where it can be used and in what conditions, while the Big Berkey will still function efficiently in really cold conditions – as long as the water isn't frozen ;)

A Big Berkey on a picnic table

Viewable Water Level

Both of these filters are constructed from opaque material, so it is not possible to view the water level in either unit. However, if this is an important consideration, Berkey offer a translucent alternative – Berkey Light ($243) – and it is also possible to upgrade the Big Berkey by fitting a sight glass spigot (available as an optional extra) that allows the user to view the water level on an indicator tube.

Safety

The Big Berkey is manufactured from food grade plasma welded 304 stainless steel that will not leach chemicals or toxins into the water or negatively affect the taste of the water it filters. Sawyer does not provide any information on the material used in the filter bladders, except that they are BPA free. However, reviews of the Sawyer on Amazon indicate that the filtered water does tend to have a plastic taste to it initially.

Aesthetic Design

The stylish stainless steel Big Berkey will look good in any kitchen, whereas the plastic bladder design of the Sawyer dual-bag system is more suitable for outdoor activities and emergency relief.

Durability

The stainless steel Big Berkey is strong and durable with filters protected within the housing. However, the stainless steel housing can dent if the unit is dropped, but the plastic Berkey Light offers an alternative if this is an issue. The plastic bladder design of the Sawyer is designed for outdoor use so it should stand up to much wear and tear, however, the construction of the actual filter mechanism is rather fragile and it is positioned outside the unit, making it vulnerable to breakage.

Guarantee & After-sales Support

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 Sawyers guarantee is limited to its untested claim that the filter is capable of producing 1 million gallons before needing to be replaced, yet from reviews on Amazon, customer service and after-sales support clearly seems to be lacking.

Verdict

The Big Berkey is an excellent choice if you are looking for a high-end portable countertop water purifier that is backed by a reputable company that offers excellent after sales service. If you are looking for a versatile water purifier to use during outdoor activities where conditions remain above freezing, the Sawyer Dual-bag system offers a lightweight solution that can double up as a hydration pack, and you can easily fold it up and put it in your backpack when not in use.