Zero Water VS Berkey – Which One is Better?

A water filtration system is a perfect way to ensure that you are getting safe drinking water for your family and yourself. Apart from safety, this system is also more budget-friendly and environmentally friendly than bottled water.

It is imperative to go for a filter system that does the job correctly. So, buckle up as we are here to review two of the finest filtration brands. A thorough comparison of  Berkey VS Zero Water will help you make the final decision.

ZeroWater vs Berkey

DISCLOSURE: We may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.

Our Top Pick

4.4/5

Zero Water

The Zero water ZD-018 is your perfect filtration system. With a water quality meter, 23 cup capacity, and 5-stage premium filtration, rest assured that you are in a safe zone.

Who is Zero Water and Berkey? 

Zero Water is a renowned water filtration brand that produces faucet mounts, eco filters,  replacement filters, TDS meters, water pitchers, and dispensers. With its futuristic 5-stage filtration approach, this brand promises to eliminate 99% of impurities and contamination. Due to the progressive purification process, it remains a favorite choice among customers. 

On the other hand, we have Big Berkey BK4X2 that manufactures replacement and water filters. Its water purification systems are available in six versatile sizes, and you can go with the one that seems perfect for your office, traveling, home, small, and medium-sized families. 

Both brands have established a name in the market due to their solid work ethic, affordable prices, good reviews, and longevity of filters. 

However, in this article, we will compare Zero Water and Berkey to figure which one is the best and why. 

Zero Water VS Berkey Water Filter Comparison

Let’s have a look at some properties and attributes of both of these filter systems:

Image PRODUCT/ Features Rating  
Top PickZero Water ZD-018 Water Filter Pitcher Zero Water ZD-018 Water Filter PitcherFilter Quality: It can remove 99% of contaminants, including chlorine odor, taste, lead, mercury, chromium, etc.
Filter Lifespan: Approximately 2-5 months
Annual Replacement Cost: $$ for eight pack

Capacity: 5.4 liters
Warranty: 90-days
Special Features: Electronic TDS water quality meter
Big Berkey BK4X2 Countertop Water Filter Big Berkey BK4X2 Countertop Water FilterFilter Quality: It can eliminate up to 95% of viruses, pathogenic bacteria, fluoride, heavy metals, and other chemicals.
Filter Lifespan:
6,000 gallons for around four years
Annual Replacement Cost:
$$$
Capacity:
8.5 liters
Warranty:
Six months
Special Features:
Two black Berkey purification elements and fluoride filters 

1. Functionality and Filter Quality

Zero water ZD-018 is an affordable and easy-to-use device that guarantees to ensure clean and healthy drinking water. Although this product is available at a modest rate, it still uses progressive techniques to eliminate contaminants and provide pure filter water. 

Zerowater filters are based on a 5-level filtration process better than the several filtration procedures. Filtered water passes through six media types before reaching you. Let’s have a look at these five stages of Zerowater filters separately:

  • Step 1: In the first stage, water sediments, particles, and the other solids are removed by a filter screen having micro-pores. 
  • Step 2: Water flow is distributed across the Zerowater filter screen for optimal filtration. In this stage, everything is monitored again to check and extract the remaining dissolved solids. 
  • Step 3: In this step, water goes through an activated carbon and oxidation reduction alloy. The oxidized carbon fiber tends to filter out all the contaminants, including pesticides, herbicides, and chlorine. It is also responsible for clarifying and checking the taste of water. 
  • Step 4: At this stage, the dual ion exchange resin creates an ionic barrier that eliminates inorganic compounds to get pure water. 
  • Step 5: In the fifth stage, everything from minute particles to finest solid particles gets removed. This stage makes sure that water is thoroughly clean and pure. 

Another thing we really love about the Zero Water filter system is that it comes with a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)  meter. It is a terrific tool to check the dissolved solids level in your water and verify that you get clean water. It also shows how the brand is confident regarding its work and willingly gives TDS meters with the product without extra charges. 

Now let’s come toward the Berkey filter system and its functionality. Berkey filters belong to the category of gravity-based systems. This simple device uses gravity and is not connected to a water supply and electricity.

Big Berkey water filters are manufactured with two chambers. One chamber of  Big Berkey is on the top of another chamber. So, to go through a purification process, you fill the chamber with tap water and wait for it to flow into the bottom chamber of the big Berkey. 

The construction of Big Berkey filters includes coconut shell carbon filtration that tricks and traps the contaminants during the adsorption phase. It prevents these dissolved solids from passing through the Berkey filters. 

Zero Water features and functionality written beside the pitcher

2. What Contaminants Do They Remove?

Both Berkey and Zero water have commendable properties to combat and extract the contaminants from the water and provide a filtered version that is safe for you and your family. 

The contaminants removed by Zerowater filters include 99% of Total Dissolved Solids(TDS), chlorine odor, taste, lead, mercury, chromium, salt, etc. 

Zero water filters can not remove some chemicals like Flouride, Uranium, Arsenic as well as bacteria and viruses. 

On the other hand, Berkey water filters extract a lot more contaminants and impurities than Zero Water and other filters. The contaminants removed by them include pathogenic bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, fluoride, parasites, petroleum contaminants, radiological, herbicides, pesticides, and other chemicals. 

3. Certifications

Allow us to say; there is a catch when it comes to Berkey filters. Surprisingly, Berkey’s claim to remove contaminants and bacteria is not certified by National Sanitization Foundation. They do not have an NSF certification. 

Every purification result is backed by independent lab tests. Many other water filter reviews have found Berkey’s claims of providing pure water with 99% contaminants removed to be true. So, this lack of certification is just a matter of them not wanting to invest. There is no shady reason behind it. 

On the other hand, Zero Water filters are NSF certified. Zerowater filter officially meets the criteria of the National Sanitation Foundation to extract the contaminants as claimed by the manufacturing company. 

4. Design & Models

When it comes to build and design structures, Berkey water filters, as well as Zero water filters, support ergonomic designs. Let’s look into the design strategies of both filters separately:

Zero Water

Zero Water ZD-018 is an easy to assemble tool. The good news for cold water lovers, its slim design makes it convenient to place the Zerowater filter in the fridge.

The handle placement is also pretty comfortable that ensures a firm grip. It is made of transparent blue plastic. Apart from serving the visually aesthetic purpose, it also enables you to see the water level.

Furthermore, Zeo water filters have another fabulous feature: push to pour spigot. This property enables you to pour yourself a glass of water conveniently.

The 23 cup size is enough for small-medium-sized families. Another thing we love is that you don’t have to remove the lid to refill since it automatically opens and closes once you get the job done. 

Zerowater filters offer a commendable collection of water filter systems and models ranging from 6-cup to 40-cup pitchers. You can opt for anyone depending on your requirements and budget.

Berkey

Berkey filters are cylindrical shaped and made from stainless steel. It is designed for the use of an extended family. You can also rely on this design for fishing adventures, road trips, camping, or emergencies. 

It comes with a large stainless steel housing, two fluoride elements, and two black Berkey filters. The company has a versatile collection of water filters according to different requirements and situations. Its current range of countertop water filters is as follows: 

  • The Travel Berkey Filter (1.5 gallons)
  • The Big Berkey Water Filter (2.25 gallons)
  • The Berkey Light Filter(2.75 gallons)
  • The Royal Berkey Water Filter (3.25 gallons)
  • The Imperial Berkey Filter (4.5 gallons)
  • The Crown Berkey Water Filter(6 gallons)

5. Performance 

Berkey water filters are popular among customers due to their durability and longevity. And, there may not be a lot of filters that provide a long-term value. Now, let’s explore some speed aspects of Zero Water and Berkey. 

We discussed the filtration procedure and techniques of the Zero Water in the functionality section. As we know that it consists of an advanced 5-step water filtration system, it is evident that it may not filter water instantly. 

It is not even designed to deliver a rapid outcome. Moreover, remember that if your tap water has a high concentration of dissolved and suspended solids, it may take even longer.

On the other side, the Berkey water filter is also not manufactured with the intent to provide fast results as there is no electricity or water pressure involved. However, unlike Zero Water, its speed is not impacted by the high-level TDS (total dissolved solids). 

In a nutshell, both these water filter systems offer a thorough purification procedure within their respective durations. 

6. Filter Life and Annual Maintenance Cost

When it comes to short-term investment, the Zero Water filtration system has to be the end game. With a 5.4 liter capacity and a 2-5 months filter lifespan, it is available online for $40. It means if you buy new filters thrice a year, it is only $120, which is quite affordable. It comes with a warranty of three months. 

After this period, filtered water quality gets compromised, and it starts exudating a foul smell. 

On the other hand, Berkey Water Filter is an investment-based system.  With an 8.5 liter capacity, each purification system has a lifespan of 3,000 gallons, which is 6,000 for two filter systems. For an average four-person family, you can expect a Berkey water filter to last for approximately four years. 

A set of two filter systems are available for $120, and given the fact that you may not need a replacement for four years, it sounds like a fair deal. If you decide to buy additional two filters and attach them to your system, the longevity will increase, which is fabulous. 

Berkey’s warranty (six months) gives it an upper hand when compared with the Zerowater filter.

Zero water quality meter testing a glass of water's quality

Stand-out Features of Zero Water

  • Five Filtration Stages: This is a top-tier attribute of this water filter system. An innovative and safe purification method at a throwaway price is like a cherry on top.
  • TDS Meter: TDS meter has to be the second most prominent feature of Zero Water filtration. Apart from showing the company’s integrity and professionalism, this feature gives you the confidence that you are drinking safe and clean water. 

Which is Better? Zero Water VS Berkey?

Both filters have their own brilliant features, unique qualities, and a large customer base. Which one of these is the best water filter depends on your needs and preferences. However, there are a few factors that can influence your final decision. Here are our two cents on that:

Use Zero Water Filter if
+ You are looking for a lightweight, portable water system for your household. 
+ You want to buy an affordable yet reliable and safe filter. 
+ You are someone who cares a lot about NSF certification; go for the Zero Water filter. An NSF-certified product increases a brand’s credibility and showcases its integrity. 
Use Berkey Water Filter if
+ You are looking for a filtration system with an extended lifespan. For some people, the price may seem outrageously high. However, the extra cost feels to be pretty justified for the value and durability this filter provides.

We would like to end on the reminder, go for the filters that align best with your requirements.  Both these brands are some of the best brands in the market. We hope that you find value from this comparison of Berkey VS Zero Water.

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