Few things are more pleasant than opening a faucet, filling a glass of water, and drinking it without hesitation. If you live in a place where tap water doesn’t come clean enough for this to happen, then you need the best ceramic water filter at home.
It is obviously one of the few products you can install in your house that will make your life exponentially better. Not only because it helps with drinking water, but it also helps wash your stuff safely. In short, it is a product you can’t afford to have.
But picking a filter that meets your expectations can be a bit tricky. To fix that, we’ve reviewed some of the best models out there for any purpose. Whether you want a filter that removes viruses and bacteria effectively or a portable model to take in your outdoor adventures – you’ll find them all in this article.
Take a look at our reviews and find the right one for you!
Best Ceramic Water Filter Reviews
1. Aquasana AQ-4000W Drinking Water Filter System
Because filtering is something you must take seriously, it is vital to consider brands that approach filtering with the right mindset. Aquasana is one of those brands. And with their AQ-4000W drinking water system, it takes quality to a whole new level without damaging your bank account.
At first sight, you’ll notice it is not like other water systems. This one boasts a unique standalone design that works alongside the faucet instead of under the sink. One advantage of this unique design is the easy-to-attach feature. The days of getting under the sink or hiring a plumber will stay in the past.
Such design also ensures excellent filtering capacity, removing over 97% of all the chlorine while getting rid of all other contaminants in the process.
This is possible thanks to the Activated Carbon filter. It removes herbicides, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and other contaminants.
Then you can find the Catalytic Carbon filter, ideal for removing the chloramine, chlorine, and anything similar. And with the Ion-Exchange, the filter gets rid of mercury, lead, and other metals.
Lastly, there’s the Absolute Sub-Micron Mechanical Filtration. This system removes the rest of the contaminants, including asbestos, chlorine, and cysts, that can be dangerous to your health.
This filtration capacity makes it an NSF Certified filter. And although it filters amazing well, the AQ-4000W will still leave potassium, calcium, magnesium, and many other minerals on the water. So while it cleans, it also retains what’s useful.
Additional Specification
- Ideal For: Your Drinking Water
- Filter Life: 6 months
- Flow Rate: 0.4 Gallons Per Minute
- Purification: Ion Exchange
- Capacity: 450 Gallons
Keep In Mind
Among its disadvantages, you can find the low 0.5 GPM flow rate. If you appreciate fast-filtering systems, then this one may come like a slight annoyance. But there’s no reason to be discouraged. It is slow because it works. So while it may feel like water doesn’t go out as fast as you want, it delivers the cleanest water you could expect.
2. Royal Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Ceramic Water Filter
The Gravity-Fed model from Royal Berkey is an almost perfect choice for people who want a silver ceramic water filter that gets the job done. Thanks to its 304 stainless steel construction, it looks uniquely reliable, withstanding breakage and wear over time.
The filter works seamlessly, though. Meaning you won’t have to install or attach to hoses or faucets. By merely pouring water inside, this filter will clean the water and make it drinkable.
Another significant advantage comes from its size. At only 9.5 inches in diameter and 23.5 inches in height, it is utterly portable. Bringing it around won’t be a problem, whether you’re at home, at the park, or on a camping trip.
Despite its small design, it has a total capacity of 3.25 gallons. That’s enough for up to 4 people in a day. And with its easy-to-use fixture, you can fill up a glass of water in seconds.
You can’t dismiss the filtering capacity, though. That’s what matters the most. It offers a 99.99% bacteria and virus removal capacity to eliminate even the toughest contaminants. This also includes inorganic minerals, metals, protozoa, and even pharmaceuticals.
The internal filters provide excellent performance but also last a lifetime. Each filter provides up to 6,000 gallons of total filtering. That’s enough for almost 2,000 days of use.
Last but not least, the filter is tested by a wide array of independent labs. Berkey makes sure that everything on the filter is built to provide maximum filtering capacity by reducing health dangers from dirty water.
Additional Specification
- Ideal For: 2-6 People
- Height: 24-Inch
- Finish: Glossy
- Diameter: 9.5-Inch
- Capacity: 4 Liters
Keep In Mind
Because it is made of stainless steel, the filter may have a dent or two over time. Dents and rust are also possible if you don’t use them carefully. Apart from that, this is a perfectly designed and resilient filter, as long as you use it correctly.
3. SHTFandGO Gravity Water Filter Kit With Ceramic Filter
There’s no purpose in spending hundreds on a ceramic filter when you can find a cheap and effective model on the SHTFandGO gravity filter.
It is designed to be used in emergencies. Yet, it works well in any situation where filtering is necessary. Because it boasts 10 Micron Prefilters, it acts fast to deliver water quickly. You won’t have to wait 10 minutes for the filter to get water on your glass.
Because the filter was made with practicality in mind, it also boasts an excellent dispenser system. A small and handy spigot on top will help you release water easily. That should be enough to get water on your glass as soon as it is ready without making any insurmountable effort.
The filtering is not only fast or handy, though. It is also practical, as it removes 100% of different bacteria, 99% of most contaminants, and 80% of pesticides and herbicides. Boasting a 0.2 Micron candle filter, the system reduces the number of pollutants exponentially so that you can drink the cleanest water for the cost.
This filter also comes with instructions so you can set it up effortlessly and enjoy its filtering capacity almost right away. And don’t overlook the scrubby brush. It will help you clean the system interior when necessary, so you can always drink the cleanest of water.
On top of everything else, the filter is made to last. Thanks to a heavy-duty plastic construction, it will last years before wearing out or breaking. As long as you take good care of it, the filter will not let you down.
Additional Specification
- Ideal For: DIY Purifier
- Material: Ceramic
- Brand: SHTFandGO
- Dimensions: 8 x 6 x 5 inches
- Capacity: 7 gallons/day
Keep In Mind
Considering how cheap it is, you may need to forget about the odor-removing capacity of most filters. So while it reduces over 99% of most bacteria, viruses, and contaminants, the smell will stay on the water. Luckily, this won’t affect people in most residential homes where water is odorless.
4. DOULTON W9330059 UltraCarb Ceramic Filter System
As an in-line filter, the W9330059 tackles every single contaminant out of the water. This Doulton water filter review will teach you everything there’s to know about the UltraCarb filtering system from this brand.
This candle filter is an under-sink model. It goes just below the faucet, making it completely invisible to sight. That adds up to a convenient filter.
The installation, however, is not too hard. Because it comes with the housing and mounting bracket, you can set it up in just a few minutes, even if you aren’t experienced in this kind of product. And what’s even more important, the filter is compatible with most 3/8-inch fittings, making it even easier to set up.
Apart from its practical design, the main benefit comes from its filtering capacity. Boasting an NSF certification, the filter can get rid of most contaminants in the water. The UltraCarb ceramic filter offers an excellent sub-micron filtration that effectively removes heavy metals, organics, and chlorine.
This filter is also long-lasting. It boasts a unique construction that withstands thousands of gallons before it needs to be replaced. And with its ceramic build, the filter prevents any growth of bacteria inside, so you can rest assured it will deliver super-clean water every time.
Even after years of use, the filter will handle the wear pretty well. It is made of high-quality polyester with acetal parts that make it withstand the weight of time. So it’s likely to look almost like new even after years of use.
Additional Specification
- Ideal For: DIY Purifier
- Purification: Activated Carbon
- Filter Life: 2,271.25 Liters
- Operating Pressure: 10 – 125 PSI
- Flow Rate: 0.9 GPM
Keep In Mind
Even though the candle design is practical and the filter comes with its own mounting bracket, installing this filter may be problematic because it doesn’t come with a faucet adapter. But the installation still takes less time and effort than the typical under-sink filter, so it’s likely to surprise you..
5. AquaCera CeraGrav LP-5 Ceramic Candle Filter
A ceramic water filter candle that works with gravity will deliver exceptional filtration results. The Aquacera CeraGray LP-5 does precisely that.
With a high-quality construction made of polypropylene, the filter lasts a lifetime. The material won’t rust or dent in the slightest. This material also makes it light and easy to move around.
The filtering capacity is excellent, to say the least. It gets rid of dirt, rust, chlorine, cysts, and even odor or taste. You’ll receive nearly-perfect drinking water after filtering it with this candle filter.
What makes it so effective is the ceramic media that captures the contaminants highly effectively through its pores. But this ceramic media is not alone, as the Granular Activated Carbon coal filter helps remove the rest of the contaminants afterward.
Because the filters come with cleanable media, you can expect them to last. The media comes with a silver-impregnated construction as well, preventing any growth of bacteria within the filter.
And what’s even more critical, you can clean the filters up to 100 times and still receive fantastic results.
Additional Specification
- Ideal For: Lasts a Lifetime
- Media Type: Ceramic, Granular Activated Carbon
- Origin: USA
- Type: Gravity Filter System
Keep In Mind
As for the disadvantages, we can add the dripping. The filter may start dripping after you shut it off. This may be a little annoying for some users. Luckily, it only happens for a few seconds or minutes. Then it will stop.
What Is A Ceramic Water Filter?
After going through our ceramic water filter reviews, there’s a chance you aren’t convinced yet. To fix that, you may need to learn about the product more thoroughly.
To put it in short words, we can say that a ceramic water filter is a type of filtration system that uses ceramic media to take apart bacteria, sediment, debris, metals, and other contaminants from water.
Types of Ceramic Water Filter
With a clearer idea of what a ceramic filter offers, let’s give you a heads-up about the different types you’ll encounter:
Candle Filter
This kind of filter is the one likely to be found under the sink. As the name says, it has an elongated cylindrical design, like a candle. So it tends to be easy to hide and install, but it requires decent plumbing experience nonetheless.
Pot Filter
Most pot filters are known as the type that stands on countertops and tables. The design is simple and effective. They can filter several gallons of water at once (from 1 to 5 gallons).
The name comes from the shape, as it looks like a flowerpot. This design makes them super-easy to use and efficient. Usually, the water comes out from a spigot on the bottom.
Portable Filter
For people who want maximum portability and ease of use, a portable filter is their way to go. This type of filter is typically smaller than a pot filter but larger than a candle one. The focus is to hold a lot of water but still provide easy transportation.
In-Line Filter
People confuse in-line filters with candle ones. But that’s wrong. An in-line model goes directly into the plumbing line. It is often used for permanent installations, so it can be a little challenging to install.
How do ceramic water filters work?
The filtration process on a ceramic filter is easy. The water goes through ceramic media. Here, the small pores on the ceramic start to trap the impurities. These pores are about half a micron or less in size. This helps capture even the tiniest particles, going from heavy metals to bacteria, sediment, and much more.
This process is the same as the Earth uses to filtrate water in rivers. When the water flows through and over rock, the pores start to gather the impurities. In ceramic filters, however, the process is a lot more efficient but follows the same logic.
Advantages of Using a Ceramic Water Filter
Whether you get an Aquasana, SHTFandGO, Berkey, or Doulton ceramic filter, you’ll get the same benefits from the product. Among these benefits, you can find:
Healthy And Safe Filtration
The main advantage of getting a ceramic filter is the natural filtration process. Instead of using chemicals and possibly dangerous materials to filter out contaminants, these filters use ceramic, a natural material.
This process is safe and doesn’t eliminate the natural minerals in the water. It eliminates all the harmful contaminants, going from sediment, metals, and dirt to bacteria and viruses.
More Drinkable Water
A ceramic filter gets rid of contaminants. It also improves the taste, color, and smell of the water. This makes it drinkable and usable for almost anything else, going from cooking to cleaning dishes.
Easy To Clean And Practical
Because they’re usually small and straightforward, ceramic filters are easy to maintain and use. Even the installation of these filters takes less time than other types.
Apart from that, ceramic filters are compatible with more complex systems. So if you want to pair it up with other filtration equipment, then you shouldn’t have a problem.
Cheap And Efficient
Probably the best advantage of using a ceramic filter is how affordable they are. It doesn’t consume electricity, its initial costs are super low, and it costs little over time. And what’s even better, the filtration process happens seamlessly, so it is among the most efficient filters out there.
Disadvantages of Using a Ceramic Water Filter
But ceramic filters are not perfect. They also hold a few drawbacks you want to know before choosing. Here are some of them:
Not Thoroughly Protective
While most ceramic filtration systems can remove sediment, dirt, debris, metals, and other contaminants, they’re not the best against particles smaller than 0.2 microns. This includes dissolved solids (like salt and sugar) and viruses, and some types of bacteria.
Require Constant Replacements
In contrast with other types of filters, ceramic needs to be changed every few months. Otherwise, all the dirtiness and bacteria on the pores may eventually filter out.
Fragile Constructions
Ceramic is not the sturdiest of materials, so it’s likely to break if it falls or gets hit. Most ceramic filters are likely to start cracking and denting over time as well.
Ceramic Water Filter vs. Reverse Osmosis
You already know a thing or two about ceramic water filters. But you probably don’t know how it compares to other filters – especially reverse osmosis (RO). Here’s a comparison that may help you with that:
What Is Reverse Osmosis?
The RO process focuses on passing water through a membrane. This membrane retains most of the contaminants that were present in the water. Eventually, this water reaches a state where it has fewer pollutants and becomes more usable.
It is called reverse osmosis because it reverses the osmosis process (turning low-contaminant water into high-contaminant water).
Advantages Of Reverse Osmosis
How does this reverse osmosis process compare to ceramic water filters? Well, here are a few things that RO offers which ceramic doesn’t:
- Gets rid of nitrates and salts.
- Removes minerals from the water.
- Reduces arsenic and similar materials.
- Takes away viruses and bacteria like E.coli, salmonella, hepatitis, Norovirus, and others.
It is important to remember that reverse osmosis also cleans sediment, debris, and heavy metals like ceramic filters. On top of that, it removes smells and flavor more effectively.
Disadvantages Of Reverse Osmosis
While reverse osmosis is one of the best filtration methods out there, it is not free of downsides. Here are a few of them to consider:
- Gets rid of the useful minerals in water (magnesium and calcium).
- It tends to be a slow filtration process.
- Generates a lot of waste.
- It is typically more expensive than ceramic filters.
As you can see, reverse osmosis is a great alternative, but it’s not perfect. Overall, we can say that ceramic filters are healthier, faster, and cheaper than RO, so you choose to decide which one is better.
Difference between Ceramic Water Filter & Other Filtration Types
By now, you should have a clearer idea of what a ceramic water filter system offers and how it compares to reverse osmosis. But how does it compare to the rest of popular filters? Here we compare them:
Ceramic Filter Vs. Porcelain Filter
Like ceramic filters, porcelain ones are made with natural stone that captures particles with the material’s pores. They remove the same number of contaminants (except for some bacteria and viruses). Yet, porcelain is a little more durable. But because it lasts longer, it tends to be a lot more expensive as well.
Ceramic Filter Vs. Sediment Filter
Even though sediment filters are rarely used alone, they’re designed to eliminate debris (large particles) instead of small ones. These filters are ideal for removing rust, sand, dirt, clay, and other large contaminants in the water. Sediment filters are often cheaper than ceramic ones.
Ceramic Filter Vs. Carbon Filter
Typically taken from wood like bamboo, coal, or even coconut crust, carbon filters are excellent at removing small particles and large ones. It is effective at removing chemicals and heavy metals as well. Yet, carbon filters are not good at removing bacteria and need to be replaced a lot faster than ceramic.
Ceramic Filter Vs. Ion-Exchange Filter
Specifically made to remove heavy metals and nitrates from the water, ion-exchange filters boast plastic and heavy-metal constructions. They are very long-lasting and require little maintenance. However, they are not effective at removing pesticides, microbes, bacteria, chlorine, or even sediments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Even though we’ve gone through some of the significant concepts and ideas you need to understand ceramic filters, we still need to make sure you have no doubts. In this section, we answer common questions so you can leave without a single doubt on your mind.
What does a ceramic water filter remove?
As said before, ceramic filtration removes almost everything. This includes bacteria, sediment, debris, dirt, chlorine, pharmaceuticals, organic compounds, and heavy metals. A quality ceramic filter may even remove intense colors and smells. Anything large enough to fit into the 0.2-micron pores on the ceramic will get stuck on the media.
Do ceramic water filters remove viruses?
A ceramic filter will get rid of bacteria and other protozoans, as well as most viruses. However, some viruses are smaller than the pores in the ceramic media to pass through in some cases. That’s why ceramic filters are only recommended to filter out tap water and not possibly contaminated liquids.
How long do ceramic water filters last?
It depends on the product itself, the materials, and usage. But generally, a ceramic filter lasts between 4 months with heavy use to 12 months with less use. This equals about 100 to 1,000 gallons of water. Some filters come with cleanable media that can clean over 6,000 gallons of water before being replaced.
How do you clean ceramic filters?
- Cleaning ceramic filters doesn’t have to be a challenging endeavor. Here we show you 5 steps to follow if you want to leave them pristine without wasting any time or effort:
- Start by removing the filter media from the housing. Most candle-type, portable and pot-type filters are easy to disassemble for cleaning. An in-line filter may be more difficult. Either way, be extra careful with the ceramic parts as they can break easily.
- If you can’t remove the media from the housing, then clean it without disassembling it. This may not be as effective, but it’s still worth doing.
Grab a brush or scrubbing pad. Don’t use rough objects made of metal. Also, avoid detergents and soaps. Then start brushing away the media or filter. Do the same until sediment stops spilling from the filter. - After cleaning, you need to assemble the filter back. Follow the same process for disassembling but backward. Then tighten everything up.
- Finish by testing the filter. Re-install the system on the faucet/sink and use it. Make sure the water filters appropriately. If it does, then you’ve successfully cleaned a ceramic filter.
When should I replace my ceramic water filter?
As we said before, a ceramic filter’s durability depends on many different things, so a definitive amount of time is not easy to come up with. Generally, however, a ceramic filter lasts between 4 to 12 months. If you can replace it within that time frame, that would be ideal.
Conclusion
Setting up your kitchen with a new water filter is a piece of cake with the best ceramic water filter. Not only will it ensure maximum water quality, but it will also save you tons of time and effort than other filters do not.
Check that it is durable, great at filtering, and easy to install. But over anything else, make sure the filter is perfect for your needs. So, what are you waiting for? Don’t click out without getting a filter that meets your standards. You won’t regret it!