I purchased the British Berkefeld Gravity Water Filter System late last year due to growing concerns about our tap water, which had started to taste strange, was often fizzy, and occasionally appeared cloudy. The system arrived promptly, and I was immediately impressed by the meticulous packaging. Every component, including the sleek 8.5L stainless steel unit and the two Doulton Ceramic Ultra Sterasyl Cartridges, was well-protected, ensuring they arrived in perfect condition. The system itself is not only stylish but also robust and durable. Setting it up was straightforward thanks to the clear instructions provided. As a gravity-based system, it’s incredibly easy to use – you simply pour tap water into the upper chamber and let gravity handle the filtration process. The filters are exceptional, efficiently removing 99.99% of common contaminants such as PFAS, bacteria, chlorine, cysts, microplastics, heavy metals, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals. Doulton also offers filters designed to remove fluoride, but since Essex and Suffolk water do not currently add fluoride to their water treatment in my area, there’s no need for those yet. However, I’ll definitely purchase them if the situation changes. Given the deteriorating state of our water infrastructure and the frequent reports of contaminants entering the water system, it’s essential to take measures to ensure the safety of our drinking water. As someone who drinks about 3-5 litres of water throughout the day, I don't want to take any chances with my health or my family's. The difference in taste and clarity between tap water and filtered water is truly remarkable. Our tap water used to have a sweet taste and was sometimes murky. Now, we enjoy crystal clear, great-tasting water without any unpleasant aftertaste. The filters offer excellent value for money, especially considering they only need to be changed every six months. Cleaning them with a brush or scotch pad can also extend their lifespan. The 8.5L capacity is perfect for my family’s daily needs, reducing the frequency of refills. The system handles a large volume of water with ease, making it ideal for both drinking and cooking purposes. For the 8.5L size, I recommend running at least 3 full containers' worth of water through the filters initially to remove any ceramic residue, which can make the water appear slightly milky. The only aspect of this product that bothered me was the spigot. It comes with a black plastic spigot that feels quite weak and looks out of place on an otherwise nearly all-stainless steel unit. For the price I paid, I would have expected a stainless steel spigot. I assume the plastic is BPA-free since the system is designed to filter out contaminants, including microplastics, but this isn't mentioned anywhere. Not wanting to take any chances, I decided to replace it with a stainless steel spigot, which you can purchase relatively cheaply on here. Additionally, the spigot is positioned very close to the base of the bottom container, so the system needs to be placed on the edge of a countertop or elevated on a stand to fit a glass or bottle underneath it. I opted for a base stand, which is also available on here. Though it isn't cheap, it does a fantastic job and looks great, as seen in my photos. Overall, I’m extremely satisfied with my purchase. The British Berkefeld Gravity Water Filter System is a fantastic product. It provides clean, great-tasting water, is easy to use, and represents excellent value for money. The initial investment is offset by the long-lasting filters and the significant improvement in water quality. The ceramic filters are durable and easy to clean, which adds to the overall convenience and cost-effectiveness of the system. I highly recommend this filter to anyone seeking a reliable and efficient water filtration solution. Thank you for taking the time to read my review. I hope that you found it helpful and that it assists you in your decision-making. I try to be as honest and fair as possible, as those have always been the reviews that helped me the most.
