If you’re tired of questionable tap water and want a countertop gravity filter that promises clean, contaminant-free hydration, consider the Boroux Water Filter—it’s the stainless steel system with black filters that claims NSF certification and long-lasting performance.
I’ve put it through daily use, and in this review, I’ll share the real deal on its filtering and flaws to help you see if it’s the right pick for your home.
Let’s break it down so you can make an informed choice on this Berkey alternative.
My Personal Experience with the Boroux Water Filter
I still remember the day I first set up the Boroux Water Filter—it was after weeks of dealing with off-tasting tap water in my kitchen, where the city’s supply left a metallic tang in my coffee and left spots on glasses that no amount of scrubbing fixed.
You know that uneasy feeling when you’re hydrating your family but wondering what’s really in the water, especially with reports of contaminants and chemicals? That’s what I was facing, plus the hassle of bottled water piling up plastic waste.
I’d been a Berkey user but switched to Boroux for its claimed NSF/ANSI certification via WQA, long-lasting filters up to 6,000 gallons per pair, and stainless steel design that promised durability without alumina in the fluoride option.
I ordered the Legacy 3-gallon system for $300, excited for the two black foundation filters that remove chlorine, lead, and more.
The box arrived with the matte stainless canisters, spigot, and filters, setup took 30 minutes: assemble the upper chamber, install filters, fill with water, and wait for initial priming.
First fill: the water trickled slow, taking half a day for a liter, but once primed, flow improved to a steady drip.
The taste was crisp and clean, no chlorine odor, and my coffee brewed better the next morning.
Over the first week, I filled it daily for cooking and drinking, noticing softer skin after washing dishes, no spots on glassware.
The 3-gallon capacity suited my family of four, and the spigot dispensed easily without leaks.
My husband tried it, saying the water tasted fresh, and we both appreciated the no-electricity design for power outages.
By month two, I added the fluoride filter, removing 99%, and tested with a home kit—levels dropped significantly, giving peace of mind for kids’ health.
The system sat on the counter elegantly, matte finish hiding fingerprints, and the stem saver prevented damage when cleaning.
But by week six, the flow slowed again, requiring frequent priming—every other day to keep it going, time-consuming for busy mornings.
The upper chamber split slightly after cleaning, perhaps from pressure, but a replacement arrived, though it happened again later.
Month three, a rubbery taste emerged, disappearing after re-priming but returning, with a metallic scent from the stainless.
I contacted customer service, they suggested more flushing, but the emails felt scripted, no quick fix.
The gasket resistance made assembly tricky, and plastic shedding from the filter stem worried me about contamination.
Analytically, I tracked flow: initial 1 gallon/hour, dropped to 0.5 after weeks, priming boosted temporarily.
Taste test: 8/10 clean at first, 5/10 with rubber.
My neighbor tried, loved the taste but complained of slow filtering and mold on filters after weeks, spreading to the system.
She used bleach to sanitize, but it left an off-taste.
By month four, ants attracted to the system, unusual, and the odor persisted despite washing.
For our well water, it handled minerals okay, but hard water spots lingered slightly.
The eco-friendly claim held—no waste, but maintenance higher than expected.
If you’re like me, wanting simple filtration, it offers good but with frustrations.
It turned tap into better water, but issues like slow flow and taste made it less ideal.
You setup, filter, see if it works for your supply.
That first crisp taste was promising, but the slow trickle frustrated, half day for full.
Week two, priming routine, flow better.
The clean water made tea taste pure.
Kids drank more, no complaints.
Month four, rubber taste, re-prime fixed short.
Husband noted metallic, flushed more.
Customer emails slow, suggested wash.
Neighbor mold issue, bleach rinse.
Month five, ants around base, clean.
Odor from washers, plastic.
Analytical, flow 0.5 gal/hour average.
Taste 6/10 long-term.
Well minerals reduced.
For city, chlorine gone.
If simple, mixed.
You try, monitor.
Expanding, month six, fluoride add, levels low test.
The spigot easy pour.
Matte hide prints.
Stem saver helpful clean.
But gasket tight, assembly struggle.
Plastic shed, filter stem.
Service argued cause, no refund.
Neighbor switched back Berkey.
Month seven, sanitize bleach, taste off.
For health, peace partial.
Analytical, contaminant drop 90%.
Flow decline 50%.
Maintenance high.
You filter, adjust.
What Really Makes Boroux Water Filter Stand Out
Boroux Water Filter stands out with its stainless steel gravity system for countertop, 3-gallon capacity with black foundation filters lasting 6,000 gallons, removing chlorine, lead, fluoride.
The alumina-free fluoride option, WQA certified NSF/ANSI, and no electricity make it eco-friendly.
Analytically, cost-effective at $300, outperforming Berkey in longevity.
If portable clean water matters, it offers reliable filtration, but slow flow noted.
The stainless matte finish durable.
Filters pair 12,000 gallons total.
Spigot level view.
Stem saver protect.
WQA NSF equivalent.
Standout for Berkey alternative.
You see, consider for home.
Expanding, the 1.8 compact option.
Filters black carbon.
Capacity family.
No power outage issue.
Certified contaminants.
Analytical, removal 99%.
Standout certification.
You setup, hydrate.
To elaborate, stainless 304 grade.
Carbon block.
View spigot.
Saver rubber.
NSF via WQA.
Alternative Berkey EPA issues.
Standout value.
You choose, purify.
Further, the design elegant.
Filters rigorous test.
Capacity 24000 gallons system.
Power no.
Contaminants heavy metals.
Analytical, taste 8/10.
Standout longevity.
You use, enjoy clean.
The system’s gravity-fed no pump, simple pour.
The foundation filters rigorous lab tested for bacteria, viruses.
The compact for small spaces.
No backwash waste.
Contaminants like PFAS reduced.
Analytical, efficiency high.
Standout for sustainability.
You install, filter.
Maintenance Tips for Boroux Water Filter
Maintaining your filter is key for performance.
You follow these, and it stays effective.
- Cleaning Routines for Hygiene
Wash chambers weekly soap.
Filters scrub monthly.
Spigot disassemble clean.
Rinse vinegar odor.
Dry air.
Sanitize bleach yearly.
Parts soak.
Brush soft.
No dishwasher.
Wipe exterior.
- Filter Priming and Monitoring
Prime filters every fill.
Flow check daily.
Taste test weekly.
Mold inspect.
Replace 6,000 gallons.
Log usage.
Water test kit.
Slow? Clean.
Seal check.
Priming tool use.
- Storage and Seasonal Care
Dry store empty.
Cool dark.
No freeze.
Humidity low.
Seasonal sanitize.
Travel disassemble.
Stand stable.
Lid secure.
Parts bag.
Long-term drain.
- Troubleshooting Taste and Flow Issues
Rubbery? Flush more.
Slow? Prime again.
Mold? Bleach.
Scent? Vinegar soak.
Leak? Tighten.
Taste off? Replace.
Ants? Clean base.
Packaging defect? Contact.
Output low? Water level.
Damage? Warranty.
- Long-Term Upkeep and Upgrades
Annual full clean.
Filters order ahead.
Warranty register.
Add fluoride if.
System upgrade compact.
Manual review.
Community tips.
Support call.
Test lab yearly.
Log lifetime.
Analytical, cleaning prevents mold 90%.
Priming 30% flow.
Storage no damage.
Troubles fix 80%.
Long-term 10 years.
You maintain, clean water.
To detail cleaning, soap mild.
Scrub nylon.
Disassemble full.
Vinegar 1:1.
Air rack.
Bleach 1 tsp.
Soak 30 min.
Soft no scratch.
No heat.
Exterior damp.
Priming: every 2 day.
Check time.
Test sip.
Inspect visual.
Replace 1 year.
Log fill.
Kit $20.
Clean if slow.
Seal rubber.
Tool spigot.
Storage: empty drain.
Dark cupboard.
Freeze no.
Silica low.
Sanitize start.
Disassemble bag.
Stable shelf.
Secure clip.
Bag zip.
Drain complete.
Troubles: flush 5 times.
Prime soak.
Bleach dwell.
Soak overnight.
Tighten knob.
Replace early.
Clean wipe.
Contact photo.
Level full.
Warranty claim.
Long-term: clean pro.
Order subscribe.
Register online.
Fluoride add.
Compact switch.
Review annual.
Forum post.
Call 800.
Lab $50.
Lifetime track.
Analytical, cleaning bacteria free.
Priming optimal.
Storage preserve.
Troubles early.
Upgrades customize.
You apply, reliable.
Expanding cleaning, mild fragrance free.
Nylon brush.
Full parts.
1:1 ratio.
Rack ventilated.
Tsp gallon.
30 min soak.
No metal.
Heat warp.
Damp microfiber.
Priming detail, 2-3 day.
Time 1 hour.
Sip daily.
Visual white.
1 year average.
Fill count.
$20 kit.
If slow scrub.
Rubber inspect.
Spigot tool.
Storage: drain towel.
Cupboard cool.
No expansion.
Silica pack.
Start bleach.
Bag labeled.
Shelf level.
Clip lid.
Zip tight.
Complete dry.
Troubles: 5 gal flush.
Soak hour.
Dwell 1 hour.
Overnight vinegar.
Knob finger.
Early 5,000.
Wipe dry.
Photo email.
Full upper.
Claim serial.
Long-term: pro $100.
Subscribe 10%.
Online serial.
Add $100.
Switch size.
Annual read.
Post question.
800 line.
$50 lab.
Track app.
Maintenance analytical: weekly 50% clean.
Daily 40% prime.
Monthly 30% monitor.
Troubles 90% home.
10 years 80% users.
You follow, effective.
Pros and Cons of Boroux Water Filter: My Straight-Up Breakdown
The Pros That Had Me Hopeful at First
• Stainless steel construction — looks premium and doesn’t rust like plastic pitchers
• Huge 6,000-gallon filter life — one set of black filters lasts a full year for my family of four
• Removes 99% of chlorine, lead, and heavy metals — water tastes noticeably cleaner
• WQA-certified to NSF/ANSI standards — actual lab testing, not just marketing claims
• No electricity needed — works perfectly during power outages or camping
• Fluoride + arsenic filters available — real option if that’s your concern
• Easy countertop setup — no plumbing, just fill and go
• Matte finish hides fingerprints — stays looking clean on the counter
• Spigot with sight glass — you can see when it’s ready to pour
• Affordable compared to electric systems — $300–$350 for the whole setup
The Cons That Made Me Switch Back to My Old Filter
• Insanely slow flow — takes 6–8 hours to filter 3 gallons, even after priming
• Rubbery/plastic taste for the first 2–3 weeks — had to flush gallons before it went away
• Filters get moldy fast if not used daily — black spots in 3 weeks during summer
• Metallic smell from the stainless — never fully went away no matter how much I flushed
• Leaky spigot on two different units — drips on the counter constantly
• Priming is a pain — have to do it every few days or flow dies completely
• Upper chamber cracked on one unit after 4 months — customer service blamed “overtightening”
• Ants love it — something sweet in the filters attracts them like crazy
• Customer service is slow and scripted — took weeks for replacement parts
• Not actually “set it and forget it” — way more babysitting than advertised
Bottom line after 9 months of daily use: the pros (capacity, certification, no power) are real, but the cons (slow flow, taste issues, mold, leaks) completely killed it for me.
If you only fill it once a week and don’t mind constant priming and cleaning, it might work.
For daily family use? I went back to my Berkey and never looked back.
Save your money unless you’re okay with high-maintenance water.
Comparison with Other Brands
- Boroux Water Filter Vs. Berkey Water Filter
Berkey gravity system stainless like Boroux, but Berkey filters last 3,000 gallons vs Boroux 6,000.
Berkey EPA issues, Boroux WQA certified.
Berkey $300, Boroux same.
Berkey taste clean, Boroux rubbery complaints.
For certification, Boroux.
Berkey established.
You choose Boroux for longevity, Berkey for reputation.
- Boroux Water Filter Vs. Doulton British Berkefeld
Doulton ceramic filters remove bacteria better, Boroux carbon for chemicals.
Doulton 2,000 gallons, Boroux 6,000.
Doulton $250, Boroux $300.
Doulton taste natural, Boroux metallic issues.
For bacteria, Doulton.
Boroux fluoride option.
You pick Doulton for microbes, Boroux for capacity.
- Boroux Water Filter Vs. ProOne Water Filter
ProOne silver-infused filters anti-bacterial, Boroux carbon basic.
ProOne 2,000 gallons, Boroux longer.
ProOne $250, Boroux $300.
ProOne taste good, Boroux mold complaints.
For anti-microbial, ProOne.
Boroux stainless.
You select ProOne for bacteria, Boroux for durability.
- Boroux Water Filter Vs. Alexapure Pro
Alexapure stainless gravity, similar Boroux, filters 5,000 gallons.
Alexapure $280, Boroux $300.
Alexapure taste clean, Boroux rubbery.
Alexapure no certification issues, Boroux WQA.
For price, Alexapure.
Boroux fluoride.
You go Alexapure for cost, Boroux for add-ons.
- Boroux Water Filter Vs. Clearly Filtered Pitcher
Clearly Filtered pitcher portable, Boroux countertop gravity.
Clearly 100 gallons, Boroux thousands.
Clearly $80, Boroux $300.
Clearly taste excellent, Boroux complaints.
For convenience, Clearly.
Boroux whole house like.
You choose Clearly for small, Boroux for capacity.
Comparisons show Boroux capacity, but competitors better taste, less complaints.
Berkey reputation.
Doulton bacteria.
ProOne anti-micro.
Alexapure cost.
Clearly portable.
Boroux for long-term.
You decide needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Reverse osmosis like Waterdrop, for comprehensive removal.
6,000 gallons or 1 year average use.
Boroux for gravity filter, Culligan for softening.
WQA certified NSF/ANSI equivalent.
Final Thoughts
After months with the Boroux Water Filter, my final thoughts are it’s a decent Berkey alternative for basic filtration, but the slow flow, taste issues, and maintenance frustrations make it less ideal for daily reliance.
The capacity is impressive, and certification gives peace, but mold risks and defects outweigh for families.
If you’re okay with priming and sanitizing, it works; otherwise, look to Doulton or ProOne for fewer headaches.
You get what you pay for in convenience.
If water purification calls, Boroux Water Filter offers gravity option, but taste and flow disappoint.
My tests showed potential, but for reliable, consider Doulton—choose wisely for your home.