A Comparison of Black Berkey filters and Coldstream FTO+ filters

The quality of our drinking water is under constant pressure due to industrial pollution, herbicide & pesticide pollution, pharmaceuticals & PFAS in drinking water, microplastics etc. Therefore a water filtration system has become a necessity in maintaining your health and well being. A gravity water filtration system in your kitchen, without electricity or pump, is the simplest and most reliable option to acquiring clean water in your home.

On the basis of published independent laboratory test results the two best systems on the market at the present moment are the Berkey systems with the Black Berkey filters and the Pure Filters systems with the Coldstream FTO+ filters. This comparative guide between the Black Berkey filters and the Coldstream FTO filters will, we hope, help you make an informed choice. Whether you are looking for a solution for your home and family, to improve your health or in an emergency situation.

We have analyzed the filtration capacities, the price-performance ratio, and all relevant details of the Black Berkey and the Coldstream FTO gravity filters, helping you to make the best choice for clean and healthy water.

Black Berkey Filters

The Black Berkey filters are made of coconut carbon (not activated) in combination with other materials including silver as an anti-bacterial. The Black Berkey filters are self-sterilising.

The filters work on the basis of an adsorption and absorption process that effectively removes contaminants from the water. For more details see the Black Berkey filters page.

Unlike activated carbon filters, the Black Berkey filters are designed to last up to 22,700 litres before needing to be replaced giving many years of regular use.

Although the Black Berkey filters have a long life, their ability to remove certain contaminants, such as heavy metals, may decrease over time.

The Black Berkey filters are not effective in the long term removal of fluoride and the additional PF2 filters are required for the elimination of fluoride. However, these PF2 filters must be replaced once a year and represent a higher additional cost for those seeking long-term protection against fluoride. Artificial fluoridation is present in Ireland, parts of the UK and parts of Spain.

However, their performance in the elimination of bacteria (log 6), viruses (log 4), as well as parasites and cysts remains constant throughout their lifetime.

Coldstream FTO+ Filters

The Coldstream FTO+ filters are distinguished by their composition of diatomaceous earth ceramic combined with activated carbon of a high quality that offers a superior adsorption performance. This innovative blend ensures optimal filtration of bacteria, viruses, parasites, cysts, heavy metals, and chemicals, ensuring clean and safe drinking water.

Moreover, the Coldstream FTO+ filters are able to remove nitrates. This is a remarkable achievement for a gravity filter and makes the Coldstream FTO+ filters a must for all those living in countryside affected by the deleterious effects of industrial farming.

Coldstream FTO+ filters eliminate fluoride and no additional filters are required. Artificial fluoridation is present in Ireland, parts of the UK and parts of Spain.

Thanks to this state-of-the-art composition, Coldstream FTO+ filters are recognized as the best quality filters on the market.

Activated carbon is extremely effective at absorbing a wide variety of contaminants, but its pores do become saturated over time, which limits its lifespan. This is why Coldstream FTO+ filters must be replaced every 6 months or after 1,500 litres for a pair of filters to maintain optimal performance.

In the long term, this consistency in filtration ensures continuous protection against heavy metals, chemicals, and other hazardous pollutants.

Conclusion

The choice between Black Berkey filters and Coldstream FTO+ filters depends upon your priorities.

If you are looking for a long term durable solution, Black Berkey filters are an excellent option. Primarily for their ability to maintain a constant high level filtration of bacteria, viruses, parasites and cysts, especially important in the case of an emergency. However their inability to remove fluoride long term and lack of protection against nitrates can be major drawbacks.

For those who prefer constant and efficient filtration at all levels, including nitrate protection and long term fluoride removal, Coldstream FTO+ filters are the best choice. The Pure Filters systems (coming soon) come standard with 2 Coldstream FTO+ filters and offer the best choice to guarantee pure water and long-term drinking water autonomy. Coldstream FTO+ filters can also be purchased separately and installed in a Berkey system.