BOROUX Water Filter Evaluation – Our Full No BS Evaluation

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We’ve lived off-grid because the finish of 2017, and since shortly after we moved in, we’ve been filtering our cistern water with a Massive Berkey filter. We’ve liked our Berkey! It has supplied us with secure, clear ingesting water with out all of the plastic waste of shopping for bottles. 

However when Berkey substitute filters began changing into laborious to search out within the wake of the EPA’s cease sale order, I knew I wanted to search out different choices. I did a ton of analysis on what occurred legally with Berkey, in addition to probably the most viable countertop gravity filter alternate options. You may learn that one right here:

READ: What occurred to Berkey? Water filter alternate options and choices

Enter Boroux.

I bought our Berkey from BerkeyFilters.com, which was run on the time by James Enterprises Inc. (JEI). As I entered into the world of Berkey possession, I cast a relationship with the folks at JEI, first as a buyer and later as an affiliate. I’d change into a brilliant fan. They had been so good to me once I unintentionally ruined my first set of filters. They helped troubleshoot my points and honored the guarantee to ship me replacements (regardless that they might have been proper to say no me).

Sadly, as one of many largest distributors of Berkey Filters within the US, they had been the primary to shut their Berkey operations. Nonetheless, they had been in a position to pivot as an alternative of merely closing for good.

TODD EMERSON, WHO STARTED JAMES ENTERPRISE INC. (JEI) AND WHO OPERATED BERKEYFILTERS.COM, DECIDED TO WORK WITH BOROUX TO CREATE THEIR OWN FILTER SYSTEM.

Boroux had beforehand been recognized for his or her high-quality shatter-proof glass and stainless-steel tumblers. We even have 4 of their stainless cups that got here as a part of the bundle deal that they had going once I first bought our Berkey and they’re nonetheless our FAVORITE cups. I imply, I can’t break them on our concrete ground. And I’m notoriously clumsy.

Taking some classes from their frustrations with New Millenium Ideas, Ltd., the maker of Berkey, BOROUX has poured plenty of effort into acquiring the right testing and certifications. They try to remain as clear as doable about their strategies and processes, which is one thing I personally actually admire. I had tried to disregard a few of Berkey’s excuses about not acquiring issues like ANSI/NSF certifications, however particularly as soon as I learn their countersuit to the EPA, I discovered a lot of their reasoning to be missing.

I’m happy BOROUX was in a position to make this pivot, and much more happy that they’re so strongly dedicated to doing issues the proper means.

So I reached out about attempting a few of their filters.

BOROUX was in search of people like me to check out their merchandise, so I threw my identify within the hat, and to my delight, they stated sure! We had a stunning dialog about our mutual frustrations and gave the impression to be on the identical web page.

It was additionally made abundantly clear to me that they’re in search of probably the most sincere and thorough critiques doable. We’re not right here to blow sunshine at anybody. We’re each after transparency and honesty. That’s at all times been my M.O. I would like folks to be ready for the what-ifs in all conditions.

I assumed they had been simply going to ship me a set of two black filters or one thing to strive since I already had a Berkey. I actually wasn’t in search of a lot.

So think about my shock after they despatched me an absolute TON of stuff to check out! I used to be completely over the moon.

I instantly started working. My aim has been to place the filters by their paces and discover the great AND the dangerous.

This overview goes to stroll you thru ALL of the nitty gritty of utilizing a BOROUX water filter.

Particularly, we’re going to be breaking down all the following (and extra!):

• What the filters are
• Person expertise
• Professionals and cons
• Price-effectiveness
• Suggestions and concerns
• Remaining ideas

Since BOROUX doesn’t declare to have the ability to take away microbes and different organic pathogens, I might be testing these on two totally different municipal water sources: one at my mom’s home and the opposite at my husband’s workplace. I’ll try to check them on our cistern water sooner or later, however not but.

So if BOROUX has been in your water filter record, let’s dive in and see if it’s one thing it is best to get for YOUR house.

BOROUX Filter Evaluation: Is it value it??

What’s a BOROUX legacy. filter?

The BOROUX legacy. water filter system is a 3-gallon countertop gravity system. This can be a unit that sits in your countertop as an alternative of one thing that’s plumbed into your sink or a pitcher that matches in your fridge.

They state they’re HSA/FSA eligible at checkout, which can be an fascinating a part of your calculus if in case you have healthcare funds sitting round that you should use.

There may be an higher chamber that homes the black “basis.” filter components, and a decrease chamber that shops the filtered water.

You merely pour faucet water into the higher chamber and it slowly filters by the black components into the decrease chamber. In different phrases, it lets gravity do the work, therefore a “gravity filter” system. A metal spigot on the decrease chamber means that you can simply dispense water.

Different gravity programs like Berkey, Alexapure, and ProOne solely are available plain stainless-steel. BOROUX has began providing coated black and white choices along with the usual shiny stainless-steel look. Since I already had expertise with stainless-steel, I figured I’d check out the coated mannequin. I picked white to match my mother’s kitchen home equipment and trim.

What are BOROUX basis. filters?

The black BOROUX basis. filter components are akin to the Black Berkey filter components. Fabricated from activated carbon and different supplies, these are what truly do the job of filtering the water. In response to their web site, “they guarantee years of dependable service with a lifespan of as much as 6,000 gallons per filter (12,000 gallons per pair). The filters, geared up with Stem Saver know-how, are bolstered for added sturdiness throughout dealing with and cleansing.”

Specs:

• As much as 12,000 gallons per pair relying on the standard of the influent water.
• Dimensions 2.75” x 9.75”
• Comprised of a specialised mix of activated carbon. The BOROUX basis filters comprise silver, an antimicrobial agent, to forestall microorganisms from degrading the product itself. This filter will not be meant to filter microorganisms.

Their black filter components declare TWICE the rated variety of gallons per filter and have specs VERY much like Berkey. They filter out an enormous array of contaminants and supply spec sheets for all of their unbiased third-party testing.

They’ll additionally match into all sizes of Berkey in addition to a variety of different main gravity filters, together with Alexapure Professional and the ProOne Massive+ and Massive II. We even put one into the tiny Go Berkey system that holds about one quart at a time!

Like all the legacy. unit, the substitute filters by themselves are additionally HSA/FSA eligible at checkout.

Stem Saver

BOROUX partnered with Clearbrook, the formulator of Berkey filters, to make use of the identical formulation to create the inspiration. filters. They keep a lot of the identical form and dimension, however do have an essential new function to guard the stems.

Berkey’s black components have skinny plastic stems that enable water to drip by, sealed with plastic wingnuts and washers. These stems at all times appeared fragile, susceptible to snapping or bending when tilting the unit for cleansing or draining.

BOROUX addresses this with the Stem Saver, a BPA-free plastic cradle that helps the filter factor and stem. It evenly distributes the load, decreasing strain on the stem and making it much less more likely to break.

I discovered this function surprisingly useful. Should you’re attempting to assemble your system by your self, it’s usually laborious to keep away from having the highest chamber tilted or on its facet, and when you’ve primed your black components then they’re loads heavier as a result of weight of the water inside. With Berkey, I at all times needed to be further cautious, however the BOROUX filters felt way more secure and sturdy throughout setup. I’ve a sense they’ll maintain up higher over time.

The legacy. filter housing

The BOROUX legacy. filter has a 3-gallon capability. On the time of this writing, they solely provide one dimension, which falls smack dab in the course of the Berkey vary. The smallest common Berkey (not together with the Go Berkey package) is the Journey Berkey at 1.5 gallons, whereas the most important is the Crown at a whopping 6 gallons.

Our Massive Berkey is 2.25 gallons, and once I put them side-by-side I used to be NOT anticipating to see such an enormous dimension distinction!

The footprint of the unit isn’t too totally different, however the peak was shocking. With out the stand, the BOROUX legacy. is 23 inches tall. With the stand, it’s 29″. The Massive Berkey, by comparability, is 2 inches shorter.

Widespread Points with Dimension and Area Necessities

One concern many people have with countertop filter models like Berkey, BOROUX, Alexapure, ProOne, and others is a scarcity of area for it in some kitchen designs. My mother had mainly one countertop space the place it might match with out bumping into base cupboards, which fortunately is by the sink.

That being stated, its peak plus the countertop peak did make it tough to see into it whereas I used to be filling it. I truly dragged a chair over so I might see a bit higher, and I’m not tremendous quick or something. I’m 5′ 5″. Seeing into the highest isn’t one thing I battle with at house, as our Massive Berkey is just 21 inches excessive and doesn’t sit on a stand. We fill it with a pitcher since our sink faucet sprayer can’t attain it and let the spigot dangle over the sting of the counter.

If we had been utilizing the BOROUX in our house, I is likely to be inclined to set it on a decrease floor like a plant stand or facet desk so I might see into the highest and keep away from overfilling the higher chamber.

Stainless vs. Coated Choices

BOROUX began off with simply the usual stainless-steel housing that’s acquainted to most countertop gravity filters. Lately, they began providing black or white coated fashions. I opted to strive one of many coated fashions since I already knew what the shiny stainless-steel expertise could be.

The coating is only on the outside of the unit. The inside remains to be a shiny stainless-steel.

I like that the coating helps you to match it to your home equipment and hides fingerprints. Our stainless-steel Berkey is at all times lined in handprints, particularly with children round.

Nonetheless, I do fear in regards to the coating’s sturdiness. I attempted to watch out, however nonetheless managed to scuff it inside a day.

Should you don’t thoughts wiping off fingerprints, stainless-steel is likely to be a greater choice, and it’s cheaper. However if you would like a distinct search for your kitchen, the coated variations are nonetheless a pleasant selection, and I’m glad I attempted it.

Equipment

The BOROUX comes normal with a stainless-steel spigot, whereas Berkey features a plastic one and expenses further for the metal improve. I used to be impressed by how strong the metal spigot felt in comparison with our plastic Berkey spigot, which has gotten unfastened after six years.

They provide a Water Stage Spigot , which might be helpful for a housing as giant because the Boroux. I normally estimate the water degree by the stream price or by lifting the higher chamber to peek inside, however with the BOROUX, it’s a lot tougher. This spigot might be an awesome answer.

Additionally they despatched alongside a set of their borosilicate glass tumblers. I actually wasn’t certain I’d ever use these, however they’ve shortly change into our favourite glasses. They’re skinny sufficient that they slot in cup holders, fridge doorways, and in drink pockets that our different journey cups don’t. I may even match one within the drink pocket on my Travelon purse, which normally can’t match something past a regular plastic bottle. You will get silicone sleeves when you’re anxious about breaking them, however I’m usually clumsy and reside in a home with concrete flooring and even I haven’t managed to interrupt one but.

The Meeting Course of

Should you’ve ever assembled a Berkey, the method is sort of precisely the identical, so it should really feel very acquainted. Should you HAVEN’T assembled something like this earlier than, BOROUX makes it very simple to determine. I like to recommend working with one other particular person, particularly if it’s your first time placing one collectively. Because the saying goes, many fingers make gentle work.

They embody a set of easy-to-follow instruction booklets, in addition to directions printed on the within of the filter field together with a QR code.

Since this wasn’t my first filter rodeo, I did simply high-quality with the printed directions. However I do admire how clear all of their educational movies are. They present the elements up shut and provides detailed directions on learn how to assemble the whole lot safely and accurately.

LINK: BOROUX Educational Guides and Movies

Priming the black filters

The black filters are available their very own field with a blue priming instrument, a priming button, and a small bottle of crimson dye to run a efficiency check.

After I first acquired into Berkey filters, they solely had the small brown priming button, which was tough to make use of. I normally most popular their standalone priming instrument for each priming and purging throughout cleansing or storage.

Because it was, I didn’t have it with me once I was assembling the whole lot at my mother’s, so I did my greatest with what I had.

First, I attempted utilizing the tan priming button, a small rubbery donut that you just maintain between the stem and tap. It normally works high-quality for me, however my mother’s faucet saved switching to “spray” mode regardless of how I held it. Not useful.

So subsequent I attempted the blue priming instrument. This is a little more simple, and if in case you have a primary or skinny kind of faucet it really works REALLY nicely.

Sadly for me, the little instrument wouldn’t match over her bubble-style faucet. So what to do? I went and tried it in her toilet sink! And although the priming instrument did need to bend a bit as a way to match the whole lot contained in the sink, labored very nicely to get the filters primed.

If I hadn’t made it work, soaking the filters for 8 hours or in a single day would have been another. Priming is crucial and shouldn’t be skipped! In response to BOROUX, for this reason:

The Person Expertise

It may well take some adjusting when you aren’t used to filling a countertop gravity filter. We’ve been doing it lengthy sufficient now that now we have a routine that works for us. We use a pitcher to get water from the sink and pour it into our Berkey 1-3 instances per day, relying on how a lot we drink or prepare dinner or if now we have firm over.

The BOROUX filter is almost a gallon greater and my mother is utilizing it as a single particular person. She can also be making a concerted effort to drink extra water to forestall her troublingly frequent kidney stones, so her utilization could also be greater than the typical single particular person however lower than our household of three.

She has the filter positioned subsequent to the sink in such a means that the tap hose can attain the higher chamber so she will fill it immediately. She fills it each 1-2 days and retains further filtered water available in pitchers both on the counter or within the fridge.

My husband has been utilizing a BOROUX filter inside a small Go Berkey, which holds roughly one quart of water at a time. He’ll fill the higher chamber and it’ll all filter by in roughly 20-Half-hour. Then he pours it into one of many two BOROUX glass bottles he retains in his mini-fridge so he at all times has a rotation of unpolluted, chilly water able to go. I’ll say that, similar to the Berkey black filter, the Boroux filter sits up only a hair on this unit and makes it so the lid by no means actually sits proper. This can be a GoBerkey design concern although and never Boroux’s…simply one thing to contemplate if in case you have one.

When you get used to how a countertop filter works, it’s truly fairly simple to create a routine that works for you.

How does the water style?

Style is subjective, however I’ll do my greatest to explain our expertise after filtering water at my mother’s home and my husband’s workplace. Each get their water from totally different municipal sources in numerous states.

At my mother’s home, the unfiltered water has a metallic style, and we regularly add flavoring to make it extra palatable. The water at my husband’s workplace, then again, is sort of undrinkable, with distinctive notes of outdated backyard hose and rusty nails. I couldn’t even end a cup from their water fountain and poured it into our filter as quickly as I acquired house.

In each situations, the water filtered by the BOROUX filters tasted IDENTICAL. An identical to the purpose that it virtually felt suspicious. The beginning flavors of each waters had been very totally different from each other and but they each got here out the identical.

The flavour can also be practically equivalent to our Berkey. I discover slight variations on condition that we’re largely filtering rainwater with occasional metropolis water thrown in if now we have to haul. However on condition that they’ve the identical primary formulation, a virtually equivalent taste isn’t all that shocking.

Much like Berkey, the flavour of water from BOROUX was “clear” however not “empty”. It was a spherical taste, if not barely “candy”, although I don’t know if that’s the proper phrase for it. Maybe it was merely the absence of the extra abrasive flavors permitting a extra regulated mineral content material to shine by. Both means, it was refreshing.

Purchase a BOROUX legacy. immediately from BOROUX

Purchase BOROUX legacy. system on Amazon

Professionals and Cons of BOROUX

Given my expertise with Berkey and different countertop gravity filters, I really feel like the professionals and cons of BOROUX are very a lot in keeping with related choices in the marketplace.

Professionals of BOROUX:

• Simply probably the most cost-effective countertop filter in the marketplace (see extra beneath)
• A lot decrease price over time in comparison with widespread water filter manufacturers you should buy on the grocery or massive field shops
• Has the potential to restrict plenty of plastic waste from water bottles
• Filters final for years earlier than needing substitute
• Fabricated from high-quality supplies
• 1-year guarantee on black filter components
• Lifetime guarantee on stainless-steel housing
• Household-owned and based mostly within the USA
• Reduces all kinds of contaminants, together with many heavy metals and ceaselessly chemical substances
• Very dedicated to transparency and rigorous third-party testing to NSF/ANSI requirements

Cons of BOROUX:

• Requires every day filling (don’t wish to neglect after which understand you don’t have sufficient water!)
• Doesn’t match nicely in some kitchen layouts, particularly the place higher cupboards are a priority
• Solely is available in one dimension, which is probably not greatest for single people or very giant households who want one thing smaller or bigger, respectively
• Requires some routine cleansing and upkeep to function optimally
• Meeting could be troublesome for first-timers or these with mobility/dexterity points (it goes higher when you work with a pal!)
• Not an enormous fan of the little tab on the facet of the lid to assist carry it up as an alternative of a knob just like the Berkey has. I get that this might truly be a PRO if area underneath a cupboard is a priority, however lifting the lid from the facet versus the middle feels a bit awkward. Not a deal breaker, only a pet peeve.

On the entire, I really feel like the professionals far outweigh the cons, however I encourage you to look at your scenario and determine what issues most to you.

Price Effectiveness

I went down the rabbit gap of evaluating costs per gallon of Boroux versus potential opponents. I used to be anticipating the inspiration. filters to be a greater worth than, let’s say, a Brita. However once I truly ran the numbers I used to be stunned how stark the distinction was.

All numbers are for costs as I pulled them from both supplier web sites or Amazon in September 2024. All comparisons are for the variety of CLAIMED gallons every model makes. The precise variety of gallons can change based mostly on the standard of your influent water, however ought to be related sufficient. I’ve additionally included frequent bottled water options that many individuals use as an alternative of ingesting faucet water. Outcomes are listed so as from least to best worth per gallon.

Irrespective of the way you slice it, BOROUX is probably the most cost-effective choice by a landslide.

Who is that this filter greatest for?

This filter is greatest for people or households who:

• Have a questionable metropolis water supply
• Are anxious about “ceaselessly chemical substances” in your water supply
• Are in a house or space with recognized lead points
• Are in a house which will nonetheless be serviced by lead pipes
• Already use a store-bought filter pitcher or faucet mount and wish to cut back prices
• Regularly spend cash on plastic bottled water in any amount

At this level, I don’t really feel secure recommending it to people like us who’ve cistern water or questionable nicely water. If BOROUX ever goes by testing for microbes and pursues FIFRA compliance as such, then I might really feel assured making that advice. You’re welcome to learn by their testing information and make that call for your self.

At three gallons, I really feel like BOROUX is a strong choice for folk who would have chosen a bigger Berkey or a ProOne+. This dimension works nicely for households of 3-4+. I might additionally see this working nicely in a breakroom for a small agency, lecturers lounge, workplace, and so on.

Who is that this filter NOT greatest for?

This filter is NOT greatest for folk who’re in search of a filter system that’s plumbed on to a fixture or for a whole-house water filter answer.

Countertop filters are additionally not the most suitable choice if they’ll incessantly be unused for weeks at a time, corresponding to with frequent journey or in a second/trip house. It is very important hold the filters moist after you’ve primed them and observe the proper storage protocols. Whereas it isn’t a catastrophe in the event that they dry out and go unused for a number of days and even weeks, it does have an effect on their efficiency.

In different phrases, BOROUX filters aren’t “typically” filters — they’re meant for use and loved on the common.

You may learn extra about learn how to correctly retailer your black filter components right here.

Remaining ideas and suggestions

Total, I’m an enormous fan of countertop water filters. They have a tendency to carry out means higher than their plastic pitcher counterparts and value a LOT much less in the long term. Additionally they lend a novel aesthetic to your kitchen. If a countertop gravity water filter has EVER crossed your thoughts as one thing that may be nice to your family, I wholeheartedly hope you give this a strive.

Methods to Purchase BOROUX Filters

I at all times advocate making these sorts of purchases immediately from the producer so you already know precisely what you’re getting. You can also make sure that they’ve a correct report of your buy within the occasion you have got a warrantied concern. I do know I used to be grateful for that once I bought our authentic Berkey from JEI again in 2018 and the identical holds true right here.

Should you solely want substitute filters and don’t want all the housing, you should purchase these beneath as nicely:

Purchase BOROUX basis. substitute filters immediately from BOROUX

A phrase about shopping for from Amazon

BOROUX does have its personal Amazon storefront, so if in case you have present playing cards or desire to make use of Amazon for different causes, I at all times advocate shopping for immediately from a producer’s storefront and never from a third-party reseller. Berkey usually had bother with knock-off filters being offered on Amazon that may break simply or not move a red-dye check. That is usually true of different big-ticket gadgets throughout Amazon writ giant, so it doesn’t matter what you’re shopping for, be sure you purchase as immediately as doable!

If you wish to be taught extra about water filtration, rainwater harvesting, or residing off the grid, I invite you to learn additional:

Be taught extra about our authentic cordwood homestead undertaking right here. And you’ll want to be part of us on Pinterest, Fb, and Instagram for extra homesteading goodies that don’t essentially make it to the weblog. Thanks for studying!