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Manufactured by KLT Filtration in the UK, Coldstream cartridges are tested by IAPMO R&T under NSF/ANSI 42, NSF/ANSI 53 and NSF P231 protocols for the reduction of listed contaminants.
A gravity water filter uses only the force of gravity to circulate water. Poured into the upper tank, the water slowly passes through the filter cartridges before being collected in the lower tank. This process works without electricity, without connection to the network, without pump and without pressure, offering a simple, autonomous and reliable filtration solution.
The gravity water filter constitutes an economical, ecological and completely autonomous solution for purifying water on a daily basis, without electricity or connection. Depending on the filtration technology used, it can reduce bacteria, certain viruses, chlorine, sediment, as well as many contaminants such as certain heavy metals, while preserving minerals naturally present in the water. It is suitable for domestic use as well as for camping, in a van, in a motorhome or in a home not connected to the network.
A gravity water filter works without electricity or pressure. The water is simply poured into the upper tank and then slowly passes through the filter elements under gravity. Depending on the technology used (activated carbon, ceramic, membrane or combination of several media), the filters retain particles, reduce many contaminants and improve the taste and odor of the water. The filtered water is then collected in the lower tank, ready to be consumed directly from the tap.
There is no absolute “best” gravity water filter. The choice depends above all on the quality of your water, the desired level of filtration, the desired capacity, the flow rate, your budget and your daily needs. Brands such as Berkey, Monderma or EVA meet different uses: some favor high-performance filtration, others ease of use, value for money or water mineralization. The main thing is to choose a system adapted to your situation rather than a solution presented as universal.
The choice of filter cartridges depends mainly on the quality of your water, the level of filtration desired, your budget and your daily consumption. Not all technologies use the same filter media and do not offer the same performance.
The Black Filters use a block of high density activated carbon impregnated with silver. This technology is particularly effective in improving the taste and odor of water, reducing chlorine, many organic compounds and various common contaminants.
The Imperial GF combine a ceramic envelope with an activated carbon media. Ceramic constitutes a first mechanical barrier against fine particles and many micro-organisms, while activated carbon improves the taste quality of water and reduces many chemical contaminants.
The Imperial AMB combine high performance ceramic with an activated carbon block. This design favors a longer contact time between the water and the filter media, which allows very thorough filtration.
Type filters Phoenix are also based on activated carbon block technology. They constitute a benchmark in this family of products and offer efficient filtration of tap water while remaining simple to use.
The cost of using a gravity filter remains very low compared to purchasing bottled water. Depending on the model chosen, a set of two cartridges can produce between 6,000 and 16,000 liters of filtered water, or several thousand 1.5 liter bottles. This significantly reduces the cost per liter while limiting plastic waste and transport linked to bottled water.
The best choice is therefore not necessarily the most expensive filter, but the one whose technology best matches your water quality, your consumption and your performance expectations.
The standards NSF/ANSI are international benchmarks used to evaluate the performance of water filtration systems. For example, the standard NSF/ANSI 42 mainly concerns the reduction of chlorine, taste and odor, while the standard NSF/ANSI 53 evaluates the reduction of contaminants that can have an impact on health, such as lead, certain heavy metals or certain organic compounds. The standard NSF/ANSI 58 applies to reverse osmosis systems.
It is important to distinguish a product NSF/ANSI certified of a product tested according to NSF/ANSI protocols. An NSF certification means that an independent certification body has verified not only the performance of the product, but also other criteria, such as material compliance and manufacturing monitoring. Conversely, a filter advertised as “tested according to NSF/ANSI standards” has been evaluated by following the testing protocols of these standards, without benefiting from NSF certification.
In any case, NSF certification does not constitute, in itself, an absolute guarantee of superiority. It is also essential to review the test reports carried out by recognized independent laboratories, the contaminants actually tested, the test conditions, as well as the performances obtained. All of these elements make it possible to more precisely assess the real quality of a filtration system.
The shelf life of filtered water depends on its original quality, the filtration technology used and storage conditions. In general, it is recommended to store filtered water in a clean, closed container and away from heat and light. In the refrigerator, it can generally be consumed in 2 to 3 days. At room temperature, it is best drunk in the 24 to 48 hours, in order to limit the development of micro-organisms.
The tanks should be cleaned regularly with lukewarm water and mild soap, then rinsed thoroughly. Avoid abrasive products, bleach and metal sponges, which can damage surfaces.
Before returning the system to service, ensure that all parts are completely clean and dry, then reassemble the filter elements according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
