Do you know that WHO and BIS stipulate that water with TDS levels less than 500ppm is fit for human consumption?
Therefore, it does not require RO purification unless your water source is near industrial locations. Under circumstances where the TDS levels in water are 250ppm or lower, you can comfortably rely on gravity-based water purifiers.
This article lists excellent non-electric gravity water purifiers and clears all doubts about such appliances.
1. Kent Gold Optima Gravity Water Purifier
The Kent Gold Optima Gravity water purifier is as close as possible to an RO water purifier because it uses a high-quality UF membrane to purify water. Though it cannot handle TDS, it traps contaminants as small as 0.1 microns.
So, if your water source is RO-purified municipal water with TDS levels less than 250ppm, it should be ideal. Besides UF, it has sediment and activated carbon filters to remove foul odor and enhance the water’s taste.
The sediment filter and carbon filters prove helpful in enhancing water quality. However, these filter cartridges and the UF membrane require frequent replacement, making it an expensive appliance.
This appliance conforms to international water purification standards. It delivers excellent performance, but the 5L pure water-holding capacity can be a concern, especially for large families.
The UF membrane can purify up to 4000 liters of water. But replacing it every six months is essential. Besides, cleaning the filter is necessary because the contaminants can block the pores and affect the appliance’s filtering ability.
Though manual operations can be tedious, this non-electric gravity-based water purifier ranks among the best in its niche. The transparent design makes it convenient to monitor water levels and schedule the refilling accordingly.
Pros
- Simple purification technology
- Non-electric operations
- Transparent water tank
- Ability to remove contaminants as tiny as 0.1 microns
Cons
- The capacity of 5L is low.
- Frequent filter replacements
- Regular cleaning required
2. Tata Swach Steel Gravity Water Purifier
Usually, water purifier tanks are made of ABS food-grade plastic. Though convenient, plastic tanks have drawbacks because they can get smelly after a while. Stainless tanks are better options. The Tata Swach Steel Gravity water purifier features steel tanks for storage.
Steel tanks are not transparent to allow water level monitoring. But they are durable and last comfortably longer than plastic tanks.
This water purifier can hold up to ten liters of pure water at a time. So, it is ideal for small and medium-sized Indian families.
This water purifier offers a 2-stage water purification process, including a sediment and carbon filter. Tata claims the filter cartridge can purify 6000 liters of water. But, it does not have automatic sensors to indicate that the replacement is due.
The Tata Swach steel gravity water purifier offers a direct tap fill option but still depends on manual operations. In addition, there is no automatic shut-off option. So, monitoring the water levels is a challenge.
Performance-wise, this water purifier can deal with TDS levels of up to 250ppm. Maintenance-wise, it is a suitable appliance because it does not require much maintenance other than replacing the filter cartridges every six months.
Pros
- Non-electric operations
- Ideal for Indian cities receiving RO-purified water in their taps
- Durable and maintenance-free
- Does not waste water
Cons
- Not recommended for water with high TDS levels
- Manual operations for refilling the tank
- Opaque body, making it challenging to monitor water levels
3. Prestige Non-Electric Acrylic Water Purifier
The Prestige non-electric acrylic water purifier is an ideal appliance for homes that do not depend on groundwater for its requirements. This device features a filter cartridge that purifies water and can handle TDS levels up to 250ppm.
Since it is a gravity-based water purifier, it does not need electricity. So, it requires manual refilling of water every time. But, this appliance is different from other gravity water purifiers because it has an auto cut-off float to arrest the water flow from the top container.
The Prestige water purifier has two tanks of 9L capacity each. So, you get a maximum of 9L of pure water at any time. Though it is more than the automatic RO water purifying appliances, it is ideal for small and medium-sized families.
The major drawback of this water purifier is that it requires frequent cleaning of the filters because it gets clogged, depending on the water quality. In addition, the filter needs replacement every four months.
Prestige recommends changing the purified water if unused for two days. It is because the acrylic body can give out a foul smell.
Pros
- It does not consume any electricity for water purification
- Transparent body for easy water level monitoring
- Auto cut-off float system to prevent water from overflowing
- Decent capacity to cater to medium-sized family requirements
Cons
- Frequent cleaning and filter replacement
- Not ideal for TDS levels of more than 200ppm
- Less durable than stainless steel filters
4. Tata Swach Cristella Advance Blue Water Purifier
The Tata Swach Cristella Advance Blue water purifier has a unique triangular shape, making it easy to fit into kitchen counter corners. But, manual operations can make it challenging to refill the tanks if placed at a high level.
This water purifier does not need electricity and works on the principles of gravity. Though it has a tap arrangement to refill water, it requires manual operations. Therefore, monitoring water levels regularly is essential.
Tata claims this water purifier can deal with TDS levels up to 1500ppm. But gravity water purifiers are not suited for purifying water with TDS levels of more than 250ppm.
The appliance has a water tank capacity of 9L for pure water. However, it takes around four hours for this tank to get full. So, refilling the top tank every four to five hours is necessary to get a continuous supply of pure water.
The filter cartridge can purify up to 6000 liters of water. Subsequently, it needs replacement. Generally, we advise replacing the cartridges every six months. So, this water purifier does not require much maintenance.
Pros
- It works on gravity, so pure water is available 24×7
- The 9L capacity should suffice for medium-sized Indian families.
- Easy to install and use
- The unique design makes it an attractive appliance.
Cons
- The tap design could be better.
- It takes around two to three hours to purify one liter of water.
5. Brita Marella XL
Generally, water purifiers are not portable because they have capacities of more than eight to ten liters. However, Brita Marella XL German-made water filter jug differs from conventional gravity-based water purifying appliances because of its portability.
It does not have a traditional water purifier design with two water tanks. Instead, it is a water filtering jug having a filter cartridge to purify water. This water filter jug has a capacity of 2L of pure water.
This water purifier requires a rechargeable Lithium metal battery to run. The water filter cartridge contains ion exchange pearls that use Brita MicroFlow technology to prevent limescale buildup.
Besides, the activated carbon filters trap aromatic contaminants to enhance the water’s taste. So, if your home receives RO-purified water from the municipality, the Brita Marella XL can be the perfect portable jug to ensure 100% hygienic water.
Maintenance can be expensive because the cartridge needs regular replacement. In addition, this water-purifying jug is ideal for picnics and excursions, but the Lithium battery requires periodic recharging. Otherwise, the product does not work.
Pros
- It works on batteries and does not require electricity
- Highly portable
- The electronic Brita Memo reminds users to replace filter cartridges.
- Exciting design
Cons
- Not ideal for water with TDS levels of more than 250ppm
- Filter replacement is required every month.
6. Kent Gold Gravity Water Purifier
Usually, gravity water filters have an uncomfortable design because the water dispensing tap is placed at the bottom. As a result, it requires users to set the appliance at the edge of the kitchen counter or table. The Kent Gold Gravity water purifier is different because it features a high base stand to make it convenient for dispensing water.
This Kent Gold gravity water purifier has a UF membrane to trap contaminants up to 0.1 microns. Besides, the nano-silver carbon cartridge removes foul odor to improve the water’s taste. So, it delivers a decent water purifying performance.
This water purifier is not suitable for purifying microbiologically unsafe water. It cannot handle TDS levels of more than 200 to 250ppm in the source water. So, you can use this water purifier if your water source has TDS levels of less than 200ppm.
The best feature of this water purifier is the 13L space for accommodating pure water. The top tank is smaller, with a capacity of 7L. Though it offers more pure water, it requires frequent refilling.
Maintaining the water purifier is expensive because the sediment filter and nano-silver carbon cartridge require replacement every three months. The UF membrane lasts longer for six months.
Pros
- It does not work on electricity.
- Suitable for water sources with TDS levels up to 250ppm
- Excellent design with a high base stand
- The ABS body does not rust.
Cons
- UF membrane requires frequent cleaning and maintenance.
- Nano-silver carbon filter needs replacement at three-month intervals.
We have reviewed best non-electric gravity water purifiers. These appliances are excellent for purifying water with low TDS levels. So, people living in cities and depending on RO-purified municipal water supply can use these water purifiers instead of investing in expensive RO water purifiers.
FAQ – Gravity Water Purifiers
- Best Water Purifier in India
- What is TDS
- How to test TDS in water
- TDS Controller vs Mineralizer
- RO vs UV vs UF
- Are Copper water purifiers Safe
1. Which is the best non-electric water purifier?
Various non-electric water purifiers are available on the market that works on gravity. Kent offers some good models, whereas Tata Swach has a couple of popular appliances. Brita provides an excellent portable water purifier.
2. Does the gravity water purifier work without electricity?
Usually, water purifiers working on RO and UV technology require electricity. However, UF and gravity water purifiers do not need electricity. Such appliances require manual operations for refilling water.
3. What is gravity-based water purification?
Gravity-based water purification technology uses the principles of gravity where water from the top tank filters down to the container placed below through UF and other filters that trap contaminants. However, such water purifiers require manual refilling and do not have sensors to indicate it is time to replace the worn-out filters and cartridges.
4. Are gravity-based water purifiers good?
RO water purification is not required when the water source has low TDS levels of up to 500ppm. So, if there is minimum bacterial contamination, UV purification is not necessary. Under such circumstances, gravity-based water purifiers are the best.
5. What are the disadvantages of gravity-based water purifiers?
- The primary disadvantage of gravity-based water purifiers is manual operations. Some water purifiers offer a tap arrangement to refill water, but manual procedures are still necessary.
- Secondly, gravity-based water purifiers cannot purify microbiologically unsafe water. Again, they cannot handle TDS levels of more than 250ppm.
- They do not have sensors to notify users that the filter cartridge replacement is due.
- Gravity-based filters are initially less expensive than RO water purifiers. But, they require filter cartridge replacement every three to four months. Hence, the maintenance costs are equal to that of RO water purifiers.
6. Which is better, stainless steel tank or a plastic tank?
Stainless steel and plastic tanks have their benefits and drawbacks. Stainless steel tanks are more durable as they last longer than plastic tanks. However, stainless steel tanks can rust, whereas plastic tanks do not.
Plastic tanks are transparent and make it convenient to monitor water levels. On the contrary, stainless steel tanks are opaque, making it impossible to gauge the water levels without lifting the lid. Besides, you must lift the top tank to check the water levels in the bottom container.
Water stored in plastic tanks for extended periods gives out a foul smell. On the other hand, stainless steel tanks are comparatively more hygienic.
Plastic tanks are lighter than stainless steel tanks.
Convenience-wise, plastic water tanks are better. But durability-wise, stainless steel is an excellent option.
7. What are the advantages of gravity-based water purifiers?
- Gravity-based water purifiers are priced lower than RO and UV water purifiers.
- Gravity-based water purifiers best suit water with low TDS levels and bacterial contamination.
- Usually, gravity-based water purifiers have higher capacity than RO and UV water purifiers.
- These appliances do not run on electricity. Hence, they do not consume power and are eco-friendly.
- Maintenance costs in gravity water purifiers are less than in RO water purifiers.
- Gravity-based water purifiers do not waste water like RO purifiers.
- Gravity water purifiers do not require any professional assistance for installation.
8. How much money does it cost to maintain a gravity-based water purifier?
Gravity-based water purifiers require replacing filter cartridges at three to four months intervals. The filters cost around Rs 600.
9. Which is better, a gravity-based or RO water purifier?
You cannot compare both of these appliances because they have different purposes. For example, a gravity water purifier is suited for water with TDS levels up to 250ppm. On the other hand, water source with TDS levels of more than 500ppm necessarily requires RO water purification.
10. How long does it take for a gravity-based water purifier to purify water?
It depends on the water source quality. Generally, gravity water purifiers take around two to three hours to purify one liter of water.