Which is better for off-grid or well water?

The Big Berkey. It is built to filter nearly any water source, while the Culligan MaxClear is rated for tap water up to 1000 TDS.

Which lasts longer before filter replacement?

The Big Berkey. Each Black Berkey cartridge is rated for 3,000 gallons, while the Culligan filter is rated for 6 months.

Is the Big Berkey worth the extra $225?

Yes if you need long filter life or non-tap water sources. If you only filter tap water, the Culligan does the job for far less.

Do either remove fluoride?

The Big Berkey only with optional PF-2 fluoride filters. The Culligan MaxClear uses ceramic and carbon and does not list a fluoride stage.

Which is easier to fit on a counter?

The Culligan has a smaller 8.6-inch square base but is taller at 26 inches. The Big Berkey is 19.25 inches tall with an 8.25-inch diameter.

How much water does each hold?

Both hold 2.25 gallons, enough for roughly 1 to 4 people at home.

Berkey Big Gravity Water Filter vs Culligan Gravity with MaxClear

Buy the Culligan Gravity with MaxClear if you want a low-cost gravity filter for tap water. At $44.96 at eBay as of November 6, 2026, it costs about $225 less than the Big Berkey at $269.99 at eBay. Buy the Big Berkey if you need long filter life, high capacity per cartridge, and the ability to filter nearly any water source.

Today the Culligan Gravity with MaxClear costs $225.03 less at its best price.

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