Are you looking for a gravity type water filter that works well but won't cost you an arm and a leg?
If you are, then you need to check out the Alexapure Pro water filtration system.
More...
It's a stainless steel gravity filter that ranks right up there with Berkey and ProOne (formerly Propur), but it costs less to buy, and it costs less to maintain.
In a hurry? Just want to know how much the Alexapure Pro costs?
Click here to read the reviews and check the current price at Amazon.
I've spent many, many hours researching the top selling gravity filters, doing side by side comparisons of lab test results, features, prices, and customer satisfaction. And I can say without hesitation that the Alexapure Pro is one of the best.
In this review, you'll learn all about the Alexapure Pro so you can decide if it's the right water filter to meet your needs.
We'll take a close look at how it works, how effective it is, and where to get it for a good price. You can also find out how it compares to its two top competitors: the Big Berkey and ProOne Big+ water filters.
I'll bet you have a lot of questions about the Alexapure Pro. You can click on your most pressing question in the quick navigation below, or keep on scrolling to read the whole review.
What is the Alexapure Pro made of?
This water filter system appears to be made of high quality materials.
First, you've got the housing. The upper and lower chambers and the lid are made of stainless steel.
Then you've got the actual filter element. It's made of a carbon block core encased in a ceramic shell infused with silver, which acts as an antibacterial agent.
The other parts - spigot, washers, plugs, etc. are made of plastic or rubber.
Where are Alexapure water filters made?
The filter elements are made in USA, and the stainless steel housing is made in India.
How does Alexapure filtration work?
The Alexapure Pro is a gravity water filter, and the way it works is simple.
There are two chambers. The upper chamber holds the filter element, and this is where you pour the water that you want to filter. The bottom chamber holds the purified water.
Although the system comes with one filter element, you can use up to four filters at one time to speed up the filtration process.
The Alexapure filter has a ceramic exterior and carbon interior.
The ceramic exterior shell blocks large molecules of contaminants. Silver in the ceramic prevents the growth of bacteria in the filter.
And the carbon block filter filters out microscopic contaminants like viruses.
Gravity pulls the water downward through the filter(s) and into the collection chamber at the bottom. There's a spigot in the bottom chamber to dispense the purified water.
It doesn't need electricity, and it doesn't need water pressure to work. So you can use it at home, when you're camping, traveling, or just about anywhere!
What kind of water can I put in the Alexapure Pro?
You can put any kind of fresh water into the Alexapure.
That means city water, well water, or even water straight out of a stream or lake. So, it's great for everyday use or for emergency preparedness.
The only water you should never put in it is salt water. It'll ruin the filter.
What contaminants does the Alexapure filter remove?
Alexapure does an excellent job of removing or reducing more than 200 different contaminants from water.
Here's just a partial list of what it reduces, most up to 99%:
- Nitrite
- Aluminum
- Arsenic
- Lead
- Chromium-6
- Chloramines
- Chlorine
- Fluoride
- VOCs (volatile organic compounds)
- BPA
- MTBE
- Glyphosate (sold as Roundup and other herbicides)
- DDT
- Pharmaceuticals
- e. Coli
- Bacteria and viruses
- Cysts
- Radioactive substances
- Benzene
To view the lab test results for Alexapure contaminant reduction, click here.
Does Alexapure remove fluoride?
Yes! It reduces 97.6% of sodium fluoride, 95.2% of hexafluorosilicate, and 95.1% of fluorosilicic acid. These are all forms of fluoride.
Does filtering the water change the pH?
It may raise the pH slightly, which means the water will be a little bit more alkaline. This is because some contaminants can make the water more acidic. When you remove those contaminants, it becomes more alkaline, but only by a little bit.
Other factors like the quality of the water you put into the filter can affect the pH level as well.
Does it remove beneficial minerals?
No. This type of filter does not remove healthy minerals from the water.
That means that if you have hard water with lots of minerals in it, you can still get a buildup of minerals in appliances, even with filtered water.
It also means that if you do a test of TDS (Total Dissolved Solids), you're probaby not going to see much difference before and after filtering the water. But that's okay, because these minerals are not contaminants.
The only ways to remove the minerals from your water are with a water softener, reverse osmosis, or distillation.
Is the Alexapure water filter NSF certified?
No, the Alexapure Pro is not NSF certified. However, I don't think that this in any way disqualifies Alexapure.
NSF testing is purely voluntary, and some companies choose not to go to the expense of having their products certified.
Any reputable water filter manufacturer will have its product tested by an independent lab and will publish the test results for the world to see. Alexapure has done just that.
This is more important, in my opinion.
By the way, I discuss testing and certification in more detail in my post, How to Choose the Best Water Filter for Your Home.
What's the size of the Alexapure Pro and how much does it hold?
When it's assembled, it stands 21-1/2 inches tall. At its widest, the diameter measures 8-7/8 inches.
For long term storage, the two parts nest together, and it stands just 14 inches tall.
Each chamber holds 2.25 gallons, so that's a total of 4.5 gallons.
What does the Alexapure Pro filter system include?
Here's what you get when you buy an Alexapure Pro:
Are there any accessories are available for the Alexapure Pro?
Alexapure Pro Stand
Alexapure has a 6-inch tall stainless steel wire stand for their system.
The main advantage is that you don't have to put the system at the edge of the counter or table in order to use the spigot.
I've only found it at My Patriot Supply.
You can also use the Berkey 9-inch diameter stainless steel stand. It's the same size and does the same thing. Check availability and price at Amazon.
How long does it take Alexapure to filter water?
It can filter one gallon of water in about an hour.
That is, if the top chamber is full of water.
When it's filled, the water pressure helps to push the water through faster. You'll notice a slow down as the water level in the top part goes down.
If you want it to work faster, keep the top chamber filled. One way to do that is to always replace the amount of water that you just dispensed. So, for example, if you take out a half gallon to make iced tea, put a half gallon into the top.
You can also speed it up by adding more filter elements to the system.
What kind of maintenance does the Alexapure Pro require?
The Alexapure Pro doesn't require much maintenance at all.
Buildup on the outside of the filter element can slow down the filtration rate. So, you should take the filter out and scrub it every now and then. Just use one of those scratchy green pads and plain water.
If you notice the rate of flow starting to slow down, the first thing you should do is scrub the filter. You should see an improvement, unless the filter has reached the end of its life. In that case, you'll need to replace it.
You'll also want to clean the inside of the bottom holding chamber every few weeks. Dish soap and a sponge will do. Just make sure to rinse it thoroughly.
And wipe off the outside of the unit as needed.
How long does the Alexapure filter element last?
It's good for up to 5,000 gallons. That's about 2-1/2 to 3 years for an average family of four.
Of course, if you add more filter elements, you won't need to replace them as often.
What's the cost per gallon for filtered water using the Alexapure Pro?
The lowest price that I can find for the replacement filters is $110.00. When you divide $110.00 by 5,000 gallons, you get about 2¢ per gallon.
That doesn't include the initial cost of the system. It's the ongoing cost for the filters.
Where can I get Alexapure replacement filters?
You can check for the availability and price of Alexapure replacement filters at Amazon by clicking here.
Also check for them at My Patriot Supply. They have free shipping on orders over $99.
Alexapure vs Berkey: What's the difference?
There isn't a huge difference between the Berkey and Alexapure gravity filters. Both are made of stainless steel and function in the same way.
But there are some important differences. Here are the main ones:
Filter Element
They both use a carbon block filter, although Alexapure's is encased in a silver-infused ceramic shell. Berkey's is not.
Contaminant Reduction
Here they're almost equal, with a few notable exceptions, namely:
Filter Life
Alexapure has the edge when it comes to filter life.
Each Black Berkey filter is good for 3,000 gallons, and each Alexapure filter is good for 5,000 gallons.
However, you always use at least two filters with Berkey, so that's actually a 6,000 gallon life for a basic system. But you could put two filters in an Alexapure, and that would be 10,000 gallons.
Cost of Filter Replacement
The cost of replacing two black Berkey filters versus one Alexapure filter is not equal. Berkey is about $45 more.
Also consider that if you want to remove fluoride from your water, Berkey requires additional fluoride filters that must be replaced every six months. That's going to run you around $160 per year.
Alexapure filters out fluoride without needing an extra filter.
System Price
Finally, there's the price of the system. The Alexapure Pro and the Big Berkey are comparable in size, but the Alexapure costs about 25% less than the Berkey.
If saving money is the biggest issue for you, I would recommend going with Alexapure. It's almost as good as Berkey, but it's more affordable.
Alexapure vs ProOne: Which is better?
Alexapure and ProOne are stainless steel gravity filters that look and act almost alike.
Here's how they're different:
Filter Element
Both have a carbon interior with a silver-infused ceramic exterior. However, ProOne's is granular activated carbon (GAC), and Alexapure's is a carbon block.
There is a difference between GAC and solid block carbon filters.
Both start out with ground up particles of carbon.
In GAC filters, the carbon is left in a loose granular form.
Carbon block filters are made by further grinding and compressing the carbon into a solid block.
Because the carbon block filter is much less porous than the GAC filter, it's more effective at blocking the tiniest contaminant particles. The water also stays in contact with the filter for a longer time with the carbon block, which means a better chance of reducing contaminants.
The denser composition of a carbon block filter means that it gets clogged up faster, though. So it needs to be cleaned or even replaced more often.
You can read about the pros and cons of both types of carbon filters here.
Contaminant Reduction
In terms of contaminant reduction, Alexapure and ProOne are almost equal. The main differences I can see from the lab test results are:
Spigot
ProOne comes with a stainless steel spigot.
Alexapure comes with a plastic spigot.
Filter Life
Alexapure filter elements have a much longer life than the ProOne ones do. ProOne filters needs to be replaced annually, while the Alexapure can last up to 5 years, depending on usage.
A pair of ProOne filters are going to run you about $157 per year, while the Alexapure filter is around $120. Since it can last for several years, Alexapure is the clear winner when it comes to ongoing filter replacement costs.
System Price
The initial cost of the Alexapure system is just a little less than the ProOne.
As of January 2023, the MSRP of the ProOne Big is $289, while the Alexapure Pro is $279. This includes the filter elements - two with ProOne and one with Alexapure.
I do want to point out, though, that the ProOne Big+ is larger and holds three quarts more water than the Alexapure Pro does. So you're getting a bit more stainless steel for your money with ProOne.
How much does the Alexapure Pro cost and where can I buy it?
I would recommend buying it either from Amazon or My Patriot Supply.
Amazon for the usual reasons: free shipping with qualified Amazon Prime purchases, great return policy, and safe and secure ordering.
Because retail prices are subject to change at a moment's notice, I don't include them in my reviews. But you can easily check the price with just a click.
Check the current price of the Alexapure Pro at Amazon by clicking here.
Some people prefer to buy directly from the manufacturer. That's what you're doing if you buy it from My Patriot Supply.
Sometimes you'll find good deals on bundles at My Patriot Supply, especially for the holidays.
And My Patriot Supply has free shipping on orders over $99.
Click here to check the current price and special deals at My Patriot Supply.
Does Alexapure have a warranty?
Alexapure has a 45-day No Questions Asked Guarantee on the water filter system, if it is unopened.
After 45 days, or for opened products, they say, "we will review your return request on a case-by-case basis."
Now, I did contact Alexapure via live chat and asked them about their warranty.
I was told "We stand behind Alexapure Pro products one year for manufactured defects and you can find the warranty information and return policy (at) MyPatriotSupply here." And I was given the link to the 45-day No Questions Asked Guarantee.
This sounds reasonable, but this "one year standing behind the products" is not specific and does not appear anywhere on the website. I would prefer to have it spelled out in writing.
This isn't a deal breaker, though, in my opinion. I understand that their customer service is great, so I wouldn't let it stop me from buying it.
What are the pros and cons of the Alexapure Pro?
I have read lots and lots of online reviews by people who have bought the Alexapure Pro. The overwhelming majority of them are positive, but there are a few complaints here and there.
So here's a summary of the common likes and dislikes...
Alexapure Pro Pros and Cons
What People Like
Don't Like So Much
Verdict: Should I buy an Alexapure Pro?
I've gotta say, I'm impressed by the Alexapure Pro water filtration system.
Alexapure has managed to make a high quality, effective filter while keeping the cost down so that most people can afford it. That's quite an accomplishment!
I like that it has a single filter that also removes fluoride along with all the other contaminants. The long filter life and lower cost of filter replacement are big pluses.
The biggest negative to me is that it only reduces lead by 96.4%. That might sound nitpicking, but there really is no safe level for lead in drinking water. However, if you don't have a problem with lead in your water, it's a non-issue.
Overall, I think the Alexapure Pro is an excellent choice for anyone who wants safe drinking water that tastes clean and fresh, too. Whether you want a filter for daily use or just to have on hand in case of an emergency, you can't go wrong with this water filter system.
Check the price and availability at Amazon by clicking here.
Head over to My Patriot Supply to check for any special deals.
Still not sure if this is the right gravity filter for you? Check out my other top picks in this post: Best Countertop Gravity Water Filters
Last Updated on January 17, 2023
I am loving reading through these comments. very helpful
Does filters replacement are interchangeable on gravity filter systems?
I mean…Can I buy Pro One 304 stainless steel unit and fit in with G2.0 ProOne filter, or the Alexapure Pro or Black Berkey filters?
I asked because I like Pro One system unit style but want to test all other replacement filters with that unit.
Hi Ramon! Yes, the filters are interchangeable between the different brands of stainless steel gravity filters because the drilled holes are the same size. Just make sure that the filters you choose are the correct height.
I can't thank you enough for putting the energy and effort into making sense of all this for me. We're about to go full-time RV, out in the mountains, in the middle of almost nowhere living. Water was one of the few things we knew we would need to put some effort into researching. THANK YOU for making short work of it.
p.s. As of today, 6.14.22, ordering directly from MPS is about $100 less than Amazon and it now comes with a stainless spigot.
I appreciate you!
Thank you, Laura! I’m so glad I can be of help. I hope all goes well with your new adventure!
I bought an Alexa Pure Pro and like it ok except it is a bit small for my family. I think it is obvious that the Alexa filters are better however Berkey makes a crown filter that says it holds 6 gallons of filtered water so I assume both halves are that size.
Anyway I was wondering if you can use the Alexa filters in the Berkey system? That would be the best of both worlds.
Ps. my Alexa has a stainless spigot.
Hi, John! I believe the filters are interchangeable between all the stainless steel gravity filter brands. The holes for the filters are the same size.
What kind of rubber is used in your unit, including on the filters and spigot? I am allergic to latex.
Hi, Sharon! I can’t answer that question. You could try calling the manufacturer and ask them. The phone number is 1-866-229-0927.
Hi Marge,
I noticed that Berkey doesn’t remove nitrites and nitrates. Is this something to be concerned about? Does the Alexapure remove these?
Hi Jennifer! Berkey does remove >95% of nitrite. See http://berkeywaterkb.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Black-Berkey-Heavy-Metal-MBAS-Chlorine-Turbidity-Removal-Test-Report.pdf I don’t have a number for nitrate. Alexapure removes >98.2% of nitrate and 99.9% of nitrite. See https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2918/4630/files/AlexapureTestResults-Fall-16_6040d8c3-6a09-4275-9127-1de7ad237305.htm?5905571172057767528
The Berkey water filter removes the forever chemicals, PFOS and PFAS but there is nothing on the Alexapure website or anywhere on line that I can find that the Alexapure does too?
Hi, Beth! You’re right that PFAS is not listed on the lab test data for Alexapure. (PFOA is one of many chemicals classified as PFAS.) That doesn’t mean that it doesn’t remove PFAS. It means that it was not specifically tested, for some reason. Activated carbon is one of several filtration methods that are effective in removing PFAS, according to the EPA. (https://www.epa.gov/pfas/treating-pfas-drinking-water) Since the Alexapure uses activated carbon, it should work to reduce PFAS. I would like to try to confirm that, though. I’ll see what I can find out from the manufacturer and follow up here. Thanks for bringing it up. It’s a good question!
I have a propur and was wondering ifthe alexapur filters would work in it, and if so which ones. I use 7 inch water filters in it currently. from propur.
Hi, Connie! My understand is that yes, the filters are interchangeable between Propur and Alexapure. The Alexapure system and filter replacements only come in one size.
Hello! Just wondering if anyone has had the opposite issue with Alexapure filters- upon purchasing, 2 new filters both filtered very slowly one drip at a time. But suddenly, 2 months after purchasing, one filter just pours water straight through. Is this a normal filtration rate or is this a defective filter, that is no longer filtering? We emailed Patriot Supply, where we purchased, and they said the filter is “fail safe” and as long as water is coming out, it is filtered. We’re just confused and a little concerned that it went from a slow drip, which seemed normal for these filters, to a fast gush/flow. Thank you!
Hi, MC! I don’t think that is normal at all, and I would question the answer you got from My Patriot Supply. Solid block carbon filters should never allow for a fast flow unless they are used in a system that uses water pressure to force water through the filter. And that’s not the case with the Alexapure Pro. And the fact that one of the filters is behaving differently indicates to me that it is defective. I suggest you call them and insist on a replacement. It sounds to me like the person who emailed you didn’t completely understand the situation. You might have to ask for someone higher up in the chain of command. I’m sorry this happened to you. Let us know what happens.
My Alexapure filter lasted for less than 300 gallons. I have used it every day since December 2018, about a gallon a day. It has never been dry. I have tried cleaning as suggested. It did not help. These filters are very expensive and at this rate cost about 33 cents a gallon.
Hi, Dennis! The quality of the water you put into it has a big impact on the filter life. So it might be related to that. I’d suggest contacting the manufacturer if you think something isn’t working right.
The cost of Alexapure water Filter Replacement are 2X what they should be. $97 vs. $45.
Hi, DrDick! I’d suggest you check the price at My Patriot Supply as well as Amazon. Links are in the article.
Hi Marge,
Are you aware if whether Alexapure also filters out the same bacteria, viruses, parasites, heavy metals as Berkey? Those other contaminants; have both companies run the same tests?
Btw have you tried cleaning the Berkey chambers and filters with a water/vinegar solution? Some say its better than the scotch-brite method.
Thank you!
Hi, Maya! According to the lab test results, Alexapure reduces total coliform and E. coli 100%, plus Raoultella (Klebsiella) terrigena, Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts, Rotavirus, and Giardia lamblia (cyst) 99.9%. You can see a table comparing the contaminant reduction of Berkey, Alexapure and other gravity filters in my post, Countertop Gravity Water Filters: Which is Best?
I have not used vinegar on the Berkey system or filters. I just use dish washing liquid on the stainless steel, but I’m sure there’d be no harm in using a vinegar solution. I wouldn’t use it on the filters since that’s not what the manufacturer recommends. It could possibly void the warranty. At any rate, I’d probably contact them and ask if it’s safe before using vinegar on the filters.
So the flow rate seems to be the biggest drawback. In your experience, how long does it take to filter A full batch? How about Berkeley using the standard 2 filters?
Hi, Joe! I haven’t tested the Alexapure Pro myself. The flow rate is going to depend on several factors including the condition of the water you put in and age/condition of the filter element. My Berkey filter is the Imperial, which is quite a bit bigger then the Alexapure Pro. (Filtered water capacity 4.5 gal versus 2.25 gal) A full batch of water in my Berkey (with 2 filters) takes probably 5 to 6 hours to filter through.
All gravity filters are slow, and you have to plan ahead in order to always have the amount of filtered water you need. Keeping the upper chamber filled as you dispense filtered water is the best way to keep a constant supply.
To view the lab test results for Alexapure contaminant reduction, click here.
FYI, this is a dead link.
Hi, David! Thank you so much for telling me. I have updated the link.
I’ve used Berkey for years. You have to use a separate PF2 filter that leaches alumina (inert aluminum according to them) dust into the lower storage tank. I tried using 2 Berkey units, one to filter fluoride, and the other to filter out the alumina. The alumina dust clogged the black Berkey filters, and it was a pain. I might try the other one that doesn’t require additional filters to filter out fluoride.
Hi, Michelle! I’m sorry you had that problem with your Berkey. I never had that happen in my many years of using the PF2 fluoride filters. I’m assuming you primed the fluoride filters thoroughly before using them. Did you contact the manufacturer about this issue?
I am considering a ProPure Scout as I am single and it has 1.75 gal..enough for me. Does the slimline or 5″ filter that it uses, depending on the model, filter less than its larger ProPure units. For ex. in reading I saw the slimline shown to take out >50% mercury but the larger propure Big 99%. the >50% could be 99% but I would think the article would have said so.
What do you think?
Thank you, Jackie
Hi, Jackie! I’m not sure where you were reading, but the Propur lab test results say that the G2.0 filter removes 99.9%+ of mercury. The size of the filter doesn’t make any difference – they are just different lengths to fit the different model sizes. The contaminant reduction is the same.
Hi, If the tds from my kitchen faucet is showing 151 ppm, but after going through the Alexapure Pro after 25 gallons is 158 ppm, wouldn’t that mean I’m adding more particles to my water??? I have a ZERO water pitcher filter and it definitely shows 0 ppm after filtering. Why does the Alexapure Pro increase the total dissolved solids? The results seems to be contradictory, but I’d like someone with a little more experience to explain for someone who has no idea about water filters and the tds terminology. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Hi, Carl!
That’s a great question.
From what I have read, TDS numbers usually do go up when you use a carbon filter. That’s because tiny particles of carbon, called fines, attach themselves to the water as it passes through the filter. These are not harmful.
In fact, most dissolved solids are not harmful, and TDS is not considered an adequate measure of the safety of drinking water. It’s mainly a guideline for the aesthetic quality of water. Some people like the taste of minerals, and others don’t.
The World Health Organization came up with a rating system for TDS levels, and they say that a TDS of less than 300 is “excellent”. So your Alexapure-filtered water at 158 is great. You can read more about TDS at the Safe Drinking Water Foundation website here: https://www.safewater.org/fact-sheets-1/2017/1/23/tds-and-ph
Here’s a quote from that article:
“In the United States, substances that are health-based have Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs), and are enforceable by law. However, TDS, and other substances that are considered aesthetic, are given Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels (SMCLs), but are not enforced, because they do not pose as great a health risk as the primary contaminants do. The United States guideline for TDS is also 500 parts per million.”
I also found an interesting article titled “Please Stop Using TDS Testers To Evaluate Water Quality” which you might find interesting.
Now, as far as your Zerowater pitcher vs the Alexapure Pro – they don’t use identical filtration methods, so I would expect different results. Also, Alexapure makes no claims in regard to TDS, while Zerowater makes a pretty big deal of the fact that their product eliminates TDS.
I hope this helps. You could also contact the manufacturer for more clarification.
Hi, there. Alexapure DOES claim to be NSF-certified and gives links for the results.
Hi, KF! You are misinterpreting what they’re saying on their website. It says “The filter is certified to NSF/ANSI Standards through Envirotek Laboratories and uses NSF/FDA approved materials.” They are not certified by NSF. They test to the NSF standards, but are tested by a third party, Envirotek Labs. If you search the Certified Products and Systems listings at NSF, you will not find Alexapure.