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I'll admit it. I'm partial to Berkey water filters. I've owned one for years, and I've been happy with it. It's the only brand of gravity water filter that I knew about when I bought it.
But then I came across Propur - recently renamed ProOne - a water filter similar to Berkey and every bit as good. In fact, if you're looking for a great Berkey alternative, this is the one I'd recommend.
More...
Just so there's no confusion - ProOne is the new name of Propur as of January 2021. They've done a slight revision in size and design of some of the models, but the filtration technology is the same superior quality it's always been.
If you've been around preparedness websites or discussion forums, you've probably heard the name ProOne (or Propur). That's how I first learned about it.
In a rush? Check the current price of the ProOne Big+ at ProOneUSA by clicking here.
There are several different sizes of ProOne gravity filters, but for this review we'll focus on the most popular one, the ProOne Big+. You'll learn about its effectiveness, how it works, and where you can get it at a great price.
Since it's very similar to the Berkey and Alexapure filters, we'll also cover some of the differences between them.
You can click on a question in the quick navigation below or just go on and read the whole review.
How does ProOne water filtration work?
The ProOne Big+ is a gravity water filter. It consists of two containers that stack together. You start by pouring water into the top part, where the filters are.
Gravity pulls the water downward through the filters into the bottom container. There's a spigot near the bottom for dispensing the purified water.
There's no plumbing involved. You can set it on your countertop or on a table.
What is the ProOne Big+ made of?
The container and the spigot are stainless steel. It comes in a polished or brushed finish. The filter element is granular activated carbon in a container of silver infused ceramic.
In case you're wondering about the silver, it's used because silver inhibits the growth of bacteria. You don't want bacteria growing on your filters!
Where are ProOne water filters made?
The filter element is made in England. I was not able to find out exactly where the other components are made. I emailed the manufacturer to find out. They told me that the system is "made from imported and domestic components and assembled in the US".
What contaminants does the ProOne G2.0 filter element remove?
This is what impressed me the most about ProOne. An independent lab tested the ProOne G2.0 filter element for all kinds of contaminants. The results show that the filter eliminates all or almost all of the following:
- volatile and semi-volatile organic contaminants
- heavy metals
- pesticides
- disinfectants and inorganic non-metallic contaminants (including chlorine, chloramine and fluoride)
- herbicides
- microcystins
- bacteria and viruses
- radiological contaminants
- microplastics
- blue-green algae (parasites)
ProOne is one of the best filters for lead removal. The lab data shows that it removes 100% of lead. That's impressive!
As far as "good" minerals go, the filter reduces calcium somewhat (about 81%), but it does not remove any magnesium and only 2.5% of potassium.
Of course, it also takes out bad tastes and odors, leaving you with delicious fresh-tasting water.
If you'd like to check out the third party lab test results for the ProOne G2.0 filter yourself, you can find them here.
Does ProOne filter out microplastics?
Yes, it does. Lab test results show that the ProOne filter blocks 99.99% of microplastics.
Microplastics are tiny bits of plastic debris, 2.5 to 10 microns in size. It's considered an "emerging contaminant", meaning it's been detected in drinking water, but the health risk isn't fully known yet.
But there's no doubt that it's not a good thing to ingest plastic!
That's one less thing you'll have to worry about if you filter your water with ProOne.
Is the ProOne water filter NSF certified?
Yes. It is certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 42 for aesthetic impurities, according to the NSF website.
Although the ProOne G2.0 filter has not been officially certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53, it does meet or exceed this standard for healthy drinking water. That's according to the independent lab tests mentioned above.
So you know your water is clean and safe.
What's the size of the ProOne Big+ and how much does it hold?
When assembled, it stands 22.75" high and has a diameter of 9.25". For storage, the chamber nest together, and it's just 11.75" high.
It has a capacity of 3 gallons. This makes it a good size filter for a family or group of 4 or more.
What other sizes of the ProOne water filter system are available?
The stainless steel gravity filter comes in two sizes to accommodate different size groups - the ProOne Big+ and the slightly smaller ProOne Traveler+.
There's also a brand new BPA and PVC free plastic version called the ProOne Big II.
This is a good option if you plan to take it camping or use it for outdoor gatherings. It's lightweight and easy to carry, plus you don't have to worry about denting it.
Buy the ProOne Big II at ProOne USA
You can use the chart below to compare the capacities and prices of all three models.
ProOne Traveler+ | ProOne Big+ | ProOne Big II |
|---|---|---|
1-3 People | 4+ People | 2-4 People |
2.25 Gallons | 3 Gallons | 2.5 Gallons |
ProOne also makes a pitcher system that uses the same filter element, but in a mini size. It also has a removable infusion tube so you can infuse the water with fruits or vegetables if you like.
Shop for the ProOne Pitcher with Fruit Infuser at ProOne USA
What does the ProOne Big+ filter system include?
It comes with:
The video below was made using the older version of the Propur water filter. The new ProOne Big+ is slightly larger, but it works the same way, and the filter elements haven't changed.
In addition, the new design makes it easier to lift the upper chamber so you can see how much water is in the lower chamber.
What accessories are available?
A helpful option you can buy is a sight glass spigot that allows you to see how much water is in the holding chamber.
Otherwise, you have to lift up the top chamber to see how much water you have left.
The only drawback with this is that the spigot itself is made of plastic. There's no stainless steel version of the sight glass spigot.
Grab a sight glass spigot at ProOne USA
How long does it take ProOne to filter water?
It takes 6 to 7 hours to filter 3 gallons with two 7-inch filters. But you can add a third filter to speed it up if you like.
That's going to take some planning ahead on your part to make sure you have a steady supply. But after you've had it for a little while you'll figure out a routine that works for you.
Some people just fill it up at night and then in the morning they have a full container of water ready
How long do ProOne filter elements last?
The manufacturer recommends replacing the filters every 12 months.
It's possible that they could last a little longer or they might wear out sooner than that. It depends on the quality of the water you put in and how much you use it.
ProOne G2.0 FIlter Element at ProOne USA
What is the cost per gallon for ProOne filtration?
I asked a representative at ProOne USA how many gallons of water a ProOne G2.0 can filter before it needs to be replaced. The answer was anywhere between 700 and 1,200 gallons per filter.
That means that a pair of ProOne G2.0 filters is good for 1,400 to 2,800 gallons.
Using the lowest price that I found for a pair of filters ($139), the cost per gallon works out to 5¢ to 9¢ per gallon.
This is for the cost of the filters, and doesn't include the initial expense of buying the complete system.
ProOne vs Berkey: What's the difference?
Here are the differences that stand out to me:
- 1The ProOne doesn't require additional fluoride filters like Berkey does. The ProOne G2.0 filter does it all. If your water isn't fluoridated then this doesn't really matter. If you want fluoride in your water, then you won't want to use ProOne.
- 2You don't have to prime the filters. You just put the ProOne filters in and you're ready to go. To me this is a big advantage. Priming the Berkey filters is not fun. I usually end up spraying water everywhere and soaking my clothes when I prime them.
- 3The top chamber doesn't have to be filled to the top to achieve the maximum flow rate. Berkey does.
- 4ProOne comes with a stainless steel spigot. Berkey comes with a plastic one.
- 5The life of the filters is different. ProOne filters last about a year. The black Berkey filters can last anywhere from 3-5 years, but the fluoride filters only last 6 months. Berkey filters can be scrubbed and reused for several years, but ProOne filters must be discarded after one year.
I compared the test results with similar tests done on the black Berkey filter. There was little variation between the two. Berkey has a slight edge here, but to me the difference was negligible.
In most cases, we're talking less than 1% difference in total reduction of certain contaminants.
Note: If you would like more information on Berkey water filters, you can read my full review The Berkey Water Filter Ultimate Buyer's Guide.
Also see my infographic comparing the Big Berkey and ProOne Big here.
ProOne vs Alexapure: Which is better?
Alexapure and ProOne are more alike than they are different.
They look almost identical on the outside, except that Alexapure has a plastic spigot, and the ProOne has a stainless steel spigot.
The Alexapure filter is carbon block encased in a shell made of a hybrid ceramic material. So, it's similar to the ProOne G2.0 filter.
As far as effectiveness goes, they are almost equal, except in lead reduction. ProOne reduces lead by 100%, but Alexapure only reduces it 96.4%. This is significant, because there is no safe level of lead in drinking water, according to the EPA.
Because of Alexapure's weakness in lead reduction, I would say that ProOne is the better of the two.
Alexapure is a little less expensive than ProOne, but it doesn't have a warranty - only a 45-day return policy on unopened products. That seems a bit risky to me.
For more details on Alexapure and how it compares to ProOne, Berkey and other similar filters, please see my review, Best Countertop Gravity Water Filters
How much does ProOne cost? Where can I buy it?
The prices at Amazon can change without notice, so I don't include prices in my reviews. It's easy enough to find out the current price, though.
You can click here to check the current price of the ProOne Big at Amazon.com.
Or you might like to buy directly from the manufacturer, ProOne USA. Shipping is free, and there are other payment options available, including PayPal.
Does ProOne have a warranty?
Yes. It comes with a lifetime warranty on the stainless steel parts. The filters have a 1 year warranty.
What do buyers say about ProOne?
What Buyers Liked
Didn't Like So Much
Does ProOne make a shower filter?
Yes, ProOne does have a shower filter in its line of products.
The ProOne shower filter removes or reduces many contaminants including chlorine and fluoride. Please see Best Shower Head Filters for more details.
See the ProOne filtered shower head at ProOneUSA
Summing It Up
I think the ProOne water filter is worth considering if you're looking for a countertop water filter that removes every conceivable kind of contaminant.
It's great for everyday use at home or work.
And it's good to have on hand for emergencies.
It's also handy to have if you want a water purifier to take along when you travel. You could even take it on your next camping trip if you wanted to. You can dip water right out of a lake or stream and put it through the filter.
I think that's pretty cool!
If I didn't already have a water filter system, I think I would probably lean toward buying a ProOne. It does a great job of purifying water and it's easy to use. Those no-prime all-in-one filters are a big plus in my book!
If the ProOne Big+ sounds like the right filter for you, go check the availability and price at Amazon or at ProOne USA today!
You can also find the complete line of ProOne products at the manufacturer's website.
If you'd like to check out some other brands of gravity filters, click here to go to Best Countertop Gravity Water Filters.
Last Updated on November 19, 2023
Hey there,
Would you recommend one of these for well water that is water softened? Or is there anything that you would recommend? We are spending like $18 a week in drinking water.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge and the time you put into these reviews.
Hi Allen! You can use it for well water that has been softened. But keep in mind that the water softener will add sodium to your water, and filters like ProOne do not remove salts. Those added salts can potentially clog the filters prematurely, too. If you want to use a gravity filter, it would probably be best to bypass the softener for your drinking water, then filter it.
How well does this filter do filtering soft water? I'm trying to decide whether I should buy a reverse osmosis system or if a system like Pro One will work better? I'm on city water and have a water softener, so my main concerns are if Pro One filters will get most or at least some of the sodium out?
Hi Jason! ProOne and similar water filters do not remove minerals, so if you’re looking to remove the sodium, you’d be better off with a reverse osmosis system. Another option is to bypass the water softener for your drinking water and use a ProOne for that.
Great review, thank you! I just purchased the ProOne 2.25 gallons. I wonder, as on the ProOne website, they say one can scrub/clean the filter clean when necessary… I am the only person in the household, and say I drink 1.5 gallons a day… technically, two (7") filters should last almost 5 years. Do I really need to replace them every year, when I don't drink as much water as 3 people would, or cleaning the filters should prolong their use?
Hi Susanna! You probably wouldn’t need to replace them that often. ProOne does say on their website to replace the filters “when necessary”. If you notice that the water doesn’t taste as good anymore and/or the filtration rate slows down a lot, then you probably need to replace them. Keep in mind, too, that the quality of the water you put into the system is also a determining factor. The “dirtier” the water, the sooner the filters will wear out. The one year recommendation is an estimate, not a hard and fast rule.
Hi. I've been using Propur/ProOne filter systems for years, and won't use anything else. I was made aware of "ZeroWater" and was told that it's the best on the market, but I am leery. I wondered if you could tell me the difference?
Thanks.
Hi Ann! Zero Water is a pitcher style water filter. I cover it in my review of water filter pitchers here: https://thesafehealthyhome.com/best-water-filter-pitcher/
Hi. Can you please tell me what size filters are meant to be in the Big Berkey2.25 gallon? The 7” or 9”?
Hi, Robin! The black Berkey filters for the Big Berkey are 9 inches.
I just got my ProOne today! Currently letting it go through its first cycle.
It came with two filters but the directions only say one….do I put both in?
Will the water cycling have to start over with the additional filter, or should I just use the one filter and save the other for later?
It said 2 to 3 cycles….should 2 cycles be okay to start drinking it?
Thanks!
Hi Haley! You can put both filters in now, and that will increase the rate that the water goes through. Or you can install one and save the other to use when the first one wears out. Your choice. You can probably use it after two cycles. Just take a little taste first and observe how the water looks. If it tastes good and looks clear, then go ahead and use it.
I absolutely cannot stand the taste of my new ProOne, Traveler water filter, water. I've been trying to adapt, for over two weeks now. Even when mixed half & half with water that does taste clean (reverse-osmosis) it ruins it!
How about the ProHomeTM Complete
Whole House Water Filter System? Was this tested, any reviews on this? I wonder if it’s hard to maintain, since ProOne doesn’t install and maintain it. Plus, they only offer a 2 year warranty? Sounds costly.
Hi, Yvonne! No, I don’t review whole house systems. I think the price is probably comparable to other whole house systems. If you’re concerned about doing maintenance yourself, you might want to buy a system from a local water filter company.
Thank you. But if I choose a local water filter company it won’t eliminate all the contaminants that ProOne filters. That’s the reason I am looking at ProOne. Do you think other filters (Aquasana, Springwell) do a similar job?
Going by the information at the Aquasana and Springwell websites, it looks like neither of them remove the array of contaminants that ProOne does. For example, they don’t mention fluoride, radiologicals or biologicals. They don’t have much information about exactly what they remove – no lab rest reports that I could find. I believe they both use a standard carbon filter, which will remove lead and chlorine, along with several other chemicals. ProOne goes way beyond that.
Thorough review.
One question, is anyone addressing the plastic pitchers. If the filter gets out micro plastics and is being filtered into a plastic pitcher, how does that reduce the plastic leaching? BPA isn’t the only plastic contaminant.
I’m interested in a glass capture container, it doesn’t much matter to me what the pre-filter container is made of.
Hi Victoria! Good quality plastic pitchers have been found to be safe as long as they are treated properly. That is, not microwaved or otherwise heated, not washed in the dishwasher, kept away from heat and sunlight, etc. Microplastics are a different issue. You can read more about microplastics in this post: https://thesafehealthyhome.com/should-you-worry-about-microplastics-in-your-drinking-water/ At any rate, this ProOne gravity filter is made from stainless steel, so this doesn’t apply. Not sure I’m answering your question.