Water Filter System vs New Wave Enviro Barrier Grand Water Pitcher: which is safer?

Big Berkey Water Filter System is our pick: better on PFAS and on the overall hazard picture.

Our pick

Big Berkey

Water Filter System

PFAS grade

A 100/100

Overall grade

B 82/100

Verdict

Buy

Hazard flags

⚑ 3

Material

Stainless steel housing, activated carbon and mineral filters

Confidence

72%

PossibleBacterial growth in lower chamber

ReportedActivated carbon saturation and bypass

PossibleClaim verification and filtration accuracy

Why this gradeBuy

NewWays

New Wave Enviro Barrier Grand Water Pitcher

PFAS grade

A 100/100

Overall grade

F 60/100

Verdict

Buy with care

Hazard flags

⚑ 5

Material

Pitcher housing (likely plastic or glass); activated carbon or ion-exchange filter cartridge

Confidence

62%

PossiblePlastic housing leaching (if applicable)

PossibleFilter media and binder composition undisclosed

LikelyBacterial growth in filter if maintenance neglected

Why this gradeBuy

Both products run through the same public rubric: materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls, plus a beyond-PFAS hazard analysis. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests. How grades work →

More pitcher water filters & cartridges: see the full ranking