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

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

Our pick

Big Berkey

Royal 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-based filter media

Confidence

72%

PossibleBacterial growth in filter media if maintenance neglected

PossibleLeachables from rubber seals and gaskets

ReportedIncomplete disclosure of filter composition and testing

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