I have long been puzzled by those imposing, stainless steel water filters that dominate kitchen counters. As someone who has tested a myriad of water filtration systems over the past year—including reverse-osmosis filters and filtered water pitchers—the big tanks have always seemed more about status than functionality.

But microplastics changed my mind. Now, I am testing new-school stainless steel filter systems like Boroux, Culligan MaxClear and Rorra, all of which are designed to eliminate plastic points of contact with their filtered water. Each system has its pros and cons: the Boroux Legacy, for instance, boasts a sleek design and impressive filtration but comes at a premium. The Culligan MaxClear is more affordable upfront but slower and pricier in the long run. Rorra offers smart features like sensors but costs a bit more.

When it came to assessing these filters, I focused on ease of setup, plastic content, total chlorine reduction, changes to dissolved solids or pH, as well as NSF/ANSI certifications. The Boroux Legacy stood out in my tests, showing excellent performance against chloramine and PFAS, with minimal plastic contact points. Its annual filter replacement claim also held up under scrutiny.

Although these gravity-fed filters can be cumbersome, they offer a significant advantage for families or households that require consistent water volume. The larger capacity means less frequent refills, which is particularly beneficial for large families or those who enjoy making coffee and cooking frequently. However, the trade-off is that these water systems take up more space on counters and are harder to fill than their smaller counterparts.

Ultimately, if you're looking for a gravity-fed filter system without compromising on performance or aesthetics, Boroux might be your best bet. But whether this technology will truly change how we view water filtration remains to be seen.