If you've been researching gravity-fed water purifiers, you've almost certainly come across two names: Berkey and Genzon. Both promise clean, safe drinking water without electricity or plumbing. But they take very different approaches — and depending on what you're looking for, one will suit you far better than the other.
Here's an honest, side-by-side breakdown.
The Basics: How Each System Works
Berkey uses its proprietary Black Berkey purification elements — a dense block of media including activated carbon — to filter water as it gravity-feeds from an upper chamber to a lower one. The result is clean water with contaminants removed. That's largely where it stops.
Genzon uses a five-stage process that goes further:
- Ceramic pre-filter — removes bacteria (E. coli, giardia, cryptosporidium) and particles down to 0.2 microns
- Multi-media cartridge — activated carbon, catalytic carbon, silver and copper zeolite, ion exchange resin, coral, silica and tourmaline — removing heavy metals, chemicals, chlorine, fluoride, pesticides and odours
- Deep-sea mineral stones — mined from 300–600 metres below the ocean surface, re-mineralising water with calcium, magnesium, iron and potassium, and raising the pH to produce naturally alkaline water
- Colloidal silver stones — keep the lower tank fresh with a natural antibacterial effect
- Magnetic tap — a 1200-gauss magnetic field as you pour, designed to break down water clusters for better absorption
The difference is significant: Berkey removes the bad. Genzon removes the bad and puts the good back in.
Fluoride Removal: An Important Distinction
Fluoride removal is one of the most common reasons people look at gravity purifiers — and this is where the two systems differ most.
With Berkey, fluoride removal is not included by default. You need to purchase separate PF-2 post-filter elements as an add-on, at additional cost.
With Genzon, approximately 90% fluoride removal is built into the standard filter cartridge. No extras needed.
Water Quality: Filtered vs Mineralised and Alkaline
Berkey produces filtered water — contaminants are gone, but so are naturally occurring beneficial minerals that are often stripped along the way.
Genzon produces alkaline, mineralised, ionised water. The deep-sea mineral stones restore a natural mineral profile and raise the pH. Many Genzon users report a noticeably softer, smoother taste — and long-term customers frequently cite improved wellbeing.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Genzon 12L | Big Berkey (2.25 gal) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | AUD $346.50 |
~USD $300–350 |
| Fluoride removal | Included (~90%) | Add-on extra (PF-2 filters) |
| Remineralisation | ✅ Yes — deep-sea minerals | ❌ No |
| Alkaline water | ✅ Yes — raises pH naturally | ❌ No |
| Running cost | Under AUD $0.10/litre | Comparable |
| Warranty | 5 years + 30-day money back | ~2 years (varies by retailer) |
| No electricity needed | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Australian support | ✅ Yes — Sydney-based | ❌ No |
Featured: Genzon 12L Water Purifier — On Sale Now
12 Litre Water Purifier by Genzon
Was: AUD $495.00
Now: AUD $346.50
High capacity 12-litre gravity purifier with 5-stage filtration. Removes bacteria, heavy metals, chlorine, ~90% fluoride, and pesticides. Re-mineralises with deep-sea mineral stones. Produces alkaline, ionised water. No plumbing or electricity required.
Backed by a 5-year warranty and 30-day money-back guarantee.
Who Should Choose Genzon?
Genzon is the better fit if you:
- Want fluoride removal included without add-ons
- Value remineralised, alkaline water rather than stripped filtered water
- Are based in Australia and want fast local shipping and Sydney-based support
- Want a longer warranty and a money-back guarantee
- Are interested in a holistic approach to water quality — not just removing the bad, but restoring what water should naturally contain
Ready to Try Genzon Risk-Free?
Explore the full Genzon range at genzonwater.com. All orders include a 30-day money-back guarantee and free Australian shipping on orders over $250.