Culligan MaxClear Scout 1 Filter
The entry Culligan MaxClear with a certified filter for people who want a name-brand 2.25 gal system at a low price.
Amazon $155$155
The Culligan MaxClear Scout 1 Filter is the better gravity water filter overall, rated 3.4 to 2.6. The Culligan MaxClear Scout 1 Filter leads on value, warranty and certification. The Culligan MaxClear Scout 1 Filter costs $212 less ($155 vs $367).
Prices were last checked November 9, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon or the retailer's site at the time of purchase apply. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Big Berkey
#14 in Up to 2.25 galFull review
The best known countertop gravity filter, sized for a small family. Priced well above lookalikes with the same capacity.
Amazon $367$367
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Culligan MaxClear Scout 1 Filter for value ($68.89 per gallon of capacity ($155, 2.2 gal) vs $163.11 per gallon of capacity ($367, 2.2 gal)), warranty (5-year warranty vs 1-year warranty) and certification (states certification to NSF/ANSI 42 vs testing claims only, no certification).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every up to 2.25 gal gravity water filter; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Culligan MaxClear Scout 1 Filter | Big Berkey |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.4/5 | 2.6/5 |
| Value 25% | 80 $68.89 per gallon of capacity ($155, 2.2 gal) | 27 $163.11 per gallon of capacity ($367, 2.2 gal) |
| Running cost 15% | 50 replacement cost or element life not published (neutral score used) | 34 $0.047 per gallon filtered ($140.94 per element, 3,000 gal each) |
| Capacity 15% | 17 2.2 gal tank | 17 2.2 gal tank |
| Certification 20% | 30 states certification to NSF/ANSI 42 | 10 testing claims only, no certification |
| Element life 15% | 50 element life in gallons not published (neutral score used) | 100 3,000 gal rated per element |
| Warranty 10% | 100 5-year warranty | 11 1-year warranty |
Independent tests
Culligan MaxClear Scout 1 Filter
No independent test published yet.
Big Berkey
| Tested by | Conditions |
|---|---|
| Water Filter Guru | Reviewers calculated 0.75 gal/hr with two Black Berkey and two PF-2 fluoride elements installed (volume and time not given). Tap Score lab tests of city tap water found aluminum 0 ppm before and 1.44 ppm after at 50 gal, then 0.052 ppm before and 0.069 ppm after in a second test with over 100 gal run through the fluoride filters; no TDS reported. Date is the review update date. |
Specifications
| Culligan MaxClear Scout 1 Filter | Big Berkey | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and flow | ||
| Tank capacity | 2.2 gal | 2.2 gal |
| Price per gallon of capacity | $68.89 | $163.11 |
| Elements included | 1 | 2 |
| Maximum elements | 2 | 4 |
| Flow, fully loaded | - | 7 gal/hr |
| Filtration | ||
| Element type | MaxClear ceramic shell with carbon media | Black Berkey carbon-media element (BB9-2) |
| Certified | NSF/ANSI 42 | Tested only |
| Certification detail | Listing: IAPMO certified to NSF/ANSI 42 to reduce microplastics, lead and Total PFAS. The listing does not name the standards behind the lead and PFAS claims. | Berkey states Black Berkey Elements were tested by accredited third-party labs against ANSI/NSF protocols for 200+ contaminants. The elements are not NSF/ANSI certified. |
| Fluoride | - | Add-on filter |
| Running cost | ||
| Rated life per element | - | 3,000 gal each |
| Replacement element | 79 $ | 140.9 $ |
| Cost per gallon filtered | - | $0.047 |
| Build | ||
| Material | brushed or polished stainless steel | 304 stainless steel |
| Height | 26 in | 19.2 in |
| Diameter | 8.6 in | 8.5 in |
| Warranty | 5 years | 1 year |