Waterdrop TK-A
A well-priced 2.25 gal system with certified carbon filters. The easy pick if you want Berkey-size capacity for less.
Amazon $159.99$159.99
The Waterdrop TK-A is the better gravity water filter overall, rated 3.5 to 3.4. The Waterdrop TK-A leads on certification. The Culligan MaxClear Scout 1 Filter wins on warranty. The Culligan MaxClear Scout 1 Filter costs $4.99 less ($155 vs $159.99).
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.
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
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Waterdrop TK-A for certification (states certification to NSF/ANSI 42, NSF/ANSI 372 vs states certification to NSF/ANSI 42).
- Choose the Culligan MaxClear Scout 1 Filter for warranty (5-year warranty vs 1-year warranty).
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 | Waterdrop TK-A | Culligan MaxClear Scout 1 Filter |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.5/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Value 25% | 78 $71.11 per gallon of capacity ($159.99, 2.2 gal) | 80 $68.89 per gallon of capacity ($155, 2.2 gal) |
| Running cost 15% | 75 $0.012 per gallon filtered ($34.99 per element, 3,000 gal each) | 50 replacement cost or element life not published (neutral score used) |
| Capacity 15% | 17 2.2 gal tank | 17 2.2 gal tank |
| Certification 20% | 40 states certification to NSF/ANSI 42, NSF/ANSI 372 | 30 states certification to NSF/ANSI 42 |
| Element life 15% | 100 3,000 gal rated per element | 50 element life in gallons not published (neutral score used) |
| Warranty 10% | 11 1-year warranty | 100 5-year warranty |
Specifications
| Waterdrop TK-A | Culligan MaxClear Scout 1 Filter | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and flow | ||
| Tank capacity | 2.2 gal | 2.2 gal |
| Price per gallon of capacity | $71.11 | $68.89 |
| Elements included | 2 | 1 |
| Maximum elements | 2 | 2 |
| Filtration | ||
| Element type | Coconut shell carbon filter (black) | MaxClear ceramic shell with carbon media |
| Certified | NSF/ANSI 42, NSF/ANSI 372 | NSF/ANSI 42 |
| Certification detail | Listing: system passed NSF/ANSI 372 (lead-free materials) and the black carbon filter is certified to NSF/ANSI 42 for chlorine, taste and odor. | 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. |
| Fluoride | Add-on filter | - |
| Running cost | ||
| Rated life per element | 3,000 gal each | - |
| Replacement element | 35 $ | 79 $ |
| Cost per gallon filtered | $0.012 | - |
| Build | ||
| Material | 304 stainless steel | brushed or polished stainless steel |
| Height | - | 26 in |
| Diameter | - | 8.6 in |
| Warranty | 1 year | 5 years |