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 3.0. The Culligan MaxClear Scout 1 Filter leads on warranty, certification and value. The Culligan MaxClear Scout 1 Filter costs $34.99 less ($155 vs $189.99).
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.
Waterdrop TK-AE
#10 in Up to 2.25 galFull review
For people who want faster flow than a two-filter 2.25 gal system and can do without a certification claim.
Amazon $189.99$189.99
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Culligan MaxClear Scout 1 Filter for warranty (5-year warranty vs 1-year warranty), certification (states certification to NSF/ANSI 42 vs no certification or test claim published) and value ($68.89 per gallon of capacity ($155, 2.2 gal) vs $84.44 per gallon of capacity ($189.99, 2.2 gal)).
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 | Waterdrop TK-AE |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.4/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Value 25% | 80 $68.89 per gallon of capacity ($155, 2.2 gal) | 67 $84.44 per gallon of capacity ($189.99, 2.2 gal) |
| Running cost 15% | 50 replacement cost or element life not published (neutral score used) | 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% | 30 states certification to NSF/ANSI 42 | 0 no certification or test claim published |
| 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 |
Specifications
| Culligan MaxClear Scout 1 Filter | Waterdrop TK-AE | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and flow | ||
| Tank capacity | 2.2 gal | 2.2 gal |
| Price per gallon of capacity | $68.89 | $84.44 |
| Elements included | 1 | 3 |
| Maximum elements | 2 | 3 |
| Filtration | ||
| Element type | MaxClear ceramic shell with carbon media | Coconut shell carbon filter (black) |
| Certified | NSF/ANSI 42 | None stated |
| 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. | Listing makes no certification claim for this three-filter model. |
| Running cost | ||
| Rated life per element | - | 3,000 gal each |
| Replacement element | 79 $ | - |
| Build | ||
| Material | brushed or polished stainless steel | 304 stainless steel |
| Height | 26 in | - |
| Diameter | 8.6 in | - |
| Warranty | 5 years | 1 year |