My Honest Review: Culligan Scout Gravity Water Filter System -

If you’ve been searching for the best gravity water filter for home countertop use you’ve probably come across a few different options.

Personally I think it’s great that there’s more options for individuals and families looking to improve their drinking water. It’s no secret that tap water is anything but clean. From toxins, pharmaceuticals, and even plastics lurking in our supposedly “clean” water it’s no wonder so many of us feel less than optimal.That’s why purifying your tap water is one of the best things you can do for your overall health.

Some gravity systems promise to remove everything under the sun. Others focus heavily on survival scenarios. Very few clearly explain what they’re actually certified to do.

In this Culligan Scout gravity water filter review, I’m breaking down exactly what the Culligan Scout 2.25 Gallon Gravity Countertop System does well, what I wish it did better, and who I think it would be best for.

This post contains affiliate links. Culligan sent me the Scout to test and share an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

What Is the Culligan Scout Gravity System?

The Scout is a 2.25 gallon stainless steel gravity filtration system made by Culligan, a long established name in the water treatment industry.

It’s designed to sit on your kitchen countertop without taking up too much space and give you cleaner drinking water.

It works by pouring water into the upper chamber and allowing gravity to pull it through the filters into the lower chamber.

I love how simple it is to set up right out of the box and even the filters are quick to install after a quick scrub. I think it took me under 30 minutes to get it going. No tools needed! They do recommend refilling the unit and letting it filter out water 2-3 times and tossing that water to make sure the filters are good to go. (This takes the place of “priming” the filters.)

Immediately I very much appreciated (and surprised) that it came with a quality stainless steel stand and anti-slip mat. I also loved that it came with a stainless steel spigot. These are all bonuses you pay extra for with other brands.

What Is MaxClear™ Filter Technology?

The Scout uses Culligan’s MaxClear™ filter, which is certified to reduce:

Lead
PFAS (“forever chemicals”)
Microplastics
Certain pharmaceuticals
Chlorine (taste and odor)
Sediment

I just wanted to note that this system is positioned primarily as a tap water improvement system, not an emergency wilderness purifier. So if you were thinking of grabbing one for emergency purposes or rough camping situations it’s probably not the best option.

Does the Culligan Scout Remove Bacteria?

No. The Scout and the MaxClear filters are not certified as a microbiological purifier for untreated surface water (like rivers, lakes, or streams).

Does the Culligan Scout Remove Fluoride?

No it is not certified to remove fluoride. I think that would be a fantastic addition in the future if they were to make changes. However, living in Utah (the first state to ban fluoridation of our city water supply) I’m less concerned with this downside. Florida has also banned fluoridation, perhaps other states will follow suit in coming years?

Culligan Scout vs. Berkey: How Do They Compare?

I’m sure many of you are wondering how the Scout compares to Berkey. I mean, it’s impossible not to compare it to Berkey since it looks similar and both are gravity fed.

Here are the key differences! This is coming from comparing information provided on the websites but also personal experience as I used a Berkey for many years.

Certifications and testing:

Culligan emphasizes third-party testing and certifications for toxin reduction, particularly PFAS.

Berkey systems have historically marketed pathogen and toxin removal claims and emergency use, though public certification documentation has varied over time. They recently ran into issues with the EPA in recent years to do unverified claims on pathogen removal.

If your main concern is verified certified chemical reduction, Culligan may be the best option for you since their system is the only one certified to filter microplastics, lead, and total PFAS. I do think that Culligan has a leg up on Berkey when it comes to testing. They put a big emphasis on verified testing and third party certifications.

What you get out of the box and cost:

If you’re comparing the Culligan Scout water system with the Big Berkey water system there are some differences in what you actually get for the price.

Culligan: for the price of $229 you get the stainless steel container, 1 filter, a stand, and stainless steel spigot. The MaxClear filters cost $73 for two. They last around 6 months so with daily use you’d likely spend $146 a year on replacement filters.

Berkey: for the price of $234 you get the stainless steel container, no filters, no stand, and a plastic spigot. You can upgrade to a stainless steel spigot if you wish for $23 and add a stand for $50. Berkey recommends Phoenix filters which cost $120 for two. These filters last closer to one year or more according to users. You can also add fluoride filters for around $100.

My Personal Pros & Cons

What I Like

Clean stainless steel design. Looks so good in my basement kitchen!
No plumbing required and quick set up.
No need to prime the filters. Just wash the outside and run the water through 2-3 times.
Comes with a stainless steel spigot and stand.
Certified 3rd party lab testing

What I Don’t Love

Slower than under-sink pressurized systems.
Not designed for untreated natural water sources, not ideal for emergency situations. (Would love to see this in the future!)
Doesn’t filter out fluoride.

Who Is the Culligan Scout Best For?

I would consider this one of the best gravity water filters for home countertop use if you:

Have city tap water or well water
Want to reduce PFAS and chemical contaminants
Rent your home or apartment
Have a smaller household (1-3 people) they do have a larger option if you have a bigger family
Don’t want to install an under-sink system
Don’t want a filtering pitcher to take up space in your fridge

I think it fits really well into a practical, everyday wellness lifestyle. Yes you’ll have to refill the container a couple times a day but if you have the max amount of filters (2 for the Scout) it fills up quickly!

Who Should Probably Skip It?

This may not be the right choice if you:

Need true wilderness or off-grid purification
Want whole-house filtration
Need very high daily volume capacity

Final Thoughts: Is It the Best Gravity Water Filter for Home Countertop Use?

After researching and personally testing out the Culligan Scout 2.25 Gallon Gravity Countertop System for over a week, I think it’s a great option for smaller families! If you have a larger family then the Venture size may be a better option.

If your goal is to reduce toxins from tap water without major plumbing changes, this system is fairly affordable long term and will do the job well! It’s sleek and looks classy and doesn’t take up too much room on your counter top. It filters water fairly quickly and I can definitely taste a difference!

I hope this review was helpful and if you have questions, drop them below in the comments!