What is the difference between gravity water purifiers and RO purifiers?
Gravity purifiers use physical filtration (ceramic candles or UF membranes) to remove bacteria and sediment but do NOT reduce TDS. They work without electricity and have zero water wastage. Best for low TDS water (below 200 ppm). RO purifiers use reverse osmosis to remove dissolved salts and reduce TDS. They require electricity, produce reject water (50-75% wastage), and are necessary for high TDS water (above 300 ppm). Choose gravity purifiers if: Your water has low TDS (municipal supply in most cities), you want zero electricity costs, you live in areas with frequent power cuts. Choose RO if: High TDS water, hard water areas, when TDS reduction is essential.
How do I know if my water is suitable for gravity purifiers?
Test your water's TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) level using a TDS meter (available for ₹200-500 on Amazon). Gravity purifiers work ONLY for low TDS water below 200 ppm. TDS Guidelines: 0-150 ppm: Excellent for gravity purifiers 150-200 ppm: Good for gravity purifiers 200-300 ppm: Borderline - taste may be affected 300+ ppm: DO NOT use gravity purifiers - choose RO instead Most municipal tap water in Indian cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune) has TDS below 200 ppm, making gravity purifiers suitable.
What is the difference between ceramic candle and UF membrane filtration?
Ceramic Candle Filtration (RAMA models): Pore size: 0.2-0.5 microns Cleanable: Scrub with brush to restore flow Lifespan: 6-12 months per candle Replacement cost: ₹300-500 Natural material, no chemicals UF Membrane Filtration (KENT models): Pore size: 0.01-0.1 microns (finer filtration) Not cleanable: Replace after 4000L Lifespan: 1-2 years typical Replacement cost: ₹1,200-1,500 Hollow fiber technology Both are effective at removing 99.9% bacteria and cysts. Ceramic candles are more economical long-term due to lower replacement costs.
Should I buy stainless steel or plastic gravity purifier?
Stainless Steel (RAMA 12L, RAMA 24L): Pros: Rust-free, lasts 10+ years, premium hygiene, 10-year warranty, better resale value Cons: Higher upfront cost (₹5,000-7,000), heavier Best for: Long-term use, premium quality seekers, those who value durability Food-Grade Plastic (KENT Gold, KENT Gold Plus): Pros: Affordable (₹2,700-2,800), lightweight, good for short-term use Cons: May show wear after 3-4 years, potential leakage issues, requires frequent maintenance Best for: Budget buyers, renters, temporary housing Recommendation: If you can afford ₹5,000+, choose stainless steel for better long-term value. The 10-year warranty on RAMA models offsets the higher price.
How often do I need to clean and maintain gravity purifiers?
Ceramic Candle Models (RAMA): Cleaning: Every 2-3 months - scrub candle with brush under running water Replacement: Every 6-12 months (₹300-500 per candle) Daily: Rinse storage chamber, check for sediment UF Membrane Models (KENT): Cleaning: Every 15-20 days (user reports suggest frequent maintenance needed) Replacement: After 4000L or 1-2 years (₹1,200-1,500) Weekly: Clean storage chamber, check for leaks General Tips: Always use clean, pre-filtered water if possible. Drain and clean storage chamber weekly. Follow manufacturer's cleaning instructions. Regular maintenance ensures consistent water flow and quality.
What capacity gravity purifier should I buy for my family?
Capacity Selection Guide: 10-12L (RAMA 12L): 2-4 people, small families, couples, adequate for daily drinking water needs 16-20L (KENT Gold, KENT Gold Plus): 4-6 people, medium families, good balance of capacity and space 24L+ (RAMA 24L): 6-8+ people, joint families, small offices, ensures continuous water availability Daily Water Consumption Estimate: Drinking: 2-3L per person per day Cooking: 2-4L per household per day Total: 10-15L for a 4-person family Tip: Choose slightly larger capacity than your minimum needs to avoid running out during peak usage times (morning/evening).
Do gravity purifiers remove TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)?
No, gravity purifiers DO NOT reduce TDS. They use physical filtration (ceramic candles or UF membranes) that remove bacteria, cysts, sediment, and suspended particles but allow dissolved salts and minerals to pass through. What gravity purifiers DO remove: Bacteria (99.9%) Cysts and parasites Suspended solids and sediment Rust particles Chlorine taste/odor (with activated carbon) What gravity purifiers DO NOT remove: Dissolved salts (TDS) Heavy metals (arsenic, lead) Hardness (calcium, magnesium) Fluoride, nitrates This is why: Gravity purifiers work ONLY for low TDS water. If your water has high TDS (>300 ppm), you MUST use an RO purifier to reduce TDS.
Are RAMA gravity purifiers worth the extra cost compared to KENT?
Yes, if you value long-term durability and lower maintenance. Here's the cost comparison: RAMA 12L (₹5,129): 10-year warranty (₹512/year) Ceramic candle replacement: ₹400 every 6-12 months Less frequent maintenance (every 2-3 months) 10-year total cost: ₹5,129 + ₹4,000 (candles) = ₹9,129 KENT Gold Plus (₹2,825): 1-year warranty UF membrane replacement: ₹1,400 every 1-2 years Frequent maintenance (every 15-20 days) May need replacement after 4-5 years (₹2,825 again) 10-year total cost: ₹2,825 (unit 1) + ₹2,825 (unit 2) + ₹7,000 (membranes) = ₹12,650 Verdict: RAMA saves ₹3,500+ over 10 years, plus offers better hygiene, less maintenance hassle, and premium stainless steel construction. Worth the extra ₹2,300 upfront.
Can I use gravity purifiers for borewell water?
It depends on your borewell water's TDS level. Low TDS Borewell Water (below 200 ppm): Yes, gravity purifiers work well Removes bacteria, sediment, and suspended particles Ideal if your borewell water is soft and low in dissolved salts Test TDS before purchasing High TDS Borewell Water (above 300 ppm): No, DO NOT use gravity purifiers Water will taste salty or metallic High dissolved salts not removed by physical filtration Choose RO purifiers instead Important: Borewell water in many Indian regions (Rajasthan, Gujarat, parts of Karnataka) has high TDS (500-2000 ppm). Always test your water's TDS before buying a gravity purifier. If TDS is high, invest in an RO purifier even though it costs more.
Where can I buy replacement filters for gravity purifiers?
For RAMA Purifiers (Ceramic Candles): Amazon India: Search "RAMA ceramic candle replacement" RAMA official website or authorized dealers Cost: ₹300-500 per candle Lifespan: 6-12 months For KENT Purifiers (UF Membranes): KENT authorized service centers (nationwide network) Amazon India: Search "KENT Gold filter cartridge" KENT customer care: 1860-500-5000 Cost: ₹1,200-1,500 per membrane Lifespan: 4000L or 1-2 years Tips: Always buy genuine replacement parts. Counterfeit filters may compromise water quality. KENT has better spare parts availability due to extensive service network across India. Keep your purchase invoice for warranty claims.
What is the best gravity water purifiers in India?
The RAMA Gravity Water Filter 12L (6L Storage) is the best gravity water purifiers in India. It offers 12l total capacity (6l + 6l), making it the top choice for quality-focused consumers. Premium 304-grade stainless steel construction, this product consistently delivers outstanding results.