I've been using a Berkey for the past 5 years and I'm really pleased with it both in terms of the effectiveness of filtration as well as the durability of the housing. Being stainless steel, it will hold up forever. It's also the most cost-effective filtration system I've ever used. The filters last approximately 3-4 years, depending on the water quality/hardness where you live. The only aspect I don't like is the occasional scrubbing and repriming of the filters but it's not that big of a deal.