Doulton Water Filter Comparison: Sterasyl vs Super Sterasyl vs Ultracarb

A Doulton water filter is a great investment for your home. In this article, we'll break down the differences between three of the most popular variants in the Doulton ceramic cartridge range: the Doulton Sterasyl, Doulton Super Sterasyl and the Doulton Ultracarb. Knowing what makes each one special is key to picking the right one for your specific needs.

In the video below, you’ll figure out which one is best for getting rid of sediment, reducing chlorine or even tackling tricky heavy metals.

You'll notice we mention "microns" when talking about these filters. So, what exactly is a micron? Well, a micron, also known as a micrometer, is a tiny unit of measurement – it's one-millionth of a metre! 

In water filtration, the micron rating tells you the smallest particle size a filter can effectively remove. A lower micron rating means the filter can catch smaller particles. For instance:

• A 25-micron filter might catch larger sand particles.

• A 10-micron filter can trap finer sand and silt.

• A 5-micron filter will capture mold spores and larger bacteria.

• A 1-micron filter is good for very fine bacteria and protozoa.

• And our Doulton filters, with their 0.5-micron rating, are excellent at removing most bacteria and even smaller particulates.

This rating is important because it affects what your filter can stop. For drinking water, a very fine micron rating is key to catching harmful microorganisms that could make you sick.

Now, let's get into the specifics of each popular Doulton ceramic cartridge.

First we have the Sterasyl cartridge. This filter has black end caps and a ceramic casing on the outside. The Sterasyl is great at getting rid bugs and sediment, especially if you're on rainwater or untreated water. It has 0.5 microns, which makes it a very fine filter. 

The Sterasyl is lighter than the Super Sterasyl because the only ceramic part is its outer casing. This water filter is a good option for those who want to remove bugs and bacteria from their water. It's also a great choice for rainwater tanks because you can use it for up to three years, while other sediment filters only last about a year. 

Moreover, if your water flow starts to decrease or slow down, you can clean it very easily. Simply scrub the outside of the cartridge and you're good to go.

The next type of cartridge is the Super Sterasyl, which looks very similar to the Sterasyl on the outside. However, you might notice that the Super Sterasyl is heavier because it has carbon inside. As such, the Super Sterasyl is a better choice if you live in the city or if you want to get rid of chlorine in your water. 

It has the same fine micron rating inside, so it'll still stop any bugs or bacteria. This carbon component is what makes the Super Sterasyl a better choice if you're in the city or if you want to get rid of that distinct chlorine taste and smell from your tap water. 

Just like the Sterasyl, it has the same microns on so it will still stop any bugs or bacteria from getting through.

Last but certainly not least, we have the Doulton Ultracarb. It has the same ceramic outer casing as the Sterasyl so it can easily filter bugs and sediment. It also has carbon inside, just like the Super Sterasyl, to remove chlorine, herbicides and pesticides. 

But what truly sets the Ultracarb apart is the added heavy metal removal media in its centre core. This is designed to reduce common heavy metal contaminants like lead. You'll see that the Ultracarb is the heaviest of the three, and that's because it has different layers of filtration. 

Simply put, if you're looking for the most thorough and complete filtration, the Ultracarb is the best choice among the three.

Doulton ceramic filters have been around since 1826 and are great for chlorinated town water or rainwater. They do not have test results for chloramine water, so if you are on the East Coast of Australia, we recommend going with a water filter that removes chloramine.

If you are on the East Coast of Australia, you might like to check out the Ultrapure range instead.

That’s all you need to know, folks. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We’d be more than happy to help.