Stéfani Water Fountain: presentation, reviews, and why to choose it

1. What is a Stéfani filtering fountain?

The Stéfani filtering fountain is a gravity water purification system, entirely natural and without electricity. It is manufactured by Cerâmica Stéfani, a Brazilian company founded in 1947 — over 75 years of expertise in microporous ceramic filtration.

Imported directly from Brazil by Fontaine Backes, these fountains are the most used household water filters in Brazil. They have been tested and certified in the United States, Europe, Australia, and South Africa, ensuring impeccable quality for the French market.

2. How does Stéfani filtration work?

The Stéfani technology relies on a triple natural filtration, without electricity or chemicals. Water flows by gravity through three successive layers:

Filtration occurs at a flow rate of about 1 liter per hour per cartridge. The result: clear water, with no unpleasant taste, ready to be consumed at room temperature — or placed in the refrigerator in a glass bottle to drink it cold.

The principle is simple: gravity filtration. No connection, no electricity, no pressure. Tap water is poured into the upper tank, naturally passes through the filter cartridge, and is purified in the lower tank. One liter flows in about one hour per cartridge.

Depending on the models, the Stéfani fountain is available in BPA-free plastic, terracotta, or stainless steel. The filter cartridge is always the same: a block of ceramic (kaolin) impregnated with colloidal silver and filled with activated carbon. The composition is biodegradable, making it one of the most eco-friendly solutions on the market.

3. The models available at Fontaine Backès

At Fontaine Backès, you will find a complete range of Stéfani fountains suitable for all uses and all interiors:

Each fountain comes with its filter cartridge and suitable tap. Taps are available in white plastic (Flex, Crystal), brown plastic (Sao Joao, Veneza) or stainless steel (French terracotta or stainless steel fountains).

4. Advantages and disadvantages

What we like

• Natural filtration — without electricity, without synthetic resins, without chemicals.
• Free from bisphenol A, C, and F — certified and biodegradable cartridges and tanks.
• Cost-effective — up to 500 L per cartridge, change every 4 to 6 months.
• Compatible with Berkey & British Berkefeld — cartridges fit other major brands.
• 75 years of expertise — Cerâmica Stéfani, founded in 1947, is a global reference in ceramic filtration.
• Preserves minerals — unlike reverse osmosis, pH and mineral balance remain intact.
• Complete range — plastic, terracotta, stainless steel, from 6 L to 13 L.

Points of attention

• Slow flow (~1 L/hour/cartridge) — plan for regular refilling of the upper tank.
• Regular maintenance required — cleaning recommended every 2 weeks.
• Room temperature water — for fresh water, transfer to the refrigerator in a glass bottle.
• 
  

5. Customer reviews — what they say

Rated 4.9/5 based on 62 verified reviews, the Stéfani fountain impresses with its quality and ease of use. 
The Stéfani fountain regularly receives very positive feedback. Here are the most common points mentioned.

Recurring strengths:

Neutral and pleasant tasting water: chlorine and unpleasant tastes disappear after the first uses

Ease of maintenance: no plumber, no installation, just regular refilling

Cost-effective in the long term: a cartridge at about €29 filters the equivalent of 350 bottles of water, resulting in an estimated savings of between €300 and €500 per year

Ecological: zero plastic bottles, biodegradable cartridge, no energy consumption

Points of vigilance:

Regular maintenance essential: cleaning the tank every 2 weeks, gentle brushing of the cartridge under cold water

Cartridge replacement: every 6 months or 500 liters, without exception

Moderate flow: about 1 liter per hour per cartridge - sufficient for domestic use, but to be anticipated if you need water quickly

6. Ecological and economic impact

Choosing a Stéfani fountain is also a strong gesture for the planet. For a family of 4:

In the long run, purchasing a filtered fountain is much more cost-effective than regularly buying plastic water bottles. A filtered cartridge of 500 L costs a fraction of the equivalent price in bottled water.

7. Maintenance and lifespan of the cartridge

To ensure optimal filtration, regular maintenance is essential:

1. Clean the upper tank every 2 weeks.
2. Rinse the cartridge with clear water without soap during each cleaning.
3. Replace the cartridge every 4 to 6 months or after 500 L filtered.
4. On first use, allow 1 to 2 complete filtrations before consumption.
5. Keep the fountain in a clean place, away from direct light.

8. Frequently asked questions

9. Our final opinion

The Stéfani filtered fountain represents one of the best quality/price ratios on the market for filtering tap water naturally and sustainably. Whether you choose the lightweight Flex, the aesthetic Sao Joao in terracotta, or the large capacity Veneza, you benefit from the same proven triple filtration technology for over 75 years.

At Fontaine Backes, all Stéfani fountains are imported directly and come with official accessories — cartridges, taps, anti-overflow valves — for a complete and serene experience.