Gray EM ceramic beads & balls

Gray beads pair well with our pink beads: our product page recommends using the two together in your pitcher for a more neutral taste. They also split the uses between them: the sturdy gray ones go in anything hot (kettle, coffee maker) and in household appliances, while the more porous pink ones are used in cold water (pitcher, vase, aquarium, pond, swimming pool).

According to the manufacturer, gray beads last more than 10 years as long as they don't break, whereas pink ones should be replaced every 6 months.

No, gray beads should not be thought of as a filter. EM beads are not certified water treatment devices: they do not make non-potable water safe to drink, and they are not a substitute for a water filter pitcher or a water softener.

The manufacturer presents gray EM beads as a complement for the water in your pitcher, kettle, or household appliances. The effects described on our product page are those the manufacturer claims: they have not been demonstrated by independent studies.

Immerse the gray beads in boiling water for 10 minutes, then let them air-dry for 15 to 30 minutes, and they're ready to use. For your first carafe, let them work for about 30 minutes; after that, 15 minutes is enough.

Rinse them well before use to remove any ceramic dust. Tip: leave the carafe uncovered and pour out the very first soaking water for a clean, neutral taste. These are small parts, so keep them out of reach of young children.

For a carafe, use 10 to 15 gray beads or balls per quart (about 1 liter), and 12 to 25 in a kettle or coffee maker, depending on its size. Our product page also lists:

• washing machine: up to 50, in a small bag or a sock;
• dishwasher: up to 40, in the silverware basket;
• vase: 20 to 30 at the bottom;
• fridge: 25 to 35 in a small bowl;
• aquarium: about 50 per 26 gallons (100 liters).

Every 3 months, our product page recommends scrubbing and rinsing the gray beads in hot water, soaking them overnight in slightly diluted white vinegar, rinsing them thoroughly, and then boiling them for 20 minutes. If a greenish film appears in the meantime (from water exposed to light), a quick brushing is all it takes.

According to the manufacturer, gray beads can be used for more than 10 years as long as they aren't broken. A cracked bead should no longer be used in drinking water, but it can still go in the garden or in a flowerpot.