Berkey Water Filter System Review

The Berkey water filter system has earned a reputation as the gold standard in gravity-fed water filtration, and after extensive testing and research, we can confirm that this reputation is well-deserved. The system combines elegant simplicity with sophisticated filtration technology to deliver exceptional water quality without requiring electricity, making it ideal for both everyday use and emergency preparedness scenarios.

At the heart of the Berkey system are the Black Berkey purification elements, which utilize a proprietary blend of filtration media including activated carbon and ion exchange resins. These elements are remarkably effective at removing a wide spectrum of contaminants, including pathogenic bacteria (removed to 99.9999%), viruses (removed to 99.999%), heavy metals, chlorine, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds. What sets the Berkey apart from many other filtration systems is that it accomplishes this high level of purification while preserving beneficial minerals that many other systems strip away.

We conducted multiple tests using both municipal water and untreated water sources, and the results were consistently impressive. The Berkey effectively eliminated chlorine taste and odor from city water, and when tested with water containing sulfur (the infamous 'rotten egg' smell), it completely neutralized the odor. More importantly, laboratory testing confirmed the removal of concerning contaminants like lead, copper, and chloroform to non-detectable levels. This performance is particularly valuable for those on well water, rainwater collection systems, or in areas with questionable municipal water quality.

The Berkey system is available in several sizes, from the Travel Berkey (1.5 gallons) to the Crown Berkey (6 gallons), with the Big Berkey (2.25 gallons) being the most popular choice for average households. The system consists of two stainless steel chambers stacked vertically, with the purification elements installed in the upper chamber. Unfiltered water is poured into the top chamber, gravity pulls it through the filters, and purified water collects in the bottom chamber, where it can be dispensed through the spigot.

One of the most significant advantages of the Berkey system is its independence from electricity and plumbing. This makes it invaluable during power outages, natural disasters, or in off-grid settings. The stainless steel construction ensures durability and longevity, with many users reporting decades of reliable service. The system is also portable and can be disassembled for transport, making it suitable for camping trips or evacuation scenarios.

The filtration rate is one area where the Berkey system shows its limitations. With the standard two-filter configuration, it processes approximately 0.5-1 gallons per hour, which means filling the upper chamber before bed to ensure a full reservoir of filtered water in the morning. This can be addressed by adding additional filter elements (up to four in the Big Berkey), which can double the flow rate. However, this comes at an additional cost.

Maintenance requirements are reasonable but should be considered. The chambers should be cleaned monthly, and the filter elements require occasional cleaning (every 3-6 months depending on water quality) to remove accumulated sediment and maintain optimal flow rates. The filters must remain moist to function properly, so extended periods of non-use require proper storage procedures. Initial setup includes a priming process for the filters, which can be somewhat cumbersome but is well-documented in the included instructions.

A few design limitations are worth noting. The standard model lacks a water level indicator for the lower chamber, making it difficult to know when it's full without lifting the heavy top chamber. Berkey offers a sight glass spigot as an upgrade, which solves this issue but adds to the cost. The standard plastic spigot is functional but feels out of place on an otherwise premium stainless steel system. Again, a stainless steel spigot is available as an upgrade.

Cost is another consideration. With a price point of $350-$400 for the Big Berkey with two filters, it represents a significant initial investment compared to basic pitcher filters. However, when calculated over the 6,000-gallon lifespan of a pair of filters (approximately $0.06 per gallon), it becomes one of the most economical options for high-quality water filtration. This value proposition improves further when compared to bottled water or frequent replacement of less effective filter systems.