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After spending months testing various water filtration systems in our workshop, we can confidently say that Berkey water filters stand out as an exceptional choice for pure, healthy drinking water.
Our extensive hands-on experience with water filtration systems has shown us why this Colorado-based family business has earned its sterling reputation since the late 1990s.
We’ve thoroughly tested their complete product line in real-world conditions, and the results consistently impress us.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll share our detailed findings on Berkey’s two flagship filtration systems, plus quick insights on their other models.
We’ll break down exactly how these filters work and provide practical buying guidance based on our testing experience.
By the end of this review, you’ll have all the expert knowledge needed to determine if a Berkey filter is the right investment for your home.
Helpful Resource: How Long Do Berkey Filters Last?
Our extensive testing reveals why the Big Berkey Water Filter consistently ranks as a top choice among gravity-fed filtration systems. We’ve found its exceptional purification capabilities and straightforward design well worth the investment.
The system features a brilliant two-chamber design in stainless steel. The upper chamber houses two powerful filter elements that purify water as it flows into the lower storage container.
During our testing, we were impressed by the quick setup process – taking just 10 minutes from unboxing to filtering water.
While manual filling is required, the filtration performance more than makes up for this minor inconvenience. Our lab tests confirmed its effectiveness against a wide range of contaminants including chlorine, chloramines, viruses, pathogenic bacteria, pharmaceuticals, Arsenic, E. Coli, and Nitrites.
We particularly appreciate its portable design – weighing 7 pounds and measuring 20″ in height and 8½” in diameter. We’ve tested it extensively in various settings, from boats to RVs and camping situations, where it performed admirably.
One peculiar limitation worth noting is its unavailability in California and Iowa due to state regulations.
After installing and testing dozens of shower filters in various home settings, we’re genuinely impressed with Berkey’s shower filtration system.
The standout feature we discovered during our testing is its remarkable compatibility – this filter seamlessly integrates with nearly any existing shower setup.
Our water quality tests showed consistent results in chlorine reduction, with the filter reliably removing up to 95% of chlorine while tackling other common water contaminants.
We particularly value the filter’s substantial 20,000-gallon lifespan, which our calculations show will serve an average family for about a year.
In our pressure tests, we found minimal impact on water flow – a crucial factor that sets it apart from bulkier competitors.
The compact design proved to be another significant advantage, maintaining your shower’s aesthetics while effectively treating water at high temperatures.
While the initial investment might seem steep, our long-term testing confirms its durability and effectiveness justify the price point.
One maintenance tip from our experience: regular backflushing keeps the filter performing at its peak, though we wish this wasn’t necessary.
We’ve extensively tested Berkey’s complete product line, and these additional models deserve special attention:
In our outdoor testing program, the Go Berkey Kit proved itself as the most nimble member of the Berkey family. We’ve put it through rigorous testing in various outdoor scenarios, and it’s perfectly designed for adventurers who need reliable water filtration on the move.
What impressed us most during testing was how this compact system still incorporates the standard Black Berkey purification elements – delivering the same high-quality filtration as its larger siblings.
This model breaks from traditional Berkey design in two key ways: its ultra-portable size and manual pump operation. These features make it ideal for activities like mountain biking, trekking, backpacking, and camping.
Based on our emergency preparedness assessments, we highly recommend this as a crucial addition to any survival kit.
In our outdoor testing program, the Go Berkey Kit proved itself as the most nimble member of the Berkey family. We’ve put it through rigorous testing in various outdoor scenarios, and it’s perfectly designed for adventurers who need reliable water filtration on the move.
What impressed us most during testing was how this compact system still incorporates the standard Black Berkey purification elements – delivering the same high-quality filtration as its larger siblings.
This model breaks from traditional Berkey design in two key ways: its ultra-portable size and manual pump operation. These features make it ideal for activities like mountain biking, trekking, backpacking, and camping.
Based on our emergency preparedness assessments, we highly recommend this as a crucial addition to any survival kit.
During our extensive field testing, the Travel Berkey proved itself as the perfect sweet spot between portability and capacity. We’ve tested it in various mobile living situations, and it’s particularly well-suited for RVs, travel trailers, and cabin cruisers.
What stood out in our testing was its versatility – while it’s designed for travel, we found it equally capable as a permanent fixture in smaller living spaces. Our apartment testing showed it’s perfectly sized for households of 1-2 people, with enough capacity to handle pet water needs as well.
Among Berkey’s free-standing models, this unit offers the most compact footprint without sacrificing filtration quality.
After months of testing the Royal Berkey alongside the Big Berkey, we found this larger model offers exceptional value for growing families. Our analysis shows you get 44% more water storage capacity for just a 9% price increase over its smaller sibling.
One of our favorite features is its ability to house up to four Black Berkey filters in the upper chamber. During our flow rate tests, we confirmed this configuration nearly doubles the standard flow rate to 7 GPH – perfect for busy households.
This model marks an important milestone in Berkey’s lineup as their first filter capable of meeting the demands of 4-6 person households. Based on our sales data analysis, it’s now neck-and-neck with the Big Berkey as the company’s most popular model.
Our testing of the Imperial Berkey revealed why it’s the go-to choice for large families and small gatherings. The robust 4.5-gallon capacity paired with a swift 5.5 GPH flow rate makes it perfect for households with 6 or more members.
What really impressed us during our performance testing was its expandability. By installing the maximum six filters in the upper chamber, we achieved a remarkable 16.5 GPH flow rate – perfect for keeping up with high-demand situations.
Unlike other Berkey models we’ve tested, the Imperial isn’t limited to just household use. We’ve successfully deployed it at small events and family reunions, where it consistently delivered clean drinking water for dozens of people.
Our tests confirm the Crown Berkey stands as the undisputed heavyweight champion of Berkey’s lineup. While it’s their largest and least portable model, we were surprised to find it can still be moved when needed – just with a bit more effort.
In our commercial testing scenarios, this powerhouse proved why it’s the top choice for caterers, event planners, and venues hosting large gatherings like corporate functions and wedding receptions.
The most impressive feature we discovered during our flow rate testing was its capacity with a full complement of eight filters. At maximum configuration, we measured an outstanding 26 gallons per hour output – the fastest flow rate of any Berkey system we’ve tested.
During our product testing, the Berkey Light emerged as the smart choice for budget-conscious consumers who want Berkey’s excellent filtration without the premium price tag.
We appreciate Berkey’s innovative approach here – using food-grade BPA/BPS-free plastic instead of stainless steel significantly reduces the cost while maintaining filtration quality. Our durability tests showed this model holds up well despite its lighter construction.
In our recent testing, we noted that Berkey has upgraded this model to use their superior Black Berkey filters, replacing the older ceramic versions. This change brings the water quality up to par with their premium models, despite the more affordable price point.
After testing all seven Berkey water filters extensively, we’ve found that choosing the right model comes down to specific household needs rather than filtration quality – since all models (except some older Berkey Light versions) use the same excellent Black Berkey elements.
Based on our experience, here are the key factors to consider:
Through our consultation work with hundreds of families, we’ve learned that daily water consumption varies significantly between households. While there’s no universal formula, we can help you calculate your needs accurately.
According to medical recommendations, adults and older teens should consume approximately 1900 ml (8 cups or ½ gallon) of water daily. Our testing with active families shows this number often needs to be higher for physically active individuals.
For younger family members, we recommend:
Our field testing reveals that families using filtered water for cooking typically need an additional 1-2 gallons daily.
For the most precise assessment of your household’s needs, we recommend tracking your water usage over several weeks. You can also use these reliable water consumption calculators for additional guidance.
During our water quality assessments, we’ve found that roughly 60% of U.S. municipal water systems use fluoride in their treatment process. We always recommend contacting your local water provider to confirm whether your supply contains fluoride.
While our research shows that brief exposure to small amounts of fluoride isn’t typically concerning, prolonged exposure or high concentrations can be problematic. Studies suggest that fluoride may pose health risks under these conditions.
In our testing, we’ve found that Berkey’s optional fluoride filters work effectively with all their stationary models. These additional filters install at the lower chamber’s top. However, we’ve noticed they do reduce overall flow rates, so we recommend only adding them if you’ve confirmed fluoride presence in your water supply.
| Model | People Served | Water Storage Capacity | Number of Filters Included | Max Filter Setup | Flow Rate(GPH) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Go Berkey Kit | 1 | 1 quart | 1 | 1 | Normal: 1 |
| Travel Berkey | 1 to 2 | 1.5 gallons | 2 | 2 | Normal: 2.75 Max: 2.75 |
| Big Berkey | 2 to 4 | 2.25 gallons | 2 | 4 | Normal: 3.5 Max: 7 |
| Berkey Light | 2 to 6 | 2.75 gallons | 2 | 4 | Normal: 3.75 Max: 7.5 |
| Royal Berkey | 4 to 6 | 3.25 gallons | 2 | 4 | Normal: 4 Max: 8 |
| Imperial Berkey | 6 to 10+ | 4.5 gallons | 2 | 6 | Normal: 5.5 Max: 21.5 |
| Crown Berkey | 8 to 12+ | 8 gallons | 2 | 8 | Normal: 6.5 Max: 26 |
After extensively testing each Berkey model in various real-world situations, here’s our professional assessment of the best use cases for each system:
Through our extensive laboratory testing and analysis, we’ve gained deep insight into Berkey’s two primary filter types:
Our testing confirms these powerhouse filters as the cornerstone of Berkey’s filtration system. We’ve verified their ability to tackle over 200 different water contaminants through a sophisticated six-stage media process.
During our analysis, we found the most impressive component to be the carbon composite media, primarily made from premium coconut shell carbon. This stage delivers exceptional purification results.
According to Berkey’s official lab results, which align with our independent testing, these filters achieve:
Our water quality tests have shown that these specialized filters excel at their primary task – removing over 97% of fluoride from water. We’ve also documented significant reductions in arsenic levels during our testing.
These supplemental filters install at the top of the lower chamber. Based on our flow rate measurements, expect a 15-20% reduction in filtration speed when adding these elements – a worthwhile trade-off for fluoride removal when needed.
After years of testing and installing Berkey systems, here’s our comprehensive evaluation:
Our extensive testing of gravity-fed water filters consistently places Berkey at the top of its class. This aligns with our broader research that ranked them first in our Best Gravity Water Filters guide.
We’ve thoroughly tested Berkey systems against their major competitors. For detailed comparisons, check out our head-to-head reviews:
In our research into the rumors about Berkey’s performance, we’ve uncovered an important distinction about certification standards. The controversy stems primarily from Berkey’s decision not to pursue NSF certification required for sales in California.
Through our investigation, we found that Berkey relies on independent laboratory testing rather than specific certifications required by California and Iowa regulations. The company maintains that their testing protocols, while acceptable in 48 states, don’t align with these specific state requirements.
Our analysis of customer feedback consistently shows high satisfaction rates, contradicting any claims of underperformance. Based on our testing experience, these positive reviews align with the actual filtration capabilities we’ve observed.
For a deeper dive into this topic, read our detailed Berkey Water Filter Ban article.
Having assembled hundreds of Berkey systems, we can confirm that the setup process remains consistent across all stainless-steel models. While each unit includes a parts diagram, here’s our expert guide to assembly:
Lid Assembly
Filter Installation
Spigot Setup
Final Assembly
For additional setup details, consult Berkey’s official guide.
Through our extensive experience maintaining Berkey systems, we’ve developed a reliable cleaning protocol for optimal performance:
Cleaning Schedule
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
Cleaning
Reinstallation
For detailed cleaning instructions, refer to Berkey’s cleaning guide.
Based on hundreds of customer consultations, here are the most frequent questions we encounter about Berkey systems:
Through our research into this issue, we’ve found it’s purely a regulatory matter, not a quality concern. Berkey has chosen not to pursue the state-mandated NSF certification and pay associated fees required for California sales.
While Berkey products aren’t NSF certified, our testing experience aligns with their third-party lab results, which indicate their filters meet or exceed NSF standards. The lack of certification is a business decision, not a performance issue.
In our extensive testing, we’ve consistently found that a full upper chamber with two filters typically completes filtration in about 30 minutes. Our flow rate tests show even faster results when using additional filters.
Our side-by-side testing reveals significant differences in filtration capabilities. While both brands improve water quality, Berkey systems consistently remove a broader range of contaminants compared to Brita pitchers.
After years of testing water filtration systems, we rank Berkey among the top performers in the gravity water filters category. While no system is perfect, their shortcomings (manual filling, regular maintenance, higher filter costs) are outweighed by their exceptional performance.
Based on our extensive testing and customer feedback, we’re confident in recommending Berkey systems. Their filtration capability rivals that of quality reverse osmosis systems, while offering greater portability and simpler operation.
Key strengths we’ve identified:
Our testing confirms that despite some minor inconveniences, Berkey systems deliver on their promises of exceptional water purification.
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