Berkey Water Filter Review of 2022 | Pros, Cons, Specs & Features

When you are looking up for water filter systems for your home, Big Berkey (Such as BK4X2) is one of the most prominent brands that you will come across.

Keeping in mind the high demand for Big Berkey water filter, we decided to dig in and help you understand how this system works, what products you should be buying and how you should be using those products.

But before going deeper into the topic, let’s check the trending product below with the bird eye view!

Pros and Cons:

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Now, we’ll review the key features of the Berkey Water Filter in detail. Meanwhile, you can also look up our list of the 10 best water filters to compare different brands.

Detailed Overview

A. What Makes Berkey Special?

Berkey is the ultimate solution to all kinds of filtered water needs. With their dynamic and diverse range of water filters, you can choose whatever suits your daily needs the most.

Most of the Berkey water filters have exactly the same mechanism of work, so you cannot choose on the basis of working or filters. Different models provide a different flow rate and water holding capacity.

1. Built of the Filters

As a general design, most Berkey water filters are made up of two huge chambers, one on the top and another on the bottom.

There is a spigot attached to the bottom chamber and a lid at the top makes it easy for you to open the filter and examine it from the inside. Another striking feature is a rubber gasket at the bottom of the machine that will prevent your countertop from any scratches.

The design looks extremely elegant sitting on your kitchen counter and is a complete treat for your designer kitchen.

2. The Efficiency of the Filters

Berkey water filters are also sometimes called gravity filters because they use the power of gravity to filter water and remove contaminants from it. Its efficiency is tested in labs and no other brand has managed to beat the high-quality filtration mechanism.

Contaminants like heavy metals, lead, mercury, volatile organic compounds, and chlorine are completely removed from the water.

Every Berkey filter can remove even the pathogenic and disease-causing biological agents from the water. Its small pore size removes bacteria and even viruses, giving you the healthiest water with the best taste ever.

Some accredited laboratory tests have shown the removal of 99.9999% bacteria and 99.999% viruses from the water filtered through Berkey water filters. This test exceeds the test requirements by NSF. But how is it possible?

This ultrafiltration capacity of Berkey filters is due to its dependence on gravity instead of pressure to filter water. It efficiently removes even the smallest contaminants giving you fresh and healthy drinking water.

3. Capacity and Longevity

All the Berkey water filters use a black filter that lasts longer than anyone of its competitors. This filter efficiently removes contaminants including harmful pathogens, pharmaceutical wastes, lead and mercury and has a capacity to filter 3000 gallons of water.

With an average person using 1 gallon of water a day, a family of 4 people can use each of these filters for around 2 years. This is the most economical filter capacity that you can ever get with this much efficiency.

Each system of water filter provided by Berkey needs a minimum of 2 black filters. If you want to install more than 2 filters you can get a better flow rate and increased longevity for your water filtration unit.

Removing arsenic and fluoride from water is the most important part of filtration and at the same time the most difficult thing to achieve.

Berkey water filters rose to the heights of success that they are on today by providing a trusted solution for the removal of these carcinogens from the drinking water.

An arsenic and fluoride filter can be coupled with the black filter in every unit that will remove the harmful carcinogens most effectively.

However, the lifespan of this arsenic and fluoride filter is shorter since it can filter only 1000 gallons of water but the quality is never compromised.

B. Working of Berkey Water Filters:

We understand all the concerns of our readers and to make everything easier for them this Berkey water filter review will make our readers understand how these filters actually work.

All the Berkey water filters use the same black filter that is compulsory to use in every system. An optional variation is the Arsenic- fluoride water filter.

You can attach or remove it according to your needs. Both these filters have a different mechanism of working.

There is a summary table at the end that can help you in understanding the difference between these two filters in a glimpse.

1. Black Water Filters

The black filters maintain their position as one of the highest quality filters in town due to an exceptionally efficient matrix.

This matrix is made up of 6 different types of materials that are still not open for public knowledge. The company has kept its formula super secret so that their quality cannot be replicated by any other brand.

Water is filtered through many physical processes like microfiltration. The composition of the matrix creates small pores in it through which the water passes.

Anything larger than the allowed size of particles would not be able to pass through the filter and would get collected in it. But this is not the only thing happening. To achieve the ultimate filtration many other processes are at play too.

The process of adsorption and absorption is also at play when the contaminated water passes through the filters.

The special materials inside the filtration matrix absorb and adsorb the contaminants and let the important minerals pass. This gives you the healthiest drinking water with the best taste.

2. Arsenic/Fluoride Water Filter

Arsenic and fluoride are the most notorious contaminants found in water and removing them are extremely difficult for any water filter.

The only option available for the removal of these contaminants is reverse osmosis. It is a very trustworthy method but most of the reverse osmosis systems are very expensive and sensitive at the same time. But we have an article where we’ve reviewed some of the best yet affordable RO Systems available in the market.

Affording a dedicated arsenic and fluoride removing system is difficult for many people and that is where Berkey made its place in the market.

Berkey provides the most affordable arsenic and fluoride filters as compared to any other brand. The company claims maximum removal of arsenic and fluoride from water by virtue of the long size of its filter.

The water stays in the filter and in contact with the matrix for a longer time and maximum impurities are removed from it.

On the other hand, many other filter technologies apply pressure on water to increase flow rate but they in turn compromise the quality of filtration.

Berkey capitalizes on the gravitational force and has gained a lot of popularity because of it.

C. The variable Flow rate in Berkey Water Filters

This Berkey water filter review focuses on providing you with the most accurate information. The flow rate of all the Berkey water filters is dependent upon gravity.

Since gravity is the only driving force for filtration, the highest flow rate will be achieved if the tank having the contaminated water is completely full. To attain maximum flow rate you have to fill the tank completely otherwise the filtration flow rate will keep on decreasing eventually.

Top 7 Best Berkey Water Filters for 2020 | Review

Now the next question that will be pounding in your head by now is how to decide which model to buy? Here’s the quick comparison table before we go to a detailed review of those 7 top products.

Editors Choice: Quick Comparison Table

Well, Berkey gives you so many choices that getting confused and overwhelmed is inevitable. Here is a brief introduction of some models that will make your choice easier.

1. Go Berkey Kit (1 qt.) Water Filter

Go Berkey Kit -Includes Stainless Steel Portable Water Filter System: Go Berkey is a portable solution to get clean water while traveling.

Its small size makes it easier to carry and the high-quality filter makes it a treat in itself. The structure of the device is similar to all other models; the only difference is that of size.

This model is fit for one person’s usage. With a fast flow rate of 1 gallon per hour, this device is too efficient as compared to its counterparts.

With just 1 filter element in use, it has a holding capacity of 1 quart at a time. If you travel a lot of you live alone, Berkey pro is all you have to invest in.

2. Travel Berkey Water Filter

Travel Berkey Water Filter with 2 Black Berkey Filters: Travel Berkey is a family-size water filter that can easily be transported from one place to the other.

It is fit for usage by 1 to 3 people and can accommodate a small family. If you do not find a Go Berkey enough for you or a small family, this is the best water filter for you.

Travel Berkey has a holding capacity of 1.5 gallons with a flow rate of 2.75 gallons per hour.

Travel Berkey and all the models bigger than this one needs 2 filters or more to operate. This not only increases the flow rate but also enhance the life span of the filter.

3. Big Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter

Big Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter: Berkey Big is the standard size that most families are interested in. It can easily accommodate a family of 4 to 5 people and has a holding capacity of 2.25 gallons.

The best feature of this model is the striking increase in its flow rate. Berkey big has the capacity to filter 7 gallons of water per hour.

You can use this model with 2 filters as well but the maximum flow rate is achieved by using 4 filter elements. This cost-benefit analysis totally depends on your needs.

4. The Royal Berkey Water Filter System

Berkey Royal with 2 Black Filters and 2 PF-2 Fluoride Filters: Royal Berkey is suitable for 2 to 6 people. It is a bigger design for a medium-sized family. You can use it in hostels and shared spaces as well.

Its holding capacity is 3.25 gallons. Its flow rate is also better than the Berkey big with 8 gallons of filtered water produced in an hour.

Surprisingly, it uses a maximum of 4 filter elements just like Berkey big but the results are way much better than that.

5. Imperial Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter

Imperial Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter: Imperial Berkey is mostly used for hostels or very big families.

It can hold up 4.5 gallons of water at a time and can be comfortably used by 4 to 8 people. It can use a maximum of 6 filter elements which can enhance its flow rate to as high as 16.5 gallons per hour.

This is almost more than double as compared to the Royal Berkey and it only uses 2 extra filter elements.

6. Crown Berkey Water Filter

Crown Berkey Water Filter With 2 Black and 2 PF2 Fluoride Filters: Crown Berkey is huge and it is mostly suitable for commercial places like offices and hostels.

No family would want to spend money on this big appliance. It can hold up to 6.5 gallons of water and serves a minimum of 6 to 12 people.

With just 2 extra filter elements (total 8 filters at max.) the crown Berkey can filter 26 gallons of water per hour. This huge design is the largest of all water filters manufactured by Berkey.

7. Berkey Light Gravity-Fed Water Filter

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Berkey Light Gravity-Fed Water Filter with 2 Black Berkey Purification Elements: Berkey light is a low budget alternative for Big Berkey.

It is made up of BPA free plastic and it can be used both indoors and outdoors. If you have to provide fresh drinking water for 2 to 5 people and you find Big Berkey a bit too pricy, Berkey light is all that you are looking for.

It has a holding capacity of 2.75 gallons with maximum usage of 4 filter elements. However, its flow rate is higher than the Big Berkey as it can filter 7.5 gallons of water in an hour.

How to decide which model works best for you?

We understand that the choice is very confusing. When top water softeners and filtration companies like Berkey give you so many options you end up getting confused and since each product is so expensive, even the slightest mistake can cost you a lot of money.

Here is a summary of all the features of these different models that will help you in deciding the most suitable option for you.

• Big Berkey is the most famous of all the Berkey water filters. It is the best water filter for a small to medium-sized family. It is fast and efficient and provides you with the best results. You can easily find a place for it in your kitchen and also move it around when you want. It might seem a little big but it is completely portable and easy to transport. For anyone looking out for a family solution for a family of 2 to 4 people, Big Berkey is your answer.
• Big Berkey might be the most popular one but it is also very expensive for some people. Understanding the financial constraints that certain people might face, Berkey came up with a witty solution in the form of a Berkey light water filter. It is made of plastic and is lighter in weight. The company has made sure to use the highest quality BPA free plastic yet makes this filter very cheap as compared to the stainless steel alternatives. If you have a tighter pocket, this is your answer.
• If you are not using all of the filter element’s capacity, you can cover the empty holes up with lids provided with the unit. This makes it easy for you to optimize the budget according to your needs.
• Travel Berkey is bigger than the smallest Berkey goes but is still small enough to be placed inside a suitcase. It is convenient to use for singles and at most 3 people. You can take it with you wherever you go and have fresh clean water at hand all the time.
• If you have a lot of people living together at your place, maybe Royal or Imperial ones will help you provide clean water for all, however, for bigger offices and commercial places, we recommend crown Berkey water filter.

Conclusion

If you are wealthy enough to afford a large system for your house, we would always recommend it because it can make your life easier.

You would not have to wait and keep on reusing the same filter again and again if you have a bigger unit at your disposal. The bigger you have it, the easier it will make your life.

Berkey is the most trusted brand of water filtering units and trusting it cannot be questioned easily.

However, you have to make one informed decision by taking as much time as you need. This review can help you in deciding what you want and by now, you must already know which one of these units suits your needs the best.

Last update on 2024-04-26 at 23:19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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