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Big Berkey vs Travel Berkey Water Filters: Which Is Better?

by Hunter Kissam October 27, 2022 2 min read Product Tutorial and Information

Whether you're concerned about your local water treatment, your home plumbing system, or even stagnant ponds, Berkey water filters are up to the task. Each filter can last for thousands of gallons and everyday use, offering clean and filtered water whenever you need it.

While the stellar water quality remains the same, let's see which is better for your needs; the Big Berkey or the Travel Berkey!

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Big Berkey Water Filter Systems

Berkey water filters are the best systems for getting clean water from nearly any natural source. This water purifier is great for treated water for home use or for emergency situations. Berkeys use Black Berkey elements to filter out harmful chemicals and other contaminants from your tap water or other drinking water source.

More specifically, the Big Berkey offers a 2.25-gallon upper chamber that can offer purified water in the lower chamber in under two hours. Again, this is a gravity filter element, so it does take a little while, but it offers high quality purification even in hostile environments.

However, at 7 pounds empty and nearly 26 pounds with the lower chamber filled, this isn't exactly an item you can easily take with you on the go.

Overall, 2.25 gallons is plenty for large families, especially if you keep an eye on the water level. Gravity-fed filters can take a while to filter toxic elements, so remember to continue filling the upper chamber.

Berkey water filter with bundle deal

Travel Berkey Water Filters

Travel Berkeys use the same Black Berkey filters as any other Berkey system. They're just as efficient at removing heavy metals (and other harmful contaminants) and just as durable with their stainless steel shell. The only difference is the 1.5-gallon upper and lower chamber capacity, which is the perfect size for traveling.

Even with the bottom or top chamber full, the system only weighs around 18.5 pounds, which is perfect for moving around the house or taking with you on a trip. If you have a less-than-reputable water source at your off-grid vacation home or during your outdoor activities, then this is perfect for a family water supply. Again, this can even purify untreated raw water.

Also, the Travel Berkey is still durable with stainless steel chambers. If something breaks, you can easily order replacement parts. We'd recommend using a stainless steel spigot and a Berkey tote bag for safe travel!

Get a Berkey Water Filter Today

Now that you know the difference between these two sizes of Berkey water filters, you can see that they are both just as efficient, but ideal for different circumstances. The Big Berkey is perfect for a small or medium-sized family, whereas the Travel Berkey is best for anyone on the go. Either way, both systems will last for a long time, and you can even get a separate warranty for peace of mind!

Stay up to date with our latest tips, and buy a Berkey water filter today with free shipping in the United States!

Hunter Kissam

Hunter Kissam

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  • Travel Berkey - 1.5 Gal
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What Size Berkey Is Right For You?

  • Guides & How To
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Selecting the Berkey Water Filter Model that is right for you!

There are six different Berkey sizes. Seven if you include the one-quart go Berkey. The Smallest Berkey system holds one and half gallons. The largest system is the Crown Berkey, at 6 gallons. Our most popular size is the Big Berkey, holding 2.25 gallons.

Choosing the right Berkey system depends on how many people will be using it, how often you want to refill the chamber, the amount of counter space you have, and your budget.

travel vs big berkey

 Compare Berkey Systems

There’s a Berkey®️ on this list for your home or office. Come shop with us today!

Travel Berkey     Big Berkey     Berkey  Light     Royal Berkey     Imperial Berke y    Crown Berkey

1  price varies with the number of filters 2  flow rate based on optimal water conditions and emergency use with the upper container being kept full. the flow rate may vary by user., 1. how many gallons of water do you consume per day .

According to research conducted by the USDA, the average person (weighing 154 pounds) should consume about 1/2 gallon of water per person per day, which is why you commonly hear about people needing to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day (that works out to 64 ounces, which is exactly 1/2 gallon). The 1/2 gallon-per-person-per-day rule is the water you need just for drinking during normal activity periods. You should consume more during hot weather or if you are very active or elderly.

Most of our customers find that once they start using their system, they also like to use filtered water for cooking. Cooking with water from your Berkey water filter basically doubles your use, to 1 gallon per person per day. After many years of customer feedback, we have found that this is the number that is most accurate for most of our customers:   1 gallon of water per person per day.

2. What is the holding capacity of the Berkey filter system? 

The bigger the holding capacity of the   Berkey water filter system , the more reserve use you will have for peak consumption needs. For example, imagine if you had a  Big Berkey   (which holds 2.5 gallons) and while you were cooking dinner on a hot day, your children came in the house after being outside with their friends. Together, the children drank six 8-ounce glasses of water (0.4 gallons). You still need to make iced tea (1 gallon), and you need water to boil pasta (1 gallon). To accomplish all of that, you'll need a total of 2.4 gallons of water. The Big Berkey only holds 2.5 gallons--perfect for your needs for that scenario! You want to make sure the holding capacity of the filter system you choose is big enough for your peak water consumption needs. 

3. What is the flow rate of the different Berkey water filter systems? 

The more filters your Berkey water system has, the faster your unit will produce water and the faster it will recover from peak or sustained water usage. The bigger systems are taller and therefore generate more water pressure, also increasing the flow rate. The numbers shown on the Berkey water filter comparison chart below are for when the unit is completely full. The flow rate will decrease as the level of water in the upper chamber falls.

4. What size Berkey system would be best for my needs? 

After years of customer feedback and field testing, we found that if you take the flow rate of the system and multiply that by the holding capacity, this number is a good indicator of the maximum number of people that each system would support under normal conditions. If you feel that your water needs are greater than normal or if you plan on using the   Berkey water filter   for emergencies or anything other than drinking and cooking, we suggest that you purchase a bigger system than indicated on the Berkey water filter comparison chart below. All units produce the same quality of water. In determining which Berkey water system to purchase, keep in mind that the bigger systems produce more water and the smaller systems are more portable.

Compare Berkey water systems specs and images

We make it easy for our customers to shop online. When you're ready to purchase one of our water filter systems, you can browse and buy right from our website. If you have a question about any of our filters or systems, simply email us at  [email protected]

  • Why Berkey?
  • Berkey Light vs. Big Berkey Stainless Steel System
  • Big Berkey vs. Royal Berkey Stainless Steel System
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The Big Berkey Water Filter System: Uncertified and Inconvenient

The Big Berkey, a large steel canister with a spigot at the bottom, on a kitchen counter.

The Big Berkey Water Filter has a strong following. And in the years we’ve spent researching the best water filter pitchers and the best under-sink water filters , we’ve been asked about the Big Berkey several times. Its manufacturer claims the filter can remove far more contaminants than other filters. Yet the Big Berkey is not independently certified to NSF/ANSI standards, like our other filter picks are.

After 50 hours of research and independent lab testing of the claims made by Big Berkey’s manufacturer, our test results—as well as those of another lab we spoke with and a third whose results are public—were not entirely consistent. We believe this further illustrates the importance of certification to the firm NSF/ANSI standards: It lets people make buying decisions based on a dependable, apples-to-apples comparison of performance. In addition, because the Big Berkey system is much larger, more expensive, and harder to maintain than pitcher and under-sink filters, we wouldn’t recommend it even if it were certified.

travel vs big berkey

Big Berkey with Black Berkey Filters

Large, pricey, and lacks nsf/ansi certification.

Berkey countertop systems and filters are much more expensive and less convenient to use than other water-filtration options. And the manufacturer’s performance claims don’t have independent certification to national standards.

Buying Options

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The Big Berkey’s manufacturer, New Millennium Concepts, claims the filter can remove more than a hundred contaminants, far more than other gravity-fed filters we’ve researched . We tested these claims on a limited scale, and our results were not always consistent with lab results that New Millennium commissioned. In particular, results from both our commissioned lab and the lab most recently contracted by New Millennium showed less effective filtration of chloroform than that third, earlier test (which is also listed in New Millennium’s product literature).

None of the tests we cite here—not ours, and not the New Millennium–contracted tests by Envirotek or a Los Angeles County lab —come near the rigor of NSF/ANSI tests. Specifically, NSF/ANSI requires that filters of the type Berkey employs pass twice their rated capacity of contaminated water through the filter before measurements are taken. Although to our knowledge all of the tests we and New Millennium contracted were thorough and professional, each used its own, less strenuous protocol. And because none of the testing was done to full NSF/ANSI standards, we have no clear way to compare the results precisely or to compare the overall performance of the Berkey filter with that of other gravity-fed filters we’ve looked at in the past.

One area where everyone’s findings did align was in removing lead from drinking water, suggesting that the Big Berkey would perform well at removing heavy metals. So if there’s a known issue with lead or other metals in your water, the Big Berkey is perhaps worth investigating as a stopgap measure.

With its large activated carbon filters, the Berkey would also be expected to remove PFAS efficiently, and it did so in a test by the Environmental Working Group , who used our recommended home water-quality test kit for PFAS . (See the full test kit guide for detailed information; for more on PFAS filtration in general, see our overview .)

The difficulty of comparing inconsistent lab results aside, New Millennium Concepts did not respond to repeated requests for an interview to discuss our findings. Taken together, our reporting left us with an opaque understanding of the Berkey system, which isn’t the case with many other filter manufacturers.

For everyday water filtration, most NSF/ANSI–certified water pitchers and undersink filters are smaller, more convenient, far less expensive to buy and maintain, and easier to use. And they also provide the accountability that comes with independent, transparent testing.

Keep in mind that most municipal water supplies are safe to begin with, so unless you know that you have a problem locally, you probably don’t need filtering for health reasons. If emergency preparedness is your main concern, consider the advice in our guide to emergency preparedness , which includes products and advice to keep clean water available .

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, how we tested, what we found, why it matters, what’s inside the black berkey filter.

Since 2016, I have overseen our water-filter guides, covering both pitchers and under-sink systems. John Holecek, a former NOAA researcher, has conducted air- and water-quality testing for us since 2014. He prepared the test solutions and contracted the independent lab that Wirecutter commissioned for this guide and for our guide to water pitcher filters . That lab, EnviroMatrix Analytical, is accredited by the California Department of Health Services, and it routinely analyzes drinking water.

A closeup of the Big Berkey on a counter by a sink.

Big Berkey filter systems, and similar systems by Alexapure and ProOne (formerly known as Propur), are popular with people who rely on well water, which may contain contaminants that would otherwise be removed by a municipal water plant. Berkey also has a significant following among the disaster-preparedness community and government skeptics . 1 And Berkey retailers tout these systems as safety equipment for emergencies, with some estimating they can provide filtered drinking water to as many as 170 people per day .

No matter the reason for your interest in Berkey or any other water-filter systems, we should emphasize that most US municipal water is pretty clean to begin with . No filter can remove pollutants that aren’t there in the first place, so unless you have a known issue, you may not need a filter at all.

Big Berkey’s manufacturer claims that the device removes more than a hundred contaminants (far more than any other gravity-fed filter we have evaluated). Because the filter is not NSF/ANSI–certified—unlike every other filter we recommend in our other guides—we didn’t have a firm basis for comparison with the other filters we have tested in the past. So we decided to conduct independent tests to attempt to reproduce some of these results.

To test these claims, as we do for our filter-pitcher testing, John Holecek prepared so-called challenge solutions and ran them through the Big Berkey system (fitted with the Black Berkey filters). Then he sent samples of the solutions and the filtered water to an independent lab, EnviroMatrix Analytical, accredited by the state of California for analysis. For the Big Berkey testing, he prepared two solutions—one heavily laden with dissolved lead, the other with chloroform. These would provide an indication of the filters’ overall performance on heavy metals and organic compounds.

John prepared challenge samples to match or exceed the contaminant concentrations used in NSF/ANSI certification (150 ug/L for lead and 300 ug/L for chloroform). After confirming that the filters were installed and performing correctly, according to Berkey’s dye test (video) , he ran a gallon of contaminated solution through the Berkey and discarded the filtrate (the water and whatever else that had passed through the filter). For the contaminated solution measurements, he filtered a total of two additional gallons through the Berkey, taking a control sample from the second gallon and collecting two test samples of the filtrate from it. The control and filtrate samples were then sent to EnviroMatrix Analytical for testing. Because chloroform is highly volatile—it “wants” to evaporate and combine with other compounds present—John mixed the chloroform into the contaminant solution immediately prior to filtering.

At EnviroMatrix Analytical, the chloroform and any other volatile organic compounds (or VOCs) were measured using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The lead was measured using an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) device, following EPA method 200.8 .

EnviroMatrix Analytical’s results partially contradicted and partially supported New Millennium’s claims. The Black Berkey filters showed poor reduction of chloroform. On the other hand, they performed spectacularly well on lead reduction. ( See the full results in the next section .)

We shared our lab’s results with Jaime Young, a chemist and New Jersey–licensed owner/operator of the water analysis lab (then known as Envirotek) commissioned in 2014 by New Millennium Concepts (manufacturer of the Big Berkey system) for its own testing of its Black Berkey filters. 2 Young corroborated our findings on both chloroform and lead.

New Millennium has commissioned other tests in the past, including one conducted in 2012 by the County of Los Angeles’ Environmental Toxicology Laboratory of the Department of the Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures; this one does list chloroform (PDF) among the contaminants the Black Berkey removed to the department’s standard (EPA, not NSF/ANSI). Since that 2012 test, toxicology was shifted to the Los Angeles Department of Public Health. We reached out to the DPH, and it confirmed the original report’s legitimacy. But New Millennium describes Young’s test as its “ latest round ,” and his results are the most recently listed on the Berkey Water Knowledge Base, the separate site New Millennium maintains for listing its test results and answering frequently asked questions.

Wirecutter’s, Young’s, and Los Angeles County’s test protocols are mutually inconsistent. And because none of them conform to the NSF/ANSI standards, we don’t have a standard basis for comparing the results.

Therefore, we are not heavily leaning on our test results in our general take on the Big Berkey system. The Big Berkey has enough ease-of-use and cost issues that we would recommend a mainstream gravity-fed filter pitcher over it to most readers, even if the Berkey does everything New Millennium claims it can do as a filter.

We also cut open a pair of Black Berkey filters to see how they are constructed and to look for evidence that, as Berkey marketing claims, they contain “at least” six different filtering elements. We found that though the Berkey filters are larger and denser than filters from Brita and 3M Filtrete, they appear to share their filtration mechanisms: activated charcoal impregnated with an ion-exchange resin.

The Berkey filter system belongs to the broad class of gravity-fed water filters. These simple devices use gravity to draw source water from an upper chamber, through a fine-pored filter; the filtered water is collected in a lower chamber from which it can be dispensed. It’s an effective, widely used method—filter pitchers are a familiar example.

The Berkey filters showed strong performance on lead-contaminated drinking water. In our test they reduced lead levels from 170 ug/L to just 0.12 ug/L, a measurement that far exceeds the NSF/ANSI certification requirement of reducing lead from 150 ug/L to 10 ug/L or less.

But in our test on chloroform, the Black Berkey filters performed poorly, lowering it by just 13% in our test sample, from 150 ug/L to 130 ug/L. NSF/ANSI requires a 95% reduction, from 300 ug/L to 15 ug/L or less. (Our test solution was mixed to the NSF/ANSI standard of 300 ug/L, but chloroform’s volatility means that it rapidly forms new compounds or evaporates—hence the drop to 150 ug/L at the time of the test. But EnviroMatrix Analytical’s tests also captured other volatile organic compounds that chloroform can create, so we are confident that the results are accurate.) Jaime Young, the New Jersey–licensed water analysis engineer who conducted New Millennium Concepts’ most recent round of testing, also got poor performance on chloroform from the Black Berkey filters.

New Millennium Concepts, however, claims—right on the box the filters come in—that the Black Berkey filter reduces chloroform by 99.8%, to “below lab detectable limits.” (That number appears to be based on the testing done by the Los Angeles County lab in 2012. Its test results [PDF] are available at the Berkey Water Knowledge Base , linked to on—but not part of—Berkey’s main site .)

To be abundantly clear: Neither we nor Envirotek nor Los Angeles County reproduced the entire NSF/ANSI Standard 53 protocol, used for gravity-fed filters like the Black Berkey.

For our part, we had our lab run tests after the Black Berkeys had already filtered several gallons of challenge solution prepared to NSF/ANSI concentrations. But NSF/ANSI certification requires that gravity-fed filters pass through twice their rated capacity of challenge solution before testing. In the Black Berkey filter’s case, that would mean 6,000 gallons.

Like us, Jaime Young prepared his test solutions to NSF/ANSI Standard 53, but he did not run the 6,000 gallons of contaminant solution through the filters that the complete Standard 53 protocol would have required of the Black Berkeys. He reported that the filters gave exceptional performance on lead in his test, too, corroborating our own finding. However, he said that they stopped meeting the NSF removal standard after approximately 1,100 gallons of filtering—barely more than a third of the 3,000-gallon lifespan New Millennium claims for the Black Berkey filters.

Los Angeles County followed a separate EPA protocol, which involved passing only single, 2-liter samples of the challenge solutions through the filters. Unlike us or Young, the county found that the Black Berkey filters removed chloroform to its test standard, in its case by greater than 99.8%, to less than 0.5 ug/L from 250 ug/L.

The inconsistency of our test results, compared with the results from the two labs commissioned by Berkey, left us hesitant to recommend this filter, especially when you can find other independently certified options that put all of these open questions to rest.

Overall, our testing experience reinforces our position that we recommend water filters with NSF/ANSI certification, which the Berkey does not have. That’s because NSF/ANSI standards for certification are exceptionally rigorous, and they are also transparent: Anyone can read them on NSF’s site . The independent labs licensed to conduct NSF/ANSI certification tests are themselves strictly accredited. We spoke with a representative from NSF while reporting this guide, and we learned that it would cost well over $1 million to conduct certification testing for all of the substances New Millennium Concepts claims that the Black Berkey filters remove. New Millennium states that it considers NSF certifications unnecessary, and it cites cost as another reason the testing has not been done.

But even leaving actual filtration performance aside, this filter has enough practical concerns for us to easily recommend one of our other water-filter picks before recommending the Big Berkey. For one, the Berkey system is far more expensive to buy and maintain than any of our recommended filters. And unlike our recommended filters, the Berkey is also large and obtrusive. It is designed to sit on the countertop. But because it’s 19 inches tall, it won’t fit under many wall cabinets, which are typically set 18 inches above the countertop. The Berkey is also too tall to fit in most refrigerator configurations. So it’s unlikely that you’ll be keeping water cold in the Berkey (something that is easy to do with our filter pitcher picks). New Millennium Concepts offers a 5-inch stand to make it easier to fit glasses under the Big Berkey’s spigot, but those cost extra and add more height to the already towering contraption.

A Wirecutter writer who owned a Big Berkey in the past sent a note about his experience: “Besides the unit being absurdly large, it’s also somewhat easy to overfill the top reservoir if you forget to empty the bottom tub. Fully filled, the top reservoir is somewhat heavy and unwieldy, and it immediately starts filtering. So you have to lift it up to get clearance for the carbon filters (which are long and delicate) and then place it into the bottom pot all before it starts leaking all over your floor or counter.”

Another Wirecutter editor owned a Big Berkey (with the company’s alternative ceramic filters ) but soon stopped using it. “It was a gift from my spouse because I’d seen one at a friend’s house and thought that the water that came out tasted wonderful,” he said. “Living with one was an entirely different matter. The countertop footprint, both horizontally and vertically, was enormous and awkward. And the kitchen sink where we lived at the time was so small that washing it was a cumbersome chore.”

We also see a lot of complaints from owners about algal and bacterial growth and, more generally, slime building up in their Big Berkeys. New Millenium Concepts acknowledges the issue and recommends adding its Berkey Biofilm Drops to the water being filtered. And it’s enough of a problem that many Berkey dealers have a whole page devoted to it .

Many dealers acknowledge that bacterial growth can become an issue, but their frequent claim of this starting after a few years of use wasn’t the case for our editor. “It began after just under one year,” he said. “The water tasted musty and a mildew smell began to form in both the upper and lower chambers. I’d wash it thoroughly, flushing the filters and detaching them to get into all the tiny connection points, and I made sure to even clean inside the spigot. The taste of the water would return to normal for about two or three days before becoming musty again. I ended up putting the Berkey on the curb, which I feel terrible about.”

Thoroughly removing the algae-bacteria slime from Black Berkey filters involves scouring their surfaces with Scotch-Brite, doing the same for the upper and lower tanks, and finally running a bleach solution through the filters. That is a lot of maintenance for something meant to give people peace of mind about their water.

If you are concerned with disaster preparedness and wish to ensure a supply of clean water during an emergency, we recommend the water storage products from our emergency preparedness guide . If you simply want a good filter for your tap water, we recommend that you look for an NSF/ANSI–certified filter, like those in our guides to the best water filter pitchers and the best under-sink water filters .

Most gravity-fed filters employ two different materials to remove contaminants from water. Activated charcoal adsorbs or chemically binds with organic compounds, which include petroleum-based fuels and solvents, many pesticides, and many pharmaceuticals. An ion-exchange resin removes many dissolved metals from water by exchanging toxic heavy metals (like lead, mercury, and cadmium) for lighter, essentially harmless ones (like sodium—a chief component of table salt).

A cross-section of the cylindrical charcoal block, showing its hollow core; a quarter, for scale, shows it to be around 8 inches long.

Our picks for pitcher filters (from Brita) and under-sink filters (from 3M Filtrete) are both constructed this way. New Millennium Concepts does not disclose what the Black Berkey filters are made of, but some retailers make claims about their construction, including  this one from TheBerkey.com : “Our Black Berkey Purification elements are composed of a proprietary formulation of more than six different media types including high grade coconut shell carbon, all constructed into a very compact matrix containing millions of microscopic pores.” When we cut open a pair of Black Berkey filters, they appeared to be constructed of an activated charcoal block impregnated with an ion-exchange resin. Jaime Young corroborated this observation.

This article was edited by Harry Sawyers.

These links are representative but not comprehensive.

We confirmed Young’s license with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Water Supply and Geoscience, through its own public database and by phone with a representative. Young’s lab was called Envirotek when he conducted testing of the Big Berkey filters. He now operates the Quality Filter Testing Laboratory, though his website’s URL is still Enviroteklab.com.

Meet your guide

travel vs big berkey

Tim Heffernan

Tim Heffernan is a senior staff writer focusing on air and water quality and home energy efficiency. A former writer for The Atlantic, Popular Mechanics, and other national magazines, he joined Wirecutter in 2015. He owns three bikes and zero derailleurs.

Further reading

A few water pitchers and filters standing alongside several glasses of water.

The Best Water Filter Pitcher and Dispenser

by Tim Heffernan

Water filters and pitchers are the simplest, most affordable way to get reliable filtered water at home.

assorted pet drinking fountains of various sizes and shapes outdoors on a wooden surface

The Best Water Fountain for Cats and Dogs

by Rebekah Valentine

After testing 13 pet water fountains (and having one turned into a chew toy), we think the Catit Flower Fountain is the best for most cats (and some dogs).

Pur Advanced Faucet Water Filtration System attached to a faucet

The Best Faucet-Mounted Water Filter

Here are our picks for the best water filter to mount on a kitchen faucet.

Four filtered water bottles along with replacement filters and straws.

The Best Filtered Water Bottles

You can get cleaner, better-tasting water with a filtered bottle that can travel with you—but other filtered water options may be more convenient overall.

Modern Castle is supported by readers. When you buy with our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more

Home » Water Filter Reviews » Berkey Water Filter Review: 3rd Party Laboratory Tests

Berkey Water Filter Review: 3rd Party Laboratory Tests

Derek Hales

Written By: Derek Hales

Updated on: October 27, 2023

Travel Berkey Hero Image

  • Large water reservoir tank – can hold up to 1.5 gallons
  • Exceptional metal build quality
  • Filters last a long time – 3,000 gallons per filter

Considerations

  • Mediocre water filtration performance based on 3rd party laboratory data
  • More expensive – especially given the lackluster filter performance
  • Slow water filtration speed
  • Lengthy water filter setup and priming
  • The bulky body would take up significant space

Our Verdict

The Travel Berkey is a water filtration reservoir built from stainless steel. It’s capable of storing 1.5 gallons of filter water with a large water hopper on top. It contains two large Black Berkey filters that have a long filter life of up to 3,000 gallons per filter. It’s part of a series of Berkey filter systems that are designed to store large amounts of filter water.

Unfortunately, the water filtration performance left much to be desired. The results of our third-party lab testing showed that the Travel Berkey only reduced some harmful contaminants, but wasn’t able to completely remove them. The analysis showed dichloromethane, bromodichloromethane, uranium, lithium, cadmium, arsenic, and total THMs levels were all present in the water.

Type: Countertop Tank Capacity: 1.5 Gallons Filter Life: 6,000 Gallons ( 2 x 3,000 Gallon Filter Life )

In This Review Purification Performance | Filters | Filtration Speed | Build Quality | Usability | Maintenance | Size | Specs | Product Evolution | Comparison | FAQs

Performance Summary

At Modern Castle we put water filters to the test.

We test 5 different factors that impact the performance, build quality, and usability of the water filter. Below is a complete list of our testing categories and their performance.

Video Review

YouTube video

Purification Performance

To test water filters, we use a 3rd party laboratory (Simple Lab / Tap Score) to test filtered water. The lab provides a kit to collect water samples for testing. They conduct their analysis and provide detailed reports on the water’s impact on health, aesthetic, and plumbing.

Our review and assessments are based on the laboratory’s findings. For comparison, we also test unfiltered water from our kitchen sink.

Travel Berkey Faucet

The purification performance of the Travel Berkey is tied with 4th to last for the worst water filtration system we have tested to date.

Health Risk

Aesthetic Risk

Plumbing Risk

The comparison of the unfiltered vs. Travel Berkey filtered results helps us further see purification performance.

Health Risk Analysis

Clean water is essential to healthy living and preventing the consumption of waterborne illnesses. Common health-related issues to unfiltered or contaminated waters are:

  • Kidney health
  • Liver health
  • Developmental outcomes
  • Immune systems
  • Gastrointestinal systems
  • Reproductive systems
  • Blood systems
  • Nervous systems
  • Cardiovascular health
  • Skeletal health

Travel Berkey Health Impact Materials (ppb)

The Travel Berkey scored a 73 on the SimpleLab report, 10.7 points below our testing average of 83.7, making it the second worst health risk analysis score we have tested to date. The 3rd party health risk analysis showed unsafe levels of dichloromethane, bromodichloromethane, uranium, lithium, cadmium, arsenic, and total THMs. All of which can have serious health impacts.

Travel Berkey Health Impact Materials (ppm)

Berkey does offer an add-on Fluoride filter that can be attached to each individual filter. This would help reduce the Fluoride levels displayed in the graph above.

Travel Berkey Health Impact Materials (ppm)

You can view the complete laboratory report and analysis of the unfiltered water and the Travel Berkey here.

Aesthetic Risk Analysis

Aesthetic is all about how the water tastes and feels. These factors won’t impact your health, but can be important based on personal preference.

The Travel Berkey had one of the worst scores we have tested to date on aesthetic properties with a score of 35. This is 23.3 points below the testing average of 58.3 for aesthetic properties. The report showed high levels of sodium in the sample, which could give the filtered water a salty taste.

Travel Berkey Aesthetic Impact Materials (ppm)

Additionally, the report identified magnesium, total dissolved solids, and pH levels as a likely source of taste. All of these metrics are at higher levels than average, which can lead the water to taste more bitter, according to TapScore.

Travel Berkey pH Comparison

Plumbing Risk Analysis

Plumbing performance is a non-factor in most cases. Because the water coming from the Travel Berkey is not running through the pipes in your home, it will have little to no impact on your plumbing.

Travel Berkey Alkalinity Graph

The plumbing report showed normal levels for items that would normally have an impact on pipes and plumbing. For corrosivity and scaling, the only outlier was CSMR, which measured at 0.68. According to the laboratory:

“CSMR itself does not have any direct health effects, however high values for CSMR can indicate the potential for galvanic corrosion, which can lead to the release of lead into drinking water.” – SimpleLab

Travel Berkey CSMR Graph

According to the manufacturer, the Black Berkey Filter can stop a wide range of harmful waterborne contaminants.

According to their website, the filter addresses “trihalomethanes, inorganic minerals, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, VOCs, petroleum products, perfluorinated chemicals, rust, silt, sediment and even radiologicals.”

Travel Berkey Black Berkey Filters

Black Berkey Filter – These filters are a patented design by Berkey. The Travel Berkey takes two of these filters.

Note – be careful with the black metal on the exterior, we found it to be a bit on the fragile side

Berkey Fluoride Filter Add On

Berkey Fluoride Water Filter – These filters reduce the amount of fluoride present in your filtered water. These are additional add-on filters that need to be purchased separately.

Filtration Speed

The Travel Berkey is not a water purification system that filters water with speed. During our testing we found the filtration speed slower than average (which in itself isn’t all that fast either).

Travel Berkey Speed

0.70 cups/min

Average Speed

0.92 cups/min

The Berkey filters at a rate of 0.70 cups per minute.

Build Quality Test

The Travel Berkey sets itself apart from the water filters we have tested to date with its build quality. Constructed out of aluminum, this takes a different approach than most water filters, which are made out of plastic.

Travel Berkey Filter Attach Point

The hopper and water reservoir come in two pieces, both made out of metal. The metal has a strong feel and will likely not crack / dent from repeated daily use.

While the name “ Travel Berkey ” might suggest it’s small, compact, and easy to move, it is anything but that. This is a large water filter that does not have mobility in its design. It’s bulky, tall, and heavy when fully assembled with water in the bottom tank. It can break down by separating the hopper and clean water reservoir, but you will need to empty it to do so.

Travel Berkey Sideview

It would be difficult to fit in a refrigerator due to its size when fully assembled. It would be best used by being placed on a countertop, however, the water will not be chilled.

Assembling the Travel Berkey was simple and easy and took no more than 5 mins.

Unfortunately, priming the 2 Black Berkey filters and getting them ready for use took longer than any other water purification system we have tested to date. Each filter needs to be sealed up against a faucet for water to flow through the pores. The issue we faced during testing was creating that perfect seal that allowed the water to only push its way through the filter. 

The tan rubber seal shown in the instructions did not work well creating the seal.

Travel Berkey Tan Seal

The blue rubber funnel provided also did not create a proper seal on the kitchen faucet. It was only after we moved it over to the regular faucet head without buttons and spray features that it created the proper seal.

Travel Berkey Blue Priming Funnel

During testing, we found that placing the Travel Berkey completely assembled in a permanent spot, and then filling it worked best. It has no handles and the top hopper is not secured to the bottom. Once you start to fill the top with water, move with caution as the system becomes uncomfortable to handle.

  • Travel Berkey
  • Berkey Faucet and seals
  • 2 Black Berkey filters
  • Instructions and documentation

Travel Berkey Black Berkey Unboxed

Maintenance

The Travel Berkey has an estimated yearly maintenance cost of $20. A new Berkey filter costs $166 and lasts for 3,000 gallons. That comes out to a cost of $0.06 / per gallon, which is considerably less than the average cost per gallon of $0.21 / per gallon, based on all of our tests to date.

The following are the major maintenance tasks for the Travel Berkey.

Size & Dimensions

Specifications.

The following table details the product specifications according to the manufacturer.

Product Evolution

The Travel Berkey is part of a series of Berkey filter systems that increase in size—totaling 5 different Berkey water system sizes. The Travel Berkey is the smallest one, only serving 1-3 people. The largest is the Crown Berkey, which is recommended for 6-10 people.

Each Berkey filter uses the same Black Berkey filters that come in the Travel Berkey. Depending on the size of the system, it has the option to add more filters to help improve the filter speed. The Crown Berkey can fit up to 8 Black Berkey filters.

Each filter system does come with the option to add fluoride filters that attach directly to the Black Berkey filters.

How does the Travel Berkey compare?

Below is a complete list of our water filter tests and critical product data compared side by side to the average based on all of our water filter tests to date.

The Travel Berkey certainly stands out in build quality, clean water reservoir, and filtration cost as a top competitor. However, the performance is not competitive with other products we have tested. In my opinion, the purification performance is the most important factor when searching for a water purification system. Given the Berkey’s mediocre purification performance, it’s one that’s hard to recommend.

Other Water Pitchers to Consider

For counter top usability.

AquaTru Classic

AquaTru Classic RO

The AquaTru Classic is a countertop reverse osmosis system.

This is best used for a countertop system. It has a detachable clean water reservoir that can be placed on a fridge shelf. The RO system has a long filter life and received excellent purification performance.

For Purification Performance

Waterdrop pitcher

The Waterdrop is a 10-cup water pitcher.

Based on the laboratory data, the Waterdrop has the best filtration performance of any pitcher filter we’ve tested to date.. It removes 100% of the most dangerous contaminants in the water, including all uranium and chloroform.

On Berkey’s website, they state that the Travel Berkey can filter up to 2.75 gallons per hour. We observed / measured the Travel Berkey closely achieving that metric at 0.7 cups/min, which translates to 2.625 gallons per hour

Conveniently, the Travel Berkey is easy to remove water from the system. Since the hopper and reservoir can be easily detached, all that is needed is to empty both containers.

While it is in the name, our opinion is that the system is bulky and not travel-friendly. However, when the system is disassembled, you could transport it with you. To be fair, the Travel Berkey is more “travel friendly” compared to most other Berkey filter products.

You should use extreme caution when drinking any water that is not from a local government-treated source. While water filters are designed to remove contaminants, always be aware that additional elements and waterborne bacteria may be present in that water source.

About Derek Hales

More water filter reviews & tests.

Best Water Filters

PUR vs. Brita Zero vs. Brita vs. PUR

Aquasana RO Review AquaTru Review AquaTru Carafe Review Berkey Review

Clearly Filtered Review Epic Water Filter Review Lifestraw Review Santevia Review

Sorso RO Review Waterdrop RO A1 Review ZeroWater Review

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Big Berkey Review and Q&A (2022)

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Clean water is important, and Big Berkey water purification system provides a simple, reliable way to filter water. They are gravity fed, so you don't need power, making them suitable for everyday use or emergencies.

In our Big Berkey review, we discuss how the water filtration system works, answers to common questions, and alternative filters.

Big Berkey water filter

What is the Big Berkey?

The  Big Berkey  water filter is a gravity based water filtration system. Water flows through black Berkey filters in the upper chamber, and filtered water collects in the lower chamber for drinking.

The unit is made with 304 stainless steel, and only weighs 7 pounds empty, so you can move it around if needed. It's not hooked to your plumbing, so you don't need a plumber to get filtering.

It comes with two filters, and can support up to four filters. Each pair of Black Berkey purification elements purifies up to 6,000 gallons of water, removing 99.999% of contaminants.

We recommend that you purchase and install all 4 filters. Having all four doubles the flow rate, and doubles the life of the filters.

The Big Berkey is recommended for families of 2-4 people. For larger or smaller households, there are a range of sizes, including:

  • Travel – 1.5 gallons (1-3 people)
  • Royal – 3.25 gallons (2-6 people)
  • Imperial – 4.5 gallons (6-10+ people)
  • Crown – 6 gallons (6+ people)

Big Berkey Specifications

  • Size : 21 inches (53cm) tall and 8.5 inches (21cm) diameter
  • Weight : 7lbs empty and about 25.8lbs with a full lower chamber
  • Lower chamber water storage : 2.25 gallons (8.5 liters)
  • Filter Count : up to four filters in Big Berkey
  • Flow rate : Up to 3.5 gallons per hour with 2 filters, 7.0 gph with 4 filters.
  • Black Berkey Purification Elements exceed EPA and NSF ANSI standard 53 protocol. Filters 99.999% of contaminants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you're dealing with tap water or flood water, odds are there are contaminants you don't want. If you're unsure about your tap water, then you can use this Water Quality tool to identify common problems.

How many gallons per hour can the Big Berkey filter?

Two filters provide up to 3.5 GPH (gallons per hour). With four filters, the flow rate can reach 7 gallons per hour.

If you get the Crown Berkey with all eight filters, you can filter up to 26 gallons per hour.

How do you use a Big Berkey water filter?

First, prime your filters, as shown in the video below.

Wash and assemble the unit. Make sure to put the washers in the right location (inside the upper chamber) to get a good seal.

Pour about 2 gallons of water into the top chamber, enough to cover the filters. Put the lid back on and let the water gravity feed to the bottom chamber. Use the spigot to draw off water for use as needed.

To help the filters last as long as possible, it's best to use the water up before refilling. When you fill, you want to cover the filters completely, so the whole filter gets used.

If you cover the filters completely before you drink all the water in storage, the storage will overflow as it filters.

Do I need to clean my Big Berkey?

Yes, you need to periodically clean the inside of the top and bottom chambers. You should also rinse/wash off the filters.

Our Experience with the Big Berkey Water Filter

We've owned our Big Berkey gravity fed water filter for over 14 years. We use it daily to protect us from runoff from nearby factory farms.

The Big Berkey is a common sense purchase that provides everyday filtered water and it gives us an option for drinkable water in emergencies. In addition to tap water, we also have rain barrels and two ponds for emergency water supplies.

Buy @ Berkey  OR   Buy @ Amazon

Black Berkey Purification Elements

Filter Specifications

The Black Berkey filters have been tested by several EPA-accredited laboratories including:

  • Department of Toxicology and Environmental Science at Louisiana University
  • Spectrum Labs
  • University of Phoenix

The filter elements have been tested to remove 203 contaminants commonly found in drinking water, including:

  • viruses (99.999%)
  • pathogenic bacteria (99.9999%)
  • Chloramine (below lab detectable limit)
  • trihalomethanes (99.8%)
  • pharmaceuticals (99.9%)
  • pesticides (below lab detectable limit)
  • heavy metals

Click here for a full list of what the Berkey Filter removes .

You need an optional “add-on” fluoride filter if you want to remove fluoride.

Nitrite Filtering

The black filters remove more than 95% of nitrites, but do not remove nitrates. If you have high nitrate levels in your water, then consider using:

  • reverse osmosis
  • ion exchange
  • electrodialysis 

How long do Big Berkey filters last?

Each filter can purify up to 3000 gallons. They don’t “expire” so if you use them intermittently, they will last indefinitely.

Big Berkey Review

Big Berkey Alternatives

Here are a few alternatives to the Big Berkey for gravity fed water filtration.

RUNNER UP: The ZeroWater is a very good filter. The good side? It has amazing filtration. The only downsides are that it goes through filters amazingly fast and doesn't remove nitrites like the Berkey does. You will need to stock a pile of filters as it clogs up quickly. We edged the Berkey to #1 because of ongoing filter costs and filter life.

Honorable Mention

  • Alexapure Pro Stainless Steel Water Filtration System . It is well rated, more expensive and appears to filter slightly better at 99.9999%. If you have the $ this is the best alternative.
  • British Berkefeld 2.24 Gallon Gravity-Fed Water Filter System . It is about the same price as the Big Berkey but has slight worse filtering 99.99%. 
  • ProOne Big+ It is cheaper than the Big Berkey, and similar to the Berkefeld at 99.99%.

Under Sink Alternatives

You will need to do a bit of work or hire a plumber to get these installed. These and other inline solutions generally filter at 99.99% or less, unless otherwise noted. Read the fine print on what the filter actually removes.

Inline water filters require water pressure, so if the power is totally out (including to city water supply) the filter will stop working.

  • APEC Water Systems ROES-50 (Reverse Osmosis – removes nitrates – recommended)
  • Waterdrop 15UA Under Sink Water Filter
  • Frizzlife Under Sink Water Filter System

Smaller Filter Options for Personal, Camping, or Emergency Use

Although the Big Berkey purification system is semi portable, sometimes you might need something smaller and more portable.

For mobile filtering options, consider the  LifeStraw or the Katadyn Hiker Pro microfilter. These are small enough to fit in a vehicle emergency kit or bug out bag .

Other options for emergency filtration include:

  • the  Lifestraw Family
  • the  Katadyn BeFree  water filter
  • or the  Platypus bag filter

Big Berkey Review Conclusion

The Big Berkey meets the Common Sense Preparedness “dual use” rule. It is something you use every day and it becomes even more valuable in an emergency. If the budget allows it, we recommend that you get one, with an extra set of spare filters.

Either the Big Berkey and Crown Berkey are excellent.

Each individual Black Berkey water filter element will last up to 3000 gallons. Since the Big Berkey uses up to 4 filters, you can get 12,000 gallons per filter change. The larger Crown Berkey uses up to 8 filters, so that is a whopping 24,000 gallons before replacing filters.

Water filtration is a good compliment to emergency water storage, especially when local water supplies are tainted by flooding.

Related articles

We have dozens of articles on the site to help you with “everyday emergencies”. They're all listed by category on the Common Sense Preparedness page . They include:

  • Emergency Water storage and Filtering
  • 3 Emergency Water Filtering Options
  • Foods to Stock Up On (for Daily Use or Emergencies)

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When I lived in Alabama I had two Berkey filters, one for work and another for home. The city water was so chlorinated that without the Berkey I couldn’t drink it. I love the Berkeys. When I moved I gave the Travel Berkey to a coworker and kept the Big Berkey for emergencies. They are wonderful.

A few months after I purchased a Berkey I learned from a Youtube provider that the testing of the filters was only done to 50 gallons and that the filtered water has aluminum in it from the filters.

There are 2 or 3 class action suites against Berkey right now because of the erroneous filter claims and the fact that the 3rd party rating is done by a subsidiary owned by Berkey.

Naturally this information was horrifying me since we are filtering water from pipes that were installed 70 years ago. We have resorted to carting water into our house from another source.

I reached out to our Berkey partner about your concerns.

First, the aluminum concern. From the article “ Aluminum Oxide used to Remove Fluoride “:

Does Berkey leach aluminum? No, Berkey does not add aluminum to the water. Berkeys are meant to filter the water, not further contaminate it. In-fact, Berkey reduces aluminum (up to 99%). The reason this misconception swirls around is because some at-home tests show an aluminum presence. Let’s clear up this fallacy. The optional, add-on white Fluoride Filters do contain activated alumina, also known as the compound aluminum oxide. Activated alumina is a compound of aluminum and oxygen (Al₂O₃). It is vastly different from the element aluminum. Activated alumina is not water soluble, chemically inert, and not associated with negative health effects. Examples of gem-quality aluminum oxide compounds are sapphires and rubies. Activated Alumina is an EPA-approved method of fluoride removal. Most tests cannot distinguish between activated alumina and aluminum because the tests separate the oxygen from the aluminum and count the total aluminum ions, creating a false positive. It makes it look like there is pure aluminum in the water. When the oxygen and aluminum molecules are not separated, like they are in the Fluoride Filter media, they are safe. When separated, thats when problems around aluminum ingestion occur. Fluoride is one of the most difficult elements to remove from water due to its ionic size and reactivity. Because of this, Berkey created specialized filters (separate from the standard black filters) to address the reduction of fluoride. Fluoride is attracted to activated alumina. Fluoride is the negative ion of the element Fluorine. The Black Berkey Filters can remove or reduce some fluoride, but lose their effectiveness of fluoride removal after about 100 gallons. The Fluoride Filters attach to the stems of the black filters to increase the filtering capabilities of the entire system. They’re called PF-2 because the PF stands for Post Filter–it attaches to the post of the first filter and 2 because it comes in a set of two.

Second, regarding law suits, from the article “ NMCL—Statement Regarding Berkey Water Filter Lawsuit “: (click on the link for additional information)

There are many problematic issues in the lawsuit that we cannot address here, but below are some brief highlights: One of the named plaintiffs previously filed a lawsuit, but later withdrew after NMCL responded to the suit and showed that the plaintiff’s claims were so weak that she would obviously lose. Now the plaintiffs have filed a second lawsuit, apparently attempting to engineer around the arguments that NMCL made during the first lawsuit. This current lawsuit seems to be just another attempt to “do-over” the first suit in order to force NMCL to settle. We also believe that much of the information that the plaintiff collected for the lawsuit came from Berkey knock-off filter websites because of their carbon block descriptions (Black Berkey® Elements are not carbon block filters), and the plaintiff repeatedly uses the term “Berkey Black” in their lawsuit, which is a term utilized by knock-off filter websites in order to engineer around our trademark “Black Berkey®”. While the plaintiffs claim Black Berkey® Elements do not perform as advertised, the plaintiffs do not claim that they have suffered any physical or health-related harm in any way by their Berkey® systems. Instead, plaintiffs claim that they are representing everyone that has ever purchased a Berkey® system, claiming that Berkey® systems are “nothing more than an empty can or plastic bottle”. We strongly believe the plaintiffs’ allegations are not based on valid testing of authentic Black Berkey® Elements, but are based on counterfeits which are deceptively similar in appearance, but are mere carbon block filters which look like Berkey® filter elements. The plaintiffs’ testing results in no way comport with the factual results of other independent accredited third-party labs that have tested genuine Black Berkey® Elements. NMCL vigorously denies the plaintiff’s allegations and we believe that the plaintiff is utilizing counterfeit product to exact a settlement.

Third – Berkey Filter Test Results

Youtubers make money off of video views, and they get more views from making sensationalistic claims. If it was clear there was a problem with the filters, lawsuits would have led to settlements, which they have not.

I could be mistaken, as I am not omnipotent, but I trust the filters for my family.

Berky rocks! I’ve been using it for 11 years now.

We have been filtering our water with a Big Berkey filter for a dozen years and love it! In the long run it costs us less than buying yearly filters for other water purifiers we had previously used.

Thanks for sharing your experience.

We had tried the pitched style filters for a while, and had similar results. We do also have an RO unit, but the RO tastes so flat.

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Modern Survival Blog

Smallest Berkey Countertop Water Filter System

Travel Berkey Features – Smallest Berkey Water Filter For A Countertop

The Travel Berkey water filter is one of five various model stainless steel countertop water filter systems in their lineup. It’s the smallest Berkey water filter in the countertop class.

If you are looking for a high quality water filter for countertop or tabletop, but you’re concerned about losing counter space, the Travel Berkey may be the right choice for you.

The Travel Berkey is the smallest of their countertop / tabletop models.

  The Travel Berkey, being just 7.5 inches in diameter may be perfect for an RV, 5th-wheel, or trailer while out camping, traveling, at the cabin, in your office cubicle, apartment, college dorm, and more. Especially convenient for small apartments or anywhere where space is at a premium.

The most popular Berkey model size is the ‘Big Berkey’. However I do really like the Travel Berkey water filter, being the smallest. Why? Because it will likely be enough drinking water capacity for one or two, maybe three people each day. And again, a counterspace saver.

The filter elements will process about 2.75 gallons of water per hour. So refilling to capacity (1.5 gallons) will process quickly. Also, its compact small size (compared to the bigger model sizes) is fine for many use scenarios. If you have a big family, then sure the Big Berkey is probably the way to go!

Travel Berkey Specifications

– 1.5 gallon storage capacity

– 7.5″D x 19″H

– stainless steel container

– two filter elements

– produces up to 2.75 gallons per hour

– 2 black elements will filter 6,000 total gallons!

– contains the exact same purification filters as all other Berkey countertop models

– small size makes it more portable

– 6 pounds (empty)

– Compatible with the Berkey PF2 Fluoride filter

For the convenience and health of pure filtered water on the go. The smallest model, the Travel Berkey is built with portability in mind: compact enough for easy carrying during travel and unexpected emergencies.

From a well established USA authorized dealer, you might have a further look at the Travel Berkey:

USA Berkey Filters

travel vs big berkey

They have the best warranty in the industry! Every Berkey product offered via their website comes with a lifetime warranty above the guarantee offered by the manufacturer. Also, let them know you came from Modern Survival Blog!

Tip: 5 Berkey Accessories For Your Countertop Filter

Tip: How To Clean Berkey Water Filters in the Sink or a Bucket

Note: Here’s the difference between the White and Black filter elements: Berkey: Black Filter Elements vs. White Ceramic

  Regulars on this site know how much of an advocate I am for having drinking quality water filters. A countertop model and a good portable water filter. This one happens to be the smallest Berkey water filter, which might be perfect for some use applications.

Even though that water source may appear to be pristine, there is always a risk of invisible pathogens that could get you very sick. Giardia parasites comes to mind… If you want to be grossed out, see what they look like .

As far as preps and gear are concerned, I place a high quality water filter at or near the top of the list. Don’t count on your water source to be pure. Run it through a filter!

Our bodies are made up of about 75% water! What does that tell you!

48 Comments

I agree, a GOOD!!!!!! water filter should be the number one item on your Preparedness list.

As a sad note, over 5000 children die EACH DAY from bad water. Now that Stat of course is world wide in some fairly nasty areas, BUT how long will it take for ‘your’ water to “go bad” if/when???

Remember 3 days without water, a week with “bad water”.

I wonder if Berkey will develop a filter to remove radiation. Does anyone make such an item?

Over at nuke pills dot they sell filter bottles, cant remember brand name, they might have em at Amazon too

Bob over at Ready Made Resources sells Seychelle filters which include radiological:

https://www.readymaderesources.com/product-category/water-filters-storage/seychelle-water-filters/

Wow Ken, thanks. I guess its been a while since I last researched, I didn’t realize there were so many options available.

I’ve had enough of you posting links like this, every time someone does this it cost me money…

One more thing I NEED to spend money on.

In truth the prices in that link seem very reasonable.

I may post a revenge post listing everything I have bought. Make some of you spend money instead of me keeping an Amazon employee paid. Some weeks I spend enough to keep 3 of them employed.

Between ham radio toys and prepping it’s a wonder I have any money left.

Chuck Findlay ; Boy-o-Boy do I hear ya there, HAHAHAHA Ken has spent a LOT of my money, and I’m happy to do it every time. AND have never been disappointed in a single product the OLD FART has recommended :-) :-)

About two years+ ago I heard that govt has been dismantling radio towers and will make it illegal to own equipment. We’re new to this so don’t know if any one can comment

– Green, Anybody is welcome to comment, but off subject/ off topic matters like this should be taken to the Open Forum for discussion. Welcome to the blog! – Papa S.

Green, Another story blown out of proportion. Gov’t has not “banned” use of ham radio equipment. Have not heard of them tearing down towers either. (State of California says they will charge rent for repeaters on state land though). Also, the FCC will occasionally remove illegally placed repeaters if they interfere with legal radio operations. Hope this answers your question.

I am with you there. I need two more water storage tanks yet. Have canned water for cooking, Travel Berky, four large Costco cases of water. 14 gal put up for the dog, need more water containers for personal use. Froze 24+ qts of milk, stored canned milk and have powdered milk on the way. Dropped $500 yesterday between my car and prepping. Two battery operated light bulbs and two solar bulbs. propane heater. I have one full tank and one I need to exchange soon and also pick up an additional tank. I want to build a solar generator and put a maintainer on it for back up. Just have to see how the money stretches. Retired Dis Vet. food is well taken care of and I am pretty much ready. Will be receiving boxes all week. Cupboards are full, freezer is full and since it is me and my dog, we got it going on. I started putting things together after China virus took hold. Ordered a new deep freeze, grill and other items. Praying people are preparing their homes for what ever is coming next. Hint: I have been filling up milk and soda bottles as flushing water. Easy to carry and complete the task at hand. Picked up an iron stable burner to set on the side of my grill to cook on. Toilet paper well stalked. Life in the Fast Lane. I feel blessed that God has allowed me to accomplish all that I have since March.

Ken We have this filtering system. The one we purchased said ‘not for well water’, so those are interested make sure you are purchasing the correct Seychelle for your usage.

We do like this unit as a back up, an will order the correct Seychelle system along with lots of filters. Be sure to read the instructions as they only will filter about 25 gallons of the contaminate water before you have to dispose & replace the filters.

I was looking at this product: Seychelle EXTREME Canteen filters Radiation, Viruses & Bacteria 38oz.

However seems to be a contradiction in the description. Can someone help?

“Cannot be used with brackish water or salt-water which may clog the filter (brackish water has more salinity than fresh water, but not as much as seawater – normally river or estuaries that are near seawater).”

So it says cannot be with river water, then it say this: “Can be used with tap or well water or outside water sources such as rainwater, rivers, streams or even freshwater lakes”

What am I missing here?

Judging only by the words used, it can be used with river water as long as there’s no salt. Estuaries and streams near the sea often have high levels of salt even if they’re flowing.

You’re missing the definition of ‘brackish water’. They’re not saying river water. Brackish water has salt in it. Evidently this will clog their filter.

A river that flows into the ocean will have salt in it to an extent up the river. Depends on the flow and the river or estuary itself as to how far up the salt water mix will extend.

Radiation in water is mostly a problem of sediment, that has particles in it like dirt and debris that have been exposed, let it settle to the bottom and gently skim water off the top.

Hi, there’s one on Amazon that you might want to check out.

Seychelle 1-40401-W Radiological Family Water Pitcher

What you could do is first filter with the Berkey, then pour that water into the pitcher. It also takes out 100% of Glyphosate which is why I found it in the first place.

If I were to put the scummiest of pond water in my Berkey*, would it filter it well enough to be drinkable?

*I wouldn’t actually do this. I would filter the water through a coffee filter, cotton tshirt, or something first. But I still want to know the limits of the water filter.

Yes. However the ‘scummier’ it is, the more likely to speed the process of clogging the filter pores. However the elements can be cleaned. I wrote about it here:

[ Read: How-to Clean a Berkey Filter Element ]

I have one of these with 2 of the Berkey Fluoride filters installed on it. I live in a suburb of Toledo Ohio and a few years ago Toledo had a problem with algae bloom on Lake Erie and it got into their water as their water filtration would not filter it out.

I live in Oregon Oh (right next to Toledo) and Oregon has it’s own filtration plant and we had safe water so it was not a problem for me.

But things can change and I called Berkey and got the added filters to remove the algae toxin. According to Berkey Guy the Fluoride filters remove the algae toxin.

Also talked to Katadyn and got a add-on filter to remove toxin. It is an in-line carbon filter.

I also have a Doulton counter top water filter, a Katadyn Pocket Filter, Katadyn Hiker a portable Berkey, sawyer water filter and 3 Berkey water bottle filters.

So far I have not used the Doulton, the Sawyer or the Berkey water bottle filters, but they are there when I need them or to help family as none of my family prepares at all.

Food, water, shelter, guns are all a first priority for any prepper minded person.

Good to know. I was under the assumption that he only way to get of the toxins was reverse osmosis or distillation. I figured the filters would remove the algae but no the toxins.

me; I know this is an article on Berkey Filters, but for a GREAT ‘small’ filter (backpack size) take a look at the Mini-Sawyer, very nice units also.

I have 2 of the Mini Sawyer filters, They are only $20.00 at Wally World in the camping isle. At this price there is no excuse to not have a good water filter.

They screw onto just about every water bottle made be it the 2 litter down to 16 oz and smaller so they are very adaptable to use.

I’ve got them in all vehicles and bags.

me; There ya go :-) :-)

I’ve had the Travel Berkey for several years and I do like it. As you can see it doesn’t hold a lot of water and so I fill it daily. I don’t know if the next size up would be better or not. I can’t see that it would take up much more space on the kitchen table.

I’m so far down the food chain from the rest of you that I don’t usually get into the product bragfests during the week, but I actually have one of these Travel Berkey filters! Woo-hoo! I’m coming up in the world! And I just got in a pair of standby replacement black filters for it to have on-hand in case I break one (or both). Now, if Ken runs NRP’s article about the best sewing machine to use for each task, I’ll be posting model numbers with you. HAHA!

We use our Berkey filter daily to filter the city tap water for the wife’s drinking water and ice cubes. Keeping it in constant use makes me think that it will be ready when we really need it. Our tap water is fairly good, but it does flunk a test every now and then. If there’s a major problem and we have to go to the lake to get our own, the Travel Berkey should fit the bill for the two of us. I drink water straight out of the tap because I like living on the edge, I guess, but I will use Berkey filtered water if I think the city has had to work on the water main coming to our house. Heck, the water lines in our old house (moved from a farm in the 1940s during the WWII Army Airfield days) are probably something more to be worried about. Still, even with the old water mains that have been patched for years and old house plumbing, if I kick off, at least I may not die from some Chinese chemical in the new plastic pipes that would replace them.

CD in Oklahoma

CD Ill be looking forward to that article on sewing machines!

Nailbanger – Me too! NRP said that he wrote an article about treadle sewing machines a while back when I wrote one, and I’m hoping that was his subject.

CD, that’s great!

We use ours daily for all drinking water (and ice cubes).

By the way, the ice cubes come out crystal clear!

I’m not doubting the ability of the Berkey in a grid down situation. But why would you settle for a filter system like the Berkey when you could have a reverse osmosis system that is capable of so much more in your house? I could see the use of a Berkey if you had no means of making water pressure and you wanted a gravity filter, but in the mean time an RO system with a Ultra Violet light provides far more protection and sterilization than any straight single filter system.

I know there are some real Berkey fans out there, but for household drinking water, why go second best with a single filter system?

Cue twilight zone muzac

You answered your own question 😉

(Gravity – no power required – preferable for off-grid or grid-down preparedness)

That said, RO is fantastic for permanent fixed installation with power/pressure.

Doesn’t reverse osmosis use something like 9 gallons for every 1 gallon of clean water you get out of it?

If so that alone can make it hard to justify if you have limited water.

My whole-house unit produces 4.5 gpm with only 1 gpm of waste. It uses a 160# high pressure pump to create the higher efficiency.

Ken, Do i have to follow specific links to amazon for you to get credit? Or can i go there from any link on your site then search a product and get you credit?

Got it, front page right collumn

any of my amzn links. thanks.

If i put stuff in my cart and dont buy it right away does the credit still go to you?

If you put it in your cart via my link, it’s good for 90 days. Otherwise 24 hours. Thank you.

A steady diet of RO water is not healthy! The process strips the good and bad from water. I believe there are secondary treatments that add minerals (good stuff) back.

You are correct.

One thing I bought for my Berkey that is mighty nice is the spout with the glass window that shows how much water is in it. Not really needed, but nice to have…

That’s the first acessory that I bought. It’s a great convenience.

I have the Berkey Light so can see the water levels. We top ours off several times a day so the clear model makes it easy.

If you have the stainless with the sight glass installed, how does that keep you from putting too much water in the top and overflowing the bottom? (stand on a chair when you fill it:-).

We have the sight glass installed on our Big Berkey. You simply get used to it – as far as how much to add.

We use it every day. We have a particular pitcher that we use to dump water into the top reservoir – and since the upper and lower reservoir are the same size, you can pretty much guestimate how much to put in based on the sight glass.

I was unable to find the company recommended here on the list of authorized distributors.

I’d like to support Ken but am unsure if there’s something I’m missing.

Sam, It’s “LPC Survival” on the list. He’s also known as “the Berkey Guy”. He has a few sites. One of which is USABerkeyFilters.com as linked above. Don’t worry, he’s been around for a long time, and advertising here for about 10 years. If/when you buy one, let him know you heard it from Modern Survival Blog ;)

Comments are closed.

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travel vs big berkey

At MyBerkey we have searched the globe to bring you the most reliable system that will filter out all the harmful chemicals and provide you with pure and fresh drinking water in an environmental friendly manner.

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travel vs big berkey

Big Berkey Water Filter System Includes 2 Black Berkey Filters

2.25 Gallons

  • 21 in. Height - 8.5 in. Diameter

highly polished AISI 304 stainless steel

travel vs big berkey

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Specifications

Big berkey®.

2 elements up to 3.5 gallons per hour ,4 elements up to 7 gallons per hour

BPA-free high-impact FDA-grade black polypropylene plastic.

13 x 8.5 in.

2 Black Berkey Purification Elements

Filters 3000 gallons per unit

Included in the box

  • Upper and bottom chambers,
  • 2 black filters,
  • 2 wing nuts,
  • Primer ring
  • Anti Airlock Clip
  • Red food dye vial x2
  • Prime Rite universal primer
  • Prime rite  fluoride adaptor

Customer Reviews

How do i fix a slow water flow.

Included with your Black Berkey, elements is a tan priming button and instructions for priming. Please remove your elements from the unit, prime your elements and then install them back in your unit.   This should fix the slow flow rate problem.  

Can I use softened water in a Berkey?

  • We do not recommend using your Berkey with a water softener, as it may prematurely clog the Black Berkey elements and reduce their lifespan. Berkey elements mechanically reduces acidity so that the water cannot hold as many mineral ions in the solution.

Can you speed up the water flow of the system

Yes. If you add two filters to your Berkey, you can filter your water at a rate of 7.5 litres an hour. It will mean that in about an hour and 10 minutes, the entire bottom chamber should be filled. Four is the maximum number of filter that you can have, so keep this in mind when you’re filtering.

I have a pond near me. In a shift situation would this be able to filter the pond water?

Yes, Berkey will filter any water.

Prime your Berkey Filters with the new Prime Rite Tool

How can i tell when filters need to be replaced water suddenly doesn't taste as clear..

Try cleaning your filters. There are plenty of videos on youtube on  how to do this .Just use only water.

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Travel Berkey Vs Big Berkey

When it comes to water filters, Berkey is a well-known and trusted brand. There are a few different models of Berkey water filters on the market, and two of the most popular are the Travel Berkey and the Big Berkey.

The Travel Berkey is a smaller, portable water filter that is perfect for taking on the go. It has a 1.5-gallon capacity and can filter up to 2.25 gallons of water per hour. The Big Berkey is larger and more powerful, with a 2.25-gallon capacity and a filtering capacity of 3.5 gallons per hour.

So, which one is the better choice? Here is a closer look at the pros and cons of the Travel Berkey and the Big Berkey to help you decide.

The Travel Berkey is smaller and more portable, making it perfect for taking with you on trips. It is also affordable, making it a good choice for budget-minded shoppers. The Big Berkey is larger and more powerful, making it better suited for households or larger groups. It is also more expensive than the Travel Berkey.

The Travel Berkey is not as powerful as the Big Berkey, so it may not be the best choice for filtering out larger particles or for areas with high levels of contamination. The Big Berkey is more powerful and can filter out larger particles, making it a better choice for those who need a more powerful water filter.

Overall, the Travel Berkey is a good choice for those who need a portable and affordable water filter, while the Big Berkey is a better choice for those who need a more powerful filter or who are looking for a larger capacity.

  • 1 Which Berkey is best?
  • 2 Is the Travel Berkey big enough?
  • 3 Should I use 2 or 4 Berkey filters?
  • 4 Why is Berkey not available in California?
  • 5 Can Berkey water make you sick?
  • 6 What size Berkey should I buy?
  • 7 How long do travel Berkey filters last?

Which Berkey is best?

When it comes to choosing the best Berkey water filter for your needs, there are a few things to consider.

The first is the size of the unit. Berkey filters come in a variety of sizes, from the Travel Berkey that is perfect for singles or couples, to the Big Berkey that can filter enough water for a large family or group.

The second thing to consider is the type of Berkey filter. There are a few different types available, including the Royal Berkey, the Imperial Berkey, and the Berkey Light.

Finally, you’ll need to consider your budget. Berkey filters can be expensive, but they are a great investment that will last for many years.

So, which Berkey is best for you?

The answer to that question depends on your individual needs and budget.

If you need a small, portable water filter, the Travel Berkey is a great option. It is small enough to fit in a suitcase, and it filters out a wide range of contaminants, including bacteria, parasites, and heavy metals.

If you need a larger water filter, the Big Berkey is a good choice. It can filter up to 6 gallons of water at a time, and it removes a wide range of contaminants, including viruses, bacteria, and heavy metals.

If you are looking for a top-of-the-line water filter, the Berkey Light is a good option. It is a smaller, lighter version of the Royal Berkey, and it filters out a wide range of contaminants, including viruses, bacteria, and heavy metals.

No matter which Berkey you choose, you can be sure that you are getting a quality product that will provide you with safe, clean water for years to come.

Is the Travel Berkey big enough?

The Travel Berkey is a small, portable water filter that is designed for travelers and people who live in small spaces. It is a small, lightweight filter that can be easily transported and is perfect for people who are on the go. The Travel Berkey is not as big as the regular Berkey, but it is still a good size and can hold up to 2.5 gallons of water.

The Travel Berkey is a good option for people who are looking for a small, portable water filter. It is perfect for people who are on the go or who live in small spaces. The filter is lightweight and easy to transport, and it can hold up to 2.5 gallons of water. The Travel Berkey is not as big as the regular Berkey, but it is still a good size and can accommodate a large amount of water.

Should I use 2 or 4 Berkey filters?

When it comes to Berkey water filters, some people are unsure if they should use 2 or 4 filters. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of each option and help you decide which is the best for you.

If you are only using one Berkey filter, it is important to note that it will not filter out fluoride. If fluoride is a concern for you, you will need to use at least 2 filters. Additionally, if you are looking for the best possible filtration results, using 4 filters is the way to go.

However, using 4 filters does come with a few drawbacks. First, it makes the system a bit heavier and more difficult to transport. Second, it can be more expensive to purchase the additional filters.

Overall, the decision of whether to use 2 or 4 filters ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you are only concerned about filtering out fluoride, 2 filters will be sufficient. But if you want the best possible filtration results, go with 4 filters.

Why is Berkey not available in California?

Berkey is a water purification system that has been gaining in popularity in recent years. It is a gravity-fed system that is capable of removing a wide variety of contaminants from water, including heavy metals, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals.

Despite its many benefits, Berkey is not available in California. This is because the system requires a special type of filter that is not available in the state. While there are other water purification systems available in California, none of them are as effective as Berkey.

Berkey is available in most other states, and has been shown to be an effective way to purify water. It is important to note that the filters in the Berkey system need to be replaced every six months, so it is important to be aware of this before purchasing the system.

Can Berkey water make you sick?

There are a lot of misconceptions about Berkey water and whether or not it can make you sick. In this article, we will explore the dangers of drinking Berkey water and answer the question, can Berkey water make you sick?

Berkey water is a type of filtered water that is made using a filtration system known as a Berkey water filter. This type of water filter is known for its ability to reduce or remove a wide range of contaminants from water, including chemicals, heavy metals, and bacteria.

While Berkey water is a safe and healthy alternative to tap water, it is not without its dangers. One of the dangers of drinking Berkey water is that it can contain high levels of arsenic. Arsenic is a toxic metal that can cause a number of health problems, including cancer.

Another danger of drinking Berkey water is that it can contain high levels of lead. Lead is a toxic metal that can cause a number of health problems, including brain damage and developmental problems in children.

It is important to note that the levels of arsenic and lead in Berkey water vary depending on the specific filter that is used and the water source. If you are concerned about the levels of arsenic or lead in your Berkey water, you can have your water tested to determine its safety.

What size Berkey should I buy?

When it comes to water filtration, Berkey is one of the most popular brands on the market. But with so many different sizes and models to choose from, it can be tricky to figure out which one is right for you.

Here’s a guide to help you decide what size Berkey to buy:

If you’re just looking for occasional filtration, then a small or medium-sized Berkey is probably right for you. These models are perfect for everyday use in the home, and they’re also lightweight and easy to transport.

If you’re looking for a system that can handle a large family or group, then you’ll need a large Berkey. These systems are capable of filtering large quantities of water, making them perfect for emergencies or large events.

If you’re not sure which size Berkey to buy, contact the Berkey team for help. They’ll be happy to recommend the perfect system for your needs.

How long do travel Berkey filters last?

Berkey water filters are some of the most popular on the market, and with good reason – they’re effective at removing a wide range of contaminants from water. But how long do they last?

The filters in the Berkey travel system are designed to last for up to 3,000 gallons. That’s a lot of water – it would be enough to filter for a family of four for more than two years.

So, if you’re using a Berkey travel system, you don’t need to worry about replacing the filters for a while. And even if you do eventually need to replace them, the cost is relatively low compared to other filters on the market.

Berkey filters are an excellent choice for anyone who wants to ensure that they’re drinking clean and safe water. And with a filter lifespan of 3,000 gallons, you can be sure that your water will be clean for a long time.

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Big Berkey VS Royal Berkey Water Filter: Best suits your needs

July 10, 2017 --> • updated -->

Big Berkey VS Royal Berkey Water Filter: Best suits your needs

The Royal Berkey and the Big Berkey have been competing for the number one spot in the Berkey water filter brand for over some time now. These two have been the go-to Berkey filters that are often chosen to make them a part of the household. Undeniably, these two are indeed convenient and reliable when it comes to providing high-quality waters. But, the big question still roams around, "What sets these two apart?"

This article will be dissecting the different features and benefits of these two Berkey filter water systems. This is to give our consumers awareness and more knowledge to understand the products further so that they could choose better which one would be best for their household.

The Major Factors to Consider when Choosing your Berkey Filter System

Before we dig deeper with Berkey's two topmost sold water filter systems, let us first enlighten ourselves with the different factors that affect the decision-making process when choosing your Berkey filtration water system. 

We can all agree that it is sometimes a pain in the head and a big inconvenience when you buy the wrong one. Imagine being all mesmerized by the product displayed in the store and getting all excited to buy it. Then, you finally decide to give in to your desires, buy the product, and bring it home. Only then to find out that it is not the one that is most suitable for your needs. 

So, in choosing your Berkey filtration water system, you always want to consider certain factors. 

You do not want your Berkey filter system to be too big or too small, for that matter. It is just but satisfying always to buy the right size for your household. Therefore, to determine the size, the fundamental question that you must ask yourself is - "How many are we in the house?". The number itself will already be a huge help for you when determining which Berkey filter system to buy. 

Another instance would be, if you live within the city area and is the type of person that is always up-and-about, the tendency would be to choose the smaller one. It is the perfect fit for your flat, not that too big to occupy too much unnecessary space and just very convenient. Then, you'll begin to enjoy the experience you have with having easy access to safe and drinkable water compared to your tap water, which will now make you drink more water (which is the universal rule to stay healthy). So, you will now end up wishing that you have bought something bigger.

Amount of Space it will take up.

When buying your Berkey filter system, it is also important to consider spatial awareness. Where are you going to put it? Nonetheless, it is also important to keep in mind that the Berkey filtration system will be the instrument to give you access to reliable and safe drinking water that your body essentially needs. So, allocating some space for it will be worth it. 

Many consumers have expressed their feelings that purchasing any of the Berkey water filtration systems is a worthy investment. 

Big Berkey and Royal Berkey Comparison:

The big berkey.

Big Berkey VS Royal Berkey Water Filter: Best suits your needs

The Big Berkey is considered as the most bought product among all the other Berkey Filter water systems. The main reason that it is just as convenient and exact since it can serve water for up to several 1-4 people. Which is the basic average number usually of any household in the city or anywhere for that matter. As they now say, "it is just the perfect size."

The Big Berkey is designed with a well-constructed, highly polished 304 stainless steel. Not only that, but it also comes with a complete package essential kit containing 2 Black Berkey purification elements (expandable to 4), two chambers, a lid, a spigot, a rubber gasket base, and two blocking plugs. In addition, the Big Berkey can significantly reduce fluoride and arsenic through its 4 PF-2 Fluoride and Arsenic filters that can be installed into the lower chamber. To top it all off, the Big Berkey can also remove food coloring that was mixed with the water. 

Max Filtration Flow Rate

The Big Berkey has this amazing ability to  store up to 2.25 Gallon, and it can filter water 3.5 Gallons per hour.  Although, this fact will depend on the number of purification elements that the Big Berkey filtration water system has installed. 

If  2 Black Berkey Purification Elements are installed in the Big Berkey, it can filter the water of up to 3.5 gallons. On the other hand, if you installed in  4 Black Berkey Purification Elements , the number will now double as the Big Berkey can now filter up to 7 gallons of water per hour.

The Black Berkey Purification Elements are the core feature  that the Big Berkey has for filtering water. Because the Black Berkey Purification Elements have the main function of filtering both treated and untreated water and turning it into its safest potential, you can easily find instant access to different sources of untreated water if you look around you. Namely, these are lakes, rivers, ponds, and other land reservoirs. 

Consumers' Reviews on the Big Berkey

It is just as reassuring to hear some feedback from other consumers across the globe. This is to assure the reliability of this article. 

" For the month our family has used the 2 1/2 gallon Berkey, it has worked well for us. It's a good size for our family of 4, and I've personally noticed I don't feel sick after drinking a glass of water like I used to because the contaminants are effectively removed. I recommend spending the extra money for a stand to easily pour into your glass if you have your Berkey on your counter, as we do. The glass spigot for viewing how much water remains is nice to have, too but not necessary. I'm glad I spent the extra on that accessory too. I'm very happy with our Berkey, and I no longer stress about the contaminants in our water that weren't filtered out with our old Brita." -Jennifer Fager.

" I am so glad I have a Berkey! I have been wanting to drink more water but hated the chlorine smell of our tap water. The Berkey does a great job and is so simple to use. No more smelly water, and even my kids have been drinking water all day without me having to ask them to! I am thinking about getting the travel size to keep in my bathroom for at night, and in case we ever go on vacation. I love it!" -Jennifer R.

"I did quite a bit of research before I decided on the Big Berkey. So glad I made this choice. Honestly, I had some challenges with the setup of the filters, but your customer service was excellent and guided me to a youtube video that solved my dilemma quickly. The water tastes pure, and I no longer worry. My daughter and I drink mostly water. With that said, I needed to choose to have a better purification system. I am thrilled with your product and your company. While I felt the price was very reasonable, you can no value your family's health. Thank you for providing us with much-needed comfort knowing our water is pure and free of contaminants." -Sharlyn Keegan.

The Royal Berkey

Big Berkey VS Royal Berkey Water Filter: Best suits your needs

The Royal Berkey is the third to the largest on all the Berkey water filtration sizes. This is not too big but is just right for households with 2-6 people. This is the best competitor of the Big Berkey. The two of them are always head to head when winning the title for the most purchased by consumers. 

The main advantage of the Royal Berkey is that it can supply more people with reliable and safe drinking water. There is not that of a big difference in the functionality of the product if you are going to compare it with the Big Berkey because both deliver high-quality water to their consumers. 

It is designed with the same materials used for the Big Berkey. Which is composed of a well-constructed, highly polished 304 stainless steel. Also, it comes with a complete package kit of 2 Black Berkey purification elements (expandable to 4), two chambers, a lid, a spigot, a rubber gasket base, and two black rubber blocking plugs.

Another competing difference of the Royal Berkey apart from the Big Berkey is the number of gallons it can filter. But then again, the number depends on how many purification elements will be installed on the Royal Berkey. 

As for the Royal Berkey, If  2 Black Berkey Purification Elements  are installed in the Big Berkey, it can filter the water of up to 4 gallons per hour. On the other hand, if you installed in  4 Black Berkey Purification Elements , the number will now double as the Royal Berkey can now filter up to 8 gallons of water per hour.

Given all of these elements and the credibility of the Royal Berkey to filter water, it is without a doubt a reliable choice when filtering both treated and untreated water. It can also easily help remove heavy metals such as mercury and lead. Also, it has up to 4 PF-2 Fluoride and Arsenic filters included reducing the fluoride and arsenic elements mixed with the water.

Consumers' Reviews on the Royal Berkey

Below you will find descriptive and detailed experiences and feedback of consumers upon using the Royal Berkey filter system.

" A neighbor of mine had one of these, and I was intrigued. She's a very down-to-earth, make-things-from-scratch person who does a lot of research, so I valued her opinion. I was also getting frustrated with the pitcher-style water filter products. They're slow, low volume, and take up too much space. It was very easy to set up the Berkey system with both filters, glass spigot, and stand. My husband originally was not on board, but I've seen him get water from the Berkey instead of the regular filtered water from the fridge! It's easier to make tea, refill carafes, give the dog water, etc., etc. I love the taste, and I am drinking more. Our water no longer has to be cold to mask the taste (even with other filtration)!" -Mary-Anna DeSoto

"I have wanted one of these filtration systems for a long time. I finally took advantage of a great sale, and the rest is history. We've only had the Berkey for a month, but we can tell the difference in water quality. Even my skeptical husband can tell the difference! I no longer smell chlorine as I take sips of water, and I feel great knowing that my kids are drinking cleaner water. The assembly requires careful reading of the instructions. I highly recommend watching YouTube videos on how to prep it. I also recommend getting some of the accessories too. Read their reviews for more info. Thanks, Berkey!" -Jennifer Haak

"I'm so satisfied with this product. We live in a historic district and have a lot of heavy metals in our water. Now that we have our Berkey, our water tastes clean and pure. It was so easy to assemble and looks so beautiful in our kitchen. When I think of the money, we'll save on bottled water our Berkey paid for itself." -Tamara Schrey.

Why Choose Berkey Filters among all Other Competitors?

The Berkey Filters are the topmost competitor in the line of business of delivering high-quality drinkable water. They have been taking the game up a notch by ensuring 99.99% of contaminants removal. It has been carefully tested and proven that the Berkey Filters can accurately remove harmful pathogens, bacteria, parasites, cysts, and other chemical substances. In addition, Berkey Filtration water systems can also remove heavy metals such as mercury and lead. 

Furthermore, they did not only promise, but they most certainly delivered. Up to the extent that consumers are indeed satisfied with the results of their water and are now promoting the Berkey Filters as well. 

What is amazing about the Berkey Filters is because despite their reliability when it comes to removing such harmful and unwanted contaminants, they still maintained their ability to leave the necessary minerals that a person's body needs. 

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Special Deals on System Set with Fluoride Filters

Big Berkey 2.25 gallon Water Filter Special Set with 2 Black Elements and 2 Fluoride Filters

Big Berkey 2.25 gallon Water Filter Special Set with 2 Black Elements and 2 Fluoride Filters

From $ 321.00 $ 367.00

Royal Berkey 3.25 gallon Water Filter Special Set with 2 Black Elements and 2 Fluoride Filters

Royal Berkey 3.25 gallon Water Filter Special Set with 2 Black Elements and 2 Fluoride Filters

From $ 346.75 $ 398.00

Travel Berkey 1.50 gallon Water Filter Special Set with 2 Black Elements and 2 Fluoride Filters

Travel Berkey 1.50 gallon Water Filter Special Set with 2 Black Elements and 2 Fluoride Filters

From $ 293.50 $ 337.00

Berkey Water Systems at The Most Affordable Prices

Travel Berkey Water Filter

Travel Berkey Water Filter

$ 327.00 $ 362.00

Big Berkey Water Filter

Big Berkey Water Filter

From $ 367.00 $ 405.00

Royal Berkey Water Filter

Royal Berkey Water Filter

From $ 408.00 $ 449.00

Crown Berkey Water Filter

Crown Berkey Water Filter (6 Gallon)

From $ 360.00 $ 385.00

Berkey Light Water Filter

Berkey Light Water Filter

From $ 305.00 $ 287.00

Imperial Berkey Water Filter

Imperial Berkey Water Filter (4.5 Gallon)

From $ 335.00 $ 362.00

GO Berkey Kit

GO Berkey Kit

Sport Berkey Water Bottle

Sport Berkey Water Bottle

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Alexapure vs Berkey [2022]: Honest Comparison

June 10, 2022

Berkey Water Filter vs Alexapure : What’s The Difference?

When there are so many alternatives on the market, choosing a water filtration system for your house may be challenging. Berkey and Alexapure are both stainless steel countertop water filters that appear extremely similar on the exterior, making it difficult to choose between the two.

Water filters make it possible for you, your friends, and your family to consume clean water regardless of the source. To eliminate germs, viruses, and heavy metals, among other pollutants, they employ several filtering techniques.

The majority of customers like Berkey’s Big Berkey, which has the perfect capacity for a medium-sized household. The Alexapure Pro, a similarly sized system with the same filtered water capacity, is the most comparable filtration system from Alexapure.

In this article, we’ll compare the Alexapure vs Berkey water filter to see what makes these two gravity water filters similar – and, more significantly, what makes them different.

Background of Alexapure and Berkey Systems

Berkey was one of the first businesses to provide water filtering systems for homes. It began with the Big Berkey model in the late 1990s and has since expanded to include various current Berkey filters. By 2021, it will have opened several warehouses around the country, serving an increased number of consumers.

Alexapure, on the other hand, is a firm that makes Alexapure filters and air purifiers. They are well-liked in most families and continue to attract new customers. Most homeowners, campers, and emergency organisations prefer these firms to their competitors because of the high quality of their products.

In addition, their competitive pricing, durability, stainless steel construction, and add-ons tend to attract a larger number of consumers.

Overview for Big berkey and Alexapure Pro Water Filter Reviews

travel vs big berkey

Starting with Big Berkey, it has a total capacity of 2.25 gallons and the filter for this water filter system is the Black Berkey elements. It can remove up to 203 contaminants and it has a filter lifespan of 6000 gallons. The warranty for this water filter is up to 6 months long.

On the other hand, the Alexapure pro stainless steel has a total capacity of 2.25 gallons, and the replacement filter for this unit is the Alexapure pro gravity block filter. It can remove up to 200 contaminants with a filter lifespan of 5000 gallons. The warranty issued is cast by case therefore it really depends.

It shows that both water filters are very similar in terms of their overall features and functionalities. However, we shall go in-depth into the comparison to help consumers pick the right water filter for their home.

Alexapure and Berkey Filter Comparison

Berkey water filters.

travel vs big berkey

Berkey’s water gravity filters are known as Black Berkey elements, and they use gravity to filter water in the system slowly. The filter components are made up of six distinct types of media, including coconut shell carbon, that collectively contain millions of microscopic holes.

Before flowing through the Berkey filters and into the bottom chamber, tap water is added to the top chamber. Contaminants are retained inside the filter media when the water passes through the Black Berkey components, preventing them from flowing through with the water particles.

Alexapure Water Filters

travel vs big berkey

The stainless steel design on the outside of Alexapure water filters is remarkably similar to Berkey’s, and you would think the two were identical. The Alexapure Pro filter is similarly gravity-powered and features a dual-chamber construction that is nearly identical to the Black Berkey.

When drinking water is introduced to the Alexapure, it goes through the filters, which progressively remove a wide range of pollutants, much like with Berkey filters.

Despite the fact that Alexapure’s website has no information on filter material or design, they utilise “gravity block ionic absorption technology,” which is a type of activated carbon filter for the alexapure pro filter.

What Contaminants Can Be Removed by Berkey and Alexapure Water Filters?

Looking into comparing Alexapure vs Berkey for contaminant removal, both gravity filters have been tested in the lab to remove over 200 pollutants, which includes various viruses and bacteria, heavy metal, VOCs, chemicals such as chlorine, pesticides, herbicides, as well as pharmaceutical drugs.

Berkey Water Filter

For Big Berkey, it has two built-in filter components that greatly improve filtration outcomes. In fact, the filter has been verified to eliminate over 200 pollutants. It eliminates 99.99 percent of germs, viruses, hazardous compounds, and 99.8 percent of trihalomethanes, as predicted.

Heavy metals such as lead, zinc, copper, and others are also removed. It also performs a fantastic job of removing inorganic minerals like chlorine.

Each filter element’s micropores are smaller than 2nm in size, making it a perfect filter for removing pathogens, germs, and viruses.

Alexapure Filter

When it comes to Alexapure, over 200 water contaminants may be removed. Blei, fluoride, chlorine, viruses, germs, pesticides are reduced by up to 99,999%. In the best way, pollutants like hormones and radiation which with most water filters are not commonly eliminated.

It also features three approved filters, which can be easily installed and removed, to increase filtering capacity and water flow.

The complete list of contaminants removed by both water filters can be found on their respective websites.

Comparing Performances Between Berkey vs Alexapure

The performance of Berkey certainly rates better in efficiency than in speed. Filters for water gravity are not suitable for the fastest filtering of water and the Big Berkey is no exception. The Black Berkey filters can filter around 3.5 gallons per hour, so that they do not give an instant result.

Aside from speed, you will be delighted by Berkey’s ability to eliminate pollutants from the water thrustly using Black Berkey filters. The fact that Berkey filters can remove over 200 is of great advantage for most countertop water filters to remove only a handful of pollutants.

You can find it in the findings of the independent lab tests Berkey, which you can check online, if you’re looking for evidence of performance.

The Black Berkey elements were tested to comply with the NSF requirements – it was only a small delay, because they are not NSF-approved, which would allow Berkey to provide consumers an additional selling point to make sure they invest in a supported industrial product.

Alexapure is likewise a gravity of the water filter, meaning it doesn’t give rapid filtering of water like a Big Berkey. However, Alexapure water filters have a rim over the water components of Berkey here since they are built in an hour to filter water at a rate of one gallon.

However, this statistic is true only while the top chamber is full – the filters take longer to create smooth water when the water level falls.

When it comes to removing contaminants, there is almost no difference of efficacy compared to the water filtration system Alexapure Pro vs. the Berkey filter. Along with Berkey, the Alexapure Pro is one of the best water filtration countertop systems now available.

With the Berkey and Alexapure Pro you may enjoy a far more comprehensive elimination of contaminants than a filtered water pitcher would allow.

Like the Berkey filter, Alexapure filters were tested to satisfy NSF/ANSI requirements, but are not currently certified.

Flow Rate of Alexapure vs Berkey

Compared to the Berkey water filter, the flow rate of the Alexapure filter is quicker. This is due to three filter elements in the former one, and just two in the latter one.

The Alexapur Pro filter has a maximum purification speed of 7 GPH (gallons per hour), whereas only 3.5 GPH is available for the Big Berkey water filter. The filtered capacity of both versions is 2.25 gallons or 8.5 litres. This makes it perfect for small to medium households.

Water flow rate is also affected by pollution levels at a water source. Thus, you may notice reduced flow rates if your tap water is severely polluted. And if the rate decreases, the filters will be cleaned or replaced if they are longer than their lives.

In conclusion, the Alexapure water filter leads by its 7 GPH flow rate from this comparison.

Models and Upfront Costs

Berkey models.

Like other water countertop filters, a Berkey water filter is modestly priced. They are cylindrical in form and feature an inox steel design. A number of Berkey filter types are available which increase prices when the holding capacity is increased.

To list down a few, from the smallest to largest capacity, is the travel berkey with 1.5 gallons, big berkey with 2.25 gallons, royal berkey with 3.25 gallons, imperial berkey with 4.5 gallons and the crown berkey with 6 gallons capacity.

Berkey’s systems cost $250 to $360 and two Berkey water filter components are part of the initial purchase. You may also purchase Berkey with two more components from Black Berkey increasing the lifespan of the four in use elements, which costs an extra $100.

Big Berkey is the most common Berkey model and is suited for medium-sized families with a mean water consumption. The Travel Berkey is lightweight, smaller, more appropriate for holidays and the Berkey Light is a cheap version of the Berkey water filter that is constructed of BPA-free plastic rather than stainless steel.

Alexapure Models

Like Berkey, Alexapure water filters are constructed of steel, however they are not available in many sizes with the Alexapure Pro. The system may be purchased in one size only: 2.25 gallons. Though Big Berkey is the most popular 2.25-gallon filter system with Berkey, Berkey’s obvious winner is the Alexapure vs. Berkey filtration systems.

It is usually useful to choose several different water filter styles, and Berkey probably takes some Alexapure clients if they are seeking for a specific filter style, such as a portable system.

The Alexapure Pro costs about $270 in pricing, including the ceramic filter coat of an Alexapure gravity cartridge. It costs about US$ 280 including filter components compared to the Big Berkey. The price is rather straightforward.

Filter Lifespan and Replacement Costs of Water Filtration Systems

A set of two water filter components from Berkey cost about $120 alone. In view of the total life lifetime of each filter of 6,000 gallons, this expense is just around once ever four years.

For a price that doubles the filter lifespan of each filter, you can get a set of four Berkey water filters, which do not have to concern yourself with buying replacements for roughly 8 years.

The Alexapure Pro utilises only one filter, costing around $120 and a lifespan of five thousand gallons. With 1000 gallons of difference compared to the components from Berkey, but with the same costs, filters from Alexapure are not as excellent value for money.

That said, before you have to worry about getting your Alexapure Pro’s replacements, you will still enjoy some three years of filtered water from your system.

Honest Consumer reviews of Berkey and Alexapure Pro Systems

Customer evaluations by Big Berkey are typically extremely good and Amazon has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 sters for the replacement filter components which are based on close to 900 reviews. Many consumers claimed that because of how dependable and efficient they are they would never buy a filter other than the Black Berkey.

However, some clients said, excessive chloramine levels can have dramatic effects on the lifespan of the Big Berkey components, although nothing can imply this on the web site of Berkey – chloramine is in fact one of the pollutants that the filters of Berkey can remove.

It was also noted that after filtering water, clients detected a rubber taste in the Big Berkey and this is a consequence of a series of rubber components in the system that may be switched for silicone parts if the flavour is unsatisfactory.

Finally, a tiny number of consumers stated Berkey’s steel body, which is not typical of stainless steel and is something Berkey needs to look into, had started rusting.

Of over 400 reviews, Alexapure Pro has a 4.3-stern rating. Customers said that the filtering mechanism of Alexapure pro is better than other brands and helped them save their wealth from bottled water.

The main issue was the confusion among some consumers that although the system can store up to 4 filters, it only includes one. The flow of filtration is very sluggish according to consumers with only one filter and they had to buy additional in order to increase the pace. This may be because these consumers have a high pollutant drinking water, and the filter components are struggling to filter the water rapidly.

Pros and Cons between Alexapure Filters against Berkey Filters

Berkey – pros.

Compared to Alexapure, Berkey has a major advantage in a number of alternative design possibilities, including multi-size stainless steel systems, a smoother travel option and a plastic version that does not contain BPA. Berkey has you adequately covered if you search for variation.

Besides, the filter elements of Berkey have much longer lifespan and filter 6,000 gallons before replacement is required.

Berkey – Cons

Considering the extent to which Berkey removes contaminants, it is a pity that as a result of some of the rubber components utilised in the System, many customers may taste an aromatic rubber flavour.

Currently, Berkey is not certified NSF, which slightly drops the product. It would reassure a first-time customer that the firm had a third-party support for its claims for the removal of contaminants.

Alexapure – Pros

The Alexapure uses a little cheaper price than the Big Berkey. Besides, the Alexapure is almost as good as Berkey to filter up to 5,000 gallons per filter element. The Alexapure Pro should be used for a minimum of 3 years before you have to purchase a substitute element.

Alexapure – Cons

At present there is just one Alexapure product, the Alexapure Pro model for stainless steel water filtration system. You won’t discover them with Alexapure, which is a stainless steel water filtration system if you’re seeking for more alternatives.

Berkey contains 2 filtering components for purchase, whereas Alexapure has space for 4 but only 1. You might need to acquire your own extra components to filter more gallons of water at a faster speed in addition to your first purchase.

Conclusion: Which is The Best?

Trying to determine which water filtration system in stainless steel countertops is a challenge to you, particularly in the Big Berkey and in Alexapure Pro. Although it offers more choices, the water system from Alexapure is appropriate for a household of 1 to 4, making it suitable for almost any consumer.

Your decision to purchase will most probably be based on your own personal brand preferences or your own water filtering requirements. Berkey’s travel version would be the logical choice if you search for a countertop water filter system that you can carry with you when you go camping.

However, if you only want a water filter system with good filter elements, you may use the 2,25 gallon system of any brand on a daily basis.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much water can the alexapure pro and big berkey hold.

The capacity of Alexapure Pro and the Big Berkey are about 2.25 gallons of water. This is incredibly optimum for short trips with a handful of people.

Should I get a water filtration system for home use?

Yes of course, every household should be equipped with water filter systems for home use for their daily usage such as drinking water, cooking and showering. A high-quality water system for home use would definitely have long-term health benefits and fluoride filter so be sure to consider the performance comparison before purchasing water filter systems.

Do I have to replace the water filters on the Alexapure Pro and Big Berkey?

Yes, the water filters of Alexapure Pro and the Big Berkey must be replaced with replacement filters at a minimum replacement costs. The period of time is difficult to gauge as it depends on the usage of water. Thus, Alexapure Pro filters can last up to 5,000 gallons whereas Big Berkey, it is 6000 gallons of water for 2 filters (each lasting 3,000 gallons).

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WaterFilterGuru.com

Clearly Filtered vs Berkey: Which is Best in 2024?

Brian Campbell

When it comes to non-intrusive filtration, Clearly Filtered Water is best known for its filtering bottles and pitchers, while Berkey’s infamous countertop filter has been a customer favorite for over a decade.

Both Berkey’s countertop water filtration systems and the Clearly Filtered water filter pitcher are the same in concept: they use gravity filtration to remove contaminants including lead, chlorine and chemicals from city or well water at home. But each has its own features that may swing your ultimate decision one way or the other when choosing which of the two water filters to invest in.

Table of Contents

📖 TL;DR Clearly Filtered vs Berkey: Which is Better?

⚖️ comparison chart, 💡 filter comparison, 🧫 what contaminants do they remove, 🚦 performance comparison, 💲 models & upfront cost, 📆 filter lifespan & replacement costs, 💬 customer reviews & complaints, ☑️ pros and cons of clearly filtered vs berkey.

  • 🤔 Should I buy Berkey or Clearly Filtered?

While both Clearly Filtered and Berkey offer some of the most thorough filtration money can buy, Clearly Filtered pitchers are initially cheaper and more portable. However Berkey filters are more durable, don’t require as much attention and will cost less over the long run.

If you want a small, portable filter Clearly Filtered pitchers are your best bet. But for most folks who are looking for a long term investment in their water quality, Berkey is best.

Clearly Filtered Filters

Clearly Filtered’s water filtration system is particularly unique in that it uses Affinity Filtration, the brand’s trademarked process that uses a dual-technology approach to remove more than 270 impurities.

These activated carbon filters have a unique structure which forces water to pass through the media at different angles, twisting and turning on its journey from top to bottom, instead of just passing straight down. This gives water a longer contact time with the media, which allows for a more thorough removal of impurities. Affinity Filtration is more advanced than a typical activated carbon filter as it removes the likes of fluoride and chromium-6 , which are commonly found in water and difficult to filter out.

Clearly Filtered Pitcher Replacement Filter

Berkey Filters

Berkey’s Black Berkey water filtration elements are much more advanced than a typical carbon block alternative, and can eliminate a high volume of impurities, including chemicals and heavy metals. You can use up to 4 filtration elements in a single Berkey system, which uses gravity to filter water.

There are 6 different types of filter media inside the Black Berkey elements, offering multiple stages of contaminant removal in the same system. The filter’s coconut shell media uses adsorption to trap impurities across its surface area and prevent them from passing through its tiny pores. Berkey’s elements sit between the top and bottom chamber of the Berkey countertop water filter, and when the system is in use, clean water can only get into the bottom chamber once it has passed through the filters.

berkey replacement filters

Both Clearly Filtered and Berkey can get reduce an impressive number of contaminants, like lead, chlorine, arsenic, and pharmaceuticals, with Berkey being able to eliminate more than 200 impurities, and Clearly Filtered beating that with its ability to eliminate 270 impurities. Both filters can eliminate chlorine and lead, two common impurities, and both can also remove fluoride, which is a rarity amongst all water filtration systems , and it’s clear from these figures that both can produce clean water that tastes good enough to tempt you to ditch the bottled water.

To see the full list of impurities removed by Berkey and Clearly Filtered , click the links below.

  • Berkey contaminant removal list
  • Clearly Filtered contaminant removal list

Clearly Filtered has a performance advantage, because every stage of filtration you’d look for – including fluoride removal – is included inside a small, single filter. It’s much more thorough than other brands , removing contaminants including toxic chemicals and metals – but it still leaves the beneficial minerals, which is a big bonus.

The Clearly Filtered water pitcher has a good design, allowing you to pour filtered water out of the spout while there’s still unfiltered water in the reservoir , which holds half a gallon of water when full.

This is a useful feature, as it can take between 15 and 20 minutes for water to pass through into the holding reservoir, and as for one gallon of water, it would take more like 40 minutes – and you’d have to first pour the filtered stuff out of the water pitcher and add more water to do this. In this way, though the system is designed differently from the Berkey, you can access tap water for drinking in the same way, without having to wait for the filtration process to finish before you can do so.

Clearly Filtered’s water filtration system has been tested by an accredited third-party laboratory for proof of high-quality performance that meets NSF standards, but it would be more reassurance to the customer if the brand had an NSF/ANSI certification.

Brian pouring filtered water from Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher

Performance is something that Berkey also excels in, and the brand’s filtration systems are a firm favorite amongst customers looking for a simple yet effective means of filtration. They’re designed for use with any water source, including well water, and their flow or speed of filtration isn’t affected by a higher concentration of impurities. This makes them much more effective than a typical carbon-based or carbon block filter at producing high-quality clean water.

However, like Clearly Filtered , the Berkey filter can’t work as quickly as a filter that’s connected to electricity, as the only force it uses to power water through the filter is gravity. There’s no denying that Berkey does a thorough job when it comes to filtration, but, being a gravity-fed filter , it’s definitely not the fastest filtration solution out there. It takes a Berkey system with two elements around an hour to produce 3.5 gallons of filtered water, or 20 minutes to treat one gallon.

The only thing that lets Berkey down is that, like Clearly Filtered , it doesn’t have an NSF certification to act as proof of its performance. Berkey has been claiming that its products are independently lab tested to meet NSF standards, but we now know these claims to be false. So, the filters don’t have an NSF certification, and nor are they tested to NSF Standards by a third party. An NSF certification would establish Berkey’s commitment to quality and safety and give the Berkey filter that extra bit of credibility.

Discover how Berkey measured up in our third-party laboratory analysis in the table below.

Clearly Filtered Models

Clearly Filtered offers a single gravity-fed water pitcher filter model, made from BPA-free plastic. You can buy upfront with a three-pack of replacement filters (costing around $200) and a 6-pack of replacement filters (costing around $350). You can also buy the pitcher and a single filter for $75. Additionally, the brand sells:

  • Water bottles of multiple sizes and styles, costing between $40 and $50
  • A 3-stage under sink filter, costing around $500
  • A refrigerator filter, costing around $135
  • Several shower head filters for fixed and handheld showers

clearly filtered products

Berkey Models

Berkey comes in a range of different models, which all have the same cylindrical shape and vary in size. Every one of Berkey’s models are made from stainless steel, with the exception of the Berkey Light, a penny-saving model that’s made from BPA-free plastic. The Big Berkey tends to be the most popular option that suits the average customer; it costs less than $300 and includes two Black Berkey filter elements.

The range of countertop water filters currently offered by Berkey is as follows:

  • The Travel Berkey  (1.5 gallons)
  • The Big Berkey (2.25 gallons)
  • The Royal Berkey  (3.25 gallons)
  • The Imperial Berkey  (4.5 gallons)
  • The Crown Berkey  (6 gallons)
  • The Berkey Light , (2.75 gallons)

berkey sizes

Clearly Filtered

Clearly Filtered’s water filters last 4 months, giving them a better-than-average per-gallon lifespan for filters of their kind (most water pitcher filtration systems have filters that last 3 months, aside from Brita’s longlast filtering cartridge, which has a 6-month lifespan). They need to be replaced after every 100-gallon amount of water. Comparing the filters vs Berkey water filter elements, they have a lower lifespan, making them a worse value per gallon – though the replacement filters cost less, at $45 for a single element. With that said, you would still get a much better deal with Berkey’s offering.

The filter life of the Berkey elements is a big selling point for the brand, with two filtration elements lasting for 6,000 gallons of water If you’re an average, medium-sized family, you should get at least four years of use out of the filters before they need to be replaced, making this system a better value per gallon of water. Most Berkey systems can actually fit up to four filter elements, which you can do to double the filter life of all four elements in the system. In this case, it would last for eight years, not four, making it an even better value per gallon of clean water produced.

The Berkey elements aren’t the cheapest investment, costing around $120 for two, but their lifespan makes that a fair cost to pay. It costs $240 for four filters, which is a great investment considering they should last for around eight years.

Brian removing the upper tank of Big Berkey

The Clearly Filtered water filter has a 4.5 out of 5 star rating on Amazon, and customers are generally happy with their clean water quality after filtration.

Many customers commented that Clearly Filtered was the best water pitcher out there when it came to removing a broad range of impurities from water without filtering out beneficial minerals.

The biggest benefit of the Clearly Filtered water pitcher for customers was that it removes bad tastes and odors from even the least palatable of drinking water.

Many customers feel, however, that the replacement filters are too expensive considering the fact that they only work at a high quality for a maximum of four months before they have to be replaced. The company would benefit from lowering their filter replacement prices to maintain a loyal customer base and prevent customers from seeking alternative brands that offer cheaper filters that work just as well. A few other customers were also unimpressed with the flow rate of the water pitcher.

Berkey’s filters currently have a 4.7 out of 5 star rating on Amazon, with many customers being impressed that the system can eliminate even difficult to eliminate contaminants.

Despite the fact that Berky has seen some minor changes in design over its years of selling filtration elements, many customers have stuck by the brand since its very beginning, praising Berkey for offering a durable, reliable gravity-fed water filter solution.

Customers are also happy with Berkey’s good range of size options, suited to all budgets.

A complaint that commonly crops up amongst Berkey customers is that the system contains rubber siphons that some people say gives their beverages a rubbery taste. It is possible to fix this issue yourself by buying silicone siphons to put in place of the rubber, but with this being such a common issue, it’s likely that Berkey will fix it themselves soon enough.

👍 Clearly Filtered – Pros

  • More portable option

Clearly Filtered water filters are smaller than Berkey’s offerings, and while this means they can store a smaller amount of water, the benefit is that it’s much easier to take the pitcher with you from room to room, or even out of your house.

  • Removes more impurities than Berkey

Clearly Filtered’s water pitcher system just comes out on top here, removing contaminants including chromium-6 and lead. While Berkey countertop filter system also removes these impurities, they don’t quite eliminate as many impurities as this water pitcher.

👎 Clearly Filtered – Cons

  • Not such a great value for money

If you’re looking for a water pitcher that offers the best value for money, you won’t find it with the Clearly Filtered pitcher. While the initial pitcher is offered at a good price, the replacement filters are quite expensive considering they only last for a maximum of 4 months before you have to replace them.

  • Flow rate is fairly slow

A brand new Clearly Filtered water filter may be quite quick at filtration, but you’re always going to have to wait longer for any gravity-fed water filter.

  • Holding capacity isn’t as high

Clearly Filtered’s top reservoir can only hold half a gallon of water, while the lower chamber holds just over half a gallon of water. Comparing this system vs Berkey, the system can’t hold as much filtered water for drinking.

Brian holding the reservoir with attached filer cartridge of Clearly Filtered Pitcher

👍 Berkey – Pros

  • Larger holding chamber

You can buy Bekey filters in a number of sizes, but they are all much bigger than the Clearly Filtered water filter systems. This means Berkey water filter systems have a higher holding capacity, and require fewer refills over the same period of time.

  • Durable material

BPA-free plastic doesn’t allow for many years of wear and tear like stainless steel does. If you’re looking for a water filter system that will last for many years without deterioration, the Berkey water filter systems are the best option of the two.

👎 Berkey – Cons

  • Not NSF certified

Though Berkey filters have a lot going for them, the systems would be even more tempting to a new customer if they were NSF certified – or at the vesy least tested to NSF Standards – to back up their claims.

  • Not as portable

if you wanted to use the Berkey on your travels, you would have more difficulty than you would with the Clearly Filtered , as all of Berkey’s offerings are bigger and less compact.

🤔 Should I buy Berkey or Clearly Filtered ?

So, comparing the Clearly Filtered water pitcher vs Berkey filters, which is best? The two filter systems are so similar in their ability to produce great-tasting clean city or well water that it’ll probably come down to which system you’d prefer in your home. A water pitcher system like Clearly Filtered ‘s offering might be better if you’d rather use a more portable drinking water option , while Berkey filters are a more appealing choice if you prefer less maintenance and refills.

Of course, Berkey filters also have the big advantage of being better priced in the long run , making them cheaper per gallon than their competition. That might be enough to convince you that a Berkey system is the winning drinking water option for your home.

  • Big Berkey – Full Review (Updated: 2024)
  • ClearlyFiltered Pitcher Review (Updated: 2024)
  • Clearly Filtered vs ZeroWater pitchers comparison
  • Berkey vs Waterdrop Comparison
  • Clearly Filtered vs AquaTru Comparison

Brian Campbell

Brian Campbell, a WQA Certified Water Specialist (CWS) and Certified Water Treatment Representative (CWR) with 5+ years of experience, helps homeowners navigate the world of water treatment. After honing his skills at Hach Company, he founded his business to empower homeowners with the knowledge and tools to achieve safe, healthy water. Brian's tested countless devices, from simple pitchers to complex systems, helping his readers find the perfect fit for their unique needs.

IMAGES

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  4. Go Berkey VS Travel Berkey

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  5. Travel Berkey Water System

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  6. Ultimate Travel Berkey®Bundle

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COMMENTS

  1. Travel Berkey vs Big Berkey Water Filter. Which is Right For You?

    Difference in Portability: Travel Berkey vs Big Berkey. As the name suggests, the Travel Berkey is designed for travelers and those needing a portable filtration system. The upper chamber nests within the lower chamber for transport and stands just 12" high. Its compact design and lightweight (weighs only 6 lbs) make it highly portable and ...

  2. Big Berkey vs Travel Berkey Water Filters: Which Is Better?

    The Big Berkey is perfect for a small or medium-sized family, whereas the Travel Berkey is best for anyone on the go. Either way, both systems will last for a long time, and you can even get a separate warranty for peace of mind! Stay up to date with our latest tips, and buy aBerkey water filter today with free shipping in the United States!

  3. Travel Berkey Vs Big Berkey:Quick Guide 2024

    1. Size and Capacity. When it comes to choosing between the Travel Berkey and Big Berkey water filters, size matters. The Travel Berkey, as its name suggests, is designed with portability in mind ...

  4. What Size Berkey Is Right For You?

    Travel and Big Berkey are two of the six different sizes of Berkey water filter systems. Compare their capacities, flow rates, prices and features to find the best fit for your needs. Learn how to choose the right size Berkey system for your home or office based on factors such as water consumption, counter space and budget.

  5. Big Berkey Water Filter Review: 6 Data-Driven Tests

    The Berkey countertop water filter is sold in a few different sizes, from the smallest Travel Berkey, for 1-2 people, to the largest Crown Berkey, for 6-10 people. For our review, we went for the Big Berkey unit as the most popular choice, suitable for 2-4 people.

  6. Big Berkey Water Filter System Review

    The Berkey filters showed strong performance on lead-contaminated drinking water. In our test they reduced lead levels from 170 ug/L to just 0.12 ug/L, a measurement that far exceeds the NSF/ANSI ...

  7. Help Me Choose a Berkey Filter System

    Step 1: Understanding the Berkey Gravity Filtration System. Berkey water filter systems have an upper and a lower chamber and work via gravity similar to a Brita, Pur, or Zerowater. Your source water (tap, well, pond, river, etc) is poured into the upper chamber where it gets forced through the filters via gravity, making its way into the lower ...

  8. Which Berkey Model Is Right For My Family?

    Our top-selling model, the Big Berkey®️ water purification system is a stainless steel wonder, removing an unbelievable range of harmful chemicals, metals, plastics and other contaminants from nearly any source of water. Suitable for a household of four, the Big Berkey®️ has a storage capacity of roughly 2.25 gallons (8.5 liters), but packs up to a height of just 13".

  9. Berkey Water Filter Review: 3rd Party Laboratory Tests

    The Travel Berkey is the smallest one, only serving 1-3 people. The largest is the Crown Berkey, which is recommended for 6-10 people. Each Berkey filter uses the same Black Berkey filters that come in the Travel Berkey. Depending on the size of the system, it has the option to add more filters to help improve the filter speed.

  10. Travel Berkey Review

    The Travel Berkey had a tough time removing sodium. It was only able to remove 34.4% of the salt from our tainted water sample, reducing the ppm to 292 — above recommended levels for healthy human consumption. The spout on the Travel Berkey is ergonomic and easy to use. Credit: Abriah Wofford.

  11. Big Berkey Review and Q&A (2022)

    The Big Berkey water filter is a gravity based water filtration system. Water flows through black Berkey filters in the upper chamber, and filtered water collects in the lower chamber for drinking. The unit is made with 304 stainless steel, and only weighs 7 pounds empty, so you can move it around if needed. It's not hooked to your plumbing, so ...

  12. Travel Berkey Features

    The Travel Berkey, being just 7.5 inches in diameter may be perfect for an RV, 5th-wheel, or trailer while out camping, traveling, at the cabin, in your office cubicle, apartment, college dorm, and more. Especially convenient for small apartments or anywhere where space is at a premium. The most popular Berkey model size is the 'Big Berkey'.

  13. Big Berkey Water Filter System Includes 2 Black Berkey Filters

    Included in the box. The Big Berkey® is the best filter for Families. It has been the most popular and best for families for over 5 years now. The System comes standard with 2 Black Berkey® Elements but can be expanded up to 4 elements, ideal for small to medium families, and for use during travel, outdoor activities, or unexpected emergen.

  14. Why RVers Love the Travel Berkey Water Filter

    The Berkey filters can process approximately 3,000 gallons of water. However, a Travel Berkey uses two water filters, meaning you should change them after 6,000 gallons. The closer the filters get to the end of their usable life, the longer it will take to get clean water. The Travel Berkey is not a high-volume water filtration system.

  15. Alexapure vs Berkey: An Objective, Data-Driven Comparison

    Big Berkey Travel Berkey Royal Berkey Imperial Berkey Berkey Light Crown Berkey; Holding Capacity: 2.25 gallons: 2.25 gallons: 1.5 gallons: 3.25 gallons: 4.5 gallons: 2.75 gallons: 6 gallons: Production Rate: 1 gal/hour: 3.5 gals/hour: ... The Big Berkey has a polished stainless steel finish, while the Alexapure Pro has a matte steel finish. ...

  16. British Berkefeld vs Berkey: What's the Difference?

    In terms of countertop filter cost, we compared the British Berkefeld 8.5 liter (around 2.24 gallon) Stainless Steel System with the Berkey system that's closest in size: the Big Berkey Water System. The British Berkefeld system is around $100 cheaper than the Big Berkey unit, costing around $200 compared to the Big Berkey's $367 price tag.

  17. Travel Berkey Vs Big Berkey

    The Travel Berkey is a smaller, portable water filter that is perfect for taking on the go. It has a 1.5-gallon capacity and can filter up to 2.25 gallons of water per hour. The Big Berkey is larger and more powerful, with a 2.25-gallon capacity and a filtering capacity of 3.5 gallons per hour.

  18. Berkey vs. Alexapure Water Filters (10 Key Differences)

    Big Berkey Royal Berkey Imperial Berkey Berkey Light Crown Berkey; Capacity: 2.25 gallons: 1.5 gallons: 2.25 gallons: 3.25 gallons: 4.5 gallons: 2.75 gallons: 6 gallons: People: 1-4: 1-3: 1-4: 2-6: ... Accessories: Extra products and replacement parts kits to help you enjoy clean water at home or during travel. Berkey Water Filter Products.

  19. Big Berkey VS Royal Berkey Water Filter: Best suits your needs

    The Royal Berkey. The Royal Berkey is the third to the largest on all the Berkey water filtration sizes. This is not too big but is just right for households with 2-6 people. This is the best competitor of the Big Berkey. The two of them are always head to head when winning the title for the most purchased by consumers.

  20. Berkey Light vs Big Berkey

    Berkey Light: https://bit.ly/3dCjwyl (SALE: 5% Off Right Now) Big Berkey: https://bit.ly/39Plcng Sign up to newsletter to receive additional disc...

  21. Berkey vs Reverse Osmosis Systems: Which One is Best in 2024?

    The Travel Berkey (1.5 gallons) The Big Berkey (2.25 gallons) The Royal Berkey (3.25 gallons) The Imperial Berkey (4.5 gallons) The Crown Berkey (6 gallons) The Berkey Light, (2.75 gallons) Berkey's Big and Royal Berkey systems are designed for small to medium families, while the Crown and Imperial Berkey are suited to large families.

  22. Alexapure vs Berkey [2022]: Honest Comparison

    To list down a few, from the smallest to largest capacity, is the travel berkey with 1.5 gallons, big berkey with 2.25 gallons, royal berkey with 3.25 gallons, imperial berkey with 4.5 gallons and the crown berkey with 6 gallons capacity. Berkey's systems cost $250 to $360 and two Berkey water filter components are part of the initial purchase.

  23. Clearly Filtered vs Berkey: Which is Best in 2024?

    The Big Berkey tends to be the most popular option that suits the average customer; it costs less than $300 and includes two Black Berkey filter elements. The range of countertop water filters currently offered by Berkey is as follows: The Travel Berkey (1.5 gallons) The Big Berkey (2.25 gallons) The Royal Berkey (3.25 gallons)