When I first heard about the Big Berkey water filter, it seemed like everyone was raving about how clean and safe their water became after using it. So, naturally, I had to try it out. After using the Big Berkey for a while, I can confidently say it’s a solid investment—but it’s not without its pros and cons.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Big Berkey, including its performance, setup, and whether or not it’s the right water filter for you.
Overview: What is the Big Berkey?
The Big Berkey is a gravity-fed water filtration system designed for use in homes, apartments, and even on the go. Unlike other filtration systems, it doesn’t need to be hooked up to a faucet or electrical outlet. It uses Black Berkey purification elements to remove contaminants like bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and even chemicals from your water, making it an all-in-one solution for clean drinking water.
Key Features of the Big Berkey
1. Capacity
- 2.25-gallon tank: The Big Berkey can store and filter up to 2.25 gallons of water at a time, making it ideal for families of 2-4 people.
2. Filtration Speed
- The Big Berkey can filter 3.5 gallons per hour with two Black Berkey filters installed, but this can be increased if you add more filter elements.
3. Black Berkey Filters
- The heart of the system is its Black Berkey purification elements, which are certified to remove up to 99.99% of viruses and bacteria, as well as heavy metals like lead and mercury. The filters can also reduce chlorine, fluoride (with additional filters), and other harmful chemicals.
4. Longevity of Filters
- Each Black Berkey filter has a lifespan of 3,000 gallons, so with two filters, you can filter 6,000 gallons of water before needing replacements. For most households, that’s around 3-5 years of use.
5. Portability
- Since the Big Berkey doesn’t require electricity or plumbing, it’s great for both indoor and outdoor use. Whether you’re using it at home or bringing it on a camping trip, it works just as well.
Performance: Does the Big Berkey Deliver?
Water Quality: The quality of the water from the Big Berkey is noticeably cleaner. It not only tastes better, but it also removes contaminants that many standard filters leave behind. After running both tap water and well water through it, I was impressed by the crisp, pure taste, free of any odors or chemical aftertaste.
Filter Effectiveness: The Big Berkey claims to remove a wide range of contaminants, and independent tests confirm that it can remove:
- 99.99% of bacteria (like E. coli),
- 99.99% of viruses (which many filters can’t do),
- Heavy metals (lead, mercury, etc.),
- Chlorine and other chemical compounds.
For those concerned about fluoride, you’ll need to purchase additional PF-2 fluoride filters, as the standard Black Berkey filters don’t remove fluoride on their own.
Filter Speed: With two filters, the speed is decent for most everyday needs—around 3.5 gallons per hour. However, if you need more water more quickly, you can install up to four filters in the Big Berkey to speed up the process.
Setup and Maintenance
Setup: The initial setup is fairly straightforward. You’ll need to prime the filters (run water through them to activate), assemble the filter housing, and fill the upper chamber with water. The whole process takes about 15-20 minutes the first time, but after that, it’s a simple process of refilling as needed.
Maintenance: The Black Berkey filters are long-lasting, but they do need to be cleaned periodically to maintain efficiency. You’ll notice the water filtration speed slows down if the filters become clogged with sediment, so it’s recommended to clean them every few months. Cleaning is easy—just scrub the filters with a Scotch-Brite pad under running water and you’re good to go.
Filter Replacements: While the Black Berkey filters last for several years, they will eventually need to be replaced. The replacement cost for two filters is around $120, but considering their long lifespan, this averages out to less than $30 per year for clean water.
Pros of the Big Berkey
- Exceptional Filtration: Removes a broad range of contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and chlorine.
- Long Filter Life: The filters last up to 6,000 gallons, providing years of clean water.
- Portable: No need for electricity or plumbing—works anywhere.
- Taste Improvement: Water tastes noticeably cleaner and fresher.
- Customizable: You can add filters (like fluoride filters) to meet specific needs.
Cons of the Big Berkey
- Initial Cost: The Big Berkey’s upfront cost can seem steep at around $300-$350. However, its long filter life helps offset this over time.
- Filter Priming: The priming process can be a little tricky, especially if you don’t have strong water pressure. It can take a few tries to get it right.
- Slower Filtration: While the filtration speed is fine for most families, it can be slow if you need water quickly. Adding more filters can help with this.
- Counter Space: It’s not huge, but the 22″ height and 8.5″ diameter might take up more counter space than some are comfortable with.
- Fluoride Requires Extra Filters: If fluoride removal is important to you, you’ll need to purchase the additional fluoride filters (PF-2), which adds to the overall cost.
Who Should Buy the Big Berkey?
The Big Berkey is ideal for:
- Families or households of 2-4 people who need a reliable source of clean water daily.
- Health-conscious individuals who want to remove a wide range of contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, and heavy metals.
- Preppers or those living off-grid, as it requires no electricity or plumbing.
- Outdoor enthusiasts who need a portable water filtration system for camping or emergencies.
Is the Big Berkey Worth It?
After using the Big Berkey, I’d say it’s worth the investment, especially if you want to guarantee your family has access to clean, safe water. The filtration quality is top-notch, and the long lifespan of the filters makes the initial cost much more reasonable over time. If you’re serious about filtering out contaminants that other systems might leave behind, the Big Berkey stands out as a reliable, high-quality option.
However, if you’re on a tighter budget or only concerned with basic filtration (like chlorine and sediment), you might find other systems more suitable for your needs. But for peace of mind and long-term clean water, the Big Berkey is hard to beat.