Travel Berkey vs. Big Berkey Water Filter Model: Which Size Berkey Should I Get?

The Travel Berkey and Big Berkey are two of the most popular water filtration systems produced by Berkey. While they have many similarities, there are also notable differences between these two systems that can influence your choice depending on your specific needs. In this article, we compare the two systems to help you make an informed decision when choosing between a Travel Berkey or a Big Berkey.

What do the Travel Berkey and Big Berkey Water Systems have in Common?

Both the Travel Berkey and the Big Berkey are high-quality stainless steel, gravity-fed water filtration systems. They both use the Black Berkey elements (which can remove over 200 common water contaminants) in the upper chamber and PF-2 fluoride and arsenic filters in the lower chamber. Both models are low-maintenance. A system fitted with 2 Black Berkey elements will typically filter approximately 6000 gallons (at a cost of just 4¢ per gallon!) before filters will need replacing. However, filter replacement frequency depends on usage and water quality.

Key Differences Between a Travel Berkey and Big Berkey Water Filter

As mentioned above, both the Travel Berkey and Big Berkey model filters are compatible with the same types of Berkey filter elements, including Black Berkey filtration elements and other optional filters. However, besides the size difference, the notable difference between the Travel Berkey and Big Berkey systems is that the Travel Berkey can only be fitted with two Black Berkey elements in the upper chamber and two PF-2 fluoride and arsenic filters in the lower chamber, while the Big Berkey can be fitted with four filter elements/cartridges in both the upper and lower chambers respectively, which helps speed up the flow rate (more on that below).

Size and Storage Capacity of the Berkey: Travel vs Big Berkey Models

The Travel Berkey is the smallest system in the Berkey range and is designed for portability. With a diameter of 7.5" and height of 19" it holds 1.5 gallons (5.7 liters) of filtered water and can serve 1-3 people. The Big Berkey, which is slightly larger, measuring 8.5” in diameter and standing 21” high, can hold 2.1 Gallons (8.5 Liters) of filtered water and can provide water for 1-4 people, making it a better choice for larger households or for those who want a larger supply of filtered water on tap.

Flow Rate of the Travel Berkey vs Big Berkey

The flow rate of the Berkey systems is influenced by the volume of water in the upper chamber and the number of filter elements. The more filter elements that are fitted in the system, the faster the flow rate. The Travel Berkey configured with two Black Berkey Elements will purify up to 2.5 gallons (9.5 liters) per hour, while the Big Berkey configured with two Black Berkey filter elements can filter up to 3.5 gallons per hour. This can be increased further to up to seven gallons per hour when the system is configured with four Black Berkey elements. Due to its faster flow rate and larger storage volume, the Big Berkey is more suitable for larger families or people with higher water consumption.

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 easy to transport.

While the Big Berkey can be moved around, its bulkier size and heavier weight (7 lbs compared to 6 lbs) make it less convenient to lug around on camping trips and more suitable for stationary use in homes, offices, or other fixed locations, such as at a base camp.

For backpackers and hikers who wish to have access to safe drinking water without excess weight, Berkey also offers the ultra-compact Go Berkey, a lightweight alternative for providing clean water on the go.

Price Difference Between Travel Berkey and Big Berkey

With a price tag of $327 (including 2 Black Berkey filtration elements), the Travel Berkey is more affordable than the Big Berkey, which costs $367 with 2 Black Berkey filtration elements included. The $40 price difference may or may not be a deal-breaker, depending on whether you need the extra capacity or not. If you are looking for a larger system at an affordable price then we recommend the Berkey Light with a storage capacity of 2.75 gallons at a cost of $305, which is a great alternative for those needing more capacity on a limited budget.

What Size Berkey Should I Get?

While there are many similarities between these two systems, their size difference (together with flow rate and cost) is what sets them apart. The compact Travel Berkey is ideal for individuals, couples, or small families who need a portable water filtration system for travel, outdoor activities, or unexpected emergencies, or for those who need a water filter with a smaller footprint due to limited counter space in their home.

The Big Berkey, on the other hand, is more suited for larger households or places with higher water demands. It’s well suited as a stationary countertop system that can provide a steady supply of purified water for drinking, cooking, and other household needs. However, as it can still be moved around fairly easily, it can also be useful for emergency situations and for providing safe drinking water at a stationary site away from home.

Your choice between the Travel Berkey or Big Berkey should be based on your specific requirements. If you need a portable water filter that you can take on your travels or if you have space constraints in your home, the Travel Berkey water filter may be the better option. But if you have a larger household and a reliable supply of filtered water is more important than being able to fit the system in your suitcase, then the Big Berkey would be a more suitable choice due to its larger capacity and faster flow rate.

If you need further assistance with choosing the right Berkey system for your needs you can get help choosing your Berkey Water Filter System here, or you can try our handy online Berkey System Calculator.

Travel Berkey and Big Berkey Water Filter Comparison Chart to Compare Berkey Systems