Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Berkey Water Filter: Find Your Perfect Match Today

Selecting the right water filtration system is crucial for ensuring clean and safe drinking water for you and your family. Berkey water filters have gained popularity due to their superior performance in removing contaminants and providing fresh, clean water. This article will serve as the ultimate guide to choosing the perfect Berkey water filter for your needs.

The available Berkey water filter options come in different sizes and configurations to accommodate different household sizes and water usage habits. Berkey systems come standard with two Black Berkey purification elements but can be enhanced with additional filters for a faster filtration process and extended filter life. By understanding your daily water consumption needs and considering factors such as portability and storage capacity, you will be able to choose the ideal sized model.

In this guide, we will discuss the different models and their unique features, along with helpful tips and insights to help you make an informed decision. With the right Berkey water filter in place, you can have peace of mind knowing that every glass of water you drink is free from harmful impurities.

Why Choose a Berkey Water Filter

Contaminant Removal Rates

Berkey Water Filter Systems are highly effective at removing various impurities in water. This is particularly important for improving water quality and taste, as well as making it safer to drink. Their comprehensive filtration process ensures the removal and/or reduction of major contaminants such as chlorine, chloramines, many various chemicals, and heavy metals that can affect your health.

Long Filter Life

One of the advantages of Berkey Water Filter Systems is the durability and longevity of their filters. The Berkey Black filters that come standard with all our systems, for instance, are designed to offer a long-lasting filtration solution, making them an excellent investment. This feature allows you to enjoy clean and safe drinking water for an extended period while reducing the cost of frequent filter replacements.

Portability

Berkey Water Filters are designed as freestanding, countertop units, making them easily portable. This portability allows you to have access to clean, safe drinking water wherever you go. Simply pour water from virtually any source into the top chamber of the system and dispense filtered water from the lower chamber. This feature makes a Berkey Water Filter System an ideal choice for outdoor activities like camping or during emergencies when access to clean water is essential.

Independent EPA/NSF Certified Lab Testing

Berkey Water Filters have been independently tested and verified to meet stringent filtration standards. This gives users peace of mind knowing that their water is being filtered effectively.

Types of Berkey Water Filter Systems

Berkey water filters come in various sizes and capacities to fit the needs of individuals and families. In this section, we'll take a closer look at the different types of Berkey water filter systems available. Side note: All these systems can also be equipped with the add-on fluoride filters that go in the lower chamber of the system.

Travel Berkey

The Travel Berkey is the smallest Berkey water filter system, designed for portability and convenience. Its compact design makes it the perfect choice for those who need a water filter on-the-go, for camping trips or vacations. The system can hold up to 1.5 gallons (5.7 liters) of water and can filter up to approximately 2.75 gallons (10.4 liters) per hour with two Black Berkey filters installed.

Berkey Light

The Berkey Light is the only non-stainless steel system. It is made of non-BPA co-polyester plastic and is 2.75 gallons in size. The allows for a more affordable sized system and can filter up to 4 gallons per hour, and can also accomodate up to 4 black berkey filters in the upper chamber.

Big Berkey

The Big Berkey filter system is the most popular choice for families, with a storage capacity of 2.25 gallons (8.5 liters) and the ability to filter up to 3.5 gallons (13.2 liters) per hour with two Black Berkey filters. Its larger size makes it ideal for households of up to four people. The versatility of the Big Berkey allows users to increase the filtration speed by adding more filters, up to a total of four black berkey filters.

Royal Berkey

For larger households, the Royal Berkey offers an increased capacity of 3.25 gallons (12.3 liters) and can filter up to 4 gallons (15.1 liters) per hour with two Black Berkey filters. It can accommodate up to six people comfortably and can hold up to four black filters for faster filtration.

Imperial Berkey

The Imperial Berkey system caters to even larger groups, with a generous 4.5-gallon (17 liters) storage capacity. It can filter up to 5.5 gallons (20.8 liters) per hour with two Black Berkey filters installed. Designed for bigger households or emergency situations, the Imperial Berkey can support up to six filters for maximum filtration capacity and speed.

Crown Berkey

The largest Berkey water filter system, the Crown Berkey, boasts a massive 6-gallon (22.7 liters) storage capacity and can filter up to 6.5 gallons (24.6 liters) per hour with two Black Berkey filters installed. This system is ideal for large families or groups, with the ability to hold up to eight filters for the fastest and most efficient filtration, handling the water needs of 12 or more people.

Remember to consider your household size and water consumption needs when choosing a Berkey water filter system. Each system offers varying capacities and filtration speeds, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your home or travel needs.

Selecting the Right Berkey Size 

Family Size

When choosing a Berkey water filter, it's important to consider the number of people in your household. Berkey offers six different sizes of water filter systems, accommodating families of various sizes:

• Travel Berkey: Perfect for 1-2 people, holding 1.5 gallons of water
• Big Berkey: Ideal for 2-4 people, holding 2.25 gallons of water
• Royal Berkey: Suitable for 4-6 people, holding 3.25 gallons of water
• Imperial Berkey: Designed for 6-8 people, holding 4.5 gallons of water
• Crown Berkey: Great for large families or groups, holding 6 gallons of water

Keep in mind that even if you have a smaller family, it can be beneficial to choose a larger system if you have ample counter space, as it provides a larger water reserve.

Water Consumption

In addition to the number of people in your household, consider how much water your family consumes daily. Water consumption can vary depending on factors like hydration habits, cooking, and the use of water-based appliances.

To estimate your household's daily water consumption, consider the following general guidelines:

• Adults: 0.5 - 1 gallon per day
• Children: 0.25 - 0.5 gallons per day
• Pets: Varies depending on the size and species

For example, a family of four with two adults and two children might consume approximately 4 gallons of water daily for drinking and cooking. In this case, a Big Berkey or Royal Berkey water filter system would be an appropriate choice.

Remember, these are just general guidelines, and individual water consumption can vary. It's always better to choose a slightly larger size if you're unsure, as it's better to have a larger water reserve than to refill the system too frequently.

Understanding Berkey Filters and Accessories

Black Berkey Filters

Black Berkey Filters are powerful, long-lasting purification elements that effectively remove or significantly reduce contaminants, including chlorine, heavy metals, VOCs, and more, from virtually any water source. These filters have a high flow rate and can last for several years, depending on usage and water quality. They come in pairs and standard with every system, and adding more filters to your system can improve filtration speed.

PF-2 Fluoride Filters

PF-2 Fluoride Filters are designed explicitly for removing or reducing fluoride and arsenic from drinking water. These filters work as an add-on to the Black Berkey going in the lower chamber of the system and allowing users to provide an additional layer of filtration for fluoride removal. PF-2 filters are only compatible with the standard Black Berkey Filters.

Berkey Accessories

In addition to the various filter options, there are several accessories available to enhance your Berkey water filtration setup:

• Stainless Steel Spigot: This durable, easy-to-clean spigot replaces the standard plastic spigot that comes with your Berkey system, adding a more polished look to your countertop water filter.
• Berkey Sight Glass Spigot: The Water View Spigot allows users to monitor the water level in the lower chamber without disassembling the Berkey system, making it easier to know when to refill.
• Stainless Water View Spigot: This is the same water view as the sight glass spigot but is all stainless steel.
• Berkey Priming Tools: Priming tools help ensure that new filters are properly primed and functioning at their optimal performance level. Different priming tools are available for the Black Berkey Filters and the Fluoride Filters.
• Berkey Stand: Berkey offers stands in various heights and sizes to accommodate different countertop setups, ensuring your water filter system fits conveniently into your kitchen space.

Maintenance and Care Tips

Filter Replacement

Berkey water filter systems come with Black Berkey® Elements and, in some cases, Fluoride Filters. Replacing these filters is essential for maintaining the efficiency and performance of your Berkey system.

• Black Berkey® Elements: Replace them after processing approximately 6,000 gallons of water per pair of elements. The life of the filters depends on the quality of water they process.
• Fluoride Filters: Replace them every 1,000 gallons or at least once a year.

Regularly inspect the filter for visible wear or clogs that may reduce water flow. Keep spare filters on hand to ensure uninterrupted clean water supply.

Cleaning the Berkey System

To maintain the effectiveness and longevity of your Berkey water filter, clean the system regularly. Perform the following steps:

1. Disassemble the unit: Remove the Black Berkey® Elements, Fluoride Filters, and spigot. Place them in a safe place to prevent damage.
2. Clean the chambers: Wash the stainless steel or plastic chambers by hand using warm water and mild dishwashing soap. Rinse thoroughly and allow them to air dry.
3. Scrub the filters: Carefully scrub the Black Berkey® Elements using a non-scratch pad, such as a 3M Scotch Brite pad, to remove any buildup. Rinse the filters periodically to remove debris. Allow them to air dry.
4. Inspect and clean the spigot: Check the spigot for signs of wear, cracks, or leaks. Clean it using warm water and mild soap. Rinse thoroughly and reassemble the unit.

Regular maintenance of your Berkey water filter system ensures optimal performance and a longer lifespan. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for filter replacement and system cleaning to enjoy clean and healthy water.