Big Berkey Water Filter Overview
BLACK BERKEYS CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE
The Black Berkeys are currently unavailable as we await resolution in our lawsuit against the EPA. We're working hard to resolve this issue and will provide updates as soon as we can.
In the meantime, we recommend these highly effective ceramic filter options:
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Ultra Sterasyl Ceramic Filters: ideal if fluoride removal is not required.
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All-in-One Ultra Fluoride Filters: offers the same filtration quality as the Ultra Sterasyl but includes fluoride removal capabilities (works as a replacement for Black Berkeys and PF-2 filters combo).
They are a brand new and improved version of the original Super Sterasyl Ceramic filters that Berkey used to offer.
Learn more about the difference between Black Berkeys and ceramic filters.
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Ultra Sterasyl Ceramic Water Filters – Great Replacement Water Filters for Your Berkey Filtration System
Concerned about contaminants in your drinking water? These impurities can pose serious risks to your health and well-being over time. But what to do as a proud owned of a Berkey system when Black Berkeys are out of stock?
To address this problem for you, we introduced into our offer the 7″ Ultra Sterasyl ceramic replacement filters. They can be used with Berkey gravity-fed water filter systems and provide a simple and effective solution to safeguard you and your family. Order now and enjoy cleaner, safer water!
Tested and Proven Protection Against Water Contaminants
Ultra Sterasyl ceramic water filters were rigorously tested and certified with the NSF/ANSI Std. 401. You can expect them tot reduce bacteria, microplastics, chlorine, and other harmful substances from filtered water.
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Reduce organic chemicals - Pesticides, herbicides, organic solvents, SOCs, VOCs, trihalomethanes
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Reduce chlorine > 99%
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Pathogenic organism removal >99.99% of E. Coli, Cholera, Shigella, Typhoid, Klebsiella, Terigena, Cryptosporidium Cysts, Giardia Cysts
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Reduce turbidity, sediment and particulate @ 0.9 micron > 99.99%, @ 0.5 – 0.8 micron > 99.9%, @ 0.2 – 0.3 micron > 98% (based on tests by Spectrum Laboratories, Minneapolis, MN)
Ultra Sterasyl ceramic filters are manufactured to the following international standards and have been tested and approved by the following independent bodies or agencies: ISO-9000: 2000, Hyder Labs (UK), Spectrum Labs (UK), WRc – Mednenham (UK), Clare Microbiology (UK), WRc Gwent (UK), Loughborough University (UK), University of Arizona (USA), Thresh, Beale, and Suckling (UK).
Looking for more details? Here you can read laboratory test results yourself:
| Test | Document |
|---|---|
| PFAS (PFOA PFOS) Testing Results | QFT LABORATORY, LLC. Test Report # 22-131-PFOAS |
| LEAD Testing Results | ENVIROTEK LABORATORIES, INC. Report # 16-374-Pb-HPH |
| HEAVY METALS Testing Results | ENVIROTEK LABORATORIES, INC. Report # 16-374-Metals High pH |
| PHARMACEUTICAL Testing Results | QFT LABORATORY, LLC. Test Report #21-155-2-Pharma |
| PESTICIDES Testing Results | ENVIROTEK LABORATORIES, INC. Test Repost #21-155-2-Pesticides |
| CHEMICAL Testing Results | QFT LABORATORY, LLC. Report #19-119 |
The Best Direct Replacement for Black Berkey Filters
Designed for the upper chamber of Berkey Water Filter Systems, they serve as a great replacement water filters when Black Berkeys are unavailable.
They work with Berkey systems of all sizes, from the mobile Go Berkey up to countertop Crown Berkey, with difference only in the number of filters needed for the optimal flow rate.
Ceramic filters are upper chamber elements. They do not work simultaneously with upper chamber Black Berkey purifying elements, nor do they work with the PF-2 fluoride filters. Only one technology is designed to operate in the upper chamber at a time.
Are they as good as Black Berkey filters? Of course not. But they are pretty close and can be considered the next best thing. Here's the comparison between the Black Berkeys and Ultra Sterasyl filters:
| Comparison | Black Berkey Filters | Ultra Sterasyl Ceramic Filters |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy Metals removal (Lead, Mercury, Chromium, etc.) | Removes or reduces heavy metals by 99.9% and greater | Reduces lead, mercury, and other metals (testing shows >99% lead reduction) |
| Chlorine & Taste/Odor removal | Chlorine removed below detectable limits Noticeable improvement in taste and odor | Reduces chlorine by >99% Improves taste and odor thanks to granular activated carbon |
| Organic Chemicals removal (Pesticides, Herbicides, VOCs, SOCs, PFAS, Trihalomethanes) | VOCs reduced to below lab detectable limits Strong overall chemical reduction | Over 99% removal rate |
| Pharmaceuticals removal | Reduces various drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.) by 99.5%+ | Generally over 90% removal rate, reaching over 98% with most pharmaceuticals |
| Sediment & Turbidity removal | Removed below detectable limits | @ 0.9 micron > 99.99% @ 0.5 – 0.8 micron >99.9% @ 0.2 – 0.3 micron > 98% |
| Lifespan | Typically lasts ~3,000 gallons per element (depending on water quality) | Each 7" filter lasts ~800 gallons (6 mos - 1 year) |
Advanced Technology Behind Ceramic Filter Candles
The Ultra Sterasyl Ceramic Filters shell in the form of a ceramic candle exhibits a strictly controlled pore structure, so as to provide efficient sub-micron filtration. It's a proven defense against hard shelled parasites, as well as other less harmful, but equally unpleasant debris, such as rust and dirt.
The bore of the filter contains granular activated carbon that aids in the reduction of chlorine and reduces organic chemicals along with improving the color, taste, and odor of the source water.
Durability, Savings and Convenience
Each ceramic filter lasts approximately 800 gallons or 6–12 months, depending on usage and maintenance. The re-cleanable design allows you to extend its lifespan, making it an economical and eco-conscious choice.
Installation is simple and can be done without technical knowledge. They are installed in the upper chamber of your Berkey system (but remember that, despite this, they don’t work with PF-2 arsenic and fluoride filters – instead, you need to use All-in-One Ultra Ceramic Candle Filters).
Cleaning is intuitive, and filter maintenance takes just minutes.
Each element has a unique domed ceiling assuring that leakage cannot occur, which may happen with capped filters.
Priming is not required.
Pro tip: The filter needs to be kept in a place where the temperature is between 40 – 100 F for proper filtration.
How to Properly Condition for Ultra Starasyl Filters Prior to Use
Additional Notes About Ceramic Filters
Your first use of the Ultra Sterasyl Filter will be slow. No worries - this is normal. After a few cycles (after the internal carbon block is thoroughly flushed), the speed will improve. The pores on the ceramic filter element are smaller than other filters on the market (100 times thinner than a follicle of hair). This not only filters the suspended solids out of your drinking water properly, but it also allows extra exposure time to the carbon and media. The more filter elements you use, the quicker the flow rate.
Shipping Details
Free express shipping over $99 is available to the lower 48 states (excludes California and Iowa).
Warranty Information
The manufacturer warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 6 months from date of purchase. The manufacturer will replace or repair any product that it deems is not properly functioning during the stated warranty period.
Two 7″ Ultra Sterasyl Ceramic Replacement Filters FAQ
Can these filters remove fluoride?
No, these filters do not remove fluoride and Do Not Work with PF-2 fluoride filters. Consider using dedicated fluoride filters for this purpose, for example the Ultra All-in-One Ceramic Fluoride Filter.
Can I use these filters in any Berkey system?
These filters are designed for upper chambers and fit most Berkey systems, but they do not work together with PF-2 fluoride filters.
Where are these filters made?
These filters are manufactured in Britain using advanced ceramic techniques.
- Durability: Set of 2 - 9" Filters: Approx 6000Gallons
Shipping is Fast and Free (Same Day Shipping) for orders orders over $99 in the contigous 48 states. For an international shipping quote, simply add items to your cart and proceed to the shopping cart page where you can enter your postal code. The system will provide you a price quote based upon the weight of your items. You can also obtain this shipping quote during the checkout process prior to you having to confirm the purchase. Once you confirm your purchase, you will receive an order confirmation e-mail and your order will be shipped shortly.
Once shipped, tracking information will be forwarded to the e-mail address that you provided during checkout. Orders are sent over to the warehouse for picking and shipping immediately upon order placement! This means that canceling or modifying an order post-placement is very difficult and we cannot guarantee our ability to make these changes. If during normal business hours, please contact us immediately and we will do our best to catch the order at the warehouse before it ships.
All orders are sent No Signature Required.
- All Orders over $99 are free Shipping to the lower 48 states!
- All non-First-Class items shipped are sent UPS ground, Fedex, Lasership, or United States Postal Service within the contiguous US unless customer arranges for product to shipped via freight/shipping carrier.
- International: (International Shipments except Canada are currently paused until further notice) BigBerkeyWaterFilters.com ships Internationally via UPS. Once items are in your cart, you can go to the shopping cart page and input your zip code for a shipping estimate. In some cases, we may be forced to ship via another carrier if UPS does not ship to your location. International customers are responsible for all customs costs and these are not included in your checkout price. These vary by country, so we recommend the customer understands the process by which these fees are paid. (Typically at the point of package receipt) BigBerkeyWaterFilters.com is not responsible for any loss in transit due to a country's customs or DHL/UPS/Fedex/USPS carrier's shipping process. In the case of a lost product, we will file a claim and work on behalf of the customer with the carrier in attempts to locate the shipment. This can be a lengthy process and we are at the mercy of the carrier and their operations in this case. As a result, due to this being out of our control, we are not held responsible for any loss that may occur. Please contact us if you have questions regarding these types of shipments.
- Due to country-specific shipping problems, we do not ship to:
- Cambodia
- Chile
- Cuba
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Lebanon
- Libya
- Nigeria
- North Korea
- Pakistan
- Poland
- Russia
- Venezuela
- International Note: Shipping to some countries such as China, Australia, New Zealand, etc have considerably gone up in price as of 1/1/16 due to UPS rate increases. This is unforunately out of our control.
- Shipping and/or freight charges are non-refundable.
- All Pricing in USD.
- Customer is responsible for all shipping and restocking fees for refused shipments, or
shipments that do not get through customs - Internationally, we have experienced that these
return shipping charges are notoriously higher than the original shipping costs out to the
customer. They also tend to be higher than any customs fees, so please be concious of
this before refusing any shipments. Also, sometimes the carrier will abandon refused packages.
In this case, we would be unable to provide a credit back to the customer as we would not get the product back.
- Once the order is placed, the credit card is charged for the purchase and the system/product is reserved for that paying customer. This is critical during times of economic and political turmoil, and helps ensure you are guaranteed to receive what you order. We are also not able to cancel an order once it ships.
Manufacturing Defects
Upon receipt, if an item is damaged or defective as a result of manufacturing, simply contact BigBerkeyWaterFilters.com within 10 days or receipt and we will coordinate with the manufacturer to get that item fully replaced at no cost to you as quickly as possible. Prepaid return postage will be included with the replacement product so that you may return the damaged/defective product at no cost to you!
Shipping Damage
Please notify BigBerkeyWaterFilters.com in the event of shipping damage and we will coordinate with the manufacturer to ship you replacements for the damaged items at no cost for you along with prepaid postage to return the damaged item. No need to worry about working out the damages with the carrier as we'll have the manufacturer and the shipping carrier work this out. If you'd like to file a claim, this must be done with the delivering carrier and New Millennium Concepts, LTD / BigBerkeyWaterFilters.com are not permitted to file this for you. All claims for shortages, damages, inaccurate shipments, and inaccurate billing must be made within 10 days of receipt.
Lost Packages
BigBerkeyWaterFilters.com must be notified within 14 days of the expected delivery date for any lost packages. This is a requirement of the shipping carriers and they will not accept claims past this timeframe. Once notified, we will file a claim on any lost package and pursue reimbursement from the carrier on your behalf.
Exclusive BigBerkeyWaterFilters.com Lifetime Warranty
(For purchases made through this website only) BigBerkeyWaterFilters will replace any of our customer's parts that come standard with the system over the life of the Berkey system ownership. This includes the stainless steel chambers and lid, plastic spigot, washers and nuts. This is above and beyond the General Manufacturers Warranty stated below. We must have your customer information on record as purchasing through this website. Stainless must have been handled with proper care. This guarantee does not cover items that are damaged due to user misuse, abuse, salt water/air, lack of maintenance ((routine cleanings or unwillingness to use a rust cleaner), or accidents (dents from falling, etc). Systems with damage or issues upon receipt require a notification to our company to qualify for warranty replacement as this falls under the "damage upon receipt" warranty rules. Customer is responsible for shipping and processing charges.
IMPORTANT: We do not sell on Amazon. Also, please be aware that the manufacturer does not warranty any items purchased on Amazon from unauthorized dealers. For example, Amazon.com itself is NOT an authorized dealer. We routinely receive requests for assistance/support from Amazon purchases, and most times are unfortunately unable to provide service support. As a result, and due to the inability of Amazon to assist in policing and removing fraudulant/imitation Berkey products, we do not recommend purchasing through Amazon.
Standard Manufacturer Warranty - Black Berkey & Berkey Earth Filters
The Black Berkey purification elements and Berkey Earth Ceramic Filters have a two-year prorated manufacturer's warranty calculated in six month intervals. The manufacturer's guarantee is prorated similar to the guarantee on tire tread. In other words, if you have used the filters for 8 months, 75% of the guarantee still applies and so you can get a full replacement set for 25% of the normal cost.
The Berkey systems themselves and their components (stainless steel, etc) have a 12 month manufacturer's warranty as stated below. We do not guarantee/warranty taste as this is a subjective measure and will vary from individual to individual.
Standard Manufacturer Warranty - Systems, PF-2's, Product, & Parts
The manufacturer warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 6 months from date of purchase, and 12 months from date of purchase for the stainless steel. This includes any "damage upon receipt" due to manufacturing defects or shipper damage. Black Berkey purification elements have a 2 year prorated warranty calculated in six months intervals. The manufacturer will replace or repair any product that it deems is not properly functioning during the stated warranty period. Relief under this warranty is limited to the replacement or repair of defective materials or workmanship only. The manufacturer and BBWF.com shall not be held liable for incidental or consequential damage to personal property from, but not limited to, a defective unit, improper use, abuse, accident, or neglect, etc. No warranty will apply to units which have been used for purposes not intended, which have been altered so as, in the manufacturers judgment, to affect adversely its performance. This warranty is for the original retail purchaser only, and cannot be transferred. The laws of the State of Texas, USA, will govern any disputes regarding this warranty or claim made. This warranty, which is given expressly in lieu of all warranties, expressed or implied, or merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, constitutes the only warranty made by the manufacturer.
Warranty Exclusions - The following actions will void your warranty coverage:
- Attempting to use the the Ceramic Super Sterasyl Filtration Elements in a pressurized manner. The Black Berkey Elements are the only Berkey elements that require priming.
- Allowing any of the Berkey elements to freeze.
- Using dehumidifier water with any of the Berkey elements for daily use.
- Breaking the Berkey elements due to dropping an assembled system or carelessness. For example, a broken black berkey stem while assembling would not be covered.
- Performing a red food coloring test with the Berkey PF-2 Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Filters attached.The Berkey PF-2 Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Filters must be removed prior to performing a red food coloring test in order to stay in compliance with the six month warranty on these filters.
- If the product is not used in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations or instructions.
Please contact us at any time for assistance with your product warranty.
