Berkey Water Filter Review

Though it isn’t talked about much, water-borne pollution is a real problem. It’s important to ensure the water your family drinks is completely safe, especially if you have growing children. 

That’s why my husband and I decided to invest in a water filtration system for our family many years ago. 

After extensive research and 11 years of use, I believe the best water filter is the Berkey brand. If you’re in the process of making this big decision, I hope my Berkey Water Filter review helps you determine if it’s right for your family.

The Difference Between Water Purification and Water Filtering: Why It Matters

Although the Berkey water filtration system uses the term “filter” in its title, it’s actually a water purifier—not just a filter. 

It’s the filter’s purification properties set Berkey apart from the rest. In fact, it’s the primary reason why our family chose Berkey over 11 years ago.  

So, what’s the difference between water purification and water filtering—and why do we care?  

Water filtration removes contaminant particulates and pollution from your water using a physical barrier or a chemical process. 

Water purification goes a step further to remove harmful chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers in addition to viruses and other contaminants. 

Regular water filters can’t do this. 

With all the chemical and biological contaminants leaching into groundwater these days, the extra purification step may be necessary to ensure the safety of your drinking water. 

Choosing the Right Berkey Water Filter for You

If you decide the Berkey is the right water filtration system for your family, the next step is to choose the Berkey model that fits your needs. 

Below, I’ve briefly outlined the various models available based on information from Berkey’s website.

Best Blend of Quality, Usage, and Budget: The Big Berkey

The most popular Berkey water filter model—the Big Berkey—has a 2.25 gallon capacity, which is a sufficient size for smaller families. 

It provides enough water for the needs of 1-4 people without taking up a lot of space. With the addition of extra filters, it can also work as an emergency purifier for 12-16 people. 

It takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes to fill the tank using 2 filters (though it can hold up to 4). 

Best Berkey for Big Families: The Crown

With a 6-gallon capacity, larger families will want to step up to the Crown Berkey. It can accommodate 6 extra filters if you wish to speed up the filtration time. 

If you go with the minimum of 2 filters, the Crown Berkey will work great for larger families of 6. 

If you install more filters, it can be used for group settings to supply the daily water needs for 20 or more people. 

In an emergency situation, with all 8 filters in use, it can keep 150 people hydrated.

Best Berkey for Travel: The Travel System

Despite its name, the Travel Berkey Water Filter is not only great for travel but also for the drinking water requirements of a 2 to 4-person family. 

It can refill its 1.5 gallon tank almost twice in only an hour, if necessary. Its compact size makes it ideal for travel and smaller households with less space. 

Best Berkey for On-the-Go Personal Use: The GO Berkey Kit

The GO Berkey Kit is the smallest of the Berkeys and can easily fit into a backpack. 

It’s perfect for hikers and athletes who need to stay hydrated with frequent refills on the go.  

Cleaning and Maintaining the Berkey Water Filter

Of course, you’ll need to keep your Berkey clean and well-maintained so it can do its job properly. Fortunately, it’s not hard to keep it running efficiently. 

To clean the filter, use a fresh, new sponge or soft rag, and gently scour the filters to remove any buildup. Don’t use soap—just running water (preferably the cleanest water possible). 

While Berkey recommends doing this every 6 months, the length of time between cleanings will depend on the quality of the water you’re filtering. 

If a lot of pollution is being filtered out, that means more will stick to the filters, and they’ll get dirty much more quickly. 

You can tell when the Berkey filter needs cleaning because your water filtering rate starts to slow. If this happens, check the filter to determine if it’s clogged. 

Cleaning more frequently may be annoying but, let me tell you, it is an eye-opener to see what you would have ingested if not for that filter! 

BEFORE CLEANING THE FILTER:

AFTER ONE SWIPE DOWN THE FILTER WITH MY RAG:

Wow!

In case you’re wondering … no, the water filters are not located in the same chamber as the newly purified water.

The water you drink does not stay in contact with the Berkey’s filters. That’s another reason why I love the design of the Berkey water filter.

Besides the filters, it’s also important to keep the chambers clean. You simply clean them like you would any container, using mild dishwasher soap and rinsing thoroughly. Allow to air dry.

Potential Problems with the Berkey Filter

No water filtration system is perfect, and that includes the Berkey Filter. 

For one thing, it’s possible to overflow the collection chamber. You can’t just top it off whenever you feel like it. You need to open the bottom and check the water level. 

Alternatively, you can empty the bottom water chamber into a pitcher to store in the fridge, then you can fill the upper chamber without concern of overflow.

Even better, you can get an upgraded spigot that visually shows you the water level without having to lift the top chamber or empty out the bottom chamber. It’s available on Amazon:

It’s also possible for a vacuum to be created that will stop the flow of water from the spigot. If this happens, you just need to prop open the space between the chambers to allow a little air flow.

What About the Aluminum Issue I Keep Hearing About?

As you research to determine the best water filter for your family, you may have encountered claims that Berkey-filtered water tests positive for aluminum.

This is specific to their filters that are rated to remove fluoride, which contain aluminum oxide.  

Aluminum oxide consists aluminum molecules bonded with oxygen. While aluminum alone is highly reactive with water, it is rendered inert (or non-reactive) when it bonds with oxygen. 

Picture straight sodium and chlorine. On their own, they are each highly reactive and, therefore, harmful. Together, they create the table salt that flavors our food. 

When aluminum bonds with oxygen, it is no longer reactive—and no longer able to leach or infiltrate into water.  

If that’s true, why has “aluminum” appeared on water tests? 

Simply put, it’s because of the way water contamination tests are conducted. Before testing, each possible contaminant must be isolated in order to be counted or measured. 

This process involves separating any oxidized metal ions from their oxygen constituent. Therefore, before the test is conducted, the laboratory removes the oxygen from aluminum oxide, leaving straight aluminum. 

As we previously discussed, pure aluminum is highly reactive with water. Without the oxygen molecule, there is nothing to stop it from leaching into the water. 

The important point to note is that Berkey filters do NOT utilize straight aluminum. 

If that’s always how water tests have been conducted, why is this aluminum rumor spreading like wildfire on social media?

I cannot answer that question with 100% certainly, and I have no way of verifying my suspicion. Please take what I have to say with a grain of salt, and do your own research. 

That said, I think the “viral water test posts” stink of a smear campaign.

Berkey was a pioneer in home water purification. For many years, if you wanted a high-quality home filtration system, you went with Berkey simply because there wasn’t much competition. 

Today, we are far more educated about our water supply and the possible contaminants within it. This knowledge has birthed a market that is now saturated with countless other water filtration companies.

Still, the Berkey water filter remains at the top. In a competition—such as a race—who do you chase? The person currently beating you. In the water filter world, the person to beat is often Berkey. 

I’ll leave it at that.

FAQS

Do Black Berkey filters remove fluoride? 

Yes, the Black Berkey filters do remove fluoride. However, Berkey recommends adding on a dedicated fluoride filter for long-term fluoride removal. It attaches easily to the Black Berkey filter.

How long does a Berkey water filter last? 

The filter setup itself can last a lifetime, but you’ll need to replace the filter every 6000 gallons or so. Calculate your family’s water usage to determine when you’ll need to replace the filter. 

If properly maintained, a Berkey water filter should last many years for a typical household. It can withstand up to 100 scrubbings.

Is Berkey better than Brita?

While the Berkey is more expensive up front than a Brita, it’s a superior product that provides far cleaner water than the Brita. In addition to being less effective than the Berkey filters, the Brita’s filters also need to be replaced more often.

Can Berkey filter rainwater? 

Yes! Whether you’re interested in filtering rainwater to economize, or you are trying to be more eco-conscious, the Berkey is a great solution to making sure the rainwater you collect is safe to drink. 

Is Berkey better than reverse osmosis? 

While I believe the Berkey is the top water filtration system in its price range, reverse osmosis will purify your water more effectively. 

However, this type of water purification is typically used only in labs or for other processes that require water to be as pure as possible. 

Reverse osmosis is an expensive way to purify water and out of the reach of most families.

Can Berkey filter pond water?

Yes, the Berkey can filter raw, untreated pond or river water.

Is a Berkey Water Filter Worth It?

I’m sure you want the safest water possible for your family, but I understand it’s an investment that many of us can’t make on the fly. 

I recommend getting your drinking water tested to see what impurities contaminate it. Knowing exactly what’s in your water right now will help you make a wise decision. 

If you do decide your water needs to be treated, I highly recommend the Berkey Water Filter:

The upfront cost may seem prohibitive, but over time the Berkey will save money compared to options that seem less expensive. Not to mention its more effective purification abilities provide peace of mind in knowing exactly what you’re putting into your body—and those of your loved ones.