Review: Big Berkey Gravity Water Filter System

Full Analysis of the Big Berkey

Please note: We tested the Big Berkey using 2 Black Berkey filters elements in combination with 2 optional PF-2 fluoride filters.

Filtration: 3.98/5.00

So far the Big Berkey achieved the highest filtration score (3.98/5.00) out of all the home gravity water filters we’ve tested. In our lab testing, the system removed almost all undesirable impurities to 100%, with the notable exception of nitrate. Also, the taste and odor of the filtered water were perfect. However, the Big Berkey doesn’t have NSF certifications for contaminant reduction. Instead, the system was tested by third-party labs against a whole bunch of contaminants (most of the testing against NSF standards). But also, at least some of the testing was not performed for the entire filter life.

1. Lab Results: 4.48/5.00

In our lab test comparing an unfiltered and a filtered tap water sample, the Big Berkey achieved a score of 4.48/5.00. However, although we tested the standard Black Berkey filters elements in combination with the optional PF-2 fluoride filters, this score ignores our lab results for fluoride and aluminum (more info below). Anyway, the Big Berkey was able to remove most of the undesirable impurities to below the minimum detection level (basically 100%), except for the following:

• Strontium was reduced by 98%, so almost perfect.
• Nitrate was only removed by 8%.
• Fluoride was reduced by 67%. However, this reduction rate could only be achieved because, again, we lab-tested the Black Berkey filters in combination with Berkey’s optional PF-2 fluoride filters. These PF-2 filters are based on activated alumina (or aluminum oxide) and it looks like they leached some of their filter media into our water – the lab detected 1.01 ppm of some form of aluminum when none was detected pre-filtration. This aluminum leaching was also found by at least 1 other tester and based on our research it might be a health issue (learn more below). And so we would advise skipping the optional fluoride filters to be on the safe side. But this probably also means that fluoride reduction goes down considerably.

Lab Results Chart

*100% means reduction to below the minimum detection level. To learn more about our testing procedures check our editorial guidelines.

Link to Filtered Water Report
Link to Unfiltered Water Report

2. NSF Certifications and Other Test Data

The Big Berkey has no official NSF certifications for contaminant reduction. Instead, the system was tested by third-party labs against NSF standards 42 and 53. We counted 152 substances which is a lot. Berkey also provides additional test data where we’re not sure if testing was performed against NSF standards and if so which standards were used. What we know is that at least some of the testing was not performed for the entire filter life. For example, lead reduction was tested for 200 gallons only whereas the Black Berkey filter elements are rated at 3,000 gallons. Another example: Reduction of perfluorinated chemicals was tested for 25 gallons. All lab results can be found here.

Based on former official test data, the Big Berkey also seems capable of reducing certain bacteria, viruses, and parasites which would be relevant for outdoor use and in case of emergency where a potable water sources isn’t available. However, we don’t recommend relying on any filtration method to remove disease-causing germs since the consequences could be dire if they were not 100% effective (according to the CDC, EPA, and WHO, the best method is to boil your water and if you cannot boil then chemical disinfectants like iodine or chlorine bleach are the next best option). However, once your water is boiled, you could still run it through the Big Berkey since boiling won’t remove contaminants like heavy metals.

3. Filtration Process

Berkey’s standard Black Berkey filter elements remove contaminants using a proprietary blend of multiple types of filter media, including activated carbon and ion exchange resins lined with silver and compressed into a dense cartridge in order to achieve microfiltration.

• Activated carbon adsorbs chlorine, chloramines, disinfection byproducts, VOCs, pesticides, many pharmaceuticals, and even some heavy metals such as lead and mercury, stripping these contaminants—and their tastes and odors—from household water as it flows through the filter.
• Ion exchange resins ionically remove dissolved ions including many heavy metals and salts, bonding them to the media.
• Silver acts as an antimicrobial.
• Microfiltration is based on small pores, typically 0.1–1 µm in diameter, to act as a physical sieve, straining out suspended solids, sediment, most bacteria, protozoan cysts (e.g., Giardia, Cryptosporidium), and some microplastics among other things.

The optional PF-2 fluoride filters are attached to the bottom of the Black Berkey Elements. They use activated alumina (which we discussed above) that removes fluoride and arsenic through adsorption.

4. Taste and Odor Test

In our test, the freshly filtered water from the Big Berkey tasted and smelled 100% clean.

Usability: 4.00/5.00

The Big Berkey is easy to assemble, use, and maintain. Based on our speed test, on demand filtration isn’t possible but the filtered water storage should be large enough to not run out of filtered water if you plan ahead.

1. Initial Setup

Assembling the Big Berkey is easy. But the initial filter priming takes time. Here is an overview of the setup process:

1. Wash the chambers and spigot.
2. Attach the knob to the lid.
3. Install the spigot.
4. In unused holes in the upper chamber, insert blocking plugs, smaller end first.
5. If applicable, clip the vapor lock clip on the edge of the lower chamber with the long portion hanging inside.
6. Prime the Black Berkey elements using the priming button before installing them in the upper chamber.
7. Place the upper chamber onto the lower chamber.
8. Some Berkey manuals also recommend filling the upper chamber with cold or room-temperature water, allowing it to filter, discarding it, and repeating until the water is clear.

2. Everyday Use

Once the system is primed and ready, the Big Berkey is easy to use. Simply fill the upper chamber with water and wait for it to filter. The drawback is that the filtration process is slow, depending on how many filters you use. Dispensing is easy using the spigot.

Use caution when filling the upper chamber if the lower chamber is partially filled, as it might overflow. For instance, if the lower chamber is ⅓ full, you can only fill the upper chamber ⅔. This is why emptying your lower chamber into a water pitcher is a good idea.

The Big Berkey is also very portable thanks to its sturdy design, ease of disassembling, light weight (8.6 lbs with filters installed), and ability to transport it with the upper tank stored in the lower tank for compactness.

3. Filtration/Dispensing Speed Test

In our speed test, the Big Berkey could filter and dispense 4 cups of water within 40:44 minutes so relatively fast (for this test, we added 2 gallons into the top reservoir and used 2 Black Berkey filter elements and 2 PF-2 addon filters in parallel). Still, 40 minutes for 4 cups means you cannot filter on-demand and other countertop filter types are much faster.

The good news is that the 2.25-gallon filtered water storage should be large enough to keep you going with enough filtered water, but it requires you to plan ahead. If you need more water than that in a day, you could empty your lower chamber into a water pitcher so you can filter more. Besides, using up to 4 filter elements in parallel could double your filtration speed. Skipping those optional PF-2 filters should also speed it up.

4. Maintenance (Filter Replacements)

Replacing the filters is easy: Simply undo the threaded wingnuts, pop the filters out, and replace them with new ones you have already primed.

While New Millennium Concepts Ltd. recommends replacing their Black Berkey elements every 3,000 gallons, their test data does not support this as discussed above. Therefore, we recommend you replace them sooner to ensure safe drinking water. We recommend a lifespan of 500 gallons per cartridge or 1,000 gallons for the pair. While that is a rough estimate, we base it on the amount of filter media you get compared to similar gravity filters tested for their entire lifespan. The optional PF-2 fluoride filters are rated to a more realistic 500 gallons per filter.

Another thing to note is that there is no filter life indicator, so you must keep track of how many gallons you consume to determine the right time for replacement.

Costs: 4.87/5.00

1. Upfront Price

As of Jan 20, 2025, the Big Berkey costs $367 without fluoride filters, which is above average for a countertop gravity water filter – at least we have a 5% discount code that you can use if you buy from bigberkeywaterfilters.com. The optional 2x PF-2 will cost you another ~$100.

2. Long-Term Expenses for Filter Replacements

Before the restocking issue, we estimated $93 in annual filter replacements when using 2x Black Berkey filters in parallel, not including fluoride filters. This is based on our recommended adjusted filter life of 500 gallons. Around $93 a year seems very reasonable, given that the filters are made in the USA. However, if you choose to use the optional PF-2 filters, they will cost you another ~$100 annually.

Additional Ranking Factors

1. 304 Stainless Steel Tanks

The Big Berkey’s material quality ranks very high. The upper and lower chambers are corrosion-resistant 304 stainless steel, so you won’t have to worry about plastic contamination or breakage. While the standard spigot is plastic, you can purchase an optional stainless steel spigot to go with it.

2. Lifetime Warranty

Regular product warranty is 1 year on the system excluding the filter elements (Black Berkey filters are warranted for 2 years; PF-2 filters for 6 months). However, if you purchase from bigberkeywaterfilters.com you can choose a free lifetime warranty.

3. Black Berkey Supply Issue

The biggest drawback right now with the Black Berkey replacement filters is the supply issue. We don’t know when they will be back in stock.

4. Frequent Customer Complaints

Some 3rd-party customers have complained about leaking dispensers. The spigots do take care when first installing them. Also, since the units come with the standard plastic spigot, you could see if their optional stainless steel spigot performs better.

Bottom Line: Our #1 Gravity-Type Countertop Water Filter

Despite a couple of concerns, we still ranked the Big Berkey as our #1 filter in the home gravity system category. Final rating: 4.16/5.00.

In our lab testing, the Big Berkey achieved a better rating than the other gravity-fed countertop models we tested, and its taste and odor tests were flawless. The lack of NSF certification and the inadequate testing for the 3,000-gallon lifespan the manufacturer claimed were definite drawbacks. Still, we have yet to find a gravity water filter that does considerably better here.

The Big Berkey is also solid in terms of usability, and both upfront and long-term cost seem reasonable. However, remember the restocking issues with the Black Berkey filter elements!

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