Big Berkey + Phoenix Gravity New Millenium Edition Filters: Test

Full Analysis of the Big Berkey with Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition Filters

Filtration: 1.99/5.00

The Big Berkey with Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition filters scored 1.99/5.00 for filtration. How? Most importantly, it achieved poor results in our 2026 lab testing though the filtered water tasted and smelled perfectly clean. In addition, the system only has 2 NSF/ANSI certifications for contaminant reduction for chlorine and taste/odor. Finally, while it has extensive third-party testing, at least some was not performed over the full filter life.

1. Lab Results: 2.39/5.00

In our lab test comparing an unfiltered and a filtered tap water sample, the Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition Filters could remove 7 undesirable impurities and contaminants to below the minimum detection level (so essentially to 100%): chlorine, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, chloroform, boron, iron, and manganese.

The following substances remained in our water (note: in our view, most concentration increases are generally due to leaching, although natural fluctuations cannot be ruled out):

• Copper was reduced by 93%. Berkey’s third-party test data reports 97.96% copper reduction.
• Barium decreased by 69%. Berkey’s third-party test data claims >99.90% barium reduction.
• Strontium increased by 9%. At 0.139 ppm, it was 10.79x lower than the strictest strontium health guideline we could find (1.5 ppm, EWG). The associated effect above that guideline is harm to bones.
• Nitrate decreased by 96%. Berkey’s third-party test data reports 99.00% reduction of nitrates.
• Fluoride was reduced by 15%. Berkey’s third-party test data claims 75.50% fluoride reduction.

Aside from contaminant reduction, we found the following substances in our filtered water that were not present in the unfiltered water:

• Silver – At 0.00514 ppm, it was 19.46x lower than the strictest silver guideline we could find (0.1 ppm, EPA secondary standards). Associated effects above that guideline are skin discoloration and graying of the whites of the eyes. One possible explanation is the use of silver-impregnated media, which might have released trace amounts of silver.
• Chloromethane – At 11.4 ppb, it was 4.24x higher than the strictest chloromethane health guideline we could find (2.69 ppb, EWG). The associated effect above that guideline is an increased risk of cancer.

Lab Results Chart

2. NSF/ANSI Certifications and Other Test Data

The Big Berkey with Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition filters is certified by the NSF against NSF/ANSI standard 42 for the reduction of chlorine and taste/odor, although only to 1,050 gallons instead of the claimed 2,750 gallons per element.

While it does have extensive third-party testing for 200+ contaminants against NSF/ANSI standards 42, 53, 401 and other non-NSF/ANSI standards, at least some was not performed over the full filter life, either.

Reduction rates, either reported or calculated by us, include:

• Free chlorine (>99.90%)
• Chlorine residual (>99.50%)
• Chloramines (>99.90%)
• Aluminum (>99.90%)
• Antimony (>99.90%)
• Arsenic (99.50-99.90+%)
• Barium (>99.90%)
• Beryllium (>99.90%)
• Boron (>99.90%)
• Cobalt (>99.50%)
• Copper (97.96%)
• Iron (98.35%)
• Lead (>99.50%)
• Manganese (>99.90%)
• Mercury (>99.90%)
• Molybdenum (>99.50%)
• Nickel (99.50-99.90%+)
• Selenium (99.50-99.90%+)
• Vanadium (>99.50%)
• Zinc (82.60%)
• Nitrates (99.00%)
• Nitrite (>99.90%)
• Fluoride (75.50%)
• Dozens of pesticides (99.90-99.99%+)
• Dozens of semi-volatile organics + PAHs (>99.90%)
• Several disinfection byproducts (>99.00%)
• Dozens of other VOCs (75.00%-99.90%+, most calculated to be >75.00%)
• Several trace pharmaceuticals (>99.90%)
• TCEP (>99.90%)
• TCPP (>99.90%)
• Uranium (>99.50%)
• A few other radiologicals (>99.90%)
• PFOA (>99.00% – calculated average)
• PFOS (>99.50% – calculated average)
• PFOA + PFOS (>99.67% – calculated average)
• Other PFAS (>99.80%)

Reported and calculated reduction rates are per Berkey’s third-party data sheets.

3. Filtration Process

Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition filters utilize a coconut shell activated carbon block.

Activated carbon removes things like bad tastes and odors, chlorine/chloramine, disinfection byproducts and other organics, as well as certain metals. In addition, the block structure provides fine mechanical filtration due to its smaller pore size compared to granular carbon. Berkey refers to this as “microfiltration,” as the narrow channels in the carbon block act like a sieve to remove even the tiniest particulates.

4. Taste and Odor Test

In our test, the filtered water was odorless and had a perfectly clean taste.

Usability: 4.20/5.00

The Big Berkey achieved a usability score of 4.20/5.00, based on its performance in the following categories:

1. Initial system assembly including filter priming (0.90/1.00)
2. Everyday use (3.10/3.50)
3. Filter replacements (0.20/0.50)

1. Initial Setup & Filter Priming: 0.90/1.00

Assembling the Big Berkey is easy. The two black & white instruction sheets provide clear, illustrated directions for each step. Plus, there is a helpful tutorial video on YouTube. The Phoenix filters also include a flexible rubber primer that fits various faucet sizes. However, it can slip off easily, especially if not completely dry, which can make filter priming a bit of a hassle.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the setup procedure:

1. Wash your hands, upper + lower chambers, and spigot.
2. Place metal washer on knob screw, then insert the screw through the hole in the lid. Screw on the knob using a screwdriver.
3. Place a washer on spigot stem and insert spigot into hole in lower chamber. Place the other washer on stem inside of the lower chamber, followed by the hex nut. Hand-tighten nut until snug.
4. Fill any open holes in the upper chamber which will not be holding Phoenix elements with blocking plugs.
5. If provided, install vapor lock clip on edge of lower chamber.
6. Prime Phoenix elements using one of the following: the PrimeEasy Universal Primer, the sealing washer, or a bottle of water (off-grid option).
7. Universal primer: ensure faucet head and inside of primer are dry, then attach the universal primer to faucet, pulling its larger end over the spout as high as possible.
8. Push the filter stem up into the primer. Holding the primer onto the faucet, slowly turn on cold water. Gradually increase water pressure to a low flow.
9. Once filter starts sweating beads of water, continue running water while rubbing the outside of element with hand for 1 minute until it appears saturated and water runs clear.
10. Repeat priming process for remaining element(s).
11. Install first Phoenix element: remove wing nut from threaded stem, leaving sealing washer on stem.
12. Insert stem into a hole in the inside of the upper chamber and secure in place with the wing nut, screwing on to hand tight.
13. Repeat installation for remaining element(s).
14. Ensure rubber ring is attached to lower chamber, then set onto tank stand (if using). Place upper chamber onto lower chamber.
15. Fill upper chamber with cold or room temperature water, then cover with lid. Allow water to filter into lower chamber.
16. Open the spigot to completely drain the lower chamber, discarding the water. Process additional batches of water as needed until dispensed water is clear.
17. Your system is now ready to use.
18. Optional red food coloring test: to ensure system is assembled properly and there are no internal leaks, add 10 drops (1/8 tsp) of the provided red food coloring for every gallon of water added to the upper chamber. Allow system to filter water and drain water from lower chamber into a cup – if clear, the elements are sealed properly and system is assembled correctly.
19. If water has a red/pink hue, system is leaking internally. Place upper chamber onto cups or jars of identical size and repeat test. Clear water indicates the system is ready to use. If a red/pink hue remains in the jar(s), reinstall the affected element(s) or blocking plug(s) where leaking occurs and re-run test.

2. Day-to-Day Use: 3.10/3.50

2.1 Speed & Water Capacity: 1.20/1.20

Used with two Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition filters, the Big Berkey is well suited for daily use. It’s even fast enough for on-demand filtering, which we define as 1 cup in <1 minute. In fact, this system filtered and dispensed 1 cup in a quick ~37 sec and 4 cups in ~3:05 min in our filtration speed tests. Plus, this system can accommodate up to four filter elements in parallel, which would roughly double filtration speed relative to the two-filter setup tested here.

Notably, the spigot sits above the bottom of the lower chamber, so the system must first process and collect ~34 oz of water over ~1:11 min before any can be dispensed. Consequently, starting from an empty system, the total time to filter and dispense 1 cup was ~1:48 min, while dispensing 4 cups took ~4:16 min.

Requiring ~42:03 min to fully filter and dispense the entire feed tank, the Big Berkey produces large volumes rather quickly for a gravity system. It’s definitely fast enough to handle 8-10 cup/hour thirst bursts for average US households, which we assume consist of 2.55-3.15 people.

Dispensing filtered water from a full lower reservoir is also very fast – we measured about 4 seconds for 1 cup.

The ample 1.69-gal (~27.0-cup) feed tank* and 2.00-gal (~32.0-cup) clean tank allow you to readily fill a 40-oz bottle or 2-quart pitcher from a single refill. Assuming 25.5–31.5 cups of daily water consumption for the average US households, we estimate 1–2 daily refills when filling the upper chamber to the top* – consistent with the other gravity water filters we tested.

However, actual refilling frequency will likely vary considerably depending on each household’s needs and preferences. Given the relatively slow filtration speed inherent to gravity systems, most users likely would not want to wait until the feed tank is empty and the clean water fully depleted before refilling, even if the Big Berkey is one of the fastest gravity systems we tested. Realistically, it is more practical to top off the feed tank at strategic times, such as before heading out to work or before bed, so the longer wait time is less disruptive. However, this requires some ongoing judgment from the user to ensure that the added feed water volume does not cause the clean tank to overflow.

2.2 Dispensing: 0.85/1.00

Using a full clean tank, dispensing water is very fast and without splashing, unless the spout is fully opened very quickly. The all-plastic spigot is spring-loaded and pops back into place quickly, and there is no dripping after the pour.

Due to the spout height, the system must be placed at the counter edge to dispense, unless you use the optional tank stand sold by Berkey – this gives you another ~5″ of clearance to fit a glass underneath. That said, you still won’t be able to fit a standard 40-oz bottle or 2-quart pitcher under the spout, even with the added height from the stand.

One downside: dispensing the last 34 oz of water requires additional steps. The spigot sits slightly above the base of the clean tank, which means the last ~4.25 cups of water cannot be poured unless you are tilting the tank forward or manually ladle out the remaining water. However, this is a common limitation and applies to almost all gravity filters we tested.

2.3 Refilling & Size: 0.80/1.00

Refilling the Big Berkey is easy. Simply use a pitcher or other container to fill the upper chamber with water. There are no max fill lines, however, and instructions do not specify a fill amount.

The included lid fits loosely but still keeps your feed water well covered. Plus, an optional water level spigot can be purchased separately from Berkey for easy monitoring of your clean water level, which we highly recommend. Without it, the only way to accurately gauge the amount of water in the clean tank is to lift the upper chamber, which can be a hassle depending on how much water remains inside.

Measuring 8.5″x19.5″x10.75″ (WxHxD) including the lid’s knob and spigot, the Big Berkey doesn’t fit under most kitchen cabinets (18” clearance). Additionally, using the optional tank stand further increases the height.

At 6.4 lbs with two wet New Millennium Edition filters installed (excluding the stand), its weight is about average for the gravity systems we tested when compared to analogous configurations. Its footprint is also about average, occupying ~56.75 in² (~0.39 ft²).

2.4 Other: 0.25/0.30

The Big Berkey includes a rubber ring on the bottom tank, preventing scratching or sliding on your counter tops. However, it is oversized and detaches when the tank is lifted.

Alternatively, the optional tank stand comes with rubber-gripped feet which also prevent unwanted movement.

2.5 Outdoor Use

The system seems sturdy enough for outdoor use, especially the 304 stainless steel tanks – the plastic spigot is the most vulnerable component.

Its stowed size of 8.5″x13.2″x8.5″ (WxHxD; knob and spigot removed) and 6.4-lb weight (with two wet Phoenix filters and excluding the stand) are comparable to competing systems, making it a reasonably portable option as well.

3. Filter Replacements: 0.20/0.50

Filter replacements are simple as the filter elements are easily accessible in the upper chamber. However, there is no filter change indicator to alert you when it is time to change them.

Rated filter life is 2,750 gal per filter element; 2 elements therefore have a combined capacity of 5,500 gal.

Assuming 500 gallons of yearly water consumption for the average household, we predict you would have to replace two parallel Phoenix filters once every 11 years.

However, given the minimal NSF/ANSI-certified contaminant reduction claims, and the fact that those certified claims apply to 1,050 gallons rather than the full 2,750-gallon filter life, replacing these filter elements more frequently may be a safer bet. This is especially true since at least some of the third-party testing was also not performed to full filter life. A ~500-gallon or 12-month filter life may be more realistic for the pair, based on similar elements that come with more thorough testing. Therefore, a more conservative approach would be to replace them once annually.

Costs: 4.82/5.00

Based on value for money, the Big Berkey incl. optional tank stand, optional water level spigot and two Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition filters achieved a cost score of 4.82 out of 5.00, indicating it is priced below average for what it offers compared to competing systems (a score of 4.00 represents average value). Notably, its upfront price is well above average but its annual filter replacement costs are well below average compared to the other gravity filter systems we tested.

1. Upfront Price

As of March 6, 2026, the Big Berkey including two Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition filters is priced at $477. Adding the optional water level spigot ($70) and tank stand ($46) and applying our 5% off discount code brings the upfront total to $563.35, which is well above the $384.81 average across all the tested gravity filter systems.

2. Long-Term Expenses for Filter Replacements

Based on 500 gallons consumption, a 5,500-gal filter life for two Phoenix elements, and applying our 5% off discount code, we estimate $9.50 in annual filter replacement costs, which is well below the $234.50 average across all the tested gravity filter systems.

However, given the limited NSF/ANSI-certified contaminant reduction claims, the fact that those certified claims apply to 1,050 gallons per element rather than the full 2,750-gallon rated life, and the lack of rigorous third-party testing to full filter life, replacing the elements yearly might be more judicious. This would bring annual filter costs to $104.50 per year, which is still well below the $234.50 average across all tested gravity filter systems.

3. Product Warranty

The Big Berkey’s warranty covers the filters as well as the upper and lower chambers, including the lid (1 year).

Additional

1. Construction

The 304 stainless steel tanks feel sturdy and well-built. The all-plastic spigot works as expected but feels more susceptible to damage compared to stainless steel. The housing has a nice, highly reflective finish – some may find this appealing, but it’s also more likely to show smudges.

2. Size Options

Berkey systems come in 7 different sizes: 0.25 (Go), 1.5 (Travel), 2.25 (Big), 2.75 (Light), 3.25 (Royal), 4.5 (Imperial), or 6.0-gal (Crown).

3. Cleanable Filters

You can remove and clean the Phoenix filters by scrubbing the outside with a stiff brush or a Scotch-Brite pad under cold running water. The manufacturer recommends this after long periods of non-use prior to re-priming and installing the filters plus every 2-3 months to prevent the build-up of minerals that could slow filtration.

4. Frequent Customer Complaints

There are not that many customer reviews for the Big Berkey with the Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition filters yet. The main issue we read about so far was leaking.

We did not notice any leaks during our own testing of this system.

Bottom Line: Long-term Cost Savings but Disappointing Filtration (3.00/5.00)

Filtration weighted at 60%, and usability and cost at 20% each, the Big Berkey with Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition filters scored a final rating of 3.00 out of 5.00.

Most importantly, filtration performance was very poor: while this configuration completely removed 7 contaminants in our lab test and produced filtered water that tasted and smelled perfectly clean, the Phoenix filters showed evidence of potential chloromethane leaching more than 4x higher than the strictest health guideline. Plus, it has only two NSF/ANSI-certified contaminants — chlorine and taste/odor — and even those are certified to only 1,050 gallons, despite the claimed 2,750-gallon life per element. On top of that, at least some of its extensive third-party testing was not performed to 100% filter life.

On the other hand, usability is solid: the system is easy to assemble though the universal filter primer tends to slip off the faucet. Plus, the Big Berkey processes plenty of water quite quickly for a gravity system, and it can process water even faster with up to two additional elements installed. Dispensing is also very fast at 4 seconds per cup with a full clean tank and no splashing. Still, you might want to invest in the optional tank stand to make dispensing into a cup even easier.

Maintenance is simple with easy-to-change and cleanable filters, though we remain skeptical of their claimed 5,500-gal water filtering capacity per pair (no filter life indicator). Overall build quality is good with durable 304 stainless steel tanks, but the plastic spigot seems vulnerable to damage, especially if used in the great outdoors. That said, the optional SS water level spigot is a more robust alternative that also helps monitor clean tank reserves.

Despite its well above-average upfront price, this system’s well below-average annual filter costs are easy on the wallet. Nonetheless, we’d pass on this Big Berkey setup, as there are other gravity water filters with superior contaminant removal performance that don’t pose the same risk of potential leaching.

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