British Berkefeld SS2 Review: Lab Analysis & Hands-On Testing

Full Analysis of the British Berkefeld SS2 with Ultra Sterasyl Filters or Ultra Fluoride Filters

Filtration: 2.20/5.00 (Ultra Sterasyl Filters) & 3.44/5.00 (Ultra Fluoride Filters)

The British Berkefeld SS2 2.25-gallon with Ultra Sterasyl filters scored 2.20/5.00 for filtration. How? Most importantly, it achieved poor results in our 2024 lab testing, though the filtered water tasted and smelled perfectly clean. It has four NSF/ANSI-certified contaminants (particulates, turbidity, cysts and microplastics) as well as third-party testing for ~30 impurities with at least some to 200% filter life. However, this mostly covers the easier-to-remove organics.

The British Berkefeld SS2 2.25-gallon with Ultra Fluoride filters scored 3.44/5.00 for filtration. Notably, it achieved adequate results in our 2026 lab testing and the filtered water tasted perfectly clean with no odor. It has only three NSF/ANSI-certified contaminants (particulates, turbidity and microplastics) as well as some third-party testing (including 6 heavy metals) to 200% filter life.

1. Lab Results: 2.83/5.00 (Ultra Sterasyl Filters) & 3.71/5.00 (Ultra Fluoride Filters)

In our 2024 lab test, the Ultra Sterasyl filters could remove 7 undesirable impurities and contaminants to below the minimum detection level (so essentially to 100%): chlorine, bromodichloromethane, bromoform, dibromochloromethane, chloroform, copper, and boron.

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):

• Barium was reduced by 75%.
• Lithium wasn’t reduced at all. That said, it was already at the lowest detectable level (0.01 ppm) in the unfiltered water sample, and because the lab reported lithium only in 0.01 ppm increments, reduction could only be calculated as either 0% or 100%.
• Strontium was reduced by 57%.
• Nitrate decreased by 15%.
• Fluoride increased by 3%. That said, we’re confident the British Berkefeld + Ultra Sterasyl filters doesn’t leach fluoride, as we don’t know of any fluoride-containing filter media.
• Uranium wasn’t reduced at all.

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

• Aluminum – At 0.02 ppm, it was 30x lower than the strictest aluminum health guideline we could find (0.6 ppm, California OEHHA), established to prevent neuro- and immunotoxic effects.
• Vanadium – At 20 ppb, it was 1.33x higher than the California OEHHA notification level of 15 ppb, the strictest vanadium benchmark we could find. However, this conservative notification level is primarily based on limited animal data and the application of large safety/uncertainty factors to minimize risks to developing fetuses and neonates, such as low birth weight.

Lab Results Chart: Ultra Sterasyl Filters

In our 2026 lab test comparing an unfiltered and a filtered tap water sample, the Ultra Fluoride filters could remove 5 undesirable impurities and contaminants to below the minimum detection level (so essentially to 100%): chlorine, dibromochloromethane, barium, iron and fluoride.

The following substances remained in our water:

• Bromodichloromethane decreased by 87%.
• Chloroform was reduced by 82%.
• Copper was reduced by 76%.
• Boron decreased by 93%.
• Strontium was reduced by 86%.
• Manganese increased by 34%. At 0.00747 ppm, it was 2.68x lower than the California OEHHA notification level of 0.02 ppm, the strictest manganese benchmark we could find. That said, manganese is an essential dietary element for humans and the notification level is very conservative because it’s based primarily on limited animal data and the application of large safety/uncertainty factors to protect bottle-fed infants from neurotoxicological effects.
• Nitrate was reduced by 89%.

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

• Zinc – Detected at 0.00576 ppm. That said, zinc is merely an aesthetic impurity which only becomes relevant (e.g., impacting water taste) at a higher level than detected in our sample, which was 868.06x lower than the strictest zinc guideline we could find (5.0 ppm, EPA secondary standards). One possible explanation is the use of KDF media (a copper-zinc mix), which might have released trace zinc.
• Nickel – At 0.00166 ppm, it was 7.23x lower than the strictest nickel health guideline we could find (California OEHHA, 0.012 ppm), established to prevent developmental toxicity (increased neonatal deaths). That said, the guideline applies to soluble nickel compounds, and we don’t know the form in our water sample.
• Methylene chloride – At 3.21 ppb, it was 1.25x lower than the strictest methylene chloride health guideline we could find (4 ppb, California OEHHA). Associated effects above that guideline include an increased risk of cancer.

Lab Results Chart: Ultra Fluoride Filters

Non-Potable Water

We have not yet tested the British Berkefeld with a non-potable water source. This evaluation is planned, and the page will be updated as soon as testing is completed and results are available.

2. NSF/ANSI Certifications and Other Test Data

The British Berkefeld with Ultra Sterasyl filters is certified by the NSF against NSF/ANSI standards 42, 53 and 401 for the reduction of nominal particulates class I (>99.90%), turbidity (>99.00%), cysts (>99.99%), and microplastics (>99.90%).

It also has some third-party testing for ~30 contaminants against NSF/ANSI standards 42, 53, 401 and other non-NSF/ANSI standards with at least some to 200% filter life, but it mostly covers the easier-to-remove organics.

Listed reduction rates include:

• Organics, including pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and pharmaceuticals (>90.00%; many pharmaceuticals >98.00%)
• Free chlorine (>99.00%)
• PFOA & PFOS combined (95.00%)
• Lead (up to 95.00%)

Reported reduction rates are per Doulton’s website, as well as the official performance data sheet and third-party data sheet.

The British Berkefeld with Ultra Fluoride filters is certified by the NSF against NSF/ANSI standards 42, 53 and 401 for the reduction of nominal particulates class I (>99.90%), turbidity (>99.00%) and microplastics (>99.90%).

It also has some third-party testing against NSF/ANSI standards 42, 53 and other non-NSF/ANSI standards, including 6 heavy metals up to 200% filter life.

Listed or calculated reduction rates include:

• Free chlorine (97.20%)
• Fluoride (up to 98.90%)
• Lead
  • Up to 95.00% (website)
  • 99.15% (calculated average from third-party data sheet)
• Mercury
  • 86.40% (website)
  • 84.67% (calculated average from third-party data sheet)
• Arsenic
  • 97.40% (website)
  • 97.44% (calculated average from third-party data sheet)
• Chromium
  • 99.40% (website)
  • 99.46% (calculated average from third-party data sheet)
• Selenium
  • 93.70% (website)
  • 94.09% (calculated average from third-party data sheet)
• Barium (90.16% calculated average from third-party data sheet)

Listed or calculated reduction rates are per Doulton’s website and third-party test data sheet.

Non-Potable Water

The British Berkefeld with Ultra Sterasyl filters is certified by the NSF against NSF/ANSI standard 53 for the reduction of cysts (Cryptosporidium parvum, >99.99%). The manual for the Ultra Sterasyl filters states, “Do not use where water is microbiologically unsafe (…) without adequate disinfection before or after the systems. (…) may be used on disinfected water that may contain filterable Cysts.”

On the other hand, the British Berkefeld with Ultra Fluoride filters does not carry NSF/ANSI certifications for microbiological reduction (e.g., bacteria, cysts, or viruses).

Both filters have third-party test data demonstrating some bacteria and parasite removal, though it is unclear whether this was performed to any NSF/ANSI standard or NSF protocol. Additionally, the total volume tested was not disclosed.

Listed reduction rates include:

• Bacteria (E. coli, Salmonella typhi (causes typhoid), and Klebsiella terrigena; >99.99%)
• Parasites (Cryptosporidium and Giardia; >99.99%)

3. Filtration Process

The Ultra Sterasyl filters have the following components:

• An outer ceramic shell performs mechanical filtration, acting like a sieve to remove solid, undissolved particulates such as dirt or rust. Its tiny pores are responsible for the element’s 0.9-micron absolute filtration rating, meaning it blocks 99.99% of particles greater than 0.9 microns (such as microplastics and cysts) from entering the filtered water.
• The core contains “granular activated carbon and lead removal media.” Activated carbon removes things like bad tastes and odors, chlorine/chloramine, disinfection byproducts and other organics, as well as certain metals like mercury and lead.

The Ultra Fluoride filters are comprised of the following:

• The outer ceramic shell, identical to that of the Ultra Sterasyl filters, performs mechanical filtration.
• The core contains activated alumina (aluminum oxide) and carbon block/lead removal media. The carbon block performs the same adsorptive function as the granular activated carbon discussed above. However, the block structure also provides fine mechanical filtration due to its smaller pore size, enabling removal of more minute particulates, stubborn VOCs, as well as some heavy metals like lead. Activated alumina (aluminum oxide) primarily adsorbs fluoride and arsenic.

4. Taste and Odor Test

For both configurations, in our testing the filtered water was odorless and had a perfectly clean taste.

Usability: 3.51/5.00 (Ultra Sterasyl Filters) & 3.44/5.00 (Ultra Fluoride Filters)

The British Berkefeld with the Ultra Sterasyl filters installed achieved a usability score of 3.51/5.00, based on its performance in the following categories:

1. Initial system assembly including filter priming (0.70/1.00)
2. Everyday use (2.61/3.50)
3. Filter replacements (0.20/0.50)

The British Berkefeld with the Ultra Fluoride filters installed achieved a usability score of 3.44/5.00, based on its performance in the following categories:

1. Initial system assembly including filter priming (0.70/1.00)
2. Everyday use (2.54/3.50)
3. Filter replacements (0.20/0.50)

1. Initial Setup & Filter Priming: 0.70/1.00

Assembling the British Berkefeld is easy, regardless of which set of filters you choose. However, the two basic black & white instruction sheets are not as easily digestible as some of the other gravity systems we tested, due to their smaller font and skimpy illustrations (one each). However, there is a helpful tutorial video on YouTube if additional guidance is needed.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the setup procedure:

1. Wash your hands. Wash metal and plastic parts with hot, soapy water, rinse and dry before assembly.
2. Remove plastic nut from threads of tap. Moisten both rubber washers with clean water.
3. Place one washer over threads of the tap, then insert the threaded part through the hole in the bottom chamber.
4. Place remaining rubber washer onto the threads from the inside of the bottom chamber, securing in place with the nut.
5. Attach knob to the lid by inserting the screw through the hole in the lid and screwing on the knob, hand tightening only.
6. Remove all protective packaging from the filter elements. Place the sealing washer over the threads of the filter stem.
7. Place the filter stem through the hole in the upper chamber and secure with a wing nut. Do not over tighten. Repeat for remaining filters.
8. Any holes in the upper chamber not holding a filter must have a plug installed.
9. Place upper chamber on bottom chamber. Make sure tap is in the closed position.
10. Fill the upper chamber with cold water and allow to filter.
11. Discard the first batch of filtered water. Black carbon particles may be visible when water filters for the first time.
12. Repeat this process, flushing at least 2 chambers for the Ultra Sterasyl filters (3 chambers for the Ultra Fluoride filters).
13. Wipe the inside and outside of lower chamber with a clean cloth to remove any dust particles.
14. The system is now ready to use.

2. Day-to-Day Use: 2.61/3.50 (Ultra Sterasyl Filters) & 2.54/3.50 (Ultra Fluoride Filters)

2.1 Speed & Water Capacity: 0.66/1.20 (Ultra Sterasyl Filters) & 0.69/1.20 (Ultra Fluoride Filters)

The British Berkefeld SS2 2.25-gallon system + four Ultra Sterasyl filters is generally suited for daily use though it’s too slow for on-demand filtering, which we define as 1 cup in <1 minute – it filtered and dispensed 1 cup in ~5:38 min and 4 cups in ~38:30 min in our filtration speed tests. Plus, as the number of parallel filter elements are already maxed out, additional elements cannot be added to increase filtration speed.

As the spigot sits above the bottom of the lower chamber, the system must first process and collect ~50 oz of water over ~40:47 min before any can be dispensed. As a result, starting from an empty system, the total time to filter and dispense 1 cup was ~46:25 min, while dispensing 4 cups took ~1:19 hours.

Requiring ~3:53 hours to fully filter and dispense the entire feed tank, the British Berkefeld + Ultra Sterasyl filters is not ideal for producing large volumes quickly. It’s definitely not fast enough to handle 8-10 cup/hour thirst bursts for average US households, which we assume consist of 2.55-3.15 people.

Swapping out the Ultra Sterasyl filters for two Ultra Fluoride filters, the British Berkefeld performed similarly. This configuration is still generally suited for daily use but too slow for on-demand filtering, producing 1 cup of water in ~6:29 min and 4 cups in ~54:24 min in our speed tests. Requiring ~46:01 min to collect the ~50 oz needed to reach dispensing level, the time to filter and dispense 1 cup is ~52:30 min and 4 cups is ~1:40 hours if starting from an empty system.

While adding up to two more filter elements would increase filtration speed, this setup still would not be fast enough to facilitate on-demand dispensing. Plus, at ~4:07 hours to fully filter and dispense the entire feed tank, the British Berkefeld with Ultra Fluoride filters is not fast enough handle typical thirst bursts or larger volumes relatively quickly.

While filtration speed is rather slow, dispensing filtered water from a full lower reservoir is very fast – for both setups, we measured about 3.5 seconds for 1 cup.

The roomy feed tank holds 1.62 to 1.63 gal (~25.9 to ~26.1 cups) with 4 Ultra Sterasyl or 2 Ultra Fluoride filters installed, respectively. Paired with a 2.00-gal (~32.0-cup) clean tank, you can easily 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 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. 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 (Ultra Sterasyl Filters) & 0.75/1.00 (Ultra Fluoride Filters)

Using a full clean tank, dispensing water is very fast and without splashing, unless the spout is fully opened very quickly.

The system linked on Amazon with the Ultra Sterasyl filters features an all-metal spigot, though the unit that comes with the Ultra Fluoride filters (which is the unit we used for our testing) includes a plastic tap with a handle that twists horizontally to dispense. This plastic version has no hard stop – the handle can continue spinning once opened, which we found to be less intuitive compared to the spigots on other tested gravity systems.

Due to the spout height, the system must be placed at the counter edge to dispense, unless you use the tank stand – this gives you another 6″ of clearance to fit a glass underneath. Still, you 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.

While a tank stand was provided with the system with the Ultra Sterasyl filters, it is an optional, add-on purchase for the unit with the Ultra Fluoride filters.

One minor grievance: dispensing the last 50 oz of water requires additional steps. The spigot sits slightly above the base of the clean tank, which means the last ~6.25 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 British Berkefeld is straightforward. Simply use a pitcher or other container to fill the upper chamber with water. There are no max fill lines, however, and the 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 the manufacturer 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 – a bit of a hassle depending on how much water remains inside.

Measuring 8.5″x18.55″x9.6″ (WxHxD) including the lid’s knob and spigot, the British Berkefeld doesn’t fit under most kitchen cabinets (18” clearance). Additionally, using the tank stand further increases the height.

Excluding the stand, it weighs 7.6 to 7.8 lbs with two wet Ultra Fluoride or four wet Ultra Sterasyl filters installed, respectively. In both cases, 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: 0.30/0.30

The British Berkefeld system includes a rubber ring on the bottom tank, preventing scratching or sliding on your counter tops. Alternatively, the tank stand (when included) comes with rubber-gripped feet which also prevent unwanted movement.

2.5 Outdoor Use

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

Its stowed size of 8.5″x13″x8.5″ (WxHxD; knob and spigot removed) and 7.6-lb or 7.8-lb weight (with two wet Ultra Fluoride or four wet Ultra Sterasyl filters, respectively, 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 easy, as the cartridges are readily accessible from inside the upper chamber. While there is no filter change indicator to alert you when it is time to change them, a sticker on the front of the bottom tank includes space to record the installation date for replacement tracking.

Rated filter life for both the Ultra Fluoride and Ultra Sterasyl filters is 400 gal or 6 months per element; 2 or 4 elements therefore would have a combined water filtering capacity of 800 or 1,600 gal, respectively.

Assuming 500 gallons of yearly water consumption for the average household, we predict the frequency of your filter changes will be dictated by filter age rather than water consumption, regardless of filter type or whether you use a 2 or 4-cartridge configuration. Therefore, expect to replace the filters twice annually.

Costs: 3.33/5.00 (Ultra Sterasyl Filters) & 3.71/5.00 (Ultra Fluoride Filters)

Based on value for money, the British Berkefeld SS2 2.25-gal system incl. optional water level spigot plus 4 Ultra Sterasyl filters achieved a cost score of 3.33 out of 5.00, indicating it is priced above average for what it offers compared to competing systems (a score of 4.00 represents average value). Notably, its upfront price is around average but its annual filter replacement costs are well above average compared to the other gravity filter systems we tested.

The British Berkefeld system incl. optional water level spigot, optional tank stand, and 2 Ultra Fluoride filters achieved a cost score of 3.71 out of 5.00, again denoting it is priced above average for what it offers compared to competing systems. In fact, both its upfront price and long-term costs are slightly above average compared to the other tested gravity filter systems.

1. Upfront Price

As of March 6, 2026, the British Berkefeld SS2 2.25-gal system including four Ultra Sterasyl filters is priced at $305. Adding the optional water level spigot ($70) brings the upfront total to $375, which is around the $384.81 average across all the tested gravity filter systems.

The British Berkefeld SS2 2.25-gal system with two Ultra Fluoride filters is priced at $340. Adding the optional water level spigot ($70) and tank stand ($46) brings the upfront total to $456, which is slightly above average for the gravity filter systems we tested.

2. Long-Term Expenses for Filter Replacements

Based on 500 gallons consumption and a 1,600-gal or 6-month filter life for four Ultra Sterasyl cartridges, we estimate $340 in annual filter replacement costs, which is well above the $234.50 average across all the tested gravity filter systems.

If using two Ultra Fluoride filters instead, we estimate $280 in ongoing filter expenses (assuming a combined 800-gal or 6-month filter life), which is slightly above average for the gravity filter systems we tested.

3. Product Warranty

The British Berkefeld system has a 1-year warranty.

4. Other Cost Factors

The British Berkefeld including the filters is claimed to be made in the UK.

Additional

1. Construction

The system feels sturdy and well built, with stainless steel upper + lower chambers and an all-metal spigot (included with the Ultra Sterasyl unit). The plastic spigot option feels more susceptible to damage. It has a nice, highly reflective finish, but it easily smudges.

2. Size Options

The unit comes in 4 size options: 0.25, 1.58, 2.25, or 3.17-gal.

3. Cleanable Filters

You can remove and clean the filters using a soft bristle brush or abrasive pad while running under water. This helps to restore the flow rate, which may slow over time due to mineral buildup.

4. Frequent Customer Complaints

There are not that many customer reviews yet, but we read about issues with extremely slow or ineffective filtration using the Ultra Sterasyl filters.

We did find both the Ultra Sterasyl and Ultra Fluoride filters processed water more slowly compared to some of the other tested gravity systems.

Ultra Sterasyl Filters Bottom Line: Costly Filters with Subpar Filtration (2.69/5.00)

Filtration weighted at 60%, and usability and cost at 20% each, the British Berkefeld SS2 2.25-gallon system with Ultra Sterasyl filters scored a final rating of 2.69 out of 5.00.

This configuration achieved poor results in our lab testing. While it completely removed 7 impurities and produced clean-tasting, odorless water, it showed potential vanadium leaching above the OEHHA notification level.

Plus, the system has only 4 NSF/ANSI-certified contaminants (particulates, turbidity, cysts and microplastics), with some additional third-party testing performed up to 200% filter life (but mostly limited to easier-to-remove organics). There’s supplemental test data for the reduction of bacteria and parasites, but it’s not clear whether this was performed to any NSF/ANSI standard or NSF protocol or to what volume testing was conducted.

Usability is merely adequate: the system is pretty easy to set up, though the instruction sheets could benefit from bigger font and more illustrations. The system processes plenty of water but takes a while to do so – not the best choice if on-demand filtration or obtaining larger volumes in a short period of time is a priority. Plus, our configuration is already maxed out with 4 parallel filters, so it’s not possible to speed things up by adding more elements.

Refilling is simplified with the optional water level spigot, which makes monitoring clean water reserves effortless. Dispensing is very fast and splash-free, and there’s a tank stand already included. Plus, the rubber bottoms on the tank and the stand ensure your system won’t slide around on your countertops.

The filters are cleanable and easy to change, too, but as with most of these gravity systems, there’s no filter change indicator to remind you to replace them. Sturdy stainless steel tanks and an all-metal spigot add value, and the system stows for portability.

The 1-year warranty is nothing special, but we appreciate that the British Berkefeld including its filters is claimed to be made in the UK. Nevertheless, poor filtration performance paired with well above-average filter replacement costs make this system hard to recommend.

Ultra Fluoride Filters Bottom Line: A Step Up from Ultra Sterasyl but Could be Better (3.49/5.00)

The British Berkefeld SS2 2.25-gallon system with Ultra Fluoride filters scored a final rating of 3.49 out of 5.00.

The Ultra Fluoride filters demonstrated better overall filtration compared to the Ultra Sterasyl elements, but their performance was still mediocre on the whole. They fully removed only 5 contaminants in our lab test yet produced water that tasted and smelled perfectly clean. They also showed evidence of potential methylene chloride leaching – at a notable level but below the strictest health guidelines.

While the Ultra Fluoride filters are NSF-certified for the reduction of particulates, turbidity and microplastics, they are not NSF/ANSI-certified for cyst removal. Plus, most of the additional third-party testing focuses on a handful of heavy metals up to 200% filter life, though they do share the same microbial test coverage with the Ultra Sterasyl filters.

Otherwise, the two configurations are pretty comparable as far as setup, use, and maintenance are concerned. Here again the system is too slow to filter on-demand or process larger volumes quickly. In contrast to the Ultra Sterasyl filters, the unit with Ultra Fluoride filters does not come with a tank stand or a metal spigot, and we only tested it with 2 filters rather than the max of 4. Therefore, you could approximately double filtration speed by adding up to 2 more filters in parallel – but you still shouldn’t expect lightning-fast filtration, even with this modification.

We found its plastic spigot to be less user-friendly, as its handle tends to whirl around once opened due to the lack of a hard stop. Fortunately, the metal spigot, tank stand, and water level spigot are all optional upgrades that would otherwise make this configuration identical to the Ultra Sterasyl version from a user experience standpoint (filtration speed being the exception).

With the Ultra Fluoride filters, upfront and ongoing costs are slightly above average. Despite improved fluoride reduction compared to the Ultra Sterasyl elements, this system is still not a standout as far as filtration performance is concerned, and you’re on the hook for all the extras. We’d check out other gravity filters that showcase even better filtration at a more palatable price point.