Big Berkey Water Filter Review

Is it really the best water filter for your home?

Review Summary

Product Name:

Big Berkey Water Filter

Product Type:

Water Filter

Price:

$278

Summary:

This is a review of the Big Berkey Water Filter to see if it really stands up to the test of purifying our water at home.

Rating:

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After many months of being jealous of all my friends, I recently invested in my own Big Berkey.

This is one of the best-known names among water filters, so I figured I ought to tell you guys a little bit about this water purification system, and how I am liking it so far.

What is the Big Berkey?

The Big Berkey is a countertop water filtration system. It is the most popular of its kind from the Berkey brand.

They have a range of different sizes, but the Big Berkey is the classic and most practical choice for families of 2-4. It measures 8.5"D x 21"H when set up and weighs only 7lbs when empty.

As you can see, there are two chambers. The top is where you pour water in, and the Berkey filters it into the bottom chamber, where it can be released through a spigot.

The tanks are made of polished stainless steel, which I think looks really nice. I actually enjoy having it on the counter. The spigot is a BPA-free, FDA-approved plastic. I’m thinking of investing in their stainless steel spigot soon! I like the way it looks better.

The filters are made of “carbon composite containing high-grade coconut shell carbon combined with a proprietary blend of 5 other types of media.”

I was curious about what else went into their patented product, so I did some research. I found that after closely inspecting the filters, a few experts agreed they also contain activated charcoal with an ion resin.

This is common among high-quality filters, as they work together to remove many petroleum-based substances, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and heavy metals (including lead).

Berkey's promise to remove 99.99% of 203 contaminants, which also include viruses, bacteria, chloramine, and trihalomethanes. But it leaves all the natural, nutritionally beneficial minerals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium in the water.

They also sell fluoride filters separately, which I recommend getting as virtually all tap water contains fluoride.

You can install 2-4 filters in your Big Berkey. With two, the Big Berkey can filter 3½ liters of water an hour, enough for eight people in emergencies.

If you use four filters, sixteen! But be careful, it will leak on you if you don’t empty the bottom chamber! The bottom chamber has a capacity of 8.5 liters.

Why do I like the Big Berkey?

The fact that it provides clean, uncontaminated water is of course the primary reason I love my new Berkey. You can filter anything, from river or rain water to the sometime questionable water that comes from the tap.

As nice as it would be to depend on my tap water, contamination is a reality. Many people in the United States have developed serious illness and have even died as a result of contaminated water.

I decided a long time ago that I’d invest money in protecting my family from that risk, but I hated buying plastic bottles for obvious reasons. A quality water filter is more sustainable in the long run, both economically and environmentally.

Although it’s (thankfully) never come to it, Berkey's are arguably the best water purifier you can have in case of emergency, because they don’t require electricity or plumbing.

They travel very well, as the top piece can fit inside the bottom one, and they’re very light too. Hopefully I won’t need it for this reason, but hey, doesn’t hurt.

When it comes to everyday use, I love the Berkey. It was really easy to set up, and cleaning and maintaining it isn’t a problem.

And the water—it tastes incredible. I’m not exaggerating. Always being amazed at the water that came out of my friends’ Berkey's is the reason I bought my own. It tastes like fresh spring water. It even makes coffee and tea taste better.

My only complaint is that I have to move the water filter to the edge of the counter to pour water. But it’s not like that’s a big deal. I’m probably going to invest in a stand soon, which is only $37.00.

How much is a Big Berkey?

Speaking of costs, the Big Berkey is now $278.00, a very fair price compared to some other systems out there. You also have to purchase new filters every so often, but I find the ones I have are lasting very well.

It’s an investment for sure, but it's backed by their lifetime guarantee. It’s a huge relief knowing I’ll still be covered ten years down the road.

Final Thoughts About The Big Berkey Filter

For all the reasons listed above, I’m really enjoying my Big Berkey. It’s an investment that I feel has upgraded my life, from my health to the general aesthetic of my kitchen.

I honestly haven’t had it long enough to personally speak to its long-term use, but none of my friends have ever had problems with theirs, and the reviews on both the company website and Amazon are strong testaments to the Big Berkey’s durability and functionality.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone with an interest in emergency preparedness or doubts about the safety of their tap water. It also makes a great gift—to others or yourself!

4/5

Pros:

Covered by a lifetime warranty
Easy to set up, clean, and maintain
Removes 99.99% of 203 contaminants
Doesn't require any electricity or plumbing

Cons:

You have to lift the top chamber to see how much water is in the bottom to prevent overflow
Works a little more optimally with the purchase of add-ons, such as the stand and fluoride filters

Should you invest in the Big Berkey Water Filter?

It is one of most popular and versatile water filters. It is ideal for home use and medium-sized families.

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