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10 Best Berkey Water Filters 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Royal Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter System with 2 Black Berkey Elements Plus Deluxe 10" Stainless Steel Berkey Water View Spigot

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,228
Filtration Capacity
Flow Rate
Filter Elements

Most important from
384 reviews

Filtration Capacity
This system offers a major upgrade over typical pitcher filters, providing a larger capacity and better water quality for small families.
Flow Rate
Although the filtration takes about an hour, planning ahead by filling overnight ensures a steady supply without running out.
Filter Elements
The filter elements last a very long time, reducing the frequency and cost of replacements.
Material and Durability
The stainless steel construction keeps water cool and adds a durable, attractive look suitable for any kitchen.
Maintenance Requirements
The water-level indicator on the spigot provides convenient monitoring without lifting the top, making it easy to manage supply.

The Royal Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter is a strong choice for anyone wanting clean, great-tasting water at home without complicated setup or electricity. It holds 3.25 gallons, making it suitable for daily use in kitchens or offices. The system uses two Black Berkey Elements, which are well-regarded for removing over 250 contaminants, including many chemicals and microbes, thanks to a special multi-media filter design. This means you get safer water for drinking and cooking. The flow rate is steady enough for personal or small family use, although it won’t be as fast as electric filters—gravity-fed systems generally take a bit longer to filter water.

The unit is made of stainless steel, which is durable and easy to clean, plus it includes a deluxe 10-inch spigot with a water-level indicator, so you don’t have to lift the top to check how much water is left. This adds convenience and helps you keep track of your supply. Maintenance is straightforward: the filter elements last up to 6,000 gallons each before needing replacement, which keeps ongoing costs low, but the actual lifespan depends on your water quality.

While the Royal Berkey isn’t very compact, its size is reasonable for countertop use and it’s easy to move if needed. If your household needs water quickly or in larger amounts, this system might not keep up due to its gravity-fed nature and moderate flow rate. For those wanting an economical, reliable, and highly effective filter without plumbing or power, it represents a solid pick.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,228
Filtration Capacity
Flow Rate
Filter Elements

Most important from
384 reviews

Filtration Capacity
This system offers a major upgrade over typical pitcher filters, providing a larger capacity and better water quality for small families.
Flow Rate
Although the filtration takes about an hour, planning ahead by filling overnight ensures a steady supply without running out.
Filter Elements
The filter elements last a very long time, reducing the frequency and cost of replacements.
Material and Durability
The stainless steel construction keeps water cool and adds a durable, attractive look suitable for any kitchen.
Maintenance Requirements
The water-level indicator on the spigot provides convenient monitoring without lifting the top, making it easy to manage supply.
#2

Big Berkey Gravity-Fed Stainless Steel Countertop Water Filter System 2.25 Gallon with 2 Authentic Black Berkey Elements BB9-2 Filters

Rating
9.7
Filtration Capacity
Filter Elements
Material and Durability

Most important from
4046 reviews

Filtration Capacity
The Berkey filters out over 200 contaminants, including chemicals and bacteria, ensuring clean and safe water.
Filter Elements
The filters have an impressive lifespan of up to 11,000 gallons, making them cost-effective over time.
Material and Durability
The stainless steel construction is durable and the materials are unmatched in quality.
Maintenance Requirements
Setup is fairly easy, though priming the elements can be challenging due to faucet adapter issues.

The Big Berkey Gravity-Fed Stainless Steel Countertop Water Filter System is designed to provide high-quality filtration with convenience. It has a 2.25-gallon capacity, making it suitable for daily use in a household or office setting. One of its significant strengths is its filtration capability; the system uses authentic Black Berkey Elements that remove or reduce over 250 contaminants, including chlorine, without the need for electricity or plumbing.

This makes it highly efficient and versatile. Additionally, the filters are long-lasting, capable of filtering up to 6,000 gallons per pair, which translates to economical maintenance over time. You can also expand its filtration capacity by adding more filter elements if needed. The stainless-steel construction adds to its durability and ensures it can withstand regular use.

However, the flow rate is relatively low at 0.03 gallons per minute, which might be slow for some users. The system's size is compact enough for countertop placement, but it may still take up considerable space in smaller kitchens. Maintenance is straightforward but requires regular monitoring to ensure optimal performance. The product is also not available for shipping to California or Iowa due to local regulations. The Big Berkey is a reliable and efficient water filter system ideal for those looking for high filtration performance and durability, though the slow flow rate and potential space occupation should be considered.

Rating
9.7
Filtration Capacity
Filter Elements
Material and Durability

Most important from
4046 reviews

Filtration Capacity
The Berkey filters out over 200 contaminants, including chemicals and bacteria, ensuring clean and safe water.
Filter Elements
The filters have an impressive lifespan of up to 11,000 gallons, making them cost-effective over time.
Material and Durability
The stainless steel construction is durable and the materials are unmatched in quality.
Maintenance Requirements
Setup is fairly easy, though priming the elements can be challenging due to faucet adapter issues.
#3

Royal Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter System 3.25 Gallon with 2 Black Berkey Elements, 2 PF-2 Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements

Rating
9.1
Filtration Capacity
Filter Elements
Material and Durability

Most important from
986 reviews

Filtration Capacity
City water tastes crisp and pure after filtration, with no metallic taste even if it sits overnight.
Filter Elements
Priming the filters can be challenging, but there are helpful YouTube videos to guide the process.
Material and Durability
The high-quality stainless steel construction ensures durability and a sleek appearance.
Maintenance Requirements
The Royal Berkey makes everything taste better, especially tea, and is easy to assemble even for those not mechanically inclined.

The Royal Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter System has a generous filtration capacity of 3.25 gallons, making it suitable for a family or small office. Its countertop design is convenient and does not require electricity, tools, or plumbing, enhancing its portability and ease of installation.

The system features two Black Berkey Elements and two PF-2 Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements, which work together to remove fluoride, arsenic, and over 250 other contaminants from tap water, ensuring high water quality. Users can enjoy fresh, great-tasting water daily, ideal for drinking, cooking, and making beverages.

The filtration elements are long-lasting; the Black Berkey Elements can filter up to 6,000 gallons, while the PF-2 Elements are effective for up to 1,000 gallons before needing replacement, making the system economical in the long run. The unit is made of highly polished AISI 304 stainless steel, ensuring durability and a sleek appearance. However, the size and weight (9.68 pounds) might be a drawback for those with limited counter space or who need a more portable option. Maintenance involves periodic replacement of the filter elements, depending on water quality and usage, which could be a hassle for some. Potential buyers should be aware of the initial cost and ongoing maintenance requirements.

Rating
9.1
Filtration Capacity
Filter Elements
Material and Durability

Most important from
986 reviews

Filtration Capacity
City water tastes crisp and pure after filtration, with no metallic taste even if it sits overnight.
Filter Elements
Priming the filters can be challenging, but there are helpful YouTube videos to guide the process.
Material and Durability
The high-quality stainless steel construction ensures durability and a sleek appearance.
Maintenance Requirements
The Royal Berkey makes everything taste better, especially tea, and is easy to assemble even for those not mechanically inclined.

Buying Guide for the Best Berkey Water Filters

Choosing the right water filter is crucial for ensuring that you and your family have access to clean, safe drinking water. Berkey water filters are known for their high-quality filtration systems, but selecting the right model can be a bit overwhelming. To make an informed decision, you need to understand the key specifications and how they align with your needs. Here are the main factors to consider when choosing a Berkey water filter.
Filtration CapacityFiltration capacity refers to the amount of water the filter can process before the filter elements need to be replaced. This is important because it determines how often you will need to maintain the filter. Smaller capacities (e.g., 1,000 gallons) are suitable for individuals or small families, while larger capacities (e.g., 6,000 gallons) are better for larger households or those who use a lot of filtered water. Consider your household size and water consumption to choose the right capacity.
Flow RateFlow rate is the speed at which water is filtered and dispensed. This is important because it affects how quickly you can get filtered water. Lower flow rates (e.g., 1 gallon per hour) are sufficient for personal use or small families, while higher flow rates (e.g., 4 gallons per hour) are better for larger families or situations where you need a lot of water quickly. Think about your daily water needs and how much time you can wait for filtered water.
Filter ElementsFilter elements are the components that actually remove contaminants from the water. The quality and type of filter elements determine the range of contaminants that can be removed. Berkey filters typically use Black Berkey elements, which are highly effective at removing bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and other impurities. If you have specific concerns, such as fluoride or arsenic, make sure the filter elements are capable of removing those contaminants. Assess your water quality and choose filter elements that address your specific needs.
Size and PortabilityThe size and portability of the water filter are important factors, especially if you have limited space or plan to use the filter in different locations. Smaller models are more portable and easier to store, making them ideal for apartments, RVs, or travel. Larger models are better suited for permanent installation in a home with ample space. Consider where you will be using the filter and how much space you have available.
Material and DurabilityThe material and durability of the water filter affect its longevity and performance. Berkey filters are typically made from stainless steel, which is durable and resistant to corrosion. Some models may have plastic components, which are lighter but less durable. If you plan to use the filter long-term or in harsh conditions, opt for a model with high-quality, durable materials. Think about how and where you will use the filter to determine the best material for your needs.
Maintenance RequirementsMaintenance requirements include how often you need to clean or replace the filter elements. This is important because it affects the ongoing cost and effort needed to keep the filter functioning properly. Some filters require frequent cleaning and replacement, while others are low-maintenance. If you prefer a low-maintenance option, look for filters with longer-lasting elements and easy cleaning processes. Consider your willingness and ability to perform regular maintenance when choosing a filter.

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