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Black Berkey vs. Phoenix Gravity Filters: Which Replacement is Right for You?
You open your stainless steel water system and realize it is time for a change because the flow has slowed down or it has simply been a few years. You likely know the Black Berkey elements well since they are the industry standard, but you might have noticed the Phoenix Gravity Filter Elements popping up as a serious alternative.
It can get confusing because both filters look black, fit in the upper chamber, and use gravity to filter your water.
We want to help you understand exactly what Berkey Water Filters you're getting. This guide digs into the specific specs, the installation tools included, and the testing data so you can pick the best match for your home.
Key Takeaways
- Material Composition: Black Berkeys use a proprietary blend, while Phoenix filters use transparently disclosed CTC-60 Coconut Shell Carbon.
- Lifespan: Black Berkeys are rated for 6,000 gallons per pair, slightly edging out Phoenix filters which are rated for 5,500 gallons per pair.
- What’s in the Box: Phoenix filters include a PrimeEasy™ tool and red food dye for testing. Black Berkeys typically come with a standard priming button.
- Warranty: Black Berkeys offer a 2-year pro-rated warranty. Phoenix filters come with a 1-year limited warranty.
- Compatibility: Both filters fit all Berkey gravity systems and work with PF-2 fluoride reduction elements.
The Core Difference: Proprietary Blend vs. Coconut Carbon
The biggest technical difference lies in how the manufacturers build these filters.
Black Berkey Elements
Berkey uses a "proprietary blend" of media, which means the exact recipe remains a trade secret. We know it uses more than just carbon because it combines various media types to target specific contaminants like viruses and bacteria.
This complex structure is why they are often called "purification elements" rather than just filters.
Phoenix Gravity Filters
Phoenix offers transparency by constructing their blocks with CTC-60 Coconut Shell Carbon. This high-grade activated carbon is famous for its massive surface area and adsorption capabilities.
They also use a glass-filled BPA-free polymer for the base, so if you prefer knowing exactly what materials sit in your water, Phoenix offers that clarity.
Filter Showdown: Black Berkey vs Phoenix Gravity Filters
BATTLE OF THE GRAVITY FILTERS:
Phoenix New Millennium Edition™ vs. Black Berkeys
Berkey Phoenix Gravity Filter(New Millennium Edition™)
1
KEY FEATURES
Premium Coconut Carbon Block, CTC-60 Adsorption Media.
Fits Standard Gravity Systems.
2
LIFESPAN & REPLACEMENT
Up to 5,500 Gallons per pair.
*Popular Choice: Replace every 12 months for peace of mind.*3
INSTALLATION & COMPATIBILITY
Easy Top Chamber Install. Compatible with PF-2 Fluoride Filters (Lower Chamber).
VS.
Black Berkey
1
KEY FEATURES
Proprietary Carbon Block Blend, Established Market Standard.
Fits Standard Gravity Systems.
2
LIFESPAN & REPLACEMENT
Up to 6,000 Gallons per pair.
*Popular Choice: Replace every 12 months for peace of mind.*3
INSTALLATION & COMPATIBILITY
Easy Top Chamber Install. Compatible with PF-2 Fluoride Filters (Lower Chamber).
Lifespan and Gallon Capacity
You probably want to know how long these will last before you need to spend money again.
- Black Berkey: A pair lasts for roughly 6,000 gallons.
- Phoenix Gravity: A pair lasts for roughly 5,500 gallons.
The Black Berkey wins purely on numbers, but the difference is small in the real world. For a family using 3 gallons a day, both sets will last several years. You will likely want to replace either set after 3 to 4 years to ensure freshness regardless of the official gallon limit.
Included Tools and Priming
This is where your actual experience with the product changes. Priming is the process of forcing water into the filter to push out air bubbles, and if you skip this step, your filters will not flow.
The Black Berkey Standard
Black Berkey elements come with a thick tan rubber priming button that you press against the faucet by hand. It works well, but it can sometimes be tricky to get a perfect seal if your faucet is fancy or uniquely shaped.
You usually have to buy a red dye test kit separately if you want to verify the filtration right away.
The Phoenix Advantage
Phoenix filters come with a PrimeEasy™ Universal Primer that stretches over your faucet to create a tight seal. It makes pushing water through the block very easy.
They also include two vials of red food coloring in the box so you can perform a "red dye test" immediately after installation to verify your seal is tight.
Testing and Certifications
Both brands take testing seriously, but they approach it differently.
Black Berkey elements are famous for their "independent third-party testing" and have a long history of lab results showing the reduction of heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, and PFAS
.
Phoenix Gravity elements highlight their compliance with NSF/ANSI 42 for aesthetic effects like chlorine and taste, as well as NSF/ANSI 372 for lead-free compliance. They use labs accredited by NABL and ISO to give you assurance that the materials themselves are safe and meet strict industry standards.
Which One Is Better?
Choose Black Berkey Elements if:
- You want the longest possible lifespan of 6,000 gallons.
- You prefer a product with a decades-long track record in the market.
- You want a longer warranty, as they offer 2 years pro-rated.
Choose Phoenix Gravity Filters if:
- You want to save some money upfront without sacrificing quality.
- You appreciate knowing the filter is made of coconut shell carbon.
- You want the convenience of the included priming tool and red dye test.
Have any questions or would like to place an order? We'd love to help! Chat with our friendly customer service team by calling 1-844-945-3625, chatting in on our website or email us at customersupport@wildoaktrail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Phoenix filters remove fluoride?
No, neither Phoenix nor Black Berkey filters remove fluoride on their own. You must attach PF-2 fluoride reduction elements to the stems in the lower chamber to remove fluoride.
Can I use Phoenix filters in a Big Berkey?
Yes. Phoenix filters are fully compatible with all Berkey systems, including the Travel, Big, Royal, Imperial, and Crown Berkey models. They screw into the same holes.
Do these filters expire if I store them?
Unused carbon filters generally do not expire if you keep them dry and sealed. You can store both Black Berkey and Phoenix elements indefinitely in a cool and dry place.
Why is the flow rate faster on the Phoenix?
Phoenix filters have a flow rate of up to 4.2 gallons per hour because the coconut carbon structure allows water to pass through efficiently without compromising contaminant reduction.
How do I clean these filters?
You can clean both types by scrubbing the outside with a Scotch-Brite pad under running water. This removes the outer layer of sediment and restores the flow rate.
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