Big Berkey Water Filter Review & Guide

If you don’t trust your tap water, you’re not alone. In fact, over 60 million Americans choose to avoid drinking from the tap altogether. Whether you are living off-grid and need access to clean water or you're just looking to protect your family from aging city infrastructure, the Big Berkey is the name that comes up most.

In this guide, we’ll break down how these systems work, how to set them up, and whether they are the right investment for your home.

How Do Berkey Water Purifiers Work?

Berkeys are gravity-fed systems consisting of two stainless steel chambers. You pour unfiltered water into the top chamber, and gravity pulls it through the Black Berkey purification elements.

Unlike standard pitcher filters that only "filter" taste, Berkey elements are true purifiers. They are tested to remove at least 99.9999% of pathogenic bacteria and 99.99% of viruses, while also dramatically reducing heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides.

Sizing Comparison: Which One is Right for You?

While the Big Berkey is the most popular, choosing the right size ensures you always have enough water without constant refilling.

The Verdict: For a family of 1 to 4, the 2.25-gallon Big Berkey is perfect. For large families (6–12 people), the Crown Berkey is the ultimate high-capacity solution.

What’s Included in the Kit?

When you order from an authorized dealer like Wild Oak Trail, your kit comes with everything needed to start filtering on day one:

• Upper and lower stainless steel chambers & lid

• 2 Black Berkey Elements (standard)

• 1 Spigot, washers, and wingnuts

• Priming starter kit and blocking plugs

• Instruction manual and warranty information

Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your Berkey

Assembly is straightforward and requires no tools.

1. Spigot: Add the washer to the spigot and secure it to the lower chamber using the plastic nut.

2. Plugs: Use the blocking plugs and wingnuts to close any unused holes in the upper chamber.

3. Prime the Filters: This is the most important step! (See below).

4. Install Elements: Place the primed filters into the open holes of the upper chamber and secure them with wingnuts. Do not over-tighten.

5. Test: Fill the top chamber. Your first gallon should be ready within the hour.

How to "Prime" Your Filters

Before installation, you must "prime" the elements to clear out air and manufacturing dust. Press the tan priming button against your faucet and hold the filter stem against it. Turn on the cold water slowly until the element begins to "sweat" beads of water for about two minutes. Once clear water flows, they are ready!

Maintenance & Longevity

A Berkey system is built to last a lifetime. The 304 stainless steel chambers are incredibly durable, and with proper care, you may never need to replace them.

• Filter Life: Each pair of Black Berkey elements lasts for up to 6,000 gallons. For the average family, that is roughly 2 cents per gallon of clean water.

• Cleaning: If your flow rate slows down, simply scrub the exterior of the black elements with a Scotch-Brite pad under cold water and re-prime them.

• The Spigot: Since the spigot is the last thing the water touches, we recommend wiping it down with a sanitary wipe every week or two.

Is the Big Berkey Worth It?

The Pros:

• No Power Needed: Essential for emergency preparedness and power outages.

• Superior Quality: Removes contaminants that most "grocery store" filters leave behind.

• Cost Savings: Far cheaper over time than bottled water or frequent plastic filter replacements.

The Cons:

• Speed: Gravity filtration takes time (approx. 2 hours for a full tank).

• Fluoride: To remove fluoride, you must purchase additional PF-2 Fluoride Filters separately.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are preparing for the unexpected or just want the cleanest water possible for your children, the Big Berkey remains the gold standard. It is a "buy once, cry once" investment that pays for itself in peace of mind.

Shop the full Berkey collection here at Wild Oak Trail—Authorized Dealer with Free Shipping and Price Match Guarantee!