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Our Royal Berkey Water Filter: A 5-Year Family Review (Is It Worth It?)
The Story: Five Years, Two Kids, and One Amazing Water Filter
When my husband and I decided to invest in a Berkey water filter five years ago, we were excited to switch from a brita filter and had finally decided where it was going to go (we have a small kitchen with limited counter space).
We were a family of four (our kids were just little then—now they're 6 and 8!) and we were spending a lot on Brita filters and knew Berkey did a better job. We finally settled on the Royal Berkey—it seemed like the perfect size for what the four of us would use.
Five years later, it’s not just a countertop appliance; it’s an absolute fixture in our home and a non-negotiable part of our routine.
So, after 1,825 days, thousands of gallons filtered, and countless debates over whose turn it is to fill it up, here is our honest, personal, and detailed review of life with our Berkey.
Why We Chose the Royal Berkey for Our Family
We knew we needed a filter that could handle a high volume of water, and the Royal Berkey (with its 3.25 gallon capacity) has been perfect.
- The Volume: As a family of four, we go through a lot of water. The kids are constantly filling up their water bottles, I use it for all my cooking and coffee, and we all drink from it exclusively. The Royal size means we only have to fill it up once a day—usually right after dinner.
- The Routine: We keep a dedicated jug ready. Every night, one of us fills it and pours it into the upper chamber. It’s a simple, necessary chore, and seeing the upper chamber empty the next day confirms just how much water we actually drink.
- Peace of Mind: Honestly, the biggest factor was the filtration quality. Knowing that our filter handles 99.999 of pathogenic bacteria and viruses, along with heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, and microplastics gives me huge peace of mind, especially with young kids.
Pros
- The Taste (The Single Best Feature)
This is where the Berkey truly shines. The difference between our tap water and the filtered Berkey water is night and day. Our water is city water, and it can have that noticeable chlorine aftertaste. Berkey water is clean, crisp, and neutral. It makes our coffee, tea, and even boiled pasta water taste better.
- Almost Zero Maintenance
The initial setup was straightforward, and the long-term maintenance is even easier. We only clean the chambers a couple of times a year with a scotch-bride pad. The most crucial part is cleaning the Black Berkey Purification Elements (BB9s).
(Pro-Tip: When to Clean? Over time, the flow rate slows down. Instead of instantly replacing the filters, we simply take them out and do a quick re-priming and a light scrub with a Scotch-Brite pad. This usually boosts the flow right back up for months! We're still on our original set of 4 BB9s after 5 years (following proper care guidelines, of course).
- The Money Savings (A Real ROI)
We quickly stopped buying brita filters and cases of bottled water. If you calculate the cost of the unit and the BB9 elements over five years, it absolutely crushes the cost of buying equivalent quality filtered or bottled water. It paid for itself within the first year.
Cons
- The Real Estate
The Royal Berkey is tall! It demands a prime spot on the counter. We have a small kitchen and didn't have the space, so we actually keep ours in our dining room. If you have a low-hanging cupboard, make sure to measure before you buy!
- The "Float" Issue
Because it’s a gravity filter, you can’t tell how much water is in the bottom chamber just by looking. We've definitely had moments where someone poured too much into the top (didn't realize it had just been done), and the bottom chamber was already full, leading to overflows all over the counter.
Our Solution: We announce when we've filled it up, or just lift the top and peek into the bottom to be sure. You can also buy the sight glass spigot (a game-changer!). It let's you see exactly how much purified water is left at a quick glance.
Our Berkey Connection: Selling What We Swear By
Before I wrap up this five-year review, I want to share the professional side of our Berkey story. We are not just happy customers; we are an authorized Berkey dealer, and frankly, we wouldn't have it any other way. Berkey was one of the first products we sold on our site in 2017!
There's a unique pride in selling a product that sits on your own counter top and that you personally rely on every single day to hydrate your family. We've built a strong, direct relationship with the Berkey over the years.
- Trust and Expertise: This close relationship ensures that when you purchase from us, you are getting authentic products, current information, and the best possible support.
- A Commitment to Quality: We love that we can stand behind every unit we sell, knowing first-hand the incredible difference it makes in a home. We truly believe the Berkey is the best water purification solution on the market, and we're incredibly grateful to be a part of bringing this health-focused product to your home.
When you buy your Berkey from us, you're not just getting a filter; you're getting the endorsement and support of a family just like yours who uses and loves it daily.
The 5-Year Verdict: Is the Royal Berkey Worth It?
An unequivocal YES.
Five years in, our Royal Berkey is one of the most essential appliances in our home. It's more than a filter; it's a wellness tool that has streamlined our water consumption, saved us money, and given us peace of mind.
If you are a family, a group of roommates, or just a couple who drinks a lot of water, I highly recommend the Royal Berkey. It handles the volume, the elements last for years, and the water quality is genuinely unmatched.
It’s an investment, but it’s one that pays dividends every single day.
| Model | Ideal Household Size | Capacity (Approx.) | Max. Black Berkey Elements Supported |
Typical Daily Use | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Berkey | 1–3 people | ~1.5 gallons (5.7 L) | 2 elements | Light daily drinking water, small apartments, RVs | Singles, couples, small-space living, travel setups |
| Big Berkey | 1–4 people | ~2.25 gallons (8.5 L) | Up to 4 elements | Everyday family use with moderate water demand | Couples & small families wanting extra capacity |
| Royal Berkey ⭐ | 2–6 people | ~3.25 gallons (12.3 L) | Up to 4 elements | Full-time daily drinking & cooking water for a family | Families like ours (4 people) who run it every day and want room for guests or higher water use |
| Imperial Berkey | 4–8 people | ~4.5 gallons (17 L) | Up to 6 elements | High-volume use, especially in larger households | Large families, small groups, offices, or homesteads |
| Crown Berkey | 6–10+ people | ~6 gallons (22.7 L) | Up to 8 elements | Continuous heavy use, high-flow demand | Large families, community spaces, off-grid cabins, events |
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