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Big Berkey Water Filtration System Review: An Objective Analysis

$367.00

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The Big Berkey® Water Filtration System is a durable, stainless steel gravity filter designed to remove over 200 contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, and heavy metals. It can filter up to 3.5 gallons per hour and is suitable for households or outdoor use. While praised for its robust filtration and portability, it lacks NSF/ANSI certification, raising concerns about verified performance. Some users report slow filtration speeds and occasional leaks.

Pros: Effective contaminant removal, durable design, large capacity, portable.

Cons: Not NSF-certified, inconsistent filtration speed, relatively expensive.

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Full Review

Edmund
Written by Edmund Yeo

Wondering if the Big Berkey Water Filtration System is worth it? We cover its performance, ease of use, and overall value to help you decide.

Key Takeaways

  • The Big Berkey® Water Filtration System is designed for families and outdoor enthusiasts, effectively filtering out over 200 contaminants and providing reliable drinking water.

  • While easy to set up and maintain, the system faces scrutiny due to reported inconsistencies in filtration speed and the lack of NSF certification, which may concern potential buyers.

  • Despite its strengths, such as durable construction and user-friendly features, consumers should consider alternatives like Aquasana that offer NSF-certified filtration for added peace of mind.

Introduction to Big Berkey

big berkey water filter

The Big Berkey® Water Filtration System is acclaimed for its ability to provide clean and safe drinking water for families of up to four people and outdoor enthusiasts.

Manufactured by New Millennium Concepts, this gravity filtration water filtration system uses Black Berkey elements, which are touted to remove a wide range of contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and harmful chemicals.

One of the standout features of the Big Berkey is its capacity to accommodate two to four Black Berkey filter elements, which enhances its water processing capabilities to approximately 3.5 gallons per hour when fully equipped.

The system’s design allows it to fit seamlessly into most kitchen environments while providing the convenience and peace of mind that comes with knowing your drinking water is safe and clean. We will evaluate these bold claims to see how the Big Berkey performs under real-world conditions.

Target Audience

The Big Berkey® Water Filtration System is specifically designed for small to medium families, making it an ideal solution for households with one to four members.

Its versatile design allows it to filter water from various sources, including rivers and ponds, making it equally suitable for travel and outdoor activities. This makes the Big Berkey a valuable asset for those who enjoy camping, hiking, or are looking to be prepared for unexpected emergencies.

Moreover, the Big Berkey® is favored by outdoor enthusiasts and self-sufficient households. It is particularly beneficial for families lacking access to treated tap water or those who prefer not to rely solely on bottled water.

The Big Berkey offers a dependable source of safe drinking water, helping users maintain their health and well-being regardless of their water supply.

Unboxing and Initial Impressions

Unboxing the Big Berkey® Water Filtration System is a pleasant experience that reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability.

The system is delivered in an eco-friendly box, which immediately sets a positive tone. Upon opening, the well-organized packaging is evident, with all components securely placed to prevent damage during transit.

The initial impression of the Big Berkey is one of portability and thoughtful design. The upper chamber nests within the lower chamber, making it easy to transport and store when not in use.

This feature is particularly useful for those who plan to use the system in different locations or during travel.

Overall, the unboxing experience promises a product that is both practical and environmentally conscious.

Installation Process

Setting up the Big Berkey® Water Filtration System is a straightforward process that requires no special tools and can be completed in under 30 minutes.

The system comes with detailed instructions that guide users through each step, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free assembly. Thoroughly rinsing all components to remove any manufacturing residues is an important first step in the installation.

The most critical part of the setup is priming the filters, which can be a bit more complex compared to simpler water filter options. Placing the system on a stable, level surface helps prevent tipping.

Checking all seals and connections during installation helps avoid leaks and ensures optimal filtration performance. With these precautions in mind, users can enjoy a seamless setup process.

Design and Build Quality

design and build quality

The design and build quality of the Big Berkey® Water Filtration System are impressive.

Constructed from high-quality stainless steel, the system is recognized for its durability and long-lasting performance. The polished finish not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also ensures that it fits seamlessly into any kitchen environment.

Weighing approximately 6.5 pounds when empty, the Big Berkey requires significant counter space, which may be a consideration for those with smaller kitchens. The dual-chamber system allows for simultaneous filtration and storage, making it a practical addition to any household.

Overall, the combination of robust materials and thoughtful design makes the Big Berkey a top-selling model in the water filtration market.

User-Friendly Features

The Big Berkey® Water Filtration System is designed with user-friendly features that enhance its overall usability.

The straightforward setup and maintenance processes mean that users can easily get the system up and running without the need for specialized tools or extensive technical knowledge.

This simplicity makes it accessible to a wide range of users, from tech-savvy individuals to those who prefer low-maintenance solutions.

Maintaining the filters is straightforward; simply reprime and scrub them gently under running water to keep them in top condition.

This ease of maintenance ensures that the system can continue to provide safe drinking water with minimal effort, making it an ideal choice for busy households and those who prioritize convenience.

Real-World Filtration Performance

When it comes to real-world filtration performance, the Big Berkey® Water Filtration System shows mixed results.

On the positive side, it effectively reduces a wide range of contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and chemicals, providing users with filtered drinking water that is noticeably better in taste and quality. Many users have praised the system for eliminating off-tastes, which is a common issue with other filtration systems.

Some users have reported inconsistencies, such as slow filtration speed, which can be inconvenient for those needing quick access to filtered water. Leaking issues have also been noted, potentially compromising the filtration process if water bypasses the filter due to improper sealing.

Despite these challenges, the big berkey water filter remains a popular choice for those seeking reliable water filtration. Its ability to process up to 6000 gallons of water with its filter elements makes it a robust option for households that require a substantial volume of clean water.

Contaminant Removal Efficiency

contaminant removal efficiency

The Big Berkey® Water Filtration System boasts impressive contaminant removal capabilities, claiming to eliminate over 200 contaminants, including chlorine, chloramines, herbicides, pesticides, VOCs, and heavy metals like lead and mercury.

Independent tests have shown that the system can effectively remove up to 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, making it a strong contender in the water filtration market.

However, the lack of NSF certification raises questions about the validity of these claims compared to certified alternatives.

Other filtration systems, such as those offered by Aquasana, have undergone rigorous testing and received NSF/ANSI certification, which can provide consumers with additional peace of mind regarding their filtration effectiveness. This certification gap is a significant consideration for potential buyers.

Water temperature and flow rate can also influence the Big Berkey’s filtering performance. While the system performs well in removing PFAS contaminants and microplastics, the extent of reduction may vary based on specific conditions.

Despite these variations, the Black Berkey filters utilize advanced microfiltration and adsorption technologies to enhance contaminant absorption, providing users with clean and safe drinking water.

Overall Value and Alternatives

The Big Berkey® Water Filtration System is priced at $367.00, making it a considerable investment for families seeking a reliable water purification solution.

While the system offers significant benefits in terms of contaminant removal and water quality, the lack of NSF/ANSI certification limits the reliability of its performance comparisons with other water filters.

Certified alternatives like Aquasana offer NSF/ANSI certified filtration systems, potentially providing more peace of mind regarding filtration effectiveness.

These alternatives can sometimes be more cost-effective and provide similar or better contaminant removal capabilities, making them worth considering for potential buyers.

Pros and Cons Summary

The Big Berkey® Water Filtration System offers numerous advantages, such as providing clean and great-tasting drinking water and having a robust design. However, potential buyers should weigh these benefits against the noted inconsistencies in filtration performance and the lack of NSF certification.

The decision to purchase the Big Berkey ultimately depends on individual needs and priorities.

Final Thoughts

The Big Berkey® Water Filtration System delivers on its promise of providing clean and safe drinking water for the entire family.

Users have expressed satisfaction with the taste and quality of water filtered by the system, noting a distinct improvement compared to other filters like a berkey water filter.

However, the controversies surrounding the lack of NSF certification and the classification of Berkey filters as pesticides by the EPA are important considerations.

Despite these issues, the Big Berkey remains a valuable option for those who prioritize water quality and are willing to manage the system’s maintenance and performance variations.

For those seeking certified alternatives, options like Aquasana may provide additional peace of mind.

FAQs

Here are some common questions and answers regarding the Big Berkey® Water Filtration System:

How long does it take to set up the Big Berkey system?
The setup process typically takes under 30 minutes and requires no special tools.
How often do the filters need to be replaced?
The Black Berkey filter elements can process up to 6000 gallons of water before needing replacement.
Can the Big Berkey filter water from natural sources like rivers and ponds?
Yes, the system is designed to filter water from various sources, making it suitable for travel and outdoor activities.
Does the Big Berkey remove fluoride from the water?
The system can be equipped with fluoride filters to effectively reduce fluoride levels in the water.
Is the Big Berkey NSF certified?
No, the Big Berkey is not NSF certified, which raises questions about the validity of its filtration claims compared to certified alternatives.
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