I have always been a promoter of the Berkey water filter. I write about it from time to time and include references to it whenever the topic comes up in a blog post. This time I want to address its cost. It’s not cheap. Is it worth it?
Hey, I get it… the thresholds of how much money that someone is willing to spend is often relative to one’s income or ‘extra’ money on hand. That makes sense. There usually are alternatives that cost less. If they fulfill the need ‘good enough’, then great. No issue with that.
There are several sizes of the countertop / tabletop Berkey water filter. They range in price from the mid $200’s to the mid $300’s (as of this posting). Like I said, they’re not cheap. In fact, the Berkey may be the most expensive countertop water filter of its kind.
If someone is simply looking to buy a good drinking water filter, they could spend about $25 and get a Sawyer Mini (for example). Although it’s a small portable filter, it will get the job done. Unlike most other cheaper filters, the Sawyer element, incredibly, is rated to 0.1 microns! Though it’s not a countertop type stand-alone reservoir filter for higher volume household convenience.
Why would someone spend 10X more for a Berkey water filter? Okay, let me try to answer that…
Convenience, Quality, Longevity of the Berkey Water Filter
Convenience of the Berkey Water Filter
The purpose, or intended use of the Berkey is for household convenience. It’s a holding tank for several gallons of safe purified drinking water with a spigot for quick access. Perfect for in the house or even a RV or “at the camp”.
Refilling is simple and easy. Lift the top cover, dump in more water. Done. It doesn’t take too long for gravity to work the water from the upper chamber – through the filter elements – into the lower reservoir.
High Quality Components of the Berkey
It’s not complicated. There are two stainless steel chambers (upper and lower), the filter elements, and a water spigot.
Stainless steel won’t rust. And it’s thick enough in this case to be solid and sturdy.
Obviously the heart of any water filter system are the filter elements. The ‘Black Berkey’ purification elements are the core of the system.
They filter 99.9999% (a 6 log10 reduction ) of bacteria and 99.999% (5 log10 reduction) virus. That’s incredibly good.
(Black Berkey purification elements test results source)
How Long will the Berkey Water Filter Last?
Purification elements: Each filter element will purify 3,000 gallons. The smallest Berkey filter has two elements, so that’s 6,000 gallons! If you consumed two gallons a day, that’s 11 years before filter element change!
Stainless steel chambers: My oldest Berkey is at least 10 years old or thereabouts. I can tell you that it looks as new as the day I bought it. Still shiny, no rust whatsoever. Perfect.
Is the Berkey Worth It??
Personally, yes, I believe it’s worth it. General cost analysis for 6,000 gallons of water run through a Berkey is initially about 5 cents a gallon based on a $300 investment. Thereafter it’s less because you only have to buy replacement filters (works out to about 2 cents a gallon).
I cannot overemphasize the importance of safe purified drinking water. Even if your current water source is considered ‘safe’, the extra assurance of filtering it before it goes into your body is reassuring, and important!
I live with well water. Actually it’s spring water. I know there are organics in it, so not only do I filter it when it comes into the house (inline filter membrane), but I filter ALL of my drinking water with the Berkey.
For the sake of preparedness, in my opinion it’s tough to beat it within its class.
If you’ve read this far…
If you have actually read this far, here are some links for further reading about the Berkey:
Related articles on MSB:
5 Accessories for your Berkey Water Filter
Black Berkey – Red Dye Food Coloring Test
How to Clean Berkey Filter Elements
The Smallest Berkey Tabletop Filter
Water Purifier or Water Filter?
Have a look at the Berkey for yourself:
I think they are well worth it, there are copy cats out there that are cheaper, but personally would rather stick with the original.
Fresh, clean potable water is #1 on the list
I have one of the Big Berkey filter systems, I also got the Sight Glass and Stand for it. Well worth the extra few bucks. I would also suggest purchasing a spare set of filters, ya never know.
To the best of reasons for owning the Berkey, besides all the obvious reasons that have been listed hundreds of times…….
It looks really cool sitting there on the Counter……
Get one, it’s a good investment.
Love my Berkey, have the Royal with sight and stand.
If you are on city water and budget allows get the Fluoride/Arsenic reduction filters. Fluoride is NOT good for you. Worried about teeth, it is in toothpaste.
The water will be even clearer and better. Will filter slower at first then gets back up to speed so to speak.
The Berkey Light is inexpensive. It is the one I bought my boys. My oldest son the eye roller, did not set his up. Youngest son likes his a lot.
Have 3 sets of filters back activated and dried. Water in your area will affect the longevity of the filters.
There’s a gazillion ways to make water safe to drink. There is no way, in the long run, that’s better, or more economical than the Berkey system. Without doubt, the best money you’ll spend in prepping, hands down.
I spent a little over $200 (I know there more expensive now, but still a bargain) for my Big Berkey, 4 filters, with two sports bottles and filters as a bonus, probably six years ago. Haven’t used the second set of filters yet. still on the first two, and we drink only water that is filtered through the Berkey.
Many folks balk at the “high” price. If I get another six years after I replace the originally installed filters, I’ve furnished my family with purified drinking water for about $18 dollars a year, average.
What are the copy”s?
Don’t see any listed anywhere.
Tango
Check out
St Paul Mercantile
They have knockoffs, a bit cheaper but in my opinion not as good, i have bought from them,
Tango,
While the whole Berkey units are top quality, you can make your own set up. The filters are the heart of the system, and this is where the “copies” come in. They sell substantially cheaper than the original Berkey filters, look almost identical to the original, and usually sell as “Berkey style” filters.
Aquafresh is one look-a-like. They might be good filters, I don’t know, but I trust Berkey. They last so long, I can’t see myself taking the chance just to save $25-$30, but that’s just me.
Remember, a Yugo looked a heck of a lot like a VW Rabbit.
Dennis,
Just like a chevy is also a pickup truck like the Ford! But they aint called “Super Duty” for nothing
Tommyboy,
Had both over the years. All of them were good pickups. Had a Duramax 4wd with the Allison transmission which was probably the best I ever had. Got a Silverado 1500 4wd now, 8 years old and already got 45,000 miles on it. Doubt I’ll ever buy another before I wear out first.
Nephew bought a new Ford King’s Ranch. Heck of a pickup. Got me thinking, but I don’t guess I’ll spend 12 times what I gave for my first home to buy a new pickup.
True words D
I sometimes cant believe how expensive trucks are now.
Was just poking at that NRP feller with the Chevy joke,,, my first wheels was a GMC so theres a special spot in my head for them,,,
My feeling is that potable water is an absolutely number one priority in our self-reliant preps. . Life without potable water just won’t be pleasant nor last too long . The Berkey was one of our first investments as we moved into the ” lifestyle” . I recommend one .
While I don’t like some of Berkey’s past action (or rather inaction) water filters are a must-have thing.
I have a Doulton filter (very much like a Berkey) a few Katadyn Pocket Filters and a few Sawyer ones.
I I would place a quality water filter close to the top thing to have. And also get several extra elements for it.
Water filtering is not an area where scrimping on price should be done.
Has any independent lab tested the claims of Berkey? Yes, I have one and have used it for years.
I agree Jed. My own independent (home) lab results have been excellent 😉
That said, I have a link up in the article referencing lab test results of their filter elements – sourced from New Millennium Concepts, Ltd., the source company of Berkey water filters.
Not planning on buying the “cheaper one”, just asking who makes them. Never seen any advertised– maybe there is a reason.
I buy the best I can afford.
Thanks for the info
By the way, All Berkey products are manufactured in the USA.
I have a Big Berkey with spare filters. Its a worth while investment for now and SHTF.
A couple of 5 gallon buckets and the proper filers..is all you need. A more effective water purification system can be built for far less. I would not waste the money.
@Ision, Please back up your claim about a “more effective” purification system for far less. I’m challenging you, yes, but not in a bad way. I would like to here your comparison.
Water purification is a must. Water is easy to contaminate. when you are on city wAter, you are at higher risk. Get a good filter and use it now.
Our water at house is city and quality went straight down and nasty when state told town they had to change the source. No longer safe to drink and always discolored. We use filter always at house
Farm has well with wonderful water thankfully.
I sort of look at it from the standpoint of which prep I will need / use the most.
I still have a generator from Y2K and have never used it because I have not needed to.
The Berkey water unit I have, I use every day and have used for 7 or 8 years now. I am very pleased with this water purification unit and have recommended it to many over the years.
Thanks for pointing that out. A quality water filter is used every day whereas other preps are less likely to be usable on a day to day basis – though important nonetheless…