Berkey Water Filter

[DrPrepper1]

I am going to order a Berkey. I am considering the Big Berkey for myself and my spouse. My question is the water spigot that comes with it. Does it work well, or do I need to order the stainless steel one?
I am also going to get the stand. I know it comes with 2 black water filters. Are those better than the short white filters?

 

[Proud Prepper]

Get the stainless steel spigot. The plastic ones fail. Black filters are the best.

 

[WGregMiller]

We’re using the black filters and the steel spigot. The plastic one was okay, but after a few months it started leaking around it. The steel one works a lot better anyway.

Ours has space for 4 filters, but we use 2. Doesn’t filter really fast but we have been able to stay ahead of it well enough. Coffee tastes a LOT better than before using filtered water.

Oh, and the ceramic (white) filters get a bit more stuff but are supposed to be easy to break.

 

[Brent S]

I am going to order a Berkey. I am considering the Big Berkey for myself and my spouse. My question is the water spigot that comes with it. Does it work well, or do I need to order the stainless steel one?
I am also going to get the stand. I know it comes with 2 black water filters. Are those better than the short white filters?

The stand is a nice extra, but a box or the edge of the counter will work. As far as filters, I have both, but I way prefer the ceramic. They last forever and have great filtering capabilities. They also don’t need to be primed. As far as the spigot, I’m still using the plastic one with no problems. I did buy the stainless one but will not install it until needed. Most say the plastic leaks in time though. All I know for sure is that municipal water systems are old and many are contaminated with things. Filtering what you drink is just smart. And the Berkey is the best out on the market. Not the cheapest, but it lasts a lifetime.

 

[brandx]

Get the stainless steel spigot. The plastic ones fail. Black filters are the best.

From what I have read Rellgar is correct.

 

[WGregMiller]

The stand is a nice extra, but a box or the edge of the counter will work. As far as filters, I have both, but I way prefer the ceramic. They last forever and have great filtering capabilities. They also don’t need to be primed. As far as the spigot, I’m still using the plastic one with no problems. I did buy the stainless one but will not install it until needed. Most say the plastic leaks in time though. All I know for sure is that municipal water systems are old and many are contaminated with things. Filtering what you drink is just smart. And the Berkey is the best out on the market. Not the cheapest, but it lasts a lifetime.

You’re right. I forgot that you don’t have to prime the ceramic ones.

Out plastic spigot started leaking around the seal after a year or so.

 

[Maverick]

I'm a Berkey fan but the spout leaves much to desire, get a stainless steel spout or order several of the plastic ones. My son also has one and never had an with the plastic, in fact, everyone that I personally knows never had an issue except me.

 

[Maverick]

This is what use
https://www.amazon.com/Boroux-Stain..._rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=0N3VNKQYHEM2WS9C1JBY

 

[Brent S]

I did need to tighten my plastic spiquit once, but it’s been good since. I figure I’ll just save the stainless one until I have any more issues and will swap it then. I just did a little research on the filters, ceramic vs black, and it looks like the black is slightly better according to Berkey. Funny, a few years back I read that the ceramic was better. Apparently the black filters lead and metals better, and they said it filters longer. That’s odd as the whole idea with the ceramic is that you can scrub it with a scouring pad, essentially removing the outer layer and rejuvenating the filter over and over. I ordered extra of both filters but have never installed the black ones yet. They are just backups in case it ever gets damaged. One thing to consider too is it would be easy to drill some holes in a 5gallon plastic bucket and install these filters in it to make your own.

 

[DrPrepper1]

Thanks everyone! I just placed my order. Now just waiting for it to get here. I ordered off of Berkeyfilters.com ..and then I realized I could have just gotten off of Amazon. My order has already been placed on line, so I am nervous about canceling it and getting my money back. I did order the stainless steel spigot on Amazon. I am sure that will get here first. I would be really bummed out if the filter got here and then leaked.

 

[Brent S]

Thanks everyone! I just placed my order. Now just waiting for it to get here. I ordered off of Berkeyfilters.com ..and then I realized I could have just gotten off of Amazon. My order has already been placed on line, so I am nervous about canceling it and getting my money back. I did order the stainless steel spigot on Amazon. I am sure that will get here first. I would be really bummed out if the filter got here and then leaked.

Congrats. These are simple filters that last a lifetime. No electricity required. The first thing I noticed was how much better my coffee tasted. Now I’m a water snob, lol.

 

[user 5745]

I'll be getting one for my new place, after using them at a couple of host sites on my cycle trip a couple of years ago.

It's been interesting reading your points about the filters and tap - all filed away for investigation before placing my order.