Big Berkey Gravity Water Filter System
Big Berkey Gravity Water Filter System Review
Big Berkey BB9-2: Gravity Filtration Without Plumbing
The Big Berkey BB9-2 is a 2.25-gallon (8.5 liter) gravity-fed stainless steel water filter that requires no electricity, no plumbing connection, and no installation. Water is poured into the upper chamber, passes through 2 Black Berkey elements under gravity, and collects in the lower chamber. The stainless steel body is rust-proof and long-lasting. This design makes the Big Berkey viable for homes, off-grid cabins, RVs, and emergency preparedness where powered systems are unavailable.
Black Berkey Elements: What They Remove
Each Black Berkey element is independently tested by third-party labs. The elements reduce: pathogenic bacteria 99.9999%, viruses 99.999%, heavy metals (lead below EPA action level), nitrates, chlorine, chloramine, pharmaceuticals, herbicides, pesticides, VOCs, and PFAS. The 6-log bacteria reduction exceeds EPA drinking water treatment standards for surface water. Berkey publishes third-party test reports for each contaminant class on their website.
Element Life and System Capacity
Each Black Berkey element pair (BB9-2 includes 2 elements) is rated at 6,000 gallons total (3,000 gallons per element). At 1 gallon per day usage, the pair lasts over 16 years. At 5 gallons per day, over 3 years. The elements can be cleaned by scrubbing gently under running water when flow rate slows -- Berkey estimates 10+ cleanings before replacement is needed. Optional PF-2 fluoride reduction add-on elements thread below the Black elements for fluoride reduction.
- No electricity or plumbing required
- 99.9999% bacteria reduction (third-party tested)
- 6,000-gallon element life (one of longest in category)
- Cleanable elements extend life further
- PFAS reduction included
- Slow gravity flow (~1 gallon per hour with 2 elements)
- Fluoride reduction requires separate PF-2 add-on at additional cost
- Stainless body is bulky on countertop