Big Berkey BK4X2
Big Berkey BK4X2 water filter system is invincible when it comes to water purification qualities and the longevity of the filters. The unit includes a versatile filter that is so powerful for removing fluoride and other harmful contaminants from your treated and untreated water.
Filtration System
The filtration system design includes four water purification elements which are 2 black Berkey filters and 2 Fluoride elements. The Black Berkey filters are made from a proprietary combination of more than six different types of media including high-quality coconut shell carbon and ion-exchange resin. The end product is a much fine matrix, forming millions of micro-fine pores.
During purification, Big Berkey elements utilize microfiltration technology together with adsorption to remove contaminants from water. Since the element’s pores are so small, contaminants such as cysts, parasites, pathogenic bacteria, and sediments can’t pass through them.
It also extends its filtration ability to extract toxic chemicals including pesticides, herbicides, chlorine, organic solvents, trihalomethanes, radon 222, and VOCs. The electrically bonded iron exchange resin further reduces nitrates, nitrites, and heavy metals minerals such as lead and mercury.
Even better, the Black Berkey elements can remove food coloring from water, an ability few gravity filters claim to have. Therefore, this powerful system is not only perfect for tap water but also a remarkable filter for well water, streams, stagnant water, and lake.
Now the impressive part of this unit is the 2 Fluoride elements installed at the stems of the black elements. These filters utilized the Activated alumina in the medium to reduce traces of fluoride and arsenic in your water up to 95%.
Note that the filtration speed of two Black Berkey filters is pretty slow. It can only purify up to 3.5 gallons of water per hour, so if you are a large group, this may not be the perfect unit. Big Berkey, however, should be used daily to prevent filters from drying thus inhibit the growth of bacteria.
Capacity
With a holding capacity of about 2.25 gallons, this countertop filter produces enough purified water for a small or medium-sized family of (2-4 people). You’ll never run out of filtered water given that the recommended intake of one person per day is 0.5 gallons. In that case, you have to fully refill it with water approximately twice a day.
Dispensing Mechanism
The Big Berkey unit comes with a plastic spigot near the bottom for easy dispense of your filtered water. Since it’s a gravity filter system, the dispensing speed can be fast or slow depending on the level of water in the lower chamber. Thereby, ensure your dispenser if filled with water for faster flow.
If you don’t want any plastic, you can separately purchase either the Vino spigot or the sight glass spigot. With sight glass spigot it’s much easier to see the level of water in the reservoir, rather than having to pick the upper chamber and look down to check.
However, to avoid reported leakage, the spigot should be tightened enough before use.
Filter Life, Replacement and Refilling
Another economical advantage of Black Berkey filters is that it has a long lifespan. Each of these elements can purify 3,000 gallons of water before retirement. That means for a two-filter system it can process up to 6,000 gallons.
With a life use of 1,000 gallons each, the PF-2 fluoride filters require more frequent replacement than the black elements. Despite being expensive to replace, it still worth the quality of water it produces.
Filter replacement is the only part of the assembly that you’ll get to experience later when the need arises. However, the Big Berkey filtration system isn’t equipped with a filter replacement indicator. So, you can just calculate your water usage according to the water condition of your locality.
Changing the filters is a breeze, simply attached the stems of the new primed filter through the hole in the upper chamber. Next, hand-tighten the wing nut on the exterior bottom portion of the upper chamber, and your system is yet again ready to purify water.
Once set up, effortlessly remove the lid and refill the upper chamber with untreated water and that’s it. However, when the filtration rate decreases, extract the filters and clean them with a ScotchBrite pad under running water to scrub away the clogged surface.
Besides filters, the Big Berkey polished 304 stainless steel water tanks also require regular cleaning to remove mold that forms in the bottom tank. Although it’s attractive and durable than plastic, a few customers reported that it can occasionally develop rust spots that are removable by periodically polishing any present oxidation.
Verdict
Outwardly, the Big Berkey filtration system unit is one in a lifetime water purifier investment we highly recommend. Starting with its solid structure, easy assembly, low maintenance, and effective filtration elements, you’ll never go wrong.
Pros
- Long-lasting Black Berkey filters
- Elegant, high-grade stainless-steel construction
- The two powerful Black Berkey elements remove microorganisms, chlorine, and other pollutants
- Eliminates fluoride up to 95%
- Hussle-free installation
- Removes food coloring in water
- Compact and portable
- Easy to clean with minimal maintenance
Cons
- Low quality plastic spigot
- Slow filtration rate
- PF-2 filters have a short life-span
- Small capacity of 2.25 gallons