Imperial Berkey Gravity-Fed Stainless Steel Countertop Water Filter System 4.5 Gallon with 2 Authentic Black Berkey Elements BB9-2 Filters

After seeing one in action (and tasting the excellent filtered water) at a friends house, we purchased this Berkey filter system. After doing a lot of research on current brands of water filtration systems it was obvious that Berkey was the best for our needs. We drink a lot of water in our house (2 adults and 2 kids active in sports) and it was always a chore to refill the small, old filtered water pitcher repeatedly throughout the day. Now, we fill the Berkey at night and have pure water for all of the next day. It’s really easy to set up and maintain but the greatest feature besides the water taste is the cost savings in “pitcher filters” that we no longer have to buy. The chrome finish looks great in our kitchen too.The only issue I found is that the filters can be a little hard to prime before use on a pull-down style of water faucet. However, Berkey has a free easy prime attachment (available on their website) that fits most faucets and makes it way easier.

I chose this filter because I needed a unit that would function anywhere and without electricity, needed no "plumbing" (my personal nightmare), have high ratings on filtration of most unwanted particles (heavy metals, etc.), and would be affordable, that is, not have to have frequent filter replacement added to the price tag. The Imperial Berkey meets these requirements very well.Initial set-up was a bit more tricky, since I chose 2 filters and had to plug 4 extra holes with plastic screws (they needed extreme tightening to prevent leakage, which took some messing with), but overall straightforward due to a good instruction sheet. We've been using the water for a couple of weeks now and it's been very good, although our well water was pretty decent already. It gives me peace of mind knowing that now it's really cleaned up, no matter what our well water might do in the future. One suggestion for first-time buyers would be the investment in a water level indicator (I bypassed that and will order one asap), since it's easy to forget to check the water level in the lower container (you have to lift out the top with the filters) and overflow the unit. Once the level indicator is installed, it should be no problem. Overall, I highly recommend this unit as a first-rate and user-friendly filtration system.

I’ve been wanting to get the Berkey for a long time. Our daughter has one and I love the way my body just absorbs the water. It tastes great and I know it’s better for me. I finally got one after we had a kitchen remodel and figured out where to put it. It’s one of the best things I could have done for my health.

My wife and I drink more water now. It even tastes better--or rather, you can notice the lack of metals and chemicals. We are super happy that we got this and we recommend this to everyone.My only quibble with it is that because of the positioning of the spout (it's not at the very bottom), not all of the filtered water can pour through the spout. So there is always some water left over. However, this just gets mixed in with the filtered water eventually.It took about 2 days for setup and priming. There is just 2 of us using this, and we have to refill it every other day. It works out perfect.HINT: we bought a little rolling stand/cart which it sits on top. When we need to fill it, we just roll it over to the sink. Our facet has a pullout spray nozzle which can extend and reach the Berkey. Super easy to fill and no mess.

Just set it up yesterday and went through the steps, overall very easy, I had a challenging time priming the filters, until I watched a youtube vid and then went easy and fast. I am not a water snob :) but love the idea that you can take any fresh water source (especially in an emergence situation) and it will filter for human consumption. And that two filters will last 6,000 gallons, that to me is impressive, though the filters are rather spendy, that is worth it to me. It was larger then I was imagining, and does use up counter space, if you don't already have a designated space.

Expensive...but IF it holds up to its promises it’s going to be cheaper than using pitchers and their filters.Our tap water smells like it’s coming from a swimming pool. Our pitcher filters couldn’t keep up with the chlorine level. This filter/purifier has been great so far (couple of months in). The water tastes like NOTHING the way it should. It can take up to 6 black filters and process a LOT of water quickly. Even with only two we have plenty of clean tasteless water available for drinking, cooking and pet needs.NOTE: If you don’t mind a scratch/dent version, go for it. I feel you’d be able to pop out the dent(s) most of the way and the performance isn’t affected by the dent(s).

I truly don't understand why this company doesn't include the flouride filters in all the kits. You know that is a MAIN reason for homeowners to get this and we have to add it to the cart!? Come on, you have recouped ALL of your R&D cost, you can start adding them to all intro kits without loosing money.A British company established (by a royal) in 1901(!!!!!) and then setup a distribution center in the US in 1998 (!!!!!) has more than recouped invention, shipping, material cost, and you're not inventing anything new, so just include the freaking filters as a standard in all kits.Stop being stupid greedy, and be smart greedy.