Four years ago, as an early Christmas gift, we were given a Crown Berkey Water Filter from my In Laws. We chose the 6+ Gallon Water Filter system, as it is advertised for 8+ people, due to the size of our family at the time. Two adults, two kids, a baby, and our older daughters were home numerous times during a given month. Since then, we have added two more children to our family. We also have guests over numerous times a month. Plus, a cat who prefers the Berkey water over regular tap water, so we use the Berkey Water Filter ALL THE TIME. In this post, I want to share my honest review of the Crown Berkey Water Filter after four years of using it.
Cost of the Crown Berkey Water Filter
We were gifted the Crown Berkey Water Filter by my In Laws, so we did not have to purchase it. However, the price was quite different four years ago. When it was given to us at the end of 2020 the Crown Berkey Water Filter was priced at $350. The price has gone up since then as it is now advertised at $478.
The water filters also have to be replaced roughly every year or two depending on how often you are filtering water. A pack of 2 water filters costs around $124+. Depending on the size of your Berkey you can get by with 2 water filters or as many as 8. We currently use 4 water filters in ours and it serves us well. Years before we would purchase bottled water by the cases on a weekly basis. This was costing us close to $25ish dollars a week. Buying filters for our Berkey comes out MUCH cheaper than continuing to purchase bottled water for our growing family.
Ease of Set Up and Changing the Water Filters
Sam is the one who handles the chore of setting up the Berkey and changing the water filters. We have only had the Crown Berkey Water Filter overflow twice after filling it. The first time was with the initial setup. The second time was after a move since we had not used the Berkey in a few days. The water filters have to soak for a few hours in order to properly clean the water at a normal pace. Otherwise, the Berkey will leak out from the seam where the top and bottom connect. You are recommended to add a little water at a time to be filtered through during initial setups. Or this applies if you have not used the Water Filter System in a few days as the filters would be dry.
Quality of Water
The Crown Berkey Water Filter has moved with us three times. We have used it to filter Well water and City water. Whether being used for Well water or City water the quality of water has been GREAT!
I have noticed a funky aftertaste with the water after our most current move, but I account that to my being pregnant. However, according to the locals, the quality of the water in our new town, which is City water, is just very poor. Sam and the kids don’t seem to notice an aftertaste so it may just be me 🙂
Condition of Water Filter System after 4 Years
The Crown Berkey Water Filter still works great after 4 years! Over this time, we have used it on a daily basis aside from a few days surrounding our moves. Our Berkey does have some battle marks on the sides here and there from moving numerous times. Unless you look closely you don’t even notice. We also have never had to buy any replacement pieces aside from the water filters. The Berkey is also used and loved by our kids. Granted Sam or I are usually helping the younger boys fill up their cups if they want a drink.
Sam and I have often said if something were to happen to our Crown Berkey Water Filter, we would replace it immediately even with the new hefty price tag. This has definitely been a much-loved product for our family! We often wonder why we went so long hauling bottled water into the house on a weekly basis before we even considered getting one!
Have any questions about the Crown Berkey Water Filter or thoughts of your own? Please share in the comments.
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