I Used Big Berkey for 6 Months: Here's What Actually Happened

  How It All Started

 I wasn't planning to buy an expensive          water filter. I was perfectly content with my regular Brita pitcher, but after moving to a new apartment, I noticed the tap water tasted weird—this metallic flavor that made me hesitate before drinking a full glass.

My wife suggested the Big Berkey after hearing about it from her friend. I looked at the price and felt my stomach drop. $340 for a water filter? That's insane. But she insisted, and eventually I gave in.

Check out the Big Berkey on Amazon 

First Impression: A Small Disappointment

When the package arrived, it was heavier than I expected. The unit itself is made of shiny stainless steel—looks sturdy and elegant, I won't lie. But the setup process? Took longer than anticipated.

The hardest part was "priming" the filters—you have to run water through them under the faucet for a minute each. Sounds simple, but when water is spraying everywhere while you're trying to hold this strange black piece, you start wondering: "Is this actually worth it?"

I filled the upper chamber and waited. And waited. And waited some more.

It took almost two hours for the lower chamber to fill. I was used to my Brita pitcher that filtered in 10 minutes.

The Moment Everything Changed

The next morning, I poured my first glass of water from the Big Berkey.

I'm not exaggerating—the difference was shocking. The water was completely different. Clean in a way I didn't know water could be clean. No metallic taste, no faint chlorine smell, nothing. Just water.

It tasted... light? Slightly sweet? I don't know exactly how to describe it, but it made me drink way more than usual. Suddenly drinking water became enjoyable instead of a health chore.

My wife noticed the same thing. Even our coffee tasted better.

Would I Recommend It?

Honestly? Yes, but not for everyone.

If you drink tap water and don't find a problem with the taste, you probably don't need it. If you're happy with your Brita pitcher and your budget is tight, stick with it.

But if the water taste in your area is bad, or if you're constantly buying bottled water, or if you want peace of mind that your water is actually clean—it's worth every penny.

The price is high, that's true. But it's a one-time investment. You won't need to buy new filters every month like with other types.

Bottom Line

The Big Berkey isn't a magic device, and it's not perfect. But it genuinely changed my relationship with water. I drink more, feel healthier, and stopped buying plastic that used to fill the trash.

Would I buy it if I knew then what I know now? Without hesitation. In fact, I'm thinking about buying the smaller size to take camping.

Sometimes expensive products are actually worth it. This is one of them.

Life With It After Six Months

Now, six months later, the Big Berkey has become a natural part of the kitchen. I've gotten used to filling it every evening before bed—it's become routine like washing dishes.

Things I Loved:

No electricity needed, which is genuinely great. When the power went out last month for a full day, we had clean water while neighbors were buying bottled water.

The taste really is different. Guests notice it without us mentioning anything. "Your water tastes really good"—I've heard that sentence more than once.

The money savings are real. We were spending about $40 a month on bottled water. Now it's zero. The unit paid for itself within 8 months.

The Annoying Stuff:

The slowness still bothers me sometimes. When I run out of water mid-day and I'm thirsty, I have to wait two hours. I solved this by always refilling when I see the level getting low.

It needs counter space. Not huge, but it's always there. Some days I wish it were a bit smaller.

Cleaning every couple months is necessary. You have to empty it and wash it with soap. Not a difficult task, but it's tedious.

Things That Surprised Me

What surprised me most is that I became spoiled. Drinking regular tap water at restaurants or hotels now feels strange. I realized how bad regular tap water was only after experiencing the alternative.

Another thing: the filters actually last a long time. The company says 6,000 gallons, which sounds exaggerated, but after six months of daily use, the filters are still working at the same efficiency. Haven't had to change anything yet.