difference between old and new style berkey filters?

[xtreme_right]

I'm getting ready to order a Big Berkey but am confused on the different types of filters available. I've read so many websites and am confused now. It looks like the white filters are the older style and the black ones are the new and improved. I know you can clean the white ones with scotch brite and they last for thousands of gallons, but can't find anywhere that says the black ones can be cleaned that way. One site says you can clean the black ones with a toothbrush. I'm reading conflicting life expectancies for each. I recall the black ones had a shorter life though. I don't understand what makes the black ones better. These berkeys have been around for over 100 yers and the older filters must have filtered all the bad stuff out considering missionaries and the Red Cross have been using them in places where water is contaminated. I'm leaning towards the older style but am not clear on the actual differences. Is anyone familiar with these? I'm really chomping at the bit to get one ordered.

xr

 

[fairbanksb]

I have the Berkey Light with the black filters. It says in the instructions to use scotch brite pads to clean them. You can also use a toothbrush. Each set of two black Berkey's are good for 6000 gals. of water.

 

[dreamseeer]

The main difference that I gleaned from all my reading is that the new one is "see-through" so you don't pour too much water into it and have it overflow onto the counter.

Frankly I put my money on the original tried, tested and true one.

BTW......you don't need to buy or get the 9" filters as you will rarely fill the container to the top once you start using the Berky.... the 7" filters will do just fine.

Get the extra filters though (PF-4) that will take out jet fuel, fluoride and all the other stuff.. They are worth the extra money.

Here is the best price on the net and great service.

www.H2ofilters.com

JMHO

 

[dpfan]

The main difference that I gleaned from all my reading is that the new one is "see-through" so you don't pour too much water into it and have it overflow onto the counter.

Frankly I put my money on the original tried, tested and true one.

BTW......you don't need to buy or get the 9" filters as you will rarely fill the container to the top once you start using the Berky.... the 7" filters will do just fine.

Get the extra filters though (PF-4) that will take out jet fuel, fluoride and all the other stuff.. They are worth the extra money.

Here is the best price on the net and great service.

www.H2ofilters.com

JMHO

Great link, I'm going to pick up a set of the PF-4's. Thanks!

 

[Wise Owl]

The black Berkie filters take out more stuff than the white ones...you will get less water thru them than the white......but they work better.......
we have two of the white 9 inch filters which filter faster and will filter more just because they are bigger hench they will last longer...if I were to get replacements for them it would be the black ones.......why? Because they take out more junk...
They are about the same price. In a shtf situation I want something that will take as much out as possible because you have no idea what may be in the water that you are actually able to get......


Beware of knock off brands.....they are not the same thing.

We use our berkie all the time for all our drinking and cooking needs....love it.

One more thing. You can use the black filters in the stainless steel system... you do not
need to buy the plastic one....so if you already have a berkie, you can use the black filters
to replace the white or vice versa...

 

[Shooting Star]

How long does it usually take 1 gallon of water to filter thru the Berkey?

 

[dreamseeer]

Great link, I'm going to pick up a set of the PF-4's. Thanks!

I wanted a big berky about forever and was just able to get one last month.
I got the PF-4 filters to go with the unit......that makes a total of 8 filters set inside the unit. Nothing much is going to get past all those filters. Anyway, I searched the net all during this time I was in my "wish mode" and the price at H2oFilters was the lowest for the same identical unit sold elsewhere for much more.

The water is soooooooo pure coming out of the spigot. I love my Berky and I love the water.

I have already discovered that the ice cubes (which used to require hot water on the back of the tray to get them out).......now just pop right out very easily.

Everybody that comes to my house gets a glass of water (without any fanfare) and they ALL remark how delicious the water is.

I give the clean Berky water to my cats to drink.

Next month I will get replacement filters to have in preps.

P.S. from what I have read there may be some waters that even the best filters won't filter out..........one is swimming pool water.....there could be others.......probably radiated water but that is only a guess.

 

[Mick]

BTTT.....

Just ordered the British Berkefeld "BIG BERKEY" gravity water filter with 4-9 inch Super Sterasyl Candles for $238.99 and the PF-4 Filters for $79.99.

I already have a waterwise water distiller and a couple of portable ceramic filter units from Shane (bought a few years ago). Extra preps can't hurt, especially when it comes to water purity.

Thanks for the link dreamseeer, I've been pricing them for a couple of years and kept putting the purchase off.....the price was too good to pass up!

I also picked up 68 more rolls of toilet paper from Office Max this week.......should last me a week or two LOL......


Mick

 

[Wise Owl]

We still haven't gotten our replacement filters yet but I am also antsy to get it done. Have to pay for next winters firewood first.......then we will get the filters.
I am still leaning towards the black ones because they take more stuff out. The lab tests came back at .99999 pure for most almost everything...while the white super sterasyl filters do not take some of the newer pesticides and benzenes ect.
Soooooo, not knowing what may come in the future I want to make sure they will get whatever is out there out of the water...period....