Big Berkey
#14 in Up to 2.25 galFull review
The best known countertop gravity filter, sized for a small family. Priced well above lookalikes with the same capacity.
Amazon $367$367
2.2 galTested only3,000 gal each
2.4/5
A compact Berkey for one to three people, a dorm, an office or a trip. You pay a lot per gallon of storage for the small size.
- 1.5 galCapacity
- Tested onlyCertification
- 3,000 gal eachElement life
- Add-on filterFluoride
Check price at Amazon$327
Price checked November 9, 2026. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Pros
- Nests to about 12 in tall, so it packs for travel or a small kitchen
- Same Black Berkey elements as the bigger models
Cons
- Only 1.5 gal and holds only two elements, so a family empties it fast
- Costs about $218 per gallon of capacity, the highest here
The Berkey family
Every Berkey model we rank, smallest first. Ratings compare each against its own capacity.
| Model | Capacity | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Berkey (this one) | 1.5 gal | 2.4/5 | $327 |
| Big Berkey | 2.2 gal | 2.6/5 | $367 |
| Berkey Light | 2.8 gal | 2.8/5 | $335 |
| Royal Berkey | 3.2 gal | 2.9/5 | $408 |
| Imperial Berkey | 4.5 gal | 3.2/5 | $451 |
| Crown Berkey | 6 gal | 3.5/5 | $478 |
How it scores
The rating comes from 6 measured or published factors, each scored 0-100 against fixed reference points for its capacity. How we rank explains each one.
Specifications
| Model number | BT2X2-BB |
|---|---|
| Capacity and flow | |
| Tank capacity | 1.5 gal |
| Price per gallon of capacity | $218 |
| Elements included | 2 |
| Maximum elements | 2 |
| Flow, as shipped | 2.8 gal/hr |
| Flow, fully loaded | 2.8 gal/hr |
| Filtration | |
| Element type | Black Berkey carbon-media element (BB9-2) |
| Certified | Tested only |
| Certification detail | Berkey states Black Berkey Elements were tested by accredited third-party labs against ANSI/NSF protocols for 200+ contaminants. The elements are not NSF/ANSI certified. |
| Fluoride | Add-on filter |
| Running cost | |
| Rated life per element | 3,000 gal each |
| Replacement element | 140.9 $ |
| Cost per gallon filtered | $0.047 |
| Build | |
| Material | 304 stainless steel |
| Height | 18 in |
| Diameter | 7.5 in |
| Weight | 4 lb |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Alternatives in this capacity
Glacier Fresh PC04
#15 in Up to 2.25 galFull review
A newer 2.25 gal system with a different filter technology. Short filter life makes it expensive to run.
Amazon $169.99$169.99
2.2 galTested only200 gal each
Doulton W9361139
#16 in Up to 2.25 galFull review
A traditional ceramic-candle gravity filter for buyers who prefer the British Berkefeld approach. The listing gives little hard data to compare it.
Amazon $305$305
2.2 galNone stated
Compare
Compare the Travel Berkey with any other gravity water filter →
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