The Black Berkey elements are replacement filters for Berkey gravity systems. Like all Berkey products, they hold NO NSF certifications and rely entirely on self-funded testing. The Iowa sales ban and EPA warning letters regarding unsubstantiated claims apply to these elements.
The Black Berkey elements are replacement filters for Berkey gravity systems. Like all Berkey products, they hold NO NSF certifications and rely entirely on self-funded testing. The Iowa sales ban and EPA warning letters regarding unsubstantiated claims apply to these elements.
Expert findings from the R3 Lab
Calculated using 5-pillar methodology for water_filter products (v1.1.0).
Chemical safety, toxicity, allergen risk, regulatory compliance
Score: 4.5/10 | Black Berkey elements inherit all concerns about the Berkey product line: zero NSF certifications, self-funded testing only, state sales ban, and EPA warning letters. Premium pricing for unverified performance.
Already have an account? Log in
Common questions about the Black Berkey Purification Elements 2-Pack
Performance, effectiveness at stated purpose
Performance, effectiveness at stated purpose
Price relative to quality, cost-per-use, long-term value
Price relative to quality, cost-per-use, long-term value
Ease of use, comfort, aesthetics, maintenance burden
Ease of use, comfort, aesthetics, maintenance burden
Environmental impact, eco-friendliness, materials sourcing
Environmental impact, eco-friendliness, materials sourcing
Why 5 pillars?
Our water_filter methodology evaluates products across 5 key dimensions. Weights are determined through expert analysis of what matters most for this product type, considering safety, performance, and consumer value.
Why 5 pillars?
Our water_filter methodology evaluates products across 5 key dimensions. Weights are determined through expert analysis of what matters most for this product type, considering safety, performance, and consumer value.
Not NSF 42, not NSF 53, not NSF 401, not NSF P473. No independent third-party verification of any filtration claims.
Not NSF 42, not NSF 53, not NSF 401, not NSF P473. No independent third-party verification of any filtration claims.
All performance claims come from tests commissioned and paid for by Berkey. This is fundamentally different from NSF certification.
All performance claims come from tests commissioned and paid for by Berkey. This is fundamentally different from NSF certification.
The state of Iowa banned Berkey sales in 2023 over unsubstantiated marketing claims. This applies to elements and complete systems.
The state of Iowa banned Berkey sales in 2023 over unsubstantiated marketing claims. This applies to elements and complete systems.
The EPA issued warnings about Berkey marketing claims regarding pathogen removal.
The EPA issued warnings about Berkey marketing claims regarding pathogen removal.
Berkey claims each element handles 3,000 gallons. Without NSF capacity testing, we cannot verify this claim.
Berkey claims each element handles 3,000 gallons. Without NSF capacity testing, we cannot verify this claim.
The elements work in gravity systems requiring no electricity or plumbing - genuinely convenient for emergency preparedness.
The elements work in gravity systems requiring no electricity or plumbing - genuinely convenient for emergency preparedness.
Without independent testing, actual contaminant removal rates remain unverified.
Without independent testing, actual contaminant removal rates remain unverified.
Premium pricing for unverified performance.
Premium pricing for unverified performance.
If 6,000-gallon total capacity is accurate, cost is excellent. We cannot verify this claim.
If 6,000-gallon total capacity is accurate, cost is excellent. We cannot verify this claim.
For similar money, Aquagear or Clearly Filtered provide NSF-certified performance.
For similar money, Aquagear or Clearly Filtered provide NSF-certified performance.
Black Berkey elements are not recommended. Zero NSF certifications, self-funded testing, and regulatory actions make these a poor value compared to verified alternatives.
Black Berkey elements are not recommended. Zero NSF certifications, self-funded testing, and regulatory actions make these a poor value compared to verified alternatives.
