Big Berkey Water Filter 2.5 Gallon System Bundle: 2 Black BB9 Filters, 2 PF2 Fluoride Filters, 1 Stainless Steel Water Bottle

I was looking at this product for about 8 months before I bought it. Did alot of research. I received the package. Opened everything up and inspected for defects or damage. Everything was good. Noticed there wasn't any S.S. water bottle. Ok. I called Amazon. They said the package was shipped as a complete set. I asked if they would send it out in another delivery. They said they had to contact the manufacturer. They put me on hold, came back n said the manufacturer said that they'd ship one out. Cool. I'm still waiting. 1 month later. Also, I followed the instructions very carefully as to how to purge the filters. There are two black filters, and then there are two white filters that filter flouride and aresenic. After about 2 weeks, I noticed a white, blotchy film in the bottom canister around the canister itself and on the top of the water. I've been trying to search to see if anyone had the same problem? Maybe it's the flouride filters?? I removed them and it's been fine since but I'd like to have them on since the township adds it to the water and we all know it's poison. But, is the white film also a poison?? Not sure. Anyone that can help please let me know. I do want to say that the water does taste great, and it's fresh and satisfying. We use it for cooking and drinking and we give it to the cats too.

This would be a 5 star review except for an instance of petty penny pinching on the part of the manufacturer which resulted in a rubber taste to the purified water. Even though I carefully followed the enclosed instructions to thoroughly clean the inside of the two tanks as well as the components in contact with water before filling the tanks, the first and all subsequent fills always had a rubber taste in the water. I suspected that this was caused by two rubber plugs in the floor of the upper tanks and a rubber washer ring in the lower tank just behind the plastic spigot.I contacted the manufacturer, Berkey, about this and was told to direct my complaint to the seller. Even though Berkey sells retail and my product was under their warranty, Berkey refused to send me replacement rubber plugs and washers unless I paid for them! The seller acknowledged that the rubber components were known to impart a rubber taste to the water and sent me free silicone replacements for just the plugs but not the rubber washer behind the spigot. When I inquired about a silicone ring for the spigot. I was told by the seller that only separately sold stainless steel spigots are available with silicone rings. So I purchased an excellent, beautifully crafted one for only $10.Now about a month after first setting up my Big Berkey, my water finally has a very pleasant taste. One wonders why rubber components are included with the Big Berkey when rubber is known to impart an unpleasant taste to the water. Furthermore why couldn't a state of the art, $288 water purifier come equipped with a $10 stainless steel spigot instead of a cheap and ugly plastic one with a rubber ring? Such frugality speaks poorly for the manufacturer

The only thing I do not like about the Berkey system is the direction. Who in the world wrote such a complicated mess for such a simple product?Everything else is fantastic. Great construction, design and materials. Once you drink the water from a Berkey you will never drink tap water straight again. My family members have been using them for years so I've heard nothing but songs about how wonderful they are. Finally I pulled out the card and baught one. Also snagged up the fluoride filters too. Why filter water and leave in a dangerous chemical? Right?Easy to operate and refill. The Big Berkey is a good size for a family of four. I also ordered an aftermarket faucet with the glass tube so we know where the water level is. (Berkey wants 40 bucks for theirs... too much).Very pleased with this item. The charcoal filters last year's and the fluoride get replaces ever year. Not too bad. Much cheaper than any other system I could find, especially bottled water.Highly recommended

I'm very happy with the way this filtration system looks and the water tastes fine (hopefully it is being purified), however this thing was a b&*%h to put together, even following the instructions. I got the fluoride and the charcoal filters and could not figure out how they fit together. The videos were not helpful. I had to go find other costumers videos on YouTube to finally get it. Also, in the instructions the spigot was to be only hand tightened. After doing that I came home to water leaking all over the floor. After several attempts with multiple leaks I got out the pliers and tightened it. Everything is fine now.

I have had my system for about 6 months now and it has already paid for itself. I have not bought bottled water since setting up the unit in my house. I use it for all my cooking and beverage needs. The water tastes just like water should, like nothing....no chemical or mineral taste to it. The unit does take up some space so definitely look at the dimensions and take those into account when you order. I don't have mine on a stand, just on the counter with the spigot off the edge. This works best for me as I regularly fill pitchers taller than most counter stands and do not have the room for a floor stand.

I love this thing!! Total game changer for cooking water. Love that I can filter the fluoride out of cooking water without paying an arm and a leg for my natural spring water to go down the drain.My only complaint with this purchase is that they didn’t send me the water bottle, and I forgot about it for the longest time until I needed a meatball water bottle. They should have sent me the bottle. Otherwise best purchase.