Imperial Berkey® Water Filter – 4.5 Gal Gravity-Fed Filtration System
Imperial Berkey® Water Filter System – High-Capacity Stainless Steel Gravity-Fed Filtration
The Imperial Berkey® Water Filter System is a high-capacity gravity-fed countertop system designed for larger households, offices, and shared spaces that use more filtered drinking water throughout the day.
With a 4.5-gallon capacity, the Imperial Berkey® provides substantially more stored water than smaller Berkey® systems while maintaining simple operation without electricity, plumbing, or water pressure.
Constructed from highly polished AISI 304 stainless steel, the Imperial Berkey® combines capacity, durability, and an expandable filter configuration in a system designed for everyday use.
The current configuration includes 2 Black Berkey® Elements and can accommodate up to 6 compatible primary filter elements.
*Due to state regulations, this product is not available for sale in California or Iowa.
Designed for Larger Daily Water Usage
The Imperial Berkey® is well-suited to households and workplaces that use filtered water throughout the day for drinking, cooking, coffee, tea, and for filling reusable water bottles.
- 4.5-gallon storage capacity
- Manufacturer everyday-use guidance for approximately 4–8 people
- Reduced refill frequency compared with smaller Berkey® systems
- Useful for shared kitchens, offices, and larger households
- Expandable to as many as 6 compatible primary filter elements
For customers who want more capacity than the Royal Berkey® but do not need the 6-gallon Crown Berkey™, the Imperial Berkey® offers a strong balance of capacity, footprint, and expandable flow.
How the Imperial Berkey® Works
The Imperial Berkey® uses gravity to move water from the upper chamber through the installed primary filter elements. Filtered water collects in the lower chamber and is dispensed through the spigot.
No electricity, plumbing, water pressure, or permanent installation is required.
Included Black Berkey® Elements
The current Imperial Berkey® configuration includes 2 Black Berkey® Elements and can accommodate up to 6 compatible primary elements.
Independent Black Berkey® laboratory documentation reports reduction performance for a range of drinking-water substances, including selected heavy metals, chlorine-related compounds, VOCs, pharmaceuticals, petroleum-related compounds, particulates, and other substances under the documented test conditions.
Because Black Berkey® Elements are not designed as a reverse-osmosis or demineralization system, ordinary dissolved minerals such as calcium and magnesium generally remain in the water.
A pair of Black Berkey® Elements has a manufacturer-recommended replacement interval of up to approximately 6,000 gallons under stated conditions. Actual service life may be shorter depending on source water quality and use.
For current compatibility information, visit our Replacement Filters Guide.
Optional PF-2™ Fluoride & Arsenic Reduction Elements
The Imperial Berkey® can accommodate up to 6 optional PF-2™ Fluoride & Arsenic Reduction Elements when used with compatible primary filter elements. Install one PF-2 for each compatible primary element.
Specifications
| Model | Imperial Berkey® Water Filter System |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 4.5 gallons (17 liters) |
| Diameter | 10 inches |
| Height in use | 26 inches |
| Nested height | 17 inches |
| Empty weight | Approximately 10 lbs |
| Construction | AISI 304 stainless steel |
| Included Black Berkey® Elements | 2 |
| Maximum compatible primary elements | 6 |
| Maximum PF-2™ Elements | 6 |
| Manufacturer everyday-use guidance | Approximately 4–8 people |
Flow Rate & Expandability
| Configuration | Maximum Flow Rate |
|---|---|
| 2 Black Berkey® Elements | Up to 5.5 gallons per hour |
| 4 Black Berkey® Elements | Up to 11 gallons per hour |
| 6 Black Berkey® Elements | Up to 16.5 gallons per hour |
Adding compatible primary elements increases available filtration surface and can increase maximum flow. Manufacturer maximum flow figures are measured with the upper chamber full.
Flow naturally decreases as the water level drops and can also vary with element condition, source-water quality, priming, and maintenance.
Royal Berkey® vs. Imperial Berkey®
Both systems are designed for everyday household use. The Imperial provides more stored-water capacity and greater expandable flow for households with higher daily demand.
| Feature | Royal Berkey® | Imperial Berkey® |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 3.25 gallons | 4.5 gallons |
| Diameter | 9.5 inches | 10 inches |
| Height in use | 23 inches | 26 inches |
| Everyday-use guidance | 2–4 people | 4–8 people |
| Maximum primary elements | 4 | 6 |
| Maximum stated flow | Up to 7 GPH | Up to 16.5 GPH |
| Main reason to choose | Smaller footprint | More capacity and expandable flow |
What's Included
- Upper AISI 304 stainless steel chamber
- Lower AISI 304 stainless steel chamber
- 2 Black Berkey® Elements
- Stainless steel lid
- Standard spigot
- 2 washers
- 2 wing nuts
- 1 priming button
- Blocking plugs for unused element openings
- Rubber base gasket
Why Choose the Imperial Berkey®?
4.5-Gallon Capacity
The Imperial provides substantially more stored water than smaller Berkey® systems, helping reduce refill frequency in higher-use households and shared spaces.
Designed for 4–8 People
Manufacturer everyday-use guidance places the Imperial at approximately 4–8 people, making it a practical choice for larger households and workplaces.
Expandable to Six Elements
The system starts with two Black Berkey® Elements and supports up to six compatible primary filter elements.
Up to 16.5 GPH Maximum Flow
With six Black Berkey® Elements and a full upper chamber, the manufacturer lists a maximum flow rate of up to 16.5 gallons per hour.
Gravity-Fed Convenience
No electricity, plumbing, or water pressure is required for normal operation.
Stainless Steel Construction
Highly polished AISI 304 stainless steel provides a durable, reusable housing for the countertop.
Who Is the Imperial Berkey® Best For?
- Larger households
- Shared households
- Offices and break rooms
- Homes that use filtered water throughout the day
- Customers who want more capacity than the Royal Berkey®
- Customers who want substantial capacity without moving to the 6-gallon Crown Berkey™
Care & Maintenance
- Prime filter elements according to the current instructions before first use.
- Use cold or room-temperature water only.
- Do not use salt water.
- Clean the stainless steel chambers periodically with mild soap and water.
- Monitor flow and clean compatible filter elements according to their current care instructions.
- Replace elements according to the applicable gallon guidance, source-water conditions, and current manufacturer instructions.
The stainless steel Berkey® chambers are assembled in the USA from U.S. and imported parts. Black Berkey® Elements are made and assembled in the USA.
Compare Berkey® System Sizes
- Travel Berkey® – 1.5 gallons
- Big Berkey® – 2.25 gallons
- Royal Berkey® – 3.25 gallons
- Imperial Berkey® – 4.5 gallons
- Crown Berkey™ – 6 gallons
Frequently Asked Questions
How much water does the Imperial Berkey® hold?
The Imperial holds 4.5 gallons, or approximately 17 liters, in the lower chamber.
How many people is the Imperial Berkey® designed for?
Manufacturer everyday-use guidance places the Imperial at approximately 4–8 people. Actual household water use varies.
How many Black Berkey® Elements are included?
The current Imperial Berkey® configuration includes two Black Berkey® Elements.
Can the Imperial Berkey® use six filter elements?
Yes. The Imperial can accommodate up to six compatible primary filter elements.
What are the Imperial Berkey® flow rates?
With Black Berkey® Elements, the manufacturer's maximum flow figures are up to 5.5 gallons per hour with two elements, up to 11 gallons per hour with four elements, and up to 16.5 gallons per hour with six elements. These maximum rates are measured with the upper chamber full.
What replacement filters fit the Imperial Berkey®?
The current system includes Black Berkey® Elements. Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements are also compatible with the Imperial and are currently the primary replacement option available through normal authorized U.S. distribution. Check the current Replacement Filters Guide when replacement is needed.
Can Phoenix Gravity elements be used in the Imperial Berkey®?
Yes. Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements are physically compatible with the Imperial Berkey®. Compatibility should not be interpreted to mean that every Imperial configuration carries the same system-level certification as other Berkey® models.
Can PF-2™ Elements be used with the Imperial Berkey®?
Yes, when used with compatible primary filter elements. Install one PF-2™ for each compatible primary element, up to six on the Imperial.
How large is the Imperial Berkey®?
The Imperial is approximately 26 inches high in use and 10 inches in diameter. When empty, the chambers can be nested to reduce the stored height to approximately 17 inches.
Should I choose the Royal or Imperial Berkey®?
Choose the Royal if a smaller countertop footprint and 3.25-gallon capacity are sufficient. Choose the Imperial when you want 4.5 gallons of storage, guidance for approximately 4–8 people, and greater expandable flow.
Can the Imperial Berkey® be used with salt-based softened water?
Manufacturer guidance warns that salt-based softened water can prematurely clog compatible filter elements and may void applicable warranty coverage. Review the softened-water guidance before use.
Is the Imperial Berkey® available in California or Iowa?
No. Due to state regulations, this product is not currently available for sale in California or Iowa.
The Imperial Berkey® Water Filter System combines a 4.5-gallon capacity, expandable filtration, and simple gravity-fed operation. For larger households and shared spaces, it offers more stored water and greater expandable flow than the Royal Berkey® while remaining smaller than the Crown Berkey™.
Looking to customize your system? Explore our Berkey Accessories, including sight-glass spigots, stands, sleeves, and replacement parts.
Compare all Berkey Water Filter Systems to review capacities, dimensions, household-size guidance, and compatible replacement filters.
Compare All Berkey Water Filter Systems