Black Berkey® Elements Replacement Filters (Set of 2)
Black Berkey® Elements (Set of 2) are the original primary filters designed for compatible Berkey® gravity-fed systems. This page provides genuine product specifications, independent laboratory evidence, maintenance instructions, and guidance for current owners. Standalone replacements are not currently available through normal authorized U.S. distribution.
Availability update — October 2026: Black Berkey® replacement elements are unavailable through normal authorized U.S. channels. We have no confirmed restock date, and this listing should not be interpreted as an offer of immediately available inventory.
Need replacement filters? Shop Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Elements, the current compatible primary replacement option for supported Berkey® systems. These are different filter elements with their own specifications, testing, and intended use.
Wondering what happened? Read our Black Berkey availability and EPA restrictions guide for the full explanation. Already own Black Berkey® Elements? Follow their applicable manufacturer service-life and maintenance instructions; do not exceed the stated replacement guidance because of the shortage.
Black Berkey® Element Specifications
| Specification | Black Berkey® Elements |
|---|---|
| Package | Set of 2 elements |
| Element size | 9 inches |
| Approximate capacity | Up to approximately 3,000 gallons per element |
| Pair capacity | Up to approximately 6,000 gallons under typical use conditions |
| Installation | Upper chamber of compatible Berkey® gravity-fed systems |
| Warranty | Two-year limited prorated warranty |
| Country of manufacture | Made and assembled in the USA |
| Current availability | Unavailable through normal authorized U.S. distribution |
| Current replacement option | Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ |
What Is Included?
- Two 9-inch Black Berkey® Elements
- Two washers
- Two wing nuts
- One priming button
Independent Black Berkey® Test Evidence
Black Berkey® Elements have been evaluated in independent laboratory tests for selected contaminants. Results must be read individually: a test performed on one substance, at one concentration and service volume, is not proof of identical performance for other substances or across the entire stated filter life. Review the original reports before relying on a particular reduction claim.
PFAS / PFOA Example
In Envirotek Laboratories Report #16-296, a Gravity Black Berkey Filter was challenged with PFOA at 1.00 µg/L (1,000 ppt). The reported effluent was below 0.002 µg/L (2 ppt) at the start, 10 gallons, and 25 gallons. Based on these reported detection limits, this supports a conservative reduction greater than 99.8% at those checkpoints. It does not establish the same reduction at the product’s full rated capacity.
The same report also lists PFOS, PFBS, PFDA, PFHxA, PFNA and additional fluorinated compounds using PFOA as the surrogate compound. These should be distinguished from separate direct challenge testing.
| Black Berkey® PFOA test point | Influent | Reported effluent | Reported reduction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start | 1.00 µg/L | <0.002 µg/L | >99.8% |
| 10 gallons | 1.00 µg/L | <0.002 µg/L | >99.8% |
| 25 gallons | 1.00 µg/L | <0.002 µg/L | >99.8% |
Rather than relying on a broad contaminant claim alone, review the original laboratory evidence for the exact substance that matters to your household.
Contaminant Categories Included in Testing
- Selected PFAS, with direct PFOA testing and surrogate-based reporting for some related compounds
- Lead, mercury, arsenic, chromium and other heavy metals
- Chlorine and chloramines
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Trihalomethanes and other disinfection byproducts
- Pharmaceutical compounds
- Pesticides, herbicides and industrial compounds
- Petroleum-related compounds
- Selected radiological contaminants
- Sediment and turbidity-related particulates
Test-results note: Laboratory results apply to the tested filter sample and the challenge concentrations, service volume, analytical methods, and other conditions described in each report. Use the original reports when evaluating contaminant-specific performance. For PFOA, 1.00 µg/L to less than 0.002 µg/L supports a reduction greater than 99.8% at the reported threshold; it does not, by itself, support a higher percentage.
Compatible Berkey® Systems
Black Berkey® Elements are designed for the upper chamber of compatible stainless-steel Berkey® gravity-fed systems:
- Travel Berkey® — 1.5 gallons
- Big Berkey® — 2.25 gallons
- Royal Berkey® — 3.25 gallons
- Imperial Berkey® — 4.5 gallons
- Crown Berkey™ — 6 gallons
Black Berkey® vs. Phoenix Gravity
Black Berkey® Elements and Phoenix Gravity elements serve different roles in today's Berkey® ecosystem. Black Berkey® Elements remain installed in many existing systems, while Phoenix Gravity is the current compatible replacement option when new primary elements are needed.
| Feature | Black Berkey® Elements | Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Original Berkey® primary element | Current compatible primary replacement option |
| Availability | Standalone elements currently unavailable through normal authorized U.S. distribution | Currently available |
| Approx. pair capacity | Up to ~6,000 gallons | Up to ~5,500 gallons |
| PFAS evidence | Yes | Yes |
| PFOA | Direct independent challenge testing | Direct independent testing, including capacity checkpoints through 1,500 liters |
| PFOS | Included in Black report using PFOA as surrogate | Direct independent testing through 1,500 liters |
| Cleanable | Yes | Yes |
| Current NSF listings | No NSF contaminant-reduction certification is claimed here for Black Berkey® Elements | Travel, Big and Royal configurations featuring Phoenix are listed to NSF/ANSI 42 for chlorine reduction and taste-and-odor reduction, and NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 for applicable lead-content requirements |
The two filter families were not tested side-by-side under one identical PFAS protocol. Percentages from different laboratory programs should not be used as a simple head-to-head ranking.
Which Berkey Filter Do You Need?
I already own Black Berkey® Elements
Use the specifications and priming, cleaning, and maintenance guidance on this page. Track water processed and follow the applicable service-life recommendations.
See Care & MaintenanceI need new primary elements now
Review Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Elements for a compatible Berkey® system. Confirm your source water, fit, included parts, and element-specific test data.
View Phoenix FiltersFilter Lifespan
Each Black Berkey® Element is rated for approximately 3,000 gallons under typical use conditions. A pair therefore provides up to approximately 6,000 gallons of total filtration capacity before replacement is recommended.
Practical service life can vary with source-water quality, frequency of use, sediment loading, cleaning, storage, and maintenance. Slower flow does not always mean the element has reached the end of its capacity; exterior buildup may need to be cleaned first.
Priming Black Berkey® Elements
Black Berkey® Elements should be properly primed before first use. Priming removes trapped air from the filter media so water can move through the element correctly.
Follow the manufacturer's current priming instructions and use the priming method appropriate for your faucet and installation. An improperly primed element may flow very slowly or fail to begin filtering normally.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Black Berkey® Elements can be cleaned during their service life. If flow slows because material has accumulated on the exterior surface, remove and clean the elements according to the manufacturer's instructions, then reprime and reinstall them.
Do not use soap or detergent on the filter media. Handle the elements with clean hands and follow official guidance for cleaning, storage, and reinstallation.
Important Use Notes
- Saltwater: Black Berkey® Elements are not intended for saltwater filtration.
- Water softeners: Black Berkey® Elements are not designed to remove the mineral salts added by conventional water softeners. When possible, obtain source water before it passes through the softener.
- Follow current manufacturer instructions for priming, installation, cleaning, storage, and replacement.
- Actual service life and contaminant reduction depend on incoming water and operating conditions.
Why Are Black Berkey® Elements Unavailable?
EPA Stop Sale, Use, or Removal Orders and related litigation have affected authorized U.S. distribution of certain Black Berkey® products. Standalone Black Berkey® Elements currently have no confirmed restock date.
This product page is primarily for specifications and existing-owner support. Our separate article explains the EPA dispute, why some product configurations are affected, and how to evaluate current replacement options.
Read: Why Are Black Berkey Filters Unavailable? EPA Restrictions & Replacement Options. For broader brand information, see Is Berkey Going Out of Business?
Black Berkey® FAQ
Are Black Berkey® Elements discontinued?
They are currently unavailable through normal authorized U.S. distribution, but “discontinued” can imply a permanent manufacturer decision. At this time, it is more accurate to describe them as unavailable with no confirmed restock date.
Can I keep using the Black Berkey® Elements already installed in my system?
Yes. Existing Black Berkey® owners can continue using their elements according to the normal service-life, cleaning, priming, and maintenance guidance. Phoenix becoming available as a replacement option does not erase the independent test evidence for Black Berkey® Elements.
What should I use when my Black Berkey® Elements need replacement?
Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements are the current compatible primary replacement option for stainless-steel Travel, Big, Royal, Imperial, and Crown Berkey™ system housings.
How long do Black Berkey® Elements last?
Each element is rated for approximately 3,000 gallons under typical use conditions, or approximately 6,000 gallons for a pair. Actual service life varies with water quality, use, cleaning, storage, and maintenance.
Can Black Berkey® Elements reduce PFAS?
Yes. Independent laboratory evidence supports PFAS reduction. Envirotek directly tested PFOA at 1.00 µg/L and reported effluent below 0.002 µg/L at the start, 10 gallons, and 25 gallons, reported as greater than 99.8% reduction. The same report lists PFOS and several additional PFAS using PFOA as a surrogate compound. See our Berkey® Filter Test Results page for the evidence summary and report links.
Can Black Berkey® Elements be cleaned?
Yes. Exterior buildup can be cleaned during the service life of the elements. Follow the manufacturer's current cleaning instructions and do not use soap or detergent on the filter media.
Where can I review Black Berkey® laboratory reports?
See our Berkey® Filter Test Results evidence page, which covers both Black Berkey® and Phoenix Gravity elements. You can also review the manufacturer's Black Berkey® Elements test-results library.
Why can I see a price if Black Berkey® Elements are unavailable?
This page remains available as a product reference for existing owners. A displayed historical price or product listing does not guarantee current inventory or a shipment date. Check the availability notice and select an in-stock compatible product when replacement is needed.
Is Phoenix Gravity the same as Black Berkey®?
No. Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ is a separate element family. Compatibility with a Berkey housing does not imply identical filter media, contaminant-reduction claims, service life, or certification. Compare the documentation for each element before switching.
Need Berkey® Replacement Filters Now?
Standalone Black Berkey® replacements are not currently available. If your installed elements need replacement, explore Phoenix Gravity elements for a compatible system, review their product-specific test results, and confirm fit before ordering.