Crown Berkey® Water Filter – 6 Gal Gravity-Fed Filtration System
Crown Berkey™ Water Filter System – Maximum Capacity for Larger Households & Shared Spaces
The Crown Berkey™ Water Filter System is the largest stainless steel Berkey® system, built for customers who want the most filtered water available between refills. Its 6-gallon capacity makes it especially well suited to larger households, offices, churches, shared spaces, and other settings with higher daily water use.
The Crown also offers the greatest primary-element expandability in the stainless steel lineup, supporting up to 8 compatible primary filter elements. For customers who want maximum capacity and maximum potential flow from a stainless steel Berkey® system, this is the top of the lineup.
The Crown holds 6 gallons—the most of any stainless steel Berkey® system—and can accommodate up to 8 compatible primary elements. If your household or shared space regularly goes through several gallons of filtered water, the larger chamber can significantly reduce how often the system needs to be refilled.
*Due to state regulations, this product is not available for sale in California or Iowa.
Crown Berkey™ or Imperial Berkey®: Which Should You Choose?
For most customers considering the Crown, the Imperial is the closest alternative. Both are large stainless steel systems, but the Crown is designed for customers who want to maximize capacity and expansion potential.
- Want the largest stainless steel Berkey® system
- Expect high daily filtered-water use
- Want 6 gallons available between refills
- Serve a larger household or shared space
- Want the ability to install up to 8 compatible primary elements
- Prefer maximum capacity over a smaller footprint
- Want a large-capacity system but do not need 6 gallons
- Prefer a smaller 10-inch diameter
- Prefer a shorter 26-inch assembled height
- Expect 4.5 gallons to cover your normal household needs
- Want expansion to as many as 6 primary elements rather than 8
Simple rule: choose the Imperial Berkey® when you want substantial capacity with a somewhat smaller footprint. Choose the Crown when maximum water storage and maximum expandability are the priorities.
Crown Berkey™ at a Glance
- 6-gallon lower-chamber capacity
- Approximately 6–12-person everyday-use guidance
- 11-inch diameter
- 30 inches high in use
- Approximately 20 inches high when nested
- Includes 2 Black Berkey® Elements
- Accepts up to 8 compatible primary elements
- Up to 26 GPH with 8 Black Berkey® Elements
- Gravity-fed operation
- No electricity required
- No plumbing connection required
- AISI 304 stainless steel construction
Imperial Berkey® vs. Crown Berkey™
The Crown provides 1.5 gallons more capacity than the Imperial while adding 1 inch in diameter and 4 inches in assembled height.
| Feature | Imperial Berkey® | Crown Berkey™ |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4.5 gallons | 6 gallons |
| Diameter | 10 inches | 11 inches |
| Height in use | 26 inches | 30 inches |
| Maximum primary elements | 6 | 8 |
| Maximum stated flow with Black Berkey® Elements | Up to 16.5 GPH | Up to 26 GPH |
| Best reason to choose | Large capacity with a smaller footprint | Maximum stainless steel capacity and expandability |
In capacity terms, the Crown holds approximately 33% more water than the Imperial. For customers who regularly empty a large countertop system during the day, that additional 1.5 gallons can be meaningful.
Capacity, Dimensions & Flow
| Capacity | 6 gallons (22.7 liters) |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 11 inches |
| Height in use | 30 inches |
| Nested height | Approximately 20 inches |
| Empty weight | Approximately 12 lbs |
| Included primary elements | 2 Black Berkey® Elements |
| Maximum primary elements | 8 |
| Maximum PF-2® Elements | 8 |
| Everyday-use guidance | Approximately 6–12 people |
Expandable Flow
| Black Berkey® Configuration | Maximum Stated Flow |
|---|---|
| 2 elements | Up to 6.5 gallons per hour |
| 8 elements | Up to 26 gallons per hour |
Adding compatible primary elements increases available filtration surface and can increase maximum flow.
Maximum manufacturer flow figures are measured with the upper chamber full. Flow naturally decreases as the water level falls and can vary with element condition, priming, source-water quality, and maintenance.
What's Included With the Crown Berkey™?
- Upper AISI 304 stainless steel chamber
- Lower AISI 304 stainless steel chamber
- 2 Black Berkey® Elements
- Stainless steel lid
- Standard spigot
- 2 wing nuts
- 2 washers
- 1 priming button
- 6 blocking plugs
- Rubber base gasket
The Crown comes in a standard two-element configuration but provides eight primary-element positions, allowing the system to be expanded later when additional compatible elements are desired.
Designed for Higher Daily Water Use
The Crown Berkey™ is intended for situations where smaller countertop systems would require frequent refilling.
- Larger households
- Shared households
- Offices and break rooms
- Churches and community spaces
- Other shared-use environments
- Customers who simply want the largest stainless steel Berkey® available
6-Gallon Capacity
The Crown's defining feature is its 6-gallon lower chamber. It offers the largest water storage capacity in the stainless steel Berkey® lineup.
Expandable to Eight Primary Elements
The Crown can accommodate up to eight compatible primary elements—the highest primary-element capacity of any stainless steel system.
Nested Storage
Although the Crown stands approximately 30 inches high when assembled for use, the upper chamber nests inside the lower chamber when empty, reducing its stored height to approximately 20 inches.
Gravity-Fed Operation
No electricity, plumbing, water pressure, or permanent installation is required for normal operation.
How the Crown Berkey™ Works
Water placed in the upper chamber moves through the installed primary filter elements under gravity. Filtered water collects in the lower chamber and can then be dispensed through the spigot.
Included Black Berkey® Elements
The Crown Berkey™ sold on this page currently includes 2 Black Berkey® 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.
Replacement Filters & Compatible Elements
Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Elements
Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements are compatible with the Crown Berkey™ and are currently the primary replacement option available through normal authorized U.S. distribution.
For a detailed comparison, see Phoenix Gravity vs. Black Berkey® Elements: What's the Difference?
You can also visit our Berkey Replacement Filters Guide for current compatibility information.
Optional PF-2® Elements
The Crown Berkey™ can accommodate up to 8 optional PF-2® Fluoride & Arsenic Reduction Elements when used with compatible primary elements. Install one PF-2® for each compatible primary element.
Phoenix Gravity NSF Certification Information
The Crown requires an important distinction in certification.
The Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Element PGF9-2 has its own NSF/ANSI 42 listing for chlorine reduction. That certification applies to the element itself.
For that reason, the applicable Phoenix PGF9-2 element certification should not be presented as certification of the Crown Berkey™ system itself.
The Crown Berkey™ should therefore not be described as NSF/ANSI 42 or NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 certified based solely on installation of Phoenix elements unless the exact Crown configuration is added to the applicable official listing.
PFAS, lead reduction, chloramine, heavy-metal, VOC, and other performance information for Phoenix elements should be matched to the applicable independent laboratory evidence rather than attributed to an NSF listing unless the specific claim appears there.
Current listings can be reviewed in the NSF Phoenix element listing, the NSF/ANSI 42 Berkey® system listing, and the NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 Berkey® system listing.
Care & Everyday 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.
- If flow slows during the useful service life of compatible cleanable elements, clean them according to their current care instructions.
- Cleaning may help restore flow but does not reset applicable gallon guidance.
- Replace elements according to applicable gallon guidance, water conditions, use, 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.
Which Berkey® Size Fits Your Needs?
| System | Capacity | Best Fit |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Berkey® | 1.5 gallons | Smallest stainless steel footprint |
| Big Berkey® | 2.25 gallons | Everyday household use |
| Royal Berkey® | 3.25 gallons | More household capacity without a large footprint |
| Imperial Berkey® | 4.5 gallons | Large capacity with a somewhat smaller footprint |
| Crown Berkey™ | 6 gallons | Maximum stainless steel capacity and expandability |
Frequently Asked Questions About the Crown Berkey™
How much water does the Crown Berkey™ hold?
The Crown Berkey™ lower chamber holds 6 gallons, or approximately 22.7 liters. It is the largest stainless steel Berkey® system.
How many people is the Crown Berkey™ designed for?
Manufacturer everyday-use guidance places the Crown at approximately 6–12 people. Actual water consumption varies by household or shared setting.
Should I choose the Crown or Imperial Berkey®?
Choose the Crown when maximum capacity and expandability are the priorities. It holds 6 gallons and accepts up to eight compatible primary elements. Choose the Imperial when 4.5 gallons is sufficient and you prefer its smaller 10-inch diameter and 26-inch assembled height.
How much larger is the Crown than the Imperial Berkey®?
The Crown holds 6 gallons compared with 4.5 gallons for the Imperial, giving the Crown 1.5 gallons—or approximately 33%—more capacity. The Crown is 11 inches in diameter and 30 inches high, compared with 10 inches in diameter and 26 inches high for the Imperial.
How many Black Berkey® Elements are included?
The current Crown Berkey™ configuration sold on this page includes two Black Berkey® Elements.
Can the Crown Berkey™ use eight primary elements?
Yes. The Crown can accommodate up to eight compatible primary filter elements.
What is the Crown Berkey™ maximum flow rate?
With two Black Berkey® Elements, the manufacturer lists a maximum flow rate of up to 6.5 gallons per hour. With eight Black Berkey® Elements and a full upper chamber, the listed maximum is up to 26 gallons per hour.
How long do the included Black Berkey® Elements last?
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.
What replacement filters fit the Crown Berkey™?
The current Crown comes with Black Berkey® Elements. Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements are compatible with the Crown 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 Crown Berkey™?
Yes. Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements are compatible with the Crown Berkey™. The Phoenix PGF9-2 element has its own NSF/ANSI 42 listing for chlorine reduction. However, that element-level certification should not be presented as certification of the Crown system itself.
Is the Crown Berkey™ NSF certified?
The Crown Berkey™ is not currently one of the Berkey® configurations listed under the Phoenix NSF system listings. The compatible Phoenix PGF9-2 element has its own NSF/ANSI 42 listing for chlorine reduction, but the element listing should not be represented as Crown system certification.
Can PF-2® Elements be used with the Crown Berkey™?
Yes, when used with compatible primary filter elements. Install one PF-2® for each compatible primary element, up to eight on the Crown.
How large is the Crown Berkey™?
The Crown measures approximately 30 inches high when assembled and 11 inches in diameter. When empty, the upper chamber nests inside the lower chamber, reducing the stored height to approximately 20 inches.
Does the Crown Berkey™ require electricity or plumbing?
No. The Crown operates by gravity and does not require electricity, plumbing, or a pressurized water connection for normal operation.
Can the Crown Berkey™ be used with salt-based softened water?
Manufacturer guidance warns that salt-based softened water can prematurely clog compatible filter elements and may affect applicable warranty coverage. Review the softened-water guidance before use.
Is the Crown Berkey™ available in California or Iowa?
No. Due to state regulations, this product is not currently available for sale in California or Iowa.
The Maximum-Capacity Stainless Steel Berkey®
The Crown Berkey™ is intended for customers who do not want to compromise on capacity. With 6 gallons of storage, room for up to 8 compatible primary elements, and manufacturer guidance for approximately 6–12 people, it sits at the top of the stainless steel Berkey® lineup.
If a 4.5-gallon Imperial is already enough for your normal needs, the Imperial's smaller footprint may make more sense. But if your goal is to reduce refill frequency and maximize available water capacity, the Crown is the strongest fit.
Want to customize your system? Explore our Berkey Accessories, including sight-glass spigots, stands, sleeves, and replacement parts.
Compare Travel, Big, Royal, Imperial, and Crown systems by capacity, dimensions, household guidance, and compatible replacement filters.
Compare All Berkey Water Filter Systems