Imperial Berkey® Gravity-Fed Water Filter - 4.5 Gallons
The Imperial Berkey Water Filter is a large-capacity, gravity-fed stainless steel system designed for families, offices, and group settings that need more drinking water available throughout the day. With a 4.5-gallon storage capacity, it offers more room than smaller countertop models while still fitting comfortably in many kitchens, break rooms, and shared spaces.
Constructed from highly polished AISI 304 stainless steel, the Imperial Berkey is built for long-term household use. The system comes standard with two Black Berkey® Elements and can be expanded to hold up to six elements for increased flow capacity.
The Imperial Berkey does not require electricity or plumbing. Simply fill the upper chamber, and gravity moves the water through the filter elements into the lower chamber for convenient dispensing from the spigot.
*Due to state regulations, we are unable to ship this product to California or Iowa.
*If a salt-based water softener is installed, please read this FAQ topic before use.
Key Features
- Capacity: Approximately 4.5 gallons (17 liters)
- Material: Highly polished AISI 304 stainless steel
- Included Elements: 2 Black Berkey® Elements
- Expandable: Can be configured with 4 or 6 Black Berkey® Elements
- Flow Rate: Up to 5.5 gallons per hour with 2 elements; up to 16.5 gallons per hour with 6 elements
- Element Life: Each Black Berkey® Element is designed for approximately 3,000 gallons before replacement is recommended
- Pair Life: A pair of Black Berkey® Elements is designed for approximately 6,000 gallons before replacement is recommended
- Operation: Gravity-fed; no electricity or plumbing required
- Portability: Upper chamber nests inside the lower chamber for easier storage and transport
- Everyday Use: Suitable for approximately 4 to 8 people, depending on usage habits
What Comes Standard
- Upper stainless steel chamber
- Lower stainless steel chamber
- 2 Black Berkey® Elements
- Stainless steel lid
- Spigot
- 2 washers
- 2 wing nuts
- 1 priming button
- 1 rubber base gasket
System Dimensions
| Storage Capacity | Approximately 4.5 gallons (17 liters) |
| Height in Use | Approximately 26" without knob / approximately 27" with lid and knob |
| Nested Height | Approximately 17" |
| Diameter | Approximately 10" |
| Weight | Approximately 10 lbs empty |
| Maximum Black Berkey® Elements | 6 elements in the upper chamber |
| Optional PF-2™ Elements | Up to 6 PF-2™ Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements may be installed in the lower chamber if desired |
About the Black Berkey® Elements
The Imperial Berkey comes standard with two Black Berkey® Elements. These elements are designed for use in Berkey gravity-fed systems and have been tested by accredited third-party laboratories for the reduction of a broad range of substances that may be found in drinking water sources.
Black Berkey® Elements are designed to address many common drinking-water concerns, including aesthetic issues such as taste, odor, sediment, rust, and silt, as well as a wide range of other tested substances. For detailed performance information, please refer to the manufacturer's current testing data and product documentation.
Each Black Berkey® Element is designed for approximately 3,000 gallons of use before replacement is recommended. With two elements installed, the recommended replacement point is approximately 6,000 gallons. Actual performance and flow may vary depending on water quality, use habits, priming, cleaning, and maintenance.
Expandable Capacity
The Imperial Berkey comes with two Black Berkey® Elements installed in the upper chamber, but the system can be expanded to four or six elements. Adding more elements can increase flow rate, which may be useful for households or shared spaces with higher daily water demand.
| Configuration | Approximate Maximum Flow Rate |
|---|---|
| 2 Black Berkey® Elements | Up to 5.5 gallons per hour |
| 4 Black Berkey® Elements | Increased flow capacity |
| 6 Black Berkey® Elements | Up to 16.5 gallons per hour |
Optional PF-2™ Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements
If desired, the Imperial Berkey can be used with up to six optional PF-2™ Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements. These optional elements attach below the Black Berkey® Elements in the lower chamber and are sold separately.
View PF-2™ Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements
Who Is the Imperial Berkey Best For?
The Imperial Berkey is a good fit for customers who want a larger countertop system than the Big Berkey or Royal Berkey. Its 4.5-gallon capacity makes it suitable for families, offices, shared kitchens, small groups, and other settings where more water is used throughout the day.
Because it requires no electricity or plumbing, the Imperial Berkey can be placed in a variety of indoor settings. The nesting chamber design also makes the system easier to store or transport when empty.
Care and Maintenance
- Prime the Black Berkey® Elements before first use according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Use the system with water sources recommended by the manufacturer.
- Do not use with salt water or softened water, as this may shorten element life and affect warranty coverage.
- Clean the stainless steel chambers periodically with mild dish soap and water.
- Monitor the flow rate and clean the elements as needed, according to the manufacturer's care instructions.
- Replace elements when the recommended gallon rating has been reached or when performance indicates replacement is needed.
Compare Berkey System Sizes
Travel Berkey Water Filter - 1.5 Gallons
Big Berkey Water Filter - 2.25 Gallons
Royal Berkey Water Filter - 3.25 Gallons
Imperial Berkey Water Filter - 4.5 Gallons
Crown Berkey Water Filter - 6 Gallons
Imperial Berkey Water Filter for Larger Daily Water Needs
The Imperial Berkey is one of the larger stainless steel systems in the Berkey lineup. It offers a generous 4.5-gallon capacity while keeping the simple gravity-fed design that Berkey customers appreciate.
This model is especially helpful for households or shared spaces that refill smaller systems too often. With greater storage capacity and the option to expand from two to six Black Berkey® Elements, the Imperial Berkey offers users greater flexibility in everyday drinking water routines.
Simple Countertop Operation
The Imperial Berkey does not need electricity, water pressure, or a direct plumbing connection. Fill the upper chamber, allow gravity to move water through the elements, and dispense from the lower chamber when ready.
This simple design makes it easy to use in kitchens, offices, break rooms, cabins, and other indoor settings where a larger countertop water system is preferred.
Durable Stainless Steel Construction
The system is made from highly polished AISI 304 stainless steel. The stainless steel body is durable, easy to clean, and designed for repeated daily use. When empty, the upper chamber nests inside the lower chamber, reducing its height for easier storage or transport.
A Practical Alternative to Bottled Water
For many households, a countertop gravity-fed system can reduce the need to buy and store cases of bottled water. The Imperial Berkey offers a larger reservoir, long element life, and a straightforward design that supports daily use without a permanent installation.