Travel Berkey® Water Filter – 1.5 Gal Gravity-Fed Filtration System
Travel Berkey® Water Filter System – Compact Filtration for Smaller Spaces
The Travel Berkey® Water Filter System is the smallest stainless steel Berkey® system, designed for people who want the Berkey® countertop format while using as little counter space as possible. Its 1.5-gallon capacity, 7.5-inch diameter, and 18-inch height make it especially practical for smaller kitchens, apartments, RVs, cabins, and other compact spaces.
It uses the same straightforward gravity-fed operating concept as the larger stainless steel Berkey® systems: fill the upper chamber, allow water to pass through the installed filter elements, and dispense filtered water from the lower chamber. No electricity or plumbing connection is required.
The Travel is only 7.5 inches in diameter, making it the narrowest stainless steel Berkey® system. It is a strong fit for individuals, couples, smaller households, apartments, RVs, cabins, and kitchens where a larger countertop system would simply take up more room than you want to give it.
*Due to state regulations, this product is not available for sale in California or Iowa.
Travel Berkey® or Big Berkey®: Which Should You Choose?
For many shoppers, this is the most important decision. Both are relatively compact stainless steel systems, but they prioritize different things.
- Want the smallest stainless steel Berkey® system
- Have limited counter or storage space
- Live alone, as a couple, or in a smaller household
- Prefer a system that is easier to move and store
- Want a compact system for an RV, cabin, apartment, or smaller kitchen
- Expect 1.5 gallons of stored water to fit your normal routine
- Want more water available between refills
- Regularly serve 2–4 people
- Have room for an 8.5-inch-diameter system
- Want 2.25 gallons instead of 1.5 gallons of capacity
- Want the option to expand to as many as four primary elements
Simple rule: choose Travel when compactness is the priority. Choose the Big Berkey® when additional capacity and expandability are more important.
Travel Berkey® at a Glance
- 1.5-gallon lower-chamber capacity
- Approximately 1–3-person everyday-use guidance
- 7.5-inch diameter
- 18 inches high in use
- Includes 2 Black Berkey® Elements
- Maximum of 2 primary elements
- Up to 2.75 gallons per hour maximum flow
- Gravity-fed operation
- No electricity required
- No plumbing connection required
- AISI 304 stainless steel construction
- Nested design for more compact storage
Travel Berkey® vs. Big Berkey®
The Travel saves space, while the Big provides more capacity. The right choice depends less on overall filtration style and more on how much water you use and how much countertop room you want the system to occupy.
| Feature | Travel Berkey® | Big Berkey® |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1.5 gallons | 2.25 gallons |
| Diameter | 7.5 inches | 8.5 inches |
| Height in use | 18 inches | Approximately 19.25 inches |
| Everyday-use guidance | Approximately 1–3 people | Approximately 2–4 people |
| Maximum primary elements | 2 | 4 |
| Best reason to choose | Smallest footprint | More capacity and expandability |
The Big Berkey® provides 50% more stored-water capacity than the Travel—2.25 gallons versus 1.5 gallons—but its diameter also increases from 7.5 inches to 8.5 inches.
If that extra gallon of countertop width is easy to accommodate and your household goes through water quickly, consider the Big. If you deliberately want the smallest possible stainless steel Berkey®, the Travel is the better fit.
Capacity, Size & Flow Rate
| Capacity | 1.5 gallons (approximately 5.7 liters) |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 7.5 inches |
| Height in use | 18 inches |
| Included primary elements | 2 Black Berkey® Elements |
| Maximum primary elements | 2 |
| Maximum PF-2® Elements | 2 |
| Maximum flow rate | Up to 2.75 gallons per hour |
| Everyday-use guidance | Approximately 1–3 people |
The maximum flow figure is based on a full upper chamber. Flow naturally decreases as the water level drops and can also vary with element condition, priming, source-water quality, and maintenance.
What's Included With the Travel 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
- Rubber base gasket
The Travel comes in its standard two-element configuration. Two is also the maximum number of compatible primary filter elements the system can accommodate, so there is no need to plan for additional primary-element positions later.
Designed for Small Spaces and Everyday Living
The Travel Berkey® is particularly useful when you want a stainless steel countertop system without a large appliance occupying valuable workspace.
- Small kitchens
- Apartments and condominiums
- Individuals and couples
- Smaller households
- RVs and compact living spaces
- Cabins and vacation homes
- Locations where the system may need to be stored between uses
Compact 7.5-Inch Diameter
The Travel's 7.5-inch diameter is its defining advantage. It is 1 inch narrower than the Big Berkey® and is the smallest stainless-steel Berkey® system.
Nested Storage
When empty, the upper chamber can nest inside the lower chamber, reducing the storage space required when the system is not in use.
Gravity-Fed Operation
No electricity, plumbing, water pressure, or permanent installation is required for normal operation.
How the Travel Berkey® Works
Water added to 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 Travel 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 Travel 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 Travel Berkey® can accommodate up to 2 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 certification information below applies to Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements and Travel Berkey® configurations featuring those elements. It should not be applied to the Black Berkey®-equipped Travel sold on this page.
The Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Element PGF9-2 is NSF/ANSI 42 certified/listed for chlorine reduction.
NSF separately lists the Travel Berkey® system featuring Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements under NSF/ANSI 42 for chlorine reduction and taste and odor reduction, with a listed service cycle of 1,050 gallons.
The Travel Berkey® configuration featuring Phoenix elements is also listed under NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 for applicable lead-content requirements. NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 concerns lead content in drinking-water-contact materials; it is not certification for reducing lead already present in drinking water.
Current certification listings can be reviewed in the NSF Phoenix element listing, the NSF/ANSI 42 Berkey® listing, and the NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 Berkey® listing.
Maintenance & Everyday Care
- 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 dish 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 the applicable gallon guidance, water conditions, usage, 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.
Red Food Coloring Test for Black Berkey® Elements
The Red Food Coloring Test can help verify that Black Berkey® Elements and sealing points are properly installed.
- Remove any PF-2® Elements before performing the test.
- Make sure the Black Berkey® Elements are correctly installed.
- Add the appropriate artificial red food coloring to the water in the upper chamber at a rate of up to 1/8 teaspoon (approximately 10 drops) per gallon.
- Allow the water to filter into the lower chamber.
- If the filtered water remains clear, the installed elements and seals have passed the assembly-verification test.
- If pink or red coloring appears below, inspect the element installation, washers, wing nuts, and openings, correct the issue, and repeat the test.
Which Berkey® Size Fits Your Household?
| System | Capacity | Best Fit |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Berkey® | 1.5 gallons | Smallest footprint, smaller households, limited space |
| Big Berkey® | 2.25 gallons | Everyday household use with more capacity |
| Royal Berkey® | 3.25 gallons | More stored water without moving to a large-format system |
| Imperial Berkey® | 4.5 gallons | Larger households and higher daily water use |
| Crown Berkey™ | 6 gallons | Highest-capacity household and group use |
Frequently Asked Questions About the Travel Berkey®
How much water does the Travel Berkey® hold?
The Travel Berkey® lower chamber holds 1.5 gallons, or approximately 5.7 liters.
How many people is the Travel Berkey® designed for?
Manufacturer everyday-use guidance places the Travel at approximately 1–3 people. Actual water consumption varies by household.
Should I choose the Travel or Big Berkey®?
Choose the Travel when the smallest stainless steel footprint is your priority. It holds 1.5 gallons and measures 7.5 inches in diameter. Choose the Big Berkey® when you want more stored water—2.25 gallons—and the ability to install up to four primary elements.
Is the Travel Berkey® good for a small kitchen or apartment?
Its 7.5-inch diameter makes the Travel the smallest stainless steel Berkey® system and particularly suitable when countertop space is limited.
How large is the Travel Berkey®?
The Travel measures approximately 18 inches high when in use and 7.5 inches in diameter.
How many Black Berkey® Elements are included?
The current Travel Berkey® configuration sold on this page includes two Black Berkey® Elements.
Can more than two primary elements be installed?
No. The Travel Berkey® is designed for a maximum of two compatible primary filter elements.
What is the maximum Travel Berkey® flow rate?
With two Black Berkey® Elements and a full upper chamber, the manufacturer lists a maximum flow rate of up to 2.75 gallons per hour. Flow naturally decreases as the upper-chamber water level falls.
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 Travel Berkey®?
The current Travel comes with Black Berkey® Elements. Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements are also compatible 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 Travel Berkey®?
Yes. Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements are compatible with the Travel Berkey®. Certification associated with Phoenix-equipped configurations should not be applied to the Black Berkey®-equipped system sold on this page.
Is the Travel Berkey® NSF certified?
The Travel Berkey® sold on this page currently includes Black Berkey® Elements, so Phoenix NSF claims do not apply to this configuration. The Travel Berkey® configuration featuring Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements is separately listed under NSF/ANSI 42 for chlorine reduction and taste and odor reduction and under NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 for applicable lead-content requirements. The Phoenix PGF9-2 element also has its own NSF/ANSI 42 listing for chlorine reduction.
Can PF-2® Elements be used with the Travel Berkey®?
Yes, when used with compatible primary filter elements. Install one PF-2® for each compatible primary element, up to two on the Travel Berkey®.
Does the Travel Berkey® require electricity or plumbing?
No. The Travel is gravity-fed and does not require electricity, plumbing, or a pressurized water connection for normal operation.
What is the Red Food Coloring Test?
It is an assembly-verification test used with Black Berkey® Elements to help confirm that the installed elements and seals are properly seated. PF-2® Elements should be removed before the test, and the manufacturer's current instructions should be followed regarding the appropriate type and amount of artificial red food coloring.
Can the Travel 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 Travel Berkey® available in California or Iowa?
No. Due to state regulations, this product is not currently available for sale in California or Iowa.
The Compact Choice in the Stainless Steel Berkey® Lineup
If your priority is getting the smallest stainless steel Berkey® system possible, the Travel is the natural starting point. Its 1.5-gallon capacity, 7.5-inch diameter, 18-inch height, and two-element configuration give individuals and smaller households a straightforward countertop option without requiring as much space as the larger models.
If you regularly find yourself needing more than 1.5 gallons available between refills, the Big Berkey® is the next logical size. Otherwise, the Travel's compact footprint is precisely what distinguishes it from the rest of the stainless steel lineup.
Want to customize your system? Explore our Berkey Accessories, including sight-glass spigots, stands, sleeves, and replacement parts.
Compare the Travel, Big, Royal, Imperial, and Crown systems in terms of capacity, dimensions, household guidance, and compatible replacement filters.
Compare All Berkey Water Filter Systems