Travel Berkey® Water Filter – 1.5 Gal Gravity-Fed Filtration System
1.5 gallons • Includes 2 Black Berkey® Elements
Travel Berkey® Water Filter for Smaller Spaces
Make room for filtered water in a smaller kitchen, apartment, RV, or cabin. The Travel Berkey® holds 1.5 gallons in a stainless steel system measuring approximately 18 inches tall and 7.5 inches in diameter.
It operates by gravity, without plumbing or electricity. Manufacturer everyday-use guidance is approximately 1–3 people; choose based on your actual water use and preferred refill routine.
Shipping availability: This product is currently unavailable for sale in California or Iowa.
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 adding a third or fourth primary element is not an option.
PF-2® post-filters, stands, and upgraded spigots are optional accessories. Check your selected package and model compatibility before adding accessories.
Will the Travel Berkey® Fit Your Space?
Allow for the 18-inch assembled height and 7.5-inch diameter, plus room above the lid for refilling and in front of the spigot for a glass. An optional stand adds height, so include it when measuring cabinet clearance.
When the system is empty, the upper chamber can nest inside the lower chamber for more compact storage. Its smaller housing is useful in apartments, cabins, and RV kitchens where counter space is limited.
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 1–4 people |
| Maximum primary elements | 2 | 4 |
| Best reason to choose | Smaller 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 inch of countertop diameter is easy to accommodate and your household goes through water quickly, consider the Big. If you deliberately want the more compact household system, 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 with 2 Black Berkey® Elements |
| 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.
Storage capacity and flow rate measure different things: the lower chamber holds 1.5 gallons even if more water passes through the filters over a day. Phoenix replacements have their own flow specifications.
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.
Review the Black Berkey® element information and Berkey® filter test-results library for evidence matching the included filters. Phoenix test results describe a different element.
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.
NSF Certification and Your Filter Configuration
- Phoenix PGF9-2 component listing: NSF/ANSI 42 for chlorine and taste-and-odor reduction, tested to 4,000 liters for these claims.
- Travel Berkey® featuring Phoenix: NSF/ANSI 42 for chlorine and taste-and-odor reduction, with a listed 1,050-gallon service cycle.
- NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 listing: lead-content requirements for the named Phoenix-equipped configuration’s materials; this is not certification for lead removal from drinking water.
Use the Replacement Filters Guide to compare current options and their separate performance evidence.
Setup & Everyday Refilling
- Clean the chambers and applicable components according to the included instructions.
- Prime the Black Berkey® Elements, then install the elements and spigot with the supplied seals and hardware.
- Complete the manufacturer’s flushing and assembly-verification procedure before normal use.
- Place the system on a stable surface and fill with cold or room-temperature water.
A household using about 1.5 gallons per day will use roughly one full lower chamber’s worth daily. Cooking and bottle filling can increase refill frequency.
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.
- Do not use soap or detergent on the Black Berkey® filter media.
- 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.
This is an installation and sealing check; it does not measure reduction of every substance evaluated in laboratory testing.
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 a compact household 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 a compact stainless steel household 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 package described here includes Black Berkey® Elements. Phoenix NSF listings do not apply to this configuration. Travel Berkey® fitted with Phoenix elements has separate listings for specific claims. Review the certification details.
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.
Confirm your counter clearance and that 1.5 gallons suits your daily routine. The current package includes two Black Berkey® Elements. Use the product options and Add to Cart button on this page to order.
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