Imperial Berkey® Water Filter System – High-Capacity Stainless Steel Gravity-Fed Filtration

The Imperial Berkey® Water Filter System is a large-capacity, gravity-fed countertop water filter designed for households, offices, shared spaces, and anyone who uses large volumes of filtered drinking water throughout the day. 

With a 4.5-gallon capacity, the Imperial Berkey® provides significantly more storage than smaller countertop systems while maintaining the same simple electricity-free operation Berkey® systems are known for.

Constructed from highly polished AISI 304 stainless steel, the Imperial Berkey® combines durability, convenience, and long-term value in a system built for everyday use.

The system comes standard with 2 Black Berkey® Elements and can be expanded to hold up to 6 elements, increasing filtration capacity and flow rate. 

*Due to state regulations, we are unable to ship this product to California or Iowa.

Designed for Larger Daily Water Usage

The Imperial Berkey® is ideal for households and workplaces that use filtered water throughout the day for drinking, cooking, coffee, tea, reusable water bottles, and other everyday needs.

• Reduced refill frequency compared with smaller systems
• Greater storage capacity for busy households
• Excellent for shared kitchens and offices
• Expandable filtration capacity
• Large-volume gravity-fed convenience

For customers who find the Royal Berkey® too small but do not need the Crown Berkey®, the Imperial Berkey® often provides the ideal balance of capacity and practicality.

How the Imperial Berkey® Works

The Imperial Berkey® uses gravity to draw water through Black Berkey® Elements installed in the upper chamber. Filtered water collects in the lower chamber and is dispensed through the spigot.

No electricity, plumbing, water pressure, or permanent installation is required.

Black Berkey® Elements

The system includes 2 Black Berkey® Elements and can accommodate up to 6 elements.

Black Berkey® Elements are designed to reduce a broad range of potential contaminants commonly found in drinking water supplies, including:

• Lead and mercury
• Chlorine and chloramines
• VOCs
• Trihalomethanes (THMs)
• Pharmaceutical residues
• Petroleum-related compounds
• Rust, sediment, and particulates
• Radiological contaminants

The elements are also designed to retain beneficial minerals such as calcium and magnesium.

Each Black Berkey® Element is rated for approximately 3,000 gallons of filtration. With two elements installed, replacement is generally recommended after approximately 6,000 gallons of use.

When replacement filters are needed, visit our Replacement Filters Guide to find compatible Berkey® filter elements and accessories.

Optional PF-2™ Fluoride & Arsenic Reduction Filters

The Imperial Berkey® can be configured with up to 6 optional PF-2™ Fluoride & Arsenic Reduction Filters, installed beneath the Black Berkey® Elements in the lower chamber.

View PF-2™ Fluoride & Arsenic Reduction Filters

Specifications

Flow Rate & Expandability

Flow rate is calculated with the upper chamber full and naturally decreases as the water level drops. 

What’s Included

• Upper stainless steel chamber
• Lower stainless steel chamber
• 2 Black Berkey® Elements
• Stainless steel lid
• Standard spigot
• 2 washers
• 2 wing nuts
• 1 priming button
• Rubber base gasket

Why Choose the Imperial Berkey®?

Large Capacity

The 4.5-gallon reservoir provides more filtered water between refills.

Expandable

Supports up to 6 Black Berkey® Elements for increased flow capacity.

Gravity-Fed Convenience

No electricity, plumbing, or water pressure required.

Durable Stainless Steel Construction

Built from polished AISI 304 stainless steel for years of everyday use.

Economical Operation

Long filter life helps keep the cost per gallon low compared with bottled water and many cartridge-based systems.

Who Is the Imperial Berkey® Best For?

• Larger families
• Shared households
• Offices and break rooms
• People who use filtered water throughout the day
• Customers wanting more capacity than the Royal Berkey®

The Imperial Berkey® provides substantially more storage than smaller systems while maintaining the same countertop-friendly footprint and gravity-fed operation.

Care & Maintenance

• Prime Black Berkey® Elements before first use.
• Clean stainless steel chambers periodically using mild dish soap and water.
• Monitor flow rate and clean elements as needed.
• Replace filter elements when the recommended gallon rating is reached or when performance indicates replacement is needed.
• Do not use with salt water.

The stainless steel chambers are assembled in the USA from US and imported parts. Black Berkey® Elements are also made and assembled in the USA.

Compare Berkey® System Sizes

• Travel Berkey® – 1.5 Gallons
• Big Berkey® – 2.25 Gallons
• Royal Berkey® – 3.25 Gallons
• Imperial Berkey® – 4.5 Gallons
• Crown Berkey® – 6 Gallons

The Imperial Berkey® Water Filter System offers high-capacity gravity-fed filtration for households and workplaces that use more water throughout the day. Its durable stainless steel construction, expandable design, and long-lasting filter elements make it a practical choice for larger daily water needs.

*If a salt-based water softener is installed, please review our FAQ before use.

Looking to customize your system? Explore our Berkey Accessories, including sight-glass spigots, stands, sleeves, and replacement parts.