How to Choose the Right Berkey Ceramic Water Filter

Looking for ceramic elements that fit some Berkey housings? British Berkefeld Ultra Sterasyl and Ultra Fluoride are ceramic candles, not Phoenix carbon elements.

Product: 7″ Ultra Sterasyl.

How Ceramic Elements Work

Water passes through a ceramic wall. Sediment and many particles stay on the outside. Interior carbon can reduce chlorine taste and some chemicals. NSF listing: British Berkefeld NSF and NSF company listing.

Metals overview: heavy metals.

Use these on municipally treated tap water. They are not sold here for untreated surface water.

Benefits

No bottled water. No electricity. Scrub the ceramic when flow slows. Travel size systems such as the Travel Berkey can use compatible candles if the stems fit — still fill from a city or hotel tap.

Two Ceramic Options

Ultra Fluoride — extra media for fluoride in city water. See how to reduce fluoride and fluoride health discussion.

Ultra Sterasyl — general ceramic + carbon for tap-water chemicals and sediment. NSF listed.

1. Ultra Fluoride

Ultra Fluoride product. About 800 gallons, depending on tap quality. Clean the shell when flow drops.

2. Ultra Sterasyl

Ultra Sterasyl product. About 800 gallons. PFOA and sediment reduction are chemical / particle claims. Systems: Berkey systems.

Where to Buy

Replacement filters. For standard Berkey carbon replacements use Phoenix.

How Often to Replace

About every 800 gallons or every 6–12 months. Unused ceramic candles keep if stored dry.

Final Thoughts

Ceramics are one option for tap water. They are not a substitute for treating raw pond or well water.