Black Berkey Primer Review: Is It Worth the Hype?
I’ve been a Berkey water filter owner for years, and I love the peace of mind it gives me knowing I have access to clean, safe drinking water no matter what. But let’s be honest, priming those Black Berkey elements can be a real pain! Especially in the winter, when the hose is off, it can be nearly impossible to prime my filters properly. That’s why I decided to try the Black Berkey Primer, a product designed to make the priming process easier and faster.
If you’re a Berkey owner, you know the struggle of getting those Black Berkey elements fully primed. You need to submerge them in water and pump the air out, which can take a lot of time and effort. This is especially true if you have a tricky faucet like mine, or if you’re trying to prime the filters in a situation without running water. The Black Berkey Primer aims to solve that problem, promising to make the priming process faster, easier, and even possible in emergency situations.
The ideal customer for this product is anyone who struggles with the traditional Berkey priming method. This includes those with difficult faucet configurations, those who need to prime filters off-grid, and those who simply want a faster and less tedious way to prime their Berkey elements. This product may not be necessary for you if you’re comfortable with the traditional method and have a reliable source of running water. You might also want to consider a smaller, less bulky option if you’re only using it for occasional travel or camping trips.
Before buying a Berkey primer, you should consider the following:
- How often do you prime your filters?
- Do you have access to running water?
- What is your budget for this product?
- How important is portability to you?
- The Black Berkey Primer is a hand-powered priming pump that allows you to prime your system’s Black Berkey Elements almost anywhere without a pressurized...
- Priming Black Berkey Elements saturates the filters with water prior to use, removing any pockets of air trapped inside the filters which can slow down the...
- Easy to use—with a Black Berkey Element properly immersed in water and attached to it, the Black Berkey Primer creates a simple pressure gradient which...
Getting to Know the Berkey Primer
The Black Berkey Primer is a hand-powered pump designed to quickly and easily prime your Berkey filters. It comes with a bulb, two tubes, two valves, a hex nut, and an angle piece. The product promises to make the priming process faster, easier, and less messy. It’s designed for use with Black Berkey elements and is not compatible with other types of filters.
The Berkey Primer compares favorably to other priming methods, as it offers a more convenient and efficient way to prime the filters. It’s more portable than the traditional hose-based method and provides greater control over the priming process. It’s also more affordable than some other priming solutions on the market. However, it’s worth noting that some users have found the primer to be difficult to assemble and use.
Here are some of the key pros and cons of the Black Berkey Primer:
- Pros:
- Faster priming time
- More convenient and portable than traditional methods
- Can be used in situations without running water
- More affordable than some other priming options
- Cons:
- Can be tricky to assemble
- The rubber bulb can have a strong odor
- Not compatible with all types of filters
Features and Benefits of the Berkey Primer
Assembly and Operation
The first thing you’ll need to do is assemble the primer. This can be a bit tricky, as some users have reported difficulty with the connection pieces. However, it’s not impossible. The instructions that come with the primer are not very clear. I found it helpful to watch a YouTube video that explained the assembly process in detail. Once assembled, the primer is relatively simple to use. You simply attach it to the filter, submerge it in water, and pump. The pressure from the bulb pushes water through the filter, forcing out the air.
The Black Berkey Primer comes with two valves that can be reversed, allowing you to purge water from the filter if necessary. This is a helpful feature, as it means you can use the primer for more than just priming.
Priming Time
One of the main benefits of the Black Berkey Primer is its ability to prime the filters faster than traditional methods. This is a huge advantage, especially if you’re in a hurry or you’re trying to prime the filters in a situation where time is of the essence. However, it’s important to note that the priming time will vary depending on the type of filter you’re using and the amount of air that needs to be removed.
In my experience, it took me about five to six minutes to fully prime my Black Berkey elements using the primer. This is significantly faster than the 15-20 minutes it would take me to prime them using the traditional method. It’s also much easier than using the hose and manually pumping the air out of the filter. This makes it an ideal solution for those who don’t have a lot of time or energy to devote to the priming process.
Portability
The Black Berkey Primer is relatively small and compact, making it easy to store and transport. This makes it ideal for use in a variety of situations, including camping, hiking, and traveling. You can easily pack it in your backpack or suitcase, and it won’t take up much space. The primer’s portability is a major advantage over the traditional hose-based method, which can be bulky and cumbersome to move around.
If you’re looking for a priming solution that you can take with you on the go, the Black Berkey Primer is a great option.
Emergency Use
The Black Berkey Primer is designed to work without running water. This makes it a valuable tool for emergency preparedness, as you can use it to prime your filters even if you’re in a situation where there’s no access to a water source. Whether you’re prepping for a natural disaster or simply want to have a backup plan, the Black Berkey Primer can give you peace of mind.
The ability to prime your filters without running water is a huge advantage, as it means you can continue to have access to clean, safe drinking water even in a crisis. The Berkey Primer’s ability to function off-grid makes it a must-have for anyone serious about emergency preparedness.
Disadvantages
While the Black Berkey Primer has many advantages, there are a few disadvantages to be aware of.
Firstly, the rubber bulb can have a strong odor. This odor is not harmful, but it can be unpleasant for some people. The odor may dissipate over time, but it is something to be aware of before purchasing the product. Secondly, the connection pieces can be difficult to assemble and use, and some users have reported them coming apart easily. This can make the priming process more frustrating than it needs to be.
What Others Are Saying
I scoured the internet for user reviews of the Black Berkey Primer. Many users reported positive experiences with the product, praising its speed, convenience, and portability. Many users found the primer to be a significant time saver, especially for those with difficult faucet configurations. However, a few users did report negative experiences, citing difficulties with assembly and the connection pieces. Some also complained about the strong odor from the rubber bulb.
Final Thoughts
The Black Berkey Primer can be a valuable tool for Berkey owners who want to make the priming process faster, easier, and more convenient. It’s especially useful for those who have difficult faucet configurations or who need to prime their filters without running water. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential disadvantages, such as the strong odor from the rubber bulb and the difficulty with assembly.
If you’re willing to put in the effort to assemble and use the primer, it can be a worthwhile investment for your Berkey system. It’s a great way to ensure that you always have access to clean, safe drinking water, no matter where you are or what the circumstances. Click here to learn more about the Berkey Primer.
Last update on 2025-08-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API