I have a couple. First are there any drawbacks to this model over the stainless models?
1880551
Great question!I can't say for sure, as I have only owned the Berkey Light. However, I have found no shortcomings with the Light, and my guess is that the only major difference would be appearance and weight. The stainless model is nice and shiny, but it's heavier, and probably doesn't work any better than my plastic model. I have experienced none of the issues mentioned by the other poster (weakness and breakage) with my own Berkey Light. Also, with the Light, you can see the water level, which is a BIG plus.Robert
1880552
over a longer term water needs to be stored in the dark. Some blue-green algae is toxic. just take this into account.
1880553
Not that I know of. The material is cheaper, lighter, you can see the water level in both drums. Nothing comes to mind.
1880554
yes. this product is junk. and it starts with the poor quality of the filters. if you tilt this unit when the filters are wet, they will snap off of their bases from their own weight. the plastic model deforms and twists and tilts when filled with water and the act of filling it with water is all you need to cause the filters to break. do not buy. you are wasting your money. they also do not actually warranty this product when it does break, which it will.
1880555
Great question! I can't say for sure, as I have only owned the Berkey Light. However, I have found no shortcomings with the Light, and my guess is that the only major difference would be appearance and weight. The stainless model is nice and shiny, but it's heavier, and probably doesn't work any better than my plastic model. I have experienced none of the issues mentioned by the other poster (weakness and breakage) with my own Berkey Light. Also, with the Light, you can see the water level, which is a BIG plus. Robert
1880556
I have no experience with stainless models. The plastic model is working well for us.
1880557
the stainless are against the law to ship to CA. That should tell you something about the product.
212923
I think the stainless steel definitely keeps the liquid hotter longer. Plus it cleans up easier/better and doesn't hold onto flavors like the plastic ones tend to.
2230371
We have all fairly new stainless appliances and I think it works great with them. We've had the same batteries for almost a year now and they are still going strong.
2050594
Stainless steel warms up quicker and is more stain resistant. It also tends to char food more easily. Aluminum tends to wear out sooner and may become somewhat porous with long use.
807952
All the parts are pretty simple, so there are not many difficult crevices to get into and try to clean. That was one reason I chose this model and the stainless is way easier than the plastic.
2119435
The only trade-off that I've heard about with stainless, is that it won't take as sharp of an edge as the carbon steel. That may be true, but not that it has ever been an issue for me.
1921702
I have the NON ULTRA version and the only difference between this model and the ULTRA model is the backplate on the older model is black plastic...so you're paying extra money for the stainless steel backplate on the Ultra model. All functions are the same on both models...selecting brew strength, to hold warm for 4 hrs....etc. The backplate is the ONLY difference.
1788504
I am thinking of getting one too - I am just reading ingesting small amounts of rust isn't harmful, and various cleaning techniques can help (baking soda, bottle brushes). I think I will take the risk and just make an extra effort to make sure it's dry when it's not in use. I can't imagine that it's made of any but food-grade stainless steel...
834082
Me, no. Mine is stainless steel. Never had that problem. Wish I could answer this correctly.
837098
We've had this model for 3 or 4 years and have had no problems with it.Of course my wife is the one who uses it most but it seems to heat evenlyand gets hot enough to cook everything we put on it.
992775
The Solofil K3 Gold is the one I use daily. It works very well. (not sure about stainless steel)
1658262
We only carry the all stainless version since pricing is the same as the black style. E-mail us for more information.
932605
Thank you for your question. The "Stainless" option you see is the Brilliance Stainless, they are the same thing.
974613
I bought the one with all of the features and am glad I did. We use the rotisserie a lot and it works great. Just be aware that you are limited to 4# on it or it gets too heavy.
1484866
compares very well as far as I can tell. I really like mine. Seems to have all the same available features.
1463008
I believe it has to do with the stainless steel metal being used over cheaper materials/plastics. I've paid for the more expensive version and it's very durable. Hope this helps.
1794504
I have not had a problem with this model but I have with other ones made by other companys.