Do Berkey Water Filter Scratch and Dent Products Offer Value For Money?

We love this brand, and there’s no doubt about this. Our Big Berkey is used on a regular basis and still does what it’s supposed to do. So when a buddy of mine asked why we don’t talk about the Scratch/Dent products, I decided to investigate some more.

So apart from a small “B” stamped on the upper and lower stainless steel chambers and the obvious cosmetic damage, what’s the difference? For a start they’re sold as-is – no refunds or exchanges on blemished canisters. That has been said to be the only main issue regarding Berkey water filter scratch and dent products and why buying brand new, perfect products is much better.

As primary caregivers, we often worry about keeping our families safe. And securing a supply of clean, filtered drinking water is a step in this direction. Not only does filtered water taste good, but it is healthy too.

Berkey has a reputation for manufacturing some of the most superior-quality water filters on the market. These stainless-steel gravity filters do a great job getting rid of a wide range of pollutants, making contaminated water potable.

Nevertheless, good things come at a cost. Most homeowners shy away from a Berkey water filter purchase for its higher upfront cost compared to competitor models. Many recommend buying a Berkley water filter scratch and dent unit to cut back on cost.

Are these blemished models worth the buy? Do the scratches and dents affect the efficiency of the filters? This article addresses all the questions you may have when buying a Berkey water filter scratch and dent unit.

How is a Berkey Water Filter Scratch and Dent Unit Different?

The sole difference between a non-blemished Berkey Water Filter and a Scratch and Dent model is the finish of the final product. The latter is flawed cosmetically. They feature dents, scratches, and discoloration on the outer surfaces of the canister. The defects are minor. There are chances the damage could have been caused in transit between the manufacturing unit and the warehouse. Although damaged, the filters are new and unused.
The cosmetic damage does not compromise the filter’s functionality. The filter units include the same components as their full-priced counterparts. It is easy to single out these units, given that the upper and lower canisters bear an imprint of the letter B.

Instead of discarding the filters due to their flawed stainless-steel housings, the blemished Berkey water filter scratch and dent products are sold at a discounted price. They are sold at a minimum discount of 10% to 20% of the full-priced models.

Berkey Water Filters Scratch and Dent Warranties

While you gain on the price when you opt for a Berkey Water Filter Scratch and Dent, you lose out on the warranty.
These scratch and dent models are not eligible for the full warranty offered by the manufacturer. The manufacturer’s warranty covers only the Black BerkeyⓇ Purification Elements fitted in the product. It is the standard 2-years warranty. The warranty does not cover cosmetic defects on these models.

Also, all sales for these models are final. You cannot claim a refund on these models, and neither do they qualify for an exchange. Thus, if you buy a defective (cosmetic) filter and it turns out faulty, you are stuck with it. There is also a possibility that the filter will not be shipped in the original packaging. It depends on the dealer.

Final Thoughts Blemished Berkey​® Systems

Buying a non-blemished Berkey Water Filter might cost you a little more upfront, but you can always think of the value it adds in the long run. The Berkey water filter scratch and dent products are ideal, if you are watching funds.
Instead of opting for the price reductions offered by a scratch-and-dent system, you can look for sales and special offers. It turns out more economical, and you don’t have to settle for a blemished filter system. The main reason we still bought brand new instead of the blemished version is this; Black Berkey® Purification Elements are the only part of this product that is covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.