Do You Need a Water Filter for Your Keurig?

It’s pretty common knowledge that great-tasting coffee requires clean, quality water. Most avid coffee drinkers make the extra effort to use filtered water for their daily brew even if their tap water is considered clean and safe to drink. Whether or not you pour pre-filtered water into your Keurig, you might be wondering about the filter inside the machine. Is this extra filter really necessary?

A Keurig coffee maker can operate without a filter in place. However, it’s highly recommended to use and maintain a clean filter. Even if pre-filtered water is used, eventual damage can occur within the coffee maker. Having no filter can alter the taste of your coffee too.

Since Keurig maintenance and operation can be a bit different from the standard ‘drip’ machines, it does take some time to learn all the ropes. To help you get the most out of your Keurig, we’ve done some research to answer your Keurig questions.

Do all Keurig’s have a Water Filter?

Most Keurig models come with a filter compartment within the machine. Smaller models (such as K-Mini, K-Mini Plus, K15, and Rivo) don’t have filters and don’t require filter replacement. If your model doesn’t have a built-in filter but you wish it did, Keurig does provide a hand-held filter in their accessories.

Also, it’s important to note that not all Keurig filters are universal. So, before heading to the store for a replacement, be sure to check your model for the right size.

What does a Keurig Water Filter Do?

The main purpose of the filter is to remove chlorine and other minerals from the water. The heating elements inside the machine are susceptible to damage from excessive buildup of mineral deposits. Since these essential components of the machine are hidden from view, it’s hard to tell if buildup has occurred, thus the benefit of extra filtration.

Also, the cleaner the water, the tastier the brew. The Keurig filters will catch any traces of chlorine or mineral particles remaining in your pre-filtered water. Not only will this improve the taste, but it will also protect you from ingesting these impurities.

Do I Need to Change the Filter Regularly?

Yes. With Keurig Coffee Makers, regular cleaning and maintenance ensures that your coffee is tasty and safe to drink; this includes timely filter replacements. The Keurig filters are good for two months or 60 reservoir refills, whichever comes first. Read our article “How Often Should I Clean my Keurig?“, it will provide you with all your cleaning informational needs.

What Happens if You Don’t Change the Keurig Filter?

Over time, the filter becomes too contaminated to absorb any more impurities from the water, leaving the filter essentially ineffective.

Also, an overused filter will cause your coffee to taste funky. Because the filter slowly accumulates impurities from the water, you might not notice the change in taste for a while. For this reason, it’s best not to rely on the taste of your coffee to determine when a change is needed.

Can Tap Water Be Used in a Keurig?

Even if your local tap water is well-treated and considered safe to drink, it is recommended to pre-filter the water before use in your Keurig (even with a Keurig filter in place). The high level of chlorine and minerals found in even the highest quality tap water will quickly build up inside your Keurig and cause damage.

And while your tap water might taste okay on its own, the impurities can have an impact on the freshness of your coffee.

Can Distilled Water Be used in a Keurig?

For all coffee makers, it’s advised to avoid using distilled water. Despite the need to remove minerals from your water, not all minerals are bad (some are even essential). With a Keurig, the complete lack of minerals in distilled water can cause a sensor error in the machine. Furthermore, distilled water can increase the corrosion of the heating elements.

As always, the flavor of your morning joe is at stake.

What is the Best Water for your Keurig?

As for all types of coffee makers, water that’s either filtered or spring-sourced will produce the best-tasting brew and preserve the components of the coffee maker.

What are Keurig Filters Made Of?

Keurig filters contain a fine charcoal filament, standard in all the best water filters for daily drinking.

Final Thoughts

It’s true that the water filter in your Keurig may seem unnecessary and a bit of a hassle to maintain. In our research on the matter, we’ve found reports of Keurig owners who forego the extra filter without any problem. However, even if your coffee tastes as pure as can be without a filter in place, you might want to consider using one anyway just to prevent any sudden coffee maker malfunctions.