Water filters are the most essential thing especially if you use tap water for brewing coffee. These charcoal filters can effectively remove chlorine and other debris from water only if the tap water quality in your vicinity is not too bad.
I personally use tap water for brewing coffee with Keurig, but it’s only recommended if the tap water quality is good and drinkable. Otherwise, use bottled water or filtered water.
But Do All Keurigs have a Water filter?
No, all Keurig models don’t have water filters. Most of the Keurig models have a place for water filters in their Water tanks but you have to buy water filters separately. There are some models, like K mini, mini plus, and Rivo, that don’t have a place for water filters. These machines are very compact, with a water reservoir capacity of only one cup, so technically, they can’t accommodate water filters.
Keep reading to find out if your Keurig machine is compatible with the water filter or not, and how and when you should change your Keurig’s water filter.
Which Keurig Models have a Water filter kit
You need to purchase the water filter kit separately with the Keurig machine and install it in the water reservoir.
The Keurig filters are located in the water tank of the machine and based on the model there are three different types of water filter kits.
Tall Handle water filter Kit: This kit is for the Keurig models that have water tanks taller than eight inches. These kits typically fit the models with the side water reservoir.
You can purchase it here
Short handle water filter kit: This kit is for the Keurig models that have water tanks smaller than eight inches. These kits typically fit the models with the rear water reservoir.
You can purchase it here
Keurig K classic water filter kit: This water filter kit is only compatible with K classic models and has a bulkier design. You have to check the serial number of your K classic model before purchasing the filter handle if it starts with “4” (44, 45, 48) you need a K classic water filter, if it starts with “55” you need a tall handle water filter.
You can purchase it here
| Models that fit Tall Handle water filter Kit | Models that fit Small Handle water filter Kit | Models that fit K Select water filter Kit | Models that don’t fit any water filter kit |
|---|---|---|---|
| K-Supreme | K250 | K Classic (Serial number begins with 44,45, or 48) | K-Mini |
| K-Supreme Plus | K-Compact | K-Mini Plus | |
| K-Duo Plus | K-Latte | K-Rivo | |
| K-Cafe | K-Duo | K15 | |
| K-Elite | K-Duo Essentials | ||
| K-Select | |||
| K-Slim | |||
| K425 and K525 | |||
| K Classic (Serial number begins with 55) |
Also Read: Which Keurig model do I have?
How to change Keurig Water filter
To ensure that you brew a perfect cup of coffee every time and to maintain the longevity of your Keurig machine, you must clean the machine, descale it, and replace the water filters regularly. Otherwise, you may have issues like leaks in the machine, or the machine not pumping water properly.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to replace or remove the charcoal water filter of your Keurig machine.
- Before installing the new water filter in the machine, the filters need to be soaked and absorb water. So place it in a bowl full of water for 5-10 minutes. Meanwhile, you can remove the old water.
- Detach the water reservoir from your machine if it’s removable or simply remove the top if it’s not.
- Now grasp the water filter holder firmly with your hand and pull it out by giving a sharp tug.
- Remove the clip that holds the charcoal filter and discard the spent filter.
- After the new filter has soaked for 5-10 minutes, rinse it with water properly.
- Also clean and rinse the water filter handle properly, especially the bottom part, as there will be a lot of debris accumulated there.
- Insert the new filter in the filter handle with its rounded top facing up and reinstall the clip.
- Now rotate the dial at the top of the filter handle to the month you should change the water filter next. Ideally, the water filter should be changed after 2 months. So, if it’s January (1st month) rotate the dial to March (3rd month) and it will act as a reminder.
- Finally, place the water filter handle in the water reservoir and push it down firmly to lock it in place.
How often to change Keurig Water Filter
How often you should change the water filter mainly depends on the quality of water you are using to brew and how much you use your coffee maker.
Keurig recommends to change the water filter once every two months or after 60 tank refills whichever comes first.
Also, some Keurig water filter handles have a dial that allows you to set a reminder to change the filter on time.
Keurig water filters cartridges are charcoal-based filters that work effectively to remove chlorine and other debris from water when they are new but with time their filtering ability goes down and they become completely useless after they become saturated. That’s why it’s very important to change it on time.
Do you need a Water Filter in Keurig?
You can use Keurig coffee makers without a water filter, however, it is not recommended, especially if the water you are using to brew contains minerals and other impurities. If you are using distilled water to brew coffee then you can safely use your Keurig machine without a water filter.
The water filters are very important. Even if you think there is nothing wrong with the taste of coffee without a water filter, you still don’t know how damaging unfiltered water can be to your machine.
If your Keurig doesn’t have a water filter, the minerals in unfiltered water can build up inside the piping or boiler of the machine and decrease the lifespan of the machine – Which definitely you will not want!
What’s the Best water for Keurig
It’s always a best practice to use filtered or bottled in Keurig. As well as preparing the most flavorful cup of coffee, filtered water has the perfect amount of minerals, typically less than 100 ppm, which leads to less scaling inside the machine and a perfect cup of coffee.
I personally use filtered tap water in my Keurig and it works really fine. It contains the right amount of minerals to make my coffee more flavorful and not too much that can cause damage to the machine.
Here’s a detailed guide on What’s the best water for Keurig
Final Thoughts on Keurig water filters
Using unfiltered water in Keurig not only causes the taste of your coffee bad but also causes serious damage to your machine.
If you love your Keurig brewer and your cup of joe, be sure to install the right water filters and change them regularly.
Keurig Mini, Mini Plus, and Rivo users do not have the option of adding a water filter assembly so it is recommended that you use pre-filtered or distilled water for brewing coffee.
FAQs
Are Keurig Water Filters Reusable?
The charcoal water filters on Keurig machines are not reusable; they must be discarded after two months when they become saturated with impurities.
Do You Need A Coffee Filter For Your Keurig?
The k cups already contain a water filter, so you don’t need separate coffee filters when brewing coffee with Keurig.
Can You Use Tap Water In Keurig?
Using unfiltered tap water in Keurig is not recommended. According to research, most tap waters contain a high amount of minerals that can damage your machine. If the water in your area is drinkable, you can use it, but even if that’s the case, you should check the mineral content of the water first and ensure that it isn’t too high.
