You’ve already done hours of research on the best Keurig coffee maker, and you’re ready to pull the trigger and purchase one. But wait, there’s one more thing to consider – filters.
Keurig has two different types of filters – water and coffee.
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But wait again, you thought the draw of a Keurig was that you didn’t need to buy hundreds of coffee filters. And you don’t, but there is an option to use Keurig’s reusable coffee filter. More on that later.
The second filter is a water filter.
The general consensus is that filtered tap water is the best type of water to use in your Keurig. Personally, the tap water where I live is not the best, and I don’t have the best system to filter minerals out of my tap water. For this reason, I use bottled water to brew coffee in my Keurig.
If you don’t have the best tap water and don’t want to use bottled water like I do, you might want a Keurig water filter directly in your machine.
Keep reading to see if your favorite Keurig machine has a water filter and learn all there is to know about Keurig filters.
Does every Keurig machine have a water filter?
Technically, no. Keurig brewing systems do not come out of the box with a water filter. Instead, there is a place for a water filter in most coffee brewer models’ removable water reservoirs. The water filters are held in place by one of three water filter handles. The handle size depends on which Keurig machine you have in your kitchen.
Keep reading to learn which water filter handle is compatible with your machine.
Does the Keurig Mini or K-Mini Plus have a water filter?
No, the Keurig K-Mini coffee maker and K-Mini Plus machines do not have a water filter or the option to add one. These machines are too small to fit a water filter and do not have a water reservoir like other models.
Does the Keurig Duo have a water filter?
Yes, the Keurig Duo does have the option for a water filter, but you will need to purchase the Short Handle Water Filter Starter Kit. The water filter handle holds the filter in place to ensure your water is being properly filtered.
Does the Keurig K-Duo PLUS have a water filter?
Yes, the Keurig K-Duo Plus does have the option for a water filter. You will need to purchase the Tall Handle Water Filter Starter Kit. The water filter handle holds the filter in place to ensure your water is being properly filtered.
Do the Keurig K-Supreme, K-Supreme Plus, or K-Supreme Plus SMART have a water filter?
Yes, the Keurig K-Supreme, K-Supreme Plus, and K-Supreme Plus SMART are all compatible with water filters. You will need to purchase the Tall Handle Water Filter Starter Kit. The water filter handle holds the filter in place to ensure your water is being properly filtered.
Does the Keurig K-Slim have a water filter?
Yes, the Keurig K-Slim does have the option for a water filter. You will need to purchase the Tall Handle Water Filter Starter Kit. The water filter handle holds the filter in place to ensure your water is being properly filtered.
Does the K-Cafe Single Serve Coffee Latte & Cappuccino Maker have a water filter?
Yes, the K-Cafe Single Serve Coffee Latte & Cappuccino Maker does have the option for a water filter, but you will need to purchase the Short Handle Water Filter Starter Kit. The water filter handle holds the filter in place to ensure your water is being properly filtered.
Does the Keurig K-Elite have a water filter?
Yes, the Keurig K-Elite does have the option for a water filter. You will need to purchase the Tall Handle Water Filter Starter Kit. The water filter handle holds the filter in place to ensure your water is being properly filtered.
Does the Keurig K-Select have a water filter?
Yes, the Keurig K-Select does have the option for a water filter. You will need to purchase the Tall Handle Water Filter Starter Kit. The water filter handle holds the filter in place to ensure your water is being properly filtered.
Does the Keurig K-Classic have a water filter?
The Keurig K-Classic is compatible with the K-Classic Water Filter. You will need to purchase the Keurig K-Classic Water Filter Starter Kit to get the filter holder. The water filter holds the filter in place to ensure your water is being properly filtered. The K-Classic is also compatible with the Tall Handle Water Filter.
Does the Keurig K-Express have a water filter?
Yes, the Keurig K-Express does have the option for a water filter. You will need to purchase the Tall Handle Water Filter Starter Kit. The water filter handle holds the filter in place to ensure your water is being properly filtered.
Does the Keurig K-Slim have a water filter?
Yes, the Keurig K-Slim is compatible with the Tall Handle Water Filter Starter Kit. The water filter handle holds the filter in place to ensure your water is being properly filtered.
Does the Keurig K145 have a water filter?
Yes, the Keurig K145 (also known as the OfficePro Brewing Machine) is compatible with the Tall Handle Water Filter Holder.
What is the Keurig Water Filter Kit?
The Keurig Water Filter Kit is an accessory kit you will have to purchase separately from your Keurig. Keurig offers three different water filter kits.
Tall Handle Water Filter Starter Kit
Includes:
- One water filter handle
- Two filter cartridges
The Tall Handle Water Filter Kit is for Keurig machines with a water reservoir taller than eight inches.
Short Handle Water Filter Starter Kit
Includes:
- One water filter handle
- Two filter cartridges
The Short Handle Water Filter Kit is for Keurig machines with a water reservoir shorter than eight inches.
K Classic Water Filter Starter Kit
Includes:
- One water filter handle
- Two filter cartridges
The K Classic Water Filter is only compatible with machines made before the 2.0 line. Additionally, it is bulkier and more obvious than the other two options.
Keurig Water Filter Cartridges
The Keurig Water Filter Cartridges are charcoal-based filters. These charcoal filters work to remove chlorine, calcium, and other impurities from your water to give you the best tasting cup of coffee possible.
How often do I have to change my water filter?
You should change replaceable water filters every two months to ensure they keep working to the best of their ability. Only the cartridge needs to be changed, not the water filter handle.
How do I change my Keurig water filter?
Before you replace your water filter, soak the new filter cartridge in water for five minutes, then rinse the cartridge under cold water for 60 seconds. Next, take the water filter assembly out of the water reservoir and remove the old filter cartridge from the bottom.
To open the water filter handle, remove the lower filter holder from the upper filter holder. Replace the old cartridge with the new one, and snap the filter handle back together. Place the water filter handle back in the water reservoir and push firmly to lock the filter handle into place.
Does Keurig offer a reusable water filter?
No, Keurig does not have a reusable water filter option. The charcoal water filter cartridges are designed to be thrown away after two months. While the cartridges are not reusable, the water filter handle is.
Always include the water filter handle in your regular Keurig machine cleaning routine. The water filter handle can be washed with dish soap and warm water.
Keurig Coffee Filters
I know the draw of a Keurig machine is not having to deal with coffee grounds and coffee filters. So, why am I bringing it up now?
Keurig offers the option to use your own coffee grounds with a specific filter.
Do you need a coffee filter for your Keurig?
No. If you are using a K-Cup pod with your Keurig, you do not need to worry about using a coffee filter. If you would like to use your own ground coffee beans, you can do so with the My K-Cup Universal Reusable Coffee Filter (sold separately).
To use the K-Cup Reusable Coffee Filter, fill the filter to the max line with your favorite coffee grounds. Place the K-Cup Filter into your Keurig as if it were a typical K-Cup and brew as usual. Before you know it, you’ll have a freshly brewed cup of coffee.
Is my machine compatible with the My K-Cup Universal Reusable Coffee Filter?
Yes. The My K-Cup Universal Reusable Coffee Filter is compatible with all Keurig coffee machines.
How do I clean My K-Cup Universal Reusable Coffee Filter?
My K-Cup Universal Reusable Coffee Filter is top-rack dishwasher safe. It should be cleaned after each use.
Do you need a paper filter for your Keurig?
No. Do not use a paper filter in your Keurig. Doing so might result in damaging your Keurig.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need to change/replace a Keurig filter?
The Keurig water filter cartridge should be changed every two months.
What happens if you don’t change a Keurig water filter?
If you do not change the water filter on your Keurig after two months, the filter will lose its ability to filter your water. Over time, the dirty filter may change the taste of your cup of coffee. To ensure you’re brewing your coffee with the cleanest water and getting the best tasting cup, be sure to change your water filter every two months.
Can you run a Keurig without a filter?
Technically, yes. The water filter is not required to brew a cup of coffee with your Keurig, but instead, it’s a personal choice. If you feel confident about the quality of your water, you may not need an additional Keurig filter. If you’re unsure about your water quality or want to brew your coffee with filtered water, consider adding a Keurig water filter.
Do Keurig water filters expire?
No, Keurig charcoal water filters do not expire. Although, if they are exposed to moisture before you are ready to use them, they may no longer be safe to use.
Happy Caffeinating!
