Are Keurig Water Filters Universal?

Maintaining your Keurig is essential, lest you wish for your coffee quality to degrade over time. Aside from cleaning the machine regularly, you should also replace its water filter every few months. However, with so many Keurig models available, are Keurig water filters universal, or do you need specific ones for certain models?

Keurig water filters are universal and compatible with most brewer models. Keurig makes several different-sized water filters as well as universal water filters. However, these filters aren’t compatible with Keurig’s Rivo brewing systems or “Cuisinart” and “Keurig-Cuisinart” brewers. 

That said, there’s still a lot to learn about Keurig water filters. This article will tell you everything you need to know about Keurig water filters, from their importance to how you can replace them.

Keurig Water Filters: Specified vs Universal Fit

Keurig water filters are small charcoal filtration packets used to remove chlorine, excess mineral residues, and other impurities from the water in the brewer’s reservoir. 

They’re mostly used to maintain the flavor and quality of the coffee produced by the brewer. These water filters can also protect the machine from scale buildups and prolong its lifespan.

Generally, Keurig water filters are universal. However, it’s still a good idea to check the specifications of which water filters are recommended, as Keurig actually makes several different-sized filters. Naturally, some types of filters may be a better fit for certain brewer models.

To make it easier for you, make sure to get water filters labeled as a universal fit. For example, these Water Filters by K&J (available on Amazon.com) are compatible with almost every Keurig brewer model. They use fine-grained charcoal contained within a high-quality micro mesh bag, ensuring optimal filtration while preventing the charcoal from clogging up the brewer. 

Are Keurig Water Filters Necessary?

Keurig water filters aren’t necessary for the machine to brew coffee, and it’s perfectly safe to run a Keurig without a water filter. However, Keurig water filters help to improve coffee’s taste and prolong the lifespan of your Keurig. 

The water you’re using may contain chlorine and other chemicals, minerals, or contaminants. While it’s still safe to drink, these water impurities can affect the quality and taste of your coffee. 

Moreover, if the water you’re using has too many minerals in it, mineral deposits or scales will quickly build up in your Keurig. The scales will eventually prevent your Keurig from functioning properly and even stop it from working altogether. Even though descaling and cleaning your Keurig regularly can help with this issue, there’s a chance it might shorten your Keurig lifespan.

If you’re unsure about your home’s water quality or notice unpleasant tastes in your coffee, it’s best to use a water filter in your Keurig. The water filter will help remove any impurity from the water. Thus, improving the quality of your coffee and protecting your brewer from scale buildup in the long run.

Can You Run Your Keurig Without a Water Filter?

You can run your Keurig without a water filter, but it’s not recommended. Using a Keurig without a filter will cause your coffee’s quality and the brewer’s performance to degrade over time. Therefore, using a water filter in your Keurig is still recommended. 

Many Keurig models, especially the newer ones, already come with a built-in charcoal filtration system. So, you can immediately use your brewer without worrying about its filter. 

Regardless of model, however, you still need to maintain and change the filter regularly. A cup of freshly brewed coffee is approximately 98% water. As the filter loses its effectiveness, the water will become dirtier, causing changes to your coffee’s flavor and aroma profile. 

Do All Keurigs Need Water Filters?

Not every Keurig model requires water filters. Some Keurig models don’t come with a charcoal filtration system. This includes:

  • Keurig K-Mini
  • Keurig K-Mini Plus
  • Keurig K15
  • Keurig Rivo System

These Keurig models are designed for single households and small offices. Unlike other Keurig models, they don’t need filter maintenance to run properly.

However, this also means you need to pay more attention to the water quality. If you’re using any of these Keurig models, make sure to use filtered water to brew your coffee. Avoid using distilled and hard water since they may hinder the brewer’s performance and potentially shorten its lifespan.

How Often Should You Replace Your Keurig Water Filter?

You should replace your Keurig water filter every two months if you use your brewer everyday. How often you ultimately replace your filter will depend on how frequently you use your Keurig. A general rule of thumb is to change it after around 60 tank refills.

Remembering when to change your Keurig water filter is sometimes easier said than done. After all, who can keep track of how many times they’ve refilled their Keurig water reservoir? 

Thankfully, some newer Keurig models allow you to set a filter change reminder. That way, you don’t have to keep guessing when a replacement is needed. 

Alternatively, you can also check out the table below. It estimates how often you should change your water filter based on how much coffee you brew each day:

Cups of coffee brewed each dayWhen to replace your water filter
1 cup8-10 months
2 cups5 months
3 cups3-4 months
4 cups2.5 months
5 cups2 months
6 cups1.5 months

How To Replace a Keurig Water Filter

Now that you know how often you should change your Keurig water filter, you may be wondering how you can do it. Here are some easy steps to replace a Keurig water filter:

  1. Soak the new charcoal filter in clean water for around 5 minutes, then rinse for 60 seconds.
  2. Remove the lid of the brewer’s water reservoir.
  3. Gently unsnap the filter holder to remove the old water filter from its housing.
  4. Rinse the filter holder with clean water.
  5. Insert the new water filter.
  6. Snap the clips that are used to keep the filter in place.
  7. Reinstall the filter holder to secure it properly.

Replacing your brewer’s filter regularly will ensure your Keurig is working properly and enhance the flavor profile of your coffee.

Aside from changing your Keurig water filter regularly, it’s also a good idea to clean your Keurig every six months or after every other filter change. This will also help to enhance the flavor of the coffee and ensure everything is running smoothly.

If you’re still unsure about how to change your Keurig water filter, you can go ahead and check out this 3-minute instructional video on YouTube: