Can you use distilled water in a Keurig coffee machine instead of spring water or bottled water? To some people, it would make sense, but there is controversy on whether it improves the quality of your cup of coffee.
Most people know distilled water as a safe liquid to use in many things. Understanding what distilled water is will help you understand why you would or would not want to use it.
"The best coffee pod I've ever tasted"
Yes, we mean that. Finally, specialty coffee for your KCup machine, roasted fresh to your order by our friends at Atlas Coffee in Austin, TX! Get 50% OFF to try it with code ROASTYPODS
Distilled water has its purposes but is it the best option for your Keurig machine? This article will tell you what experts are saying about distilled water and whether using it will help or hinder your coffee-drinking experience.
Inquiring Minds Want to Know About Distilled Water
We address the question, “Can you use distilled water in Keurig?” The answer is controversial. Some experts say it’s okay to use, and others say no. To many people, minerals are essential for enhancing the taste of coffee; others say a lack of minerals will make the coffee taste fresher.
The acidity or alkalinity of water depends on the amount or type of mineral present. Will distilled water make an impact on that? It may be beneficial for you to understand what distilled water is.
What Makes Distilled Water?
The water you consume should be clean and refreshing, without the bad taste of chemicals. Distilled water contains no minerals and impurities, but consists of hydrogen and oxygen.
According to Healthline, the process of distilling water consists of boiling water and then condensing its steam back into a liquid. The distilling process also boils out the contaminants.
Uses for Distilled Water
Because of its purity, distilled water works well in some equipment, such as CPAP canisters or humidifiers, to prevent the build-up of calcification that could negatively impact the effectiveness of therapy. Other uses can include, but are not limited to:
- Aquariums
- Cooling systems in vehicles
- Steam irons
- Air purifiers or vaporizers
- Personal hygiene
- Cooking
- Watering plants
Pros and Cons of Distilled Water
Pros
Distilled water is versatile. It makes a good substitute if your city’s water contains too many minerals, calcium, or other chemicals. Another advantage of using distilled water is that it prevents the build-up of deposits and clogging of holes in steam irons.
You can use it to clean your skin and make it softer. Here’s the big plus–it is inexpensive.
Cons
One disadvantage is that distilled water can absorb minerals from its container, including plastics. Some believe that the absorbed substances may be hazardous to your health and cause symptoms.
Since distilled water pulls the minerals out of its medium, drinking it may cause your body to lose minerals. With that said, using distilled water to make coffee may have the same effect on its quality.
To Use Distilled Water in Keurig or Not to Use
Most Keurig machines have built-in sensors that detect the mineral content in water. You want some deposits to enhance the flavor of your coffee. How do they do that? The minerals in the water pull the coffee bean flavors into the water. Distilled water prohibits that from happening.
There is such a thing as too much mineral content, which can harm your machine. For that reason, you should be picky about the water you put in your coffee maker.
The type of Keurig you have will determine what kind of water you can use. For example, you can use distilled water in the classic Keurig machine because it can handle the water’s purity. Distilled water prevents you from having to descale your maker.
Some argue that using distilled water regularly can cause the unit to wear down faster due to the absorption ability of the water. Over time, materials in the machine will start to deteriorate.
The Keurig 2.0 does not tolerate distilled water because it is too pure for its sensor. Due to electrical impulses, the unit may think there is no water in the reservoir. It will continuously alert you to add water. Using filtered tap water is the best option for this type of Keurig.
To Sum Up
Distilled water goes through a boiling process to remove minerals and other contaminants. It prevents clogging of equipment or development of deposits and can help clean better.
Is it okay to use distilled water in Keurig? The answer is probably not, and here are the reasons why:
- Distilled water can damage the Keurig brewer over time by leaching its minerals.
- Your coffee may taste flat since distilled water doesn’t contain any minerals.
- Distilled water might cause the machine to work improperly.
- Distilled water may cause health problems due to the possible depletion of minerals from the body.
Check your user manual for a recommendation of water to use.
Happy Caffeinating!
