Did my Keurig come with a water filter?

You’ve done your research and you’ve decided the best water for your Keurig coffee maker is filtered tap water. Not surprisingly, Keurig has created a system where you can filter your water directly in the machine itself.

The question is, do all Keurig models have a water filter?

In this article, we’ve coved the most popular Keurig models from the compact machines right down to the k-duo and k-duo plus models. We’ve also included some of the newest machines and older 2.0 machines.

Which Keurig Coffee Makers Have Water Filters?

Most of the Keurig coffee makers that are on the market do work with a replaceable water filter that is sold separately. However, not all of them do. While a majority of the options you can choose from these days are compatible with the Keurig filters you can purchase aftermarket, one of the most popular models is not.

The Keurig K-Mini and K-Mini Plus don’t fit a water filter. This is due to the fact that there is no water reservoir. When you brew a cup of coffee with the K-Mini models, you pour the water in and it is brewed directly into coffee. The models that do have a water reservoir are able to work with the short or long-handle water filtration kit.

Also see: Can You Make a Latte with a Keurig?

Do I Need A Water Filter?

Tap water and some bottled water are filled with minerals that can clog your Keurig over time. This build-up can affect the quality and taste of your coffee or even damage your coffee maker. You’ll need to descale your Keurig every so often in order to prevent buildup. By purchasing an in-unit water filter, you can help slow down the build-up of these minerals.

For the models that don’t work with the water filter, you’ll want to filter the water before pouring it into your machine. You can use a pitcher filter or a filter that attaches directly to your faucet. This will keep your machine in tip-top shape for as long as possible.

Most of the models that do have a water reservoir will work with the Keurig water filters. Once you choose your Keurig model, you can figure out the water reservoir size and then determine which water filter should work. The options are tall handle or short handle. If you’re in doubt as to which filter you need, check the packaging or instructions that came with your Keurig or the Keurig website.

The water filters do not come standard with machines. You will need to buy the entire starter kit for the first time, and then after that, you can purchase the water filter cartridge refills. According to Keurig, these should be replaced about every two months or 60 tank refills in order to keep your water, and coffee, tasting as pure and delicious as possible.

Does the Keurig K-Duo have a Water Filter?

The Keurig K-Duo series is designed for you to be able to choose between making a single serving of coffee or a carafe full for the whole family. The K-Duo and the K-Duo special addition both have a shorter water reservoir, while the K-Duo Plus has a taller one. This means on the K-Duo plus, you will need the tall handle water filter kit, while the other two work with the short handle water filter kit.

For the K-Duo Plus, you can choose to have your water reservoir on the rear or either side, allowing you to choose what position works best for you. For the K-Duo and K-Duo Special Edition, the water reservoir is the same capacity at 60 ounces, but permanently located in the back and shorter in height than the Plus.

How To Change The Water Filter on a Keurig K-Duo

  1. The first step when changing the water filter is to soak the water filter cartridge for 5 minutes
  2. Next, rinse the cartridge for 60 seconds
  3. To separate the lower and upper filter holder, you must press the tabs on both sides of the base and pull down
  4. Rinse the mesh of the lower filter holder
  5. Insert the cartridge into the lower filter holder
  6. Snap on the top of the filter holder, making sure it clicks
  7. With the reservoir empty, push the water filter into the reservoir firmly into it locks into place

Does the Keurig K-Slim have a Water Filter

The Keurig K-Slim is a single serving Keurig model designed to take up only a small amount of space on your counter. The multiple-cup, 46-ounce water reservoir is located on the back of the machine and is greater than 8 inches tall, meaning it will use the tall handle water filter kit.

How To Change The Water Filter on a Keurig K-Slim

  1. The first step when changing the water filter is to soak the water filter cartridge for 5 minutes
  2. Next, rinse the cartridge for 60 seconds
  3. To separate the lower and upper filter holder, you must press the tabs on both sides of the base and pull down
  4. Rinse the mesh of the lower filter holder
  5. Insert the cartridge into the lower filter holder
  6. Snap on the top of the filter holder, making sure it clicks
  7. With the reservoir empty, push the water filter into the reservoir firmly into it locks into place

Does a Keurig K-Mini / K-Compact have a Water Filter?

The Keurig K-Mini is one of the few Keurig models that does not work with their in-unit water filters. This is because the water reservoir is so small, only big enough to hold one cup of coffee at a time. For this reason, you will want to only use pre-filtered water when making coffee using the K-Mini.

If you’re looking for a small Keurig model that still has a decent-sized water reservoir but doesn’t take up a lot of space on the counter, the K-Compact fits the bill. The machine sits at only 8.2 inches wide, but it has a rear, removable water reservoir that holds 36 ounces of water. It is, however, shorter than 8 inches, meaning that this model is compatible with the short handle water filter kit.

How To Change The Water Filter on a K-Mini / K-Compact

  1. The first step when changing the water filter is to soak the water filter cartridge for 5 minutes
  2. Next, rinse the cartridge for 60 seconds
  3. To separate the lower and upper filter holder, you must press the tabs on both sides of the base and pull down
  4. Rinse the mesh of the lower filter holder
  5. Insert the cartridge into the lower filter holder
  6. Snap on the top of the filter holder, making sure it clicks
  7. With the reservoir empty, push the water filter into the reservoir firmly into it locks into place

Does the Keurig K-Classic have a Water Filter?

You can’t go wrong with the K-Classic, which delivers the perfect cup of coffee every time. This model has a 48-ounce water reservoir located on the left side of the machine. At 13.3 inches high, it’s greater than 8 inches tall, so it’s most compatible with the tall handle water filter kit.

How To Change The Water Filter on a Keurig K-Classic

  1. The first step when changing the water filter is to soak the water filter cartridge for 5 minutes
  2. Next, rinse the cartridge for 60 seconds
  3. To separate the lower and upper filter holder, you must press the tabs on both sides of the base and pull down
  4. Rinse the mesh of the lower filter holder
  5. Insert the cartridge into the lower filter holder
  6. Snap on the top of the filter holder, making sure it clicks
  7. With the reservoir empty, push the water filter into the reservoir firmly into it locks into place

Does the Keurig K-Cafe Have A Water Filter?

The K-Cafe is the Keurig model for those who prefer a fancier coffee in the morning. With a built-in milk frother, you can create all types of delicious coffee drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos. The large, 60-ounce water reservoir is located to the left of the machine and is compatible with the tall handle water filter kit.

How To Change The Water Filter on a Keurig K-Cafe

  1. The first step when changing the water filter is to soak the water filter cartridge for 5 minutes
  2. Next, rinse the cartridge for 60 seconds
  3. To separate the lower and upper filter holder, you must press the tabs on both sides of the base and pull down
  4. Rinse the mesh of the lower filter holder
  5. Insert the cartridge into the lower filter holder
  6. Snap on the top of the filter holder, making sure it clicks
  7. With the reservoir empty, push the water filter into the reservoir firmly into it locks into place

Does the Keurig 2.0 K250 have a Water Filter?

This model can brew carafe sizes or individual cups, plus it comes with a touch screen and a few specialty settings. The 40-ounce water reservoir is located on the back of the machine but is shorter than 8 inches so it works only with the short handle water filter kit.

  1. The first step when changing the water filter is to soak the water filter cartridge for 5 minutes
  2. Next, rinse the cartridge for 60 seconds
  3. To separate the lower and upper filter holder, you must press the tabs on both sides of the base and pull down
  4. Rinse the mesh of the lower filter holder
  5. Insert the cartridge into the lower filter holder
  6. Snap on the top of the filter holder, making sure it clicks
  7. With the reservoir empty, push the water filter into the reservoir firmly into it locks into place

Best To Use Water Filter Kit

Many consumers are frustrated that the Keurig coffee machines don’t come with a water filter kit as the standard. You can make coffee with your Keurigs even without one of the Keurig filter kits, no problem.

That being said, whether you decide to purchase the kit for your machine or prefer to filter water before adding it, you definitely want to be using filtered water to increase the longevity of your machine.

What happens if your Keurig doesn't have a filter?

No. You can use the Keurig without a water filter and use tap water, if you wish. I use filtered water from my fridge, or purified bottled water (which is more pure that tap water). It has more to do with eliminating any bad taste in the water than anything functional on the brewer.

How do I find the filter on my Keurig?

Keurig water filter should be changed every 2 months or 60 tank refills. The water filter is located inside the water tank, on the valve at the bottom of the tank.

Does the new Keurig have a filter?

Each Keurig contains a small charcoal filter, which purifies the water that ends up in your cup of coffee. These filters need to be changed about once every two months. To swap out the Keurig filter for a new one, you'll first need to open the top of the machine and remove the old filter.