As coffee enthusiasts, we all crave that perfect cup of joe – free from odd aftertastes and unpleasant odors. It’s easy to blame the coffee beans or equipment when things don’t go as planned, but sometimes, the culprit is right under our noses, or should I say, in our water.
Did you know that since coffee is about 98 percent water, the quality of your water significantly impacts the taste of your coffee? It’s time to consider investing in a water filter, especially if you’re in an area with hard water.
Choosing the Best Water Filter for Your Coffee Needs
Picture this: you’re ready for your morning brew, and the aroma fills the air. But wait, is your water undermining that perfect experience? Here’s a rundown of our top water filter picks to elevate your coffee game, aligned with the exacting standards of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).
Brondell RO circle water saving reverse osmosis water filter
If you are looking for a compact, affordable and reliable water filter, this model is the best fit for you. This is the best water filter today because of its four-stage reverse osmosis system.
According to The International Water Association (IWA) RO system can remove 90-99.99% of contaminants and trace minerals. It is compact enough to fit under your sink and designed for back pressure elimination for lesser water usage.
Pros
- Affordable
- Has a warranty
- Easy to use and install
- Does not need electricity to work
- Can refill its 6-liter capacity in an hour
- Pro-environment, purifying process uses less water
Cons
- May occasionally leak
- Prep time is needed due to the slow water flow
- Water may be flat because it does not undergo mineralizing stage
Filtered Water Filter Pitcher
His favorite water pitcher is the Clearly Filtered water pitcher since it has the best contaminant removal capacity he’s seen on the market. It is NSF approved and, according to the manufacturer, removes over 270 pollutants while maintaining beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium.
I enjoy the water-dam feature in the top reservoir, which allows you to flow out filtered water even after you’ve just refilled it. Depending on the source water, the filter cartridge should last four months.
It also comes with a lifetime warranty, which means that if it ever breaks, Clearly Filtered will replace it for free.
Pros
- Made in USA
- Filters out chlorine, lead, fluoride, and 267+ other chemicals
- While healthy minerals are retained in water.
- BPA-free Tritan plastic
- Filter lasts up to 100 gallons
- Lifetime Guarantee
Cons
- Takes a while to filter
- No filter change indicator
The ISpring RCC7AK 6-stage reverse osmosis system
This high-end water filtration has six stages of reverse osmosis, giving you a better than drinking from bottled water result. With its RO system, all contaminants are removed as natural minerals such as magnesium, sodium, and calcium are later added to your water to neutralize its pH level.
Pros
- A better investment than buying bottled water constantly
- With a fifth stage for coconut husk addition to improve water taste
Cons
- Can be pricey
Brita stream ultra slim water filter dispenser
This water dispenser is the best option for an affordable model with decent performance. Manufactured by Brita, a company known in the water filtration industry, this water filter dispenser can effectively remove unpleasant odors and tastes in your water, such as chlorine.
With its rectangular shape of 4.4” width, 10.25” height, and 16” dept, it is slim and compact enough to fit in most refrigerators.
Pros
- Affordable
- With a large capacity of 40 gallons
- With an onboard LED which changes color to signal need for water replacement
Cons
- No drawbacks mentioned
WaterDrop WD-FC-06
If you love tap water but want to get rid of any unpleasant odor and taste, the WaterDrop WD-FC-06 is the best option for you. It has a sturdy stainless-steel design.
Because of its Sri Lankan-made advanced carbon block filtration medium constructed from coconut shells, it is also capable of removing sediments, heavy metals, and rust.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Compatible with most faucet designs
- Ease-of-switch between tap and filtered water
- High and stable flow rate of 0.5 gallon per minute
- Can handle 320 gallons of water before swapping
- Lead-free and BPA-free carbon block filtration
Cons
- Not the cheapest of all the options
Third wave water
This is specifically designed for coffee and is not just limited to cleaning or purifying water. Adding a Third Wave Mineral capsule into your water will give it just enough minerals, with a balanced proportion to prevent it from becoming too acidic.
These minerals, called Total Dissolved Solids (TSD), are magnesium (for sweetness), calcium (for balancing), and bicarbonate (for enhancing flavor profile), and this will enhance the flavor of your coffee. You can choose between two profiles.
- Classic profile for brighter taste because of low sodium content
- Espresso profile for alkalinity buffer through adding potassium bicarbonate
Pros
- Specially made for coffee
- Convenient and easy to use
- Can fit with any style of brewing
- With minerals to enhance your water’s flavor profile
Cons
- Packets need to be refilled
- Dissolution may take time depending on water temperature
Mastering the Art of Coffee Brewing Water
Understanding the intricacies of your water is the key to unlocking the perfect coffee experience. Let’s delve into why water quality matters and how you can ensure your brewing water is up to the task.
Water Quality and Your Coffee
Coffee’s taste is impacted by the water you use. Optimal water should be odorless, colorless, and free from impurities. Unwanted elements like chlorine and chloramine can create strange flavors that overshadow your coffee’s true essence.
The Ideal Brewing Water
The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) sets industry standards for brewing water quality. From calcium hardness to pH, sodium, total alkalinity, and total dissolved solids (TDS), each factor plays a role in achieving the perfect coffee profile.
Why Does Water Matter?
Ever blamed your beans for a bland brew? It might be your water instead. Hard water can lead to limescale buildup in your equipment, while soft water might cause blockages. Your coffee’s flavor profile depends on the delicate balance of minerals in your water.
Determining Water Quality Issues
Worried about your water’s impact on your coffee? Follow these steps to identify if water quality is the culprit:
- Brew coffee with different water sources (e.g., bottled, distilled, spring water) to compare flavors.
- Regularly clean your coffee maker to prevent unwanted particles affecting taste.
- Seek advice from local baristas who can recommend their water sources.
Remember, a successful brewing process depends on water quality, equipment, and method – not just the beans.
Types of Water and Their Impact
Water comes in three categories: filtered, purified, and distilled. Each has its pros and cons, so understanding their effects on your coffee is crucial.
Filtered Water
Filtered water maintains its natural composition and mineral content, making it suitable for enhancing coffee flavor.
Purified Water
Purified water, achieved through methods like reverse osmosis, removes both good and bad elements, offering a clean slate for coffee brewing.
Distilled Water
Distilled water lacks minerals, resulting in a bland taste that might not bring out your coffee’s full potential.
Achieving the Perfect Water Quality
The SCA’s standards provide a roadmap for water quality. Maintaining specific ranges for calcium hardness, pH, sodium, total alkalinity, and TDS helps you extract the finest flavors from your coffee.
Calcium Hardness
An optimal calcium hardness range of 1-5 grains per gallon (GPG) enhances coffee flavor without causing plumbing issues.
pH Level
A neutral pH of 7 helps preserve coffee’s taste and aroma. Maintain a range of 6.5-7.5 for the best brewing results.
Sodium Level
Balance water hardness and sodium levels to avoid overpowering coffee flavor. Aim for 10 mg/L to ensure the perfect brew.
Total Alkalinity
Total alkalinity helps stabilize pH levels, preventing acidity fluctuations. Maintain a range of 40-70 mg/L for ideal brewing conditions.
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
Aim for 75-250 mg/L of TDS to strike a balance between flavor and water contamination.
Unlocking Coffee’s Full Potential
Water is more than a simple brewing ingredient – it’s the key to unlocking coffee’s full potential. By understanding its impact, investing in the right water filter, and adhering to industry standards, you can elevate your coffee experience to new heights.
Conclusion
Your coffee journey is about more than just beans and brewing methods. Water quality plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect cup. By choosing the right water filter and understanding its impact on your coffee, you’re on the path to a truly exceptional coffee experience. Remember, the key is balance – from calcium hardness to pH and TDS, each element contributes to the symphony of flavors in your cup. Cheers to your next brew, enhanced by the power of the right water!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using these links. Remember to support us by purchasing through the Amazon/Walmart/Impact Radius links provided. Last update on 2023-12-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Disclosure: No compensation or free products were received in exchange for writing this review.
Editorial Staff
The editorial staff at Crazy Coffee Crave is a team of coffee enthusiasts & Baristas who enjoy the one thing we all think about as soon as we get up in the morning. Trusted by thousands of readers worldwide.
