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Glam Journal

Is it safe to make coffee with distilled water?

Author

William Burgess

Updated on March 01, 2026

Is it safe to make coffee with distilled water?

For plain coffee, a minimum mineral content of 150-200 parts per million is essential to a good extraction. Water softer than this will result in weak and flavorless coffee. For espresso, you should use distilled water.

Why is distilled water bad for coffee makers?

Because distilled water is stripped of magnesium and calcium—the primary minerals, unfortunately, that allow water to retain flavor—using it in your coffee maker will result in less build-up of minerals in the internal mechanisms and reservoir. In some coffee makers, distilled water is actually harmful for the machine.

Is distilled water poisonous to humans?

It is not dangerous to drink distilled water as part of a balanced diet, which should include foods that replace any minerals lost through sweat. However, fasting for an extended period, then drinking only distilled water may be dangerous, because a person would not be replacing any of the lost minerals.

Can you make coffee with spring water?

Or more specifically you can use spring water. Spring water is good for coffee so long as it has the right mineral content, some spring water is too full of minerals which affect the way your coffee tastes so you might need to try a few brands until you find the one you like.

Does coffee taste better with distilled water?

Distilled water isn’t good for coffee flavor or coffee makers. It’s probably not even healthier for you! That’s why we recommend sticking with filtered water when you make your morning brew. Your tastebuds and coffee machines will thank you.

What is best water for coffee?

We don’t want to state the obvious here but your water should be clean, clear and fresh – no musty smells or mucky hues that sometimes can occur, particularly in reusable water bottles. Your water should have a mineral content of around 150 parts per million (ppm), while the best water pH for coffee is 7.0 (neutral).

What kind of water does Starbucks use?

Starbucks uses a triple filtering system in all of their stores. The water is simply tap water that is filtered 3 times in one system. Every Starbucks uses the same triple filtration system. It’s just standard tap water but it’s all very well filtered for a clean and consistent flavor.

Is it OK to use distilled water to make coffee?

Distillation removes all of the minerals that make water taste good. This means your coffee won’t taste very good. Also, it’s not recommended by Keurig to use distilled water.

Why is it bad to drink distilled water?

The World Health Organization (WHO) shares that consuming distilled water prevents intake of magnesium, calcium, and other essential elements. WHO also states that distilled water boasts a poor taste compared to water from the tap. Unfortunately, this doesn’t change when it comes to coffee.

Is it OK to drink water while brewing coffee?

Also keep in mind: if the water is said to be of drinking quality, it might not be harmful for your health but can still contain some unpleasant substances that make your coffee taste flat or even bad. Coffee brewing water should be clean and fresh by taste, smell and look.

How does water affect the quality of coffee?

This everyday consumable has a major effect on the quality of your cup of coffee. Also keep in mind: if the water is said to be of drinking quality, it might not be harmful for your health but can still contain some unpleasant substances that make your coffee taste flat or even bad.

Distillation removes all of the minerals that make water taste good. This means your coffee won’t taste very good. Also, it’s not recommended by Keurig to use distilled water.

The World Health Organization (WHO) shares that consuming distilled water prevents intake of magnesium, calcium, and other essential elements. WHO also states that distilled water boasts a poor taste compared to water from the tap. Unfortunately, this doesn’t change when it comes to coffee.

Is it bad to use tap water to brew coffee?

This unpleasant taste carries over when you use tap water to brew your coffee, potentially causing it to taste a little acidic or a little metallic, even if you’re using the best quality coffee beans and a tried-and-true brewing method.

Which is better, distilled water or tap water?

WHO also states that distilled water boasts a poor taste compared to water from the tap. Unfortunately, this doesn’t change when it comes to coffee. Using distilled water is the best way to get a mediocre, bitter cup of joe — no matter how good your coffee maker is. It’s quite simple, really; a lame cup of water yields a lame cup of coffee.