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Is Distilled Water Better for Brewing Coffee?

September 28, 2024

Does distilled water make better coffee? In this article, we will be going over how it compares to other water types, how it impacts your drink, as well as its pros and cons. Keep reading to learn more!

The Role of Water in Brewing Coffee

The type of water you use can make a huge difference when it comes to making coffee; this is true even if you’re using the finest beans available.

Put simply, water is a solvent and engages with coffee grounds to draw out their flavors and aromas. This low-key chemical reaction is what turns coffee beans into that delightful morning coffee we savor each day.

The extraction process and flavor profile of coffee are directly influenced by the composition of water, which varies depending on its source and treatment.

For example, water hardness (i.e. levels of calcium and magnesium), can affect how it interacts with the grounds.

Depending on the balance, it can lead to a dull or overly acidic cup of coffee. The pH level of water should also be between 6.5 to 7.5 to ensure that the coffee’s desirable flavors are extracted without bitterness.

What is Distilled Water?

distilled water

Distilled water is a type of purified water that has gone through a meticulous process of boiling water, evaporation, and condensation. Essentially, the water is boiled until it turns into steam, which is then captured and condensed back into liquid form in a clean container.

This process leaves behind impurities and contaminants that cannot evaporate with the water.

The purification process of distillation, which eliminates bacteria, heavy metals, and chemicals, results in one of the purest forms of water – distilled water.

How Distilled Water Affects Taste

Brewing coffee with distilled water has both pros and cons. On one hand, it’s incredibly pure, free from impurities that could negatively affect the taste.

On the other hand, its lack of minerals can lead to a less flavorful and thin-bodied coffee. Minerals like calcium and magnesium play a crucial role in extracting flavors from coffee grounds, and their absence can result in a bland or overly bitter brew.

The over-extraction of caffeine is another common issue with distilled water and can result in increased acidity and a potentially unpleasant taste. This can be particularly noticeable if you’re used to a richer, more balanced cup of coffee.

If you find your tasting coffee flat when using distilled water, it might be worth experimenting with different water types or even blending distilled water with mineral-rich water to achieve a more balanced flavor.

Ideal Mineral Content: Key to a Perfect Cup

The Specialty Coffee Association of America recommends water with around 150 ppm of minerals for the most balanced and flavorful coffee. These levels will ensure that the grounds interact optimally with the water, resulting in a delicious cup of coffee.

Distilled water, with its low mineral content of approximately 9 ppm, falls short of this ideal, often leading to a less satisfying brew.

Comparing Distilled Water with Other Water Types

tap water

Distilled water, being highly purified and free from minerals, stands in stark contrast to other types of water like tap, bottled, and filtered water.

In this section, we’ll delve into the specifics of how distilled water stacks up against tap water, bottled water, and filtered water.

Tap Water vs. Distilled Water

Tap water often contains minerals like calcium, magnesium, and copper, which can significantly enhance the flavor of your coffee.

However, the mineral content of tap water can vary greatly depending on the source, which means the taste of your coffee can also vary.

While these minerals can improve the flavor, they may also cause mineral buildup in your coffee maker, necessitating regular cleaning.

Bottled Water vs. Distilled Water

Bottled water often contains minerals that can enhance the flavor of your coffee. However, not all bottled waters are created equal. Some supermarket brands have a lower mineral content, which can affect the taste of your coffee negatively.

It’s also a common misconception that all bottled waters are suitable for making coffee. For example, some may have mineral levels similar to hard tap water, which can lead to hard water buildup in your coffee maker over time.

Filtered Water vs. Distilled Water

Filtered water can be thought of as ‘the best of both worlds’ when it comes to making coffee.

Unlike other types of water, it’s free of harmful compounds while retaining beneficial minerals.

For example, filtration systems, such as activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis filters, can remove chlorine, significantly improving the taste of your coffee.

By retaining most of its natural minerals, filtered water also provides a more balanced and flavorful flavor.

Preventing Mineral Buildup in Coffee Machines

coffee makerOne of the greatest things about distilled water is that it won’t leave hardwater deposits in your coffee machine.

Regular tap water, on the other hand, can leave behind mineral deposits that can clog the inner workings of your coffee maker, affecting both its performance and lifespan.

Common Misconceptions About Distilled Water in Coffee

One common myth is that distilled water doesn’t extract coffee oils well. In reality, water’s role is to act as a solvent, removing coffee oils from the grounds, and distilled water is perfectly capable of doing this.

Another misconception is that distilled water corrodes stainless steel in coffee makers. However, there is no substantial evidence to support this claim. While it’s true that distilled water can prevent hardwater buildup, its acidity is unlikely to cause significant corrosion in coffee machines.

Best Practices for Using Distilled Water in Your Coffee Maker

If you can, blend distilled water with a small quantity of mineral-rich water; that will enhance the taste of your coffee.

For espresso extraction, distilled water is particularly suitable as it does not contain any mineral content, making it an excellent choice for consistent results.

Using Distilled Water For Coffee

filtered water

While distilled water is advantageous in that it can help prevent mineral buildup in coffee machines, its lack of minerals can affect the coffee’s flavor. Minerals like calcium and magnesium are essential for enhancing coffee taste and achieving a balanced extraction.

For the best coffee experience, consider experimenting with different water types and blends to find what works best for you. Whether you choose distilled, tap, or bottled water, understanding the impact of water quality on your coffee can lead to a more enjoyable brewing process.

Key Takeaways

  • The quality and composition of water can greatly impact your cup of coffee, with minerals like calcium and magnesium enhancing flavor
  • Distilled water, although incredibly pure, lacks the minerals that are necessary for the optimal extraction of flavors from coffee grounds; it can also lead to over extracted coffee
  • Filtering your water or blending distilled water with mineral-rich water can provide a balanced and flavorful cup of coffee, while also preventing mineral buildup in coffee machines

Frequently Asked Questions

Does distilled water make coffee taste bad?

Distilled water might result in a less flavorful coffee due to its lack of minerals, but the overall difference can be subtle and is subjective.

Can I use distilled water in my espresso machine?

Yes, you can use distilled water in your espresso machine because it doesn’t require mineral content for extraction.

How does mineral content in water affect coffee taste?

Minerals like calcium and magnesium are known for enhancing the flavor and body of coffee, preventing it from becoming bitter or flat.

Does distilled water corrode coffee machines?

No, there is no substantial evidence supporting the claim that distilled water corrodes coffee machines.

What is the best water to use for brewing coffee?

We recommend using filtered water as it retains minerals while removing impurities.

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Lucas Bennett

Meet Lucas Bennett, a former coffee shop owner and current espresso aficionado. With years of hands-on experience in the coffee industry, Lucas now pours his expertise into writing comprehensive guides. His passion for coffee shines through in his meticulous tips on brewing the perfect cup and maintaining high-performing equipment. He takes pride in helping enthusiasts and novices alike elevate their coffee and espresso experiences.

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