Should I Make Coffee Using Distilled Water?

Should you use distilled water when making coffee? Short answer, it is up to you and what you prioritize in your coffee. If you’re happy with the taste of your coffee using tap water or filtered water, there’s no need to switch to distilled water. However, if you’re curious, you can always try brewing a cup using distilled water and see if you notice any difference in taste. 

When it comes to making a delicious cup of coffee, the type of water you use might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, water plays a crucial role in the taste of your coffee. You may have heard about using distilled water for brewing coffee, but is it really the best choice? As a coffee enthusiast, I’ve spent hours researching just to find the best “water” to use for coffee. 

Firstly, let’s understand what distilled water is. Distilled water is water that has been boiled into vapor and then condensed back into liquid form. During this process, impurities and minerals are left behind, resulting in very pure water. Now, why would someone consider using distilled water for making coffee? Well, some people believe that using distilled water can lead to a cleaner taste in their coffee. Since distilled water doesn’t contain any minerals or impurities, it won’t interfere with the flavors of the coffee beans.

However, there are a few things to consider before switching to distilled water for your coffee brewing:

Minerals 

While distilled water lacks minerals, these minerals can actually contribute to the flavor of your coffee. Minerals like magnesium and calcium, found in tap water, can enhance the taste and aroma of your brew. Without these minerals, your coffee might taste flat or lacking in depth.

Acidity

Coffee is naturally slightly acidic, and using distilled water can sometimes make it taste even more acidic. This might not be pleasant for everyone, especially if you prefer a smoother and less acidic brew.

Equipment 

Brewing coffee with distilled water might not be the best choice for your coffee-making equipment. Some coffee and espresso machines, particularly those with built-in water filters, are designed to work best with water that contains minerals. Using distilled water could potentially lead to premature wear and tear on your equipment because pure water leaches out minerals from the pipes and corrodes them.

Cost

Distilled water can be more expensive than tap water or filtered water. Using it exclusively for brewing coffee might not be cost-effective in the long run.

So, what’s the verdict? While using distilled water might seem like a good idea for achieving a pure taste, it’s not necessarily the best option for making coffee. Tap water or filtered water that contains minerals can actually enhance the flavor of your coffee and prolong the life of your equipment.