The Basic Steps to Replace Your Keurig Filter
To change the filter on a Keurig, turn off and unplug the machine, then lift the water reservoir off the back. Inside the reservoir, you will see a cylindrical filter holder at the bottom — pull it straight out. Soak a new filter in cold water for five minutes before inserting it into the holder, then slide the holder back into place and refill the reservoir.
The whole process takes about ten minutes. Most Keurig models use the same filter cartridge design, though the reservoir shape varies slightly between single-serve and larger machines. If your machine has a removable top-fill reservoir (the kind you lift off), this method applies. If your Keurig has a side-fill reservoir that stays attached, the filter cartridge sits in a different location — see the section below for that model type.
Key Takeaways
- Soak a new filter in cold water for five minutes before installing it, or the first cup will taste like paper.
- The filter cartridge pulls straight out of the bottom of the water reservoir and slides back in the same way.
- Replace the filter every two months if you use your Keurig daily, or every three months with lighter use.
- If your machine has a side-fill reservoir, the filter cartridge is located inside the reservoir itself rather than at the bottom.
Where the Filter Sits on Different Keurig Models
Most Keurig machines sold in the last ten years have a removable water reservoir that lifts off the back of the machine. The filter cartridge hangs inside this reservoir at the bottom, held in a plastic cage. When you pull the reservoir off, you can see it when ready — it looks like a small cylinder about two inches tall.
Some newer Keurig models, including the K-Supreme and K-Elite lines, have a side-fill reservoir that stays attached to the machine. On these models, the filter cartridge is inside the reservoir itself, accessed through a small opening on the side. Check your machine's manual if you are unsure which type you own — the manual will show you exactly where to find the filter.
Older Keurig machines from before 2010 may not have a replaceable filter cartridge at all. If you cannot locate a filter holder after removing the reservoir, your machine likely uses a permanent mesh filter that you rinse instead of replace. Rinse it under running water once a month to remove mineral buildup.
Why Soaking the Filter Matters
A new filter cartridge is made of activated charcoal wrapped in paper. If you install it dry, the paper fibers release into your first few cups of coffee, creating a papery taste that lasts until the filter is fully saturated. Soaking the filter in cold water for five minutes before installation prevents this.
You only need to soak it once — when you first install it. After that, the filter stays wet inside the reservoir and does not need soaking when you replace it later. Use tap water for soaking; filtered water is not necessary.
How Often to Replace the Filter
Replace your Keurig filter every two months if you brew coffee daily. If you use the machine three to five times a week, replace it every three months. The filter works by trapping chlorine and minerals from tap water, and it gradually becomes saturated over time.
You do not have to wait for a visible sign — the filter does not turn color or show wear. Instead, watch for a change in taste: if your coffee starts to taste flat or slightly off, the filter is likely full. Hard water areas may need filter changes every six weeks because minerals accumulate faster.
If you use bottled or filtered water in your Keurig, you can extend the filter life to four months because there is less mineral content to trap. However, the charcoal still absorbs odors and chlorine from the air, so replacement is still necessary even with pre-filtered water.
Cleaning the Filter Holder and Reservoir
While you have the reservoir off, rinse the filter holder cage under running water to remove any loose charcoal particles or mineral deposits. Use your finger or a soft brush to clean inside the cage — do not use a dishwasher, as the plastic can warp.
Rinse the entire water reservoir with hot water and wipe the interior walls. Mineral buildup can form on the sides and bottom, especially in hard water areas. If you see white or gray deposits, fill the reservoir with equal parts white vinegar and water, let it sit for one hour, then rinse thoroughly with fresh water several times until the vinegar smell is gone.
What to Buy and Where to Find Filters
Keurig sells official replacement filters under the name Keurig Water Filter Cartridge. A pack of two costs between eight and twelve dollars depending on where you buy. You can find them at most grocery stores in the coffee aisle, at drugstores, and online through Amazon, Walmart, and Keurig's own website.
Third-party filters made by brands like Brita and Cuisinart also work in Keurig machines and cost slightly less — usually five to eight dollars for a pack of two. These filters use the same charcoal technology and fit the same cartridge holder. The main difference is that official Keurig filters come with a small calendar sticker to help you track when you installed them.
Do not buy generic "universal" filters that claim to fit all coffee makers — they are often the wrong size and will not seat properly in the Keurig holder. Stick to filters labeled specifically for Keurig or to the third-party brands mentioned above.
Troubleshooting Filter Problems
If water leaks from the bottom of your reservoir after you install a new filter, the cartridge may not be seated all the way. Remove the reservoir, pull out the filter holder, and push the new filter down firmly into the cage until you hear or feel a click. Reinsert the holder and try again.
If the filter holder itself is cracked or the cage is broken, you will need to replace the entire holder assembly. Contact Keurig customer service with your machine's model number — they can tell you whether the holder is sold separately or if you need a new reservoir. Most machines are still under warranty if the holder fails within the first year.
If you installed the filter but forgot to soak it and your coffee tastes like paper, run two or three cups through the machine without drinking them. This will saturate the filter faster and reduce the papery taste in your next cup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Keurig without a filter?
Yes, the machine will work, but you will taste chlorine and mineral flavors from tap water. The charcoal filter removes these tastes and also extends the life of your machine by reducing mineral buildup inside the heating element. Using a filter is worth the small cost.
Do I need to replace the filter if I only use bottled water?
Yes, even with bottled water. The charcoal still absorbs odors and stale air from the reservoir, and it gradually loses effectiveness. Replace it every four months with bottled water, or every two months with tap water.
What if my Keurig model does not have a removable filter?
Older machines use a permanent mesh filter instead. Rinse it under running water once a month. If mineral buildup is heavy, soak it in equal parts white vinegar and water for thirty minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Can I wash and reuse a filter cartridge?
No. The charcoal inside becomes saturated and cannot be restored by rinsing. Once a cartridge is full, it stops filtering effectively. Replacement cartridges are inexpensive enough that reusing them is not practical.
How do I know which filter size my Keurig needs?
Check your machine's manual or look at the filter holder itself — the size is usually printed on the cage. Most Keurig machines use the standard cartridge size. If you are unsure, take a photo of your filter holder and bring it to a store, or contact Keurig with your model number.