Are you tired of constantly refilling your coffee maker’s water reservoir? If you’re a dedicated coffee lover looking for convenience and efficiency, a coffee maker with a water line connection could be the solution you’ve been searching for.
In this post, we’ve curated a list of the 8 best plumbed coffee machines on the market, designed to simplify your morning coffee routine and enhance your overall brewing experience.
No more hassle of refilling water tanks or worrying about running out of water mid-brew – these coffee makers are directly connected to your water supply, ensuring a seamless and uninterrupted brewing process.
8 Best Coffee Makers With Water Lines: At A Glance
- Keurig K2500 Plumbed Single-Serve Coffee Maker: Best Overall
- DRINKPOD JAVAPod K-Cup Coffee Maker: Best Budget Option
- Keurig K-3500 Commercial Capsule Coffee Maker: Best Premium Choice
- Brew Express BEC-110 Countertop Coffee Maker: Best Compact Option
- Keurig K150 Single Cup Commercial Coffee Maker: Best Value For Money
- BUNN My Cafe MCO Single Serve Commercial Automatic Brewer: Best For Offices
- Waring Commercial WCM70PAP Café Deco: Best For Brewing Multiple Cups
- La Pavoni Bar-Star 2V-R 2-Group Commercial Espresso Machine: Best Performance
- Bunn CWTF15-3 Automatic Commercial Coffee Brewer
Can You Run A Water Line To A Coffee Maker?
Certainly, you can connect a water line to a coffee maker.
Plumbed coffee makers are specifically engineered to link directly to a water source, eliminating the manual task of refilling the water reservoir.
Whether for commercial or home use, there’s a range of options available, including the Keurig K2500 Plumbed Single Serve Commercial Coffee Maker, among others featured in this article.
To set up a plumbed coffee maker, you’ll need a dedicated cold water supply line ideally situated beneath the unit or within approximately 4 feet of the machine.
It’s advisable to include a separate shut-off valve on the water line, which serves as a precautionary measure for emergencies, future maintenance, or servicing needs.
In compliance with local building codes, the water line should also feature a backflow preventer.
For comprehensive guidance and to ensure compliance with local regulations, consulting a licensed local plumber is strongly recommended.
They possess the knowledge of local laws and can provide the most reliable advice.
Why Choose a Plumbed Coffee Maker?
Opting for a plumbed coffee maker offers a range of benefits that cater to specific needs and situations.
These machines are directly connected to your main water supply, eliminating the constant need to refill a water tank.
Here’s why you might want to consider a plumbed coffee maker:
1. Convenience
The foremost advantage of plumbed coffee makers is the unmatched convenience they bring.
In environments with high foot traffic, like offices or coffee shops, the hassle of refilling the water tank is eliminated.
This ensures a seamless and uninterrupted coffee brewing experience, particularly in situations with numerous coffee enthusiasts.
2. Space Efficiency
By removing the water reservoir, plumbed coffee makers can be more compact, freeing up valuable counter space in your kitchen.
This can be a significant space-saving solution, especially for those with limited kitchen real estate.
3. Freshness
With a direct water connection, your brewing water doesn’t sit in a tank for extended periods, reducing the risk of it going stale or becoming a breeding ground for bacteria.
This guarantees that every cup of coffee you brew is as fresh as possible.
Important To Note:
However, it’s essential to note that plumbed coffee makers are typically found more in commercial settings due to their cost and reduced flexibility compared to standalone home coffee machines.
Prices for plumbed coffee makers can vary significantly, ranging from $300 to $10,000, depending on the model and additional features.
Therefore, when deciding whether to choose a plumbed coffee maker, it’s important to consider your specific needs, budget, and the scale of your coffee consumption.
Disadvantages of Plumbed Coffee Makers
While plumbed coffee makers offer undeniable advantages, they do come with some drawbacks that should be considered before making a choice.
Here are the disadvantages associated with plumbed coffee makers:
1. Water Quality Concerns
The primary drawback is the quality of the water running through the machine.
If your water supply has poor quality, it can significantly affect the taste of your coffee and, in extreme cases, might even pose health concerns.
The impurities in the water can compromise the flavor, and using unsafe water can be a real problem.
2. Descaling Necessity
Unless your plumbed coffee maker is equipped with a water filter, regular descaling is required to prevent contaminants in the water line from affecting the coffee’s taste.
Descaling can be a time-consuming task, and without it, the machine’s performance may degrade over time.
3. Higher Costs
Plumbed coffee makers tend to be more expensive compared to traditional countertop coffee makers.
Moreover, the installation process involves tools and plumbing knowledge, which could result in increased costs if you need to hire a professional for installation.
4. Risk of Leaks
The additional plumbing involved in plumbed coffee makers increases the risk of leaks, especially if you opt for a DIY installation.
A minor leak can lead to water damage, affecting both your machine and your kitchen.
5. Complex Repairs
While plumbed coffee machines are generally robust, any issues that do arise are often more complex and may require professional intervention.
This can lead to more significant repair costs and potential downtime for your coffee maker.
1. Keurig K2500 Plumbed Single-Serve Coffee Maker: Best Overall
Topping our list is the Keurig K2500 Plumbed Single-Serve Coffee Maker, and honestly, it was a close call between this one and its larger sibling, the K3500.
But when we compared them, the K2500 does have slightly fewer features.
However, it’s about half the price, making it a fantastic value for your money, especially for everyday coffee drinkers.
The K2500 offers many of the same features we liked in the K3500, including an easy-to-use full-color touchscreen, five cup size options, and brew-strength control.
This commercial coffee maker is tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, designed to work reliably day in and day out.
Plus, it comes with a direct water line connection for easy refills, reducing the need for constant top-ups.
The convenience doesn’t stop there.
Like most Keurigs, this machine uses K-Cups to brew single cups of coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and more.
While K-Cups may have environmental drawbacks, they’re incredibly convenient for office use, with a wide variety of flavors to satisfy everyone’s preferences.
The K2500 Commercial Coffee Maker is compliant with NSF-4 and ANSI cleaning and hygiene standards, ensuring it meets industry cleanliness requirements.
This plumbed coffee maker includes everything needed to connect it directly to your water line right out of the box.
However, if you prefer not to plumb it, you can purchase a separate kit that includes a large 110 oz water reservoir.
Users have praised this coffee maker for its ease of use, brew strength, and space-saving design.
Still, some have noted that it can be relatively expensive and a bit tricky to install.
We were also slightly disappointed not to have brew temperature control, as Keurigs tend to brew on the cooler side.
In our tests, we found the water temperature hovering around 185 to 195 degrees Fahrenheit, a bit below the ideal range.
Pros
- Convenient direct water line connection
- Affordable compared to its sibling, the K3500
- Easy-to-use touchscreen interface
- Multiple cup size options
- Brew strength control
- Ideal for small to medium-sized businesses
- Complies with industry cleanliness standards
- Versatile with a wide variety of K-Cup flavors
Cons
- Limited brew temperature control
- Some users find it relatively expensive
- Installation can be a bit challenging
2. DRINKPOD JAVAPod K-Cup Coffee Maker: Best Budget Option
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the DRINKPOD JAVAPod K-Cup Coffee Maker is a solid choice.
This single-serve brewer works with all K-cup pods and reusable capsules, or you can use the included paper filters for regular coffee.
It’s designed for simplicity, with pre-programmed settings to help you find the right size easily.
Brewing with this machine is a breeze – just pop in a K-Cup, and you’re good to go.
It takes less than 40 seconds to brew, and it automatically turns off after an energy-efficient 60 seconds.
The coffee maker comes in black and white and is a compact 7 inches wide, perfect for modern kitchens with limited space.
If you prefer not to plumb it, the 45-ounce water reservoir offers flexibility without the need for extra kits, a feature we found lacking in some Keurig models.
What’s great about this affordable machine is the added value it brings.
It’s versatile, handling French roast coffee, decaf, tea, cocoa, and more.
However, customization options are limited – choose between 6, 8, and 10 ounces.
While a 12-ounce option would be nice, brewing 6 ounces twice works as a workaround.
Another downside is that given its budget nature, durability can be a concern.
Keep this in mind if you’re considering this coffee maker.
Overall, it’s a straightforward, budget-friendly option with some limitations but offers excellent value for the price.
Pros
- Budget-friendly option
- Compatible with K-Cup pods and reusable capsules
- Simple and pre-programmed operation
- Fast brewing and energy-efficient automatic shut-off
- Compact design for small kitchens
- Includes a 45-ounce water reservoir
- Versatile for various hot beverages
Cons
- Limited customization options
- Lack of a 12-ounce drink size
- Durability may be a concern due to the budget price
3. Keurig K-3500 Commercial Capsule Coffee Maker: Best Premium Choice
We’ve already discussed the Keurig K2500, and now let’s step up to its bigger sibling, the K3500.
If you’re willing to invest a bit more, we strongly recommend considering this upgrade, but it’s essential to weigh whether the added features and cost align with your needs.
The Keurig K-3500 Commercial Capsule Coffee Maker is tailored for larger businesses and workplaces.
It’s built to cater to a significant number of people efficiently, with several smart features enhancing its capabilities.
With compatibility for over 150 Keurig K-Cup pod varieties from 30+ top brands, it offers a broad beverage selection.
For those always on the go, it excels with dual internal water tanks for consecutive brewing, and it can even be directly plumbed into a waterline.
Brew time is impressively quick, taking less than two minutes for a 10-ounce cup in our tests.
The machine boasts a high-resolution touchscreen and a user-friendly interface.
The K-3500 provides versatility with five cup sizes (ranging from 4 to 12 ounces) and the ability to accommodate a travel mug.
What’s particularly pleasing is the option to adjust both brewing temperature and strength, along with a “Strong Brew” option for those seeking a bolder coffee flavor.
Practicality is enhanced with automatic K-Cup pod ejection and a pod auto-eject feature.
Its clean lines, sleek design, and full-color touchscreen display lend it a modern and professional appearance well-suited for business settings.
It’s also NSF-certified and comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
Keep in mind that the K3500 is designed to be plumbed for automatic water refill, but you’ll need to purchase the plumbing kit separately.
Additionally, the Keurig Kq8 Filter Kit by PureWater is compatible with the Keurig B150, K150, B155, K155, K2500, B3000se, and K4000 models.
Pros
- Ideal for larger businesses and workplaces
- Extensive compatibility with 150+ K-Cup pod varieties
- Dual internal water tanks for consecutive brewing
- Quick brew time (under 2 minutes for a 10-ounce cup)
- Adjustable brewing temperature and strength
- “Strong Brew” option for bolder coffee
- User-friendly touchscreen and sleek design
- NSF certified and comes with a 1-year warranty
Cons
- Requires separate purchase of plumbing kit for water line connection
- Some might find the price to be a significant investment
- Designed for more formal business settings, may not suit all environments
4. Brew Express BEC-110 Countertop Coffee Maker: Best Compact Option
This compact and stylish coffee maker takes up residence on your kitchen counter in sleek stainless steel.
What sets it apart? Well, it’s pretty smart.
This self-filling coffee wizard expertly showers your coffee grounds with hot water at just the right temperature for a delightful brew.
It can brew up to 10 cups, and you’re in control with the adjustable cup selector, allowing you to make as much or as little coffee as you fancy.
Now, why’s it so special? This coffee maestro adheres to the Specialty Coffee Association of America standards for top-tier brewing.
The Brew Trak® system ensures that it maintains the perfect brewing temperature, regardless of your water’s temperature or any voltage fluctuations.
It even boasts a fancy showerhead-style water distribution, making sure every coffee ground is evenly soaked, which means you get the best extraction each time.
And no worries about a lukewarm brew! The thermal carafe keeps your coffee piping hot without ruining its delicious flavor by overheating it on a warming plate.
You can set its built-in timer/clock to wake you up with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee or make a cup anytime you want.
And the best part? It’s built to last, so you can count on years of coffee joy.
It’s not just a time-saver; it brews in half the time of those regular machines.
We clocked it at less than 9 minutes for a full 10-cup batch, including the initial heat-up time.
Plus, it’s equipped with an infrared sensor that lets you safely remove the carafe during brewing without any spills.
But, no product is perfect. What could be better? Well, we adore its design, but it would be nice to see a little less plastic in its construction, especially given the price.
And if you’re into single servings, you’ll need an extra adapter, which feels like an added cost on an already pricey machine.
Pros
- Elegant stainless steel design
- Self-filling for convenience
- Customizable brewing with an adjustable cup selector
- SCA-compliant for high-quality coffee
- Consistent brewing temperature and even saturation
- Thermal carafe keeps coffee hot without overheating
- Programmable timer/clock for convenience
Cons
- More plastic in the build than expected
- Extra adaptor needed for single servings, incurring additional cost
- It’s on the pricey side
5. Keurig K150 Single Cup Commercial Coffee Maker: Best Value For Money
The Keurig K150 Single Cup Commercial Coffee Maker is a versatile and user-friendly machine designed for customizable coffee experiences.
It’s an ideal choice for medium-volume usage, making it a perfect fit for small to medium-sized businesses.
With an interactive touch-screen, this coffee maker allows you to tailor your brew to your liking.
You can select from five brew sizes: 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 oz, making it easy to match your coffee to your mood.
The Keurig K150P comes with a removable 90 oz. water reservoir, ensuring you won’t be constantly refilling.
The drip tray is also removable, making for easy cleaning and providing the option to accommodate a travel mug – a favorite among coffee-loving travelers.
In terms of versatility, you have access to more than 400 hot and iced beverages from over 70 brands in the K-Cup ecosystem.
It’s not just about coffee; you can brew teas, hot cocoa, and more, all with a quality that’s hard to beat.
This compact and affordable machine is suitable for both home and business use.
The color touch display simplifies operation, allowing you to choose your brew temperature, follow brewing instructions, and even program auto on/off.
Plus, don’t worry about disruptions; the Keurig K150P promises a quiet brewing process, perfect for office and home environments.
It’s worth noting that it’s UL commercial listed and NSF certified, ensuring it meets the standards for use in food service outlets.
However, there are some limitations to consider.
If you want the convenience of a dedicated water line, you’ll need to purchase the direct plumb kit separately, incurring an additional cost.
Also, this coffee maker is not compatible with standard reusable K-Cups, so if you prefer using those, it might not be the best fit for you.
Pros
- Interactive touch-screen for customized brewing
- Removable 90 oz. water reservoir reduces refilling
- Accommodates various brew sizes
- Versatile with access to over 400 beverages
- Compact and affordable for home and business use
- Quiet Brew Technology for a peaceful environment
- Meets commercial-grade standards
Cons
- Additional cost for the direct plumb kit
- Not compatible with standard reusable K-Cups
- The tray doesn’t provide sufficient height adjustment, resulting in splashing
6. BUNN My Cafe MCO Single Serve Commercial Automatic Brewer: Best For Offices
The BUNN My Cafe MCO is another NSF-certified powerhouse designed for commercial settings.
It’s similar in size and price to the Keurig K3500 but boasts some cool features that set it apart.
Just like the Keurig, it’s a single-serve brewer that works with K Cups, ensuring everyone gets their preferred beverage.
The BUNN My Cafe MCO Single Serve Commercial Automatic Brewer is your go-to solution for serving up top-notch coffee in a jiffy.
It’s tailor-made for offices and small businesses.
The brewer comes with a user-friendly touchscreen interface, letting you select your brewing settings for coffee, tea, cocoa, or hot water.
Plus, you get three different brewing sizes for each drink, offering great flexibility.
This machine employs a unique water jet extraction process to ensure the right brewing temperatures and a consistently high-quality cup every time.
What’s more, it features an energy-saving mode that lowers tank temperature during downtime to keep operation costs in check.
When it comes to serving, it can dispense beverages ranging from 4 to 16 ounces and has onboard storage for 25 or more cartridges, complete with an automatic cartridge ejector and automatic water refill for quick and hassle-free brewing.
While Bunn claims it can churn out 60 cups of coffee per hour, our testing showed a more realistic pace of around 2-3 cups per minute.
In a nutshell, the BUNN My Cafe MCO Single Serve Commercial Automatic Brewer is a reliable, efficient, and quick solution to brew single servings of coffee and other hot drinks for your guests.
However, it’s worth noting that this coffee maker comes with a higher price tag, and it doesn’t include a reusable K Cup for ground coffee, which might be a drawback for some.
Pros
- Touchscreen interface for easy operation
- Versatile brewing with multiple beverage options and sizes
- Quality brewing with unique water jet extraction
- Energy-efficient with an idle mode
- Convenient features like waste storage and automatic ejection
- Fast brewing pace, delivering a cup in about two minutes
Cons
- Relatively high price
- No reusable K-Cup for ground coffee
7. Waring Commercial WCM70PAP Café Deco: Best For Brewing Multiple Cups
The Waring Commercial WCM70PAP Café Deco is an automatic airpot coffee brewer, built for high capacity.
This workhorse can churn out a whopping 4 gallons of coffee per hour, which translates to around 64 8-ounce cups per hour.
It’s specially designed to accommodate large airpots and even has a separate faucet for hot water, perfect for making tea, soup, or other hot beverages.
Now, here’s the deal: this coffee maker keeps it simple.
No fancy customizations, and it doesn’t use coffee pods. Just pop in your ground coffee, hit the brew button, and you’re good to go.
It’s constructed with tough stainless steel, built to withstand the test of time.
You’ll find handy features like a push-button brew start, ready and power indicator lights, and an ultra-efficient 18-hole spray head that can be easily removed for cleaning.
One thing to note is that this plumbed coffee maker skips the “bloom phase,” which can sometimes result in a bit of a messy spray when the water meets the coffee grounds.
But don’t worry, a quick pre-spray of the grounds before placing the basket in the machine can solve this issue.
Although, it would be nice if Waring addressed this in future models.
This unit is plumbed, meaning it needs a direct connection to your plumbing for automatic refills.
It’s got the safety checkmarks with NSF listing and TUV certification, and it comes with a 6-foot power cord with a NEMA 5-15P plug.
In terms of size, it measures 8 inches in width, 17.5 inches in depth, and 25.8 inches in height.
Keep in mind that the airpots are sold separately in 2.2 L and 2.5 L sizes, so you can choose the one that suits your needs.
Or, if you prefer, you can explore other coffee pot options from different brands and styles.
Just a heads up, this brewer is designed to brew into an airpot, but, surprisingly, it doesn’t come with one included despite its relatively high cost.
Pros
- High coffee output, producing 4 gallons per hour
- Durable stainless steel construction
- Includes a separate hot water faucet
- Easy-to-clean 18-hole spray head
- Safety certifications: NSF-listed and TUV certified
Cons
- Limited customization options
- No coffee pods or airpot included
- Initial water spray can be messy (requires workaround)
8. La Pavoni Bar-Star 2V-R 2-Group Commercial Espresso Machine: Best Performance
Meet the La Pavoni Bar-Star – the ultimate choice for those who take their espresso seriously.
It’s true; this model is on the pricier side, one of the most expensive in the direct line category.
But here’s the catch – it’s a case of “you get what you pay for” in terms of quality.
Designed with coffee shops in mind, this machine isn’t just an expense; it’s an investment that promises a return.
The La Pavoni Bar-Star 2V-R 2-Group Commercial Espresso Machine is a top-notch espresso maker.
It’s got a digital control pad and a smart microprocessor for precise brewing.
You’ve got four cup-size options to choose from, including continuous brewing and a quick hot water button for your non-espresso needs.
With a substantial 14-liter boiler water capacity and a sleek red design, this espresso wizard is a game-changer.
It’s the latest addition to La Pavoni’s commercial espresso machine lineup and holds certifications from both NSF and CSA, a unique combination in the United States.
The Bar-Star doesn’t mess around when it comes to water.
It’s plumbed directly for thermal stability, and there’s even a water softener onboard to ensure your espressos are as rich and delicious as they should be.
Here’s the cool part – this machine comes with user-friendly features for beginners, making it easy to step into the world of being a barista.
And for the pros, there’s a manual override to showcase your barista skills.
It boasts 2 group heads and 2 steaming wands, each with their separate boilers.
This means you can whip up your coffee creations at lightning speed, even during those busy hours.
Now, the not-so-great part: it’s a bit of a wallet-squeezer, typically costing over $6,000.
This price point might put it out of reach for many homebrewers.
Pros
- Programmable for espresso perfection
- Ample 14L boiler capacity
- Certified for quality and safety
- Direct water line for rich-tasting espresso
- User-friendly with beginner tools
- Professional manual override for skilled baristas
- Dual group heads and steaming wands for efficiency
Cons
- High price, generally over $6,000
- Designed for businesses, not homebrewers
9. Bunn CWTF15-3 Automatic Commercial Coffee Brewer
The Bunn CWTF15-3 Automatic Commercial Coffee Brewer is a workhorse designed for medium-volume brewing, cranking out a generous 3.9 gallons of coffee per hour.
It’s compact and won’t eat up your precious countertop space, making it a perfect fit for family restaurants, cafes, or diners.
The brewer connects directly to your plumbing system through the included water line, and it also has a pour over design as a backup.
You get three lower warmers and even a separate hot water faucet.
Crafted with durable stainless steel, it’s built to last, and the SplashGuard funnel keeps hot spills in check.
Unlike those fancy pods, this Bunn brewer uses coffee grounds, which is an eco-friendly choice.
It’s a chance to flaunt your manual coffee grinding skills, although it might be a bit of a hassle in an office setup.
It can also deliver hot water on demand, perfect for tea lovers or hot chocolate enthusiasts.
Now, onto the not-so-great stuff: it’s on the pricier side for your average home coffee lover.
But for churches, offices, and restaurants, it’s a pretty standard investment.
It’s not the most feature-packed machine out there, and it can get a tad noisy.
However, it’s all about what’s essential – brewing a good cup of coffee, and that’s something the Bunn CWTF15-3 does quite well.
Pros
- Medium-volume brewing capacity
- Compact footprint for limited countertop space
- Connects to plumbing system with water line
- Durable stainless steel construction
- Eco-friendly coffee grounds usage
- Hot water on demand for tea and hot chocolate
Cons
- Higher price for home use
- Limited advanced features
- Potential noise in operation
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Coffee Maker with Water Line
When it comes to selecting the ideal coffee maker with a water line connection, several factors must be considered to ensure you make the best choice.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential aspects to help you find the perfect coffee maker for your specific needs.
Brewing Capacity
The first and foremost consideration is the brewing capacity of the coffee maker.
Determine how much coffee you need to brew in a given time frame.
Coffee makers with water lines come in various sizes, so choose one that aligns with your daily or event-specific requirements.
Smaller models may be suitable for home use, while larger ones are ideal for commercial settings, like offices or restaurants.
Brew Time
The time it takes for the coffee maker to brew a pot of coffee is crucial, especially in busy environments.
Look for a coffee maker that offers a balance between speed and brew quality.
While you want your coffee fast, you don’t want to compromise on taste.
Some coffee makers may offer quick brewing times, which can be a key factor in time-sensitive situations.
Water Connection
The heart of a coffee maker with a water line connection is its plumbing compatibility.
Ensure that your coffee maker can connect directly to your water supply or plumbing system.
This feature eliminates the need to manually refill water tanks, making the brewing process seamless and efficient.
The plumbing connection should be easy to set up and maintain.
Programmability
Consider the programmability options of the coffee maker.
Can it be set to start brewing at specific times, making sure your coffee is ready when you need it?
This feature is valuable for both homes and businesses, as it can save time in the morning or have a fresh pot ready for customers when your business opens.
Brewing Options
Determine the variety of brewing options available.
Some coffee makers offer multiple cup size selections, strength control, or temperature adjustments.
These features allow you to customize your coffee to suit different tastes.
Ensure that the coffee maker can cater to the preferences of everyone who will be using it.
Maintenance and Cleaning
The ease of cleaning and maintenance is essential.
Coffee makers with detachable components and dishwasher-safe parts simplify the cleaning process.
Look for models with features like automatic cleaning cycles or descaling functions to maintain the machine’s longevity.
Size and Space
Consider the physical dimensions of the coffee maker and the space available in your kitchen or workplace.
It should fit comfortably on your countertop without causing overcrowding.
If space is limited, choose a compact coffee maker to maximize available room.
Water Quality
The quality of your water supply is important.
Ensure that your water source is filtered or treated to prevent mineral buildup in the coffee maker.
If your water is hard, it might be beneficial to invest in a coffee maker with a water softener or built-in filtration system.
Brand and Model Reputation
Research different coffee maker brands and models to find ones with a reputation for quality and durability.
Read reviews and consider recommendations from others who have used the same machine to ensure reliability and customer satisfaction.
Price and Budget
Coffee makers with water line connections vary in price.
Determine your budget and find a model that meets your requirements without overstretching your finances.
Keep in mind that while a higher upfront cost might seem daunting, it can pay off in the long run with reduced maintenance and improved efficiency.
Plumbed Coffee Maker vs Plumbing Kits
When it comes to connecting your coffee maker to your water line, you’ve got two choices to consider.
You can either opt for a built-in coffee system designed to seamlessly plumb into your water supply, or you can go for a coffee maker water line kit that’s adaptable and can be installed with most coffee maker brands.
The coffee maker water line kit takes a do-it-yourself approach, creating a direct link between your coffee maker and the water line.
It’s a flexible and cost-effective solution for many.
On the flip side, built-in coffee systems offer a sleek and modern appearance that can be customized to match your specific needs.
They’re versatile in terms of placement within your kitchen, freeing up valuable counter space for other small appliances.
However, it’s important to note that these built-in systems can be quite expensive, and their installation demands careful consideration.
Many consumers, in pursuit of a practical and budget-friendly solution, choose to retrofit their existing coffee maker with an after-market plumbing kit rather than investing in a high-cost plumbed machine.
Ultimately, your choice between a plumbed coffee maker and a plumbing kit hinges on your personal preferences, budget constraints, and lifestyle requirements.
How to Descale Your Plumbed Coffee Maker
Descaling your plumbed coffee maker is a crucial maintenance task that keeps your machine in excellent shape and ensures your coffee remains top-notch.
Here’s a straightforward step-by-step guide on how to descale your plumbed coffee maker:
1. Power Off and Unplug:
- Begin by turning off your coffee maker and unplugging it from the power source.
2. Remove the Water Line:
- Carefully disconnect the water line from the water source.
3. Submerge in Descaling Solution:
- Submerge the disconnected water line into a pitcher filled with descaling solution. You have the choice of using plain white vinegar or a commercial descaling solution.
4. Heat the Machine:
- Allow your coffee maker to fully heat up.
5. Flush the Machine:
- Pull about 8 oz of the descaling solution through the group and another 6-8 oz from the hot water wand.
6. Let It Sit:
- Give your machine a bit of rest. Let it sit for approximately an hour.
7. Repeat the Process:
- Repeat the flushing process every hour until the pitcher is empty.
8. Drain the Boiler (If Applicable):
- For machines with boiler drains, allow the machine to cool down and then open the drain plug to release any water in the boiler. Don’t forget to close and seal the drain plug afterward.
9. Release Steam Pressure (If No Drains):
- In the absence of drains, turn off your machine and open the water wand to release any remaining steam and water pressure.
10. Rinse with Fresh Water: – Refill your pitcher with fresh water and repeat the flushing process until the water runs clear and smells clean.
11. Thoroughly Rinse: – After completing the descaling process, ensure you rinse the machine thoroughly with fresh water.
12. Reconnect and Plug In: – Reconnect the water line to the water source and plug your machine back in.
Remember, it’s advisable to descale your plumbed coffee maker every few months, considering your usage frequency and water hardness.
Regular descaling keeps mineral buildup at bay, maintaining your machine’s efficiency and extending its lifespan.
The Final Verdict
The Keurig K2500 Plumbed Single-Serve Coffee Maker emerges as our top pick for the best coffee maker with a water line.
It strikes the perfect balance between convenience, customizable features, and efficiency, making it a superb choice for both home and commercial use.
Its direct water line connection ensures uninterrupted brewing, while the variety of cup sizes, brew-strength control, and user-friendly interface cater to diverse tastes and needs.
Honourable Mentions
While the Keurig K2500 takes the top spot, other notable mentions include the DRINKPOD JAVAPod K-Cup Coffee Maker, which offers an affordable alternative with decent brewing capacity.
The Keurig K3500 is a significant upgrade for those seeking advanced features, while the Brew Express BEC-110 Countertop Coffee Maker stands out for its space-saving design.
Additionally, the Bunn CWTF15-3 Automatic Commercial Coffee Brewer is an excellent choice for those in need of a medium-volume solution.
Each of these coffee makers with water lines has its unique strengths, catering to different preferences and requirements.
FAQ’s
What is the primary advantage of a plumbed coffee maker over traditional models?
A plumbed coffee maker’s primary advantage is the direct connection to your water supply, eliminating the need to refill the water tank.
This ensures a constant supply of water, making it ideal for high-traffic environments like offices or coffee shops.
Are plumbed coffee makers suitable for home use, or are they mostly for commercial settings?
Plumbed coffee makers are commonly found in commercial settings due to their cost and reduced flexibility compared to standalone home coffee machines.
However, there are options available for home use, though they may be limited and pricier.
What should I consider when choosing between a plumbed coffee maker and a plumbing kit for my existing machine?
The choice depends on your preferences, budget, and lifestyle.
Plumbed coffee makers offer convenience and space efficiency but can be more expensive.
Plumbing kits can retrofit your existing machine, offering cost-effectiveness and flexibility.
Are there water quality concerns with plumbed coffee makers?
Yes, the water quality in your area can affect the taste of your coffee when using a plumbed machine.
If your water has impurities, it can compromise the flavor and even pose safety risks.
A good filtration system or regular descaling can mitigate this issue.
What are the key maintenance considerations for plumbed coffee makers?
Regular descaling is essential to prevent contaminants in the water line from affecting your coffee’s taste.
Additionally, addressing any leaks promptly and ensuring professional repairs when necessary are crucial for long-term maintenance.
Can I install a plumbed coffee maker by myself, or do I need a professional plumber?
The complexity of installation can vary.
While some individuals with plumbing knowledge may handle it themselves, hiring a professional plumber is recommended for a seamless and safe installation, as well as to comply with local building codes.
Can Nespresso Machines Be Directly Connected To Water Lines?
Yes, Nespresso machines can indeed be directly connected to water lines.
You have a variety of options to achieve this connection, including the use of a plumbing kit, a water connection kit, or an inline water filter kit.
Notably, some Nespresso machines, like the Nespresso Momento 100, are specifically designed for direct connection to a water network.
To ensure a smooth and effective installation, it’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines provided for both the coffee machine and the chosen water line kit.
