Imagine this – you walk to your coffee maker first thing in the morning and add your grind, k-cup, or coffee-pod. You then press the brew button without adding any water to the reservoir and it brews your coffee anyway… it does it all by itself without without you having to add water.
The Dream! That is what we all want I think.
First thing in the morning it’s certainly what I want. I sure don’t want to have to prep very much right out of bed. The last thing I want to have to do is fill a water tank at the faucet while the kids, dogs, and cats are clamoring at my heels all while I’m getting ready for work.
The thing is though that this is not a dream.
You can have a plumbed coffee maker with a direct water line connection in your own kitchen and it doesn’t even take a professional to install it either. They are so much better than even the machines with removable reservoirs.
In this article I’ll show you some options for simple coffee pot modifications using kits like the umjava kit pictured above as well as a couple options that should work right out of the box making your morning a little nicer.
Before we get to it though your best option for a home machine designed specifically for auto-filling is probably the Keurig K150 whichmay be hard to find for sale these days except for third party sellers on Amazon or eBay.
You first would buy the K150 and then you would buy the K150 waterline kit which is basically a replacement tank with the waterline and valves already connected.
If you already have a reservoir based coffee maker, a Nespresso machine, or some other K-cup brewer that uses a refillable water tank then that’s when you would look to install the umjava kit to add water directly to the tank.
PureWater Filters also has a universal waterline kit for reservoir coffee machines that can work with them all too but it’s more expensive due to the added water filter included in the kit.
One thing to note however is that both umjava and PureWater Filters kits will only work for you if you are ok drilling a hole into the side of your existing water reservoir for the water inlet.
If you don’t want to do that then you’ll have to buy a special machine.
A Coffee Maker with Water Line Connection is Easier Than You Think
If you want to upgrade your coffee maker at home to a system that includes a connection to your water line then you are going to have be a tiny bit comfortable with light plumbing.
Much like you would hook up a water line to a fridge or to a dishwasher you will do the same to your coffee pot. This job might be a stretch for some people but for the vast majority pf people it’s going to be just fine… so long as you don’t want it recessed into the wall.
Hooking up a coffee maker to your home’s water supply is not rocket science. If you start with a good machine that is built to handle this setup then it’s really all about following the instructions and buying the right accessories.
For the average system (unless you buy a plumbed kit) you will need to separately buy:
- water lines,
- water filters (if you want), and
- the correct fittings for your line.
All of these should easily be found on Amazon or a local plumbers supply store – probably even your local Home Depot.
The easiest thing to do however is to buy the kits already assembled although you can save a bit of money putting them together yourself.
Here’s a video description of a DIY plumbing kit put together on a Keurig coffee maker complete with a float valve for automatic filling.
HiBREW makes a pre-assembled kit just like this that can work with many older keurig machines that all use the same lid style.
If you already have one of the older keurig models this kit may work for you but a lot of people dislike this automatic style because float valves can fail or leak which can result in a kitchen flood.
The obvious solution to the risk of leaks and floods is to ditch the idea of the automatic water refill and instead opt for a ball valve at the machine that you manually toggle to fill the water reservoir on demand.
The universal kit offered by PureWater Filters doesn’t take use a float for automatic filling or automatic shutoff but instead it connects to your water reservoir through a small hole you drill into it. Then whenever you need more water in your tank you just open the water valve and let it run then shut the valve manually once your water tank full.
This is obviously a manual process but most people do it while the coffee maker brews and it usually doesn’t take more than a few seconds to replace 10-ounces of water in a reservoir from your existing refrigerator or dishwasher water line that you are likely to tap into.
It’s also far safer to use this setup because the only way it is nearly impossible to leak and flood your kitchen unless you just turn the water on and walk away.
Self-Filling Coffee Makers That Require Very Little Effort
Here are some of the best home coffee makers for sale today that easily hookup to water supply lines.
I particularly like the single-cup machines because they enhance the already super convenient nature of the machine however full pot coffee makers that are also designed with an external water tank that can be refilled at the sink are great candidates.
Also of note every Nespresso machine can use the universal kits too because they also feature removable water tanks that must be refilled over-and-over-and-over.
The Keurig B150/K150 Brewing System
If you go this route you must also purchase the Keurig plumb kit which is basically a replacement water reservoir designed for the water line connection.
You can’t go wrong with Keurig coffee systems. Unless you just don’t like the “pod coffee” concept this is the setup I’d put in my home every time.
Brew Express 10-Cup Countertop Coffee System (BEC-110BS)
This direct plumbed waterline-only system is perfect for those of you who don’t like the idea of single cup (k-cup) coffee makers.
This is a 10-cup drip coffee maker that is high end in every way. You simply connect it to your kitchen water line much like you would a refrigerator and you never have to fill the coffee pot with water again.
This machine is actually designed for direct water connections first so it’s the easiest option of them all. In fact it doesn’t even have a conventional reservoir at all – you have to connect it to your water supply for it to work.
If you can manage to hook a water filter up it to it then you’ll have the best cup of coffee possible every time for the least amount of effort. Gotta love that!
It shouldn’t be a secret, either of these would make a great gift for coffee lovers!
Step 1: Connect Keurig to Water Line – Step 2: Coffee on Demand
To make your own in line coffee maker all it requires is a little bit of time and a Keurig water line kit which doesn’t cost very much. Assuming you already have a reservoir brewer all you have to do is connect to water supply with the tools and accessories provided in the kit.
Legitimately the hardest part of the whole process of getting your plumbed Keurig operational is to figure out how to run the line from under the sink to the top of your counter. A polished job means running it through the wall but in some kitchens it may be super easy to just drape a water line across the countertop to the coffee pot. After all those lines are usually just freely draped behind the fridge and en route to the dishwasher.
Having a Keurig with water line is worth it no matter how you decide to do it though. Just get creative, you can always pretty it up at a later date.
This is by far the best Keurig to run a direct water kit.
You Still Have to Maintain Your Auto Fill Coffee Maker
This article wouldn’t be complete without mentioning this one last point. Even though the water flows through the machine all by itself you will still have to occasionally take the setup apart and clean it properly with either vinegar or a descaler.
Water contains minerals that buildup in your system slowing things down and affecting the performance of the heating element. And if you want to keep the coffee oils from building up then a descaler is a must. Vinegar alone may not do the trick.
One last point…
This is big for those people who tend to wash the coffee pot out in the morning instead of after finishing coffee later in the day.
If you really want to take full advantage of setting up a direct plumbed coffee maker then you will have to get in the habit of cleaning your pot and grind basket out before you go to bed so you don’t have to deal with the water at all in the morning. Funny thing is this is my biggest problem.
Top 3 Coffee Makers That Come With a Water Line
Are you getting tired of filling up that water reservoir on your coffee maker every time you use it?
Don’t fret there are solutions to this “1st-world” problem.
There are a good handful of coffee makers out there that have a plumbing line attached to them out of the box like my personal favorite the Brew Express BEC110.
Some other models still use standard water tanks but they also have an option to attach a plumbed line with a just little bit of effort on your part. The Keurig K150 is a prime example of one of these units.
Basically you have options out there to adapt an existing coffee maker (almost any one really) or there are a few new models that you can buy off the shelf that don’t require you to to manually fill them up with water.
Truth be told, there are not very many models out there that offer you this feature so the list of coffee machines to choose from is a little low. Even still we’ve done the research for you already so you don’t have to find them on your own.
Before we get into the comparison and full list of options in this space I want to first let you know that BY FAR, the best plumbed coffee maker on the market is this machine made by Brew Express.
It’s the BEC-110 countertop model and although it’s not the best coffee maker you can buy it’s the best at getting a water line direct to your coffee maker in your kitchen… and it makes pretty good coffee too.
With Brew Express everything works seamlessly. You don’t even have to buy a plumbing conversion kit like you do with Keurig.
Before I fully review the three models let’s first review a summary of your main options in the following table.
| Image | Product |
|---|---|
 Check Price on Amazon |
Brew Express BEC-110BS 10-Cup Countertop Coffee System
► My #1 Favorite Self-Filling Coffee Maker |
 Check Price on Amazon |
Keurig K150 Single Cup Commercial K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker
► Keurig K-Cup Enabled! |
 Check Price on Amazon |
Brew Express 10 Cup Built-In-The-Wall Self-Filling Coffee Maker
► Older Model That Can Sometimes Be Cheaper |
Best Coffee Makers With A Water Line – Models That You Will Love!
As we just said, it’s not too easy to find a model with a water line. In fact, these are so rare that you won’t even find much information about them. So, because of dearth of information and availability, this option might be one of the hardest to find.
But once again, Gamble Bay coffee is here for you and here are the main models that we have found that offer this feature so that you can achieve the highest level of automation and use your coffee maker with the greatest level of ease. The main models that you might want to go for are these:
Brew Express BEC-110BS 10-Cup Countertop Coffee System
One of the first models that comes to my mind when I talk about models with a water line is the Brew Express BEC-110BS 10-Cup Countertop Coffee System. This model is one of the most tried and true models out there when it comes to this category. The reason behind it can be easily found if only we take a simple look at the main features that this model offers:
- The water line makes this model self filling, meaning that you’re now free from the hassle of having to manually fill up the model, making the whole thing even more automated than you could have imagined before.
- This model provides you with a continuous brewing feature, which means that you won’t have to wait at all for the coffee to get warm, you can get your warm cup whenever you want.
- This model also comes with a wide range of selections for how much coffee you want to be dispensed. You can select anything between half a cup and a whole carafe!
- This model has a capacity of 10 cups of coffee.
- This model, finally, has been designed to last for years and people who have used it all agree that it’s one of the best models that they have used in terms of quality.
Keurig K150 Single Cup Commercial K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker
But there’s one more model that is equally loved- The Keurig K150 Single Cup Commercial K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker! This model has quite a few features that would make just about anyone want to go for it, the main ones of which might be summed up in the following points:
- This machine boasts of a beautiful color touch-screen with adjustable brew temperature, programmable On/Off settings, and you can walk through brewing instructions in three different languages.
- There are a whole lot of brew sizes and brew options in order for you to get the exact kind of coffee that you’re looking for and the exact amount of coffee that you’re in need of.
- To be more precise, you have five brew size options – 4 oz., 6 oz., 8 oz., 10 oz., or 12 oz. You can choose it for every serving to get exactly the amount of coffee you want.
- The drip tray is designed for easy cleanup and versatility. It slides out of the way to accommodate travel mugs. Oh, and did I mention that you can put it in a dishwasher too?
Brew Express 10 Cup Built-In-The-Wall Self-Filling Coffee Maker
Let’s not forget the special Built-In-The-Wall Self-Filling Coffee Maker from Brew Express. This is yet another great model that’s really loved and is kind of unique because it’s actually placed on your wall instead of on a countertop. The main things that this model offers you are:
- You can easily save some space with this machine, since it goes on your wall. It won’t occupy any space on your table or counter-top making it a great model if you need some space-economy.
- Naturally, this model comes with a water line, too, so you just need to provide it with a direct water connection and you’re free from the hassle of having to fill it up yourself.
- It also comes with a blue LED night-light that makes it both easy to use at night and really beautiful to look at- points for aesthetics!
Buyer’s Guide
Of course, that’s not all that there is to purchasing. These are the main things that we discussed from a general perspective, but your specific needs open you to a lot more things to consider before purchasing!
Some main things that you should consider are:
- One of the most important things to keep in mind in case of this article, is the fact that the models must have a water line or provisions to add one.
- Yet another thing that you should consider is the aesthetic aspect. There are a lot of models available out there, but you must find out which one would look good in your kitchen. Yes, for some people, it doesn’t matter, but for others, it’s everything! Since a water line attachment makes this a more permanent fixture than usual, we recommend you seriously take it into account.
- The functionality of the models is yet another point that you can never ignore. Some models provide you with really nice features, such as the ability to plan ahead of time or program your own way of brewing (your own temperature and timer). Several people look for some of these features in their models and it’s important to take them into consideration.
- You also want to make sure that you stay within your budget. While there are a lot of models, there are a lot of price ranges, as well. You must be well aware about your budget, and only buy the model that fits it perfectly.
Comparison Information
The most important thing to keep in mind while comparing models is what your specific needs are. These are the main things that must guide you during any such consideration. You don’t want to go for something that looks great, but doesn’t serve your needs. You also don’t want to go for something that’s cheaper, but is completely useless to you. You need to know what you’re looking for and buy a model that does that.
Keep this in mind and I’m sure that it will be super simple for you to easily find the model that serves you best. Don’t forget that the best model for you isn’t always the best one available on the market, but that one that serves all your needs. This is why you must judge it accordingly in order to find the best one for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
By this point, a lot of questions might be building up in your mind. Don’t worry, I’ll answer the most common ones right now and request you to reach out to me if you have anything more that you would like to discuss.
Please know that we are here for you and we would love to hear from you. So do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have anything that you would like to ask or discuss with us.
- What are some of the things to keep in mind about water line models?
One of the main things that you must keep in mind is the fact that very few models come with an inbuilt water line. With some other models, you can add it yourself with a plumbing kit and a bit of dry work. However, there are specific plumbing kits for specific kinds of models and you must do your fair share of research. - What is so special about models with a water line?
The main thing that makes the models with a water line a better option is that it frees you from the hassle of having to manually fill your coffee maker. You can just hook it up to a direct water supply and it will fill itself up as it requires, freeing you from having to keep in mind the amount of water left in it. - Should I go for a specific company?
Another question that’s really common is whether there’s some company that’s especially better. While there are bestselling companies, there’s no way to say that any one is the best, by far. Plus, just because the company is popular doesn’t mean it makes something you want. So, you still have to judge what would be the best product for yourself. - How important is the economic factor here?
Moderately important, since they can get pricey. Not all models are equally priced and not of all of us are on an equal budget. While some of us might be fine going with just about any model, some of us might be on a conservative budget. So, it’s important to buy the model that’s the best suited to it.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, you’re the customer and all these models are available for you, but that makes it even more important for you to do your research before settling on one.
Keep in mind that TOMC is always here to help you out. If you have any questions, we are here and always up for discussion. So, please feel free to reach out to us and we promise that we will try our best to help you with all the information that we have at our disposal.
The Best Coffee Maker with Water Line Options Reviewed
There is something about coffee that people love the most and through the years, innovative coffee makers are designed to fit every lifestyle. If you want your coffee or any hot beverage for that matter anytime you want without having the hassle of refilling water into your machine, then the coffee maker with water line is best for you.
Here are the two coffee makers you can choose from, with an added feature of a water line.
Brew Express BEC-110BS 10-Cup Countertop Coffee System
Brew Express BEC-110BS 10-Cup Countertop Coffee System, Stainless/BlackThe BEC-110BS 10-Cup Countertop Coffee System is another incredible product form Brew Express. It comes with either stainless or black that will surely fit your style. This coffee system is not only proven to give high performance, but it makes your life easier. No more messy filling of water, instead you can connect this coffee maker directly to your water source and it auto fills.
The 10 cup thermal carafe will give you and your love ones coffee or hot beverages anytime you want. You can even adjust the volume of your coffee drink with the adjustable cup selector. You really have to experience great brewing with this coffee maker without having to spill a drop of water.
Keurig K150 Single Cup Commercial Coffee Maker
Keurig K150 Single Cup Commercial Coffee MakerAre you up to for a cup of coffee? How about a tea or maybe a mug of cocoa? Whatever hot beverage you want the Keurig K150 Single Cup Commercial Coffee Maker can provide you all that and more. It’s quiet brew technology provides making coffee more pleasantly than usual. You can even choose the amount of hot beverage you want by the 5 cup sizes feature.
If you want a coffee maker that doesn’t use up much electricity, then this is perfect for you. The energy saving mode automatically turns on and off. What’s more, great about this machine? It has a direct water line plumbing compatible with most optional accessory. You really have to check this out.
Here are a few other products and water line accessories to look at.
Keurig B150 or K150 Direct Water Line Plumb KitKeurig B150 Fitting for Direct Water Line HookupBrew Express BE-104R-223A 4-Cup Built-in Coffee System, WhiteBrew Express BE-104R-144A 4-Cup Built-in Coffee System, Bronze
Pros and Cons of a Coffee Maker with Water Line Extension
In our Automatic Drip Coffee machine vs. Coffee Percolator article, we discussed the brewing process of both mechanisms. In the Coffee Percolator, steam is generated by a body of water. Water evaporates and condensates to form drops of liquid which fall into the beans of coffee. The droplets then proceed to fall back into the body of water and the cycle repeats itself.
The automatic drip coffee on the other hand automates this process. Here, water is placed in a reservoir much like in the percolator. It is then brought to a near boil and an aluminum tube attached to the heating element brings the water from the reservoir to where the coffee beans are placed.
The end of the tube is a showerhead from which the water is then sprayed onto the beans. The water passes through the beans and come out as coffee.
Taste-wise, Coffee Percolator brews have a stronger and more robust flavor compared to Automatic Drip Coffee brews. This is mainly because of the characteristics of the percolator method. Firstly, the percolator keeps the coffee beans in practically the same enclosed space. This enclosed space is subject to heat and as a result, the coffee beans are being roasted in what is essentially a pressure cooker. Continual roasting is not ideal as this turns the coffee bean’s taste into something more bitter.
Unlike the percolator, coffee beans are not subject to heat in the Automatic Drip. In fact, neither water nor coffee beans are subjected to heat and pressure in the Automatic Drip. It is only the aluminium tubing that turns the water from cold to hot. Coffee beans are preserved and spared continual roasting.
Secondly, the percolator over extracts the flavor from the beans by repeatedly sprinkling water over them. Automatic Drip only passes water once through the beans. This keeps the beans from being over extracted and a smoother taste is then yielded.
The Water Line Connection
Though the Automatic Drip Coffeemaker does have the word “automatic” in it, the process still involves a little manual labor. Users still have to pour water into the holding container of the pot. Though this may seem like a menial act to consider, coffee drinkers now demand the most from their coffee machines.
As a workaround, manufacturers now produce coffeemakers with water lines attachments available. This nifty add-on makes it all the more convenient to use what is already a very convenient way to brew coffee.
Commercial coffee machines are all attached with a water line extension. Go to your nearest Starbucks and you’ll notice that the baristas don’t seem to be running around with pitchers full of water to satiate your coffee craving. Instead, these baristas look cool by simply taking your order, pulling a lever here and there, dressing your coffee according to your specifications and serving it to you. The water line extension is a very efficient way of running business.
Of course, coffee shops do not necessarily have to hoard all the fun. Many coffee aficionados out there have done a little plumbing to supply their coffee machines with its own water line extension.
Water line extensions come in two ways. One can have tubing directly connected to the waterline of your house. If this option is not possible, one can purchase a water line for the coffeemaker model and attach it to a 5 gallon water jug, the same ones used in water coolers.
Some users also prefer to install a water filter to ensure that their coffee is clean and of good quality. According to coffee experts, it is recommended that the water used for coffee contain a total hardness of 7–12°EH, a carbonate hardness of 3–4°EH and a pH value of 6.5–7.5.
Pros of Having a Direct Connection
Obviously, the main benefit of having a water line extension is the convenience it provides. One does not have to keep pouring water into the pot. Instead, coffee makers with line extensions automatically supply the water according to the discretion of the user. This very convenient feature is a result of clever engineering involving a tube, pressure regulator, shut-off valve and if preferred, a water filtration system.
Another pro of having a water line extension is that it ensures a consistent, clean quality of your coffee. As mentioned, water line extensions can be modified to accommodate in-line water filtration systems and one can even connect the coffeemaker to a mineral water source. Of course, users can also pour filtered water manually in their machines but this option, coupled with the automated system, makes the process of brewing coffee a more wonderful experience.
Most coffeemakers on the market actually come with an outlet to attach the water supply with. Notable manufacturers such as Keurig even supply their models with water line extension kits to facilitate the attachment process. It then makes it a no-brainer to attach one’s coffeemaker with a water line extension given how manufacturers have made it easier than ever to have one.
Cons of Having a Direct Line
We’ve discussed the pros of a water line extension above but we have not gone in full detail what it takes to have one, which is precisely why it is a con as well. The process of attaching a water line may take some advanced know how of plumbing for it to work properly. It is recommended that one either hire a plumber to install it for you or do some research beforehand if you plan to do it yourself.
Another con having a water line extension is that if the installation is done incorrectly, this can do some serious damage to your water filter and coffeemaker. Risks such as the tubing detaching, incorrectly installed pressure regulator causing too much water to be flushed per use and perhaps even flooding the coffee machine as well as the valve not pumping water at all are legitimate issues.
Lastly, one must also do careful research about the water line connection setup appropriate for the model since setups are not modular, meaning there are specific tubes, pumps and valves for each coffeemaker.