Water, Water, Water! Something you can’t live, cook or brew your coffee without.
Growing up in the upstate, I had the privilege to drink tasty tap water. My family didn’t have to buy bottled or filtered water like most relatives did. And never have I ever in my youth given a second thought about it.
But now that I live in an apartment in the city, the privilege is simply not there. Instead, I have to drink filtered water. The reason is simple—the tap water is bland.
The flavour and build-up contribute to the taste of water. So when your tap water’s flavour is bland, it’s obvious you don’t want to have it.
Then comes the build-up (usually seen around showerheads and sinks), which really kills the vibe of your espresso or coffee machines, and you get bland coffee to start your day.
So, what can you do about it?
Of course, we all know the importance of a good cup of coffee in the morning. And today, I will review the top 5 best Espresso machine water filters that I have tried and tested in my apartment.
Why Should I Use Filtered Water in my Coffee Machine?
We all have learned about scale and water hardness in our science classes. The scale forms a layer of calcium crust around the inside of your machine. The build-up keeps forming and forming and destroys the interior of the machine.
For the boiler, the coating of calcium also restraints water heating. As a result, the coffee you get won’t be warm, resulting in suboptimal coffee temperature that usually is not convenient.
Wait! The list just doesn’t end there. If you don’t descale the coat from the inside of your machine, they can break off literally like asteroids. And these tiny little asteroids will trundle through your machine and will block passageways plug small holes and openings.
Not using filtered water will destroy your investment in a coffee machine, and I hope you don’t want that. However, that is why you should use filtered water in your coffee machine.
How Does Water Quality Affect the Flavour of your Coffee
As I have said before, if your water’s taste is stale, that very staleness will be conveyed to anything your brew or cook. I have worked as a barista before, so trust me. I know all about brewing coffee and espresso.
The flavour of your coffee/espresso depends on many factors like freshness, temperature, roast profile, consistency of fines, grinds, and of course, the universal solvent—water. All of it impacts the flavour of your coffee directly.
Complexly, if your water is vessel to any minerals or contaminants, it will thrust the taste and impact the extraction of your espresso/coffee.
Let’s say that you have your water softened enough but it still may contain other contaminants that will go directly into your coffee cup.
So, no matter how much of a professional coffee brewer you are, the taste of your coffee will always be determined by the quality of your water.
What are the Best Espresso Machine Water Filter:
Now, I will review a few top-notch water filters for Espresso Machines. Interestingly, these water filters can be used for commercial and in-house coffee machines. Let’s have an analytical look at these fantastic espresso filters.
1. BWT 2.7 Litre Mineralised Water Filter
I remember when this came in the mail, and I was super excited to try out water filters for the first time. I was not disappointed. This served me well, and I got coffee that tasted heavenly—the best water filter for the commercial coffee machine.
Active Carbon
The active carbon granules in the filter help to remove harmful and unwanted substances like chlorine, copper, lead, etc., that directly affect your water’s taste. These substances cause harm to your body as well.
Magnesium-fied Water
There is a built-in ion exchanger which helps to remove heavy metals and calcifying elements. But what it does gracefully is that it puts back magnesium in the water so that your water remains healthy.
Easy Control
The electronic display on the lid can tell you when your filter needs to be changed. It also can be filled really quickly through the opening in the lid. Totally hassle-free!
2. Frizzlife Under-Sink Water Filter System
The next filter was surprised with its so many features at once. Let me discuss the key feature that I loved.
Auto Shut Off Design
The filter cap is equipped with a built-in shut off valve that stops the flow of water when you are working or replacing the filter cartridge. The replacement is also tool-free and easy with a quick twist connection.
Two-Stage Purifier (0.5 micron)
The highly precise two-stage compound filter can remove 99.99% of harmful contaminants like chromium-6, rust, lead, mercury etc. But it does not remove essential minerals. So now you don’t have to buy bottled water like my relatives!
High Flow Rate
The filter has been tested to a full flow rate over 2.0 GPM at a pressure of 40 psi. As a result, the water that comes out of the filter is simply healthy and pure, like fresh spring water. Perfect for brewing your morning coffee!
3. Brita Extra Large Filtered Water Dispenser
Drink great tasting and healthier water with this brand new Brita Water Dispenser. If you live in a big family or have a big office this one is perfect—the best water filter for commercial espresso machines.
Space Saver
The water dispenser features a very modern, slim and sleek design. It has a locking lid and precise pour spigot to fit perfectly on any type of countertop or any refrigerator shelf.
Long-Lasting
Most water filters need to be replaced after 1-2 months of filtration as the dirt and grime keep building up. But with, this water dispenser can filter up to 120 gallons, which is equivalent to 6 months of filtration.
Sticker Indicator
The dispenser filters harmful contaminants like chlorine (the culprit for bad water taste and odour), Cadmium, Zinc, Copper, Mercury etc. The filter comes with a helpful sticker indicator to make the reminders effortless.
4. GE Under Sink Water Filter System
This is a dual flow system that filters your water at your faucet and removes harmful contaminants and other pharmaceuticals for healthier and better tasting water instantly!
Easy Installation
To install the water filter system, you don’t need a professional or any tools. The twist and lock design will allow you to install the system yourself without any mess and hassle.
NSF Certified
The NSF certified this filtration system to reduce selected pharmaceuticals and also select lead, chlorine odour and taste, VOCs and other potential substances to cause harm to your health. So you know what you are dealing with!
Replacement Indicator
Equipped with a chrome filtration controller, it also has a replacement indicator that tells you when to replace the filters. Usually, each replacement lasts up to 6 months, but sometimes it can run even longer/shorter depending on your use.
5. Culligan FM-15A Faucet-Mount Advanced Water Filter
The last product on our list is the very compact one, yet it still can give you equivalent results as the other ones in the list. Let’s discuss what it has to offer.
High Flow Rate
The channel has been tried to a total stream rate over 0.5 GPM at an applied pressure of 30-100 psi. As a result, the water from the channel is basically sound and visibly clean like crisp spring water. Ideal for fermenting your morning espresso!
Dynamic Carbon
The dynamic carbon granules in the channel assist with eliminating harmful and undesirable substances like azine, lindane, chlorine, copper, lead, and so on that straightforwardly influences your water’s flavour. These substances harm your body also.
Tried and Tested
NSF tests the system to IAMPO to reduce chlorine odor and taste, normal particulate class 1, and chloramines. Also, standard 53 for eliminating turbidity, MTBE, VOC, mercury, lead, and cysts.
How to Buy the Best Water Filter for Coffee Machines?
With hundreds of water filters available for the coffee machine in the market, how do you choose the right one for you? Well, the decision may seem impossible, that is why I’m here to help. Because I believe it’s really a crime to start your day without a cup of coffee.
So there are different kinds of water filters, and all of them provides the same result: filtered water. But the kind of filter is your decision and up to your convenience.
Refrigerator Filters
If you want water that doesn’t incorporate many body parts, then this is the option you are looking for. It offers:
- Ongoing filtration of water for drinking.
- Reduce harmful substances.
- Uses the typical carbon filtration.
- Comes built-in to many refrigerators.
Water Filter Pitchers
This is the most self-contained solution and a compact alternative as a water filter for your coffee machine. The benefits are:
- It doesn’t need installation.
- It can fit on any countertop or refrigerator.
- Offers carbon and ion exchange filtration.
- Reduces odour and contaminants.
Faucet Mount Filters
For an easy-to-install water filter, consider this as your best alternative. It simply can:
- It has a tool-less installation.
- Can reduce cysts and other pharmaceuticals.
- It will provide ongoing filtration.
- It has a switch for filtered/unfiltered water.
Under Sink Water Filters
Looking for a seamless filtration channel? Let’s look at the benefit of this option:
- It is concealed under the sink.
- Most models are multi-staged and thus take a lot of space.
- It has a complex installation.
- It can eliminate 100% of contaminants.
So, now that you know what type of filters are there, you can simply choose the most convenient one for you.
Can I Use Distilled or Reverse Osmosis Water for Making Coffee?
Hold your horses, man! Don’t do it. If you are not a scientific person, it may lead you to think, “Why the hell would I need minerals in my coffee?”
It seems logical to use reverse osmosis or distilled water in your machine to fix the issue of the water scale. As a matter of fact, it may be really tempting, but it’s the worst of all things that you can do. Why?
The water is a solvent, and it needs minerals to carry the flavour of your coffee/espresso. And sometimes, the machine needs to detect the minerals in water to work.
The water that lacks minerals can leach metal from your plumbing and boiler, and it will corrode the machine. Yes, it definitely will.
Also, keep in mind that mineral-deficient water will lead to over extraction of coffee. I hope you understand why it is not a good choice to use distilled/reverse osmosis water to make coffee.
What Kind of Water is Best for Espresso Machines?
The fact is crystal clear that your water has a great impact on the taste of your coffee flavour. But like machines, there are different kinds of water too. So, which one is the best? Let’s discuss!
Filtered Water: This is the best option to choose as it is more convenient, best for your health and environment, and budget-friendly. It doesn’t affect your coffee flavour in any way, so, in my opinion, it is the best option.
Tap Water: The easiest solution of all. But ever heard of the phrase, “With great ease, comes greater sacrifice”? Yes, that’s right, folks. Using tap water can make your coffee taste absurd, as mentioned before.
Bottled Water: If you want to skip the hassle of buying and installing a water filtration system, using bottled water is the way to go. However, we still do not recommend this as this creates more plastic wastes and destroys our beloved planet. Furthermore, it should be noted that this quite costly too.
What kind of Water does Breville use?
The answer is pretty straightforward. The manual of Breville espresso machine water filter quotes, “DO NOT use highly filtered, distilled, or demineralised water in this machine. This may affect the taste of coffee and how the machine operates.” This quote gives the basic understanding of the kind of water the machine uses.
FAQs: Related Question
Q1. Is mineral water good for espresso machine?
Answer: Yes, it is necessary to have mineral contents over 35 ppm for better tasting coffee.
Q2. Can I use bottled water in my espresso machine?
Answer: Yes, you can, but we do not recommend long-term use.
Q3. an espresso be filtered?
Answer: No. If you filter espresso, you’ll get some nasty tasting water.
Q4. Can you use Brita water for coffee?
Answer: Yes, you can. I would suggest you choose Brita pitcher filters for making delicious coffee. Some minerals like calcium ruin the taste of coffee, Brita efficiently removes calcium, and you will get a great coffee. Believe me!
Conclusion:
I have selected these top 5 best espresso machine water filters for your home, your café, and your office as well. These are some water filters under budget that customers always have been satisfied with.
Hope we can give you the details about the best water filter for coffee machines and their specs and everything else in between.
