The mineral content and pH levels of water influence the way flavours are extracted from coffee beans. By paying attention to water quality, you can greatly improve the taste of your espresso and protect your machine.
In the following, we will look at the
types of drinking water that can be used when making espresso with your machine:
1. Distilled water for espresso: clean machine but tasteless coffee
Distilled water is obtained by boiling water and then cooling the steam, turning it back into water. This process removes almost all impurities and minerals from the water.
Problems associated with the use of distilled water
The use of distilled water in the espresso machine has one major advantage: it
prevents the formation of limescale. Limescale is the chalky substance left behind by water containing minerals. It can clog the machine and make it less efficient over time. Distilled water leaves no limescale behind, so it
keeps the machine clean for longer.How distilled water helps your coffee machine
The lack of minerals in distilled water can cause two main problems:
- Taste problems: Espresso coffee prepared with distilled water often tastes flat, being almost bland. This is because minerals help to bring out the flavour of the coffee. Without them, you lose the richness and roundness of the taste of your espresso.
- Problems with the machine: Many espresso machines use sensors that detect the presence of water through its electrical conductivity, which depends on the presence of dissolved minerals. The use of distilled water, which is devoid of minerals, can impair the functioning of these sensors, leading the machine to incorrectly detect the absence of water and shut down or malfunction.
Although
distilled water can keep the machine clean, it may
deteriorate the taste of the coffee and cause problems for the machine.
2. Tap water for coffee: easy to use but unpredictable
The quality of tap water varies depending on where you live and how it is treated by the local water company.
Why use tap water for espresso
Many people use tap water in their espresso machines
because it is easy. There is no need to buy or prepare anything special: just turn on the tap and fill the coffee machine. In most cases, tap water is
safe to drink, making it a common choice for coffee machines.
Problems with using tap water
Tap water can sometimes cause problems when making espresso:
- Hardness problems: Tap water can be too ‘hard’, i.e. contain many minerals; or too ‘soft’, i.e. contain few minerals. Hard water can leave deposits in the machine, while soft water may leave your coffee tasteless.
- Chlorine taste: in some countries, chlorine is added to tap water to kill germs. We let you imagine the consequences for the taste of your espresso.
- 'Unstable' taste: The taste of espresso can change from day to day because the quality of tap water is not always the same.
- Other substances in the water: Sometimes tap water contains small amounts of other elements that could influence the taste of the coffee or the operation of the machine.
If you decide to use tap water, it is a good idea to
have it analysed first. This way you will know exactly what the quality of your tap water is and whether it needs to be
filtered for a better espresso coffee.
3. Filtered water for coffee: A popular choice for better-tasting espresso
Filtered water is simply tap water that has been cleaned through special filters. There are two main types:
- Carbon filters, which remove chlorine and other taste-distorting substances
- Reverse osmosis systems, which pass water through a very thin membrane to almost completely remove substances dissolved in it.
Why filtered water is good for espresso
Many homemade espresso lovers prefer filtered water
because it tastes better than tap water. Filters remove elements that can give the water an unpleasant taste,
making the taste of espresso more authentic and consistent.
Filtered water is also
cleaner, as it removes small particles and some chemicals that may be present in tap water. Besides benefiting our health, this can
protect the espresso machine from build-up and damage
Things to consider when using filtered water
Although filtered water is often a good choice, there are some things to consider:
- Filters must be changed or cleaned regularly. If this is not done, they may stop working properly or even develop bacteria;
- Some filters, especially reverse osmosis filters, may remove too many minerals. It may be necessary to remineralise the water for optimal tasting espresso.
- Filtered water systems can be expensive to purchase and maintain.
Filtered water can be a
middle ground between tap and bottled water for making espresso at home. It improves the taste and health of the machine without being as extreme as distilled water.
4. Spring water: Natural water for your espresso
Spring water comes from underground. It is filtered through rocks and soil, which
naturally cleans it and enriches it with minerals. This water often has a rich taste and contains useful minerals.
How does spring water affect the taste of coffee?
Many espresso lovers claim that
spring water makes coffee taste better. The minerals in this water, such as calcium and magnesium, can enhance the flavours of coffee. Often, spring water has the right concentration of minerals to make espresso taste
rich but without being too strong.How does spring water affect the coffee machine?
Although spring water can make espresso taste great, it is not always perfect for the machine. Different springs have different amounts of minerals in their water. Again,
the water may be too ‘hard’ (too many minerals) leaving deposits in the machine. If, on the other hand, it is too ‘soft’ (too few minerals), it could
confuse the machine's sensors.What is the impact on the environment?
Most people buy
bottled spring water for use in espresso machines. This can be a problem for the environment as the production and disposal of
plastic bottles pollute the earth. If you want to use spring water, try to find it in environmentally friendly containers or look for bulk
spring water dispensers.Spring water can give a great flavour to your espresso. But before choosing it,
check how many minerals it contains. Also think about how the use of bottled water can affect the environment.
5. Mineralised water: Tailor-made for your espresso
Mineralised or
remineralised water is water to which minerals are added in a controlled manner, often after a purification process such as reverse osmosis, which can remove most dissolved substances, including essential minerals.
Compact purification systems with
remineralisation are increasingly popular and allow the mineral content (e.g.
calcium, magnesium, potassium) to be customised to improve the taste of the water and make it suitable for espresso machine preparation.
Does mineralised water improve the taste of espresso coffee?
The great advantage of mineralised water is that
you can control exactly what it contains. With mineralised water, you do not have to worry about too much or too little minerals. It is designed to have the perfect balance for good taste and machine health. This means that you can always achieve a
consistent and balanced taste.Problems with using mineralised water for coffee
Although mineralised water sounds great, there are some issues to consider:
- High cost: buying a customised home water purification system that can remineralise water is certainly more expensive than other solutions.
To sum up, mineralised water can be an excellent choice if you want the best possible espresso taste and the best machine care. However, the benefit-cost ratio must be weighed well.
How to prevent water damage to your espresso machine
Regardless of the type of water you use, you should
descale the machine regularly, bearing in mind that harder water requires more frequent descaling. As a guide, descaling should be carried out every two to three months, depending on hardness and use.
During the descaling process of the espresso machine,
minerals and calcium that have been deposited in the boiler, brewing unit, frothing wand and other related parts are removed.There are specific descaling products in powder, liquid and tablet form. Most
super-automatic espresso machines are equipped with digital displays that automatically warn you when descaling is required. If your machine does not have this option, you will have to remember to descale it regularly.
With regular descaling, your machine will run smoothly for many years to come, as the removal of accumulated limescale allows the machine to
maintain a constant pressure and temperature during brewing. Find out how to clean your coffee machine properly.
Choose the best water for a quality espresso
To sum up,
the best water for espresso coffee is filtered tap water or specially mineralised water. Distilled or reverse osmosis water should not be confused with filtered water; the first two lack minerals that contribute to the taste of the water and aid extraction.
While an excessive mineral content accelerates the damaging formation of limescale inside the coffee or espresso machine, the absence of minerals gives espresso coffee a flat taste and damages the boiler inside the machine. Minerals can be replenished in reverse osmosis or distilled water using special systems to
bring the water back into perfect balance.And remember: Whatever water you choose, without
good, artisan-roasted coffee beans, your espresso will never be really good!
Discover now the best coffee bean blends by Caffè Roen.
