Guides
What espresso machine makers say about water
Ten guides built on the makers' own manuals and pages. Every number is quoted word for word, with a link and the date we saved it.
- maker water quotes, each saved word for word
- 706
- machine makers whose water guidance we've read
- 31
- of 230 machines with a maker limit our check can use
- 43
Part 01
What your machine needs
What makers publish, and how to read it.
- What water does my espresso machine need?Most makers say something about water. Far fewer give a number you can check. Here is what they publish, and how to read it.
- °dH, gpg or ppm: how to read a maker's hardness limitMakers write hardness in German degrees, French degrees, grains per gallon or ppm. Here is how they convert, and where a number can mislead.
- Chloride and espresso machines: the limits makers setMost makers that give a chloride number put it at 30 ppm or less. Every figure we've saved, in the makers' own words.
Part 02
What's in your water
Where to get your numbers.
- How to read your city's water report for espressoYour utility's yearly report usually has the numbers a machine maker cares about. Here is where to look, what some large cities list, and where reports fall short.
- Test strips or a TDS meter: what each one tells youA TDS meter gives one number for everything in the water. A strip reads one thing at a time. Which you need depends on what your maker measures.
Part 03
Changing your water
What makers say about treating it.
- Can I use distilled or RO water in my espresso machine?Makers disagree. One says its machines are designed for it. Others say never, or only with minerals added back. Here is what each says.
- Should I use a water softener with my espresso machine?Some makers call for one above a set hardness. Others are wary of the sodium kind. Here is where each stands.
- Which espresso machines name their own water filter?Jura, Philips, Gaggia and Breville name a cartridge, and so do some prosumer makers. Every machine whose maker names one.
Part 04
Caring for the machine
Scale, and the water line.
- Descaling an espresso machine: what makers actually saySome makers say never at home. Others set a schedule, or tie it to your water. Here is each position in the maker's own words.
- Plumbing in an espresso machine: what makers ask of your water linePressure, flow, and a filter or softener before the machine. What La Marzocco, Nuova Simonelli, ECM, Profitec and Rocket ask for.
Questions
Questions owners ask
Short answers. Each guide has the makers' own words.
What water should I use in my espresso machine?
Whatever your machine's maker says. Some makers publish exact limits and many give only advice. What water does my espresso machine need?
Can I use distilled water?
Makers disagree. Decent Espresso says yes for its machines. Breville and Rocket Espresso say not to. What each maker says.
How do I find out what's in my tap water?
Start with your utility's yearly water quality report, then confirm at your own tap with a test strip. How to read your water report.
Do you test machines or water yourselves?
No. We compare what makers publish with the water figures you give us or your utility reports. Every maker figure is quoted word for word.
Why do the guides link to makers and not to reviews?
The maker's manual is where a machine's water requirements come from. We quote and link the makers' own manuals and pages, and nothing else.
Is any of this about drinking water?
No. We don't assess drinking-water quality or safety. For that, please refer to your water supplier's annual water quality report.
Where our facts come from
Every guide quotes the machine maker's own manual or page, word for word, with its link and the date we saved it. We don't link to review sites, and no guide ranks or recommends a machine.