More Flavor, Less Limescale: The Perfect Water with BWT

We can’t stress this enough: more than 90% of your coffee is water. That’s why paying attention to water quality is absolutely essential. It’s not just about taste: using the right water also plays a key role in protecting your equipment from limescale buildup over time. 

This is where BWT products come in. They’re designed not only to improve what ends up in your cup, but also to safeguard the machine you’ve invested in. 

Espresso machines generally fall into two main categories: those that connect directly to the water supply, and those with a refillable water tank. 

Let’s start with the latter. 

Tank-Fed Machines 

Filling your machine’s tank straight from the tap is not the best option. In most parts of the world, tap water is considered hard, meaning it contains high levels of minerals that can accumulate inside the machine, affecting both performance and longevity. 

Water mineral content is measured using TDS (Total Dissolved Solids). For optimal espresso extraction, TDS should ideally fall between 90 and 150 ppm. 

To measure these values, BWT offers a simple test kit that allows you to check both total hardness and carbonate hardness. Based on the results, you can choose the most suitable water treatment solution. 

If you’re using tap water, we strongly recommend placing a BWT BestSAVE M anti-scale tablet directly in the tank. It’s a simple yet highly effective way to prevent limescale buildup. Just rinse the tablet under running water and place it at the bottom of a full tank. 

For best results, do this in the evening—the ion exchange process needs around 10 hours to become fully effective. 

The tablet’s filtration capacity depends on both water hardness and tank size. A dedicated chart helps you estimate how many refills it can handle. In any case, the tablet should not be used for more than two months. 

*Typical filtration capacity at 10° carbonate hardness

If you own a Lelit machine, the brand also offers specific softening filters designed to fit directly inside the tank. Each pack includes two filters, each with a capacity of about 70 liters, and they are compatible with all Lelit machines. 

Alternatively, you can treat your water before use with a filter jug such as the BWT Aqualizer. This solution helps reduce limescale, heavy metals, and other impurities. It’s a solid option—especially compared to untreated tap water—although it doesn’t offer the same level of effectiveness as the anti-scale tablet. 

Plumbed-In Machines 

Now let’s look at machines connected directly to the mains water supply. In this case, the ideal solution is the BWT Bestmax Premium cartridge system. 

These cartridges not only remove harmful substances but also use BWT’s magnesium technology, which replaces part of the excess calcium with magnesium—enhancing the flavor of your coffee. 

They’re available in different sizes, making them suitable for both home use and professional environments like cafés and coffee bars. 

For proper operation, the cartridges should be used together with two essential accessories: the BWT Besthead and the AQA Monitor flow meter. 

The BWT Besthead is compatible with all cartridges and allows you to adjust the bypass setting (typically between 1 and 3) depending on your water hardness. A reference chart will help you find the right configuration. 

°dTH = German total hardness. Subject to change.

The BWT AQA Monitor connects directly to the connection head and accurately tracks the volume of filtered water, displaying it on an LCD screen. This makes it easy to know exactly when it’s time to replace your Bestmax Premium cartridge. 

Getting the right water for your espresso machine doesn’t require complicated setups—just a few smart choices and the right tools. Proper water treatment not only improves what you taste in the cup, but also protects your machine from its biggest enemy: limescale. 

On our website, you’ll find the full range of BWT solutions, designed to suit every need. It’s a small investment that makes a big difference—both in flavor and in the lifespan of your equipment.