Water for Heat Exchange Espresso Machines

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Semi-commercial and commercial espresso machines with heat exchangers can NEVER use distilled water and most of the time can NOT use reverse osmosis water. The main reason is that these types of espresso machines use low voltage electrical current running through the water to ground in the internal boiler to determine the water level. This system is to make sure the heating element inside the boiler is always submerged in water and avoid damage. If you use distilled water or reverse osmosis water, it may be too pure for the espresso machine to 'sense' the electrical voltage and the espresso machine will ultimately overfill the boiler.

Therefore, it is important to use water very low in calcium and magnesium, but contain other low level minerals to maintain effective functionality of the water level control. Therefore, if using tap or bottled water, we recommend the minimum use of a water softener.

For espresso machines with water reservoirs, we recommend

Rechargeable in-tank water softener - recharged minimum once a month or every 24 liters of water, and replaced once a year. This water softener is good for all home models that have a water intake hose entering from the top of the water tank.

Some machines have the water intake at the bottom of the water reservoir. These include, but are not limited to Bezzera BZ02 series espresso machines, Pasquini Livia 90 espresso machines, and ECM Giotto Premium and ECM Cellini Premium espresso machines. In these cases, the above water softener can not be used. We recommend that you purchase a Brita pitcher (not faucet model and not PUR) and quality bottled water. Change the cartridge every three weeks for optimal protection.

For espresso machines that directly connect to a water line, we recommend the following:

Manual One valve water softener

Automatic water softener