The first rule for a great cup of coffee, after the bean, is the quality of the water - that’s a given. But is the quality of the water just as important for your Espresso machine?
The short answer is yes! Optimising the water used in coffee making and catering is one of the best ways to maximise the quality of the product you produce, minimise problems and increase the longevity of your equipment. In choosing the right water for your business, the goal is to optimise the source water so that it meets the needs of both your equipment and your coffee.
This seems straightforward, what’s the problem?
Unfortunately for most coffee machines, much of the tap water in the UK contains minerals that are deposited as scale when water is heated. This is especially problematic if you live in a hard water area. Scale deposits can cause multiple problems for your espresso machine, including
breakdowns due to blocked micro-bore pipes, reduced electrical efficiency and slow response times; which affects your overall service levels as well as the final taste of your coffee. The ‘right water’ for fully automatic machines reduces the risk of these outcomes by minimising scale and corrosion.
So, what’s the solution?
This may seem obvious but before doing anything else, it is essential to test your water. This will reveal the specific problems you may encounter at your site. When you know what the problem is, it is easier to find the right solution.
Once you understand your ‘raw’ water, you need the right solution. BWT manufactures a range of water treatment solutions that can help protect your equipment. If limescale is the main concern, choose BWT’s bestmax – the blue one. Across the world, around 60% of BWT customers choose this option and it comes in multiple sizes to suit your available space and demand. All sizes fit the same head, which can also be ‘set’ to suit the equipment and the water at each location.
If you are worried about gypsum, (grey, stone-like deposits) choose a BWT bestprotect – the purple one.
Combi/steam ovens, espresso machines, boilers and hot drink vending machines all need this protection too and BWT solutions can be set to deliver suitable, and different, water to each application thanks to the adjustable ‘bypass’ setting on the remarkable new connection head besthead flex.
If your problems are more to do with low pH or you’re looking to make your glassware sparkle, find out more about how BWT can help here. Or, you can download the FREE BWT professional app, for expert advice on water and all of our water treatment solutions.
Water doesn’t have to be complicated!
When you find a solution that works for you, stick with it. Regularly monitoring your water and equipment will help prolong the life of your espresso machine and give you the best tasting coffee. The choice of options can be overwhelming, but choosing the right solution does not have to be complicated. Choosing BWT as your Best Water partner means help and advice is never more than a click or call away. At BWT we will work with you to find a solution that’s right for you!
To find out more about BWT’s water for coffee, send a message to our Water and More team on waterandmore@bwt-uk.co.uk or alternatively visit our website.