WHAT TYPE OF WATER TO USE FOR A POD OR CAPSULE COFFEE MACHINE?

What Type of Water Should I Use for Pod or Capsule Coffee Machines?

When it comes to getting the best coffee from your pod or capsule machine, we often tend to focus on the quality of the pods or the type of machine. However, one of the most overlooked but fundamental elements is water. Water represents approximately 98% of the coffee we drink , and is therefore essential to obtaining a good result in the cup. In this article, we will discover what type of water is best to use for pod or capsule coffee machines and why it is so important to make the right choice.

1. Tap Water: Is It Really the Easiest Option?
Tap water is the most affordable and cost-free option, but it's not always the best choice. While it's safe to drink and drink in most areas, tap water can contain minerals, chlorine, and impurities that can negatively affect the taste of your coffee.
- Pros: cheap and easy to find.
- Cons: The presence of limescale and minerals can affect the flavour and, in the long term, cause limescale build-up in the machine.

In particular, the calcium and magnesium content in water can lead to the formation of limescale deposits in the internal components of the machine, reducing its efficiency and lifespan. If you decide to use tap water, it is advisable to filter it or install a water softener to reduce the hardness of the water.

2. Filtered water: a good compromise
Filtered water is a popular choice for coffee makers. Water filters, such as filter jugs or faucet-attached filter systems, reduce the amount of impurities and minerals, improving the quality of your water without having to buy bottled water.
- Pro: reduces limescale and impurities, improving the flavour of the coffee.
- Cons: The filter needs to be replaced periodically, and does not always completely eliminate minerals.

Filtered water is a great compromise between the convenience of tap water and the purity of bottled water. The coffee will be smoother and more balanced, and the machine will be less prone to limescale buildup.

3. Bottled water: purity at your fingertips
Bottled water may seem like a luxury option, but it is one of the best options for preserving the quality of your coffee and the health of your machine. However, not all bottled water is created equal.
- Pros: low presence of minerals and impurities, maintains constant coffee quality.
- Cons: It can be expensive and not always eco-friendly.

When choosing bottled water, it is important to opt for oligomineral waters, that is, with a low mineral content (under 150 mg/L). Avoid waters that are too rich in minerals, such as natural mineral waters, because they could create limescale deposits and negatively affect the aroma of the coffee.

4. Distilled water: an extreme choice?
Distilled water is technically the purest, as all minerals and impurities are removed through a distillation process. However, it is not recommended for everyday use in coffee machines.
- Pro: total absence of minerals and impurities.
- Cons: Does not enhance the flavor of the coffee and could damage the machine.

Coffee brewed with distilled water can be flat and lack complexity. Additionally, the lack of minerals can compromise the long-term performance of the coffee machine, as some machines require a small amount of minerals to properly sense the flow of water.

5. The importance of water hardness
Regardless of the water source you choose, a crucial factor to consider is the hardness of the water, or the concentration of minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Water that is too hard will lead to limescale build-up , while water that is too soft may not bring out the best in your coffee . Ideally, you should use water with a hardness of between 70 and 150 ppm (parts per million).

6. Practical advice
- Use fresh water: Stale water can contain more impurities and bacteria.
- Avoid sparkling or flavored water: it could damage the machine and alter the flavor of the coffee.
- Clean your machine regularly: Regardless of the water you use, it is important to descale your machine regularly to maintain the quality of your coffee.

Conclusion
To get the best possible coffee from your pod or capsule machine, the choice of water is essential . Although tap water is convenient, filtered water or bottled water with low mineral content are the best options for balancing taste and machine maintenance . Water that is too rich in minerals can negatively affect both the flavor and the life of your machine, while water that is too pure can make the coffee flat. So remember to check the hardness of the water and take care of your machine to always enjoy a perfect coffee!