Some people swear by filtered water in their whiskey and others swear by filtered water in their coffee. To serve the latter market segment, Delonghi NZ sells the PrimaDonna S and PrimaDonna S Deluxe espresso coffee machines WITH integrated water filters. So what is brewing on this topic? To filter or not to filter?
The Finest Ingredients
Considering that there are world barista championships and the global coffee market is valued at over USD 470 billion, it goes without saying that the majority of the global market is finickity about their coffee ingredients. A perfect cup now requires a combination of science and human art.
Considering that, sans-milk, an Espresso is only 2 per cent coffee with the balance being water, the chance that water will influence the taste of your coffee is substantial.
Why Is There A Flavour Influence?
Water is not just something that dilutes the coffee flavours into a drinkable solution, it is actually a catalyst that extracts the flavour compounds from the seed flesh. It actively dissolves the compounds via chemical bonds with the seed material.
Tap water in most countries is pre-treated with chlorine like a swimming pool and often carries that flavour and sometimes the aroma. So do you think swimming pool water will make a good cup of coffee?
The municipal or council-supplied water is also not pure as it carries along dust, rust and small particles of organic matter. Add some of that to any drink and the flavour will be affected. In addition, your coffee machine will block up with those particles.
In addition to the above particles, it will also carry dissolved minerals and salts like calcium. High calcium levels will build up limescale in your machine which can cause problems.
Using Filtered Water
Filtered water, therefore, makes sense for the health of your machine and the delicious taste of your favorite brew. If you don’t have a Delonghi machine with an integrated filter or another brand of coffee machine with filters, then there are other water filter options from under-counter inline filters to fridge water filtering and simple jug filter solutions. Undercounted inline filtering is by far the most convenient, after coffee machines with water filters, as even your cooking will benefit from the fresher taste of filtered water. There are also solutions that fit directly onto your tap and do not need a plumber or handyman involved in the installation.
All these filters will remove chlorine and small particles as well as avoid the build-up of limescale. The filters do not denude the water of all its taste so the all right ‘bits’ are left intact to ensure your best brew is waiting for you whenever you need it!
Comparing Tap and Filtered Water
Tap water varies by location. Some areas have hard water. This can alter coffee's taste. It can even damage machines over time. Filtered water is more consistent. It usually has fewer minerals. This helps in bringing out the coffee's true flavor.
Many coffee lovers prefer filtered water. They say it makes coffee taste smoother. It reduces bitterness. The aroma is often better too. Filtered water can make the coffee's natural flavors more prominent.
The choice of water also affects health. Tap water might have contaminants. These are often removed in filtered water. This makes the coffee safer to drink. Using filtered water is an easy step. But it can greatly improve your coffee experience. It's worth trying for any coffee enthusiast.
Health Implications Effects on Health
Using filtered water in coffee has health benefits. Filtered water removes contaminants. These include chlorine and heavy metals and also reduces limescale. This can improve coffee machine lifespan. Filtered water can be better for digestion. It helps in maintaining the natural balance of minerals. This is good for overall health. Drinking cleaner water is always beneficial.
Economic Considerations
Using water filters in coffee machines has economic implications. Filters cost money. But they can save money long-term. They protect coffee machines from scale build-up. This reduces repair costs. Filtered water can also extend machine life.
The cost of filters varies. It depends on the brand and quality. But the benefits often outweigh the costs. Filters also improve coffee taste. This can save money spent at coffee shops.
User Experiences
User experiences highlight the impact of filtered water. Many report improved coffee taste. They also notice a decrease in machine problems. Some say their coffee tastes like from a café. Others mention health benefits. They feel better drinking cleaner water. Overall, users appreciate the benefits. They believe the cost is worth it.
Conclusion
Using filtered water in Delonghi coffee machines improves taste and health. It removes harmful substances and enhances flavor. This protects the machine and saves money in the long run. User experiences confirm these benefits. They report better tasting coffee and health improvements. Choosing filtered water is a wise decision for coffee enthusiasts.