What kind of water does the Lelit recommend?

Great coffee starts with great water. While most coffee enthusiasts focus on beans, grind size, and brewing techniques, water quality is often overlooked—yet it plays a crucial role in both the taste of your espresso and the longevity of your machine. If you own a high-end espresso machine, you may have noticed recommendations from the manufacturer about water specifications. But what exactly does Lelit suggest, and how can you optimize your water for the best possible coffee?

Buy Home Coffee Machines From Di Pacci Coffee Company

Buy Lelit Coffee Machines From Di Pacci Coffee Company

Why Water Quality is Non-Negotiable for Coffee

Water isn’t just a solvent—it’s the foundation of your espresso. The right mineral balance enhances flavor extraction, while poor-quality water can ruin even the best beans. Here’s why it matters:

1. Flavor Impact

• Minerals like calcium and magnesium help extract desirable coffee compounds, leading to a richer, more balanced taste.

• Too soft? Under-extracted, weak coffee.

• Too hard? Over-extracted, bitter, or chalky flavors.

• Chlorine or impurities? Metallic or off-putting tastes.

2. Machine Health & Longevity

• Scale buildup from hard water clogs boilers, valves, and heating elements, leading to costly repairs.

• Corrosion from aggressive water (too acidic or alkaline) can damage internal components.

3. Consistency in Brewing

• Unstable water composition means unpredictable extractions—one day perfect, the next day sour or bitter.

Lelit’s Official Water Recommendations

Lelit, like many premium espresso machine manufacturers, provides clear water guidelines to ensure optimal performance and taste. Here’s what they recommend:

1. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): 50–150 ppm

• Ideal range for extraction – Enough minerals to enhance flavor without excessive scaling.

• Below 50 ppm? Water is too soft, leading to flat-tasting coffee.

• Above 150 ppm? High risk of limescale buildup.

2. Water Hardness: 4–8°dH (German degrees of hardness)

• Balanced hardness – Extracts flavor effectively while minimizing scale.

• Above 8°dH? Requires descaling frequently or using a water softener.

3. pH Level: 6.5–7.5 (Neutral to Slightly Acidic)

• Too alkaline (pH > 8)? Can cause off-flavors and mineral deposits.

• Too acidic (pH < 6)? May corrode metal components over time.

4. Avoid Chlorine, Heavy Metals, and Off-Flavors

• Chlorine = bad taste + potential machine damage.

• Solution: Carbon filtration or using purified water.

How to Achieve the Perfect Coffee Water

Option 1: Filtered Tap Water (Most Convenient)

• Best for: Those with moderately hard water.

• Method: Use a carbon filter pitcher or under-sink filter.

• Pros: Affordable, easy to maintain.

• Cons: Doesn’t adjust hardness significantly—may still need descaling.

Option 2: Third-Wave Water Packets (Precision Mineral Blends)

• Best for: Coffee nerds who want lab-quality water.

• Method: Add mineral packets to distilled or reverse osmosis (RO) water.

• Pros: Perfectly balanced for coffee, no scaling issues.

• Cons: More expensive than tap water.

Option 3: Bottled Spring Water (Check the Label!)

• Best for: Those without good tap water.

• Look for: TDS between 50–150 ppm, low sodium.

• Avoid: "Purified" or "distilled" water (too soft).

Option 4: Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water + Remineralization

• Best for: Extremely hard or poor-quality tap water.

• Method: RO removes all minerals; add a calcium/magnesium blend to reach ideal TDS.

• Pros: No scale, fully customizable.

• Cons: Requires extra effort.

Maintenance Tips for Your Machine

• Descale regularly – Follow Lelit’s recommended schedule (usually every 2–3 months).

• Use a water softener – If your water is very hard, consider an in-tank softening filter.

• Test your water – Simple TDS meters or hardness strips help monitor quality.

When You’d Rather Leave It to the Pros: Di Pacci Coffee Company

Perfecting your home brew is rewarding, but sometimes you just want a flawlessly crafted coffee without the hassle. That’s where Di Pacci Coffee Company shines.

At Di Pacci, every espresso is pulled with scientifically optimized water, ensuring the perfect extraction. Their baristas don’t just make coffee—they craft an experience. Whether you’re in the mood for a velvety flat white or a bold single-origin pour-over, their attention to detail guarantees a cup that’s balanced, aromatic, and satisfying.

Beyond the coffee, the atmosphere at Di Pacci is warm and inviting—a place where you can savor your drink in a setting designed for relaxation and enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

Water might seem like a small detail, but it’s the unsung hero of great espresso. By following Lelit’s recommendations and choosing the right water for your machine, you’ll enjoy:
✔ Better-tasting coffee
✔ Longer-lasting equipment
✔ More consistent brews

And when you’re not in the mood to play barista, remember that Di Pacci Coffee Company is always there to serve you a perfect cup, made with expertise and care.

Now go forth and brew with confidence—your perfect espresso awaits! ☕