When comparing the Breville Barista Express Impress and the De’Longhi Magnifica S, one of the most overlooked yet critical aspects is water filtration. The quality of water directly impacts the taste of espresso, machine longevity, and descaling frequency. This article dives deep into how these two machines handle water filtration, helping you decide which is better for your home or office in the UK.
How Does the Breville Barista Express Impress Filter Water?
The Breville Barista Express Impress uses a built-in water hardness testing feature that integrates with a removable water tank. Unlike many competitors, Breville does not include a permanent filtration cartridge in the box, but it does provide a simple test strip to measure hardness. Once you determine your water hardness level via the Breville Barista Express Impress: How to Test Water Hardness for Optimal Performance guide, the machine automatically adjusts its internal settings. However, for genuine filtration—removing chlorine, sediment, and scale—you need to purchase a separate third-party charcoal filter designed for the tank. The Impress relies on the user’s diligence in testing and descaling, which is detailed in the Breville Barista Express Impress Descaling Guide: Step by Step.
What Is the Filtration System of the De’Longhi Magnifica S?
The De’Longhi Magnifica S features a more straightforward water filtration system with a dedicated De’Longhi water softener cartridge (often sold separately but recommended by the brand). The cartridge fits directly into the water tank and reduces limescale, chlorine, and heavy metals. Unlike the Impress, the Magnifica S does not have a digital hardness test—owners must manually test using included strips or rely on local water board data. The machine’s internal logic expects softened water to prevent excess scale, and De’Longhi recommends replacing the cartridge every two months. For those living in hard water areas like London or the South East, this can be a more passive but equally effective solution. However, failing to replace the cartridge leads to faster scale buildup, making descaling necessary more often.
Breville Barista Express Impress vs De’Longhi Magnifica S: Water Filtration Compared
To help you visualise the differences, here is a direct comparison of key water-related features:
| Aspect | Breville Barista Express Impress | De’Longhi Magnifica S |
|---|---|---|
| Water hardness detection | Built-in test with digital display adjustment | No built-in test; manual test strip provided |
| Included filtration cartridge | No (requires purchase of third-party filter) | Yes (De’Longhi water softener cartridge included in some bundles) |
| Filter type | Activated charcoal (third-party) | Ion-exchange resin + carbon |
| Filter lifespan | ~2 months (based on manufacturer recommendation for third-party) | ~2 months |
| Scale prevention | Automatic descaling reminders based on usage | Manual descaling calibration |
| Impact on espresso flavour | Can be significant if no filter used; better with filtered water | Standard improvement with cartridge |
| Price of replacement filter (GBP) | £8–£12 per pack of 2 (generic) | £10–£15 per De’Longhi cartridge |
Which Machine Handles Hard Water Better?
For customers in the UK, where water hardness varies drastically from soft in Scotland to very hard in East Anglia, the choice matters. The Breville Barista Express Impress gives users more control via its precise hardness testing and adjustable settings. After testing, you can set the machine to the correct hardness level, which influences the descaling frequency as outlined in the Breville Barista Express Impress: How Often Should You Descale? guide. This means you can optimise for harder water without guesswork. The De’Longhi Magnifica S, on the other hand, relies on the cartridge to do most of the work. In very hard water areas, the cartridge may deplete faster, requiring more frequent replacements. Neither machine is immune to scale, but the Impress offers better proactive management for those willing to test and adjust.
How Does Water Filtration Affect Espresso Taste and Machine Longevity?
Water composition directly influences extraction. The Breville Barista Express Impress, with its precise temperature control (discussed in the Breville Barista Express Impress: Brew Temperature Not Hot Enough? survey), benefits greatly from filtered water. Chlorine and minerals can mask delicate flavours, while proper filtration ensures a cleaner cup. The De’Longhi Magnifica S’s ion-exchange cartridge removes calcium and magnesium, which reduces bitterness from over-extraction caused by hard water. Regarding longevity, the Impress’s automatic descaling reminder (based on water hardness setting and brew count) actively protects the boiler and pump. The Magnifica S’s cartridge reduces scale formation but requires manual intervention for descaling if the cartridge is missed. In terms of pump pressure, both machines can suffer if scale builds up; the Impress is easier to monitor via its pump pressure gauge as detailed in the Breville Barista Express Impress: Pump Pressure Too Low? Causes and Fixes article.
What Owners Say
Owners of the Breville Barista Express Impress often praise the water hardness testing as a “game-changer” for consistency. Many report that after using the test and adjusting the setting, descaling reminders align perfectly with their local water quality. A common complaint is that the lack of an included filter feels like an oversight, but most owners quickly add a third-party charcoal filter and notice improved espresso clarity. De’Longhi Magnifica S owners appreciate the simplicity of the cartridge system, especially those who dislike testing. However, some users in hard water areas note that the cartridge depletes faster than advertised, leading to unexpected scale build-up. Overall, the Impress appeals to enthusiasts who want control, while the Magnifica S suits those preferring a “set and forget” approach. Regardless, both require some level of water management to avoid issues like low pressure or temperature drops, which are covered in related guides on BrewWise.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to use a water filter with the Breville Barista Express Impress?
Not strictly, but it is highly recommended. Using a charcoal filter reduces chlorine taste and scale build-up. The machine’s built-in hardness test helps you decide if a filter is needed based on your local water.
2. How do I install the water filter in the Breville Barista Express Impress?
Remove the water tank, locate the filter holder at the bottom (some models require a separate purchase of a filter holder), insert the filter, and push it in until it clicks. Then fill the tank with water and attach it back.
3. Can the De’Longhi Magnifica S use tap water without a filter?
Yes, but De’Longhi strongly advises using their water softener cartridge to prevent limescale. Without it, the machine will require more frequent descaling and may suffer from scale-related issues like reduced pump pressure.
4. How often should I replace the filter on the Breville Barista Express Impress?
If using a third-party charcoal filter, replace it every two months or after 60 litres of water, whichever comes first. The machine’s descaling alert does not track filter life, so manual tracking is needed.
5. Which machine is better for very hard water areas in the UK?
The Breville Barista Express Impress offers better adaptability because you can adjust its hardness setting and descaling frequency. The De’Longhi Magnifica S’s cartridge works but may need more frequent replacement in very hard water.
6. Does using filtered water improve the taste of espresso from these machines?
Yes, especially with the Breville Barista Express Impress. Filtered water removes chlorine and sediments that can dull flavours. With the De’Longhi Magnifica S, the ion-exchange cartridge reduces bitterness from hard water minerals.
