How to choose a coffee machine water filter
A coffee machine water filter sits in the water tank and treats the water before it reaches the boiler. It reduces the hardness that builds up as limescale and improves the taste of the water. Jura notes that limescale can narrow pipes, slow heating, raise energy use and eventually stop a machine. Too much calcium carbonate also leaves an unpleasant aftertaste in the cup. Jura says its CLARIS cartridges also absorb chlorine, lead and copper.
Match the filter to your machine brand
Water filters are not universal. Each is shaped for a particular tank and fitting, so start with the brand and model of your machine.
- Jura: CLARIS White, CLARIS Blue+ and CLARIS Smart+, plus the Pro versions for machines that take them.
- Breville: the Claro Swiss water filter and the Breville water filter.
- WMF: the WMF in-tank water filter.
- Lelit: the MC747PLUS anti-scale filter, rated at 70 litres and sold as a 2-pack.
- Profitec and ECM: the Profitec/ECM in-tank water filter.
Which Jura CLARIS filter do I need?
Jura has made several generations of CLARIS cartridge, and they are not interchangeable. The easiest check is the cartridge already in your tank: match its colour and name (White, Blue+ or Smart+). Your machine's manual lists the right one too. The Pro, Pro Smart+ and Pro Smart Maxi cartridges fit different machines from the standard range, so match the full name before you order.
How often to change it
Capacity depends on how hard your water is. Jura rates its CLARIS cartridges at up to 65 litres in very soft water (1–5 °dH), falling to about 40 litres in hard water (26–30 °dH). Many machines prompt you when it is time. For other brands, follow the interval in your manual. The Lelit cartridge is rated at 70 litres.
Multi-packs and running costs
If you change filters regularly, a multi-pack keeps a spare on hand and costs less per filter. Options include the CLARIS Blue+ 3-pack, the CLARIS Smart+ 3-pack and the Lelit 2-pack. Delivery is a flat $9.95 under $200 and free over $200.
No in-tank filter? Use a filter jug
If your machine has no filter holder, fill the tank from a filter jug instead. The BWT Aqualizer jug comes with one cartridge, and replacement cartridges come in 3-packs.
FAQs
Do coffee machines need a water filter?
Not every machine needs one, but most benefit. A water filter reduces the hardness that forms limescale inside the boiler and pipes, and improves the taste of the water. Jura says limescale can slow heating, raise energy use and eventually cause a breakdown, and that too much calcium carbonate gives coffee an unpleasant aftertaste. If your machine has a filter holder in the tank, use the matching cartridge. If it doesn't, a filter jug is a simple alternative.
How often should I change my coffee machine water filter?
It depends on your water hardness and how much you use the machine. Jura rates its CLARIS cartridges at up to 65 litres in very soft water, down to about 40 litres in hard water, and many Jura machines prompt you when the filter is spent. For Breville, Lelit, WMF and Profitec/ECM machines, follow the interval in your manual. The Lelit MC747PLUS is rated at 70 litres per cartridge.
Which Jura CLARIS filter fits my machine?
Check the cartridge already in your water tank and match its name and colour: CLARIS White, Blue+ or Smart+. Your machine's manual also lists the correct filter. The Pro versions (Pro, Pro Smart+ and Pro Smart Maxi) fit different machines from the standard cartridges, so match the full name rather than just the colour.
Do I still need to descale if I use a water filter?
On Jura machines, Jura says CLARIS removes the need to descale, provided the filter is activated in the machine and changed when prompted. For other brands, a filter reduces scale but your manual may still call for descaling, so follow it. Whatever the machine, you still need to clean out coffee oils and milk residue. See our coffee machine cleaners for tablets, descalers and milk system cleaners.
Can I use a filter jug instead of an in-tank filter?
Yes. If your machine has no filter holder in the tank, filling it from a filter jug is the simplest way to get filtered water. The BWT Aqualizer jug comes with one cartridge, and replacement cartridges come in a 3-pack. If your machine does have a filter holder, the matching in-tank cartridge is the better choice, because many machines track it and remind you to change it.
Is a coffee machine filter the same as a coffee filter paper?
No. This page covers water filters: cartridges that sit in an espresso or automatic machine's water tank to treat the water before it is heated. Paper or cloth coffee filters hold the ground coffee in drip and pour-over brewers, and they are a different product. If you are looking for coffee to brew, browse our coffee beans, ground coffee and capsules.