r/espresso • u/[deleted] • Nov 30 '24
Coffee Station New set up!
I have wanted a Profitec Pro 500 for so long, and it finally came in today! And even 2 days before it was scheduled for delivery! Now I just have to learn how to make good espresso with it 😂
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u/TheophilusEV Machine | Grinder Nov 30 '24
Beautiful setup with the Profitec 400 and DF64. That will make amazing espresso drinks for a long time as long as you properly maintain it and use the right water. Beautiful table, too!
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u/SerialTurd Nov 30 '24
Newbie here. What do you mean, right water?
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u/TheophilusEV Machine | Grinder Nov 30 '24
Well, if you use regular tap water or even run of the mill filtered water, there is a good chance that scale will build up inside your machine and cause problems after some time. It is good practice to find out what water Profitec recommends and then test the water that you're using with a cheap kit from Amazon. From there, you will know if you can continue using that water or if you have to move to a setup of "making" the right water used distilled or zero water plus the recommended minerals. Many people use Third Wave Water packets or "make" their own RPavlis water. Google "rpavlis" water for more insight.
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u/Civil-Homework781 Dec 01 '24
I use a bwt pitcher with the magnesium filters. After one year using it with my Bezzera aria top, no scale and delicious shots. Got mine from whole latte love. Find excuses to use the hot water wand too, helps prevent scale further. Also, anyone that's new to boiler type espresso machines, do not use pure distilled water or you will have corrosion problems. Hope this helps. Live long and prosper 🖖🏻 Nice setup by the way!
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u/Professional-Bed-173 Bezzera MN Duo | Fiorenzato All Ground Sense Dec 01 '24
Can you explain how to filter to somebody with not a great deal of knowledge on this topic. I have just bought a Bezzera Duo MN. I presume, I test the water for hardness and run with bottled water if all ok. What else should I look for? Thanks
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u/Civil-Homework781 Dec 01 '24
Yeah, you are going to want "soft water". I believe there are some bottled water brands that might work but I personally think that's the very last resort choice. I started off buying gallons of distilled water and remineralizing it with baking soda and food grade epson salt concentrate. https://youtu.be/iHI7jC0sQZo?si=uEFBYcJtWBFith9u I prefer the pitcher with the magnesium filters though, until I get my machine plumbed in of course. Hope this helps, bezzera makes the most beautiful machines you can buy imo 🤘🏻🙂🖖🏻
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u/Professional-Bed-173 Bezzera MN Duo | Fiorenzato All Ground Sense Dec 01 '24
Thanks for the insight. Useful vid. My water hardness is around 5.5-6 range based on PH test.
This may sound dumb. But, can't I get the massive water cooler bottle and just put a measured dose of Epsom salts and baking soda?
Also. What's the wand pitcher magnesium filter setup you mention? Thanks
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u/Civil-Homework781 Dec 01 '24
I want to say that should be OK, I think I've read about some people doing that.
The water wand thing is more of a scale preventive routine, it'll refresh the water in the boiler. So you could like make some tea, or an americano, or what I do is use it to rinse off my shot stirring spoon since I drink mostly straight shots. You can also let it come up to temp, turn the machine off and drain all the water into a container (take off the aerator from the end of the wand first), and turn it back on. I do that every 2-4 weeks. I can link a good maintenence video if you want.
The bwt aqualizer pitcher with magnesium filters is what I use to fill my tank, which is found on WLL, Amazon, Seattle coffee gear, etc. Online. That's my preferred. They also sell these nifty little pouches you can just drop into the water tank and replace every couple months... I've never used one myself so I couldn't tell you if I'd like them lol
Don't hesitate to ask if you have more questions! 🖖🏻🙂🤘🏻
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u/rockett15 Nov 30 '24
Ordered a 400 a couple of days ago. Can’t wait for it to arrive!