Water Dispensers
Water softening system
Term from the vending glossary
System for reducing calcium and magnesium content in water (water hardness). Protects coffee machines from lime scale deposits and extends service intervals. Recommended for high-performance coffee machines at water hardness above 15 °dH.
Water softening exchanges hardness-forming calcium and magnesium ions for sodium or hydrogen ions, preventing lime scale from precipitating when heated. In coffee machines, it protects the thermoblock, valves and brew group—the three most expensive components.
However, water that is too soft is not the goal. A certain residual carbonate hardness is necessary for extraction, as it transports flavour compounds; completely demineralised water produces a flat taste and also attacks metals. Manufacturers therefore specify a hardness range, not a maximum value, and filter selection is based on the measured local water value.