lelit espresso machine what type of water to use

What kind of water should I use in my Lelit espresso machine?

 

Water quality is one of the, if not the sole largest, factor when determining how long your machine will last. So many customers believe just because they spend a bundle on these things that they should last forever by default.

Unfortunately, a prosumer espresso machine will only go as far as you take it. Treat it well, it will last decades. Treat it poorly and you might find yourself with some hefty service bills in the near future. 

Treat it like a luxury car - with care and consistency. 

There are only 2 types of water to completely avoid:

  1. Reverse Osmosis (RO) - AVOID
  2. Distilled - AVOID

Why avoid these?

For one, your machine's water sensors won't even recognize them. Because these waters have such a small mineral count,  the sensors at the bottom of your reservoir won't be able to detect water. You'll end up filling the reservoir to the brim only for the machine to tell you it's empty and needs water. We get this phone call almost daily with customers believing their machine is defective. 

9 times out of 10 - the user is using one of the above water. 

Here are the best types of water to use:

  1. Filtered
  2. Bottled 

Yes, it can be a severe hassle to constantly be filling your reservoir with bottled water. Here in our office in Chicago, our water quality isn't terrible however using straight tap water is never advisable. We simply use a Brita filter to fill the reservoir of our office Lelit Bianca V3. 

What if I'm plumbing in my machine?

Opting not to use the reservoir? 

In this case, we highly recommend getting a filtration system, like this one, to filter your water before it reaches your machine.

This is vital to keeping your boilers healthy for years and years. 

Questions? 

Contact a Cliff & Pebble Espresso Expert today!

Call us - (800) 410-8867

Email us - sales@cliffandpebble.com

Related Stories

View all
lelit espresso machine pulling a shot of espresso and steaming milk

The Complete Guide to Lelit Espresso Machines & Grinders (2025 Edition)

The Coffee Guy

From the compact Mara X V2 to the flagship Bianca V3, Lelit espresso machines deliver Italian precision and prosumer performance for every type of home barista. In this complete guide, we break down every Lelit machine and grinder offered at Cliff & Pebble — including key features, pros and cons, and quick FAQs — to help you find your perfect espresso setup.



A cozy Halloween coffee scene featuring five festive drinks

5 Halloween Coffee Drinks (Easy, Spooky, & Actually Delicious)

The Coffee Guy

Tired of the same old pumpkin spice? This Halloween, caffeinate with a twist. We’ve brewed up five frightfully fun coffee drinks—from candy corn lattes to caramel apple cold brew—that’ll wake the dead (and your taste buds). Easy, spooky, and scarily delicious.

coffee grinder burr chamber full of coffee grounds

How to Clean Your Burr Grinder: Step-by-Step Guide + Maintenance Tips

The Coffee Guy

A dirty grinder can ruin even the best coffee beans. Over time, oils and residue build up inside your burrs, dulling flavor and causing inconsistent grinds. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to clean your burr grinder—what tools you need, how often to do it, and the simple steps to keep every espresso shot tasting its best.



lucca espresso machine pressure gauge

Espresso Pressure: How 9 Bars Became the Gold Standard (and When to Break the Rules)

The Coffee Guy

9 bars of pressure has long been the benchmark for perfect espresso — but why? In this guide, we break down the science, history, and technique behind espresso pressure, explaining how it shapes flavor, crema, and balance — and when lowering or raising it can actually make your coffee taste even better.



breville espresso machine in a modern kitchen

Why Most High-End Espresso Machines Aren’t on Amazon (and When Buying There Makes Sense)

The Coffee Guy

Amazon is great for paper towels — but not for $3,000 espresso machines. Here’s why most high-end brands don’t sell on Amazon, when buying there makes sense, and why specialty retailers like Cliff & Pebble provide the service and protection you actually need.

single boiler espresso machine next to a dual boiler espresso machine in a bright kitchen

Single Boiler vs Dual Boiler Espresso Machines: The Complete Buyer’s Guide (2025)

The Coffee Guy

Confused about single boiler vs dual boiler espresso machines? This 2025 guide breaks down pros, cons, warm-up times, energy use, and real-world scenarios. Whether you love straight espresso, daily lattes, or entertaining guests, learn which machine type fits your workflow best.

fall coffee spread birds eye view

Fall Coffee Drinks to Warm Your Soul (and How to Make Them at Home)

The Coffee Guy

Fall is here, and so are cozy flavors like pumpkin, maple, caramel, and cinnamon. In this guide, we share our favorite fall coffee drinks you can make at home — from classics like the Pumpkin Spice Latte to creative twists like the Apple Cider Espresso Tonic. With recipes, brewing tips, and gear suggestions, you’ll have everything you need to turn your kitchen into the perfect fall café.

izzo alex vivi pid espresso machine

PID Temperature Control in Espresso Machines: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Dial It In

The Coffee Guy

PID temperature control is the secret to consistent, café-quality espresso at home. By stabilizing brew water within 1–2 degrees, PID eliminates guesswork, makes temperature surfing unnecessary, and helps you dial in flavor by roast type. Whether you use a single boiler, HX, or dual boiler, this guide shows why PID is a must-have feature for serious espresso lovers.

lelit bianca v3 espresso machine in a kithen

Cliff Notes: Jamie’s Espresso Upgrade Journey

The Coffee Guy

Jamie loved coffee but struggled with inconsistent shots and weak steam from her starter setup. In this Cliff Notes, we explore her upgrade path—what they wanted, what they researched, and the espresso machine and grinder combos we recommended to bring café-quality drinks home.