BRITA Water Filter Cartridge MAXTRA PRO Limescale Expert - 6 Pack

Bought a Sage Barista machine for £800 so wanted it to last in a very hard water area. Anyone arriving at my review (given my title) is probably thinking the same and deciding between full on under sink filtration or whether specialist jug filters will do the job and get the water down to a safe hardness level, because hard water quickly kills espresso machines. For anyone deciding the latter they might have already looked and arrived up with the following two choices. The first choice for me was the BWT Magnesium filter, which is reputed to decrease the damaging calcium carbonate and replace it with magnesium (which is supposed to make the coffee taste better). I tested this filter and although I've no reason to doubt it's claims found it a a bit of a leap of faith. This is because in testing the hardness of the filtered water with a Calmag test kit I found only a small drop in water hardness from the 266 ppm measurement of my tap water to 166 ppm post filtration. This makes the filter sound completely useless, but is in fact misleading because water hardness testing cannot discriminate between magnesium or calcium carbonate (both which contribute to water "hardness", despite only calcium carbonate being a danger in terms of damaging limescale). I wasn't prepared to risk this filter on the basis that I couldn't distinguish between the actual proportion of the two and so opted to try this, the Brita Limescale Expert filter. Results = from a 266ppm hardness a single filtration reduced this to around 110ppm. This for me was great, but given it's recommended to attain water of a hardness of 85ppm or below to protect espresso machines, I decided to go a little further... For drinking water I always utilise the lowest cost filters available on Amazon that also fit a standard Brita jug, and so I wondered how much these actually softened my water (as all jug filters tend to do, if only to a limited degree). My findings was from 266ppm (tap) to 150ppm with a really low cost cheap brand filter I'd been using for a while, so actually not so shoddy! I then wondered what would happen if I filtered once through the cheap non specialist filter and then the Brita Limescale Expert.. I then found that my finished water was then just 60ppm (well within the "soft" definition). That absolutely works for me. I tallied my first month of use and it amounted to 18 litres of filtered water (making around 3 cups per day) and so checked the hardness of the same double processed water after 1 month (18 litres). The hardness had risen to 80-90 ppm... This being acceptable still I have decided to change the Brita filter once a month religiously, but keep the cheap non Brita filter to every couple of months as usual. Costing wise, this amounts to a monthly cost of less than £5 for all filter cost, which works very nicely for me indeed without having to go for an undersink solution. I still intend to descale my machine once every three months. In conclusion this filter does absolutely appear to do what it says it does, but clearly loses efficiency relatively quickly. The coffee from the water does taste just as good as that made from the BWT filter, which I always suspected (despite BWT claiming it makes the coffees taste a lot better, given coffee contains so much natural magnesium anyway). I'm not decrying the BWT as many espresso owners swear by it, but I would suggest that should you also live in a hard water area to forgo that for the Brita (and change the Brita filter often). I would also suggest utilising another standard jug water filter for all other drinking water needs and filtering the water once first through this before filtering again via the Brita for exclusive use in your espresso machine. If in any doubt I suggest purchasing the Calmag testing kit (far more accurate and defining that test strips) to satisfy yourself that this indeed works, which is around £5. Apologies for the lengthy review, but I'm pretty sure it will be invaluable to at least a few people. PS: I would also advise against considering a Zerowater filter system, as know myself that despite removing all hardness from water, it produces water that needs low limescale remineralisation before using in coffee machines, otherwise producing very odd tasting coffee. My experience with one was not good as the water tasted disgusting after a few refills (you will find many saying the same in reviews).

Does the job, easy to fit and replace, good value for money

This is a super handheld fan, it is small enough to carry about without it being a bother. It gives a good wind on 5 levels which is sure to keep you cool. You can even take the front cover off to clean the blades if needed. The price is a super plus as well, for the price it is really worth the money, you wont be disappointed. You can use it anywhere without disturbing anyone as it is really quiet.

Having used BRITA filters for years, I've always appreciated the improved taste of my water. However, living in an extremely hard water area, I've had to deal with the constant battle against limescale. The new BRITA MAXTRA PRO Limescale Expert cartridges have completely changed the game, proving to be a monumental upgrade that has exceeded all my expectations. The difference in my kettle and coffee machine is truly remarkable. Before, I was descaling my appliances weekly, but since switching to these filters, the limescale build-up has been dramatically reduced. This not only saves me time and effort but will undoubtedly prolong the life of my expensive kitchen appliances. Beyond the appliance protection, the water quality is noticeably superior. My tea and coffee taste so much better, with a fuller, more aromatic flavor that wasn't there before. The cartridge's innovative 4-stage filtration system, with its powerful ion-exchanger pearls and activated carbon, effectively reduces not only limescale but also taste-impairing substances like chlorine, and even metals like lead and copper that can be present in older pipework. The convenience of the 6-pack is fantastic, providing a long-lasting supply and excellent value for money. Knowing I'm also making a more sustainable choice by reducing my reliance on single-use plastic bottles is an added bonus. In summary, the BRITA MAXTRA PRO Limescale Expert is a product I can't recommend highly enough, especially for anyone in a hard water area. It's a premium product that provides peace of mind and tangible benefits—from better-tasting water to the ultimate protection of your home appliances. It's an essential item that I'll be purchasing for the foreseeable future. Only thing I would suggest is making it a bit cheaper for everyone to afford it.

This item is always my first choice . They work very well. Water is very clear and it tastes fresh.

Legit filter, my drinking water tastes so much better. Got a very good deal as the water hardness in our area is so high. Brita jug is so cheaper compare buying tons of bottled water

Very fast delivery, very good price, good quality. compatible, Ease of use

I use these all the time with my Brita water filter...I find them to be excellent and my kettle foes not become all purred up eith limescale snd the water tastes so much better

Bon produit et conforme et l'eau a un bon goût et il y a pas de trace de calcaire dans la machine à café

Prodotto consigliato.

Buenísima compra, ha merecido la pena cada céntimo. El agua de Barcelona es superdura, pero el filtro es rapidísimo. Me sirve para mi jarra Phillips, un puntazo. ¿El sabor? No sabe a nada, ni punto de comparación; ya no compro botellas. Además, se acabó la cal en la cafetera, el hervidor y las cazuelas. No creo que cambie de marca.

Amazing and easy way to filter water. Loved the product. Will buy again for sure.

Pratici e funzionali.