Softener Grossness

[Endo]

I did a blank water shot into a glass container today to measure volume. Look what I got !!

Softener Residue?

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It seems to be some white suspended particles. I just installed a new Mini reservoir BestCup softener yesterday. I suspect these cloudy particles are somehow related. After about 6 shots (basically emptied the boiler), it cleared up.

Another good reason to skip the reservoir softener and use 50/50 RO water and tap ! (And especially since my last Mini softener cost me $35 !! Insane!!!).

So, if you decide to use the softener, I suggest the following

1. Soak the softener in a glass for a hr to activate
2. Install in reservoir, add water and pull 4 water shots. Leave overnight.
3. Next morning, empty reservoir, refill with fresh water, and pull 6 water shots into a clear glass until no white residue remains.

[oton]

Never seem that residue. I just change the filter; I've pulled a few water shots but I can't see anything in the cup... Anyway, it's good to know it to pay attention when change the filter.

$35? USD? Why so expensive?

[Endo]

Never seem that residue. I just change the filter; I've pulled a few water shots but I can't see anything in the cup.

Perhaps the residue came from somewhere else? I'll keep a close eye to see if it repeats in 3 months when I change softener again.

$35? USD? Why so expensive?

I know. It's a total rip-off. This is what happens when you have too many middle-men and only one source. Best-Cup - > LaSpaziale - > Chris Coffee -> Coffee-Tech -> me. Everybody adds $5 for themselves and a $5 part becomes $35. Disgraceful.

I've been able to get them as low as $20 at Chris Coffee, ($5 off when I purchased other items as well). But the ultimate was when the jokers at my Montreal LaSpaziale retailer asked me to pay $55 for one after waiting over 1 year for it to be ordered. Unbelievable.

But really, nobody should using these stupid things. Go 50/50 (RO and tap water) or if you don't like going to the store for RO, install the big S1 softener system in your house.

[Endo]

Here's what I got out of my brew boiler after opening it up for descaling. I had just installed the Rancilio Silvia cartridge softener.

Looks almost exactly the same as what came out of the BestCup. The water dries and leaves a white dust, so I must assume it's some resin/salt combo that doesn't dissolve. Totally disgusting whatever it is.

Rancilio Softener Residue

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[oton]

Sure it will add "mouthfeel" to the cup. :D

[chas]

I guess that's why for external filter systems the carbon filter goes after the softener AND they recommend to run about a gallon into a bucket before connecting to your machine. With a Mini is there anyway to flush a cartridge before connecting it?

[Endo]

I guess that's why for external filter systems the carbon filter goes after the softener AND they recommend to run about a gallon into a bucket before connecting to your machine. With a Mini is there anyway to flush a cartridge before connecting it?

Yes there is. Next time I'll draw a few litres of water through it using my 100ml Syringe and 1/4" silicone tubing.

Or perhaps by then I'll simply have my under-sink filter/softener system and mini-faucet installed.

[JohnB]

Or perhaps by then I'll simply have my under-sink filter/softener system and mini-faucet installed.

[txrpls]

We did the whole house and the under the sink thing about 4 months ago. What a difference in our glasses. My double insulated tervis tumblers i use for drinking water are now clear again Glasses come out of the dish washer with no residue. Best money spent my wife talked me into.

[richardcoffee]

I had some white residue on top of a puck one time - thought it was some left over Joe Glo - but that didn't make sense. Anyhow, I have the under sink system on the way - The faucet is already installed ..... and my back hurts.