About this Video

• Video Title: Wie viel Kalk bleibt in der Maschine? Test nach 100L Wasser!
• Channel: Welter & Welter
• Speakers: The transcript doesn't explicitly name the speakers.
• Duration: 20:52

Introduction

This video investigates how often a coffee machine needs descaling. The creators conduct a test using two machines, running 100 liters of water through each – one with filtered water and one with unfiltered tap water – to determine the amount of limescale buildup and provide a clearer recommendation for descaling frequency.

Key Takeaways

1. Descaling Frequency: The video concludes that coffee machines should be descaled after approximately 20 grams of limescale accumulate. This amount varies based on water hardness and machine size.
2. Water Hardness Calculation: The frequency depends on the water's hardness. A simple formula is presented to calculate descaling intervals based on water hardness (e.g., 20° hardness means descaling after 100 liters, 10° hardness after 200 liters).
3. Water Filtration: Using a Brita filter significantly reduces limescale buildup compared to using unfiltered tap water. Other filtration methods are also discussed.
4. Descaling Method: The video demonstrates how to disassemble the heating element for thorough cleaning and descaling. It emphasizes the importance of replacing the seals during reassembly.
5. Alternative to Descaling: Using filtered water (e.g., Brita filter, specific bottled water brands with low hardness) minimizes limescale and extends the time between descaling.

1. What was the hardness level of the Cologne tap water used in the test?

The Cologne tap water used in the test had a hardness level of approximately 20. This is explicitly stated at timestamp 1:25-1:26 and referenced throughout the video.

1. What specific Brita filter model was used in the test? What were its settings (A, B, or C)?

The transcript doesn't specify the exact Brita filter model. It mentions using an ECM filter with settings A, B, and C, representing 30%, 50%, and 70% water filtration respectively. (Timestamps 7:55-8:06).

1. What were the observed differences in limescale buildup between the filtered and unfiltered water machines?

The machine using unfiltered water showed significantly more limescale buildup on the heating elements and inside the boiler than the machine using the filtered water. The difference is visually demonstrated in the video, with images showing a thick layer of limescale in the unfiltered machine and considerably less in the filtered one. (Timestamps 3:00-3:25)

1. What are the names of the bottled water brands mentioned as suitable alternatives, and what are their hardness levels?

The video mentions Gerolsteiner Naturell (around 25° hardness) and Volvic (around 3° hardness), as well as water from the Kirkelquelle source (under 1° hardness if sourced directly from Kirkelquelle). The suitability is discussed in terms of hardness; higher hardness implies more frequent descaling. (Timestamps 10:43-11:57)