From convenience stores and coffee shops to restaurants and schools, beverage equipment is essential in multiple applications. What's even more essential is that the water used in these units maintains high quality. Water filters are designed to strip out contaminants, including bacteria, dirt, iron, lead, chlorine and fluoride. Removing these particles can not only improve the condition of the water and equipment but also helps ensure beverages keep their signature taste.

Service companies that offer to check and change a customer's water filters should provide a variety of solutions to benefit different applications. Below is a quick list of the types of water filters to carry for various beverage equipment.

Reverse Osmosis Filters

Coffees have distinct flavor profiles, which is why reverse osmosis can be great for brewers

Reverse osmosis (RO) systems filter water by removing chlorine, residue and other harmful particles through a semi-absorbent layer. Using applied pressure, the filter is designed to push water through the layer to remove these impure sediments and let pure water molecules through. 

While RO filters are used on various pieces of cooking equipment, such as combi and steam ovens, they also work wonders for hot beverage equipment like coffee and espresso machines. By limiting scale buildup and excess chlorides from entering the water, signature brews keep their high-quality flavor. Of course, maintaining the proper flavor profile is vital for a customer's brand integrity.  

Ion-Exchange & Carbon Filter Combo

A carbon filter removes particles like mold and dust, enhancing overall taste and reducing odors.

A combination of a carbon and ion-exchange filter can be a dynamic duo. An ion-exchange filter attracts calcium and magnesium and converts them to sodium, helping prevent water hardness. Once that water is pre-treated, it then goes through an activated carbon cartridge. The granular carbon is very porous, so water or airborne contaminants like dust and mold stick on the filter via a chemical reaction.

This one-two punch essentially purifies the water using ion-exchange technology while improving taste and removing odors through the carbon filter. While it can be used for both soda fountains and coffee machines, the combined filtration system is specialized and typically offered in areas with extremely hard water.   

Iron Filters

High concentration of iron means bacteria can form in or around beverage equipment. There are usually two major clues. First, customers will notice a rotten egg smell, which is caused by bacteria feeding off the iron and water and emitting hydrogen sulfite gas. Second, slime typically will form at the base of ice bins or around hoses on water dispensers and soda fountains.

Removing fending off iron reduces this slime buildup, making maintenance much easier for the customer. Not to mention, eradicating the hydrogen sulfite gas ensures their beverages no longer have odd smells or an off-taste.

For more maintenance tips visit PartsTown.com.