Product Review - DeLonghi Water Filter vs DeLonghi SoftBalls

Traditional water filtration solutions for coffee machines is often a task clouded with confusion and the unknown; many customers usually don’t understand how to use them, or when and how to change them over.  DeLonghi has understood this is a pain point for their consumers, as they are usually faced with:

  • Airlocks being created when the water filters are not installed correctly, in turn making their coffee machine inoperational
  • Confusion of when it’s time to change the water filter over, as there is no indication of when the water limit has been reached

Our servicing team frequently see machines come through with faults caused by the consumer's lack of understanding of water filtration. They come accompanied by a very frustrated owner, unaware of the simple issue currently occurring in their machine. They are generally a simple fix and once our technicians take time to analyse the issue, the machine is operational a short time later.

TIP: To correct an airlock follow this procedure:

  1. Ensure your DeLonghi water tank is full and the traditional water filter it installed.
  2. Run the hot water function through the water wand until the water flows consistently.
  3. The noise will stop and will return to the regular sound of the vibrating pump.

Introducing the solution to solve all problems – DeLonghi Softballs.  Softballs Anti-Limescale Spheres are the latest piece of innovation from DeLonghi which simplifies the water filtration process for users.  SoftBalls, the Anti-Limescale Spheres, are set to challenge the position of traditional water filters equipped in most DeLonghi tanked coffee machines.  DeLonghi have come to the realisation that the traditional filters create too much fuss and confusion for customers.  They have released this simplified water filtration to address this issue to eliminate the risk of airlocks, whilst also minimising the potential for your coffee machine to developing limescale. 

Another advantage to the DeLonghi Softballs Anti-Limescale Spheres is reduction in costs.  Whilst traditional water filters sit at around $30, the Softballs are conveniently priced at $17.17. 

Traditional water filters are difficult to know when they need to be replaced or are expired.  SoftBalls have a three-month life span, making it easier to keep track of its lifespan, as well as being easy to install and easy to replace.  All it takes is putting the filtered bag of softballs in the water tank directly following a descale, three months remove and replace. The Softballs show that DeLonghi have been listening to consumer needs and have provided an answer.

For the next two weeks Service Sphere is running an End of Summer Sale promotion. To help you cope with the pending loss of good weather, we are providing 10% off when purchasing 3 De’Longhi SoftBalls.  Additionally, upon purchasing the Softballs a voucher will be provided for a full diagnostic clean for FREE, with the next Service of your domestic coffee machine! Use code SOFTBALLS to access the offer and receive your voucher! Offer ends 30th of April 2020. Click here to purchase softballs now. 

 

Purchase Softballs Now

 

 

What is the purpose of a water filter in a DeLonghi coffee machine?

A water filter helps protect your coffee machine from limescale buildup by reducing minerals in the water. Good filtration improves machine reliability and coffee flavour, and extends the lifespan of internal components.

What are DeLonghi SoftBalls?

DeLonghi SoftBalls are anti-limescale spheres designed to simplify water filtration in DeLonghi tanked coffee machines. They minimise scale formation without the complexity of traditional cartridge filters and have a defined three-month lifespan for straightforward replacement.

How do DeLonghi SoftBalls compare with traditional water filters?

Softballs are easier to install, cheaper per replacement, and have a fixed lifespan, reducing confusion over when to replace them. Traditional filters can be harder to install correctly and offer no clear indication of when they are exhausted.

Why does my DeLonghi coffee machine make noise or stop working after installing a water filter?

If a water filter is installed incorrectly, it can create an airlock that prevents water flow, causing unusual noises or operational interruption. Correct installation and priming help prevent this issue.

How do I fix an airlock in my DeLonghi machine?

To fix an airlock:

  1. Ensure the water tank is full with the filter installed.

  2. Run the hot water function from the wand until water flows consistently.

  3. The sound and flow should return to normal once the airlock clears

How often should I replace water filtration products?

DeLonghi SoftBalls have a three-month life span and should be replaced at this interval to maintain optimal scale prevention. Traditional cartridges vary by model, but typically require replacement when capacity is reached—often every 1–2 months depending on water hardness.

Will using SoftBalls completely eliminate the need to descale my coffee machine?

No. Even with SoftBalls or water filters, periodic descaling is still recommended according to your machine’s maintenance instructions, especially in hard-water areas. SoftBalls help reduce scale formation, but do not replace routine descaling

 

 

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