I make my own water (following this: https://www.baristahustle.com/blog/diy- ... pes-redux/). When I use this water in my Breville, will the water filter in the water basket change the hardness and alkalinity of the water? If so, should I use a different filter or remove it entirely?

If you're making your own water and it is "non-scaling", there shouldn't be a need for a softening filter or pouch in the reservoir.

matthuszagh wrote:When I use this water in my Breville, will the water filter in the water basket change the hardness and alkalinity of the water? If so, should I use a different filter or remove it entirely?

Breville has a few different filters. The older little pure charcoal filters would be OK, even though not necessary for recipe water that has no chlorine or off-tastes. Newer filters contain an orange ion exchange resin which would tend to reduce hardness and alkalinity in an unpredictable way. Same with the newer Claro-Swiss filters. I think it's best for recipe water users to remove the Breville filters. If you want softer recipe water you would simply put less mineral in.

I second removing the filter, especially if you already use treated water. However, the most common filter on those Breville's is a charcoal and leaving it on won't hurt a thing.