BRITA AquaAroma Crema for Arkel – water treatment right at the shot
The espresso tastes flat, the acidity turns dull, even though everything is right with the grinder and the shot – often it comes down to the water. Over 90% of your espresso is water, and the BRITA AquaAroma Crema addresses exactly that: a professional filter cartridge, made specifically for portafilter machines with an integrated water tank, that turns your tap water into a clean foundation for extraction.
What makes it special is the timing of the filtration. It happens right during the shot: your machine's pump draws the water directly through the cartridge – no pre-filtering, no waiting, no standing water in the tank. It works with selective decarbonization: carbonate hardness from calcium and magnesium carbonate is specifically reduced, while flavor-relevant minerals stay in the water. The cartridge also filters out chlorine residue as well as coarse and fine particles.
An integrated aroma ring allows three bypass levels (A, B, C), which let you adjust the filtration level to your local water hardness. A test strip for determining water hardness is included. BRITA's experience in water filtration goes back to 1966 – the AquaAroma Crema isn't a supermarket cartridge, but a product tested for food safety by independent institutes, built for the demands of espresso machines.
At a glance
| Capacity |
80 – 220 liters |
| Cups (35 ml espresso) |
ca. 2.300 – 6.300 |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) |
42,8 × 106,9 × 60,8 mm |
| Water temperature |
4 – 30 °C |
| Bypass levels |
A / B / C (aroma ring) |
| Filter principle |
selective decarbonization, chlorine & particle filtration |
| Compatible with |
Arkel Coast (V1 & V2), Arkel Tide, ECM, Profitec |
| Included |
Test strip for determining water hardness |
CCC tip on water chemistry
Water that's too hard is one of the most common reasons for flat, one-dimensional espresso: a high carbonate content buffers the natural fruit acidity in the coffee. But water that's too soft extracts quickly and overly aggressively, emphasizing astringent notes. The AquaAroma Crema specifically removes these disruptive factors without making the water too soft. Use the included test strip to determine your hardness, start with the middle bypass level B, and work your way toward your aroma from there. That's our recommendation – one of many.
Who the AquaAroma Crema suits
For anyone with a portafilter machine with an integrated tank who takes the foundation under their espresso seriously and wants to protect their brew group from scale buildup. You'll find the right machines under Espresso Machines, and everything about care and descaling in our Machine and Grinder Cleaning.
Frequently asked questions
Does the AquaAroma Crema fit my Arkel?
Yes, it's compatible with Arkel Coast (V1 and V2) and Arkel Tide as well as machines from ECM and Profitec. Installation is tool-free.
What does the aroma ring do?
It provides three bypass levels (A, B, C) that let you adjust the filtration level to your water hardness. A test strip for determining hardness is included.
How long does a cartridge last?
Depending on water hardness and bypass setting, between 80 and 220 liters – that's roughly 2,300 to 6,300 espressos at 35 ml.
How does the cartridge reach me?
Orderable directly online, delivery Swiss-wide and to Liechtenstein in 2–4 business days. Click & Collect in Bern and Zurich Oerlikon possible.
