Water chemistry directly impacts espresso quality and machine longevity. These test strips measure total hardness in seconds, helping you prevent scale buildup that clogs groupheads, damages heating elements, and causes expensive failures. Each strip also reveals whether your water enhances or dulls espresso flavor—soft water extracts sweetness, while hard water can create harsh, mineral notes.

Key Features

• Pack of 3 disposable test strips for ongoing monitoring
• Measures total hardness (calcium and magnesium levels)
• Results in 30 seconds—dip, shake, compare to color chart
• Ideal range for espresso machines: 50-100 ppm (3-6 grains per gallon)
• Compatible with all espresso equipment and brewing methods

We recommend retesting every 3 months, especially if you notice taste changes or use municipal water with seasonal variation. Pair these strips with Clive's filtration systems to dial in your water, and explore our blog guide on water chemistry for deeper insights. Questions about your results? Our team is here to help you interpret them and choose the right filter.

Home espresso is a big investment, and we want you to be 100% in love with your new setup. That's why we offer 30 days to return your machine if it's not the right fit. While return shipping and a small restocking fee are your responsibility (unless there's an issue with the machine, in which case we'll cover everything), we'll make sure the rest of the process is smooth and simple.

In-stock items ship within 1-business day.

Free shipping on orders over $75. To be eligible for free shipping, the final order amount, after applying any discounts, including rewards points, must exceed $75.

Returns are accepted up to 30 days from the date the order was delivered. Smallware items must be unused. Open Box and Certified Pre-Owned are non-returnable.