Sage Barista Express water filter: fitting and changing it

Where the filter sits

Lift the water tank out from the back of the machine. Inside, at the bottom, there is a mount where the filter holder clips in. The holder is in two parts that open to take the filter cartridge, and it has a date dial on top. The filter must sit fully submerged when the tank is filled.

Fitting a new filter

If water flows slowly through the tank at first, give the filter a little longer to settle. Air bubbles from a dry filter are normal on the first fill.

1. 1

   Take the filter out of its packaging and soak it in a jug of cold water for the time the manual states, often a few minutes.

2. 2

   Rinse the holder in cold water.

3. 3

   Open the holder, insert the filter and close the holder until it clicks.

4. 4

   Turn the date dial to show the month when the filter should be changed.

5. 5

   Push the holder onto the mount in the tank until it locks.

6. 6

   Fill the tank with fresh cold water and refit it.

7. 7

   Run a little water through the hot water outlet or group head to flush the filter.

When to change it

Sage's usual guidance is to change the filter around every three months. In hard water areas, or if you use a lot of water, you may want to change it sooner. The date dial reminds you, so set it every time.

Check your water hardness with the test strip supplied with many machines, or on your water company's website by postcode. Our water hardness converter helps if your supplier uses different units, and our hard water guide explains what each level means for a coffee machine.

Signs the filter needs changing

Any of these is a cue to fit a new filter. The filter media inside the cartridge has a limited capacity, and once it is used up the filter simply lets minerals through. Leaving an old filter in place for months can also let deposits build up on the cartridge itself. Wash the holder in warm water when you change the filter, rinse it well and check the mesh is clear. If water flow problems continue after a change, check that the holder is seated correctly on its mount and that the tank valve at the bottom moves freely.

• The date on the dial has passed.
• Coffee tastes flatter or slightly chalky.
• White scale appears in the tank or around the outlets sooner than usual.
• Water flows slowly from the tank into the machine.

Filter and descaling

Remove the filter before you descale, because descaler can damage the cartridge, and refit it or a new one afterwards. A filter reduces scale but does not stop it entirely, so you still need to descale. Our descaling guide covers the routine.

If you use bottled water to avoid scale, choose one with moderate minerals. Very soft or distilled water can taste flat and is not recommended by most makers for espresso machines, because some machines need minerals to sense water levels.

Note:Always switch off and unplug the machine before removing the tank from a hot machine, and let it cool. Do not fit a filter while the machine is running.

Choosing the right filter

Sage sells replacement filters in packs. Third-party filters are also available; check they are made for your holder and model. A poor fit can let water bypass the filter or restrict flow. If you are choosing a new machine for hard water, our Sage range guide and beginner espresso guide note which models include filters.

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Frequently asked questions

Does the Barista Express Impress use the same water filter? Sage uses similar holders across many models. Check the part number in your manual before buying.

Can I use the Barista Express without a filter? Yes, the machine works without one, but scale builds up faster, especially in hard water.

Why is the date dial important? It reminds you when the filter is used up. An old filter stops reducing scale and can affect taste.

What happens if I forget to soak the filter? The first water may contain air and fine particles. Remove it, soak it and flush the machine with water.