Fitting and hoses, which to choose?
Fittings in and around the coffee machine are measured in BSP thread sizes and more specifically BSPP thread, which is the parallel type of the BSP thread. In this version, neither the male or the female thread has a taper, meaning that the connection requires a seal or washer (usually teflon or soft metals such as copper) in order to completely seal. Another common way to seal fittings is by using liquid thread sealants which are becoming increasingly common and it makes the fitting connection neater and is a quicker way of sealing fittings.
Hoses provide a simple purpose, to allow water to flow from one point to another... So why so many options? Length is self explanatory, thread size is generally 3/8 inch bsp, and a straight or bent fitting allows for easier instal. The real issue is the quality of the hose for longevity and not to taint the taste of the incoming water and hence the resulting espresso. Our hoses aren't the cheapest, but they aren't designed for cloth washing machines either!