The descaling agent is suitable for the ESAM and ECAM series and is suitable as a replacement for the water softener SER 3018. The large pack is generally cheaper and therefore profitable. Unlike vinegar water or other descaler of third-party products, you can be sure that no substances are present that can attack and corrode the hoses, seals and metals in the DeLonghi coffee machine. Here to save a few euros, could expensive repairs, or possibly even pull a total failure of the machine to be of any health consequences aside times. We use the original products for several years now and are very satisfied. The machine works as the first day and there are so far no taste changes occurred on coffee.