The issue of plastic has never been more pressing than it is in our current day and age. Study after study we learn of how harmful plastic is, both to our bodies and the environment. In fact, there has been a lot of studies on how plastic pollution will affect our planet unless we start reducing our use of plastic materials. A great way to start is by switching to plastic-free materials, which will prove to be very helpful for the environment and you, personally. And it’s especially important when it comes to coffee makers, and other items you use to eat or drink from.
Yes, you may not know this, but the chemicals from these plastic machines CAN harm your health. This is why opting for only the best coffee maker without plastic is a great option, not only for you but the Earth as well. But how to find the best one? Well, that’s what we decided to investigate further…
Top 7 Best Coffee Makers Without Plastic: Comparison Chart
| Brand | Type | Materials | Capacity | Dimensions | Weight |
| Kitchen Supreme | French press | Stainless steel, glass | 34 oz | 7.1 x 6.1 x 11.4 inches | 1.8 pounds |
| Eurolux | Percolator | Stainless steel, glass, wood | 9 cups | 7.2 x 7.2 x 5.39 inches | 2.01 pounds |
| Mueller | French press | Stainless steel | 2.1 pounds | 12 x 6 x 5 inches | 2.2 pounds |
| Coffee Gator | Drip | Glass | 27 oz | 5 x 5 x 8.2 inches | 1.42 pounds |
| Début | Percolator | Stainless steel | 6.7 oz | 6.8 x 5 x 3.6 inches |
1.55 pounds |
| BAYKA | French press | Stainless steel | 21 oz | 8.66 x 5.55 x 5.51 inches | 1.5 Pounds |
| CHEMEX | Drip | Glass | 40 oz | 9.6 x 6.4 x 1.3 inches |
1.3 Pounds |
What’s the Problem With Plastic in Coffee Makers?
The major problem with plastic in coffee machines is BPA (Bisphenol A). These chemicals can seep into the coffee and cause health problems for drinkers. Since plastic and heat don’t go well together, BPA seepage is amplified by heat.
It’s important to note, however, that the BPA materials are not banned in places like the U.S. So, it is for you as a consumer to look up the labels of a machine before purchasing to be sure they don’t contain the chemical.
Exposure to BPA is a problem because, according to research, it has some health effects on the brain and prostate gland of fetuses, infants, and children. Further research shows a possible link between BPA and increased blood pressure. That’s more the reason why you need coffee makers without plastic parts.
Benefits of Banishing BPA
Getting rid of BPA reduces the health risk associated with the chemical in your beverage. Besides this, it makes durability a sure bet. While a coffee maker relying so much on plastics might wear out in just months, a porcelain pour-over might last a long time.
How Do I Know if a Coffee Maker Is BPA Free?
The water reservoir, filter basket, and carafe of BPA-free coffee makers are usually non-plastic. So, when choosing a machine for your kitchen, make sure to look closely at these components your drink comes in direct contact with.
Sometimes, it might be challenging to decide whether they are plastic or not at first glance. But, if you find the number 7 or letters PC carved on the bottom of the components, it is plastic. The chances are high that it contains BPA.
The most reliable way of checking, however, is to examine the user manual.
Plastic-free Coffee Makers: What Does the Market Offer?
So now that we’ve discussed how harmful plastic coffee makers are for your health, it’s important to consider alternatives. So to find only the best coffee maker without plastic, it’s important to keep in mind several important criteria:
Materials
Stainless steel
Every good coffee machine should have robust material. Stainless steel is the best one for this purpose. However, not many people tend to go for this material. The reason for that is the fact that metal coffee makers are heavier and more expensive compared to plastics. While that is true, what matters most is your health, and it IS better to go with a bit more expensive but a lot safer and reliable model.
Higher-end devices such as super-automatic ones use steel extensively while plastic dominates the entry-level and cheaper machines.
Keep in mind that we are not necessarily talking about coffee machines with steel body panels or steel carafe here. What matters is the inner part of the device. The reservoir and the point where the water is heated need to be steel. It is unsafe for heated water to come across plastic inside the device.
Glass
Though scarce on the market, this is a perfect choice too. Glass does not change the drink’s taste, and it doesn’t reduce its quality.
The use of glass has been restricted in drip coffee makers, but it has always been around with French Press and Pour-Over brewing. Although the narrative seems to be changing, some first-rate coffee machines now use glass reservoirs.
Types
Drip
Also called Multi-Cup Coffee Makers, the drip coffee makers are the most popular. They have great brewing strength and carafe size. But keep in mind that it will take a little practice if you are making a drink this way for the first time to make it really tasty.
With BPA-free drip coffee makers, you will pour hot water over ground beans. The final brew drips into the glass carafe or straight into your cup.
Percolator
You can use percolators over stovetops or electric models. They boil your coffee in hot water to brew. And the best time to consume is just after brewing.
You can use modern electric percolators easily, without stress. Besides, they are way cheaper than drip brewing systems.
French Press
If you want an affordable coffee machine, then the plastic-free french press is for you. It is inclusive of solid materials like stainless steel or glass that help you brew rich and strong beverages. There are also insulated forms of French press that combine both materials.
Other Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Plastic-free Coffee Maker
- Size: Your kitchen’s outer space determines what size of coffee maker without plastic is ideal for you. French press or percolators are portable and lightweight. However, most standard drip and espresso machines fit on countertops.
- Temperature: A good drip or espresso machine should regulate temperature, even after brewing is done. The perfect water temperature when brewing hot coffee is around 195 to 205 degrees. Anything above or below is not good enough.
- Brewing time: A standard no plastic coffee maker should not take more than 5 minutes to blend grounded beans and water. For a French press, the time is cut down by half (that’s about 2 minutes or so). But if you want to get a perfect cold brew, you can wait for up to 12 hours for maximum flavor extraction and texture without heating water.
- Overall convenience: Finally, make sure that even the best coffee maker without plastic works with your schedules and lifestyle. For example, if you are in a rush in the morning, then the slow brewing process of the drip coffee maker is not the best choice for you.
FAQ
Which coffee maker is the healthiest?
Once it is BPA-free, it is better anyway. When choosing a coffee maker, pick one from BPA-free plastic, glass, and stainless steel.
What is the healthiest way to brew coffee?
According to most plastic-free coffee maker reviews on the internet, the healthiest way to brew coffee is to make it with toxic-free coffee makers and organic beans. Of course, another way to make sure that your favorite coffee won’t harm your health is to make sure that you don’t overdose on caffeine (which is no more than 400mg per day) and avoid adding sugars and artificial sweeteners.
Final Word
So overall, finding the best plastic-free coffee maker 2023 is not as difficult as it may seem. All you need is to think and decide what type works the best for you. Make sure it’s made of high quality, like stainless steel, and also keep in mind the size of the place you’ll put the coffee maker, how fast you want the machine to make a coffee, e.t.c. As long as you keep in mind these easy, but essential tips, you are bound to find only the best coffee maker without plastic, that will make you only the most delicious and rich cup of java! So good luck finding a perfect coffee maker, and feel free to let us know which you decided to choose, and what you think about it!