Plastic coffee makers are the most popular coffee machines on the market today, mostly because they are affordable and convenient. Despite these advantages, a plastic free coffee maker would be a better investment as a more sustainable coffee maker.
As we all know plastic isn’t the most environmentally friendly material, and it can also pose potential health threats to coffee drinkers.
There are plenty of plastic-free and more sustainable coffee machines available on the market, with most being manual instead of automatic.
There are also BPA-free plastic automatic coffee maker alternatives for those who value convenience.
But for eco-conscious coffee lovers who are ready to ditch plastic for a plastic-free, non toxic coffee maker instead, look no further!
Below is all the information needed to start the journey of looking for more sustainable coffee machines to enjoy your daily dose of coffee while reducing your daily exposure to plastic.
What’s The Problem with Plastic Coffee Makers – How Does It Affect Coffee?
Although many coffee lovers buy plastic coffee makers because they are cheaper than alternatives, they can have harmful effects on those who use them and the environment.
Many people – me included – report tasting plastic in their coffee, which – as I know – is very unpleasant!
I have used those plastic one-cup coffee filters in the past but ditched them due to the horrible plastic aftertaste… yuk!
Is BPA harmful to humans?
Many are unaware of the potentially harmful effects that some types of plastic can have. Plastic can contain Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical that – according to research – can lead to various health problems when consumed frequently.
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic compound commonly used in the manufacturing of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. These materials are found in a wide range of consumer products, including coffee makers
BPA is considered harmful because it can potentially interfere with the endocrine system in humans and other animals. It exhibits estrogen-like properties, which means it can mimic or disrupt the actions of natural hormones in the body.
This can lead to a variety of health issues, such as reproductive disorders, developmental problems, neurological effects, and increased susceptibility to certain diseases like cancer.
How Does Plastic In Coffee Makers Affect The Environment?
Plastic pollution has been an ongoing crisis for decades, and traditional coffee makers made predominantly from plastic are not making it any better.
The problem with these coffee makers is that their parts are made of plastic, along with the to-go cups with plastic lids, the plastic coffee pods used in them, and even coffee filter papers.
Coffee drinkers who purchase traditional coffee makers are generating more waste and contributing to the overflowing landfill sites as these various items are not being recycled.
According to recent studies, 83% of drinking water around the world is contaminated with plastic.
Is there a coffee maker that doesn’t have plastic?
There are many plastic free and sustainable coffee maker products that coffee drinkers can purchase to minimize the use of this material and exposure to it.
The only downfall is that most of these alternative coffee makers are manual.
Automatic plastic-free coffee makers are more difficult to find as most of these machines are designed with plastic.
Although these coffee makers comprise some plastic components, the plastic is BPA-free.
Buying A Plastic-Free Coffee Maker: Factors To Consider
Moving from a traditional automatic coffee maker to a manual plastic-free coffee maker is a big adjustment, and there are many factors to consider before buying one.
Let’s explore these factors in more detail.
What The Plastic-Free Coffee Maker Is Made Of
Before buying any plastic-free coffee maker, it is important to know what materials are used to construct the coffee maker.
These two materials are the safest options for those who want to avoid plastic entirely:
- Stainless steel construction
- Glass
What Is The Safest Approach?
There are two approaches coffee drinkers can take when it comes to making coffee in a safer way. These include:
- Purchasing a manual plastic-free coffee maker.
- Purchasing an automatic BPA-free coffee maker.
Undoubtedly, a plastic-free coffee maker is the safest option. But mixed in with this – as you’ll see from our selection of coffee makers below – not all are completely free of plastic. Some have plastic handles or knobs.
From a toxicity point of view as long as the plastic parts don’t touch the hot water or coffee that you drink then the dangers are lower, but the fact that they are still made with some plastic is a compromise.
However, if you do opt for plastic then a BPA-free coffee maker would be the safer option as there is no chance of the chemical Bisphenol A contaminating the coffee.
Do You Have Extra Time?
Another factor to consider is: Do you have extra time to spare?
Making coffee with a manual plastic-free coffee such as a French Press or a pour-over is much more time-consuming than the BPA-free alternatives.
The Best Plastic-Free Coffee Makers
For coffee lovers who do not mind giving up the convenience of an automatic coffee maker if it means reducing the daily use of plastic and avoiding its harmful effects should look no further for a non plastic coffee maker!
Below is my selection of the best no plastic coffee maker products at present. These manual plastic-free coffee makers are great to live a safer, less toxic and eco-friendlier lifestyle. Read on to find the best non toxic coffee maker.
1. Chemex Pour-Over Coffee Maker
The CHEMEX Pour-Over plastic free coffee maker is a pour-over design made from high-quality and non-porous Borosilicate glass including the glass carafe.
This type of glass prevents the coffee from absorbing any odors or chemicals which could be harmful.
This coffee maker also allows coffee drinkers to refrigerate leftover coffee to be reheated later without distorting the taste and flavor of the coffee.
Chemex Pour-Over Coffee Maker features and specifications:
| Capacity | 8 Cups |
| Color | Clear |
| Additional special feature | Dishwasher Safe |
| Type of coffee maker | Pour Over |
| Product Dimensions | 6.4″D x 9.6″W x 1.3″H |
| Rating | 4.8 out of 5 |
2. Secura French Press Coffee Maker
The Secura stainless steel coffee maker no plastic French press coffee maker features double-wall construction for durability and heat retention, keeping coffee hot 60 minutes longer than single-wall or glass models.
It includes a bonus set of stainless steel screens for a 3-layered filter system, producing a full-bodied flavor and easy cleaning.
The Cool Touch handle and knob ensure safe and comfortable pouring, making it a perfect, thoughtful gift for coffee lovers and DIY enthusiasts.
Its elegant brewing method delivers unmatched flavor compared to electric brewers and other methods.
Secura French Press Maker features and specifications:
| Capacity | 50 ounces |
| Components | 3-layer stainless steel filter structure Extra stainless steel filter screen Cool touch handle |
| Color | Silver |
| Additional special feature | Dishwasher safe |
| Type of coffee maker | French Press |
| Product Dimensions | 4.61″D x 7.6″W x 9.49″H |
| Rating | 4.8 out of 5 |
3. Café Du Chateau French Press Coffee Maker
The Café Du Château Espresso Maker is a stovetop espresso maker designed for professional-quality coffee at home.
Made of food-grade aluminum with a protective mirror finish, it prevents common issues like pitting and rusting.
Compatible with all stovetops, including gas, induction, electric, and propane camping stoves, it brews six 60ml cups of full-bodied coffee in just five minutes.
Easy to use, simply fill the base with water, add coffee grounds to the filter, and percolate.
Enjoy as a shot or create various coffee beverages like americanos, frappes, lattes, and cappuccinos.
Café Du Chateau French Press Coffee Maker features and specifications:
| Capacity | 10.6 ounces (313.5 milliliters) |
| Components | 4-level filtration system 2 stainless steel screens Spring-loaded base Lid strainer |
| Color | Silver |
| Additional special feature | Withstanding boiling water |
| Type of coffee maker | French Press |
| Product Dimensions | 3.94″D x 6.69″W x 7.68″H |
| Rating | 4.0 out of 5 |
4. Farberware Classic Stainless Steel Coffee Percolator
The Farberware 2-4 Cup Stainless Steel Electric Percolator offers a quick and convenient way to enjoy percolated coffee, brewing about one cup per minute.
Its premium stainless steel exterior and coffee basket ensure durability and optimal flavor extraction. The percolator automatically switches to a ‘keep warm’ function after brewing and features a cool-touch lid and handle for safe use.
With a 2-4 cup capacity (approximately 5 ounces per cup), it is suitable for singles and small families. The detachable cord simplifies serving and storage.
Farberware Classic Stainless Steel Coffee Percolator features and specifications:
| Capacity | 4 Ounces |
| Components | Handle designed for comfort and grip Tight-fitting lid to insulate heat Permanent filter basket |
| Color | Silver |
| Additional special feature | Dishwasher safe |
| Type of coffee maker | Percolator |
| Product Dimensions | 7″D x 7″W x 10″H |
| Rating | 4.6/5 |
The Best BPA-Free Plastic Coffee Makers
Suppose a manual plastic-free coffee maker is out of the question. In that case, several automatic stainless steel coffee makers are available on the market with components made from mostly stainless steel and BPA-free plastic.
Below are the best BPA-free coffee makers that are safe to use.
1. Technivorm Moccamaster 53941 KBGV Coffee Maker
The Technivorm 53941 KBGV Coffee Maker is a coffee machine made from recyclable materials, with all the plastic components being 100% BPA-free.
The KBGV Select coffee brewer is certified by the Specialty Coffee Association to brew both half and full carafes to the Golden Cup Standard, ensuring optimal flavor.
Moccamaster brewers, known for their quality since 1968, are designed for maximum flavor extraction within 4-6 minutes, offering café-quality coffee at home.
Built to last with high-quality materials, they are tested and approved for temperature, time, turbulence, and total dissolved solids (TDS).
Handmade in the Netherlands, Moccamasters feature a metal housing, a copper boiling element, and BPA-free plastics. Each brewer is individually tested before leaving the factory.
Technivorm Moccamaster 53941 KBGV Maker features and specifications:
| Capacity | 40 ounces (10 Cups) |
| Components | Glass carafe Heating plate with an element Cool water reservoir 9-hole outlet arm |
| Functions | Auto shut-off function after 100 minutes Auto drip-stop function |
| Color | Polished silver |
| Additional special feature | 5-year warranty |
| Type of coffee maker | Coffee Brewer |
| Product Dimensions | 6.5″D x 12.75″W x 14″H |
| Rating | 4.6/5 |
2. Cuisinart DCC-3400P1 Coffee Maker
The Cuisinart DCC-3400P1 Coffee Maker is an automatic and programmable drip coffee maker. There are two models available for this coffee maker:
- The 12-cup model. The 12-cup model comes with a thermal stainless-steel carafe.
- The 14-cup model. The 14-cup model comes with a glass carafe and is more energy efficient than the 12-cup model.
This coffee brewer offers customizable brewing options, including grind size, coffee strength, and extraction amount.
It features a fully automatic system with 24-hour programmability, 1-4 cup settings, auto-off functionality, and an optional alert tone.
The thermal carafe has a stainless-steel design, and the machine includes an easy-to-view water window and a Brew Pause feature for enjoying a cup before the brewing cycle completes.
Note that proper grind, coffee amount, and tamping are crucial for optimal brewing, and reprogramming may be needed when adjusting grind size and amount.
Cuisinart DCC-3400P1 Coffee Maker features and specifications:
| Capacity | 96 ounces |
| Components | Charcoal water filter Reusable metal filter Stainless steel/glass thermal carafe with stainless steel handle |
| Functions | Auto shut-off function Self-cleaning function Brew pause function Cup Setting (Choose how many cups you want to make) |
| Color | Silver |
| Additional special feature | Programmable |
| Type of coffee maker | Drip coffee maker |
| Product Dimensions | 7.75″D x 9″W x 14.25″H |
| Rating | 4.3/5 |
3. Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker
The Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker is a high-quality stainless steel coffee maker with some components made of BPA-free plastic.
It has an adjustable grinder and calibration function for customizing grind size and coffee volume.
It grinds coffee beans right before brewing to capture freshness and essential oils.
The stainless steel burrs provide consistent particle sizes for a balanced, full-flavored cup.
This machine features a programmable autostart, a cleaning brush, a gold-tone filter, and “Steep and Release” technology.
It can grind and brew directly into a cup, travel mug, or carafe, with six distinct grinder settings for optimal brewing.
The Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker features and specifications:
| Capacity | 60 ounces |
| Components | Stainless steel carafe with a BPA-free lid BPA-free coffee basket BPA-free water reservoir Built-in coffee grinder LCD screen |
| Functions | Auto-start function Strength setting Pre-brew temperature control function |
| Color | Silver and black |
| Additional special feature | It is safe to use on an electric stovetop |
| Type of coffee maker | Drip coffee machine |
| Product Dimensions | 8.5″D x 12.5″W x 16.3″H |
| Rating | 4/5 |
Do coffee filter papers contain plastic or other chemicals?
The bright white traditional coffee filter papers you see in stores are usually bleached to give them their whiteness.
Unfortunately, the bleaching process often uses chlorine, which can be harmful to both our health and the environment.
Thankfully, there are now plenty of unbleached coffee filter papers available on the market.
These filters are usually made from natural brown paper and have not been treated with any chemicals.
Some coffee aficionados claim that the unbleached filters can have a strange taste, not something I’ve experienced but that’s a personal preference you’ll have to test for yourself.
There are some filter papers that can contain microplastics, others overtly use polypropylene in their paper mix to strengthen the filters.
Again you’d need to shop around to make sure you’re not inadvertently putting this plastic in your coffee cup!
If you’re looking for an even more environmentally friendly option, you could ditch the paper filters altogether and go for a reusable metal or mesh filter.
These can be used over and over again, which means less waste ends up in a landfill.
Alternative Plastic Free Coffee Making Ideas
When it comes to making your coffee, there are plenty of ways to do it without using any plastic. Here are just a few ideas:-
- Use a coffee plunger or French press. These devices don’t require any disposable filters or pods – You can also compost the coffee grounds.
- Make cold brew coffee. This method doesn’t require any heat, so there’s no need for an electric coffee maker. Plus, it can be stored in a glass jar or bottle.
- Buy loose ground coffee beans and grind them yourself using a manual or electric grinder.
- If you use instant coffee, look for brands that come in recyclable packaging rather than plastic jars or sachets.
- Use a reusable K-cup. These can be filled with your favorite coffee or tea and used in a Keurig machine.
There are plenty of ways to enjoy delicious coffee without creating any unnecessary waste.
By making small changes to the way you drink your coffee, you can help to make a big difference for the environment.
Related: Also see our article about recycling your Coffee Pods with a Nespresso Recycling Bin
Conclusion
After discussing the problems associated with plastic coffee makers, coffee drinkers should certainly consider a change to the healthiest non toxic coffee maker they can find.
Preferably one that is also a more environmentally friendly alternative.
Ditching the plastic entirely by purchasing a manual non-plastic coffee maker or a BPA-free plastic coffee maker is a wise decision.
However, it is crucial to consider the factors discussed above to make the best decision.
Reviewing the best plastic-free and BPA-free coffee makers that I highly recommend will help many coffee drinkers choose the right coffee maker.
