Plastic coffee makers are used in many households, but only a few customers know the harmful effects of the plastic components used in coffee makers. Manufacturers also try to reduce costs by using plastics instead of glass or metal. However, it is proven that prolonged use of even BPA-free coffee makers is not good for health, and people are concerned about the long-term health effects of plastics on food and drink preparation.
One of the most harmful components is bisphenol A – aka BPA – which is used to harden plastics during the manufacturing process. This chemical can contaminate beverages while in heated conditions. The plastic parts of coffee makers that come in contact with hot coffee or water can release these toxic chemicals that are called endocrine disruptors (1) because they interfere with the body’s hormonal system (also called the endocrine system).
Coffee makers use different parts that may contain plastics; it is difficult to determine what is safe even when they state that those parts are made of bpa-free plastic. People are becoming more concerned about plastic pollution and looking for plastic-free coffee makers, electric kettles, blenders, and non-toxic kitchen appliances in general for daily use.
Phthalates are another man-made chemical widely used as a plasticizer to increase flexibility and durability in plastics. According to studies (2), even coffee pods, no matter if produced from metal, bio-degradable or plastic, have been found to contain high levels of phthalates and heavy metals.
PFAS stand for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and are harmuful man-made chemicals used in various products to resist grease, oil, water, and heat. They are also “forever chemicals” because they do not readily break down in the environment. They are also added to plastics, and in coffee machines can be found in gaskets (i.e. PTFE Teflon gaskets), flexible tubing, fittings, and major components such as pumps and reservoirs.
Microplastics are now known to leach into hot water when plastic is exposed to high temperatures. A 2023 study (3) published in the Journal of Food Chemistry found that over 50,000 pieces of microplastics are ingested every day if coffee is brewed with a synthetic drip coffee bag. They also leach into single-use coffee cups because they are lined with plastic. So, if your coffee maker is made of plastic and you use hot water, you have the same principle!
There are coffee makers without plastic, so coffee-loving consumers can have their best coffee hot and free of microplastics. If you are environmentally conscious about what goes into your coffee maker, then there are non-plastic options to make your coffee the way you want it every morning.
Related: Is BPA Free Plastic Really Safe? The Truth You Need to Know
With increasing awareness about the devastating effects of plastic on the environment and human health, we are all looking for ways to reduce our use and help save the planet. As much as we love our morning cup of Joe, we also want to ensure that our coffee maker is safe for us and nature.
Today, we look at some of the top non-toxic and plastic-free coffee makers on the market, which include ceramic, glass, and stainless steel components. We spent hours of research in scouting some of the best plastic free coffee makers, and if not 100% plastic-free, we declare what parts aren’t.
This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. This helps us continue the hard work we put into researching products and solutions.
Important Disclaimer: While we take our best efforts to scout plastic-free products around the world, we are also aware that electrical kitchen appliances that are 100% plastic free do not exist. In this article we are presenting the best versions of what is available on the market, where the hot drinks are not coming in contact with plastic according to our values.
All automatic coffee makers have some plastic parts inside and outside the machine. Searching for a coffee maker with little or no plastic at all is not easy. Here below are our findings.
The BUNN VP17-1 Stainless Steel Coffee Maker is an all stainless-steel automatic drip coffee machine with a built-in hot water dispenser.
Materials
Water Reservoir: the tank is made from 100% stainless steel.
Spray head: stainless steel spray head.
Carafe: glass or stainless steel with a plastic lid and handle
Funnel: is made of plastic, however, we found a solution. Hack: simply replace the plastic funnel with an OEM BUNN stainless steel funnel (see the details in the links below).
Overall, the BUNN VP17-1 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a powerful, reliable automatic drip coffee maker without much plastic. It’s easy to use and has several features that make it simple to brew delicious coffee every time.
Wattage: 1600W
Brewing Capacity: 3.8 gallons (14.4 liters) of coffee per hour.
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The Technivorm 59691 KB Coffee Brewer by Moccamaster is one of the best drip coffee makers without plastic getting in touch with hot water as it has a copper boiling element to heat the water, therefore, all the internal components are metal, which allows for consistent water temperature control. Also, the tube that moves the water from the reservoir to the brew basket is glass. These are the reasons why it made this list.
It is an automatic coffee machine with a grinder and a warming plate so you can keep your coffee warm for hours after brewing it. It’s made by hand in The Netherlands.
Materials
Water Reservoir: BPA-free plastic, and also free of BPS/ BPF & Phthalates according to the manufacturer.
Brew head: BPA-free plastic, but there’s now a solution. Hack: replace it with a Technivorm Moccamaster stainless steel 9-Holes Coffee Outlet Arm.
Carafe: glass or stainless steel with a BPA-free plastic lid and handle. This machine is easy to clean. Just wipe the outside and inside of the carafe with a damp cloth to remove any spills or stains.
Cone-shaped brew basket: BPA-free plastic, however, we found a solution. Hack: replace the plastic filter basket with a porcelain ceramic dripper (i.e. Hario V60, or Ratio Eight Dripper) or a compatible stainless steel basket.
Wattage: 1475W
Brewing Capacity: 1.25L / 40 oz / 10 Cups.
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This stainless steel drip filter coffee brewer is designed in Sweden and it’s very elegant. It ensures the ideal coffee temperature at 92°- 96°C every time, regardless of the volume. The smart temperature control in the hot plate keeps your coffee warm while preserving its flavor, without burning it. They also designed the Aarke Coffee Grinder to automatically grind the right amount of beans for your precision brewing.
Materials
Water Reservoir: high-density polyethylene (HDPE) BPA-free food-grade plastic (approved by the following food safety standards: LFGB, FDA, CA65, DGCCRF)
Shower Head: SUS304 stainless steel
Carafe: glass
360° Filter Basket: n.a.
Wattage: 1500W
Brewing Capacity: 2 – 10 cups (250 ml – 1.25 liters), in under 6 minutes.
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Related: Creating a Sustainable Kitchen: The Best Plastic-free, Non-Toxic Small Kitchen Appliances
When you’re ready for a morning coffee, you don’t want to spend an hour cleaning up after yourself. Nor do you want to have to worry about the chemicals that could be leaching into your coffee as it sits on the counter.
The Chemex Coffee Maker is a manual coffee maker that is 100% plastic-free and made of high-quality materials, so it won’t break down in the dishwasher or over time. It’s simple to use with an elegant and timeless design, making it perfect for any kitchen countertop. This iconic hourglass-shaped coffee maker was invented in 1941.
Materials:
Carafe: This coffee maker is made of borosilicate glass which imparts no chemicals or flavors into your coffee and has a chemical-resistant wooden collar and leather tie, so it can withstand anything that comes its way.
Collar: The wooden collar is provided for insulation and makes it easy to handle while making and pouring the coffee.
The pour spout creates a proper air channel for better pouring. The design allows coffee to be covered and refrigerated for reheating.
The Chemex Coffee Maker comes with 6 filters, but you can buy replacement filters if needed. The filters are made of unbleached paper.
Brewing Capacity: available for 3, 6, 8, and 10 cups.
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Related: Why is a Plastic Free Blender Better for your Health?
The Coffee Gator is another non-plastic pour-over coffee maker that is worth listing as it is made with durable inert materials.
It used to have a plastic band around the jug when it was first launched in 2015 but they removed it in the newer version of the product. The laser-cut stainless steel filter holes trap the coffee grounds while allowing natural oils and flavors through. The filter handle has a little bit of plastic but that doesn’t come in contact with the hot water. The jug has been designed with an extra wide cool-touch handle and a precision pour spout to ensure you get a great cup every time.
It is also very affordable in the long run, as it doesn’t require the use of paper filters that are still single-use products and may strip away flavors and natural oils, saving you money long-term.
Last, but not least, it can be used also to brew loose tea, therefore offering a double function if you are a tea and coffee lover. If you’re looking for the healthiest coffee maker with a pour-over filter that isn’t plastic and doesn’t use paper filters this is your best option.
Materials:
Carafe: heat-resistant glass
Filter: durable stainless steel mesh filter.
Brewing Capacity: 3-4 cups.
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Related: 13 Best Plastic-Free Electric Kettles for a Healthy Cup
Hario V60 Ceramic Coffee Pour Over is a good option if you’re looking for a budget but a stylish and chemical-free way to make coffee in a few simple steps.
Hario V60 Ceramic Pour Over is made from Arita-yaki, a traditional style of Japanese ceramics with a rich 400-year history. Each Hario pour-over dripper is handmade by a local craftsperson in Japan.
Material
Filter: The filter is made of ceramic, not plastic, so it’s safe for you and your family. It has been designed with unique spiral ridges which allow for deeper layering of the coffee grounds, producing a deep, rich coffee flavor.
The design of this coffee maker helps retain temperature throughout the brewing cycle and allows more control over the time to prolog the brew.
You can select this manual coffee maker made from different types of materials like ceramic, glass, or metal. The copper version is more expensive but looks particularly attractive. The plastic-free design allows you to enjoy coffee free from any pesky chemicals.
Brewing Capacity: Size 01: 1-2 cups – Size 02: 1-4 cups – Size 03: 1-6 cups
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Related: 3 Types of Stylish Plastic Free Reusable Coffee Cups You Can Take Anywhere
We added this coffee dripper to offer a high-quality coffee dripper stainless steel option, which in our opinion is lighter and more stylish than ceramic, and it unbreakable.
The filter features a flow-through stainless steel design, including polished edges, so that the brewing water flows through the grounds rather than around them. This innovative flow has been enabled thanks to the dual filter technology design. The 4-inch base allows for a perfect fit on most cups, carafes, and thermoses. Compared to other stainless steel coffee drippers, it has no plastic handle that could become loose or break over time.
This dripper doesn’t require paper filters, which may absorb flavorful oils and may require tree cutting, making it one of the most affordable and eco-friendly ways of drinking coffee.
Material
Filter: stainless steel
Brewing Capacity: 2 pints.
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Related: Plastic Free Tea Bags: Which Brands Are Really Plastic Free?
The Pure Over is a new coffee maker that has a clever, innovative product design. The all-glass system comes with a dripper, mug, diffuser lid, stir stick, ceramic base, and a built-in glass filter, meaning more taste and less waste.
The single-cup coffee dripper is made of borosilicate glass, making it exceptionally durable and heat resistant. It can withstand temperature changes, like brewing with hot water. It also features a built-in paperless reusable glass filter, which allows you to save money in the long-run and avoid the waste of a single-use product.
The Pure Over brewer works similarly to a French Press as it allows some coffee oils and microfine sediment through. Thanks to its dual immersion and dripper style, the resulting cup has a fuller body and smoother mouthfeel. For adequate filtration, a medium-coarse grind of coffee is recommended.
Materials
Carafe: glass
Filter: glass (built-in)
Brewing Capacity: 10 ounces.
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The Mueller French Press can be used with any coffee, whether you prefer a light roast or a dark one. It’s also perfect for brewing tea and other hot beverages, making it a great gift that will keep your coffee hot for 60 minutes longer than thinner steel and glass models.
All parts are plastic-free and made of professional grade double-layered 304 stainless steel. It’s dishwasher safe and also ideal for camping.
The only downside to this method is that it takes longer than a drip machine or Keurig machine because you have to wait for the water to steep before pressing the plunger button and pouring out your drink.
Materials
Carafe, lid, cool touch handle, filter, plunger & travel canister: 304 stainless steel
Brewing Capacity: 34 ounces / 2.1 pounds.
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Related: 11 Truly Non-Toxic Cookware Brands for a Healthy Kitchen, Tested & Reviewed
This non-toxic coffee maker is made of stainless steel which is elegant looking and durable. It is a high-end product and comes with a five-year warranty. The advantage over a glass coffee maker is its double-walled design that keeps the coffee hot for four hours. The fine mesh structure (a patented 2-stage filter system) makes the coffee highly filtered and cuts down the sediments to zero. The steel coffee maker is available in sizes starting from 8 ounces to 44 ounces. The design is well-balanced and makes pouring easy even with larger versions. It is suitable for daily use as well as for formal occasions.
Materials
Carafe, lid, handle, filter, plunger: 304 stainless steel
Brewing Capacity: 17, 23, 36, 44 oz.
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This Barista & Co French Press is made only from high-grade 304 stainless steel and thermal shock-tested borosilicate glass. The design is plastic free and spare parts are available if accidents happen. The medical-grade stainless steel flow filter will not taint the flavor of coffee and the unique 360-degree design ensures the pour is controlled without having to align the filter to the pouring spout.
Brewing Capacity:
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Testing the Gaggia Classsic. Image by I’m Plastic Free.
Gaggia is a classic icon of the Italian espresso coffee machines, and it’s still made in Italy. It offers a 9 bar espresso extraction, hence why it’s called the “everyday home barista”. It also features a 3-way solenoid valve, which is usually found only on commercial machines, and relieves pressure from the coffee for a dry, easily discarded coffee puck, instead of a compressed one.
Materials
Housing: solid steel
Portafilter: stainless steel, 58mm long
Steam Wand: stainless steel (commercial)
Water Rerservoir: plastic
Internal Water Connections: food-grade silicone, no plastic.
Boiler: Uncoated Aluminum. Please note that some 2023 Evo Pro version models had a coated alumnium boiler which shed microplastics. Consequently, Gaggia replaced the boiler to aluminum, and with the Gaggia E24 has changed this to a lead-free brass boiler. This switch means that the Pro E24 has increased capacity, boosted steam power, and improved thermal stability. There are rumors on internet platforms that the next version will have a stainless steel boiler. The brand just confirmed that these are just rumors.
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Amazon USA – Canada – UK
Testing the Bialetti Venus. Image by I’m Pastic Free.
If you’re looking for a zero-waste coffee maker, that is easy to clean and environmentally friendly, Bialetti is the way to go as it allows you to avoid those wasteful single-use coffee capsules or pods like Nespresso or Keurig sytems… Their traditional Moka Pot is made from aluminum but we recommend the Bialetti Venus stainless steel espresso coffee maker (which we use at home as you can see from the image!), as 18/10 stainless steel is the best choice if you don’t want aluminum cookware. The original Moka pot was invented by Alfonso Bialetti in 1933, it is still made in Italy and its quality is enhanced by the patented safety valve, which makes it easy to clean.
The Bialetti Venus is suitable for gas, electric, and induction cooking tops (with the Bialetti induction adapter plate for the 2 cups version). Using Bialetti is a 100% sustainable way of preparing quality coffee, as using ground coffee produces no waste if you compost it, is cleaned without detergents (it’s not dishwasher safe), and will last a lifetime.
Materials
Body: stainless steel
Ergonomic handle & know: plastic (not in contact with the hot coffee)
Rubber seal or gasket: is made of silicone, and can be boiled before the first use to remove any possible toxins.
Brewing Capacity: available for 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, or 12 cups of coffee.
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Related: Are Microplastics Leaching into Your Coffee?
This brand of coffee maker is unique of its kind with a robust design and heavy gauge 18/10 stainless steel body, handle, lid, and knob. It comes with a 25-year warranty. Buying this coffee maker is a long-term investment that remains in use for many years. It can withstand bumps and impacts without getting damaged easily. It has a smooth, shining, body that tapers from bottom to top for better stability and handling. It is suitable for all types of stovetop surfaces.
Materials
Body, handle, lid, and knob: stainless steel
Brewing Capacity: 4, 6, or 10 cups.
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Related: Why You Should Switch To Plastic-Free Microwave Food Covers
ROK has designed and engineered in London a manual lever press coffee machine that doesn’t require electricity, but just your muscles to function! Yes, that’s right, it brews espresso coffee just by pouring hot water and creating manual pressure. You can feel the coffee extraction!
The main body of the machine is built with die-cast aluminum, which is completely recyclable at the end of its life. The other components used are stainless steel and glass composite. The standard machine is available in black or silver and comes with a portafilter, coffee spoon/tamper, clip-on double adapter, and instructions, all in a plastic-free gift box.
The manufacturer is so confident in their quality that they offer a 15-year warranty on all metal parts and sell spare parts in case of need. It’s built to last, and it’s portable for true zero-waste coffee lovers.
Materials:
Main body: die-cast aluminum
Brew head: glass composite
Filter basket: stainless steel
O-ring: food-grade silicone
Brewing Capacity: 1 double espresso cup.
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We did very thorough research for plastic-free and aluminum-free electric coffee percolators and found that most have some aluminum parts in the interior, like the percolator straw. Then, we came across this Hamilton Beach electric coffee percolator and according to the description and comments by customers, it is all stainless steel, even on the inside. The brew basket and the stem are also made from stainless steel rather than aluminum, and they are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. This model used to be made with a twist-off lid that locked in place and it was made of glass (not plastic!) so you could see your coffee brewing with a piece of mind while being careful to use a pot holder as it got hot. Well, unfortunately the manufacturer has discontinued that product line in the USA and replaced the same model with a lif that has a plastic knob. However, you can replace that plastic part with a percolator glass top. See the tip below.
Materials
Body: stainless steel
Knob & handle: plastic, but the know can be replaced
Brewing Capacity: 12 cup
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Watch this video if you want to see the Hamilton Beach Stainless Steel Percolator unboxed:
According to our research, this Farberware electric coffee percolator is made of stainless steel, and the inside basket is also made of stainless steel, not aluminum. The manufacturer confirmed that the heating element in the base is made of aluminum. However, this heating element does not come into direct contact with the water.
This premium unit produces about one cup per minute, so there’s no waiting around for delicious coffee. The handle and the knob on the lid are unfortunately plastic but they do not come in contact with the hot water. See our tip below about replacing the percolator’s top.
Brewing Capacity: 2-4 cups
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If you machine has a plastic water reservoir, don’t let the water sit there for days. Place fresh filtered water in the reservoir just when you need to brew coffee. Filtered water ensures that all contaminants have been removed including microplastics.
No matter if you have a manual or an electric coffee percolator, we saw that you can find percolator glass top replacements on Amazon. These are available for your specific coffee percolator brand or as universal fits-all percolator tops and are made of glass (read well the product descriptions as some are plastic).
You might want to store your coffee grounds or powder into a sealed glass jar, stainless steel coffee canister, or ceramic container in a dry place. As we have been living in the tropics, we put the coffee grounds into a sealed stainless steel container in the freezer so the coffee stays fresh for longer and its aroma is preserved, the same as if you were having a coffee from the coffee shop. We do this because storing food in plastic containers for longer periods of time may not be healthy.
There is no point looking for a plastic free coffee maker if your coffee grinder has plastic in its grinding mechanism. Unfortunately most do. There are many commercial grade mills available that use only metal/ iron cutting gears on the market. Most are Swiss, German and UK made. All the cheaper versions will use plastic cutting gears to save costs. We’ll do our research and will provide the options on our platform.
Last but not least, you cannot be sustainable, if the products you purchase are not sourced sustainably. Fair trade organic coffee ensures that the farmers and workers have been paid faily and that the coffee has been produced without synthetic pesticides and toxic fertilizers.
The above list reveals that there are plenty of options if you are looking for a coffee maker that doesn’t have plastic while marinating the quality of brewing. As we’ve discussed, you can find products for just about every type of brew. You don’t have to worry about plastic contamination in your drinks when the parts of the coffee maker come in contact with hot water or coffee. The coffee makers are available in attractive designs with durable metal structures and a long-term warranty. These are easy to clean and maintain and can be used for several years. You need to look for one that best suits your purpose and allows you to enjoy coffee without the side effects of chemicals and plastics on your health and the environment.
Plastic-free options are increasing and growing in quality. More and more coffee makers are manufactured without any plastic or at least the hot water doesn’t get in contact with plastic. Enjoy your non-plastic coffee, and do it without all the waste! We hope that these options helped you select a plastic-free coffee maker that will be good for your health in the long run and will also positively impact our environment.
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Read more articles that will help you remove toxic plastic around the kitchen.
Browse our directory to find more eco-friendly brands.
Do you have a recommendation for an aluminum free – plastic free electric percolator? – Thanks!
Do you know of a plastic free coffee maker that uses a paper filter?
Use a French press with stainless steel parts. Best choice
Just wanna admit that this is handy , Thanks for taking your time to write this.
Have you researched airpots or coffee urns yet? All of them I’ve found so far have PP in the spout. If you find a great airpot solution please share. Thanks for your rec on the Bunn with the upgraded stainless funnel, we needed that for our coffee lounge.
Jim Aguado
April 1, 2023 at 10:31 pmAs soon as I observed this web site I went on reddit to share some of the love with them.
I'm Plastic Free
April 5, 2023 at 4:06 pmThank you Jim, please share our project with everyone you know, it’s for a great cause!