More and more people are looking for plastic free coffee makers as they are trying to avoid harmful effects of the plastic components used in coffee makers. Manufacturers have been trying 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.

What are the Health Concerns with Plastic in Coffee Makers?

Bisphenol A – PBA and other Bisphenols

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 Associated Chemicals (PACs) and the effects of plastic pollution in general, and are looking for plastic-free coffee makers, electric kettles,  blenders, and non-toxic kitchen appliances in general for daily use.

Phthalates

Phthalates are another man-made chemical widely used as a plasticizer to increase flexibility and durability in plastics. According to a 2017 study (2), published in the Toxicolgy Repors Journal, 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

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

Microplastics are 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 these 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 hot coffee free of microplastics.

Related: Is BPA Free Plastic Really Safe? The Truth You Need to Know

What are the Best Non Toxic Coffee Makers by Coffee Style? 

Our team researched some of the top non-toxic and non-plastic 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 coffee makers with no plastic or the least amount possible, 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.

1. Best Non Toxic Automatic Coffee Makers for a Clean Drip Coffee 

All automatic coffee makers have some plastic parts inside and outside the machine. Searching for an electric coffee maker with little or no plastic at all is not easy. Here below are our findings.

– Technivorm 59691 KB Drip Coffee Brewer – Mokkamaster KB

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. Our Plastic-Free 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: 1,475W

Brewing Capacity: 40 oz / 10 Cups / 1.25L.

Available on: Amazon USA – Canada – UK – Australia

– SimplyGoodCoffee THE BREWER

SimplyGoodCoffee THE BREWER — Plastic-Free is one of the clearest automatic choices for anyone whose top priority is minimising plastic in the water and coffee contact pathway. For an electric drip coffee maker, this material configuration is unusually well suited to those seeking to reduce plastic contact. Overall, it offers a strong materials profile but has a less established long-term ownership history.

Materials

• Water Reservoir: borosilicate glass.
• Brew head: stainless steel
• Carafe: borosilicate glass.
• Filter basket: stainless steel.
• Boiler & internal water path: stainless steel.
• Internal seal & connectors: silicone.

Wattage: 1,560W

Brewing Capacity: 40 oz / 8 Cups.

Available on: Amazon USA 

– BUNN VP17-1 Stainless Steel Automatic Coffee Maker

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. Our Plastic-free Hack: simply replace the plastic funnel with an OEM BUNN stainless steel funnel (see the details in the links below).

Overall, our testing showed that 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: 1,600W

Brewing Capacity: 3.8 gallons (14.4 liters) of coffee per hour.

Available on Amazon USA – BUNN Stainless Steel Funnel with Black Handle – BUNN Stainless Steel Funnel with Orange Handle

– Aarke Coffee Maker: Electric Drip Filter with Glass Carafe

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: 1,500W

Brewing Capacity: 2 – 10 cups (250 ml – 1.25 liters), in under 6 minutes.

Available on Amazon USA

Related: Creating a Sustainable Kitchen: The Best Plastic-free, Non-Toxic Small Kitchen Appliances

2. Best Non Toxic Manual Drip Coffee Makers

– Chemex Non-Toxic Coffee Maker

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.

Available on: Amazon USA – Canada  – Australia – UK
A similar glass coffee beaker with stainless steel filter is sold in Australia by Us & The Earth. (Use code IMPLASTICFREE for 10% off).

Related: Why is a Plastic Free Blender Better for your Health?

– Coffee Gator Pour Over Coffee Maker 

The Coffee Gator is another non-plastic pour-over coffee maker that is worth listing as it is made with durable inert materials. 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. 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.
• Filter: durable laser-cut stainless steel mesh filter. The holes trap the coffee grounds while allowing natural oils and flavors through.
• Filter Handle: it has a little bit of plastic but that doesn’t come in contact with the hot water.

Brewing Capacity: 3-4 cups.

Available on: Amazon USA – Canada – Australia – UK

Related: 13 Best Plastic-Free Electric Kettles for a Healthy Cup

– Hario V60 Ceramic Pour Over

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. It 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 unique 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

Available on: Amazon USA –  Canada – Australia – UK

Related: 3 Best Types of Plastic Free Reusable Coffee Cups for a Healthy Routine

– Stainless Steel Coffee Dripper & Reusable Stainless Steel Filter for Chemex / Hario V60 etc.

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 is unbreakable.

This dripper doesn’t require paper filters, which may absorb flavorful oils and may require cutting trees for paper, making it one of the most affordable and eco-friendly ways of drinking coffee.

Material

• Filter: 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.

Brewing Capacity:  2 pints.

Available on: Amazon USA – Canada – Australia – UK

Related: Plastic Free Tea Bags: Which Brands Are Really Plastic Free?

– Pure Over All Glass Coffee Maker

Pure Over has been a pioneer in all glass coffee makers due to their 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)
• Base: ceramic

Brewing Capacity:  10 ounces.

Available on: Amazon USA – Canada
Available on Pure Over

3. Best Non-Toxic French Press

Mueller Double Insulated French Press

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. 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 (all-parts!): professional grade double-layered 304 stainless steel

Brewing Capacity: 34 ounces / 2.1 pounds.

Available on: Amazon USA – Canada – Australia

– Frieling Double Wall Stainless Steel French Press

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 design of this steel coffee maker 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.

Available on: Amazon USA – Canada – UK – Australia

Related: 11 Truly Non-Toxic Cookware Brands for a Healthy Kitchen, Tested & Reviewed

4. Best Non-Toxic Automatic Espresso Machine

– Gaggia Classic Evo Pro

Image Credit:  I’m Plastic Free testing the Gaggia Classic

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: some 2023 Evo Pro version models had a coated aluminum 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. 

Available on: Amazon USA – Canada – UK

Related: Are Microplastics Leaching into Your Coffee?

5. Best Non-Toxic Stovetop Espresso Maker

Bialetti Stainless Steel Stovetop Moka Pot

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% zero-waste way of preparing quality coffee, as using ground coffee produces no waste if you compost it.

Personal experience: in Italy we don’t clean espresso coffee makers with any dishwashing detergents. We only use water. Why? Because we don’t mind if the bottom of the coffee maker gets a bit brown over time, instead we think that the coffee gets better as the moka pot ages, and yes, it will last a lifetime.

Materials

• Body: 18/10 stainless steel (contrary to most traditional Moka Pots, which are made of aluminum).
• Ergonomic handle & know: plastic (not in contact with the hot coffee)
• Rubber seal or gasket: is made of silicone. Our Plastic-free Hack: boiled the seals before the first use to remove any possible toxins.

Brewing Capacity: available for 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, or 12 cups of coffee.

Available on: Amazon USA – Canada – Australia – UK

Image Credit: I’m Plastic Free testing and using the Bialetti Venus moka pot.

– Cuisinox Roma Stainless Steel Moka Pot

The Cuisinox Roma coffee maker is unique of its kind, as it comes with a robust design and heavy gauge 18/10 stainless steel body, handle, lid, and knob. It also comes with a 25-year warranty. Buying this coffee maker is a long-term investment that you won’t regret. 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.

Available on: Amazon USA – Canada – Australia – UK

Related: Why You Should Switch To Plastic-Free Microwave Food Covers

6. Best Non-Toxic Lever Espresso Machine

– La Pavoni PC-16 Professional Espresso Machine

This Italian-made lever machine is a timeless classic, built with a predominantly metal construction for precise control over espresso extraction. With no plastic components in the water or steam pathways, it is designed to deliver a clean, unaltered espresso experience.

Materials:

• Main body: stainless steel & brass.

Brewing Capacity: 8 cups.

Available on: Amazon USA 

 7. Best Non-Toxic Coffee Percolator

– Farberware Electric Stainless Steel  Coffee Maker

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

Available on: Amazon USA 

Tips for a Great Coffee Free of BPA & PFAS 

1: Use only Filtered Water and don’t let it Sit in the Water Reservoir

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.

2: Replace the Plastic Parts in your Coffee Percolator

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).

3: Store Your Coffe Grounds or Powder in Plastic-Free Containers

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.

4: Find a Plastic Free Coffee Grinder

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.

5: Use Fair Trade Organic Coffee Beans 

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.

Conclusion on Best Plastic-Free, BPA-Free Coffee Makers

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. We’ll update this list, as we find more options.

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.

References and Scientific Literature Sources:

(1) National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. (2023). Endocrine disruptors. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/sites/default/files/health/materials/endocrine_disruptors_508.pdf

(2) Zhang, Q., Lu, X. M., Zhang, X. L., Sun, H. X., Qiu, J. H., & Zhao, L. (2017). Polystyrene microplastics induce gut microbiota dysbiosis and hepatic lipid metabolism disorder in mice. Toxicology Reports, 4, 345–351. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S221475001730026

(3) Raman, M., & Kumar, S. (2023). Characterization and quantification of microplastics and nanoplastics migrating from food contact plastic materials into tea. Food Chemistry, 414, Article 135688. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308814623003345

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