Plastic-Free Coffee Makers For A Cleaner Brew
Switch to a plastic-free coffee maker and avoid harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates that can leach into your brew. Made from safe, non-toxic materials like stainless steel, glass, or ceramic, these brewers help protect your health while delivering a pure, clean coffee experience.
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I live with a die-hard coffee lover, so we have 3 different types of coffee makers to choose from every morning. We are definitely a coffee-obsessed family! With all the recent news about microplastics and their impact on health, I started looking at the small appliances in our kitchen and realized that our espresso maker contains plastic parts that come into direct contact with our hot coffee.
Some coffee makers, like pour-over models, are 100% plastic-free, but it’s hard to avoid all plastic when it comes to certain coffee makers like espresso or drip coffee machines.
Health Concerns With Plastic Exposure
If coffee comes into contact with the plastic parts from your coffee maker, the plasticizers in the plastic (like Bisphenols and phthalates) can leach into your coffee. Plasticizers are used to increase the flexibility, durability, and elasticity of plastics.
Bisphenols like BPA and BPS are well known endocrine disrupting chemicals that can alter your body’s natural production of hormones. Bisphenol exposure can lead to adverse health effects like reproductive issues, including early puberty, infertility and cancer, diabetes, obesity and learning difficulties.
Phthalates are a large class of synthetic chemicals that make plastic more flexible and also act as binding agents, among other uses. Phthalates can be in any product made with Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), plastic food storage containers, plastic baby bottles and bottle nipples and any appliance made with plastic parts. Chronic exposure to phthalates can cause premature birth, birth defects, including to the male reproductive tract, respiratory problems, behavioral problems in children, male and female infertility, obesity and diabetes, among other health issues.
Microplastics In Coffee Makers
Another concern when using plastic coffee makers is that they shed microplastics and nanoplastics.
A 2019 study by the University of Newcastle found that people consume about 5 grams of plastic per week, about the same weight as a credit card.
Microplastics have been found on the brain and measured in the blood, breast milk, placenta, and in stools.
While research on microplastics and human health is still emerging, studies suggest that long-term exposure could potentially lead to issues such as heart attack, stroke, gastrointestinal, respiratory, or immune system disturbances.
Tips for Making the Best-Tasting Coffee While Protecting Your Health
- Use a coffee maker made of either glass or stainless steel. If plastic parts are used, look for Tritan™ Copolyester, a medical-grade plastic that is free of all Bisphenols (like BPA, BPS, BPF) and phthalates.
- Use Filtered Water – Filtered water removes chlorine, contaminants, and impurities that can alter your coffee’s natural flavor and potentially impact your health.
- Avoid Leaving Water in a Plastic Reservoir Overnight – While prepping your coffee maker the night before may seem convenient, letting water sit in a plastic reservoir for hours can lead to chemical leaching. Fill it fresh in the morning for better taste and safety.
- Grind Your Own Beans – Freshly ground beans provide the best flavor and aroma, ensuring a richer and more enjoyable cup.
- Choose High-Quality Organic Beans – Premium coffee beans are more likely to be mold-free and free of harmful toxins and pesticides, giving you a purer and healthier brew.
Beyond coffee makers, look for small kitchen appliances with little to no plastic parts, use plastic-free food storage containers, plastic-free kitchen utensils and PFAS-free cookware and bakeware. There are many non-toxic and plastic-free swaps you can make for a healthier kitchen.
In this post, we’ll explore the best plastic-free coffee makers on the market, highlighting their unique benefits and brewing capabilities. From pour-over to French press to espresso, you’ll find the perfect option to suit your taste and lifestyle. So, if you’re ready to upgrade your coffee maker while reducing plastic waste, I’m sharing the best coffee makers for a clean and tasty brew.
Stainless Steel Moka Pot
A Moka pot is a stovetop coffee maker that brews rich, espresso-like coffee by passing hot water pressurized by steam through ground coffee, producing a strong, full-bodied coffee. It typically consists of three parts: the bottom chamber (which holds water), the metal filter basket (where coffee grounds go), and the top chamber (where the brewed coffee collects). Most Moka pots are made from aluminum or stainless steel and are available in different sizes. Make sure to choose stainless steel if you go this route.
Luxhaus Stainless Steel Moka Coffee Pot
Cost | $46.45
Details | This moka pot works on all stove types at home, including gas, electric and induction, or for camping. They swapped the plastic hinge out with metal so it will no longer break.
Shop | Luxhaus Stainless Steel Moka Coffee Pot
Pour-Over
Pour-over coffee is a manual brewing method that involves slowly pouring hot water over coffee grounds in a filter, allowing the coffee to drip into a carafe or mug below. This method is known for producing a clean, flavorful, and well-balanced cup, as it allows precise control over variables like water temperature, pouring speed, and brew time.
Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffee Maker
Cost | $45.09
Details | The CHEMEX pour-over coffeemaker boasts an elegant, non-porous borosilicate glass construction that is both beautiful and functional, ensuring your coffee remains fresh and flavorful. This pour over coffee maker allows you to easily control the brewing process, resulting in a rich, full-bodied cup of coffee that can be covered and refrigerated without losing flavor. Dishwasher-safe.
Compatible Stainless Steel Filter | Able Stainless Steel Coffee Filter, Chemex Compatible Natural Coffee Filters (Compostable)
Shop | Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffee Maker
Alessi Slow Coffee Carafe With Filter
Cost | $79.52
Details | Dedicated to those who appreciate a process that allows you to modulate the different elements according to the desired drink as desired. Features a glass carafe, porcelain filter holder and 18/10 stainless steel filter.
Shop | Alessi Slow Coffee Carafe With Filter
Bean Envy Pour Over Coffee Maker
Cost | $34.98
Details | This pour-over coffee maker features a stainless steel micro mesh funnel strainer, thick and durable heat resistant non-porous Borosilicate glass and a patent-pending silicone sleeve that surrounds the bottom of the carafe minimizes the risk of slipping, cracking, or added moisture to any surface.
Shop | Bean Envy Pour Over Coffee Maker
French Press
The French press system is beloved by coffee aficionados worldwide for its simplicity of brewing and purity of taste. Coffee from a French press is rich, full-bodied, and robust, with a more intense flavor than drip coffee or pour-over. The immersion brewing method allows coffee grounds to steep directly in hot water for several minutes, extracting more oils and fine particles than paper-filtered methods like a drip machine or pour-over. This results in a thicker, slightly textured mouthfeel and a more pronounced, complex taste. A coarse grind is best to prevent excessive sediment, and a brew time of 4 minutes is standard for balanced extraction.
Bodum Chambord French Press Coffee Maker
Cost | $39.39
Details | The carafe is made of non-stain, heat-resistant borosilicate glass that won’t alter or impair the coffee’s natural flavor. The frame and lid is made from durable stainless steel that’s undergone several chrome-plating processes to result in a durable, shiny surface capable of withstanding many years of use. The handle is made from Polypropylene with a matte finish that gives a comfortable grip while serving and adds to the classic quality of the design. Stainless steel plunger prevents ground beans escaping when the coffee is poured. More environmentally friendly than many coffee-brewing methods – no paper filters or plastic capsules required.
Shop | Bodum Chambord French Press Coffee Maker
Drip Coffee
Drip coffee has a smooth, balanced taste with a medium body and a clean finish. The flavor can range from bright and fruity to deep and chocolatey, depending on the beans and roast level. It’s typically less intense than espresso, with a mild acidity and subtle bitterness that complement its natural sweetness. The slow extraction process allows the nuanced flavors to shine, making it a comforting, easy-to-drink brew with a familiar, classic coffee taste.
Although drip coffee makers aren’t technically totally plastic-free, the 2 brands that I included have the least amount of plastic that comes into contact with your coffee of all the drip coffee makers I came across.
Moccamaster KBGV Coffee Maker
Cost | $349
Details | The Technivorm Moccamaster coffee maker has some plastic parts, including the water tank, but is mostly made of stainless steel and glass. The plastic parts are BPA-, BPF-, and phthalate-free. The Moccamaster brewers are handmade in the Netherlands and meet all chemical regulations. The Dutch regulations are significantly more stringent than those in the United States, especially for plastics that come into contact with food and drink. Moccamaster heats the water to a temperature which will extract coffee from your grind. The selector switch on the KBGV Select allows you to choose between brewing a half or full carafe. The brewing speed and hotplate temperature adjust according to your choice, brewing either amount to the golden cup standard. The brew basket automatically stops the flow of coffee when removing the carafe. All glass carafe brewers feature a hotplate with an independent heating element that holds your coffee at the perfect temperature.
Shop | Moccamaster KBGV Coffee Maker
Accessories | Moccamaster Stainless Steel Coffee Filter, Moccamaster Paper Coffee Filters (Whitened using a bleach free, oxygen-based method. The filters are bonded without using any chemicals or glues. Made in The Netherlands)
Ratio makes high quality coffee makers, and here’s what they had to say about plastic in their coffee makers:
We use as little plastic as possible in all of our machines. When we do choose plastic for its performance, we always use BPA-free polymers from known reputable manufacturers like Trident or 3M. FDA-grade silicone and a single BPA-free plastic component are used internally in both the Eight and the Six. The plastic we have incorporated into the Ratio Eight and Six is medical grade quality. Made of polysulfone, this food-grade quality plastic is FDA certified and a NSF compliant material. The Ratio Six has plastic in the filter basket (where the coffee goes) and the thermal carafe lid. If you’d like to minimize your plastic exposure, we recommend using our glass carafe or the Ratio Eight ceramic dripper. The Eight ceramic dripper fits on top of the Six thermal carafe.
Ratio 6 Coffee Maker
Cost | $359 (includes Ratio Six double-wall stainless steel thermal carafe + stainless filter holder with BPA-free liner)
Details | Featuring unique materials, handblown glass water lines and an innovative build process, the Ratio Six delivers an experience comparable to its older sibling at a leaner cost, slimmer profile, and lighter weight. All despite having the same brewing capacity (1.25 liters / 40 ounces) and powerful 1400 W heating element. The Series 2 features an entirely updated carafe that has no moving parts. They made the spout more pronounced, leading to a better pour of your favorite coffee. The opening of the carafe is large enough to fit your hand inside for a thorough cleaning, and mates perfectly with the original Series 1 filter basket.
Coupon Code | SUSIEBONO
Shop | Ratio 6 Coffee Maker
Ratio 8 Coffee Maker
Cost | $699 (includes handblown glass carafe)
Details | The Ratio Eight coffee maker combines precision brewing, top-quality construction, and a design that will elevate any environment. Designed for perfect brewing from 16 to 40 ounces, the Eight uses a smart brewing algorithm to mimic hand-made pour over coffee. 8 delicious cups of coffee in 8 minutes. It features a stainless steel showerhead, glass water supply line, precision-machined aluminum, borosilicate glass, and a selection of premium hardwoods.
Coupon Code | SUSIEBONO
Shop | Ratio 8 Coffee Maker
Ratio 8 Thermal Coffee Maker
Cost | $799 (incudes double-wall stainless steel thermal carafe + ceramic dripper)
Details | The Ratio Eight double-wall stainless steel thermal carafe + ceramic dripper. Handblown glass water lines
Coupon Code | SUSIEBONO
Shop | Ratio 8 Coffee Maker
Accessories | Ratio Coffee Accessories
Espresso Machines
Espresso is a strong, concentrated coffee brewed by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans under high pressure. It has a rich, bold flavor with a thick, velvety texture and a layer of golden crema on top, which enhances its aroma and taste. Espresso is the foundation for many coffee drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, and Americanos. It is typically served in small 1-ounce (30 ml) shots but packs an intense caffeine kick. The flavor can range from sweet and chocolatey to bitter and smoky, depending on the beans and roast level.
We currently have a Breville Espresso machine, and I found out that the grouphead has some plastic components. When I tried to reach out to Breville, they were not very helpful and said that all parts were proprietary.
La Pavoni Lever Style Espresso Machine
Cost | $981.21
Details | For the most part, this espresso machine has very little in the way of plastic parts. You can order a stainless steel grouphead sleeve to replace the plastic parts on the grouphead. You can also order a silicone gasket to replace the rubber one.
Shop | La Pavoni Lever Style Espresso Machine
Flair Updated Pro 3 Manual Espresso Maker
Cost | $325
Details | With this 100% human-powered, manual espresso press, you can produce professional quality shots of espresso from your home. Features a stainless steel brewing head, cast aluminum body with silicone wrap on some outer parts of the machine.
Shop | Flair Updated Pro 3 Manual Espresso Maker
Gaggia Classic Evo Pro Espresso Machine
Cost | $529.99
Details | This espresso machine has very little in the way of plastic parts except the water reservoir. The shower holding plate is aluminum, and I would recommend swapping it out for a stainless steel one. The grouphead is lead-free brass (from what I could find) and the boiler plate is plated aluminum. It would be best if all metal parts were stainless steel, but as of now I can’t find an espresso machine that falls into this category.
Shop | Gaggia Classic Evo Pro Espresso Machine
Percolator
The percolation process continuously cycles boiling water through the coffee grounds, leading to a highly extracted brew with a deep, sometimes over-extracted taste. The flavor profile includes strong and bold flavors with a slight bitterness since the water repeatedly passes through the grinds. The flavor is less nuanced compared to a French press or pour-over. SInce there is no paper filter, there are more oils in the coffee, leading to a smooth but heavier texture that can be gritty if the grind is too fine. If the grind is too fine, some grounds may make their way into the cup. For best results, use a coarse grind to prevent over-extraction, monitor the brewing time (about 7–10 minutes) to avoid bitterness and remove the percolator from the heat once brewing is complete to prevent a burnt taste.
Presto Electric Stainless Steel Coffee Percolator
Cost | $67.99
Details | This stainless steel electric percolator makes 2 to 12 cups of hot coffee fast—about a cup a minute, and the signal light indicates when coffee is ready to serve. Keeps coffee piping hot automatically. Coffee percolates through the grounds multiple times for a more aromatic, intense coffee that has a rich and robust flavor. 120 Volts AC, 800 Watts.
Shop | Presto Electric Stainless Steel Coffee Percolator
Iced Brew
Cold brew’s unique preparation method gives it a distinct taste and a naturally lower acidity level, lending it a mild, smooth, rich taste with natural chocolatey or nutty undertones. It’s made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold or room temperature water for an extended period, usually 12 to 24 hours. Unlike traditional hot-brewed coffee, cold brew is never exposed to heat.
Ovalware Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker
Cost | $35.99
Details | This cold brewer features a 18/8 rust-free superfine laser cut filter, medical-grade stainless steel filter & lid cap. The body is extra-thick, lab-tested borosilicate glass, and the seal is silicone. The brewer extracts coffee concentrate which can be stored and mixed with an endless variety of beverages
Shop | Ovalware Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker
Coffee Grinders
A good-quality coffee grinder is essential for making great coffee, including cold brew, because it ensures consistent grind size, freshness, and better extraction. A high-quality grinder lets you adjust grind size precisely for different brewing methods (e.g., espresso, French press, cold brew).
KINGrinder K2 Manual Hand Coffee Grinder
Cost | $88
Details | The interior adjustment design of the Kingrinder grinder allows you to set the grind from fine to coarse. There are 40 clicks in a single round with the interior number. A functional grinder could grind to several brew methods. These include Turkish coffee, espresso, moka pot, aeropot, pour-over syphon, and French press.
Shop | Tinemore Black Mirror Pro Coffee Scale
Shardor Coffee & Herb Grinder
Cost | $33.99
Details | This grinder has a stainless steel bowl. I actually have this model for grinding pumpkin and flax seeds and it is wonderful- the grounds do not touch any plastic parts.
Shop | Shardor Coffee & Herb Grinder
Fellow Ode Brew Grinder
Cost | $345
Details | This grinder is for true coffee snobs. The burr set is professional-grade stainless steel. Precise particle size is possible with every push of the button thanks to cafe-sized flat burrs and easy grind adjustment with 11 settings and 31 steps total.
Shop | Fellow Ode Brew Grinder
Zerno Z1 Coffee Grinder
Cost | $1695
Details | This elevated coffee grinder is plastic-free and is made from machined aircraft grade aluminum, stainless steel and solid wood.
Shop | Zerno Z1 Coffee Grinder
Tea Kettle
A gooseneck kettle is a game-changer for coffee brewing, especially for pour-over methods. It enhances control, flavor, and consistency in every cup. The long, narrow spout allows you to pour water slowly and evenly over the coffee grounds. This prevents over-saturation in one spot, leading to better extraction and balanced flavors.
Cosori Electric Gooseneck Kettle
Cost | $69.99
Details | The refined ergonomic design allows for precise water flow control for perfect pour-over brewing. The electric kettle’s durable interior, lid, and spout are made with food-grade 304 stainless steel.
Shop | Cosori Electric Gooseneck Kettle
Coffee Scale
Brewing coffee is all about balance—too much coffee makes it too strong, too little makes it weak. If you want better, more consistent, flavorful coffee, a coffee scale is a must-have tool. Pour-over, espresso, Aeropress, and French press all require precise measurements for best results.
Tinemore Black Mirror Pro Coffee Scale
Cost | $65
Details | This coffee scale has a maximum weight of 2000 grams and can measure precisely in 0.1 gram intervals as soon as the sensor detects a minimum weight of 0.5 grams. TIMEMORE Digital drip coffee scale also supports switching the unit between ounce and gram with a quick press of the power button 6 times after it’s zeroed.
Shop | Tinemore Black Mirror Pro Coffee Scale
Coffee Canister
An airtight canister prevents oxidation, keeping your coffee fresher for longer. A sealed container keeps beans dry and fresh. Opaque or UV-blocking canisters help preserve the beans’ natural flavors.
Planetary Design Airscape Stainless Steel Coffee Canister
Cost | $36
Details | The patented inner plunger lid with a two way valve forces excess oxygen out of the canister and locks out excess humidity. Preserving freshness MUCH longer than typical airtight containers. The stainless steel canister blocks harmful UV rays from harming your coffee beans.
Shop | Casabrews Stainless Steel Reusable K Cup Coffee Pod
Plastic Keurig K-Cup Swap
Although I’m not a fan of keurig-type coffee machines, I realize that they are very convenient and many people still use them. Instead of using the single-use plastic cups, try a stainless steel reusable cup- it is much better for your health.
Casabrews Stainless Steel Reusable K Cup Coffee Pod
Cost | $33.99
Details | This US based company makes stainless steel reusable K cups in 4 sizes for different Keurig models.
Shop | Casabrews Stainless Steel Reusable K Cup Coffee Pod
Milk Frother
I’m still on the search for a non-handheld milk frother, but so far all the ones I’ve found have plastic parts that touch the milk, so I’ll add any if I find one that has no plastic parts.
Zulay Handheld Milk Frother
Cost | $24.99
Details | This stainless steel frother gives that professional finishing touch to your latte, cappuccino, macchiato or hot chocolate. Make delicious foamy creamer for your drinks at home without a trip to Starbucks, with your own milk frother wand.
Shop | Zulay Handheld Milk Frother
More Non-Toxic Kitchen Inspiration
