I've been meaning to write a guide to the best non toxic coffee maker options for some time. I mean, as we learn more about the prevalence of microplastics in just about every little corner of our precious planet, we have to start taking steps to protect ourselves.
I’ve been meaning to write a guide to the best non toxic coffee maker options for some time. I mean, as we learn more about the prevalence of microplastics in just about every little corner of our precious planet, we have to start taking steps to protect ourselves.
As it turns out, finding a true plastic free coffee maker isn’t easy. However, I’ll give you advice on how to find machines that use as little plastic, aluminum and other potentially toxic materials as possible.
You’ll also find a few options for non toxic coffee makers that eschew plastic in favor of durable stainless steel and glass. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Best Non Toxic Coffee Makers at a Glance
Here’s a sneak peek at the best non toxic coffee makers I’ll be discussing today.
Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select
Makes superb coffee
Durable construction
Many available colors
DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro
Automatic tamping
Built-in grinder
Makes excellent milk foam
Fellow Clara French Press
Timeless design
Solid construction, Double-walled
Double-walled
Overview: What Is a Toxic Coffee Maker?
I know we all like to believe that a manufacturer would never include potentially hazardous materials in a coffee maker. Still, the unfortunate truth is that cost-cutting strategies often result in a product that could be harmful to your health.
I mean, we have to consider the fact that making coffee means we’re exposing whichever material has been used to very hot water, and if that material isn’t legit, it could begin to break down and release toxins. Here’s a brief list of the materials you should avoid when shopping for a coffee machine:
BPA (Bisphenol A): I can’t remember the last time I saw a coffee maker that didn’t advertise its plastic components as BPA-free. Still, cheap coffee machines using cheap polycarbonate plastic are out there. This material can cause BPA to leach into your brew, especially if the plastic in question comes into contact with hot water.
Aluminum: Let’s face it, you really don’t want to consume aluminum. Unfortunately, when acidic coffee meets this metal, it can corrode and that’s exactly what you’ll be doing.
Heavy Metals: You don’t need me to tell you that consuming heavy metals like lead and cadmium is a bad idea. However, if a coffee maker has any kind of soldered components, heavy metals are sometimes used.
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances): Although it’s now rare to find these chemicals used in non-stick coatings, they are still a threat. Make sure to do your research!
What to Look for in a Non Toxic Coffee Maker
At this point, it pretty much goes without saying that you should avoid all the nasty stuff I listed above. So, make sure to look for the all-important “BPA-free” label when looking for a non toxic coffee maker with plastic parts.
Likewise, consider investing in a machine with as much high-grade stainless steel in its construction as possible.
If you want a completely plastic free coffee machine, consider switching to manual brewing. That way, you can prepare pour-over coffee with a ceramic dripper like the Hario V60 or a stainless steel Kalita Wave.
Finally, I’d recommend staying away from non-stick coatings. With that said, one of the options on my list does have a non-stick interior that’s guaranteed to be completely food-safe.
The Best Non Toxic Coffee Makers: Our Top 5 Picks
I’ve compiled what I consider to be some of the best non toxic coffee makers out there. These range from high-end espresso machines to simple and affordable manual brewers.
Technivorm Moccamaster
PROS
- Makes exceptional coffee
- Durable construction
- SCA certified
CONS
- Rather expensive
There are plenty of reasons why the Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select consistently ranks as the best overall model in my guide to the best drip coffee makers.
For starters, this gorgeous coffee machine is constructed from durable stainless steel, and adds a touch of class to any kitchen. What’s more, the Dutch manufacturer takes the art of brewing good coffee very seriously indeed. And although this baby has been in production for decades, it still beats the competition in terms of performance and taste.
That’s probably why this stylish machine is SCA-certified as an exemplary home brewer. While there are a few plastic parts in the Moccamaster’s construction, all are food-safe and BPA, BPS, BPF, and phthalate-free.
Costing $359.00, the Moccamaster isn’t cheap. However, it’s gonna last a lifetime and continue to produce excellent coffee.
See Also: Technivorm Moccamaster Review
DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro
PROS
- Highly automated
- Built-in grinder
- Makes fantastic espresso
- Produces wonderful milk foam
CONS
- Quite the investment
I’ve noticed a lot of comments recently from those of you looking for a plastic-free home espresso machine. Unfortunately, finding a machine without plastic seems to be almost impossible. However, I can recommend the awesome DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro as a solid non toxic coffee maker.
Mainly constructed from durable stainless steel, there are (of course) quite a few plastic parts. Still, all the components involved in espresso production appear to be non toxic. In other words, you won’t have to worry about chemicals leaching into your coffee as the La Specialista Maestro does its thing.
In terms of performance, this is one of my favorite hybrid espresso machines. While there’s a high degree of automation on offer, you can take charge and be a boss barista, too.
At $1,180.00, the DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro represents great value for money, especially given the fact that it features a built-in grinder and an automatic tamping function. Plus, the milk foam this thing delivers is nothing short of superb.
See Also: DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro Review
Fellow French Press
PROS
- Looks amazing
- Almost no plastic parts
- Double-wall construction
CONS
- Expensive for a French press
Fans of French press coffee might feel like spending $99.00 is a little crazy. However, the Fellow Clara is no ordinary French press.
For starters, this stainless steel coffee maker features double wall insulation for exceptional heat retention. Plus, the non-stick (and food safe) interior means cleaning the thing is a breeze.
One of the only plastic parts is the Fellow Clara’s all-directional pour lid. However, the manufacturer guarantees that the plastic used is BPA-free and very high-grade.
Elsewhere, the Fellow Clara’s enhanced filtration mesh works wonders when it comes to keeping your French press coffee silt-free. In my experience, Fellow consistently produces excellent products, and I can’t recommend this non toxic coffee maker highly enough.
See Also: Fellow French Press Review
Chemex Coffeemaker
PROS
- Timeless design
- Easy to use
- Makes superb coffee
CONS
- Must use proprietary filters
If you’re determined to own a true plastic free coffee maker, the Chemex 8-Cup Coffeemaker might be the answer.
Constructed entirely from non-porous borosilicate glass, the classic Chemex is a study in exemplary design. In fact, it’s featured in the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art. For just $48.93, the 8-Cup Chemex won’t exactly break the bank. Still, you will need to shell out for the manufacturer’s proprietary filters, which aren’t the cheapest.
Plus, to get the best out of a Chemex, I recommend investing in a good burr coffee grinder and a gooseneck kettle.
As with any pour over coffee maker, using the Chemex requires time and patience. Then again, this timeless beauty is known for producing some of the cleanest and most delicious coffee you’ll ever taste!
Related: How to Use a Chemex
Bialetti Venus
PROS
- Stainless steel construction
- Great price
- Good heat retention
CONS
- Rubber gasket wears down over time
Lots of people avoid traditional aluminum moka pots like the plague. After all, there’s been a lot of debate over the years around how safe it is to brew coffee in something like the iconic Bialetti Moka Express.
I totally get why you might not want to roll the dice, which is why the Bialetti Venus might be a more attractive option for moka pot devotees.
Made entirely from high-grade stainless steel, this attractive stovetop espresso maker costs just $37.56. Plus, it makes great-tasting coffee and cleanup is a breeze.
Sure, it doesn’t have the “classic” Bialetti silhouette, but it’s almost guaranteed to be a non toxic coffee maker. The only thing you’ll have to keep an eye on is the rubber gasket, which can wear out over time. Still, it’s easily (and cheaply) replaceable.
Related: Moka Pot Review
Decision Time
Deciding on the best non toxic coffee maker for you will come down to a number of factors, including your budget and preferred brewing method. Plus, you may find that you’ll need to compromise here and there to get exactly what you want.
Unfortunately, finding an automatic plastic free coffee maker really isn’t easy. Still, as we’ve seen, you can minimize your risk of drinking tainted coffee by opting for one of the machines on my list.
I’m sure you guys will have discovered other models that I’ve overlooked, so please share your findings with the Coffeeness community. After all, sharing is caring, right!
I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to the best non toxic coffee makers. I look forward to reading your comments, and I’ll make sure to respond to each and every one!
Best Non Toxic Coffee Makers FAQ
A non toxic coffee maker doesn’t have cheap BPA plastic, lead or other potentially hazardous chemicals in its construction.
The most non toxic way to make coffee is by using a ceramic or glass pour over dripper.
While Cuisinart claims all its plastic parts are completely safe, some have claimed that the plastic used in cheaper models could leach chemicals into your coffee.
