When I was in the market for the best plastic free coffee maker, I had no idea it would be so hard to find “the one”.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information click here.
Standard drip coffee machines were a no-go, as they have tons of plastic parts inside and out.
Even metal and glass coffee makers, like French presses and pour-overs, often had bits of plastic in the plunger or filter holder.
I tried using online review posts to help me decide, but they were all recommending products chock full of plastic parts. It was frustrating to say the least.
Thankfully, after much research and a bit of trial and error, I found an eco-friendly coffee maker that fit nicely into our zero waste kitchen.
I eventually settled on a Chemex. But if glass pour-overs aren’t your cup of tea–er, coffee–I’ve rounded up some other excellent no plastic coffee makers to consider.
Bonus: many of these brewers can also be used to make zero waste tea as well!
Why choose a plastic free coffee maker?
When choosing a coffee maker, I looked for three key features. It needed to be long lasting, efficient, and made with sustainable components.
For me, that narrowed down the search to a high quality, plastic free coffee maker.
I wanted something that would let me brew thousands of cups of zero waste coffee without any fear of harmful chemicals leaching into my drink.
Plus, the disposable nature of plastic is at odds with the vibe of good coffee. Plastic is artificial, harmful to the environment, and often used as a substitute for the real thing. Coffee is natural, invigorating, and has deep ties to our daily rituals and cultural histories.
What is BPA and why is it harmful?
Bisphenol A, or BPA for short, is an artificial compound that was discovered in the 1890s and popularized in the 1950s–not a good decade for public health!
BPA is used to prevent metal from eroding and is found in a lot more everyday items than you might think, including eyeglasses, CDs and electronics.
However, when it comes into contact with ingestible items, such as through plastic containers, it can be hazardous to our health.
Although the effects of BPA continue to be debated, it has been linked to negative effects on reproductive, immunity, and neurological functions, especially in young children and babies. BPA is shown to have an impact on heart health, and may contribute to conditions like heart disease and other chronic illnesses.
It’s hard to believe a piece of plastic can be so detrimental, but switching to a BPA free coffee maker is a positive choice for your well-being.
BPA and plastic are also things to look out for if you are planning on buying an eco-friendly travel mug for your coffee.
Best Plastic Free Coffee Makers
My Top Pick: Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffeemaker
If you’re looking for the neat simplicity of both form and function, you’ll love a Chemex brewer.
In fact, we ended up buying a Chemex after our search for the best plastic free coffee maker.
If you aren’t familiar with how pour-over coffee works, I highly recommend this in-depth guide for getting the best possible result.
However, the process is as simple as nestling a filter in the top of the Chemex (you can use paper or a reusable metal one), putting in your grounds, and slowly pouring hot water over the top.
The Chemex design is minimalist and very elegant. I love how it looks on my counter as much as I love the taste of the coffee it produces!
It’s made of high quality, non-porous borosilicate glass which does not absorb any odors or residues, meaning you get only the clear, distinct taste of whatever you brew. Plus, its unique shape makes it suitable for cold brewing.
The handle can be removed, which makes cleaning the main glass section a whole lot easier. Also, the brewer can be covered and refrigerated in case you want to store your coffee for reheating later (or you’re making cold brew).
I’ve never been one of those people who obsesses over their coffee. But since buying the Chemex, I actually look forward to my slow morning routine of quiet music and pour-over brewing.
Hario V60 Olive Wood Pour Over Stand Set
Hario is another big name in the plastic free coffee brewer scene. Their V60 dripper comes in a variety of styles, including this beautiful olive wood stand set.
It’s perfect for anyone who loves the taste of drip coffee, but who likes the method of the pour-over.
Like the Chemex, this coffee maker is made with high quality borosilicate glass. The glass is used in both the heat-proof collection jar and the dripper. The set also comes with a measuring spoon, 100 sheets of paper filtered, and a chic olive wood stand to let it drip while you get ready in the mornings.
Once you have let the coffee drip into the collection server, you can pop the lid onto it in order to keep it warm while you drink at your own speed. The lid has a tiny BPA-free rubber seal to ensure the freshness of your coffee.
The only downsides to this eco-friendly coffee maker is that the measuring spoon it comes with is plastic (BPA-free). However you can buy a Hario stainless steel measuring spoon separately.
Mueller French Press Double Insulated 304 Stainless Steel Coffee Maker
I love a good French pressed coffee, but I don’t love that many brands include plastic in their designs. If you are looking for an eco-friendly version, Mueller has a fantastic stainless steel option.
This zero waste coffee maker is perfect for my fellow sustainable coffee aficionados. You can make your coffee as thick and frothy as you want with this coffee maker’s 4-level filtration system.
Every single piece is stainless steel, so they will last for many years before you even need to consider replacing them. Stainless steel is also rust-proof!
One huge benefit of stainless steel over a glass plastic free coffee maker is that you do not ever need to worry about the glass becoming weaker and shattering over time. While this is rare with well-made products, it is one reason some people stick with stainless steel.
Le Creuset Stoneware French Press
If you read my post on sustainable kitchen products, you know how much I love Le Creuset. Their stoneware French press makes top quality coffee and looks great in the kitchen while it does it.
And it’s not just coffee–I’ve made hot cocoa and chai tea in this as well and it tasted so good.
Le Creuset is a well-loved brand for a reason. Although their products can be a bit on the pricier side, they’re worth every cent. With proper care, I know I’ll be able to pass down my Le Creuset kitchenware to the next generation.
This BPA free coffee maker is made with high-fired stoneware and finished with non-porous enamel glazing that makes it super easy to clear. It also prevents any odors from clinging to the insides.
The plunger and mesh press are both stainless steel, making it extra eco-friendly and long lasting.
Hario Ceramic Coffee Dripper
Yes, Hario gets two entries on this list of the best plastic free coffee makers.
Their ceramic coffee dripper is expertly designed to retain heat, and the spiral pattern helps evenly distribute that heat during the filtering process.
This means you’ll get more flavor in your coffee, as the water is in contact with more of the grounds and for a longer time. It’s this level of quality that makes Hario a favorite of baristas around the globe.
This is a very meditative zero waste coffee maker–when pouring in the water it should be done slowly. Your coffee will not only taste better, but I find that this makes making the coffee feel more worthwhile as well.
Pro tip: Go for the larger Size 02 option, as you can use it to brew into a single coffee mug or a larger coffee pot.
Coffee Gator Paperless Pour Over Coffee Dripper Brewer
Another pour-over coffee maker, this one from Coffee Gator comes with a removable stainless steel mesh filter for zero waste brewing.
Metal filters also offer a more full-bodied coffee flavor, though a less smooth one. So the one you choose will come down to personal preference.
This no plastic coffee maker is made with heat resistant glass, but don’t pour boiling water directly into it or it might crack (you shouldn’t be using boiling water to brew pour-over coffee anyway).
Instead, boil the water, let it cool on the side, and then pour it through the grounds in the filter.
If you’re looking for other coffee accessories, Coffee Gator is a great eco-friendly company with high quality products. They are dedicated to helping people drink better coffee in a more sustainable way.
Ovalware Glass Cold Brew Coffee Maker with Stainless Steel Filter
Cold brew coffee seems to get more popular every year. And it’s easy to see why.
First of all, you can make it the night before instead of during your busy morning. And because cold brew is less acidic and tends to be more naturally sweet, it’s a good alternative for people who don’t love the taste of coffee–but don’t want to drown it in milk and sugar, either.
Ovalware’s BPA free coffee maker is ideal if you prefer cold brew coffee, but you can also pour it into a cup and heat it if you like it hot.
It makes more than enough for a few glasses, so you can share with the rest of the house or have it ready to go for a few uses at a time. Just put the coffee grounds in to brew, pop it in the fridge to steep, and you’ll have a smooth brew in about 12 hours.
It is made with extra-thick borosilicate glass, and comes with a stainless steel filter and lid, and a BPA-free silicone bottom to prevent it from slipping. The lid also has BPA-free silicone to keep it airtight and fresh as long as you need.
You can also use this eco-friendly coffee maker for iced tea. It’s designed to work with both loose leaf and tea bags.
Turkish Coffee Pot
If you’re a fan of strong, concentrated coffee with minimal clean-up, a Turkish coffee pot is for you.
Traditionally made of tin and copper, Turkish coffee pots are naturally plastic-free. They also have no internal mechanisms that can break, so they’re incredibly durable.
Plus, the pot itself (also known as a “cezve”) is both eco-friendly and attractive.
Brewing Turkish coffee is super simple. You pack in a few spoonfuls of very fine grounds, pour in the water, and let it brew on the stove.
After about 4 minutes, pull the pot off the heat and pour the coffee into your cup–no filters necessary. There will be dregs at the bottom of your cup that you can discard or compost after you finish your drink.
Looking for other eco friendly home products? Check out these posts!
