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For a long time, items made of plastic were considered of great value. They were long-lasting, durable, and lightweight. However, scientists discovered that many plastics contained a cancer-causing compound called Bisphenol A or BPA.
Recently, makers of plastic items that people use for storing or cooking food have been using alternative materials that do not contain BPA. These products are safer for you and your family.
Coffee makers are one of those items that no matter how hard you try to find one without plastic, some part is going to be made of plastic. So, you need to look for those that use BPA-free materials.
Today, there are so many BPA-free coffee makers, it can be hard to find the right one. You can spend hours of your free time researching coffee makers, in the quest to protect yourself and your family from BPA.
To help you with this task, we’ve done the research. In this article, we will share what we have learned, and give you our picks for the best BPA free coffee maker.
at a glance: Best Bpa Free Coffee Maker
How to Choose the Best BPA Free Coffee Maker
With so many options out there, finding a good BPA free coffee maker can be overwhelming. To help you narrow the field, we have put together a helpful product guide. Below, we offer the product features that are the most important when shopping for a BPA free coffee maker.
Types of BPA Free Coffee Makers
When considering a good BPA free coffee maker, you’ll quickly notice that when it comes to the types of coffee makers available, there are a lot of options. And this is the most important decision you will be making in your quest to buy a new coffee maker.
Automatic Coffee Makers
This category of coffee makers includes options like drip coffee makers, espresso makers, and single-serve, coffee pod machines.
Lower-priced versions of all of these types of machines will have more plastic parts, so you will need to choose wisely when you are shopping for an automatic coffee maker.
French Press
French press coffee makers are actually one of the easiest coffee makers to acquire in a completely plastic-free, BPA free option. Look for French Press coffee makers that are made from glass and stainless steel.
Some French press options come with plastic cages to protect the glass carafe. Plastic parts like this that won’t touch your coffee may not be BPA free, but will not cause you harm.
Pour Over Coffee Makers
Pour-over coffee makers come in a wide range of materials. These coffee makers are the simplest option you can buy. Coffee grounds are placed in a filter funnel and hot water is poured over the grounds.
As the coffee passes through it will steep, and pull the colors and flavors from the beans. When shopping for a pour-over coffee maker, you will need to look for BPA free options that cover the filter, funnel, and carafe or cup.
Percolators
Percolators sit on your stove and use steam and boiling water to brew your coffee. A good example of a percolator is the popular MokaPot.
These are very easy to find in BPA free options since they are always made of metal or ceramic, and neither of these materials contains BPA.
Materials
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is the most common replacement for plastic in coffee makers. You’ll find both automatic and manual types of coffee makers made with stainless steel or with stainless steel parts.
One thing to keep in mind with automatic coffee makers that are made from stainless steel, there are still going to be plastic parts, so you need to make sure that you carefully research any automatic coffee makers you are choosing. Look for clear labeling that the machine is truly BPA-free.
Glass or Ceramic
If you are looking for something a little more elegant, glass or ceramic is a good option. Glass is another material that does not contain BPA so it is a good alternative to plastic.
Most manual coffee makers, except percolators, will come in a glass or ceramic option. Automatic coffee makers may include a glass carafe or cups. Glass is more fragile than other materials so you will need to handle it carefully.
BPA Free Plastic
It just makes sense to use plastic from time to time. Many of the portable coffee maker options are still made from plastic because it is very durable and lightweight.
If you are still looking for a plastic coffee maker, there are plenty of options that are now made using alternative plastics that do not contain BPA. Just make sure that you check for the BPA-free label before you buy.
Ease of Use
No matter the type of coffee maker or the materials that it is made from, if it is a pain to use, it doesn’t matter if it is BPA free. Look for coffee makers that are simple to operate, have thoughtful convenience features, and come with helpful accessories.
Besides being simple to use and having intuitive controls, make sure that your BPA free coffee maker is also easy to clean. We like to look for options that have dishwasher-safe removable parts. This makes it easy to clean your coffee maker and saves you time as well.
Size
Size is all about the amount of space you have for your new coffee maker. For automatic machines, you do need to consider the footprint of your coffee maker. If you have a tiny kitchen with limited storage space, a giant coffee maker is going to overwhelm your space.
If you are shopping for a manual coffee maker, you may want to consider your storage space. Do you have enough room in your cabinets or pantry for your coffee maker? Will it fit easily on shelves or in a drawer? These are the types of considerations you need to keep in mind when looking at the size of your BPA free coffee maker.
Price
Yes! Price does matter when you are shopping for a BPA free coffee maker. Some automatic, stainless steel coffee makers can be very pricey. Actually, stainless steel as a material in manual coffee makers can drive up the price as well.
If you are on a budget, you may need to consider options that have fewer metal parts or opt for a glass or BPA free plastic option.
Quick Overview: Our Top Picks for Best Bpa Free Coffee Maker
IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
---|---|---|---|
Coffee Maker by Cuisinart |
| CHECK CURRENT PRICESee Customer Reviews | |
Presto 02811 12-Cup Stainless Steel |
| CHECK CURRENT PRICESee Customer Reviews | |
Hario V60 Ceramic Coffee Dripper |
| CHECK CURRENT PRICESee Customer Reviews | |
Chemex Pour-Over Glass |
| CHECK CURRENT PRICESee Customer Reviews | |
SterlingPro French Press |
| CHECK CURRENT PRICESee Customer Reviews |
Our Top 5 Best BPA Free Coffee Makers
Now that you know what we think is most important to consider when shopping for a BPA free coffee maker, it is time for us to share our favorites.
Below we offer our picks for the five best BPA free coffee makers. Our list gives both manual and automatic options. There are also great options in our list for the budget conscious.
1. Perfectemp Coffee Maker by Cuisinart DCC-3200P1
Our favorite BPA free coffee maker is the Cuisinart Perfetemp 14-cup coffee maker. This great coffee maker is easy to use, has some great features, and comes at an affordable price.
Cuisinart is a well-known brand for kitchen appliances. Their coffee makers are some of the most popular options out there. The Perfectemp coffee maker is a great example of the high-quality construction and performance that Cuisinart is known for.
This coffee maker features a BPA free glass carafe that is designed for heat retention. The glass of this carafe is more durable than other carafes and can keep your coffee hot longer than lower-quality glass carafes.
The convenience features of this coffee maker are a selling point for us. The easy-to-use push button controls make it easy to brew a perfect cup of coffee. Select your brewing strength, carafe temperature, and warming time. This great coffee maker even has a setting for smaller brewing quantities and a cleaning function.
The Perfetemp comes with a gold mesh filter, so you don’t need to use coffee filters if you don’t want to. There is also an included water filter that helps keep unwanted flavors from spoiling your morning coffee.
The programmable auto-start option allows you to fill your coffee maker the night before and wake to a delicious cup of coffee, brewed in an outstanding BPA free coffee maker.
Pros
- Sleek stainless steel design and small footprint
- Includes a water filter and gold mesh grounds filter
- Makes up to 14 cups or as few as 1 cup
- Auto-off feature keeps you from burning your coffee
- Adjust the brew and warmer temperature
Cons
- The beeping alarm for everything gets a bit annoying
- To fill this machine you have to pull it out from under the cabinets
2. Presto 02811 12-Cup Stainless Steel Coffee Maker
Percolators are a classic way to make a great cup of coffee. They are also one of those coffee maker options that have to be made from a BPA free material. The Presto 12-cup stainless steel percolator is a highly attractive option for a BPA free coffee maker.
Traditionally, percolators work by heating the pot on your stove. The Presto 02811 eliminates the stove and uses a built-in electric coil to heat your percolator. Every part of this coffee maker that touches your coffee is made from stainless steel, so there is absolutely no BPA near your morning coffee.
The Presto 02811 is a great coffee maker option for your office, dorm room, or even your camper or RV. This coffee maker gives you 12 cups of delicious coffee with minimal effort or complicated programming. Simply add water and your coffee grounds, plug in and you are just a few minutes away from a hot cup of joe.
This coffee maker does require a bit of hand washing. The pot itself cannot go into the dishwasher. However, the filter basket and perk tube are both dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
Pros
- Simple to use coffee maker with no complicated features
- Makes 12 cups of coffee
- Internal parts are dishwasher safe
- Coffee pot, perk tube, and filter basket are all BPA free stainless steel
Cons
- We were surprised at how short the cord is
- The filter basket lid doesn’t sit tight. We ended up with some grounds in our coffee
- There is no auto shut-off feature or on/off button. You have to unplug the coffee maker to turn it off
3. Hario V60 Ceramic Coffee Dripper Pour Over Cone Coffee Maker
If you love pour-over and are looking for a great way to make your favorite coffee drink, but also want an option that is BPA free, the Hario V60 is a perfect choice.
Originating in Japan, the Hario V60 is the original pour-over coffee maker. This beautiful and functional pour-over funnel allows you to brew a delicious cup of coffee right into your cup.
Made from ceramic, this cone brewer is BPA free and comes in a range of colors to perfectly coordinate with your kitchen. As a compact and inexpensive BPA free coffee maker, the V60 is a great option for small kitchens or for those on a budget.
Each Hario V60 is handmade in Japan at the Arita-yaki Company. This company has been making ceramicware for over 400 years. Their products have always been made from the highest quality ceramic.
There are no plastic parts so this coffee maker has always been BPA free.
Pros
- Easy to use and easy to clean
- Compact and easy to store
- Makes pour over coffee directly into your mug
- High-quality ceramic retains heat as your coffee steeps
- The V60 comes in a range of colors to match any kitchen
Cons
- For best results, you’ll need to pre-measure your water, because you cannot see through this pour-over cone
- Made from ceramic, so it is breakable
4. Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffeemaker
The Chemex glass company and its borosilicate glass lab equipment were founded in 1941. This company has been making high-quality laboratory glassware for years. It is no surprise that one of the best pour-over coffee makers comes from this name in glass products.
The Chemex pour-over coffee maker features a classic pour-over carafe shape and a beautiful wood collar. Using the Chemex pour-over coffee maker you get a great cup of coffee free from BPA.
The benefits of borosilicate glass, besides the fact that it contains no plastic and therefore no BPAs, make this the perfect BPA coffee maker option.
Borosilicate glass retains heat better than other types of glass. It is more durable than other glass types and can withstand some small distance drops without breaking. The Chemex pour-over coffee maker will not absorb flavors or stains from making coffee, even very dark roast coffees.
The Chemex pour-over coffee maker is a bit more expensive than other pour-over coffee makers. However it is made with the highest quality materials and even comes with a stainless steel mesh filter, so paper filters are not required.
Pros
- Clear borosilicate glass allows you to see precisely how your brew is progressing
- Coffee maker is also the carafe that holds your brewed coffee
- Comes with a lid so you can store your coffee for later, or just prevent spills
- Classic, simple design
- Affordable price
Cons
- Pour-over brewing takes a bit of practice to get right
- If you want to use paper filters you will need to buy the Chemex-specific filters
- Shape does make it challenging to clean the carafe.
5. SterlingPro French Press Coffee Maker
For many coffee lovers, the best way to enjoy a coffee in the morning is a French press. The French press is often considered the bridge between automatic and manual brewing. While simple to brew, the French press also makes a more robust and flavorful cup of coffee.
The SterlingPro is our favorite, stainless steel French press. This attractive French press allows you to brew a delicious cup of coffee, without worrying about it getting cold. This double walled BPA free coffee maker is highly functional but also keeps your coffee warm
There are no plastic parts with this French press, so not only do you avoid BPA, but you also don’t have to worry about getting strange flavors in your coffee. The SterlingPro is made using food-grade stainless steel, so it is made to handle high heat and acidic foods without rusting or corroding.
We really like the large-sized handle on the SterlingPro. It is very easy to hold and is comfortable for most people. The SterlingPro French press is classically styled and will look wonderful in your kitchen, camper, or even at your campsite.
Pros
- Made from high-quality food-grade stainless steel
- Double layer stainless steel filter allows the coffee flavor to pass through.
- Double wall construction keeps coffee warmer than other French presses
- Will not break if dropped and will not rust
- A really affordable BPA-free coffee maker
Cons
- It hard to make a partial pot of coffee with this French press
- Only comes in one finish color
- Filter screens are challenging to clean
Best BPA Free Coffee Maker – Final Thoughts
As we learn more about the many health issues that BPA can cause, it is more and more important to consider products that are free of BPA.
This doesn’t mean you have to eliminate items with plastic from your world, but you do need to be more aware of the kind of plastic or materials appliances, dishware, drinkware, and other food containers are made from.
When it comes to selecting a BPA free coffee maker, you do have a lot of options. Whether you select an automatic coffee maker like the Cuisinart Perfectemp or a classic French press, there is a BPA free coffee maker for you.
We gave you five great options that make great coffee while also protecting you and your friends and family from the risks of BPA.