Health

Healthiest Coffee Maker Filters Compared

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healthiest coffee filters compared

Is it any surprise coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world? Coffee has been fueling people for over 500 years (some say a lot longer). There are countless ways to drink coffee, countless numbers of coffee types, and numerous ways to brew ground coffee beans. Whether cold brew or hot brew, coffee culture is out in full force.

However, with health concerns growing around the world, more and more coffee drinkers are being mindful of where their coffee comes from and how coffee consumption affects their health. This has caused a complete re-evaluation of the coffee making process in order to make it healthier for the drinker.

Rating the Healthiest Coffee Filters

One aspect of the coffee making process that has come under the microscope has been the use of coffee filters. The sad truth is that even so-called “reusable” coffee filters should probably not be used indefinitely. There are concerns about BPA levels, wear and tear over time, and the overall sustainability of using certain coffee filters. If you are concerned about the safety of your health while supporting your love of coffee then here are the healthiest coffee maker filters on the market.

Gold Tone Reusable #4 Coffee Filter

If you are using a traditional drip-style coffee maker, then this particular filter cannot be ignored. Featuring a metal mesh for the filter body, you do not have to worry about BPA or any unnatural residues making their way into your coffee. Do you know what does make it into your coffee? Those delicious coffee oils normally get absorbed when you use most of the paper filters on the market. This means that you get a more delicious cup of coffee with this filter. As an added bonus, it’s dishwasher safe and fits most #4 size coffee makers. The stainless steel construction makes it practically perfect for your coffee needs.

Melitta #4 Coffee Filters

It would be unfair to say that all paper coffee filters compromised good, deep flavor. Many of the simple filters that are cheaply made compromise coffee flavor. However, these paper filters from Melitta do not. That is thanks to their micro-perforations. Those perforations allow for the paper to filter the coffee while allowing those delicious coffee oils to make their way to your cup. It is almost like being able to have your cake and eat it too.

Reusable K-Cup

Ever since Keurig came on the market, K-Cups are everywhere. The problem is that not all K-Cups are “official” K-Cups and are therefore not made to the same standards. The quality of the coffee is not always the best. On top of that, while K-Cups are certified as BPA-free, they can still have adverse effects if they’re overheated. Fortunately, this Reusable plastic K-Cup does not have that problem. With this K-Cup you can decide the amount of coffee you would like for your brew, making it as weak or as strong as you would like.

Tupkee 4-6 Cup 400 Pack – White

It is commonly accepted that if you are going to use paper coffee filters that you should avoid white colored filters because they have likely been bleached in order to achieve that perfect white look. Most people will tell you to stick with brown-colored paper coffee filters because they have not been bleached, and therefore cannot compromise your health or the flavor of your coffee. This 400 pack of white coffee filters from Tupkee proves that does not have to be the case. These filters achieve their white appearance without the use of bleach, which means there is one less chemical component for you to worry about. Best of all, these are standard coffee filters that you will find are available for practically every major coffee maker on the market.

Tupkee 4-6 Cup 400 Pack – Brown

There is also the brown alternative to the white 400 pack of Tupkee filters. Like the white alternative, you have the ability to brew large quantities of coffee in your standard coffee pot. After you are done using them you are able to put them in the compost heap and give back to nature. There is no real difference, you simply get the added peace of mind of knowing that they have not been processed in any way to achieve their color.

Cold Brew Strainer Bags

Preserving coffee’s robust flavor is important to coffee aficionados. When you use heat you may be getting the most commonly accepted form of coffee, but did you know that by drinking a cold-brew version of your favorite coffee you could try a whole new flavor profile? This is because using cold brew strainer bags to make your coffee filters out the acidic portion of your coffee, leaving you with a new unique taste and additional acids that may not be beneficial for your body.

Barista Warrior Pour-Over Coffee Filter

Pour-Over coffee has become incredibly popular over the last decade. There are numerous reasons why. For starters, there is a health benefit. Pour-over coffee typically contains less cholesterol than coffee that has been brewed in a coffee machine. If you want a filter for your new-found pour-over obsession, then this option from Barista Warrior has what you need.

It features a beautiful stainless steel, copper coated body that is dishwasher safe. It is compatible with most pour-over coffee makers on the market. And if you are a stickler for appearances, you can purchase a version with a black finish.

Bolio Organic Hemp Coffee Maker

Another great coffee filter for the pour-over method is this organic hemp offering from Bolio. Its organic form factor lends an interesting flavor to your favorite coffee as it filters out all of the unwanted sediment and by-products that you do not want in your coffee. However, it preserves the natural flavor that coffee oils deliver. This is paired with the added health bonus associated with pour-over coffee. Best of all, it is a completely eco-friendly coffee filter that can be used literally hundreds of times.

Tips For Using Your Coffee Filters

If you want to have the perfect cup of Joe then you cannot stop at simply picking a good filter. You have to use your filters the right way. Here are some tips that will help you get the most out of your coffee.

The Purer the Source…

Good tasting coffee doesn’t start with the coffee bean. It starts with your water. If you are using water that is straight from your home’s tap then the bad news is that you are stifling your coffee’s potential. The sad fact is that most tap water is pretty lousy. There is no telling how many particulates and contaminants could be present. Even if you manage to use a filter there is a good chance that the taste of the water has been compromised. Use clean, purified water and you are guaranteed to have a better cup of coffee.

Keep it Clean

If you want tasty, and healthy, coffee you need to make sure that the equipment you use to brew it stays clean between uses. There are some who think that the residual buildup of coffee-making particles can lead to a stronger tasting brew…but this is just laziness at work. The odds are more likely that you will just ruin a cup of coffee. Cleaning your filter will yield a better, fresher tasting cup every time.

Whole Beans are Better

If you want the best possible tasting coffee, then grinding it yourself is the way to go. Not only will the flavor be more robust, but you will also be able to control how coarse or how fine the coffee is when you brew it. This also means that you can grind your coffee to a consistency that is perfect for the filter you use.

Don’t Pack Too Tightly

One of the most common mistakes people will make when using their coffee filter is packing their coffee too tightly. The thought process is usually that they think they will end up with a stronger tasting cup of coffee. The opposite is true. When you do not pack your coffee tightly you are enabling the water that you use to effectively coat and mingle with your coffee, yielding a more flavorful cup.

Should You Be Worried About Dipalmethyl Hydroxyethylammoinum in Dryer Sheets?

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worried about Dipalmethyl Hydroxyethylammoinum

Today, people are more conscious of the ingredients and materials that go into the products they use. Everybody wants to know that the products they bring home aren’t a danger to themselves or their loved ones. Whether it’s food, the paint on their walls, or even the materials they use on their laundry.

Speaking of laundry, one particular ingredient has really made people worry. That ingredient is Dipalmethyl Hydroxyethylammoinum. That name is a mouthful to say, so from here on we’ll refer to it as DH. Here are some facts about DH and whether or not you should be worried about it.

What DH Is Best Known For

The most commonly used item to contain Dipalmethyl Hydroxyethylammoinum is fabric softening dryer sheets. This is because DH works as an antistatic agent while also working as a softener.

The Simple Answer about Dipalmethyl Hydroxyethylammoinum

If you want the simple answer as to whether or not DH is harmful, it’s basically “no.” The Consumer Product Safety Commission has deemed its presence to be harmless when used correctly. The presence of certain chemical additives that give dryer sheets more desirable fragrances can be harmful as they contain volatile organic compounds. These volatile organic compounds can cause numerous symptoms such as:

  • Migraines
  • Sneezing
  • Asthma attacks
  • Irritability of airways and eyes

However, Dipalmethyl Hydroxyethylammoinum is not one of the offending ingredients, as far as anybody knows. There is some controversy around the supposed safety of dryer sheets, but DH is not the chief concern. However, that is a simplified answer. It goes somewhat deeper.

The Not-So-Simple Answer

If you scour the internet, you will find a large number of health-conscious bloggers talking about dryer sheets. The primary focus is on whether or not they’re safe to use, and there is almost always a recommended alternative. DH is one ingredient that is usually highlighted. This isn’t because it’s dangerous, but because we don’t know for sure if it’s dangerous.

The big problem with the presence of DH in dryer sheets is that the Consumer Product Safety Commission has deemed DH to be harmless, but their results have never fully been explained. The CPSC does not require manufacturers to disclose their ingredients on the packaging. This leads many who are more prone to believe in conspiracy theories to believe the worst.

What Can Be Inferred?

Is all of this to say that Dipalmethyl Hydroxyethylammoinum is harmless to you? Not exactly. The science backing DH’s relative safety to consumers has never been released. However, we can know some things with a degree of certainty.

First of all, there are enough ingredients that are proven to be irritants, even carcinogenic. However, these ingredients, including DH, are not applied to the human body. They are applied to clothing.

We also know that no two businesses are alike. The CPSC does not require companies to disclose the materials that go into their products on the packaging. Some companies disclose their materials. Other companies disclose the main materials. And then some companies disclose no materials. Because of this, it can be hard to find which brands of dryer sheets to buy. (You can make homemade dryer sheets.)

For example, the makers of Bounce brand dryer sheets comply with International Fragrance Association standards. There are other alternatives on the internet that you can find which can alleviate your worries about chemicals. It certainly seems that a lot of the commotion about dryer sheet ingredients seems to be part of a marketing strategy more than a legitimate concern.

So what is the truth?

It should be said that more concrete scientific evidence needs to be done. That way the topic can finally be put to rest with conclusive evidence. As best as anybody can tell, the DH in your dryer sheets is relatively safe. It would appear that the real problem with dryer sheet use lies in the additives that give dryer sheets their strong fragrances. For most people dryer sheets are fine to use. If you want to be totally on the safe side, then looking for an alternative is recommended.

How to Find Affordable Physical Therapy

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physical therapy, affordable physical therapy near me

Recovering from an injury, debilitating illness, or chronic pain can be a long and difficult path. Physical therapy can be critical for anyone trying to improve the strength of their muscles, and often improves one’s quality of life. As with many longterm medical treatments, physical therapy can get expensive. Even if you have insurance that covers your PT, you’ll likely have a copay to worry about.

If you do not have insurance, then things will be more financially stringent as you will have to cover the entire cost of your appointments. If you are wealthy then this may not be a problem for you. However, most people will find getting affordable physical therapy to be a bit more difficult.

What Physical Therapy Entails

Physical therapy treatments vary from patient to patient. In general, the treatments are based on exercises designed to re-acclimate the patient to normal physical activity. This can be through the use of basic exercises, or through the use of exercise equipment such as treadmills, resistance bands, or balance bars.

There are different types of physical therapy based on the condition of the patient. Understanding your condition will help you understand how much you can expect to pay for physical therapy.

What PT Costs Without Insurance

Estimating the price of physical therapy is nearly impossibly without knowing the treatment plan and the patient’s insurance. For starters, the nature of one’s injury or condition has a major effect on the therapy needed. Some cases are temporary, and the subject needs only a few sessions of physical therapy. Other cases, like those addressing chronic pain, may require ongoing sessions.

Treatment centers have different prices — location, clientele, and specialization influence the charges from clinic to clinic. If you require specialized therapy, insurance may not be willing to cover it. Check if the treatment plan is deemed as a medical necessity. If it isn’t, you’ll have a hard time getting sign-off from an insurance company.

Generally, your first visit to a physical therapist will cost more money than your regular sessions. On your first session, your physical therapist will evaluate your needs and formulate a treatment plan. Your recurring sessions will typically be less expensive.

If you do not have insurance that covers physical therapy, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $150 for a standard visit. Some specialized visits can be as expensive as $350 per session. Do as much research as you can so you know what to expect.

To further break it down, here are the costs you’re likely to pay:

  • Insured: If you’re insured, you’ll pay, on average, 20% of your PT costs. For example, your cut of a $100 fee would be $20.
  • Uninsured: If you’re uninsured, expect to pay $100 to $150 per session. This becomes more expensive if your care plan calls for more frequent trips to the treatment center.

Specialized Physical Therapy Treatments

Some physical therapy treatments go beyond mere exercises and strength training. Check with your insurance to see if these specialities are covered. Some will, some won’t. It depends on your type of coverage.

Treatments such as acupuncture or cryotherapy, for example, are not universally accepted by the medical community. Hydrotherapy is more likely to be covered if a doctor deems it essential. 

If you want to save money on these specialized treatments, your best option is to reach out to treatment centers and ask for any money-saving measures they have. It’s not uncommon for treatment centers to work with patients on cutting costs. Some treatment centers even offer discounts on regular sessions if there is a finite number of them. They do this in the form of bundling the sessions into one overarching cost — this saves money in the long run.

Utilizing Your Insurance Plan

If you have insurance, your insurance provider is the first resource you need to use. Some insurance companies may suggest a specific in-network healthcare facility. Staying with your insurance provider’s network is one of the better options you have, but do not mistake that for being the only option.

If Medicare is your insurance, approximately 80% of your treatment cost is covered. This leaves you with the remaining 20%. For example, if your physical therapy sessions cost $100, you would pay $20.

Thinking Out of the Box

When your doctor prescribes physical therapy, ask about alternative services for physical therapy. Some facilities offer free physical therapy treatment. The trade-off? Trainees to be administering the therapy. These sessions are usually supervised.

Your doctor may also be able to suggest treatment centers that offer sliding-scale payments, meaning that they will only charge you based on what you can afford.

Doing Treatment at Home

Depending on the nature of one’s physical condition and what they are physically capable of doing, it is possible to do physical therapy exercises from home. This could reduce the number of necessary sessions that a patient would need. It needs to be stressed that this should only be done if one’s physical therapist were to agree that the patient is healthy enough to do them at home. This can ultimately save hundreds of dollars if done correctly.

In order to take this route you should ask the physical therapist to demonstrate any and all necessary exercises. You should record the demonstrations if the physical therapist is comfortable with you doing so. You should not do the exercises without an additional person who can assist you unless your physical therapist deems it safe to do so.

PT Apps

If you get the green light from your physical therapist to do at-home therapy there are apps you can download that will make keeping up with your physical therapy easier, in and out of the treatment center. Best of all, these apps will help you make physical therapy more affordable. Here are some great options:

Physera – Physera keeps you connected with highly qualified physical therapy experts remotely. If you are unable to make it to an actual treatment center or do not have insurance that covers physical therapy this option may be effective. The rates for using Physera are lower than in-person visits, with your first assessment session costing $100 and subsequent sessions costing $50.

PT Pal Pro – PT Pal Pro is an app that enables you to keep up with your physical therapy. Think of it as having a digital personal assistant that can remind you of PT appointments, keep track of your treatment plans, and even how you are doing with your physical therapy. It is an indispensable tool that can help you stay on top of your PT and potentially reduce the amount of it you have to do. It is available for free on Apple devices.

PT Timer Stretch and Exercise – This is an app designed specifically to keep track of performance of PT exercises. The patient is able to do their exercises and have a strict record of how long their exercises took, what difficulties they had with them, or any other notable detail. The app relays the notes to the physical therapist tracking the patient’s progress. This saves money by enabling the user to keep up with their physical therapy outside the treatment center.

CoPatient – Sometimes you cannot save money up front. That does not mean that you cannot save money after your appointment. CoPatient looks at your past medical bills to review the accuracy of the billing. If they find any potential savings they will only charge 35% of the savings for their fee.

Doing Your Due Diligence

One of the best ways that you can reduce the amount of money spent on physical therapy is to fully commit to your physical therapy. This may seem obvious, but it is easy to become lax with physical therapy schedules and exercises over time. This is understandable because physical therapy can be strenuous and difficult.

If you stick to your PT schedule, do the exercises required of you, and follow the advice of your physical therapist, your condition will improve so you can complete your physical therapy. The sooner you finish with physical therapy, the sooner you reduce the cost to zero.

You may not be able to nullify further physical therapy due to having a chronic condition, but you can still reduce the number of visits you take by staying on top of your therapy. This may not save you on the rate that you pay for your physical therapy, but it should reduce the frequency at which you pay it.

Don’t Skimp

Saving money is important. Saving your health is more important. Don’t make the mistake of putting your health at risk trying to save yourself money. Talk to your insurance provider, ask questions of your doctors, and speak to treatment centers that provide physical therapy. Chances are good that you can find ways to save a few dollars.

Coffee Brewing Method and Health – What You Need to Know

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Coffee Brewing Method and Health

As coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, it is easy to understand why it comes in so many forms. In fact, each coffee brewing method produces a slightly different result and can be linked to varying health benefits. Over the years, researchers have shown that drinking coffee can lower the risk of diabetes and heart failure.  However, these benefits are dependent on the type of coffee and brewing method you use.

Unfiltered Coffee and Health

According to a study in the European Journal of Preventative Cardiology, you will only experience positive health benefits if you drink coffee that is prepared with a filter. “Unfiltered coffee contains substances which increase blood cholesterol. Using a filter removes these and makes heart attacks and premature death less likely,” said Dag Thelle, the author of the research. “Our study provides strong and convincing evidence of a link between coffee brewing methods, heart attacks and longevity”.

The research implies that those who make coffee using a French press may experience a rise in blood cholesterol. This is because unfiltered coffee contains greater amounts of kahweol and cafestol, which are chemicals in the oil droplets within the coffee. These substances can raise “bad” LDL cholesterol levels, thus increasing the risk of heart problems. Thelle advised that people who know they have high cholesterol levels should stay away from unfiltered brew. For everyone else, be aware of the potential risks or switch to a filtered brewing method instead.

Filtered Coffee and Health

Coffee lovers may wish to opt for filtered brewing methods to keep enjoying their coffee with a clear conscience. In fact, drinking filtered coffee can be healthier than drinking no coffee whatsoever. Filtered coffee is made by pouring the coffee through a paper filter. This brewing method is often referred to as drip or pour over. Both men and women who drank filtered coffee experienced a 15 percent reduction in the risk of premature death. People who drank filtered coffee also presented lower risks of having heart disease or a stroke.

The study also found that those who drink between one and four cups of filtered coffee a day have the lowest mortality rate out of all of the analyzed groups.  “The findings showed that those drinking the filtered beverage did a little better than those not drinking coffee at all. This could not be explained by any other variable such as age, gender or lifestyle habits. So we think this observation is true,” Thelle said. These findings are important and other studies have corroborated the evidence. The American Heart Association found that filtered coffee can also improve mental focus and performance during exercise. Consuming coffee from this brewing method can also lower the risk of different types of cancer, liver disorders and melanoma.

  • Conclusion

Many research findings have confirmed that your choice of brewing method can have different effects on your health. In order to avail of the benefits of drinking coffee, you should consider opting for filtered coffee. Also, make sure you have a BPA free coffee maker.

How often should you replace your coffee maker?

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A coffee maker with cups of coffee

Not all coffee makers are created equal. There are stories of machines that last a lifetime while other coffee makers can’t go six months without breaking down. But why do the lifespans of different coffee makers vary so much and when should you replace your coffee maker?

Many things can affect the lifespan of a coffee maker, but mostly it’s about built quality and regular maintenance. Most solid machines will keep brewing quality joe for around five years, but you can extend its lifespan by a few more just by regularly cleaning the machine.

Water hardness plays a big role in determining how long your machine lasts. You might have to descale and perform maintenance on your machine more often if the water in your home is particularly hard. Even if your water is relatively soft, it’s always a good idea to create and stick to a descaling schedule, because calcium will build up in the tubes over time.

The complexity of your coffee maker is also important. More moving parts mean more things that can potentially break. Coffee makers that have no tubes, pumps, or heating elements will pretty much last forever. In many cases, you can have your machine brewing like new by replacing your coffee maker broken parts.

Now it’s time for you to take a good, long look at your coffee maker. How long have you had it? Have you noticed a drop in the quality of the coffee it brews? If you’re unsure if it might be time to upgrade to a newer model, here are some questions you can ask yourself that will help you know what to look for.

Does It Even Brew?

This might sound too obvious, but is your coffee maker even working? In many cases, a broken pump or failed heat element can be fixed or replaced. Of course, this depends on the brand of your coffee maker and whether spare parts are readily available.

If your coffee isn’t brewing at all, or your machine won’t turn on, it’s often not worth going through the trouble of repairing it — chances are good it will break again.

Before you start shopping for a new machine, check to see if your current warranty covers repairs or replacements. If you can get a new coffee maker, and you like your current model, then replacing your coffee maker is the way to go.

Is There Build-up in the Tubes That Can’t Be Removed With Descaling?

Water with a high concentration of calcium is called hard water. While it isn’t a health risk, the calcium can collect in the tubes and corners of your coffee maker. Over time, the buildup can affect the performance of your machine, which is why it’s so important to regularly descale (remove buildup).

Over years of neglect and constant use, the calcified minerals can accumulate and harden to the point that descaling won’t be enough to fix the problem. Cleaning it might not be feasible or worth your time. This would mean it’s time for you to replace your coffee maker.

What is the healthiest coffee maker?

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healthiest coffee maker

Recently, more and more coffee drinkers have become conscious of the health benefits and side effects that a cup of joe can have on you. And while the filters you use and the blend you choose can affect the strength and healthfulness of your final brew, many are shocked to learn that their plastic coffee maker could be responsible for leaking chemicals into their drink. This has led to increased interest in finding the healthiest coffee maker for one’s coffee.

Many plastics are produced using an old technique that dates back to the early 60s, which relies on the use of an industrial chemical called Bisphenol A, or BPA for short. Multiple studies have shown links between BPA consumption and infertility or even cancer.

Fortunately, many of the companies that manufacture plastic coffee makers have begun removing BPA plastics from their products. These products usually carry the BPA-free label, which indicates they are assembled using non-BPA plastics. However, that doesn’t mean they’re not just switching out BPA with another harmful chemical. And if your current plastic coffee machine doesn’t have the BPA-free label, there’s just no way of knowing how much contaminated liquid you drink in with every cup!

The only way to keep these dangerous chemicals out of your coffee is by using a coffee maker that contains no plastic parts. The good news is that there are tons of options if you’re looking for a non-plastic coffee maker that’s free from BPA. Here are a few of the healthiest coffee makers for true coffee lovers, made from non-plastic materials and free of BPA.

The Chemex

Coffee maker Chemex
Source: SIX CUP CLASSIC CHEMEX®,  CHEMEX® Coffeemaker

There are several reasons why the Chemex has maintained a spot as one of the most popular manual pour-overs since its introduction in 1941. First, it features a timeless, award-winning hourglass design. In fact, a version of the Chemex is on display at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Second, the Chemex is made of glass, with a sophisticated wooden handle wrapped neatly around its body. If you prefer, there’s a newer redesign with a glass handle. Finally (and most importantly), in the hands of a skilled barista, it produces some of the cleanest coffee you’ll ever taste.

The Chemex takes a degree of skill and familiarity with your roasts to get the best brews. The Chemex produces a great cup of coffee with a range of coffees styles. It’s best for light-to-light-medium roasts.

You can purchase the company’s proprietary bonded paper filters, available in natural and bleached variations. However, there’s a wide selection of filter alternatives produced by third parties that are compatible with the Chemex. So, if you prefer a thicker coffee with more oils, you can always purchase a compatible metal filter online.

Hario V60

Coffe Maker Hario V60
Source: Hario V60 Glass Coffee Dripper Olive Wood – Hario UK

The Chemex is a beautiful product, but comes at a premium price tag. That makes it unaffordable for many people. The Hario V60 brews excellent coffee at a fraction of the cost of a Chemex.

There are several variants of the V60, giving you a great selection of looks and colors to pick from. The cheapest option is the clear plastic design, made from solid, BPA-free plastic. For just a bit more, you can get the classic white ceramic, stainless steel, or glass models — designed so plastics don’t contact the hot coffee.

Generally, coffee is best brewed at a stable 195 to 205 Fahrenheit. The heat retention capabilities of ceramic make it one of the best materials to keep your coffee at that ideal temperature range.

As with all pour-overs, the V60 isn’t the right product if you’re looking for something that you can turn on and leave to percolate. Making a great brew with the V60 will require attention and care. The effort is well worth it if you’re a fan of clean, flavorful coffee (who isn’t?).

Tons of research shows that drinking coffee regularly in the long term is beneficial for your health. But those benefits could be canceled out by the dangers of brewing coffee in a plastic coffee maker. If the Chemex or Hario V60 isn’t for you, don’t fret. There’s a huge variety of non-plastic coffee makers on the market. Research and you’ll find the perfect one.

Are Plastic Coffee Makers Bad for You?

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A cup of coffee make from a plastic coffee maker

So you’re convinced that you can live longer if you sip a cup of coffee religiously every day, as shown by many studies. And so you carefully handpick your the best types of coffee like Fairtrade and organic products every time. But have you thought of other ways through which toxins can end up in your morning cups of coffee and undermine your plans to live longer?

BPA (Byphenol A) is no stranger to us. It’s a toxin that’s always lurking around in our kitchen and can make its way into your coffee cups through your plastic coffee maker.

If your joy of owning a new plastic coffee brewer is being dampened by a weird plastic taste in the coffee, you should be worried about more than just the plastic taste. You could be downing significant amounts of BPA, which has been linked to many serious health issues like fertility issues, high blood pressure, endocrine disorders, and certain types of cancer.

How Plastic Coffee Makers Can Lace Your Coffee with BPA

Plastic coffee makers can release BPA into your brew when the plastic holder containing the drink is heated up. The results of a certain study show that plastic bottles release higher amounts of BPA into their contents when filled with boiling water. A similar result occurs with the plastic containers and tubing of coffee makers coming in contact with boiling water.

Even under normal room temperatures, plastic containers can still release significant amounts of BPA. In another study, higher levels of BPA were recorded in the urine samples of participants who drank cold liquids from polycarbonate bottles for a week.

Does Your Coffee Maker Leak BPA?

Many manufacturers of plastic kitchen products that are used to prepare and serve food and drinks have made efforts to remove BPA from their products. Some makers of plastic coffee makers market their products as BPA-free options. However, these claims are usually not verified by independent labs, so there’s no way of guaranteeing their authenticity. In other instances, manufacturers simply substitute BPA for other equally toxic materials like BPS (Byhenol S).

So, how can you tell if your coffee maker or espresso machine contains BPA? In some instances, it can be quite obvious with your coffee has a strong plastic aftertaste. But your coffee can still contain significant amounts of BPA even without leaving a plastic aftertaste.

Other Healthier Ways to Drink Coffee

Since it’s quite difficult to tell if your coffee maker is leaking BPA or not, it’s advisable to avoid coffee makers with any plastic parts, whether it’s their filter, container, or tubing. Most single-serve and drip-brewing coffee makers are made of plastic parts, so you might want to ditch them all together for healthier ways to make coffee. 

You can try coffee-making systems such as those of glass, porcelain, and stainless steel. You can also opt for portable French press coffee makers that come with glass carafes and stainless steel mesh filters. Other alternative methods like pouring hot water over grounded coffee beans and filtering out the water using unbleached coffee meshes are also much healthier.

These alternatives may require more effort compared to single-serve plastic coffee makers, but they’ll help ensure that your morning cups of coffee are as healthy as they ought to be.