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
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
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.
