Laura Honey
September 1, 2025: I refreshed and reviewed this guide, adding the AeroPress Go Plus I recently tested, plus some runner-ups from my most recent tests. I am currently testing the 100% glass Pure Over Brew Kit and a range of stainless steel percolators.
Shopping for a non-toxic coffee maker is a smart choice. Experts have reassured me that most of the top coffee makers on the market are safe when used correctly. However, as soon as glass or stainless steel elements are replaced with lighter, cheaper plastics, it sparks cause for concern.
Kelly Johnson-Arbor, a medical toxicology physician and interim executive director at National Capital Poison Center says: ‘Plastics used in even the best coffee makers can contain potentially dangerous chemicals, including BPA and PFAS’. These are used in lots of everyday kitchen products because they’re stain-resistant and waterproof. Dr. Kelly told me that BPA is associated with health issues, including endocrine disruption and impaired fertility (you can read more about this on the FDA website).
I struggle with hormonal issues myself, which is why I rallied my team of product testers, who spent 60 hours testing the best non-toxic coffee makers on the market, crafted with glass, stainless steel, and BPA-free elements. Overall, I've had more luck with manual brewers, like French presses, pour-overs, and moka pots. These are simpler machines that use just one or two materials, often glass or stainless steel. My personal favorite is the Aeropress Premium, which replaced my plastic pod machine with speedy, smooth single-serve coffee from a beautiful glass chamber.
However, we also had success with drip coffee machines – and the OXO 8 Cup Drip Coffee Maker came out top in our tests, with a five-star rating that's hard to argue with. Here's everything you need to know. If you would like more information, we also have an article where medical experts answered our question, ‘Are coffee makers toxic?'
The hot list
Once you know which materials to look for, there are actually several great options on the market. These were the best non-toxic coffee makers from our team tests. Further down the page, I’ll break down the pros and cons of each model in detail, along with a few strong runner-ups.
A balance of high-quality coffee, affordability, and non-toxic materials (stainless steel and BPA-free plastic). It's SCA-certified for brewing great-tasting coffee in under six minutes.
Looking for speed? Forget plastic pod machines. The Aeropress Premium is made from stainless steel and high-quality glass. It is easy to use, and even simpler to clean, but it only makes americano or espresso for one person.
With 10-cup capacity, this is a sleek machine made of stainless steel and glass. Ideal for serving quality drip coffee for the whole family or guests.
This retro design is available in gorgeous colors, from bold blues to neutral creams. It's handmade in the Netherlands with stainless steel and high-quality plastics that are free from BPA and PFAS. The coffee is as rich and unique as the design.
If you love rich, velvety coffee, go for this chic Moka pot. Crafted from stainless steel (instead of the traditional aluminum), this Italian brewer works on both gas and induction stoves.
We think this is the best French press money can buy, so it's no wonder it's made from the most premium, durable, and safest material. The stainless steel is double-walled, so your coffee stays warm for hours.
This pour-over is around $20, yet it is made from high-quality porcelain and no plastics. You're limited to making one cup at a time, but it's easy to use and makes a smooth coffee.
The Aeropress Go Plus is made from BPA-free Tritan plastic, which is hardy and lightweight. It all packs into a stainless steel tumbler, so you can take it anywhere – from the office to the airport.
Best non-toxic coffee makers 2025
1. Best overall
What makes it non-toxic? The carafe and most of the housing is made from stainless steel, and the OXO website states: 'All parts that contact coffee or water are BPA-free.'
Why we like it: The OXO has earned a spot at the top of our buying guide as it hits all of our key criteria: it is durable, good value for money, and makes great tasting coffee.
Our tester, Aleenah, awarded it five stars, saying: 'The coffee was delicious and flavorful every time.' She also timed the OXO and it took less than six minutes to brew a full eight-cup carafe of coffee. 'The double-walled steel carafe keeps coffee warm and is easy to pour from', Aleenah continues. 'If you still need convincing, OXO's 8-Cup Coffee Maker is certified by the Speciality Coffee Association (SCA) for meeting its rigorous home brewing standards. Even after months of use, the OXO has stayed reliable.'
What we didn't like: The main drawback is that it isn’t programmable or customizable. There isn't a built-in clock or automatic mode if you want to brew your coffee at a certain time. Plus, Aleenah said: 'The carafe doesn’t keep the coffee hot for hours, since it has a small hole at the top where stream escapes after brewing.' If that's a priority, you should look at the Aarke model below, which has an excellent hot plate. However, all things considered, the OXO offers solid materials, an excellent cup of coffee, and a good price – which is a rare trio in the world of coffee makers.
Read more in our full OXO 8-cup coffee maker review
2. Quickest
What makes it non-toxic? The chamber is made from glass, while the filter cap and stirrer that come into contact with hot water are made from quality stainless steel. Even the coffee scoop is stainless steel.
Why we like it: If you’re ready to ditch those cheap and plasticky pod machines, try upgrading to the Aeropress Premium. The AeroPress brand has long been a favorite among coffee and health enthusiasts (including renowned neuroscientist and podcaster Dr Andrew Huberman). It's perfect for people who prioritize speed, simplicity, and smooth single-serve coffee.
The glass and stainless steel components are sleek and elegant; I was expecting them to feel fragile, but they are sturdy and strong. It’s also incredibly quick. I timed the process to be under three minutes from start to finish, including the time it took to boil the kettle. After brewing, a quick rinse under cold water cools the stainless steel filter, and popping out the coffee puck is a breeze. A rinse and air dry are all that’s needed to have it ready for your next cup. If speed and health are your priority, you'll love the whole experience.
What we didn't like: In terms of taste, it brews very smooth, full-bodied coffee, but it only makes espresso-style shots and americanos for one person. If you want to serve more people look to the larger OXO 8-cup or Aarke 10 cup models on this list.
Plus, it's pretty expensive. If you want to try the brand for around $30, the Original Aeropress is still a great choice. Instead of glass, it uses BPA-free plastic, which is FDA and EU-approved for coffee contact.
Read more in our full Aeropress Premium review
3. Best large capacity
What makes it non-toxic? Crafted from premium stainless steel and glass, the Aarke exudes elegance and durability.
Why we like it: The Aarke Coffee Maker offers a serene, almost meditative brewing experience. While the price is extremely high, the combination of quality materials, large capacity, and cup consistency makes it a fantastic addition to any keen host or family kitchen.
The taste is spot-on. There's a professional-grade boiler that adjusts the brewing temperature based on the number of cups being made, so you'll receive optimal flavor extraction no matter how much you're brewing. Aarke promises a full carafe in under six minutes. You can serve ten people at once, or use the hot plate to keep your coffee warm and drink multiple cups throughout the day. These factors combined mean that this model achieves the SCA's Golden Cup standard.
Cleaning the Aarke Drip Coffee Maker is simple. The filter is easy to remove, so you can rinse the cone. The glass carafe is actually dishwasher-safe, but it's easy to hand-wash and dry as well.
What we didn't like: One potential drawback is the sheer size of this machine – it’s a statement piece that will need to remain on the countertop year-round. It might even be too big for your coffee nook or pantry cupboard. You should also consider the high price tag. It's certainly beautiful, premium, and designed for longevity, but if you're looking for delicious and safe coffee on a budget, you should look to the other models in this guide.
Read more in our Aarke Drip Coffee Maker review
4. Best design
What makes it non-toxic? The Moccamaster is handmade in the Netherlands with stainless steel and BPA-free materials.
Why we like it: It's cute, colorful, and thoughtfully designed. The retro, boxy design looks great in a wide range of shades, with an option to complement any kitchen color palette. There are bold primary hues to pop against white walls, as well as softer greens, pinks, and blues.
Looks aside, the Technivorm Moccamaster works quickly and quietly to brew a whole 10-cup carafe in as little as six minutes. Our product tester and ex-barista, Laura Honey, was impressed in the test kitchen. As were the Specialty Coffee Association and the European Coffee Brewing Center: this machine is certified gold by both organizations.
What we didn't like: This coffee maker is a little high-maintenance. Moccamaster recommends descaling your machine after every 100 cycles and washing each component by hand. The 5-year warranty is a sweetener, though.
Another downside is that you do pay a lot of money for basic functions. We loved the unique aesthetic, but were somewhat disappointed that we didn’t get more from it in terms of coffee customizability or automation. If you don't mind this simplicity but would like to pay less, look to the OXO at the top of this list. It's not a design centrepiece like the Moccamaster, but it does a very good job for a better price.
Read more in our Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select review
5. Best Moka Pot
What makes it non-toxic? The Bialetti Venus is made from stainless steel, with a food-safe silicone gasket.
Why we like it: We have searched high and low for the world's best Moka pots, and it doesn't come better than Bialetti. While the Venus has a different shape from the brand's original hexagonal product, the performance was still great. The Venus delivers the same rich, bold, and full-bodied coffee you’d expect from any Bialetti moka pot.
While stainless steel is heavier and requires some polishing to keep it looking smart, it’s durable and compatible with induction stoves. In our tests, we also found that the stainless steel construction retained heat well, keeping your coffee warm for a few minutes.
What we didn't like: Our only real criticism is that we missed the retro aesthetics of the classic moka pot. The Venus is more of a cylindrical shape. Plus, the different build style means that the gasket is sealed with silicone, which experts advise replacing every year or so to ensure reliability. But if you love Moka coffee and prefer to use safer stainless steel, this is the safest option you can get.
Read more in our guide to the best Moka pots
6. Best French press
What makes it non-toxic? The Espro P7 is crafted from high-quality, safe and durable stainless steel.
Why we like it: There’s no question: Espro makes the best French press on the market. As a team, we’ve tested dozens of models, and the Espro consistently delivered a deliciously rich, grit-free cup every time. The two-stage filtration system and ultra-tight seal stood out to us in the tests. It completely eliminates sediment, giving you nothing but smooth, full-bodied coffee with every pour. We also made an amazing cold brew and homemade fruit teas, too.
We tested the large 32 oz. version, which brews enough to serve a large family or a small brunch party. I actually loved the Espro so much, I took it home from the test kitchen, and now uses it daily as it's great for working from home. Thanks to its double-wall insulation, the coffee stays warm for hours. If you’re busy or just a bit forgetful, you’ll never come back to a cold carafe.
What we didn't like: The only shame is that the stainless steel body isn’t transparent, so you can’t watch the brewing process. But the heat retention and non-toxic credentials are a worthwhile trade-off. It is well worth the investment.
Read more in our guide to the best French presses
7. Most affordable
What makes it non-toxic? Unlike plastic pour-overs, the Melitta is made from high-quality porcelain.
Why we like it: Retailing for around $15-20, we're not surprised that this is a popular pour-over. It's inexpensive, but our team agree that it feels like a premium product. Our lead tester and ex-barista, Laura, says: 'It looks elegant on the counter and it is made from high-quality porcelain, which feels great to handle.'
The Melitta suits a wide range of coffee drinkers, since it makes clean, crisp, and light coffee which suits a lot of people. If you tend to make one coffee at a time, a single-cup pour over is perfect. Plus, it doesn't dominate your kitchen, since it's pretty tiny.
What we didn't like: The Melitta only has one drain hole, as opposed to three, so if you aren't a careful pourer, you might over-brew your coffee. Also, if you're in a hurry and you need to batch brew more coffee, this will take too long, because you need to pour your water over the coffee very specifically – and of course, you can only brew one cup at a time.
If you need to brew a batch for a crowd, I think you'll prefer the drip coffee options on this list, like the OXO 8-Cup or the more premium Aarke. However, if your only goal is that you simply don't want to spend a fortune on a non-toxic coffee maker, the Melitta is a winner.
Read more in our Melitta Pour Over review
8. Best for travel
What makes it non-toxic? This AeroPress is made from Tritan, which does feel a little plasticky, but it's BPA-free, thick, and certainly won't break if you drop it. AeroPress says: 'All materials used in AeroPress coffee makers are FDA and EU approved for use in contact with food, and are free of BPA and phthalates.'
Why we like it: Not every office, hotel, or resort you go to will have a non-toxic coffee maker. If you're looking to take your healthy routine on the go, you won't find better than the AeroPress Go Plus. It's lightweight, easy to use, and a cinch to handwash. The coffee maker itself all packs into a stainless steel tumbler, like a game of Russian dolls.
I was thoroughly impressed with the taste tests. The coffee shots were delicious, with the syrupy texture and rich intensity of a proper espresso. The Americano also brought out the specialty notes of the beans. I could even see a light crema on top, which even the best drip coffee makers struggle to achieve.
What we didn't like: After testing the Premium model above, the original felt a little cheap, as it's plastic (although it is BPA-free). But if you'll be brewing from the hotel, office, Air BnB, ski lodge, or tent, the portable model makes much more sense.
Read more in our full AeroPress Go Plus review
More options
These options just missed the list, but they still worth considering if you haven't found a coffee maker that suits your taste on the hot list. I've outlined the pros and cons below.
This model just missed our hot list, as it doesn't keep your coffee warm and double-filtered like the Espro P7. The Bodum is over $100 cheaper though. The carafe is glass, with a stainless steel plunger and lid. The retro style is gorgeous too; I even spotted one in Meghan Markle's kitchen.
The Zwilling 12-cup coffee maker uses a borosilicate glass carafe and BPA-free plastic components, but it doesn't match up to the OXO or Aarke models on our hot list. Speaking of 'hot', that was the main issue – the 'hot plate' only stays warm for 30 minutes after brewing, which doesn't quite cut it for us.
I'm still testing this pour-over, which has a borosilicate glass carafe, a stainless steel dripper, with a food-safe silicone gasket for stability. It’s a thing of beauty on the counter, but the glass felt a little fragile to me. I much preferred the AeroPress Premium, which felt sturdier and more durable in my tests.
What's up next?
Call me obsessed, but it's my job to find the best non-toxic coffee makers out there. Even though I have compiled this water-tight list, I don't rest on my laurels.
I'm currently trying to get a media sample of the Pure Over Glass Pour-Over XL Coffee Brew Kit, available at Williams Sonoma. It is designed by glass artist Etai Rahmil, entirely out of durable borosilicate glass, including the filter. I haven't seen anything like it, so I'm looking forward to testing it against other majority glass coffee makers, like the AeroPress Premium and Chemex.
Next on my list is a range of stainless steel percolators made by the likes of Cuisinart and Farberware. It's been a struggle to find electric machines that don't use BPA-filled plastics, so I'm looking forward to inspecting and brewing my way through a bunch of steel percolators and seeing whether one can make it onto the hot list in this guide.
Where to shop non-toxic coffee items
If you haven't found your dream coffee machine on this list, I found this shopping filter at Sur La Table that provides more stainless steel and plastic-free options. You'll see some familiar designs from this list, as well as lesser known brands that we haven't tested or rated.
If you want to shop for high-quality coffee accessories, (like, bamboo scoops and natural travel cups), I've written a guide to my favorite plastic-free coffee accessories (including the sustainable cleaning products I use, too).
If you're ready to refresh the rest of your kitchen appliances, you might like to read about our tried and tested best non-toxic air fryers, best non-toxic cookware and even our list of chef-approved non-toxic kitchen utensils.
I've rounded up some more guidance on how to find healthier appliances and which buzzwords to trust in a shor guide to the best non-toxic kitchen appliances.
How we test
At Homes & Gardens, we have a rigorous testing process for all of our coffee makers. This enables us to score coffee makers both individually and against other models on the market.
We start with our research. We're always on the lookout for the best coffee makers on the market. Once we have found one with BPA-free components, we order it to the test kitchen or send it to one of our expert testers at home, where they can carry out the rigorous testing criteria.
Once we have the coffee maker in our hands, we get testing. This begins with unboxing, which might sound small, but it's an important tell of a brand's attention to detail. We'll let you know whether we get any extra accessories and what our first impressions are of the coffee maker. Here's where we'll talk about the size, style, build quality, and anything else that jumps out at us aesthetically.
Next, we'll get brewing. We make notes on how easy the coffee maker is to set up and start using. Then, we'll time how long the coffee maker takes to brew different quantities of coffee. We'll start at one cup (if the machine can do that) and work up to its maximum capacity. After each brew, we assess the flavor of each cup, the range of the machine, how long it keeps coffee warm for, the ease of cleaning, and the all-important price. Where applicable, we experiment with special features, such as integrated grinders and milk frothers.
Once we are happy that we've tested everything that we can, we'll take a step back and think about how the coffee maker compares to other models. We'll read through online reviews to get a sense of what customers are saying and then, bringing all that information together, our team will let you know who we think it suits and whether it's good value for money. As you can see, we leave no stone unturned.
If you’re interested and want to find out more, you can read all about the process in our how we test coffee makers page.
Meet our testing team
Lydia is a trained cook, who loves coffee. She has attended masterclasses at Illy's University of Coffee, shadowed professional baristas, attended coffee masterclasses, and toured roasteries to master the art of coffee. Her drink of choice is a frothy, Italian cappuccino (alongside a croissant, of course). She also leads testing on non-toxic kitchenware for Homes & Gardens, writing guides to the best non-toxic air fryers and the best non-toxic frying pans, too.
Laura has tested over 60 coffee makers for Homes & Gardens. As a fully qualified barista, she's our expert in all things coffee – and she's even delved into matcha, too. She has also interviewed Q-Graders and world-leading experts in the coffee industry, so has an intimate knowledge of the industry.
FAQs
Are coffee makers toxic?
Some coffee makers stray into 'toxic' territory when they use cheap plastics where they should use stainless steel or glass. When heated to higher temperatures, these materials can release chemicals into your brew. Over time, these can be harmful. We have an article where medical experts and toxicologists answered our question, ‘Are coffee makers toxic?’ in great detail, if you would like more information.
What are toxins anyway?
When kitchenware brands talk about ‘toxins’, they’re usually referring to PFAS or BPA.
First used in the 1940s, PFAS are chemicals that resist grease, oil, water, and heat. These chemicals are super stubborn, so they’re often found in products designed to be stain-resistant, clean, and dry (like cookware, cleaning products, and carpets). You may know them as 'forever chemicals.'
The FDA says, 'Exposure to certain PFAS types has been linked to significant health issues, such as increased cholesterol, high blood pressure, developmental effects, reduced immune response, altered liver function, and increased cancer risk.'
Similarly, BPA is an industrial chemical used to make polycarbonate, a hard, clear plastic, which is used in many consumer products. When heated to high temperatures, it can leach into your food or drink and affect hormonal balance.
Put simply, non-toxic kitchenware is designed to be safe to cook, eat and drink from. You can find more information in my guide to non-toxic cookware.
Are coffee beans toxic?
There has been lots of debate around the question 'are coffee beans toxic?', but experts say not to worry. Coffee beans have recently been praised for their health benefits by the gut-health community, namely Tim Spector. The biggest residual concern is that when coffee beans are roasted, some reach temperatures high enough to burn them, forming acrylamides, which can have negative health effects. Buying premium beans and lighter roasts can help to avoid this concern.
How do you find the best coffee maker deals?
It's actually our full-time job to find the best coffee maker deals. All year round, we research the best coffee makers, exploring the newest models, rigorously testing popular machines, and tracking price trends to identify the best coffee makers with standout features, value, good design, and reliability.
We note down the prices of the top models in this guide, as well as the ones that just missed the list, so we can document price drops and compare prices – so we always known when the biggest discounts hit.
With years of experience, I know that Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday are the best times to shop premium, non-toxic appliances for less. Amazon is unbeatable for its vast selection, while Walmart, Best Buy, Target, Williams Sonoma and Wayfairexcel in rival sales. ’m always on the lookout for value-packed bundles that include extras like milk frothers, coffee pods, or extended warranties, so you get the most out of every purchase.