After being jolted awake by our alarms (read: hitting the snooze button once or twice) and dragging ourselves out of bed, there’s nothing quite like that first cup of coffee to truly get the day started. But as you may realize from the difference between organic coffee and mainstream brands, not all cups of joe are the same. Even the way you brew it makes a huge difference — and that’s why we recommend a plastic-free coffee maker. ☕
Why consider a plastic-free coffee maker?
Beyond the fact that single-use coffee pods and plastics are generally bad for the environment, they may also include BPAs (bisphenol A), a synthetic compound linked to various health issues like endocrine disruption and impaired fertility. The longer hot/boiling water interacts with plastic (whether in a water bottle or a plastic coffee maker), the more risk there is that the BPAs will “leach” through to the liquids.
As an alternative, we’ve found nine coffee makers that brew, drip, and pour java just the way you like it — and no BPAs to be found. Not only will you enjoy better-tasting (and healthier) coffee, but the way these makers work will force you to slow down and create a thoughtful morning ritual. Plus, they’re way more stylish than most coffee makers — so you’ll love seeing them on the counter!
Our methodology and criteria:
Our editors have personally tested and researched dozens of coffee makers, scoured hundreds of online reviews, and rigorously vetted each brand on the list below. These are our top picks for the best plastic-free coffee makers that are nontoxic, suitable for a variety of routines, and brew a great cup of coffee. We regularly update this list with emerging favorites that meet our criteria.
PS: While you’re upgrading your morning routine, check out our guides to fair-trade and mold-free coffee, organic matcha, and nontoxic utensils.
1. Yield
Best For | Glass French press
Nontoxic Materials | Borosilicate glass, steel filter, copper pull
Prices Starting At | $85
Yield’s Glass French Press is an elegant upgrade to the classic French Press. Available in three beautifully rich colors (and a transparent version), these coffee makers are made from borosilicate glass — which means that they’re heat-proof and can withstand some seriously high temps. Paired with a fine mesh steel filter and a copper pull, this option looks beautiful on any countertop and during use. Even though the press looks quite delicate, it’s sturdy enough to be dishwasher-safe, too! Have a delicious cup every single day and enjoy the plastic-free process along the way.
Customer Review | “Sturdy, excellent filtration, aesthetically pleasing. Very happy with the purchase.” – Peter C. (Read more reviews)
2. Frieling
Best For | Hot coffee all day long
Nontoxic Materials | Stainless steel
Prices Starting At | $100
If you like to have that second cup ready and rarin’ to go, Frieling’s French Press will be your new best friend. Thanks to its double-walled steel construction, this plastic-free press keeps your drink hot way longer than a regular coffee maker — 4x as long, to be exact. Plus, they’re available in a variety of pretty colors, like sage green, peacock blue, or terracotta (swoon!). All components here are safe to use with soap so you can easily throw it into the dishwasher as is, whenever you need. Frieling makes some of the highest-quality kitchen tools around, all sourced from Europe, so we know this French Press is truly well-designed.
Customer Review | “Works beautifully, keeps my daily 2 cups hot for my morning ritual. Easy to use and clean and it looks great in my kitchen.” – Wendy W. (Read more reviews)
3. Fable
Best For | Single cup pour-over
Nontoxic Materials | Clay stoneware & lead-safe glaze
Prices Starting At | $28
Turn your frenetic mornings into relaxing rituals instead with Fable’s Coffee Dripper. This dripper makes exactly one serving of pour-over coffee, every single time. That’s because it’s intentionally designed to fit on the top of most mugs and filters, and has just enough space for 11 oz…and did we mention that it’s hand-finished in Portugal, too, so it’s one-of-a-kind? (If you’re new to pour-over coffee, check out Fable’s handy brew guide!) Artisan-made, responsibly sourced materials, and all from a B Corp? Yes, please — we love this Coffee Dripper for so many reasons, and we know you will, too.
Customer Review | “I love that this coordinates with the mugs for a single, individual cup of coffee. Fits with standard filters I already had and pour over brews great coffee. Dove gray is a gorgeous color!” – Megan L. (Read more reviews)
4. Masienda
Best For | Sets of ceramic dripper & mug
Nontoxic Materials | 100% lead- and metal-free clay, and nontoxic glazes mixed from ashes, earth, and mineral oxides.
Prices Starting At | $45
Masienda is a brand best known for its heirloom corn and masa products, but they also sell high-quality kitchen tools, home goods, and ceramics, including this truly beautiful pour-over coffee dripper. Handcrafted by La Chicharra, a Oaxaca-based ceramics studio that specializes in high-temperature ceramic tableware, the piece blends traditional artistry with contemporary functionality (the dripper uses standard, widely available #2 coffee filters). Third-party tested to ensure it’s completely lead and cadmium-free, the dripper is ideal whether you’re pouring for one or for company, and it’s completely dishwasher and microwave-safe. Plus, we love that you can buy a matching mug with your dripper.
Customer Review | “Love my new blue pour over dripper. I’m the only person who drinks coffee in the house and this dripper fits most of my coffee mugs. I’m using the rest of my #4 filters and they work fine until I run out and purchase the #2s. Very stable and attractive. I purchased the matching mug and love how nice the two look together. Thank you!” – Rose S. (Read more reviews)
5. Kalita
Best For | Copper dripper
Nontoxic Materials | Copper
Prices Starting At | $81 USD (11,500 JPY)
Is this the most beautiful coffee maker we’ve ever written about? It might be! Kalita’s Wave is a beautiful dripper made entirely from copper. Craftspeople in Tsubame-shi, a district in Niigata, Japan, hand-make every dripper using traditional metalworking techniques, and the thoughtful design includes a three-holed bottom for even extraction. There are two sizes available, the #155 which makes up to two cups, and the #185 which makes up to four. Started in 1958, Kalita now knows a thing or two about coffee and the Wave Copper is proof — trust us now and thank us later.
Customer Review | “This isn’t my first order […] and it definitely won’t be my last. In addition to its obvious visual appeal, the Kalita Wave is fantastic (and incredibly easy) to use, ensuring consistency in every cup. Hugely recommended!” – James K. (Read more reviews)
6. Forever
Best For | Moka pot (espresso)
Nontoxic Materials | Stainless steel
Prices Starting At | €52
For fans of espresso or pressure-based brewing, Forever’s Miss Diamond is a great plastic-free Moka pot. It’s crafted with high-quality stainless steel and you can choose from sizes ranging from two cups to 10. Dishwasher safe and ready to use on all types of stoves, this Moka pot is durable, simple enough to use, and even simpler to fix (Forever carries spare parts if needed). Sleek and sturdy, this espresso maker will keep you energized all day (or night) long.
7. Hario
Best For | Brew kits
Nontoxic Materials | Porcelain & glass
Prices Starting At | $54
Hario offers everything from drippers and pressers to grinders and tea brewers. Our choice though is their Brew Kit — an all-in-one set for that perfect cup of joe. The V60 “Pro” Pour Over Coffee Set for example is made with heatproof glass and porcelain (and technically a plastic coffee scoop but you could ask to remove that from the kit), with a capacity of 20 oz. These “essential” kits are made in Japan, just like most Hario products over the last 100+ years. Acclaimed by baristas worldwide, the V60 brings the café experience right to your home — for coffee you can make, not buy, every day.
Customer Review | “This is one of the best and most consistent ways to make coffee. And it’s very efficient with how much coffee you need to make a few good cups.” – Brandon (Read more reviews)
8. Chemex
Best For | Classic pour-over coffee
Nontoxic Materials | Glass
Prices Starting At | $44
For classic carafes and pour-over coffee, you can’t go wrong with Chemex. Find 20+ styles across four collections here: The Ottomatic, the Classic Series, the Glass Handle Series, and the Handblown Series, all of which leverage the durability and elegance of glass. You can choose from 3-, 5-, 8-, 10-, and 13-cup capacities or go for the ones with beautifully colored handles — there’s something here for everyone. We appreciate Chemex’s long-lasting commitment to sustainability (down to the FSC-certified filters!), and we like that you can find Chemex at most big-box stores like Target.
Customer Review | “I’ve had my Chemex for 9 months now. It is my favorite brewing method. I’m very particular about clean brewing devices and this one is easy to clean (unlike machines). There is a difference in taste using the Chemex filters compared to other cone filters. I liked this so much, I purchased a second one for my office.” – Monguani (Read more reviews)
9. Dre Home Crafts
Best For | Textured pour-over sets
Nontoxic Materials | Glass & wood
Prices Starting At | $23
Started by Katie Angel, Dre Home Crafts is a local Etsy shop based in New Jersey working with makers in the US, UK, France, and China for its homewares. They have a beautiful collection of pour-over coffee sets made with glass and wood; given the delicate nature of the textured glass, these sets are not dishwasher safe and are recommended hand-wash only. They’re great as gifts (or to buy one, gift one!), especially since Etsy provides carbon-free shipping; give one to a long-distance friend and both of you can enjoy a morning ritual together no matter how far apart you may be.
Customer Review | “Beautiful. I especially like the silicon underneath the filter. It prevents slipping. Nice quality.” – Merve T. (Read more reviews)
