The Best Stainless Steel Coffee Makers – Buyers Guide
There are several stainless steel coffee makers on the market but, depending on what type of coffee maker you’re after, a lot are not made completely of stainless steel. Either that, or they contain plastic parts that come into direct contact with the water, and/or coffee such as plastic filters, plastic tubing, plastic reservoirs etc.
As there is more awareness of the damage being done to our bodies by not only what we consume, but what we cook or store our foods and drinks in, I have compiled a list of coffee makers that have little to no plastic inside and are made from food grade, high quality, stainless steel.
Some manufacturers are starting to remove plastic but I do not see it being more commonplace just yet as it is much cheaper, and for those with smaller budgets, there is still a lot of demand. However for those who can afford to spend a little more or already know the health benefits of avoiding plastic, there are more and more stainless steel coffee makers to choose from.
Below, I have listed the most popular and best rated stainless steel coffee makers in the form of a comparison chart. To the best of my knowledge, water does not come into contact with any plastic parts however if there is any plastic, I will mention it the relevant product’s description.
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Stainless Steel Coffee Maker Comparison Chart
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PRODUCT
TYPE
BRAND
CAPACITY
RATING
PRICE
Best Stainless Steel Pour-Over Coffee Machine
Although perhaps not the prettiest coffee machine, it is one of the only coffee makers that does not allow hot water to come into contact with any plastic parts, with the exception of the filtration basket which can be replaced, and the plastic port where water is poured into the machine. I feel the latter can be forgiven as the water is cold and will not impart any plastic taste to your coffee as this usually happens when hot water comes into contact with plastic. You will need to purchase the stainless steel filtration basket. Also note that the carafe is not included will also need to be purchased separately as the Bunn VP17-1 does not include one. Another item that is recommended if using the stainless steel filter basket is a tip kit. This prevents the coffee from .
The Bunn VP17-1 rapidly produces coffee almost as soon as you have filled the 3 gallon reservoir with water so be prepared to have the carafe in place. This machine wastes no time! It also includes a warming tray to keep your coffee piping hot throughout the day.
So apart from the extras you will need to purchase, this coffee maker is robust and durable and will provide hot, restaurant quality coffee without tasting any plastic whatsoever. Yes the price may be a bit hefty for a home coffee maker but if you drink several cups of coffee a day, have already gone through a coffee maker or two in the last few years, then this is a purchase you will not regret.
Pros
- Stainless steel construction
- Brews quickly
- Restaurant quality coffee
- The burner keeps the coffee piping hot
- No plastic tasting coffee
- Lasts for years
- Easily replacable parts
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Need to purchase stainless steel filter basket and carafe separately
- No on/off button
- Not the most attractive appliance
For more information on the stainless steel BUNN Pour-Over Brewer Machine …
Best Stainless Steel Electric Coffee Percolator
Coffee percolators have been around long before drip coffee makers entered the scene and they are still as popular today as they were back in the day. Percolators produce a rich, bold coffee the longer the grounds are cycled in the system.
Unlike their stove-top counterparts, electric percolators can be forgotten about and you will still have piping hot coffee when you want it throughout the day due to it’s keep warm function. Stove top percolators need to be kept an eye on as they will need to be removed from the heat source once the coffee has finished brewing. No problem if that’s what you’re after however if you don’t have time or have a generally busy lifestyle, an electric percolator could be the way to go.
The Presto stainless steel percolator can yield between 2 to 12 cups of coffee which, as mentioned before, stays hot. A signal light at the base of the percolator will let you know when the coffee is ready. At full capacity, the percolator makes the coffee within 13 minutes, from start to finish.
The manufacturers of this percolator have been around since the early 1900’s and over the years have perfected their products. Not only is the body of the percolator made from stainless steel but so is the filter basket and percolator tube making it extremely durable. It also looks great on any counter top thanks to it’s sleek, attractive design.
Pros
- Stainless steel construction
- Brews quickly
- Excellent tasting coffee
- The burner keeps the coffee piping hot
- Detachable cord makes it easy to take the coffee percolator to another room for a quick mug refill
- All in one unit - no separate carafe to clean
- No plastic tasting coffee
- Lasts for years
- Easy to clean
Cons
- No on/off button
Cafellissimo Pour Over Coffee Maker
For more information on the stainless steel PRESTO Electric Percolator …
Best Stainless Steel French Press Coffee Maker
With it’s triple layered filter system and construction from double insulated 304 stainless steel, the Mueller French Press coffee maker really stands out from the crowd. It is extremely robust and even keeps coffee warmer for an hour longer than most other non-insulated French Press coffee makers or those made from glass. This one won’t crack, break or scratch either as is often the case with glass French Press coffee makers and best of all, there is no plastic!
The coffee itself is robust and full of flavour. Cleaning is easy as all parts are easily removed for rinsing.
This coffee maker is easy enough to take away with you on vacation and they’ve even thrown in a matching canister to hold your coffee beans or coffee granules, whichever you prefer! For such an efficient, well made coffee maker, their pricing is extremely competitive. This is one item that will last for many years to come.
Pros
- Stainless steel construction
- Excellent tasting coffee
- Stylish looking
- 4 stainless steel layers for thorough filtration
- All in one unit - no separate carafe to clean
- No plastic tasting coffee
- Lasts for years
- Easy to clean
Cons
- No measurement markings
For more information on the stainless steel MUELLER French Press Coffee Maker …
Best Stainless Steel Pour Over Coffee Maker
If you’re short on space and don’t consume coffee regularly throughout the day, then the Cafellissimo pour over coffee maker may just be for you. As with all the other coffee makers on this page, it is made from durable 18/8 stainless steel so no plastic to taint your cup of Joe! There are 2 layers of 14 micron micromesh which slows down the rate at which the water flows, creating a full bodied, flavorful coffee.
Designed in the USA, the Cafellissimo coffee maker is mess free and will fit almost any cup or mug. It is easy to clean and can even be placed in the dishwasher. Being lightweight, it is perfect for camping trips or any vacation. As with most coffee makers, oil build-up can clog the filter system after time so when this happens, simply clean in Urnex Cafiza Espresso Machine Cleaning Powder or Barkeeper’s Friend (Liquid) in order to keep the coffee maker filtering as it should. Both are available on Amazon.
Longevity may be an issue however but this seems to be with steel pour over coffee makers in general. Other options are …..
Pros
- Stainless steel construction
- Excellent tasting coffee
- 2 stainless steel layers for filtration
- Small and easy to put away
- No plastic tasting coffee
- No need for paper filters
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Needs regular cleaning due to fine filter mesh
For more information on the stainless steel Cafellissimo Pour Over Coffee Maker …
Best Stainless Steel Camping Percolator
Coleman is a well known brand in the outdoor leisure world and if you’re an avid camper who loves hot, fresh coffee when out away from home, then this stainless steel camping coffee percolator is for you! For use on a fire or camping stove it is light and durable and is not a bad looker either. If you’re worried that the 12 cup capacity might be too much, fill a thermos with the leftover coffee and you’ll have hot coffee to last you all day.
A lip on the inside of the percolator ensures that the lid stays on when pouring. If using a very finely ground coffee, the use of paper filters is recommended. These will need to be purchased separately. It has a polished steel exterior and brushed steel interior.
Pros
- Stainless steel construction
- Excellent tasting coffee
- 2 stainless steel layers for filtration
- Small and easy to put away
- No plastic tasting coffee
- No need for paper filters
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Glass knob on lid can break so care is needed.
For more information on the stainless steel camping Coleman Coffee Percolator …
Best Stainless Steel Coffee Pod
Finally, environmentally friendly reusable coffee pods! Someone was bound to come up with this idea eventually and I personally am glad they did. Not only does it stop the waste from plastic coffee pods but it saves money too as using pods can end up being pricey.
Made from stainless steel, the Cafe Flow coffee pod fits a range of pod coffee makers from Keurig and Cuisinart to Breville, Mr Coffee and Hamilton Beach. Although there is a small amount of plastic, which is BPA free, on the top of the coffee pod, water does not come into contact with this section. Gone is that plastic tasting coffee, or at least it a reduction as most pod coffee machines still use plastic inside.
For best results with use a medium coarse to medium fine coffee along with disposable paper filters for best results. These filters are specially designed for coffee pods and offer added filtration and makes cleaning it out even easier.
Now you can enjoy your cup of coffee guilt free.
Pros
- Pod filter section is made from stainless steel
- Excellent tasting coffee
- Super easy to clean
- Reduced plastic tasting coffee if your coffee machine contains plastic inside
- Environmentally friendly
- Cheaper than purchasing individual pods
Cons
- Coffee granules can end up in your mug if not used with paper filters
For more information on the stainless steel Cafe Flow Coffee Pod …
Why stainless steel?
Stainless steel is an alloy, or mix, of different metal elements, such as 18/8 referred to below. The reason they are mixed together is to create a strong, corrosion resistant material which is also extremely durable.
According to an article published by the Michigan State University, stainless steel triumphs over plastic due to the following reasons:
- Stainless steel is corrosion resistant meaning that it lasts much longer than plastic
- Stainless steel does not leech chemicals, as plastic does, when exposed to high temperatures
- Stainless steel is recyclable, 100%
Does plastic leach into coffee?
Plastic, when it reaches a certain temperature, can release BPA into your coffee machine’s water and therefore your cup of coffee. BPA stands for Bisphenol A and is a toxic industrial chemical that may have an affect on the brain and, as studies have shown, can also cause tumours and metabolic and endocrine disorders.
For this reason it is better to use kitchen appliances that do not allow plastic to come into contact with food or water. Glass or stainless steel are far superior in this instance as they do not leech any harmful chemicals into foodstuffs when reaching high temperatures.
What to look for when purchasing a stainless steel coffee maker
So what should you look for when purchasing a stainless steel coffee maker, or any product that comes into contact with hot food or drink? Look for products made with food grade 304 stainless steel, or products made with 18/8 stainless steel.
Why 304 or 18/8 stainless steel?
304 stainless steel is most commonly used alloy to make kitchen appliances, such as stainless steel coffee makers, kettles, kitchen utensils, flatware, pots, serving trays, bowls, measuring cups etc due to it’s durable nature. In addition, it is resistant to oxidation, corrosion and rust.
18/8 simply refers to an alloy of metal containing 18% chromium and 8% nickel. As 304 stainless steel is made up of the above percentages of chromium and nickel, it is an 18/8 metal. Iron makes up the majority composition of 18/8 stainless steel with 50% and the remainder being made up of 18% chromium, 8% nickel and minute quantities of other metals, specifically manganese, phosphorus, sulfur and silicon.
Although highly durable, this particular type of stainless steel is not resistant to chlorides such as salt. Thankfully though, we will not be needing to use salt in our stainless steel coffee machines so it is the perfect choice when it comes to purchasing a coffee maker.
So there you have it!
If you can afford it, stainless steel is the best choice when it comes to coffee makers. Not only is it better for your health but stainless steel coffee makers will outlast many of those made from plastic parts. And of course one of the best things about a plastic free coffee maker is that your coffee will taste amazing, just as good, if not better than buying from a coffee shop! In fact, if you’re a lover of dark roast coffees, take a look at my suggestions here. You won’t be disappointed!
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