Each quarter, I pick out the best stainless steel coffee maker (no plastic) among dozens of best plastic-free coffee makers. I filter out marketing gibberish and misleading verbiage, so you can truly understand functionality, compare between the models. Whether you are looking for the best drip coffee maker, best single serve coffee maker or best k-cup coffee maker, selecting the best stainless steel coffee maker with no plastic will be FAST and EASY.


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Best stainless steel coffee maker with no plastic

Rank Model Score Average price Type Made in Read on
1 Bozeman 91/100 $ Manual China
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2 SterlingPro French Press 87/100 $ Manual China
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3 Bunn VS17 85/100 $$$$$ Automatic USA
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4 Frieling French Press 84/100 $$ Manual China
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5 Coffee Gator Pour over 81/100 $ Manual China
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Best stainless steel coffee maker (no plastic) reviews

Position #1: Bozeman percolator by Coletti

Coletti’s Bozeman percolator is a true winner in 2020. It made it to be the second best stainless steel coffee maker (no plastic).

This product is available for purchase online on Amazon.

Owly Rating

91/100

Appearance 19
Features 14
Performance 18
Health 20
Price to value 20

General thoughts

With the Coletti “Bozeman” Percolator, I was able to prepare coffee the old-fashioned way. And, I absolutely loved this! I was in charge of the quality of my beverages, with the appliance having little to do with how strong or rich my final cup of coffee would be. It’s by far one of the best stainless steel coffee makers with no plastic. The cleaning process is easy, as I was able to throw it in the dishwasher, but some components seemed quite fragile. It’s great for space, but may take a bit of adjustment to brew by myself.

PROs

  • Elegant, sturdy and elite-looking
  • Brews up to 12 cups
  • Complete flexibility and control over the brewing process
  • Quick and convenient to use
  • Easy to wash
  • Can yield amazing, rich and flavorful coffee
  • Great design with a wooden handle and a glass knob on the top lid
  • Excellent for singles and families who enjoy brewing perfect coffee

CONs

  • Learning curve
  • Manual involvement in brewing
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The Coletti “Bozeman” Percolator is a 12-cup stainless steel coffee maker that brews coffee the old-fashioned way, by continually cycling the boiling. I’m fascinated by how people lived 50 years ago, so I wanted to give percolating coffee a chance. And, I really enjoyed it!

Of course, modern percolators are more functional and can brew better coffee than my grandparents used to drink. It was an experience that brought me back down the memory lane.

I heard that a percolator coffee pot can extract a fuller, richer flavor for a powerful taste, but before I acquired the Coletti “Bozeman” Percolator, I took a clear look at its appealing aesthetics.

It has a classy glass cover knob on top and a beautiful wooden handle. But, the best part of this percolator was the lack of aluminum or plastic. When possible, I try to avoid any involvement of plastic components in the process of beverages and foods I ingest, so when it comes to my coffee, I’m trying to use stainless steel coffee makers with no plastic as often as possible.

As far as I’ve seen, the Coletti “Bozeman” Percolator is suited for both outdoor and indoor conditions.

A non-reactive interior coating with even heat distribution helps in the brewing of a great coffee even when I use the appliance over an open fire in the wildness.

I found the coffee maker to be quite light, 2.5 pounds. For such a small appliance, it is heavy, but it’s all stainless steel and metal, so it was perfect. It easily fitted into my backpack.

Voltage: Either open fire or a stovetop 😊

Beverage size: The Coletti “Bozeman” Percolator can brew up to 12 cups of coffee. So, whether I am camping outdoors with my friends, or brewing coffee on a stovetop at home, I can enjoy a delicious plastic-free cup of coffee.

Weight: I expected the appliance to be a little bit lighter given its size. However, given the fact that there’s no plastic, it was about 2.5 pounds. Not as light as I envisioned, but it was not quite as heavy either.

Unit size:  As I mentioned earlier, the weight and the unit size are perfect for the appliance to fit in a medium-size backpack. The exact measurements for the Coletti “Bozeman” Percolator are 8.3 x 8 x 6 inches and I was glad to see that it also easily fits in my modern day kitchen.

Additional perks: Again. Coletti Bozeman Percolator is not a typical coffee maker. It is a special type of stainless steel coffee maker with no plastic. Unlike other coffee makers made for a mass consumer, this one comes with a simple and easy to use feature set.

The Coletti “Bozeman” Percolator came with 20 packs of filters included, although I ended up not needing them at all. The brewing process can be done without them and the finely ground coffee doesn’t fall through the percolator basket. Or at least I haven’t experienced this unwanted situation.

Designed to be used on open fire, grills or on stovetops, the Coletti “Bozeman” Percolator has an exterior made of high-quality stainless steel. This design should prevent any parts or materials from melting or leeching into beverage.

The glass knob on the cover is transparent so I was easily able to observe how the brewing process went along. When it came to the side handle, I really liked that it was wooden. It felt very sturdy, and perhaps prevented some accidents while I was handling the pot.

Brewing time: Coletti percolator was on par with other best drip coffee makers in terms of brewing time, if not a little faster. After putting coffee and water into percolator, it took about 3-4 minutes to brew a strong and rich coffee on a stovetop. When I tried this percolator on other heat sources, such as open fires, it took a bit more (5-6 minutes) since I did not want to put it right in the fire.

Flavor: Flavor is the best part of this coffee percolator. Not only was it plastic-free, but it totally depended upon me and my brewing preferences. I am not going to lie: there is a bit of a learning curfe to make coffee. This is to not just learn how to use percolator, but how to brew coffee I love. In my attempts, I figured that setting a lower heat and letting coffee heat up for longer was the best way to reach the most flavorful, rich and aromatic beverage. I enjoy the final product with and without filters.

Temperature: Coletti percolator has such a humongous advantage over other coffee makers (both best drip coffee makers and best single serve coffee makers alike). With this percolator, I can decide when I want to stop brewing. I can easily and slowly reach a perfect brewing temperature of 195 F degrees. I say slowly, to allow coffee grounds permeate with enough heat and extract flavors.

Noise levels: All I can hear are the sounds of freshly percolating coffee!

Cleaning: The appliance is dishwasher safe. To be honest, I do not mind not washing it manually, but I do that occasionally.

There’s a reason why Coletti percolator is listed as the best stainless-steel coffee maker with no plastic!

There seem to be very, very, very few user complaints about this product. Apparently, while the glass knob is a great addition, it may break or chip easily if not properly handled during the wash (this is why I try to avoid dishwasher).

The Coletti “Bozeman” Percolator comes at a high $ price point. This is a bit high, considering that I need to do all the hard work and there are fully plastic coffee makers selling for almost half the price.

On the other hand, it’s one of the best options when it comes to stainless steel coffee makers with no plastic. Also, I found it easy to clean and I can make a good coffee with it. It gives me flexibility in the brewing process. I am thus able to reach flavors I love and long for. Furthermore, the appliance is easy to move or carry with me. All in all, the coffee maker is great for both indoors and outdoors usages. It was a good purchase for me, but I could easily understand why people would still want much more modern appliances.

CE201 manual by Ninja


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Position #2: French press by SterlingPro

SterlingPro came with a very strong stainless steel coffee maker with no plastic. I really enjoyed its french press, which was fairly easy to use, and very convenient.

This product is available for purchase online on Amazon.

Owly Rating

87/100

Appearance 16
Features 14
Performance 17
Health 20
Price to value 20

General thoughts

This french press produces a strong and tasteful coffee, but only when I was conservative with the volume of coffee. Though SterlingPro’s double-wall french press was able to hold 4 smaller cups (or 2 large mugs) of coffee, I typically brew less for stronger and more aromatic coffee. Comes with 2 awesome features to keep coffee warmer for longer, and to prevent grounds from leaking into beverage. This french press is light, but pretty tall.

PROs

  • Elegant and solid stainless-steel
  • Holds up to 32oz (one size)
  • Prevents coffee grounds from entering coffee
  • Double wall keeps coffee warmer for longer
  • No plastic
  • Flexibility and ownership in brewing (awesome coffee)

CONs

  • Can be small (max 32oz)
  • Need to learn how to brew in french press
  • Need to learn how to brew perfect coffee
  • The plunger screw was getting loose
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I was initially quite resistant to trying or using a french press. It was not as technologically advanced as other coffee makers, and it seemed like it was going to be a lot of work.

However, SterlingPro’s French Press was a cute-looking appliance. I really enjoyed its stainless steel shiny vibe. The more I learned about this french press, the more I realized how ignorant I was to judge a book by its cover. Plus, it’s one of the highest-rated stainless steel coffee makers with no plastic I could find!

The appliance is made of the finest 18/10 stainless steel throughout. 18/10 means that there is 18% chromium and 10% nickel.

The french press has no plastic whatsoever. It was one of the main reasons I searched for this coffee maker, as I’m quite concerned about chemicals and toxins in plastics, which may leach into my beverages.

Voltage: None needed.

Beverage size: SterlingPro advertises a 1L (32oz) capacity. This translates to 4 smaller cups or 2 large mugs. I personally found that it was much better to brew smaller amounts for better, richer and more aromatic flavors.

Weight: When I first saw the french press, I thought it was going to be a difficult appliance to handle, due to an excessive weight. However, once I put my hands on it, I noticed that it was about 2 pounds. That’s comparable to the Coletti percolator.

Unit size: The french press is just slightly taller than the Coletti percolator. It was about 9 inches tall.

Carafe: No plastic or glass is involved, making things more viable for an average individual like myself. I don’t have to worry about breaking anything and the coffee is always warm thanks to the interior stainless steel wall.

Additional perks: just like with Coletti percolator, I would not call this french press a traditional stainless-steel coffee maker with no plastic. Because there’s a big niche in plastic-free coffee makers, this one fills in that gap. In some ways, this french press is a much stronger and better choice for those who appreciate flexibility and ownership in the brewing process.

First, a stainless-steel double wall kept my coffee for longer. I found the structure and design of this french press exciting (and surprising).The interior wall kept my beverage warm for a little longer (again, I would not want to drink coffee from this after a couple of hours). The exterior, on the other hand, stays cool to the touch so I did not mistakenly burn my hands.

Second, due to a two-screen system, I did not find coffee grounds in my cup of coffee. This appliance has a two-screen system, with the first one brushing the wall, and the other one catching any tiny grounds that may have passed through the first screen.

Third, cleaning was easy due to dishwasher safe capabilities. Stainless steel provides rust resistance and makes cleaning a lot easier. Because the entire unit is very sturdy, I did not have to worry about breaking or chipping anything.

Brewing time: It depends on how strong I want my coffee, but I usually let it for about 5 minutes. I found the best results when I poured hot water (about 195 F degrees) into the french press, and kept it there for 4-5 minutes.

Flavor: Just like with the percolator, a french press gives me flexibility and ownership in the brewing process. I experimented quite a bit to find the right balance between the amount of coffee grounds and hot water for a perfectly rich, deep and flavorful beverage.

Temperature: SterlingPro french press beats some of the best drip coffee makers and single serve coffee makers in terms of temperature. This is because I was able to decide what water I was going to pour into french press to begin brewing. As I mentioned earlier, I typically use water that reaches about 195 F degrees.

Noise levels: I did not notice anything unusual.

Cleaning: Stainless steel made cleaning very easy for me. I was not worried about breaking anything. Further, the unit was dishwasher safe.

From the materials standpoint, I have no concerns. This best stainless steel coffee maker has no plastic whatsoever. Stainless steel is largely considered to be very safe, and no toxins and chemicals were leaching into my coffee beverage.

Because the brewing process is manual, I was extra cautious when brewing (not to spill or knock the french press off the counter).

There are very few user complaints about SterlingPro’s french press. Many users admit that coffee is yummy and tasteful only when they brew 4oz-5oz cup of coffee. Otherwise, they claim, the flavor would not be as strong. I personally found the right balance between amount of water and coffee grounds.

Further, some users complain that the screws that keep the plunger attached is getting loose.

SterlingPro’s french press sells in the mid-$ price point From my personal experience, I can say that it is really decent. It is made with what I perceive to be safe materials such as stainless-steel. The french press also comes with some really fun and creative features such as a double-wall and two-screen functionality. It thus improves usability and convenience quite substantially.

Again, I am easily able to find automatic coffee makers for less than this French press costs. However, due to the materials that this french press is made off, along with some of the feature, I perceive the price-to-value ratio to be strong.

KF6050WH manual by Braun

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Position #3: VP17-1SS by Bunn

Bunn’s VP17-1SS is the best stainless-steel coffee maker (no plastic) in 2020. I have found only one plastic funnel, which I replaced with a stainless-steel version. It’s a traditional coffee brewer with an industrial look.

This product is available for purchase online on Amazon.

Owly Rating

85/100

Appearance 15
Features 15
Performance 19
Health 19
Price to value 17

General thoughts

Bunn VP17-1SS is in no way an appealing coffee maker from the appearance standpoint. In a nutshell, it’s a heavy machine that takes away a lot of space. However, it is one of the traditional and best stainless steel coffee makers with no plastic (or little plastic). Unlike other machines, Bunn’s VP17-1SS has no plastic tubing, which I consider to be a great plus. Further, it brews phenomenal coffee in just three minutes. On the downside, Bunn VP17-1SS is rather expensive and does not come with a carafe. Further, there’s a plastic funnel, which can be replaced with a stainless steel version for extra $. Overall, VP17 provided me with a peace of mind with its stainless steel, no plastic structure. Though not as sophisticated as other coffee makers, I believe the price-to-value ratio is very solid. A very good choice for some aficionados.

PROs

  • Very solidly and durably built
  • Max. 12 cup per brewing
  • Can be fully stainless steel with no plastic
  • Yields very good coffee
  • Perfect coffee at the perfect brewing temperature (190 F degrees)
  • Warming plate
  • SplashGuard to protect burns
  • Ability to control strength through a brew basket switch
  • Excellent for coffee lovers who treat coffee brewing as a ritual

CONs

  • More industrial/commercial style product
  • Heavy and bulky
  • Not as many options or functions to press
  • Does not come with a carafe (extra purchase)
  • Comes with a plastic funnel (stainless steel can be purchased extra)
  • Expensive but great price-to-value ratio
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Bunn 13300.0001 VP17-1SS wasn’t the most appealing coffee maker I had ever seen. It does feel like an ugly duckling in some ways. However, I felt that for the specific needs for a stainless steel plastic-free coffee maker, this was the right choice. Though it did not look super pretty on my counter, it was an appliance designed to brew good, delicious and (hopefully) safe coffee. Bunn 13300.0001 VP17-1SS has some vintage features but it’s a proper stainless steel coffee maker with no plastic, so no fear of BPAs or other plastics.

The machine is rather large and bulky. It’s about 17 inches tall and weighs about 24 pounds. I found out it would be best used in an open space or close to the edge of the counter. That did not leave me with a lot of room for other activities.

On a positive side, this appliance comes in one piece. I didn’t have to assemble it myself, a process which would have taken quite some time and nerves.

Voltage: Bunn VP17-1SS is made for 120V, and can be used in Canada and the US only.

Beverage size: Bunn VP17-1SS can produce 3.8-gallon of coffee per hour. I use a standard 64-oz decanter and I’m totally fine with what the appliance offers in terms of quantity.

Weight: Bunn VP17-1SS is similar to some of the best espresso machines in terms of weight. For some, it may not sound too much, but 24 pounds can be quite a lot for a coffee maker. This heavy weight is because of the materials from which this machine is built: stainless steel and some metal. Sure, I’ve become accustomed to these type of heavy appliances from Bunn, but that doesn’t mean it makes it easier to move it around or find a perfect spot in the kitchen or in an office.

Unit size:  A 24-pounds coffee maker can’t be anything else but a huge unit – 17.7 x 8 x 17.8 inches in this case. A huge challenge to figure out what’s the best position for the appliance to not be an inconvenient every time I want something else from the kitchen.

Carafe: This Bunn machine does not come with a carafe. A carafe, or a decanter, need to be purchased separately. Some examples include this 12-cup carafe.

Additional perks: Unlike other best stainless steel coffee makers with no palstic, Bunn VP17-1SS is more like traditional coffee makers. In addition to brewing high quality coffee, it comes with some features that might be quite useful for an every day use.

First, Bunn VP17 comes with a warming plate that keeps my coffee warm until it’s time to have a cup of coffee. In fact, in VP17-1SS, there’s one warming plate. In VP17-2SS, there are 2 warming plates.

Second, Bunn VP17 comes with the SplashGard funnel, which deflects hot liquids away from my hand while brewing coffee. This is a great perk. To my horror, though, the original part is plastic. I upgraded to Bunn 20216.0000 Stainless Steel SplashGuard Funnel to go with it. I thus skipped the whole plastic story.

In my experience, Bunn has been a very reliable brand. This coffee maker is unlike any other. First, it’s a stainless steel coffee maker with no plastic. Second, this coffee maker is used in high quality restaurants and by avid coffee lovers. It does not come with plentiful options and functions.

Brewing time: It took only about 3 minutes for my coffee to be done with the Bunn VP17-1SS. This was much faster than other drip coffee makers, which take between 5 to 7 minutes.

Flavor: Coffee that comes out of the Bunn VP17-1SS is hot, fragrant, argomatic and delicious. I appreciate the quality and flavor of my coffee, which is devoid of any plastic aftertaste and potentially dangerous chemicals.

Temperature: Bunn VP17-1SS does deliver hot and rich coffee. In my tests, the brewing temeprature reached about 190 – 195 F degrees, which is right at the perfect brewing temeprature of 195 – 205 F degrees. That way, coffee grounds have enough heat to properly extract flavors.

Noise levels: I don’t usually complain about the noise my appliances make, but I noticed some noises in Bunn VP17-1SS. They were particularly pronounced when heating up water.

Cleaning: Bunn VP17-1SS is nearly all stainless steel, so cleaning isn’t really a problem for me. A quick wipe resolves the exterior, while the underside of the funnel does have to be cleaned regularly and more thoroughly.

Bunn VP17-1SS is mostly stainless steel. The only part I noticed that was plastic was the SplashGuard. However, I was able to replace it with a stainless steel funnel.

Thus, VP17-1SS is a durable stainless steel coffee maker with no plastic whatsoever. I don’t have to be concerned about the BPAs or other plastic-related toxins. I can enjoy a nice cup of coffee without the fear of plastic leeching into my beverage.

As I mentioned, I managed to reach this state of tranquility after I replaced the plastic funnel with the metal one and found an all-glass decanter. More expenses, but there’s no price on my health.

There are very, very few user complaints. Whatever few complaints there are, they have to do with the lack of carafe. The carafe, as mentioned earlier, does not come with this best stainless steel coffee maker with no plastic. It’s an additional expense and many people have complained about this issue. Other users have pointed out the noise Bunn VP17-1SS makes when heating water. I also noticed it and found it rather irritating, but it can be overcome.

Bunn VP17-1SS is more expensive than most regular stainless steel coffee makers with no plastic, starting at a high $$$$$ price point. In my opinion, the price seems reasonable given solid structure, stainless steel, excellent coffee and a great final product. I loved coffee from my Bunn VP17-1SS. However, the appliance does have one or two issues that need to be fixed in the future. This coffee maker is big and heavy, so I don’t find it suitable for everyone. Can we ask for a consumer friendly version of it? 😉

VP17 manual by Bunn

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Position #4: French press by Frieling USA

Frieling USA came forward with a very fun and convenient french press. It made the 3rd place on the list of the best stainless steel coffee maker (no plastic).

This product is available for purchase online on Amazon.

Owly Rating

84/100

Appearance 19
Features 14
Performance 18
Health 20
Price to value 13

General thoughts

The Frieling USA French Press comes in different sizes (from 8oz to 44oz) coffee maker that offers more than a decent cup of coffee. It is a fully stainless steel coffee maker (no plastic). Comes with a couple of strong features: 1) no-drip spout, 2) super fine mesh to prevent coffee grounds from entering my beverage, 3) warmer for longer. This french press comes at a high price tag, but it is one of the best stainless steel coffee makers with no plastic available in the market.

PROs

  • Elegant and solid stainless-steel
  • Different sizes between 8oz to 44oz (separate units)
  • Patented double screen to prevent coffee grounds in coffee
  • Double wall keeps coffee warmer for longer
  • No drip spout
  • Flexibility and ownership in brewing (awesome coffee)

CONs

  • Expensive
  • 44oz product is very tall (did not fit into my cabinet)
  • Stainless steel handle can be difficult to hold
  • Need to learn how to brew in french press
  • Need to learn how to brew perfect coffee
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I was really excited about Frieling USA’s french press when I saw it the first time. I felt that the exterior was so beautiful. Made with stainless steel, the french press was shiny and almost felt like a mirror. I felt that it could fit a variety of styles and spaces, anything from modern kitchens to more traditional and rustic spaces.

The appliance is made of the finest 18/10 stainless steel throughout. 18/10 means that there is 18% chromium and 10% nickel. The carafe serves as an insulated pitcher.

Because of its size, I was able to enjoy the french press both indoors and outdoors. I actually went camping with it. My friends were surprised and happy to enjoy delicious coffee in the morning!

Because the appliance is primarily stainless-steel, the french press is comparable to others in terms of weight and size. It weighs about 2.5 pounds, and I found it easy to carry with me.

Voltage: None needed.

Beverage size: I was really excited to find out that Frieling USA french press can come in a variety of sizes: 8oz, 17oz, 23oz, 36oz and 44oz. This can be up to 5 medium size cups of coffee. However, each size is a separate unit. I got a 17oz to brew 2-3 cups of coffee at a time, but some of my friends with families brew their coffee in a 44oz unit.

Weight: Just like with other stainless steel french presses, Frieling USA can weigh up to 3 pounds (for the largest 44oz version). I found it very easy to carry and lift. I was even able to put it in my backpack for camping.

Unit size: Depending on the size, the appliance can be tall, up to 10 inches. The largest version was a bit tot tall to fit into my cabinet, so I had to keep it on the counter. However, the smaller versions fitted in just fine.

Carafe: Depending on the unit, this french press can come between 8oz to 44oz. There are some specific sizes to choose from. The carafe is stainless-steel and serves as an insulated pitcher. Keeps coffee warm due to double wall.

Additional perks: In my opinion, Frieling USA did a phenomenal job incorporating convenient and useful features into this french press. It stands out as one of the best stainless steel coffee makers with no plastic. Though it looks innocently, there are some really good perks:

First, a patented double screen filter prevents coffee grounds from getting into my cup of coffee. Frieling USA designed a pre-filter and super-fine mesh filter for no sediments in my cup. Many other french presses claim to work as effectively, but it was Frieling USA that I found the most success with.

Second, with an 18/10 stainless-steel unit, I found the french press to be almost unbreakable. As I mentioned earlier, 18/10 is a notation indicating that the unit is made withy 18% chromium and 10% nickel.

Third, a double wall keeps coffee warmer for a bit longer. Just like with SterlingPro’s french press, Frieling USA features a double-wall. This, on the other hand serves as an insulated serving pitcher.

Last but not least, the french press came with a no-drip spout. I found the spout to be useful, and it prevented me from spilling coffee all over.

Brewing time: What I enjoyed the most about this best stainless-steel coffee maker with no plastic was the fact that I had the ownership in the brewing process. I found that 5-6 minutes was just perfect for a strong and rich cup of coffee.

Flavor: Because I was in charge of brewing, I was able to dictate the quantity of coffee grounds used. It took me a few trials and errors to figure out the most optimal quantity of coffee grounds. I am able to brew delicious, rich and high quality coffee in as little as 5 minutes.

Temperature: I periodically measure temperature of water in my french press. I try to reach 200 F degrees slowly, to allow coffee grounds optimal extraction.

Noise levels: While using the appliance, I did not notice any unusual or intrusive sounds. It’s just the brewing process that makes some noises.

Cleaning: All components were dishwasher safe. This means that I did not have to disassemble the plunger, which would have left me with some headaches trying to put it back around. Therefore, the whole cleaning process was rather smooth.

All the components of the Frieling USA French Press were stainless steel, including the plunger mechanism. This naturally means that the appliance is plastic free.

There are very, very few user complaints about this product. Some users report that the full-length handle should be comfortable and stable. However, there are a few users mention that there was no solid fixture between the handle and a carafe. Further, a couple of users reported that the plunger was breaking easily.

Besides high quality of coffee with delicious flavors, there’s one thing I particularly enjoyed about FrielingUSA french press: the 5-year warranty against manufacturing defects.

Depending on the size, I found this french press to sell for anywhere between $ price point (for the smallest version) and $$$ price point (for the largest version). While this can seem expensive (and is, in fact, expensive), I really appreciated how advanced this french press was. It comes with some really useful features. Further, it brews really delicious coffee, and I do not have to worry about any plastics, chemicals or toxins leaching into my coffee beverage.

GRB Velocity manual by Bunn


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Position #5: Pour over by Coffee Gator

It’s one of the best options for a plastic free coffee maker. Pour over by coffee gator comes in different sizes. I was able to find the following sizes:

Owly Rating

81/100

Appearance 18
Features 12
Performance 15
Health 20
Price to value 16

General thoughts

Coffee Gator came out with a good-looking and elegant pour over coffee maker. It comes with just 2 main components: a glass carafe and a stainless steel filter. I chose a 14oz version, and it was easy and fast to use. All I had to do was add coffee grounds, water and let the water drip through coffee grounds. Light and compact. A glass carafe was very fragile (and I accidentally shattered it in pieces). Involves manual brewing, so can take a bit longer than 4-5 minutes to brew. Brews awesome coffee (just the way I like it). The price-to-value ratio is good.

PROs

  • Elegant and stainless-steel
  • Brews up to 14 cups (the largest!)
  • Fully programmable (auto on/off)
  • Strength control
  • Neat coffee (but only after a couple of runs first)

CONs

  • Plastic
  • Insufficient transparency on materials and chemicals
  • Beverage temperature could be higher
  • Plastic taste for the first couple of brews
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There’s not much to talk about when it comes to the exterior of the Coffee Gator pour over. It is very simple, precise and compact. I never had to keep it on my countertop, which saves some spaces for cooking and additional appliances.

The whole product is composed of a glass carafe and a stainless steel filter. The pour over is small and I was able to easily pack it into one of my kitchen’s cabinets when I wasn’t using it.

The filters are a dual layer of micro-mesh, laser cut steel and from what I’ve seen. They should withstand extreme temperatures.

Overall, it is a very cute, compact and fun pour over.

Voltage: None. Electric or stove top kettle needed for hot water.

Beverage size: This largely depends on the version of the pour over. Since I used a 14oz one, I felt that it was a great plastic-free stainless steel coffee maker in most situations. However, it was not overly convenient when I had a couple of friends come over for coffee. In this pour over, I was able to brew about 3 small cups of coffee (5oz each).

Weight: The pour over is very light, weighing about 13oz in total. I was able to take this pour over with me whenever needed. However, I had to make extra precautions as the glass carafe was fragile.

Unit size: The pour over is compact, measuring about 5.5 x 5.5 x 6.8 inches.

Carafe: The Coffee Gator pour over comes with a 14oz plastic-free glass carafe. As I mentioned, the carafe is very delicate and I was careful when I used it. However, this glass carafe left no after taste in coffee, unlike some other automatic drip coffee makers.

Additional perks: As with other “alternative” best stainless steel coffee makers with no plastic, this pour over is fairly simple. It comes with a very simple design, and I found it very easy to use. Making coffee was easy, fast and rather convenient (though manual).

One feature that impressed me a lot was its micro-mesh filter system, which prevented coffee grounds from getting into my beverage. The filter is made of stainless steel and it doesn’t rust.

In addition, the micro-mesh filter system should remain solid for several years, at least. It is made to withstand extreme temperatures.

Brewing time: It took me approximately 4-5 minutes. I was really pleased that I had so much flexibility and ownership in brewing coffee. To prepare coffee, I had to let water drip through the filter and repeat the process over and over again until I got the amount of beverage I wanted. The process was a bit more involved than other coffee makers, and it took a bit more time of active, hands-on work.

Flavor: With this pour over, I am in control what coffee I brew. I was able to adjust temperature, use as much coffee as I desired, and let coffee grounds extract rich flavors.

Temperature: Again, I had a lot of flexibility with this coffee pour over. Because the micro-mesh filter system is stainless steel, it is designed to withstand high temperatures. I typically boiled water in an electric kettle until it was boiling (212 F degrees) and began pouring over coffee grounds. That way, I was able to achieve strong and rich flavors.

Noise levels: The only noise I heard was coffee drops dripping into the carafe. Further, I had to use an electric kettle, or a stovetop kettle to boil water, which sounded like a small ocean.

Cleaning: Being composed of just two parts, the Coffee Gator pour over is very easy to clean. However, I remained careful with the carafe. As I mentioned before, it’s made of light glass that can easily break at contact with any surface.

I loved how the company immediately explained that the carafe was 100% plastic free. Further, the filter is stainless-steel, as well.

In a few instances, I touched the carafe’s glass handle, which was very hot. Ever since, I have been careful.

Overall, users of the Coffee Gator’s pour over seem to enjoy it very much. There are very few complaints about this machine. I’ve noticed very few users complained about some issues with this product:

  • Fragile glass carafe
  • Coffee drips through the filters very slowly. Caveat from me: I imagine that dripping time depends on everyone’s expectations. For me, the brewing time was pretty decent. I felt that coffee was stronger and richer thanks to the slower dripping

The Coffee Gator pour over sells in the mid $ price point. I feel like it is a decent price considering the top-notch quality of coffee. I was also happy that the appliance came with a stainless-steel filter. I did not need to spend extra money on one-time use paper filters.

However, I felt that the glass carafe could be significantly improved. It currently feels very fragile and delicate. I broke mine after a few uses. There is no replacement, which means I had to buy the entire unit again.

But all in all, I think it was a good investment for the plastic-free stainless steel coffee maker.

DCC-3200 manual by Cuisinart


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2020 Buyer’s guide for best stainless steel coffee makers with no plastic

Why best stainless steel coffee makers with no plastic?

Why did I decide to explore the idea of the best stainless steel coffee maker with no plastic?

As a consumer, I pay the same, if not more, for products of gradually decreasing quality. Many companies remain silent on the topic of materials used in the manufacturing process. I can only imagine that they use progressively worse and cheaper plastic in products to increase their profits. And, I kid you not: plastic products today look and feel significantly cheaper than plastic products 10 years ago.

Furthermore, I remember the time I bought a brand new coffee maker for my home a couple of years ago. I nearly threw up as soon as I had a sip of coffee brewed in my then-new machine. The flavor was filled with plastic. This is when I said to myself: enough.

I want to believe that I am an aware consumer. I would like my family and friends to make informed decisions about the products we acquire. In my rankings and reviews, such as best drip coffee makers or best single serve coffee makers, not only do I emphasize quality, convenience and price. I include my own concerns regarding safety and potential health effects.

The topic of stainless steel coffee makers with no plastic is an important one. I am still learning about potentially detrimental effects of plastic on health. Large lobbying groups stand between me, a regular consumer, and the truth about what impact plastic has on my life.

Are stainless steel coffee makers with no plastic better than plastic coffee makers?

Many studies show that plastic is filled with toxic chemicals that can harm our health, and health of our children and grandchildren.

If an appliance contains plastic, there is a possibility that dangerous chemicals and toxins might be leaching out into beverage every time hot water comes in contact with those plastic parts.

The data, research and scientific studies indicate that detrimental health effects in humans may be caused by chronic low-dose exposures or acute exposure to high doses of plastic.

Those health effects may include, but are not limited to: issues with brain development that lead to loss of sex differentiation in brain, reproduction issues, low quality of sperm, low testosterone levels, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, abnormalities in liver enzymes, and more.

Researchers are still confirming the full extent to which chemicals and toxins included in plastics affect our health, and in what ways they do so. As the research continues, I may unnecessarily expose myself and my children to dangerous long-term effects  on health and development.

The good in best stainless steel coffee makers with no plastic

With the increasing awareness of potential harmful effects of plastic on health, I have seen a significant uptick of consumer interest in switching to stainless steel coffee makers with no plastic.

Though this is still a large opportunity for manufacturers, some, like Bunn, Coletti or Frieling USA, are already making big strides in this area. They have put in the market some of the best stainless steel coffee makers with no plastic.

First of all, best stainless steel coffee makers that contain no plastic are more durable, resistant and convenient. Made with higher quality materials, they are likely to serve longer. They are much more convenient to use.

Second, best stainless steel coffee makers with no plastic give me ownership and control over the brewing process to yield the most delicious coffee I have had. Those products, though perhaps more involved than automatic coffee makers, are  fast and easy to use. Whether I’m going for a french press, a percolator or a pour over appliance. Few components are involved and the quality and strength of my coffee mostly depend on why I do, not just on a machine.

The bad in best stainless steel coffee makers with no plastic

First, it has been incredibly difficult to find a product that contains no plastic (or plastic in areas where it does not contaminate water or coffee). As I mentioned earlier, there is still a large opportunity for manufacturers to step in and release products in the market of stainless steel coffee makers with no plastic.

Second, stainless steel coffee makers with no plastic might be unconventional coffee makers. As I tested, researched or reviewed different coffee makers, I always learned that there was some plastic inside. This was true for the Breville BES870XL Barista espresso machine, which sells for $500+. The unconventional coffee makers include pour overs and percolators, which can brew delicious coffee.

Third, those unconventional coffee makers might be a little bit more involved to brew coffee. They are VERY easy and convenient to use, but they may be a more hands-on experience. While I appreciate the opportunity of brewing my own coffee beverage, I know many people (including myself) would appreciate handing off brewing to the machine.

Wise up, share with your friends!

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