If you’ve ever gone shopping for a new coffee maker, you know that plastic coffee makers are frequently less expensive than those made of other materials, including stainless steel or glass.
But are plastic pour over coffee makers safe? This would account for why Plastic-free coffee makers are the most popular kind available. However, it’s important to keep in mind that purchasing these kinds of products carries some risk.
What is the best way to tell are plastic pour over coffee makers safe or not? When looking for a cheap Plastic-free coffee maker, there are three things to watch out for, which will be covered in this article.
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3 Things To Watch Out For
Although not all Plastic free coffee makers are dangerous, those that do usually share certain traits, so this is what you should be on the lookout for. These traits consist of the following:
1. Plastic Interior Components
You can usually tell whether a coffee maker is safe or not just by looking at its outside components. For instance, you could conclude that a device is totally constructed of plastic if it has a plastic handle.
That’s not always the case, though.
Coffee makers sometimes have plastic external pieces, but their interiors are often composed of glass, stainless steel, or other metals. It should be safe to use these goods.
This is due to the fact that plastic is only dangerous when it comes into contact with hot liquids.
To further clarify, plastics are made up of a variety of compounds, some of which are loosely attached to the substance. Because of this, they frequently travel off the plastic and leach into hot liquids when they come into contact with them. The end result would be hot coffee that contained a lot of chemicals.
To put it another way, a coffee machine doesn’t have to be entirely devoid of plastic.
Plastic parts are still permitted as long as they are kept away from the coffee. The handle, lid, outside shell, control buttons, and other exterior parts may fall under this category.
Because they are more affordable and secure, these coffee makers are actually preferable to those made entirely of stainless steel. Coffee makers with stainless steel handles and exterior shells are also available.
This does not necessarily imply that they are secure, as they can have plastic inner parts.
In order to state that the gadget is 100% safe, as a general rule of thumb, you must ensure that the interior components, such as the filter basket and heating chamber, are devoid of plastic.
2. Automatic Coffee Makers
There are two different kinds of coffee makers, as you may already be aware: manual and automatic.
A manual coffee maker, as the name suggests, needs to be operated by the user, such as by pressing a lever, in order to create the pressure required to brew the coffee.
This has a lot of control over the outcome, which is its main appeal.
An automatic coffee maker, on the other hand, may perform the grinding, extraction, and brewing with a single button press. In a nutshell, it’s all about comfort, effectiveness, and simplicity.
The majority of consumers are unaware of one more fact about this kind of coffee maker, though: it’s nearly impossible to locate an automatic coffee maker constructed of anything other than plastic.
That would explain why, despite the automatic coffee maker’s undeniable appeal, customers frequently find it difficult to decide between the two. On the one hand, it’s incredibly easy to make coffee, and on the other, you may enjoy your cup of joe without being concerned about the repercussions.
For those who prefer to prioritize safety, experts advise shopping for manual coffee makers.
3. Chemicals Other Than BPA
The chemical in plastic products that raises the most concerns is bisphenol A, also referred to as BPA. That’s why when plastic includes BPA, people automatically assume it’s harmful.
Unfortunately, consumers also tend to believe that a plastic product is safe if the label doesn’t mention BPA. But that is a false belief about BPA and plastic products that needs to be dispelled.
Actually, there are other chemicals besides BPA that could have a similar impact.
These substances can be divided into two groups: phthalates and bisphenols.
Why do phthalates exist? Phthalates are a class of compounds that are primarily used to soften polyvinyl chloride polymers. They are present in many plastic goods, including coffee makers. Unfortunately, it has been established through research that prolonged exposure to these chemicals can harm the kidneys, lungs, and other organs.
Why are bisphenols used? Another family of compounds that is frequently discovered in plastic goods is bisphenols. In contrast to phthalates, it is mostly employed to harden the plastic. However, they are comparable in the way that prolonged exposure can raise the risk of a number of medical conditions.
As a result, if you Are Plastic Pour Over Coffee Makers Safe searching, you might want to look for chemicals other than BPA on the label that could have a similar impact.
What Are The Dangers Of BPA Exposure?
Although it is true that prolonged exposure to BPA can be harmful, few people are aware of all the possible health effects. In that regard, let’s take a deeper look at the potential effects of BPA exposure:
- Reproductive disorders: According to a 2013 study, BPA exposure may influence how quickly human eggs mature. While it might not completely stop the maturation, it can lessen the likelihood that women will become pregnant.
- This was later confirmed when studies conducted in 2015 discovered evidence that the chemical may interfere with the pituitary gland’s endocrine function, which may result in infertility.
- Heart Diseases: Current research has also connected BPA exposure to a higher risk of cardiovascular issues, particularly heart conditions like hypertension, angina, heart attacks, and more.
- Type 2 Diabetes And Weight Gain: A 2016 study found evidence that BPA exposure may raise the risk of type 2 diabetes and weight gain.
- Birth problems: Several studies have demonstrated that BPA can result in a number of birth problems, including prenatal brain development, an increased risk of having children with asthma, and more.
People’s suspicion of BPA-containing items is only understandable in light of this. Fortunately, the plastics industry has found a way to circumvent this problem by creating BPA-free coffee makers.
Therefore, you should look for BPA-free coffee makers if you want to find Are Plastic Pour Over Coffee Makers Safe.
Word Of Advice: Look For BPA-Free Coffee Makers
The phrase “BPA-free” basically signifies that Bisphenol A was not used in the production of plastic.
You should thus seek out coffee machines that are BPA-free. Unfortunately, consumers are advised by experts to be wary of companies that make claims about their products’ BPA-free status.
Similar to coffee makers, some may not bear the BPA-free label even if BPA is not used in their production or construction. So how can one tell which BPA-free coffee makers and which are not?
The following advice can assist you. Are Plastic Pour-Over Coffee Makers Safe?
- Verify the label: This is the simplest technique to determine whether a product contains BPA. For your reference, the label is the triangle stamp with numerous numbers on it that is located at the base of the machine. Stay away from coffee makers with labels containing the number 7, which essentially means it contains BPA.
- Analyse the flavour: You can test brewing coffee in your existing coffee maker if you’re unsure whether it’s BPA-free. BPA should be apparent because it typically has that unpleasant plastic flavour.
- Check the plastic’s transparency: Hard plastics are made with BPA. Since this kind of plastic is typically transparent, if you can see all the way through it, it probably contains BPA.
- Examine the other labels: In addition to the BPA-free label, a coffee maker will also include a number of other labels. It might be marked as microwave-safe or unbreakable, for instance. In that case, there is a strong possibility that the plastic has BPA. But if it says “hand wash only,” it should be BPA-free.
What Is The Problem with Plastic Coffee Makers?
Plastic is a common material for coffee makers and related accessories. Plastic coffee makers can have negative consequences on both users and the environment, despite the fact that they are more affordable than the majority of alternatives, which is why many coffee aficionados purchase them.
Why Go for a Non-Toxic Coffee Maker?
The biggest issue with coffee makers is the plastic that is used. Bisphenols, such as BPA and BPS, are the main compounds to be concerned about when it comes to the hard plastic (often polycarbonate) used in coffee machines. To make plastic stronger and more durable, these compounds are frequently used.
BPA is a recognized endocrine disruptor that has been connected to a number of health problems discussed above.
Furthermore, according to research, BPA frequently deviates from the conventional wisdom that “the dose makes the poison” paradigm. Instead, even “safe” low levels of BPA can disrupt normal bodily processes and cause cancer, developmental issues, and other issues.
The food or drink that is stored in containers might get contaminated with BPA and other related bisphenols. The chemicals are then ingested into our bodies when we eat or drink them.
Three key factors make it especially crucial to reduce the quantity of plastic in your coffee maker:
- Heat: BPA and other chemicals are released from the material at a faster rate at higher temperatures. You probably need heat every time you prepare coffee, unless you’re doing an overnight cold brew.
- Acidity: Just like heat, acid can hasten the breakdown of plastics, and most people are aware that most coffees have a rather high acidity level.
- Use frequency: Anything you use more regularly ought to be put higher on the list of things to replace with non-toxic (or at least less hazardous) alternatives. Switching to a plastic-free coffee routine could be a wonderful strategy to reduce your daily consumption of BPA and other plastic toxins since most people use their coffee maker on a regular or nearly daily basis.
Closing Thoughts
We hope all of your questions have been answered: Are Plastic Pour Over Coffee Makers Safe? It is clear why so many people continue to insist on buying Plastic free coffee makers despite the risks. Since they are inexpensive, they outperform even the most expensive coffee makers.
Finding ones made of stainless steel and other materials can be the greatest option, though, if you have more cash to spare. Otherwise, you should make sure the coffee maker is BPA-free. You may read more about pour over coffee making for novices in our post on the subject.
FAQs Are Plastic Pour Over Coffee Makers Safe
Is it bad to have a plastic coffee maker?
Some plastic coffee makers are not harmful.
Even while some coffee machines that bear the BPA-free label still contain BPA polymers, the label makes it clear that the brew is not in contact with those materials. Therefore, a brewer made of plastic can still be used safely. However, a lot of coffee makers are completely BPA-free.
Is stainless steel coffee maker better than plastic?
The best plastic-free coffee makers are constructed of glass, biodegradable wood, or stainless steel. It won’t absorb colours or flavours and is long-lasting, simple to maintain, heat-resistant, and resistant to heat. Similarly, glass has many of the same advantages, but we are all aware of how easily it may break.
What type of plastic is used in coffee makers?
If you’re still concerned about BPA-free coffee makers, just know that the majority of brew baskets are made of ABS plastic and that the water tanks are made of polypropylene, both of which are BPA-free plastics. Cookies help us improve your experience.
Are plastic percolators safe?
The top of the percolator lets you see how quickly your coffee is brewing while it is being brewed. In general, glass offers a better option for observation than plastic. The main risk associated with using plastic for brewing is the potential for chemical “leaching” into your coffee.
