How crucial is a coffee maker in most homes? Well, apart from water, coffee is the most consumed beverage globally, and it stands as the second most traded commodity. While the health impacts of coffee are up for debate, many people, including myself, enjoy it in large quantities daily.
So, just how much coffee are we talking about? Globally, over 2 billion cups of coffee are consumed daily, showing that our coffee-drinking habits can significantly affect our health and the environment.
There’s an intriguing legend that Ethiopian shepherds were the first to discover coffee’s stimulating effects when they saw their goats getting extra energetic after munching on coffee berries. A dive into coffee’s history reveals many other fascinating tidbits.
It’s clear the world loves coffee, but is it good for us? I’ve discussed both the pros and cons of coffee before, but here’s a quick summary: The good news is you don’t necessarily have to quit coffee. It has antioxidants and other notable benefits, and there are ways to minimize its drawbacks.
Even with organic and fair trade choices to steer clear of pesticides, sometimes other less desirable elements find their way into your cup. Sadly, some modern coffee consumption methods present additional risks. For example, the popular coffee pods or k-cups are causing environmental issues, with over 10 billion ending up in landfills last year alone! Chemicals from the plastic pods can seep into the coffee, posing various health concerns.
Even regular coffee makers, including pod machines, have plastics that meet hot liquids, which can release chemicals into the brew. This is somewhat logical, considering the warm, damp environments of coffee machines’ tubes are just right for mold and biofilms to grow.
A study showed that half of all tested coffee mugs contained mold spores, potentially from inside the coffee makers, and unfortunately, the hot and acidic nature of coffee can’t always eliminate this mold.
While modern drip coffee makers are convenient, there are healthier alternatives that arguably provide a much better cup of coffee. Here are some of my top non-toxic coffee makers:
French Press coffee makers are fantastic. They let you control the temperature and strength of your coffee. You’ll need to pre-heat the water separately, and they don’t keep coffee warm like drip pots, but they’re perfect for making a couple of delicious cups of coffee. Plus, you can also use them for tea. Traditional French Presses are usually glass with steel filters, but now you can find fully stainless steel ones that are more durable.
Another method is the pour-over technique. It involves pouring hot water over coffee grounds and letting gravity take over. Unlike the French Press, you can’t speed up the process by pushing the coffee down, so it takes a bit longer. However, the extra effort is worthwhile for the quality of coffee it produces, which is why many high-end coffee shops prefer it.
Old-fashioned percolator coffee makers are becoming popular again as an alternative to drip pots. Though they fell in popularity due to drip machines and pod brewers, percolators don’t require extra equipment or filters, are easy to clean, and plug in like a drip machine. They also keep coffee warm, making them great for those who enjoy having a hot pot of coffee ready for more extended periods. Just opt for a fully stainless steel model to avoid plastic.
Bialetti espresso makers are traditionally aluminum, but for health reasons, stainless steel stove-top espresso makers are a better choice. They work just as well and pose no aluminum-related health risks. They’re excellent for those who prefer espresso.
Don’t let a moldy plastic coffee maker spoil your coffee experience. Consider these non-toxic alternatives that not only skip the disposable filters but also make a better cup of coffee. Do you drink coffee? What’s your go-to coffee maker?
