Glass and Porcelain Coffee Makers

QUESTION:

Why are coffee makers made of glass or porcelain usually recommended?


ANSWER:

Coffee lovers look for coffee makers made from glass or porcelain simply because it reduces the chance any kind of transfer from the coffee maker to the coffee you are brewing.

The biggest concern is with plastic components in coffee makers.

Many people can taste the plastic after they have brewed their coffee. It seems that the heat of the water leaches out components in the plastic which can then be tasted in the coffee.

This is particularly true with new coffee makers. Just as with a “new car smell” you can also get a new coffee maker smell and taste.

An associated concern is the worry that some of these elements transferred from plastics could be damaging to our health, even carcinogenic.

As a result, there is a growing interest in coffee makers which don’t include plastic components. Of course, if you are looking for a plastic-free brewer you’re going to have to exclude just about every drip brewer and single serve coffee maker on the market.

In your question you don’t mention metal. As far as I know there are no concerns with the use of stainless steel in coffee makers.

For an all-glass drip brewer, consider the Chemex Cup Coffee Maker