Espresso Machines - PFAS, Plastic, Aluminum, Oh My!

Espresso Machines - PFAS, Plastic, Aluminum, Oh My!

This is our continuation of our search for finding the most non-toxic possible way to brew real espresso (not just coffee). Espresso machines contain many problematic materials. We reached out to over 18 residential and commercial brands to find the safest choice.

This article may include affiliate links.

Coffee And Espresso Machines

If you’ve been following along for a while, you probably already know that I’m a self-proclaimed coffee aficionado. I love my morning brew—but not just any coffee. My passion is espresso.

Growing up in a Cuban-American household, my mornings started with a tradition familiar to many: my mother would send me off to elementary school (yes, elementary) with a cup of Cuban coffee with milk, paired with buttered Cuban bread. This classic breakfast is a staple in countless Cuban homes, and mine was no exception.

As a clean living advocate, I set out to find the cleanest coffee machines possible. The good news? If you enjoy a simple cup of coffee, you have plenty of non-toxic brewing options, including percolators, pour-over setups, French presses, and cold brew systems. Many of these are made with safe materials like glass and stainless steel, minimizing exposure to harmful chemicals. (but do still check them, as some percolators use aluminum, and some of these machine types may still use plastic—see our shopping guide for our picks).

But here’s the catch—these non-toxic options won’t produce espresso. The only way to brew true espresso is with a machine that delivers the necessary pressure, and that’s where things get tricky. Regular coffee machines use gravity, an espresso machine uses pressure. This is why you likely see them advertise 15-bar or 20-bar pumps. Espresso machines often contain problematic materials that can be concerning for those trying to live “clean,” including:

  • Plastic
  • PFAS
  • Aluminum

Plastic In Espresso Machines

Plastic is a well-documented health and environmental concern, with many plastics containing hormone-disrupting chemicals like BPA, BPS, and phthalates that can leach into food and beverages. Even BPA-free plastics aren’t necessarily safer, as some substitutes still exhibit endocrine-disrupting properties, however, they are a better choice.

The risk increases with heat and prolonged exposure, which accelerate chemical leaching. Given that plastics break down over time, older or frequently used components are even more prone to releasing microplastics and chemical residues into your drinks.

Where Is The Plastic In An Espresso Machine?

Sadly, plastic is unavoidable in espresso machines. You may find plastic in the water container, beans container, tubing, steam wands, portafilter handles, and internal water lines. Better choice materials would be stainless steel, brass, and silicone. Since you can't avoid it all, we recommend trying to at least avoid plastic where it comes in contact with hot water, and at least seek out a BPA-free option.

PFAS In Espresso Machines

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as "forever chemicals," are a group of synthetic compounds widely used in various consumer products due to their resistance to water, grease, and stains. However, their persistence in the environment and human body has raised significant health concerns. They don't easily degrade and can accumulate over time.

PFAS contaminate our environment and our drinking water and it is estimated that 99 percent of Americans contain PFAS in their blood. The most frustrating thing about PFAS is that this chemical is man-made. Decades of unregulated use have led us here. If you haven't seen the film Dark Waters, it's a great preview into PFAS history (dramatized, but based on a true story).

Health Risks Associated with PFAS Exposure:

Many studies and scientific inquiries indicate that PFAS is a serious concern. Many of the popular concerns are summarized here (click in to see more direct sources).

  • Cancer: Epidemiological studies have identified probable links between elevated PFAS blood concentrations and an increased risk of certain cancers, including testicular and kidney cancers.
  • Immune System Effects: PFAS exposure can impair immune function, reducing the body's ability to combat infections and diminishing vaccine efficacy.
  • Reproductive and Developmental Issues: Studies suggest that PFAS can affect fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and child development, including low birth weight and developmental delays.
  • Liver Damage: There is evidence linking PFAS exposure to liver injury, potentially leading to conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Where Is The PFAS In An Espresso Machine?

In espresso machines, PFAS may be present in the tubing, gaskets, o-rings, steam wands, and even the water container itself. 

Aluminum In Espresso Machines

Aluminum exposure is a growing concern due to its potential neurotoxic effects, with research suggesting links to cognitive decline, neurodegenerative diseases, and immune dysfunction.

While small amounts of aluminum are naturally present in food and water, excessive exposure from cookware, food packaging, and beverage preparation can lead to accumulation in the body, particularly in the brain, bones, and kidneys.

The risk is higher when aluminum comes into contact with hot water and acidic substances, as these conditions increase leaching. Aluminum is a reactive metal.

Where Is The Aluminum In An Espresso Machine?

Espresso machines present a higher risk of aluminum exposure because they use high temperatures and pressure, which accelerate aluminum leaching, especially when brewing acidic coffee.

In espresso machines, you may find aluminum in the boiler, heating elements, water lines, and portafilters. Stainless Steel or Brass components are better choice materials. In some cases, aluminum is used in machine parts that do not come in contact with your water/coffee. In this case, it is low risk.

Espresso Machine Research

I have attempted this research multiple times. The first time I set out to do this research was around 2023 when I was looking to replace my machine at home. I sent long-winded emails to over a dozen brands and was met with mostly crickets. Of the ones who did respond, I later discovered I had been giving inaccurate information. So I wanted to share some of the tactics I used this time around for a more complete (and accurate) response.

  • I simplified my questions. I think perhaps when we ask too many questions, support agents get overwhelmed, may forward your email to others in the company, where the email eventually dies and goes unanswered. Instead of asking about all the materials in the machine, I narrowed it down to only those materials I was concerned about.
  • I specified exactly which models I wanted the responses for. Some of the brands have a ton of different models. Narrowing it down to a few models helps them get more specific and increases your likelihood of a response.
  • I used online support forms. Rather than e-mailing them directly, I used online support and contact forms, where I generated a "support ticket number" for follow up. Most of these brands have systems in place which closely monitors their support services. I received faster answers this way, as opposed to sending a direct cold email.
  • I pressed for more details. Having been misled in the past, I pushed for more verification. Not only does this communicate to the representative that this a serious inquiry, but they are more likely to verify their responses when you ask for more details. This included following up on all initial responses and asking for clarification, drawings, manuals, or disclosures that may detail more about the materials used in their machines.

These are the questions posed to all of these brands, focusing only on the most critical parts (rather than all the materials):

  1. What plastic materials are present inside the machine, where we cannot see, and what those parts are exactly? 
  2. Which materials does hot water pass through before reaching the cup of coffee? I am particularly concerned about plastic and aluminum.
  3. Does your machine use any PTFE or PFAS in its tubing, sealing tape, gaskets, etc. If so, please specify where the PFAS is present.

Espresso Machine Brand Responses

Here were the responses from each of the companies to help you in your search for locating an espresso machine with the least amount of plastic and concerning materials as possible. I will summarize my opinions at the end.

Breville

Contact: Online Chat (then followed up via email)

Models inquired: Bambino Plus | Barista Express | Barista Touch | Barista Pro | Oracle Touch

From their online chat: 

All materials and compounds used in the manufacturing of Breville® products are considered proprietary and may not be disclosed. All Breville® products are food safe and compliant with all applicable product safety regulations and requirements.

Initially I did not receive follow up emails, but I kept pressing. After a week, they responded with the following:

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide you with a break down of the materials used on our machines, however all the parts that come into contact with the water are BPA and toxin free. 

Ivy's Thoughts: This statement is laughable. Their machines are "toxin-free"? Where are the receipts to back up this claim? They didn't share ANY information about the parts in their machines. Not a single link to a manual, an ingredient disclosure or anything. I'm very disappointed in their response.

CasaBrews

Contact: Online Contact Form and info@casabrews.com

Models inquired: CM5418 (Compact) | Neutron Pro (with frother) | 5700 Pro Silver (with frother and grinder)

Initially the response in the chat was that they did not use PTFE. They later followed up via email with this statement: 

The water tanks of CM5418, Neutron Pro, and 5700 Pro Silver use PFAS materials, and the connecting pipes from the heating pot to the coffee outlet, hot water outlet, and steam pipe contain PTFE.

Ivy's Thoughts: This company previously shared that they contained no PFAS. But recent inquiries told a different story. From no PFAS to PFAS everywhere. I was so devastated with this response since this also happened to be one of the more affordable, yet high performing options. Unfortunately, there is just too much PFAS in this.

De'Longhi

Contact: Online Support Form

Models inquired: La Specialista Opera | Linea Classic | Dedica Maestro

Initial response:

Materials Present in the Machine: Our espresso machines incorporate a variety of materials, including plastic, silicone, stainless steel, and aluminum. These materials are carefully selected to ensure durability, performance, and safety. In this case, we would like to let you know that the plastic does not come in contact with the coffee. Additionally, the material breakdown is as follows: 35% plastic, 10% electrical components, 15% aluminum, and 40% stainless steel. 
Cold/Room Temperature Water Path: The cold or room temperature water primarily passes through components made of plastic and silicone before reaching the heating element. Rest assured, all plastics used are BPA-free and meet stringent safety standards.
Hot Water Path: Once the water is heated, it flows through stainless steel and aluminum components before reaching your cup. These materials are chosen to withstand high temperatures and ensure the purity of your coffee.

Follow up response after being pressed about PFAS:

Thank you for contacting our Customer Care Center and letting us know your inquiry regarding the La Specialista Opera EC9555M, Linea Classic EM450M, and Dedica Maestro EC900M. We understand your concerns about the materials used in our machines, particularly regarding PFAS, PTFE, and aluminum components. For detailed information about the presence of PFAS and PTFE in our products, we encourage you to visit the following links: Proposition 65 Information, AB1200 Information. These resources provide comprehensive details about the materials used in our machines and their compliance with safety standards.

After I pointed out that the links they provided did not apply to their coffee/espresso machines and that I was still in the dark about PFAS, they responded with the following:

The machines' plastic parts are made of an amalgamation of plastics that are safe for you to interact with. The parts that come into contact with food are food-safe and do not pose any danger in the short, medium, or long term. As of now, the exact details of the types and origins of the plastics we use are not available for disclosure.

I asked for a more specific response on the aluminum, and received the following:

Aluminum Presence: Aluminum is typically used in various components of our machines, including the boiler and housing. While aluminum is present, it is designed to ensure that it does not come into direct contact with water during the brewing process.

Ivy's Thoughts: I wish their responses were more transparent and direct rather than providing a link to blanket disclosures (which don't even specify if they apply to the machines in question). I was also confused by their comments on the aluminum. At first it appears the aluminum is in the hot water path, but in their follow up they stated it does not come in contact with water during the brewing process. They also did disclose some information, but then don't want to disclose about the plastics they are using? Very sketchy. i asked for more clarification, but have not heard back.

ECM

Contact: Online Contact Form

Models inquired: Puristika, Classika, Elektronika, Mechanika, Technika

Initial response:

The watertanks are made of food-safe Polypropylen (PP #5), rated for use with drinking water. The bean hoppers are made of food-safe Polyamid 6, but are also available in a glass version. Furthermore, the following regulations were followed: (1) Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006/EU on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). (2) Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004 regarding materials and objects intended to come into contact with food. (3) Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011 on plastic materials and objects intended for the purpose of coming in contact with food. (4) Regulation (EC) No. 2023/2006 on good manufacturing practice for materials and articles intended to come into contact with food. 

This response did not directly answer my questions. I followed up 3 additional times. 

*crickets*

Ivy's Thoughts: Disappointed in this company's response and complete avoidance of my questions.

Estella

Contact: Online Contact Form

Models inquired: Estella Caffe ECEM1

Response:

Can you share how you hope to use this espresso machine and why this information is needed. Is the FDA looking for a materials list? Is this a curiosity before purchasing? Can you share where this will be used if purchased? (home, business, food truck etc.) 

Follow up response:

Before taking the next steps to explore your request, I must let you know that the warranty does not cover home use and you may have trouble finding an installer as commercial technicians are not typically insured to install commercial equipment in residential spaces. Additionally having commercial equipment in your home may void any homeowner's insurance you may have. 

Follow up response:

Most of the internal components are metal. You can see more details in the attached service manual. These are all the details we're able to provide. Most of the tubing inside of the machines are made of bronze or copper. The distribution group is made of bronze. The only components that include any plastics are the solenoid valves.

After pressing them on whether the plastic or other components contained PFAS, they responded with the following:

This was not information provided or explored as those are typically only found in nonstick coatings or grease-proof coatings within the food industry. If this is something you're worried about, I would suggest exploring a manufacturer that can look into this further for you. This is all the information we're able to provide. 

Ivy's Thoughts: This company most definitely did not want to engage in the conversation and went as far as using a scare tactic about my homeowner's insurance. In the manual they provided, they do show many internal photos of the machine, but do not specify the materials. We saw minimal plastic. Aluminum presence is a mystery as it cannot be visually distinguished from other metal parts. We saw 1-2 plastic tubings, and cannot confirm if they contain PFAS or if they are perhaps made of silicone instead. Their final response was disheartening and misinformed. There is most certainly the presence of PFAS in espresso machines (it's not just in cookware).

Flair

This espresso machine differs from others on this list, in that it is a manual espresso machine. The pump goes up to 9-bars.

Contact: Online Contact Form

Models inquired: Flair Neo | Flair Classic | Flair Pro | Flair 58

Response:

I would recommend a model from the Flair 58 family, as all other models have some type of plastic contact with the hot water during your brew. The Flair 58 family of products boast an all stainless steel brew path, aside from the integrated Plastic Stem guider [handle]. From the stainless steel stem and plunger, to the stainless steel bottomless basket. no plastic will contact your brew water or coffee after your fill routine is complete. All materials used are PFAS free, and food safe.

Ivy's Thoughts: This is the most favorable response we have received from any of the brands. However, notice that it only applies to their Flair 58 model. Another important note is that this is a manual pump with 9-bar power. However, it appears to be a good choice for those looking for the least toxins. I wish it were more affordable, especially considering it's a manual process.

Gaggia

Contact: Online Support Form, info@gaggia.com and support@gaggia-na.com

Models inquired: Gaggia RI9380 Classic Evo

No response from the brand. Waiting on a dealer to see if they can provide more information.

Illy

Contact: customer.service@illyusa.com

Models inquired: X1 Anniversary 1935X7.1

No response from the brand. Waiting on a dealer to see if they can provide more information.

Jura

Contact: info@jura.com

Models inquired: Jura ENA 4

No response from the brand. Waiting on a dealer to see if they can provide more information.

La Marzocco

Contact: Online Contact Form

Models inquired: Linea Micra | Strada | KB90 | Linea PB | Linea Classic

Response:

Our commercial espresso machines (Strada, KB90, Linea PB, and Linea Classic S) primarily use copper tubing and stainless steel components throughout the water pathways. Our home machines like the Micra use a plastic reservoir and some PTFE tubing to get water into the machine, but past that, use similar copper and stainless steel materials. There is an option to plumb-in the machines that bypasses the need for those components. Many of our connection points use metal-to-metal compression fittings, but we do use Viton and PTFE o-rings to make seals as well.

Follow up response:

Our commercial machines also use Viton and PTFE o-rings. There may be some aluminum components but I don’t believe those interact with water. Our boilers and portafilters are stainless steel.  Any questions regarding the Micra would be best suited for the La Marzocco Home team.

Response after contacting home team:

While La Marzocco is known for making the highest quality espresso machines, we try our best to use as much stainless steel and limit our use of plastics, brass, etc. Our machines are commercial grade, and as such are NSF rated for commercial food production. All plastics in the machine are food-grade and BPA free. The entire water path is either NSF rated plastics, stainless steel, copper, or NSF rated plated lead-free brass.

I was having trouble getting specific answers from this company. So I asked for more clarification on the home Micra model specifically in hopes to get more concrete answers. Instead of an e-mail response, I received a phone call. Here are my notes from the phone call:

  • All machines are aluminum-free.
  • Micra - does contain plastic parts in the hot water path including plastic tubing, the steam wand, and plastic valves. It is using teflon tubing. They are also using medical grade radel plastic in the portafilter.
  • GS3 - uses teflon in the water reservoir.
  • Linea Mini - Commercial-style machine. The only plastic present on the hot water side are o-rings and seals that are outside direct contact with the water path (representative could not confirm if it contained PFAS, but did say it does not touch the water). The water reservoir is PFAS-free and BPA-free. He mentioned it is NSF compliant and their brass is plated and lead-free.

Ivy's Thoughts: Of the models discussed, the Linea Mini gets the closest and is not a bad choice, but it is very expensive. 

La Pavoni

Contact: Online Contact Form

Models inquired: EPC-8 | PC-16 | PSW-16Esperto Abile | Esperto Edotto

No response from the brand. Waiting on a dealer to see if they can provide more information.

Lelit

Contact: Online Support Form  

Models inquired: Anna | Bianca | Mara

No response from the brand. Unable to find any other way to get answers.

Lucca

Contact: Online Contact Form , hello@clivecoffee.com

Models inquired: A53 | M58 | X58

Initial response:

All three machines (X58, M58, A53) deliver hot water via stainless steel and or brass delivery tubes. They don't use plastic tubing or aluminum. The only time water touches plastic is in the cold water reservoir (BPA-free).  

This was a very positive response, but they did not directly respond to the PFAS questions, so I pressed for more answers:

I don't know if these machines use PFAs, but I can tell you that our LUCCA machines use the highest commercially rated and food-safe materials available for espresso machines.

I asked the representative to research further. Still waiting for a comment on the PFAS.

Ivy's Thoughts: This seems like it could be a great option, but I still don't have answers on the presence of PFAS. I've followed up twice with no response. If the brand eventually responds, I will come back and update this since this appears to be a possible good choice!

Krups

Contact: Online Support Form

Response:

General product composition details can be found using the link below. We unfortunately would not have details available beyond the details provided in the link. https://www.krupsusa.com/instructions-for-use

Ivy's Thoughts: I didn't dig deeper since the rep shared up front that they would not have details beyond what is in the link. In the link, they do disclose they are using aluminum, PFAS, PTFE, PFA and FEP.

Nespresso

Contact: Online Support Form 

Models inquired: Creatista Plus | Vertuo Plus | Vertuo Creatista

Initial Response:

We regularly submit our machines, packaging, and processes to rigorous monitoring to ensure compliance with all applicable standards. The results of these tests consistently demonstrate that our machines are safe and adhere to current regulatory requirements concerning materials in contact with food. Our coffee machines predominantly feature stainless steel thermoblock and pipes, with Nickel and Chrome as components of this alloy. Our Food Safety Management System ensures that all parts in contact with food are safe. We conduct periodic analyses of migration to comply with major European and U.S. legal requirements and recommendations regarding food safety for food contact materials. Aluminum, which is naturally present in various raw agricultural products, including coffee, is used in our capsules. However, our coffee does not come into direct contact with aluminum. Each capsule is lined with a food-grade lacquer that maintains the coffee's freshness while providing a barrier between the coffee grounds and the aluminum. This food-grade lacquer is composed of thermoplastic polymers and complies with applicable FDA/HPFB regulations regarding food contact materials. Furthermore, the water used to brew espresso does not come into contact with aluminum within the machine. While the thermoblock, which heats the water, is made of aluminum, the water travels safely through a stainless-steel tube within the thermoblock, ensuring no direct contact occurs. To protect the integrity of our products, Nespresso capsules are designed with an impermeable barrier to oxygen, light, ultraviolet rays, and water vapor. Importantly, our capsules do not contain Bisphenol A (BPA) or other types of Bisphenols. Our Original machines, including models like the stainless steel Creatista Plus, are BPA-free. For specific models, such as one Vertuo machine that contains a part made with BPA, there is no direct contact with water or coffee, and our tests show no evidence of BPA migration into consumers' coffee cups. We are actively working to replace this part with a non-BPA material.

They promised to get back to me on the PFAS/PTFE specifically. I also asked to clarify the presence of plastic in the water route, but did not receive a response. All of Nespresso's help desk tickets do not have an email address to respond to, nor a portal to track the initial request. So each time I contact them, it creates a new case, which is frustrating. No response thus far.

Ivy's Thoughts: I'm seeing a trend that most brands don't want to comment on the presence of PFAS, but will discuss other materials in their machines. Frustrating. In addition, it appears Breville designs some of Nespresso's machines (refer back to Breville's responses).

Ninja

Contact: Online Chat and phone number: 1-800-365-0135. Had to speak with someone on the phone who gave me a ticket number and promised to follow up.

Models inquired: Ninja Luxe Cafe

Initial response:

Please note that due to our confidential manufacturing practices, we would not be able to disclose a list of our manufacturing processes, but The Ninja Luxe™ Café is BPA-free. You can rest assured, though, that our products are manufactured in compliance with all laws, meeting all FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration), and food contact law requirements. Additionally, these types of coatings have been evaluated and approved by the FDA for food contact, and there is no EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) restriction on the use of PTFE as a coating for cookware. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused and hope this information is useful to you.

I tried pressing for more details, but received the following response:

Regrettably, as manufacturing details such as which materials are used for components are strictly confidential, we do not have access to provide you a comprehensive list on what materials are used to construct all of the internal components used in the Ninja Luxe™ Café. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your continued patience and understanding.

After pressing some more, I received a voicemail from Nico, where he is explaining that PFAS is still used in some of their cookware, but not in the espresso machines. However, it still felt a bit unclear, so I followed up via email and received the following response from a different representative:

We can confirm that the Ninja Luxe Espresso Machine is BPA-free. As for the exact parts of the machine, we are unable to clarify the exact materials used for every component. If you should have any questions about this unit, you can refer to this link - https://support.ninjakitchen.com/hc/en-us/sections/13158572511132-Espresso-Machines.
 
We understand your concerns about the presence of PFAs in the materials used to manufacture your unit. Although we do not intentionally use these chemical compounds in our devices, they are widespread and invasive, making it nearly impossible to guarantee that the materials are completely PFA-free.

Ivy's Thoughts: I still feel a bit in the dark about the materials they are using, and the responses felt very "legal protection." The link provided did not offer much more information. We did find a teardown video for their Ninja Luxe Cafe where someone took it apart to look inside you may find helpful. There seemed to be some confusion regarding the PFAS question initially, but it appears they are not intentionally adding it to their products, but they share that it may appear unintentionally. In their 2023 ESG report, they do make mention of their intention to rid all of their machines (not just coffee machines, but cookware too) of PFAS, which is encouraging. 

Rancilio

Contact: Online Contact Form

Models inquired: Silvia Pro XSilvia M

Response:

Please see page 41 on our Silvia Pro X users manuals which contain our food safety statements and will answer these questions to the fullest extent I have an answer. The water tanks are plastic tanks, and the feed hoses are silicone. The same products are used on the standard Silvia and Classe 5 1group Tank model. Our Classe 5s are ETL certified for food preparation.

The manual they shared stated the following:

Silvia Pro X are manufactured with the following materials: stainless steel, copper, lead free brass, plastic, rubber, silicon.

There is no mention of PFAS and no details of where these materials appear in the machine, so I pressed for more answers. Follow up response:

The steam boiler is stainless steel and the coffee boiler is marine grade brass. The water lines are copper piping or silicone lines. The pump is also made of plastic.
Still no response on the PFAS, so I asked two more times and did not receive a response.

Ivy's Thoughts: Nothing irks me more than brands who just won't respond. This actually appears to be among the better choices, but getting ghosted on the PFAS question doesn't sit right with me.

Rocket

Contact: Online Contact Form, Instagram DM

Models inquired: Appartamento Nera and TCA | Bicocca | Cronometro | Mozzafiato

I did not receive responses from the brands directly, and they instead pointed me to their dealers. I decided to contact Whole Latte Love as they have been helpful with me in the past. Here are additional resources you may be interested in:

Ivy's Thoughts: You can plumb in the water source if you want to skip the plastic reservoir altogether, which is nice. The steam wand is "insulated" which likely means there is plastic, and possibly PFAS plastic in there, but was unable to receive confirmation. For me, the steam wand is not a big deal because it's an optional step. I prefer using my Maestri Milk Frother instead, which is all stainless steel.

Summary Of Brand Responses

This research was very disheartening and there appears to be no perfect choices, although two machines did get our approval. Sadly, they are out of most people's budget.

If you are reading this and have an entrepreneurial spirit, I'd encourage you to invent a plastic-free, aluminum-free, PFAS-free machine! While most of the brands told me it was nearly impossible, I could actually build a Frankenstein version if I picked the best parts from each of the machines (hah!).

Here's a quick summary, but there is a lot of nuance, so I still encourage you to look back at the copy and pasted responses I received from the brands, which I provided in the previous sections.

Summary

Brands who ignored our questions or said the information was considered "proprietary". If we hear back from them, we will return and update the article to place them in one of the other categories:

  • Breville
  • Gaggia
  • Illy
  • Jura
  • La Pavoni
  • Lelit

Brands who responded, but had too many problematic materials:

  • Casabrews
  • Krups

Brands who disclosed very little information or did not fully answer our questions, leaving us in the dark about some of the materials used. 

  • De'Longhi
  • ECM
  • Estella
  • Nespresso
  • Ninja

Brands who may be a good choice, but have not yet gotten back to us about certain materials (particularly the presence of PFAS). If we hear back from them, we will return and update the article to place them in one of the other categories.

  • Lucca
  • Rancilio
  • Rocket

The best choices from this list based on responses:

Back to blog

Meet Ivy

Hi! I'm Ivy—a cosmetic formulator student, certified project manager, and passionate clean living advocate. My mission is to make toxin-free shopping effortless and enjoyable.

I founded Crunchy & Co., a curated non-toxic shop offering tried and tested high-performing everyday essentials. We’re more than just a shop—we’re a community that values ingredient transparency and supporting small, ethical brands.

Thank you for being here! If you have questions or ideas for future articles, reach out—we love hearing from you!

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