The Perfect Plastic-Free Espresso Coffee

If you're serious about your coffee, then you know that a truly great cup isn’t just about the beans—it’s also about the process and the equipment. Many coffee lovers are unaware that their daily cup may come with unwanted microplastics, mold contamination, heavy metals or poor-quality (burnt) beans. In this guide, we’ll cover how to brew the perfect cup of coffee, plastic-free!

How To Make The Perfect (Non Toxic) Cup Of Coffee

All of the tools we used (and additional recommended alternatives) are linked in our Non Toxic Kitchen Shopping Guide, under "Coffee & Tea Makers". You may also find this article on espresso machines helpful, where we reached out to over 18 brands to find out about the materials they use in their espresso machines.

Choosing the Right Brewing Machine

Your coffee maker is one of the most critical components of your morning ritual. However, many machines are made with plastic parts that come into contact with hot water, leaching microplastics and harmful chemicals into your coffee.

Single-serve pod machines and brewers with plastic filters are among the worst choices. When exposed to heat, they release thousands of microplastics into your cup. Research published in Nature Medicine found significant amounts of microplastics in human brain tissues, with higher concentrations observed in individuals with dementia. The study suggests that these particles can cross the blood-brain barrier, potentially leading to neurological health issues like dementia. Plastic is also linked to hormone disruption.

You do have several plastic-free brewers to choose from, such as:

• French Presses (Glass or Stainless Steel) – A classic option with no plastic components, ensuring a pure taste.
• Pour-Overs (Glass) – Devices like the Chemex or ceramic drippers keep plastic out of the equation and allow full control over your brew.
• Percolators (Stainless Steel Only) – A great old-school method that avoids plastic while still producing a rich, semi-strong coffee from your stovetop.
• Cold Brew Sets - for iced coffee drinkers.

You can find our favorite coffee brewers linked in our Non Toxic Kitchen Shopping Guide.

But let's be real. None of these are going to give you *espresso*, coffeehouse quality drinks. For this you need an espresso machine–a 20-bar pump one to be exact.

Do Plastic-Free Espresso Machines Exist?

Ehh, mostly. While you won't find a completely plastic-free espresso machine, you can find one that minimizes the amount of plastic used, particularly the parts that come in contact with hot water.

We have searched high and low for a completely plastic-free espresso machine, but we're sorry to report that it does not exist. Instead, we focus on avoiding plastic where piping hot water travels. You'll want to pay close attention to the portafilter in particular (where your hot coffee exits). Even if an espresso machine you are considering contains plastic in the portafilter, you can often seek out compatible portafilters that will fit your machine sans plastic. Take note of the size (typically between 51 and 58mm.

After viewing countless videos on YouTube showing the insides of the machines, we did observe that commercial espresso machines use the least amount of plastic. However, they will run you over a thousand dollars, sometimes even the tens of thousands! If you have the budget, they are a great choice.

We reached out to over 18 espresso machine brands (both residential and commercial) to find the most non toxic option. Sadly, there are very few, but we encourage you to read the article to make the best choice for you.

Check For PFAS

You will also want to check the espresso machine for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). PFAS may be present in the water reservoir, piping, tubing, and internal coatings. These "forever chemicals" are commonly used for their nonstick, heat-resistant, and water-repellent properties, but they do not break down easily and can leach into beverages over time.

Given the high temperatures and pressure involved in espresso brewing, PFAS-containing materials may degrade and contaminate the water, leading to potential long-term exposure. Studies have linked PFAS to hormone disruption, immune suppression, and an increased risk of certain cancers, making their presence in food-contact appliances particularly concerning. 

Other Essential Coffee Tools

Remember, the goal is coffeehouse quality espresso beverages like lattes and cappuccinos. These additional tools can elevate your coffee experience.

• Plastic-Free Portafilter - A portafilter is the handle and filter basket that holds your coffee grounds while brewing espresso. Many standard portafilters (the ones included with your espresso machine) contain plastic components, which can leach into your brew when exposed to heat. Opt for a completely stainless steel one. Pay attention to the size of your portafilter to make sure you are purchasing a compatible one. They typically range from 51-58mm.
• Milk Warmer and Frother - A good-quality milk warmer and frother is essential for lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos. Look for one made from stainless steel or glass to avoid plastic contamination. If the lid is plastic, skip it! You don't need it. You can also heat your milk in a stainless steel pot on your stovetop.
• Coffee Grinder - Freshly ground coffee makes a world of difference in flavor and aroma. Pre-ground coffee oxidizes quickly, losing its freshness and depth. Grinding your coffee just before brewing preserves the oils and flavors essential for espresso.
• Tamper Tool (optional) - It helps compress the coffee grounds evenly into the portafilter, ensuring proper water resistance during extraction. This results in a richer, more balanced espresso shot with optimal crema.
• Handheld Frother (optional) - For those who don’t want to invest in a full milk frothing machine, a handheld frother is a great alternative. It quickly aerates milk, creating a light, foamy texture that enhances your coffee drinks. I personally use mine to distribute my sugar into my coffee more evenly.
• Glass Espresso Cups - glass is my preferred choice because you can witness that delicious crema. Glass is also a great non-toxic choice material!

Our top picks for these additional coffee tools are linked in our Non Toxic Kitchen Shopping Guide, under "Coffee & Tea Makers"

Coffee Quality: What to Look for in a Brand

Now that you have your tools, let's discuss the coffee. Not all coffee is created equal. Many mass-produced brands contain mold, pesticides, and even mycotoxins due to poor growing and processing methods. Here’s what to look for in high-quality coffee:

• Organic and Specialty Grade – Organic certification ensures the beans are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, and specialty-grade coffee ensures a higher quality.
• Mycotoxin-Free or Third-Party Tested – Some brands specifically test their beans for mold and mycotoxins to ensure purity. Pro-tip: high-altitude coffees tend to contain a lower risk of mold.
• Single Source – Coffee blends can be a bit of a mystery and less traceable.
• Fair Trade or Direct Trade – Ethically sourced coffee ensures farmers are paid fairly and reduces exposure to harmful farming practices.
• The Roast – Coffee roasts range from light to dark, with light roasts preserving the bean's original flavors and higher acidity, medium roasts offering a balanced flavor with caramelized sweetness, and dark roasts delivering bold, smoky notes with less acidity. Dark roast is sometimes used to mask the taste of low-quality or defective beans, as the intense roasting process can obscure flaws. Choose a high quality brand.

For Decaf Drinkers

The Swiss Water Method is a chemical-free, non-toxic process used to decaffeinate coffee while preserving its natural flavors. Unlike conventional decaffeination methods that rely on solvents like methylene chloride or ethyl acetate, the Swiss Water Process uses only pure water, temperature, and time to gently remove caffeine.

Unfortunately, most decaf coffee in your supermarket uses the conventional method, so make sure you look for mentions of "Swiss Water Method" on your coffee beans.

How does it work? The process begins by soaking green coffee beans in hot water, allowing the caffeine and flavor compounds to dissolve. The water is then passed through a carbon filter that traps only the caffeine molecules, leaving behind the coffee’s natural flavors. This caffeine-free water, now rich with flavor compounds, is then used to soak a fresh batch of beans, ensuring that they retain their original taste without the caffeine.

Because no harsh chemicals are used, the Swiss Water Process is the cleanest, safest choice for decaf coffee, making it ideal for those avoiding synthetic solvents and potential chemical residues.

Our Favorite Coffee

If you're looking for a clean, high-quality coffee that prioritizes both health and taste, Purity Coffee is our top pick. Their coffee is made from USDA Organic, specialty-grade Arabica beans, hand-picked and third-party tested for mold, mycotoxins, and heavy metals—something most brands don’t disclose.

They’re so transparent that they publish their lab results on their website and update them regularly. When sourcing coffee brands for the shop, I often use them as the gold standard for quality and accountability and ask other brands to do the same.

Unlike conventional coffees that may contain pesticides or hidden contaminants, Purity Coffee is roasted to maximize antioxidants, supporting overall wellness while delivering a smooth, rich flavor with notes of roasted nuts, dark chocolate, and juicy apple-like high notes.

It’s also Smithsonian Bird Friendly and Rainforest Alliance Certified, making it an ethical and environmentally conscious choice. For a truly clean, delicious, and toxin-free coffee experience, Purity Coffee is the brand we trust.

Whole Bean vs. Pre-Ground

While convenient, pre-ground coffee oxidizes faster, losing its flavor and freshness. Worse, it has a higher chance of mold contamination due to prolonged exposure to air and moisture.

Choosing whole bean coffee means you can control more of the process at home. Invest in a good grinder to grind your beans fresh each morning. We promise you it will taste better!

Water Quality

Water makes up 98% of your coffee, so don’t overlook its quality. Use filtered water to avoid chlorine, heavy metals and other contaminants from tap water. Check out our article on how to shop for the best water filter.

Putting It All Together

Recommended steps for a basic latte:

1. Turn on your espresso machine (most require pre-heating).
2. While it is heating, pour your milk into your milk warmer and frother.
3. Fill your espresso machine's water tank with clean, filtered water.
4. Pour your whole beans into your coffee grinder and select "fine" for the grind. You'll need a fine grind for espresso.
5. Fill your portafilter with the coffee grounds (pay attention to the serving size of your portafilter, you will need to select the same size on your espresso machine). Most espresso machines have 2 sizes (1 cup and 2 cup).
6. Brew the espresso into your cup.
7. Add sugar (optional). We prefer organic cane sugar. For an even distribution of your sugar, you can use a handheld frother to combine both.
8. Top off with warm milk and froth.
9. Enjoy!

Making the perfect cup of coffee isn’t just about taste—it’s about health, quality, and using the right tools. By choosing the right brewing method, selecting high-quality coffee, grinding fresh, and using toxin-free accessories, you can enjoy a safer, richer, and more flavorful coffee experience every morning.

Move over Starbucks, we have better coffee at home! You can buy Purity Coffee here.