Does the Aarke Coffee Maker Contain Plastic?

If you’ve been browsing premium drip coffee makers, you’ve likely come across the Aarke Coffee Maker. Known for its minimalist Scandinavian design, this brewer has attracted attention for its stainless steel build and fast brewing time. But one question keeps popping up: does it contain plastic? Let’s take a close look at what’s inside—and explore a few genuine alternatives if you’re trying to avoid plastic altogether.

The Short Answer

Yes, like almost every drip coffee maker on the market, the Aarke Coffee Maker does contain some plastic components. However, the amount is minimal compared to many competitors. The water reservoir, filter basket, and showerhead are all made from stainless steel. The brew basket is also metal. The plastic parts are limited to the internal tubing, the drip-stop mechanism’s housing, and the outer casing of the heating element. For a drip machine, this is actually quite good—most coffee makers in this price range use plastic water tanks and filter baskets.

The Aarke is SCA-certified, meaning it meets strict temperature and brew-time standards. It brews a full pot in under six minutes, and the automatic drip-stop is a nice touch. If you’re looking for a sleek, mostly-metal brewer, the Aarke Coffee Maker is worth considering—especially if you value design and performance.

Why Plastic Is Still Common in Coffee Makers

Plastic is used in coffee machines for practical reasons: it’s lightweight, inexpensive, and doesn’t conduct heat as much as metal, which helps keep the exterior cool. But if you’re concerned about BPA or simply prefer the taste of coffee brewed with no plastic contact, you may want to explore other options. Below are a few well-built alternatives that minimize plastic use or offer different features.

Commercial-Style Brewers for Heavy Use

If you’re making coffee for a group or just want a tank that lasts decades, commercial-style pour-over brewers are a great choice. The SYBO 12-Cup Commercial Drip Coffee Maker (model SF-CB-2GA) comes with two glass carafes and two warmers. The main body is stainless steel, and the only plastic parts are the handles and the lid vents. It’s a simple, reliable machine that focuses on heat retention and brewing consistency. Check it out on Amazon: SYBO 12-Cup Commercial Coffee Maker with 2 Glass Carafes.

For even higher capacity, SYBO also offers versions with three lower warmers and three glass decanters. These are perfect for offices, events, or large families. The construction is largely the same: stainless steel housing, glass carafes, and minimal plastic. Two models to consider:

All of these brewers use a pour-over style—meaning hot water is poured over grounds—and they keep the coffee hot on low warmers. They’re not fully automatic like the Aarke, but they give you more control and zero plastic contact with the brewed coffee (only the internal water path has some plastic tubing).

For the Retro-Minded: The Electric Percolator

If you want to avoid plastic altogether, consider a percolator. The Presto 02811 Stainless Steel Electric Coffee Percolator is a classic. It’s made entirely of stainless steel, with a glass knob on top. No plastic touches the water or coffee. Percolators brew by cycling boiling water through the grounds—this produces a stronger, bolder cup than drip methods. It makes 2 to 12 cups and has an easy-pour spout and stay-cool handle. I’ve used one for years when camping or when I want a no-nonsense brewer. You can find it here: Presto 02811 Stainless Steel Electric Coffee Percolator.

The trade-off is that percolators don’t have a drip-stop or programmable features. But if your main concern is avoiding plastic, this is one of the purest options.

Which One Should You Choose?

The Aarke Coffee Maker is an excellent choice if you want a modern, fast, mostly-metal drip machine with automatic features. It has a small amount of plastic, but far less than most competitors. If you’re okay with that, it’s a great pick. On the other hand, if you want zero plastic and don’t mind a manual approach, the Presto percolator is hard to beat.

For those who need high volume or love the look of a commercial pour-over station, the SYBO models offer great value with multiple carafes and warmers. They’re built to last and keep plastic to a minimum.

No matter which you choose, always check product specifications for exact materials. And remember: a little plastic in the brewing path doesn’t necessarily affect taste—but if it bothers you, there are excellent alternatives out there.

Does the Aarke Coffee Maker Contain Plastic?