More and more people are aware of the importance of environmental conservation and try to do their bit to avoid damaging the planet, even when drinking coffee. And if you are reading this article, it probably means that you are one of these people.
This can be achieved by using less energy, recycling more, or avoiding polluting materials such as plastic. In short, using more eco-friendly methods of coffee preparation with a smaller carbon footprint.
How to choose an ecological coffee maker
What makes a coffee maker sustainable is its durability and sustainability, which are the two variables we must consider before choosing one.
The most sustainable coffee makers will consume the least energy regarding energy sustainability. While in terms of reducing the use of contaminating materials, we should choose one that is free of plastic. In both cases, the coffee makers that best fit these premises are manual coffee makers.
Note: Remember to choose well the coffee you use in your preparations; if it is fair trade, it will contribute more to the conservation of the environment.
Which are the most eco-friendly coffee makers on the market?
According to the previous variables, and as I have already mentioned, the coffee makers that best fit these needs are the manual type. Here are the ones I consider to be the most eco-friendly on the market:
The French press
The French press is considered one of the most sustainable coffee makers due to its durability and manufacturing materials. These coffee makers are available in recyclable materials such as glass, stainless steel, and ceramic, completely free of plastic. In addition, it does not require disposable filters or electricity to operate.
This coffee maker has several advantages; one is that it produces little or no waste. In addition, it is very functional, simple, efficient, portable, easy to store, and easy to clean, and with it, you will be able to obtain coffees full of flavor. It is a perfect complement to a coffee lover’s ecological kitchen.
The only disadvantage of the French press is that it requires hot water to make the coffee, so you will have to use energy to boil it. However, the lack of waste makes up for this because it does not require a filter.
The Moka pot
Suppose you are looking for a good coffee with more body. In that case, the Moka pot will be your best option since, with a good grinding and preparation technique, you can obtain excellent coffee without so much energy consumption and with very little use of plastic.
Here the same thing happens with the French press; indirectly, these coffee makers use some energy. Although they do not need to be connected to electricity to function, they need the water to prepare the coffee to be boiling, indirectly consuming some energy.
The manual pour-over coffee maker
This is an excellent method for preparing coffee in an environmentally friendly way, as it allows you to prepare a delicious beverage with little waste and is available in materials such as glass or ceramic, completely free of plastic.
While it works with a filter, it doesn’t need to be paper; you can use a reusable filter and avoid the unwanted waste that disposable filters leave behind.
With a manual pour-over coffee maker such as the Hario V60, you can have absolute control over the preparation of your coffee and use different methods. However, it requires more precision to get a good cup of coffee.
The Chemex coffee maker
The Chemex coffee maker is quite ecological as it is made entirely of glass and produces less waste when making coffee.
Its structure makes it look beautiful in any kitchen, and its coffee is a little softer and less bitter. Perhaps at first, it may be a little difficult to master the technique required, but once you have it, you will be able to enjoy a great coffee.
The Cold Brew coffee maker
I must say that this happens to be one of the most sustainable coffee makers since it only allows one to make cold brews without having to use electricity, nor does it require heating water to operate. In addition, it is available in materials such as glass and with little or no plastic.
It is an excellent alternative for those who love to drink cold coffee. It is prepared by leaving the coffee in cold water for 12 to 14 hours, which brings out the flavors of the coffee. It is a simple method, and although the coffee must be filtered before drinking it, you can opt to use a reusable filter.
The Aeropress
This coffee maker is another excellent alternative for those who like strong espresso coffee, with the advantage that it does not consume energy. However, the preparation of the coffee requires hot water. The downside is that it is made entirely of plastic.
With it, you can get a great cup of coffee quickly and of various types. Its size and portability are a great advantage, but it only allows you to prepare between 1 and 2 cups at a time.
Which is the least ecological coffee maker?
The least ecological coffee makers that exist in the market are the pod coffee makers, taking the first place among the most wasteful with their single-use plastic in the coffee pods. Aside from being made of plastic.
Although we can now get some compostable or refillable pods, these options are unavailable for all brands.
These coffee makers require electrical energy so they will consume much more than manual coffee makers. So, whichever way you look, they are not environmentally friendly machines.
Conclusion
If you want to contribute to the planet’s conservation, as a frequent coffee consumer, you should choose the adequate preparation method that requires the least amount of energy possible.
Look for coffee makers made of environmentally friendly materials and always try to use fair trade coffee.
Keep in mind that the least recommended coffee maker, in this case, is the pod coffee maker because it is the one that pollutes the most, so review the more sustainable options that I mentioned and choose the one that best suits your needs.
