Does Aeropress Plastic Leach? (Solved & Explained!)

Aeropress coffee makers are made from food-safe polypropylene, which has a very high heat tolerance. This allows people to be able to use hot water in the Aeropress without having to worry about plastic leaching. With that in mind, the water used should always be below boiling level.

While the Aeropress is a popular coffee-making device, some customers are hesitant about investing in one because it is made from plastic. Today, we’re going to discuss why you don’t have to worry about the Aeropress plastic leaching when you use this coffee maker. Keep reading to have all of your questions answered.

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Do Coffee Drinkers Need To Worry About Aeropress Plastic Leeching?

One thing you will not have to worry about when you use an Aeropress to make coffee is the plastic leaching on your beverage. All materials used to make the Aeropress coffee maker are food-safe.

This device has been approved to use for making coffee because it is safe to use with higher temperature water. According to Medicine Net, food-safe polypropylene shouldn’t leach when it’s exposed to hot water.

What Temperature Water is Safe to Use in an Aeropress?

To make a delicious cup of coffee in an Aeropress you don’t need water to be as hot as other devices require. The recommended water temperature for use in an Aeropress is between 165 and 175 degrees F (73 and 79 C).

Other coffee making devices recommend heating the water up to at least 195 degrees F (90.5 C), which is 20 degrees higher than the recommended temperature to use in an Aeropress. Many people prefer the Aeropress coffee because the temperature is just right when it’s ready to drink.

Why Do People Enjoy Aeropress?

Aeropress is a convenient way to make a single cup of coffee in under a minute. This coffee maker also makes it easier for people to achieve the perfect tasting brew even if they have no prior coffee-making experience.

When people use the Aeropress, they are able to get coffee that tastes just as rich and bold as it would coming from a french press. However, the Aeropress makes a clearer cup of coffee without any residue at the bottom of the cup.

Can You Put the Aeropress in the Microwave?

While the food-safe materials that Aeropress is made from may be resistant to leaching, you should still avoid placing the coffee maker in the microwave. Even though some users have commented that they have put their coffee maker in the microwave before, it’s important to remember that the Aeropress is not rated as microwave safe.

If the microwave is the only method you have to heat up coffee, simply put water in a microwave-safe bowl to heat up. Once it’s been heated, you can pour the hot water in the Aeropress maker.

Could the Aeropress Leach Plastic Onto Coffee?

According to Harvard Health, any type of plastic that is graded as food-safe could leach chemicals onto food if placed in the microwave. This is one of the main reasons why you should never risk putting your Aeropress in the microwave.

A good rule of thumb to follow is to never heat your Aeropress up. Instead, only add water that is already heated to the coffee maker.

Can You Use Boiling Water in an Aeropress?

The Aeropress is designed to help you make the perfect cup of coffee, so in order to do that, you should follow the instructions it provides. Boiling water should not be used in the Aeropress maker because it will over-distill the flavor of the coffee.

Since boiling water exceeds the recommended temperature range, you will ruin the taste of your coffee. While it won’t burn the coffee grinds, the taste will not be what you’ve come to expect with Aeropress.

Can Cold Water Be Used in an Aeropress?

You don’t have to use hot water at all to make delicious coffee with the Aeropress because this device is also handy for making cold brew. It only takes 2 minutes to make cold brew coffee in an Aeropress, however, you should always make sure you are using a fine grind coffee.

Are Aeropress Filters Toxic?

Aeropress filters are made from food-safe copolyester which is BPA and phthalates free. These filters are safe to use and are fully compostable when you are finished using them.

You will be able to reuse an Aeropress filter a few times as well if you want to reduce the amount that you are put into the compost bin. Aeropress filters are non-toxic.

Can You Put the Aeropress in the Dishwasher?

The dishwasher water is not too hot to clean an Aeropress, so you will be able to place all parts in the dishwasher. Place the parts of your Aeropress coffee maker on the top shelf of the dishwasher to ensure they get cleaned.

This won’t be necessary every time you need to clean the Aeropress. The most effective way to clean this coffee maker is by rinsing it with warm water and vinegar.

Is There a Glass Version of the Aeropress?

There isn’t a glass model of the Aeropress coffee maker because it wouldn’t be efficient for how the coffee maker works. This is mainly because the idea of pressing down on a glass chamber filled with hot water sound like it could be dangerous.

Many people have also requested a steel version of Aeropress, but that wouldn’t work either. This is because you would have to hold a metal cylinder that is boiling hot.

Will Using Hotter Water Make Stronger Coffee in the Aeropress?

Using hotter water is not an effective way to make stronger coffee in your Aeropress maker. The best way to achieve a stronger flavor is to adjust the water per coffee ratio so there are more coffee grinds.

It also makes a difference if you are able to grind the coffee up as fine as possible. For the boldest flavor, it’s also recommended to use a dark roast.