Materials used in the AeroPress coffee maker
All of the AeroPress parts except the silicone seal and the paper filters are currently and have been made of polypropylene since July of 2014. All materials used in the AeroPress are free of BPA and phthalates, are made in the USA, and are FDA and EU approved for use in contact with food.
Please see the illustration below for the evolution of materials used in the manufacture of the AeroPress chamber and plunger since the introduction of the AeroPress in November of 2005.
Evolution of AeroPress Chamber and Plunger Materials
Versions 1 and 2
Oct 2005 – Jul 2009
The AeroPress chamber and plunger were initially made of polycarbonate, a bluish-tinged material that contains BPA. When we learned about the health concerns associated with BPA, we had the polycarbonate tested. No BPA was leaching from the AeroPress into the brewed coffee.
Versions 1 and 2
Oct 2005 – Jul 2009
The AeroPress chamber and plunger were initially made of polycarbonate, a bluish-tinged material that contains BPA. When we learned about the health concerns associated with BPA, we had the polycarbonate tested. No BPA was leaching from the AeroPress into the brewed coffee.
Version 3
Aug 2009 – Aug 2010
Switched chamber and plunger material to a crystal clear BPA free copolyester in August 2009 to assure customers of a BPA free material.
Version 4
Sep 2010 – Dec 2013
Added a smoky grey tint.
Version 5
Jan 2014 – Jun 2014
Switched the color of the numbers from blue to gold and added the word “AeroPress”. Made it easier for consumers to tell a real AeroPress from a counterfeit.
Versions 6 and 7
Jul 2014 – October 2019
Switched chamber and plunger materials to BPA free polypropylene and switched to beige lettering on the chamber (Version 6). Then switched to a gold foil lettering and decreased the amount of grey tint (Version 7).
Version 8
November 2019 – Present
Switched to red lettering on the chamber.
What material do you use for the seal?
The seal is made of silicone. Silicones are rubber like materials that are primarily made of silicon and oxygen. They are frequently used in the manufacture of kitchen implements including those used for baking because of their non-toxicity and excellent durability including resistance to heat. Up until October of 2018 the AeroPress seal was made of a thermoplastic elastomer. Both the silicone and the thermoplastic elastomer are made in the USA and are FDA and EU approved for use in contact with food.
Does the AeroPress contain BPA or phthalates?
No. The AeroPress has always been free of phthalates and has been free of BPA since August of 2009.