Aluminum and stainless steel are not the only two materials you can use to make a coffee maker. Many other materials could be more cost-effective in comparison to these staples.
The Aluminium Coffee Maker is a popular choice because it is simple, lightweight, and has a sleek design. On the other hand, the Stainless Steel Coffee Maker makes for durable coffee pots with high-quality material.
In this post, I’ll explore the differences between aluminum and stainless steel coffee makers. So let’s start!
About Aluminum Coffee Maker
Aluminum coffee makers are a visual stunner, but that’s not the only reason they’re good. Aluminum is an excellent thermal conductor and will make your coffee nice and hot. It’s also very lightweight and durable. Not to mention that it doesn’t impart any flavor of its own into the brew.
As for design, most aluminum coffee makers have a handle, which makes them easy to pour. Some models have a filter basket, while others do not. And other than that, the most important thing to consider is the appearance you want in your kitchen. Some of them are so plain that they nearly disappear into the background.
Aluminum can be a good choice if you want an excellent, aesthetic coffee maker. The one potential drawback to aluminum is that it can be prone to rust if you do not properly care. So if you plan on using your aluminum maker in a wet environment, you may want to pay extra attention to cleaning and storing it there after use.
Why Should You Choose It?
When I’m talking about Aluminum coffee makers, it is the best choice for people who want their coffee to be perfectly brewed. Durable, lightweight, and easy to clean. Easy pouring Handle on the side for pouring. Filters do not come in aluminum sizes now except the drip ones. It doesn’t impart any flavor to the coffee or water.
Though It is suitable for thermal conduction, it will give the taste a bit of a metal taste if it’s not cleaned properly. It is smaller than stainless steel though its weight is about the same as stainless steel. It would be best if you took this coffee maker because it is suitable for humid environments.
- Durable
- lightweight
- Easy to clean
- Lots of designs to choose
- Large selection of colors or styles
- It tastes slightly metallic if not appropriately cleaned and stored in a wet environment.
About Stainless Steel Coffee Maker
Stainless steel coffee makers are beautiful and elegant. But not only are they lighter and more durable than aluminum, but they can also be cleaner. It is also known to be a bit of a magnet for rust. So you’ll want to take extra care in cleaning and storing it. The stainless steel models often come with more extras and an extended warranty.
Most stainless steel models do not have a handle but feature quick-release levers. It lets you remove the filter basket without yanking on them with great force.
You may want to consider a water filter, so your coffee doesn’t taste like the dishwasher after every pot.
Again, convenience is the name of the game, and you may not want to get out a brush after every use. It can be a great choice when you have counter space to spare and don’t mind keeping up with stainless maintenance issues. But, if you’d rather be able to hide your coffee maker away when not in use, it’s best to go with aluminum.
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Why Should You Choose It?
Though Stainless steel is not easy to clean properly, it is a bit heavy to carry around. The large-size coffee maker is available in stainless steel. It doesn’t impart any flavor to the coffee or water.
Water from the faucet can be poured directly and doesn’t need to filter. Less thermal conductivity than aluminum, but still efficient at keeping it hot. Stainless steel looks elegant, but it may rust easily in a wet environment.
It is not difficult to find replacement parts for stainless steel coffee makers. But it will get sticky and dull very quickly if you don’t know how to clean it properly. Stainless steel makes good thermal conductors but is not good as aluminum. So they can be brewed very fast but with less temperature than aluminum. Sometimes, water may become slightly yellow or brown after use. But using vinegar can help your coffee maker back to normal condition again.
- Long-lasting
- Durable
- Looks elegant
- Easy to store and maintain
- Easy to clean
- It may rust easily in a wet environment.
What Are The Similarities And Differences Between Aluminum Vs Stainless Steel Coffee Maker?
Each type of coffee maker has its advantages and disadvantages, so you should decide which one you would prefer to purchase for your home or office use. I want to show you the main differences between aluminum and stainless steel coffee makers.
Thermal Conduction
The main difference between aluminum and stainless steel coffee makers is the amount of thermal conduction they have. Strictly speaking, aluminum has less thermal conductivity.
It’s also heavier than stainless steel, but it can be more easily transported. It is also more suitable for use in a wet environment.
Long-lasting
Durability is an essential factor to consider when purchasing a coffee maker. Both stainless steel and aluminum are durable materials. But aluminum is less stable than stainless steel, and it’s also heavier.
Stainless steel requires more care and maintenance, but it lasts more than aluminum. Stainless steel will be a better choice if you are thinking about storing your coffee maker in a wet environment.
Easy To Clean
Aluminum coffee makers are easier to clean than stainless steel coffee makers because they can be washed by hand. Stainless steel can easily get scratched, which makes it harder to clean. Generally, aluminum is easier to clean than stainless steel.
Both aluminum coffee makers and stainless steel coffee machines require regular cleaning and maintenance because of the materials that they’re made.
Despite its affordability, aluminum requires careful cleaning and maintenance for it to last for years in good condition. It’s best if you use filtered water to prevent any scale buildup, especially if you use it daily or several times per day.
Price
Stainless steel coffee makers are expensive as compared to aluminum coffee makers. Hence, aluminum coffee makers are more affordable than their stainless steel counterparts. Stainless steel is more costly than aluminum. Because it’s heavier and contains better thermal conductors than aluminum. Being more durable than aluminum, it is more expensive than aluminum.
Consider the size
If you’re considering storing your coffee maker in the kitchen, you should choose stainless steel because it’s heavier. It can be easily stored in a cabinet or cupboard. Aluminum is lighter and smaller than stainless steel.
Location of storage
If you want to store your coffee maker away when not in use, aluminum would be better than stainless steel. Aluminum is lighter, more durable, and easier to store than stainless steel.
Aluminum gives a metallic taste to water if not cleaned properly. Stainless steel looks elegant but can rust quickly in a wet environment. You’ll also have to worry about rust if you store your coffee maker in a damp climate with no air circulation.
Brew strength
When I’m talking about a stainless steel coffee maker, it allows you to brew strong coffee. Because it doesn’t let the water go through the coffee grounds. Unlike aluminum, it makes a more robust brew compared to stainless steel.
Water filter
Stainless steel filters remove all impurities and mineral deposits from the water. Since its materials are rougher, it’s easy to get scratches on stainless steel. It is aesthetically unappealing and makes cleaning difficult.
Once your stainless steel coffee maker gets scratched, you will have difficulty cleaning it, no matter how much effort you put into it. Also, putting in a stainless steel water filter can be costly compared to aluminum filters.
Aluminum vs Stainless Steel Coffee Maker: Which Is The Winner?
People have been using Aluminum and stainless steel coffee makers for a long time because they know they also offer excellent service. Both the products are effective, and many choose one from the other.
There are many reasons why people prefer aluminum coffee makers and stainless steel coffee makers because they have a variety of features, which makes them better than their other counterparts.
When we look at the construction these coffee makers carry, they both look amazing, but they might not be so. In terms of price, stainless steel is way more expensive than aluminum. Therefore it is costly to use and maintain.
The aluminum is also made up of stainless steel but is lighter than the others. That is why they can be transported easily, so you do not need to carry them all around your house or office.
Aluminum is lighter, more durable, and easier to store than stainless steel. Aluminum gives a metallic taste to water if not cleaned properly. Stainless steel looks elegant but can rust quickly in a wet environment. Stainless steel coffee makers are expensive as compared to aluminum coffee makers.
A combination coffee maker is the solution if you want something to accommodate both style and functionality. This coffee maker contains an aluminum-based hot plate and a stainless steel-based thermal carafe.
The carafe is used to keep your coffee hot, while the hot plate can be used for brewing new batches of coffee. So with this kind of machine, you get all the convenience you would find in a drip coffee maker. It is all that durable quality in a stainless steel thermal carafe, not to mention that it simultaneously looks good!
Final Verdict
When you compare aluminum vs stainless steel coffee makers, both have some merits and demerits. Aluminum coffee makers are the go-to option because of their convenience. It can give you the best value for your dollar if you’re willing to take care of it properly.
Aluminum is also easy to clean and portable. In addition, stainless steel coffee makers are a better choice if you’re willing to spend a little more and have counter space to keep your coffee machine on. Don’t forget to check out our other content about Ninja vs Cuisinart Coffee Maker