If you’re like me—juggling baby bottles, lunchboxes, and the kind of tired that seeps into your bones—then coffee isn’t just a drink. It’s survival.
So when I spotted the Aarke Coffee Maker, a sleek, minimalist dream straight out of a Scandinavian Pinterest board, I had one burning question:
Can something this pretty actually keep up with mom life?
Here’s everything you need to know; zero fluff, just real experience from a mom who tried it between diaper changes and school runs.
About the Aarke Coffee Maker
Aarke is known for their luxury home essentials—stylish carbonators, water purifiers, and now, this high-end pour-over-style coffee machine. The Aarke Coffee Maker promises barista-quality coffee without the bells, whistles, or plastic.
Key Features:
- Manual on/off switch (no digital interface)
- Stainless steel and glass design
- Mimics the pour-over method
- Eco-conscious build (no pods, less plastic)
- Priced at around $370+
So I proceeded to place an order directly on Amazon.com as I didn’t want to deal with the shipping hassles of the official website.
My Experience (A Real Mom Review)
Let me set the scene:
It’s 6:45 AM. One toddler’s crying because the toast isn’t crispy enough. The baby’s on my hip. My 6-year-old suddenly needs a poster board for a project due in… 30 minutes. I just want a cup of coffee that doesn’t taste like regret.
Unboxing
The unboxing was a moment. The Aarke looks like it belongs in a design museum. Brushed stainless steel, a tall glass carafe, and no single-use plastic in sight. Definitely a countertop showstopper.
Brewing
The brewing process is surprisingly simple, but it’s not fast. You:
- Add water to the tank
- Drop your ground coffee into the filter
- Flip the switch
- Watch the magic
It heats and pours water in a steady stream, mimicking the perfect barista pour-over technique. It’s a quiet, almost meditative process—if your kids aren’t screaming.
Brew time: About 6–8 minutes
Taste: In a word? Smooth. Not bitter, not burnt. Just that rich, mellow flavor I wish I had the time to savor.
The Reality Check
While I loved the experience the first time, real mom-life tested my patience on Day 3. When the baby had a blowout and the dog threw up on the rug mid-brew, I found myself wishing for something faster.
But when I did have time to use it properly, I noticed the coffee pot is not a true 10 cup capacity compared to other brands. Also, the 40 minute hot plate is not long enough and you cannot reset the hot plate for an extra 40 minutes.
Health + Safety: Is the Aarke Coffee System Truly Plastic-Free?
No, it is not totally plastic free. The inside cone where the hot water sits in the coffee grounds is made of black plastic.
Yet, I couldn’t find any BPA or BPS warnings on Aarke’s site, and it’s clearly designed for long-term use, not disposability. That said, Aarke doesn’t publish a detailed materials list or certifications like NSF, BPA-free, or third-party non-toxic certifications, which would help clarify things.
Alternative
Honestly, I don’t think there are any 100% plastic free automatic coffee maker. For health reasons, I’ve switched to using Moka pot or a Chemex pourover. They are completely plastic free if you’re open to a new brewing method
Is it worth the price?
Short version:
Yes, if you value high-quality coffee, beautiful design, and a mindful morning ritual.
No, if you’re mostly looking for speed, automation, plastic-free, or something to chug between diaper blowouts and Zoom calls.
Let’s break it down:
| What You’re Paying For | Is It Worth It? |
|---|---|
| Premium materials (stainless steel, glass, metal) | ✅ Yes — rare in today’s plastic-heavy market |
| Gorgeous, minimalist design | ✅ Yes — looks stunning on your counter |
| Slow-brew, pour-over quality coffee | ✅ Yes — café-level taste |
| Manual operation, no tech bells & whistles | 🤔 Depends — great for purists, not ideal for rush |
| No pods = eco-friendly + long-term savings | ✅ Yes — way cheaper than pods over time |
Pros
✅ Stunning design – Makes you feel fancier than you are
✅ Exceptional taste – Legit pour-over quality
✅ Easy to clean – Fewer parts, no gross buildup
Cons
❌ Not for rushed mornings – It’s a slow brew
❌ Expensive – Definitely a splurge
❌ Not 100% Plastic free
FAQ: Aarke Coffee Maker – Questions Answered
Q: Can I use pre-ground coffee with it?
A: Yes, but fresh ground makes a noticeable difference. Treat yourself.
Q: Is it worth the price?
A: If you value quality and aesthetics, yes. If you just want caffeine fast, maybe not.
Q: Can it brew enough for two people?
A: Yes—up to 4 cups. But you may have to reheat the second if you’re multitasking (as we always are).
Q: Is it loud?
A: Nope. Very quiet and gentle. You can brew during nap time with zero guilt.
Q: Does it need paper filters?
A: Nope! Comes with a stainless steel filter. Sustainable and cost-effective.
Final Thoughts
The Aarke automatic coffee maker is a premium coffee system but sadly it is not 100% plastic free. For health reasons, I wouldn’t be using it all the time.