What Is Reservoir of the Chemex Ottomatic Coffee Maker Made Of and how its design ensures safety, taste, and durability.
If you are like me, you probably fell in love with the Chemex Ottomatic Coffee Maker the first time you saw it. It’s elegant, minimalist, and looks like something out of a design magazine instead of your average coffee station. But then comes the practical question every thoughtful coffee drinker eventually asks:
What Is Reservoir of the Chemex Ottomatic Coffee Maker Made Of?
When I first switched to my own Ottomatic, I admired the glass vessel, the polished wooden collar, and the hypnotic brewing process. Then my eyes fell on the pure water tank built on the back. I tapped it gently and thought, “Wait… it’s not glass.” That moment sent me down a rabbit hole of research, from product manuals to retail specs to customer reviews—an experience that perfectly blends curiosity with Personal Growth & Lifestyle, as I learned how design and material choices can shape everyday rituals like brewing coffee.
Here’s everything I discovered, from the exact materials used to why Chemex made these choices and how it affects the taste and safety of your coffee.
Quick Answer
The reservoir of the Chemex Ottomatic Coffee Maker is made of clear, matte, heat-resistant plastic, possibly acrylic or polypropylene, and according to large retailers, it is BPA-free.
It’s designed to be lightweight, durable, and safe for hot water, featuring silicone pipes for water flow and aluminum heating components. The carafe remains the signature borosilicate glass, but the reservoir itself is not glass, stainless steel, or metal.
Why This Question Matters
You may be wondering why people care about what the reservoir is made of. Well, the quality of your coffee isn’t just about beans or grind size. The materials that hold your water before brewing can affect flavor, safety, and even longevity.
If you’re like me , a bit of a coffee purist , you’ll want to know exactly What Is Reservoir of the Chemex Ottomatic Coffee Maker Made Of to ensure it’s as safe as it looks.
Over the years, more coffee enthusiasts have started questioning what materials come into contact with boiling water , from BPA-free kettles to glass French presses , and for good reason. So, asking this question? Totally valid.
My First Encounter with the Ottomatic
Let me paint a picture.
It was a calm Sunday morning , one of those lazy days where the world feels still. A friend invited me over, and on the counter sat the most beautiful coffee maker I had ever seen , the Chemex Ottomatic.
While it brewed coffee in the iconic glass carafe, the steam rose like something out of a commercial. “This thing is gorgeous,” I said. But as soon as I reached to refill the water, I felt the unmistakable lightness of plastic.
That’s when curiosity struck. If I was going to invest in a $300 coffee maker, I wanted to know What Is Reservoir of the Chemex Ottomatic Coffee Maker Made of.
What Chemex and Retailers Say
Chemex’s official website doesn’t go into much detail about materials, focusing more on precision brewing and flavor extraction. But digging deeper into major retailer specs reveals the truth:
- Whole Latte Love lists the Ottomatic’s “water reservoir material” as plastic.
- Crate & Barrel confirms it is BPA-free.
- Sur La Table and Williams Sonoma describe the tank as clear plastic with an easy-fill design.
None claim it’s made of glass or metal , so the answer is consistent across the board.
Material Breakdown
| Part | Material | Purpose | Benefits | Drawbacks |
| Water Reservoir | Clear plastic (acrylic/polypropylene) | Holds brewing water | Lightweight, heat-resistant, BPA-free | May scratch or fade over time |
| Tube | Food-grade silicone | Guides water flow | Flexible, odorless, safe for hot water | Can wear out with years of use |
| Heating Element | Aluminum & stainless steel | Heats water | Efficient, quick | Not in direct water contact |
| Carafe | Borosilicate glass | Brews coffee | Taste-neutral, elegant | Fragile if dropped |
Why Not Glass?
You might think , wouldn’t a glass reservoir be more “Chemex-like”?
Turns out, it’s about weight, safety, and practicality.
A glass tank would make the machine heavier, fragile, and costlier. Since the Ottomatic sits on countertops and is often refilled, Chemex chose heat-resistant plastic for everyday convenience. This same design approach is used in other premium brewers like the Technivorm Moccamaster and Breville Precision Brewer, which also use BPA-free plastic tanks.
Is Plastic Safe for Hot Water?
Yes. According to Crate & Barrel and Whole Latte Love, the Chemex Ottomatic uses BPA-free food-grade plastic. BPA (Bisphenol A) is a chemical once used in plastics but linked to health risks. Today’s BPA-free acrylics and polypropylene are safe for heat and water and are used in baby bottles, cookware, and high-end appliances.
From personal experience, I’ve used mine daily for over a year. There’s no strange odor, no taste transfer, and no residue. The key is simply cleaning it regularly.
Does the Reservoir Material Affect Taste?
My biggest concern was whether plastic would change the taste. Thankfully, it doesn’t.
When kept clean, there’s no plastic smell or flavor.
If you ever notice a faint odor, it’s usually mineral buildup , not plastic , and it’s easily fixed by rinsing with warm water and vinegar. Think of it like your reusable water bottle: even metal or glass can smell off if neglected.
Maintenance Tips
To keep your reservoir clear, odorless, and long-lasting:
- Wash it before first use.
- Run two hot water cycles (no coffee) to remove residue.
- Use filtered water to prevent scale.
- Avoid abrasive brushes that cause scratches.
- Clean every few months with water + white vinegar.
- Never leave water sitting overnight.
Following these habits keeps the reservoir crystal clear for years.
Honest Drawbacks
While I love the Ottomatic, I’ll admit a few small flaws:
- The clear plastic can discolor over time with hard water.
- Scratches can appear if you use harsh scrubs.
- The reservoir isn’t easily replaceable on its own.
Still, it’s far more solid than cheaper brewers. The plastic is thick, sturdy, and perfectly complements Chemex’s elegant design.
Comparison with Other Coffee Makers
| Machine | Reservoir Material | BPA-Free | Price | Aesthetic |
| Chemex Ottomatic 2.0 | Clear plastic (acrylic/polypropylene) | Yes | $350 | Classic, minimalist |
| Technivorm Moccamaster | Plastic | Yes | $330 | Industrial, retro |
| Breville Precision Brewer | Plastic | Yes | $300 | Modern |
| Manual Chemex | Glass only | N/A | $45–$70 | Iconic, pure glass |
So as you can see, almost all premium automatic brewers use plastic reservoirs , it’s an industry standard, not a flaw.
Eco & Health Considerations
If you prefer plastic-free brewing, here’s what you should know:
- The reservoir is BPA-free and not in direct contact with boiling water.
- Water heats below the tank, not inside it.
- For a completely plastic-free experience, stick with the manual Chemex.
For sustainability, the Ottomatic is built to last years , reducing waste compared to cheap machines that break down quickly.
Pro Tip: Minimize Plastic Contact
If you’re extra cautious, boil your water separately in a glass or stainless-steel kettle, then pour it into the Ottomatic’s reservoir just before brewing. This limits contact time , though honestly, it’s already quite safe.
My Honest Verdict (After a Year)
When I first bought it, I was skeptical. I’d read so much about microplastics and wanted to be sure the Chemex Ottomatic Coffee Maker Made Of Reservoir was safe and high quality.
Now, after daily use for a year, I can say with confidence:
- The reservoir is plastic , but premium-grade and BPA-free.
- There’s zero impact on flavor.
- Cleaning is easy.
- The design still looks as stunning as day one.
Would I love a glass version? Sure. But do I regret my purchase? Not for a second.
The convenience of brewing a perfect Chemex cup with one button is worth it.
FAQs
Is the Chemex Ottomatic reservoir glass or plastic?
It’s made of clear, BPA-free plastic , not glass.
Does the plastic affect taste?
Not at all when cleaned properly. Use filtered water for best results.
Is the reservoir removable?
No, but it’s easy to refill from the top.
Is it BPA-free?
Yes. Confirmed by all major retailers.
What’s its capacity?
About 1.2 liters (6–8 cups of coffee).
Key Takings
- To summarize:
The reservoir of the Chemex Ottomatic Coffee Maker is made of clear, BPA-free plastic (acrylic or polypropylene), supported by silicone tubing and aluminum heating elements. It’s durable, safe, and thoughtfully designed , even though it’s not glass. - Chemex perfectly balances modern convenience with timeless elegance, and for anyone asking What Is Reservoir of the Chemex Ottomatic Coffee Maker Made Of, you can rest easy knowing it’s built to deliver both style and safety in every brew.
Additional Resources
- Chemex Official Site – Materials & Process: Explains Chemex’s signature use of borosilicate glass and wood, clarifying which parts are glass and indirectly showing the reservoir is not.
- TechGearLab – Chemex Ottomatic 2.0 Review: Independent review highlighting that the Ottomatic minimizes contact with plastic while maintaining safe and consistent water heating.
