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Tea lovers understand the significance of a great brew in enhancing mindfulness and consciousness. Most people invest a lot in finding the high quality teas, but they overlook their tea kettles and fail to realize that their teaware could be a source of harmful chemicals entering their bodies. Unfortunately, many tea kettles are made from materials that present a health hazard to you or the environment.
In this post, we’ll take a look at the tea kettles you should avoid and recommend the best non-toxic tea kettles in the market in 2021.
Here is a sneak peak of the results:
Click to Edit | Image | Title | Buy |
---|---|---|---|
TopBest Overall | Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp 1.7-Liter Stainless Steel Cordless Electric kettle, 1.7 L, Silver | Check Price | |
Best value | Hamilton Beach Electric Tea Kettle, Water Boiler & Heater, 1.7 L, Cordless, Auto-Shutoff and Boil-Dry Protection, Stainless Steel (40880) | Check Price | |
Best stovetop | Quickone Takei Energy-Saving Fuefuki Whistle Kettle, 2.5 L, Silver | Check Price | |
Best glass | Jenaer Glas Water Kettle with Glass Lid (60oz) | Check Price |
Read on to learn more!
Tea Kettles You Need to Avoid, and Why
Most people who spend time in the kitchen understand the importance of non-leaching kitchenware products. Unfortunately, they don’t apply the same concern to their tea kettles that they use for several other purposes, including soups, hot beverages, porridge, and even instant ramen. Finding safe, non-toxic kettles isn’t easy considering the abundance of options you can find in stores or online.
However, we’ve made the purchase process easier. Here are the tea kettles you need to avoid and why:
1. Plastic Kettles
Most modern-day tea kettles and coffee makers are made of plastic. The problem with plastic is that it releases toxic chemicals such as phthalates and Bisphenol A when they come in contact with hot water. These chemicals can also change the flavor or odor of your brew. Kettles with plastic lids can cause just as much damage as the steam condenses from them. [1]
Many kettles are made in china with no plastic break easily or develop colors, yet people often buy them because they’re comparatively cheaper than others. Lastly, you should also avoid kettles with plastic handles or lids.
2. Copper Tea Kettles
The human body doesn’t require a lot of this metal, and excess amounts can damage the brain. Copper kettles leach copper through boiling. If you want to buy a copper tea kettle, we recommend opting for a copper bottom only. [2]
3. Cast Iron Tea Kettles
Cast iron kettles are quite popular in the market particularly because they’re cheaper than fancy kettles and often more durable. However, they leach iron into the water, which can cause issues with people heaving certain health conditions (such as e.g. hemochromatosis). [3]
4. Aluminum Tea Kettles
Aluminum is a neurotoxin, which means that as soon as it enters the body in dangerous amounts, it can disrupt the blood-brain barrier, allowing toxins to pass through. The longer you boil water in an Aluminum kettle, the more Aluminum it leaches. [4]
5. Enamelled Cast Iron and Ceramic Kettles
Enamelled cast iron and ceramic kettles can contain lead, cadmium, and several other heavy metals. Most brands claim to be lead-free but based on history, people don’t trust ceramic glazes. Lead is a pervasive metal that can cause headaches, constipation, infertility, and abdominal pain. [5]
Enamel coating is something that you should consider also when buying tea pots as they may leach lead.
Here’s an article about how to find out if your dishes contain lead.
6. Color Coated Tea Kettles
Most tea lovers buy fancy kettles with the brightest colors and pretty designs. Most color coatings contain lead and other toxic heavy metals that are not only unsafe for you or the body when exposed to heat or boiling water.
7. Tea Kettles with Exposed Heating Elements
Many electric kettles feature exposed heating elements that contain copper, chromium, lead, or nickel. These heavy metals can easily leach into the boiling water
Non-Toxic Tea Kettles and How to Choose them
Buying a Non-toxic tea kettle should be easier now that you know which kettles or kettle materials to avoid. You should choose kettles that are BPA-free, lead-free, nickel-free, phthalate-free, non-leaching, and the list goes on. To make it easier, here are non-leaching kettle materials you can consider:
1. Glass Tea Kettles
Glass is a safer alternative to metal and plastic. By opting for a glass tea kettle, you can avoid all the negative effects associated with conventional kettles, such as metallic taste, metal, and chemical leaching, and rusting. Choosing the best one for you will depend on your use case and requirements.
Here are the two main types of glass kettles you can choose from:
Stove-Top
Stove-top glass kettles are perfect for tea lovers who want to make their favorite brews the old-fashioned way. They are incredibly simple to use and don’t require electricity. You just need to fill them with drinking water, keep them on the stove, and turn on the heat. When choosing a glass kettle, make sure you check the glass quality and ensure it has a high heat resistance rating.
Electric
Electric tea kettles are perfect for more tech-savvy users who value features that stove-top versions cannot offer. These features include:
- Temperature control for a more precise brew
- Automatic shut off when the water boils to eliminate fire hazards
- Faster heating due to heating elements
- Cool handles or surface to allow safe handling even with boiling water
- Can be used as coffee maker
But before you head online or to a local store to buy an electric tea kettle or a stove-top glass kettle, you need to consider some safety precautions. These include:
1. Don’t buy a glass kettle that’s painted, tinted, or decorated. These tea kettles might contain lead.
2. Don’t buy a glass kettle made of soda-lime glass. It is not high heat resistant and will crack or explode on high heat.
3. Don’t buy a glass kettle with leaded crystal. It contains nearly 24% lead.
2. Stainless Steel
Stainless steel primarily comprises iron and a mixture of nickel and chromium to form a neutral, non-oxidizing surface. This makes the kettle rust and corrosion-proof, so it won’t leach any particles into your drink. Secondly, the composition of stainless steel is free of copper or aluminum. They take a while to boil water, but they’re extremely strong and durable so they require little maintenance. Like glass kettles, they’re available in stove-top and electric designs with the same benefits.
But before you head online or to a local store to buy an electric or stove-top stainless steel kettle, you need to consider some safety precautions. These include:
1.Don’t buy a stainless steel kettle if you’re allergic to nickel. (Also consider stainless steel interior.)
2.Don’t buy a stainless steel kettle with a poorly built handle.
The Best Non-Toxic Tea Kettles in 2021
Based on the parameters mentioned above, the following are our top 8 picks of the best non-toxic tea kettles in 2021:
1. Trendglas JENA Innovative Glass Kettle
Check PriceIf you’re looking for a high-quality German borosilicate glass kettle, we highly recommend the Trendglas JENA Innovative Glass Kettle. Trendglas is one of Europe’s most popular heat-resistant glass manufacturers today. Their latest addition to non-toxic tea kettles is made from borosilicate glass 3.3, which can resist heat up to 842°F.
it has no heating element and is completely plastic-free. You can use it on any type of stove, as well as in the microwave and grill, which makes it perfect for several applications, such as baking and cooking. More importantly, it doesn’t leach any harmful substances, which is great for chemically sensitive customers.
I would recommend to not overheat the kettle, still it is made out of glass and – although our kettle worked perfectly – we heared stories of the glass cracking if forgotten on the stove for long period of time.
Pros
- Available in 52 countries
- Comes with a stainless steel or glass lid
- Does not discolor
- The borosilicate glass doesn’t influence the smell or flavor of beverages or meals
- 1.75 liters capacity
Cons
- Some users complain that the glass cracks when boiling water for longer periods
2. Quickone Takei Loud Whistling Tea Kettle
Check PriceIf you’re looking for an affordable non-toxic kettle, look no further than the Quickone Takei Loud Whistling Kettle. This Japanese-made kettle is among the best-selling ones in the market due to its lightweight yet strong design and easy maneuverability. The kettle is made of rust-proof 18-gauge stainless steel with a plastic handle and knob. However, no plastic part comes in contact with heat or water, so it’s non-toxic.
We found that using the kettle, you can boil nearly 8 cups in just 4 minutes, making it highly heat efficient. You’ll also hear a loud, crisp whistle alert even if you’re in another room. If you don’t like the sound, you can simply flip the cap down.
Pros
- Among the most affordable non-toxic teapots
- Dishwasher safe
- Quick boiling time due to extra-wide base for more heat distribution
Cons
- Instructions are in Japanese
- Some customers complained that the handle swivels when moving the kettle
3. Willow & Everett Tea Kettle
Check PriceThe Willow & Everett kettle is a certified BPA –free electric kettle made in China. It is an affordable, plastic-free kettle that you can set according to your temperature requirements. For instance, if you’re a green tea lover, you can set it on 180°F. If you prefer black tea, you can set it between 180-212°F. All you have to do is turn it on, fill it with water, and press the button. Your brew will be ready in a minute.
Another great feature of the Willow & Everett Tea Kettle is that it doesn’t have an exposed heating element so there are no chances of heavy metal leaching into the boiling water. It is made of rust-proof 18-gauge stainless steel with a stay-cool plastic handle and knob. We especially liked the nice gooseneck spout of this kettle.
Pros
- Comes with a 30-minutes keep warm mode
- 5 preset heat controls for precise brews
- Automatic shut-off with a beep sound notification
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
- Many users experienced glitches in the settings
4. Precise Heat Water Kettle
- Put the kettle on, and in 90 seconds you’ll have 8 ounces of boiling water
- The Precise Heat High-Quality, Heavy-Gauge Stainless Steel Electric Water Kettle has a 1.6 quart...
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you’re looking for a non-toxic tea kettle that not only offers a vintage look but also offers all the modern functions, the Precise Heat Water Kettle is one of the best choices for your countertop. It’s made of heavy-gauge, surgical grade stainless steel which is much more corrosive resistant than its regular counterpart. You can boil up to 1.5 liters of water and check the water level marks imprinted in the metal.
You don’t have to worry about leaching since the heating element is fully concealed below the stainless steel base. Plus, it doesn’t have any plastic parts that come in contact with water.
Pros
- Comes with a 5-year replacement warranty
- Boil-dry protection
- Contact-free heating element
Cons
- The body, handle, and lid get hot upon boiling
5. Sori Yanagi Stainless Steel Kettle
- Top Grade Stainless Steel
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Sori Yanagi Stainless Steel Tea Kettle is a handmade, Japanese kettle with award-winning stainless steel craftsmanship. If you’re a tea lover but not a fan of whistling sounds, then the Sori Yanagi kettle is a great fit for you. The product is mostly sold in Japan, so the packaging and instructions are in Japanese. However, the kettle is available in online stores and you can easily have it shipped to your location.
As far as the build quality is concerned, the kettle is made of 304 high quality stainless steel and does not have a heating element. It is plastic-free, and you can use it to boil 2.5 liters of water using an electric or gas stovetop.
Pros
- Great for induction cooktops due to the 304 stainless steel composition
- Heat resistant handle that can swivel from side to side
Cons
- Since there’s no whistle sound, you have to keep an eye on it
6. Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp Cordless Electric Kettle
Check PriceIf you’re in the market for a fast-heating non-toxic kettle, you can’t go wrong with the Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp Cordless Electric Kettle. It is also a great option for tech-savvy people as it packs several interesting features, such as 6 preset temperature settings according to the type of tea you’re brewing, one-touch control, an LED marker, and a 30-minute keep-warm mode.
We really liked the safety features of this kettle: if you leave the kettle idle for more than 5 minutes, it will switch to sleep mode. Thanks to boil-dry technology, the heater will shut down when there’s no sufficient water in the heater. This prevents the heating element from overheating and makes the kettle more durable.
Pros
- Boil-dry protection
- A 1500-Watt power rating for fast boiling
- 6 preset heat settings
- Contact-free/concealed heating element
Cons
- Prone to technical glitches
- Among the most expensive electric kettles in the market
- Not rust resistant
7. Hamilton Beach 1.7 Liter Electric Kettle
Check PriceThe Hamilton Beach 1.7 Liter Electric Tea Kettle is another great option for tech-savvy, gadget-loving users. It’s one of the most powerful kettles in the market, and can even boil water faster than a microwave. It perfectly combines the looks of a traditional stainless steel tea kettle with modern features, such as boil-dry protection, auto-shutoff, and artificial intelligence. And you’d be amazed by its low price compared to other options.
What we really liked about the Hamilton Beach product is it’s speed, it’s really powerful and gives you hot water within seconds.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Faster than a microwave
- Standard safety features
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
8. Chefbar Gooseneck Tea Kettle
Check PriceIf you’re looking for a non-toxic tea kettle you can show off to your guests, we highly recommend you check out the Chefbar Gooseneck Kettle. It is made from rust-proof stainless steel, and you can easily clean it in a dishwasher. It also features a heat-resistant handle that makes pouring easier. You can use it on an induction, electric, or gas stovetop.
In my opinion this is one of the best looking kettles out there, it’s also high quality and versatile, so I believe it won’t let you down.
Pros
- Rust resistant
- Portable and lightweight
- Dishwasher safe
- Eco-friendly handle design
Cons
- No whistle sound
- Unhooked spout design
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are some frequently asked questions about Non-Toxic Tea Kettles:
1. What is the safest tea kettle material?
Stainless steel is the safest material for your tea kettle. The material is made from iron and is stabilized with chromium and nickel. The surface of a stainless steel kettle remains neutral and non-oxidized. It is resistant to corrosion and rust, making your beverage safe to consume.
2. Can electric kettles be toxic?
Electric kettles are damaging for 3 primary reasons: lead, copper, and nickel. Ceramic electric kettles leach led into your beverage, which can cause anemia, kidney failure, neurological damage, etc. Electric kettles also have a copper lining inside, which damages the brain. If you’re allergic to nickel, electric kettles can trigger an allergic reaction.
3. Are Le Creuset tea kettles safe?
Yes, the Le Creuset kettle is safe and nontoxic. It is made from premium carbon steel, a more durable material than stainless steel.
If you want to know more about this manufacturer, we have a detailed article on the safety of Le Creuset products.
4. How to use a kettle?
You can use a kettle on the stove in three simple steps. First, fill your kettle with filtered water. Then, place your kettle on the stove and switch on the heat, When the kettle starts whistling, your water has boiled.
5. How to clean an electric kettle?
You can clean your electric kettle in four simple steps. First, fill your kettle with water halfway and add either 2 tablespoons of citric acid or cleaning vinegar. Next, bring the mixture to a boil and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Then, discard the mixture and use a sponge to get into those stubborn corners. Finally, rinse your kettle thoroughly and voila, you’re done.
6. How to make tea in a kettle?
To make tea using a kettle, all you need is water, teabags or herbs, and a lit stove. Once your kettle is on the stove, place your tea leaves or bags into your cup or teapot. Once the water boils, use a potholder to transfer the hot water into your cup or pot. Soak the tea leaves or bags as required and enjoy your tea.
Conclusion
A tea kettle is an essential kitchenware product for tea connoisseurs. By opting for a non-toxic tea kettle, you can optimize the health benefits of tea by eliminating harmful metals and plastic. You can choose any of the options from our versatile list, depending on your preference.
If you’re looking for the best value for money in a non-toxic tea kettle, we recommend the Hamilton Beach Electric Tea Kettle which is a really powerful product. If you can afford a bit more, for the best features, try out the Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp Cordless Electric Kettle. And if you’re not really into electric kettles, then either the Quickone Takei Energy-Saving Fuefuki Whistle Kettle or the absolutely metal and toxin free Trendglas JENA Innovative Glass Kettle is an ideal choice.
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