When we head over to our stove to make a fresh pot of tea, most of us aren’t thinking about what tea kettles are made of. But we should be, and here’s why:
Not all tea kettles are non-toxic, and since they come in contact with tea (something we drink), it’s important to buy a non-toxic tea kettle that’s safe.
Many tea kettles are made of the same materials as cookware and baking sheets, and in order to find one that’s non-toxic, you’ll have to think about what the tea kettle is made out of and whether or not the materials leach once the kettle starts to heat up.
That may seem like a lot, but I’ve detailed some of the things that you should look out for, and after a considerable amount of research (and some testing too!), I’ve also listed some of my favorite kettles on the market.
(And if you need some help choosing a great tea to brew in your kettle, you can read about my favorite organic teas!)
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I could be compensated if you decide to make a purchase. You can read my full disclosure here.
9 Best Non-Toxic Tea Kettles
Non-Toxic Glass Tea Kettles
Though some of the glass tea kettles below say they’re safe for use on the stovetop, many people have complained that the kettles shatter after a few uses on the stove. There is a possibility, however, that people weren’t using the tea kettle properly.
Below this list of non-toxic tea kettles, you’ll find tips on how to use a glass tea kettle safely on the stove.
CnGlass Glass Tea Kettle
If you’re looking for a non-toxic tea kettle that will look gorgeous on your countertop, this glass tea kettle from CnGlass is a great option. It comes with a clear glass infuser, which makes it easy to watch your tea steep (and looks nicer than stainless steel, IMO).
The CnGlass Glass Tea Kettle is made of borosilicate glass, which is heat resistant, meaning that it can handle high heat and changes in temperature without breaking.
That makes it dishwasher-safe, microwave-safe, and stovetop-safe on medium heat (be sure to follow these instructions for using it on the stovetop though).
Borosilicate glass is non-toxic and BPA-free, which means it’s safer for your health, and it’s environmentally friendly too.
Since the kettle is double-walled, it will keep your tea warm for longer, and you can use it with or without the infuser (with the lid still on). The handle is sturdy, and the design of the spout ensures there won’t be any leaks or spills.
You can get this one in three different sizes to brew 20-40 ounces of your favorite tea.
Tealyra – Glass Teapot
The Tealyra teapot is perfect if you are looking for a larger-sized non-toxic tea kettle, similar to a carafe. It can hold nearly 2 liters of water, making it perfect for brewing multiple cups of tea at once.
Like the CnGlass glass kettle above, Tealyra’s teapot is made of borosilicate glass, which is heat-resistant and stovetop-safe on medium heat. It can also be used in the microwave (just remove the stainless steel infuser first).
You can use it for both hot and cold teas, and it comes with a tight-fitting bamboo lid and a stainless steel infuser to make sure your cup of tea is free from any leaves or particles.
The Tealyra teapot is BPA-free, making it a safe option for your kitchen, and since it’s also dishwasher-safe, it makes cleanup easy.
Non-Toxic Stainless Steel Tea Kettles
OXO Brew Classic Tea Kettle
This stainless steel tea kettle from OXO is a great option if you’re looking for a safe and affordable non-toxic tea kettle.
Its classic look will fit in with any kitchen decor, and it will brew a lot of water too. Nearly 2 quarts at once!
The loud whistle will let you know that your water is boiling too, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting that you turned the kettle on.
It’s made of high-quality stainless steel that’s resistant to rust and corrosion, and the handle is made of heat-resistant silicone, making it more comfortable for you to grab directly from the stovetop.
And, most importantly, absolutely no plastic comes in contact with your boiling water!
We particularly love this one because of its affordability and wide availability.
All Clad Stainless Steel Tea Kettle
If you’re looking for a high-end non-toxic tea kettle that is both beautiful and safe, the All Clad Stainless Steel Tea Kettle is a great option.
This kettle is made of high-quality 18/10 stainless steel with a polished finish, making it perfect for any kitchen. (FYI- We talk a bit more about stainless steel grades in our article about non-toxic baking sheets.)
And it has absolutely no plastic components!
The spout is designed to prevent any leaks or spills, and it flips open automatically when you pour the water into your cup.
Plus, it has a loud whistle that will let you know when your water is boiling.
This tea kettle is a little pricey, but it’s definitely worth the investment if you’re looking for a high-quality and safe option that’s compatible with all stove types.
Non-Toxic Electric Kettles
Fellow Corvo EKG Electric Kettle
Fellow, a company known for its high-quality and beautiful kitchen appliances, has created the Corvo EKG Electric Kettle.
This electric kettle is made of high-quality stainless steel with a matte black exterior, making it an attractive addition to your countertop. The ergonomic wooden handle adds a nice touch to it too.
It’s plastic-free on the inside, so your water or tea will have no contact with any plastic and no risk of toxins being released. So it looks great and is safe for your health, too!
The water will boil extremely quickly, and the kettle will keep your water warm for up to an hour before shutting off automatically.
Though this kettle is a little more expensive than the others on our list, it’s still a great option and could be a valuable addition to your kitchen if you appreciate the intentional design.
Culinary Obsession Glass Electric Kettle
We love that this electric kettle is made of borosilicate glass and non-toxic stainless steel. It’s a quick heat-up too… You will have boiling water in just 2 minutes when you fill it to the minimum line (and 6 minutes at the max capacity)!
The kettle holds 1.8 liters of water and the glass is thermal shock resistant so you can be sure that it will not break while boiling.
It doesn’t have a whistle, but it does have an LED light that turns blue when the kettle is on, and it automatically shuts off when the water is boiling. That means you can look across the room easily to check if your water is boiling.
The kettle also comes with a 1-year money-back guarantee, so if you’re not in love with it (or something goes wrong), you can send it back for a full refund.
The kettle is cordless when you take it off of the base, and it has a place underneath the base that you can hide the cord when you’re storing it.
This electric kettle is a great option if you’re looking for something that is both aesthetically pleasing and non-toxic, and we love how affordable it is too.
Are All Tea Kettles Safe?
The simple answer is no. All tea kettles are not safe.
Some tea kettles are made of materials that can release toxins when they come into contact with heat, like plastic or aluminum.
That’s why it’s so important to do your research before you buy a tea kettle, and make sure to choose one that is made of safe materials.
How Are Some Tea Kettles Toxic?
Some tea kettles are made of materials that can off-gas harmful chemicals when they’re heated up. Obviously, since we boil water in a tea kettle, these materials aren’t super safe to use.
Some common materials that can release toxins when heated are PTFE, aluminum, and plastic. We’ll go into detail about each of these materials below.
If the kettle is made from PTFE or teflon, the non-stick coating can begin to peel off with time. Once the coating breaks down, there’s a whole other group of chemicals to be on the lookout for. (Learn more about the dangers of teflon and PTFE.)
Tea Kettle Materials to Avoid
Copper. Copper kettles should be avoided because we can get copper poisoning, which causes digestive issues. Copper poisoning is rare, but it’s still a good idea to avoid kettles made from this material because we regularly come in contact with copper through our food and water, and we should limit our exposure whenever possible.
True copper kettles are typically found in antique shops. If you find a more modern copper kettle, it likely has a lining inside. Be sure to find out what material the lining is made of though because other materials can be harmful to our bodies as well. You’ll learn more about other harmful tea kettle materials below.
Enameled Kettles. Enamel cookware looks pretty, but glazed enamel kettles may contain heavy metals like lead and cadmium, which can cause health problems over time. To be safe, we recommend avoiding tea kettles that are painted or glazed because these paints and dyes are unnecessary and may release harmful chemicals when heated.
Aluminum. While aluminum kettles may seem like a safer option, aluminum can leach into your tea too! We talk a little more about the risks of using aluminum in our article about non-toxic baking sheets, but studies have shown that cooking with aluminum can pose various health risks, particularly for people with renal issues and for young children.
Plastic. You probably already know about the dangers of plastic, but unfortunately there are plastic tea kettles on the market and teapots with plastic components that come in contact with your boiling water. Even when they are labeled “BPA free” there are still dangers because the replacements for BPA may be just as harmful. If you are unfamiliar with BPA and BPS, read our article that goes into more detail!
Do Plastic Tea Kettles Leach Chemicals?
Plastic tea kettles can leach harmful chemicals when heated. BPA and BPS are two of the most common chemicals that leach from plastic, and both of these chemicals have been linked to a variety of health concerns.
PFAS. Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (aka PFAS) are known as “forever chemicals.” The two that you’re probably most familiar with are PFOA and PFOS, formally known as perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonate, respectively. PFOA and PFOS are both extremely toxic, and they’re found in almost everyone on earth. They have been found in drinking water near factories, which obviously makes it a huge problem for those communities, and they’re in some tea kettles too.
PFAS are toxic chemicals that are sometimes used in the production of non-stick materials. But why do you need a non-stick tea kettle? It’s just unnecessary when you’re simply boiling water or tea.
PFAS chemicals don’t break down easily, and they stay in our environment and our bodies for a long time. It’s linked with many health problems, including cancer and developmental problems in children.
Are Stainless Steel Tea Kettles Safe?
We should also note that stainless steel contains chromium and nickel–both of which are toxic to our bodies in large doses. That being said, you won’t receive a large enough dose of these elements in a stainless steel tea kettle to harm you.
What is the Safest Tea Kettle Material?
Glass is the safest tea kettle material if you’re looking for one that’s non-toxic. This is because glass isn’t made with harmful synthetic materials, and you never have to worry about VOCs (no matter what temperature it’s exposed to). Additionally, cleaning glass doesn’t cause anything to flake off, and it doesn’t deteriorate, even when cleaned with detergents.
Glass tea kettles may be intimidating at first because you’re probably not used to putting glass on your stovetop. Here are some tips on how to use a glass tea kettle safely:
How To Use A Stovetop Glass Tea Kettle
Warm Your Kettle Up. Even if you’re using a borosilicate glass teapot, it’s best to avoid sudden temperature changes. This will (hopefully) ensure a longer life for your glass kettle. Just run warm water into the teapot from your faucet and let it sit for a few minutes so the glass can begin to warm up.
From this point, you can go in two directions. If you prefer to brew your tea in a teapot or cup and not directly in the kettle (which is recommended), you can now just boil your water in the kettle on medium to low heat and make tea the way you usually do.
If you have a tea infuser in your kettle (like some of the kettles above do), you may want to try brewing your tea on the stove. Here are the next steps if you choose to go that route (after warming your kettle):
- Pour Out The Warm Water. After your kettle has warmed up, pour the water into another container (so you can reuse it in the teapot when you’re ready to start boiling the water). You don’t want to put cold water into a hot glass teapot because it can cause it to shatter.
- Add Tea Leaves To The Infuser. If your tea kettle has an infuser, add your desired amount of tea leaves to it.
- Pour Warm Water Back Into The Teapot (over the leaves). Now it’s time to pour the hot (but not boiling) water back into the teapot. Make sure to pour it over the leaves, not directly onto the glass.
- Put The Kettle On The Stove. Place your kettle on your stovetop and turn it up to low-medium heat. *Never put a glass teapot on the stove empty! This will cause it to crack. If you have a gas stove, don’t allow the flames to come up around the body of the teapot. Keep the flames underneath.
- Bring The Water To A Boil.
- Once The Kettle Begins To Boil, Turn It Off. Don’t let your tea kettle boil for too long, or the water will become too hot and your tea leaves will be over-extracted.
- Remove The Kettle From The Stove And Serve.
Here are some other helpful resources related to cookware and natural living when it comes to the kitchen!
