Do you love a hot cup of tea or a tasty pour-over coffee? Brewing water in a tea kettle that is safe and non-toxic is better for your health and home. The best non-toxic tea kettles are plastic-free and made from eco-friendly materials like stainless steel, enamel, cast iron, and glass. With one of these, you can safely make a cozy hot drink.
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Table of Contents
What are the safest tea kettle materials?
There are a few options when it comes to the safest, healthiest, and best materials for tea kettles. The main materials are stainless steel, enamel-coated steel, cast iron, and glass.
A stainless steel kettle is a great option because it is non-toxic, durable, easy to clean and care for, and heats water quickly. Many stainless steel kettles are vacuum insulated so they can keep your hot water or tea hotter for longer.
Picking a non-toxic cast iron kettle is a healthy choice. When cast iron is heated, it stays hot for a while. However, cast iron can require a bit more maintenance than stainless steel or glass, so keep that in mind.
Enamel tea kettles are a fun, non-toxic alternative too. If you are looking for a fun color choice, this kettle is the one for you. They have a steel or cast iron base and then are enamel-coated and kiln-hardened. Keep in mind, though, that enamel can chip, so you have to be a bit more careful with these colorful kettles. At the same time, even if it has small chips in the enamel, it can still be safe to use since the base is either cast iron or steel.
Surprisingly, glass tea kettles are a great choice for a nontoxic tea kettle. Originally, I stayed away from glass kettles because they are more fragile than stainless steel or cast iron. (Obviously.) However, they are nonporous, have no risk of rusting, are heat-resistant (meaning the handle often stays cool enough to pick up), and are see-through. This last one is obvious, but it’s kind of nice to see what’s inside, whether it be tea or water, and if it’s boiling.
Why is plastic problematic?
Plastic tea kettles are not a good idea. They’re not good for the environment or your health. Boiling water in a plastic kettle has been shown to release up to 30 million particles of microplastics (per liter of water) [1]. In addition, many plastic tea kettles contain toxic chemicals such as Bisphenol A (BPA), Bisphenol S (BPS), Bisphenol F (BPF), and phthalates.
BPA exposure is a huge risk factor for cancer as well as immune and endocrine diseases [2]. In addition, a study including male children (10-12 years of age) found that prenatal exposure to BPA increased symptoms of anxiety and depression [3].
Similarly, another study found that BPS in food can be harmful to the reproductive system and cause certain types of breast cancer [4].
Phthalates come into the body via ingestion or inhalation, or they can be absorbed through your skin. They can build up in your body and have been found in people’s urine, blood, and even in amniotic fluid. Phthalates are endocrine disruptors [5]. (Which is really bad!) Your endocrine system is responsible for creating your hormones, which keep countless bodily functions running smoothly. They include your hypothalamus, pineal gland, pituitary gland, thyroid, parathyroid glands, thymus, pancreas, adrenal glands, testes (males), ovaries (females), and placenta (during pregnancy).
When it comes to mental health, a study including American adults found an association between exposure to phthalates and increased risk of depressive symptoms [6].
So, with all that information, let’s stick with a plastic-free kettle.
The List: 20 Non-Toxic Kettles For The Healthiest Hot Drink
Here are the healthy options for the best nontoxic tea kettles. Whether you’re using it on an electric stove or gas, there’s a healthy tea kettle here for you. From durable cast iron, sustainable glass, eco-friendly stainless steel, or plastic-free electric kettles, this list has it all.
Rae’s Favorites
Here are my favorite eco-friendly tea kettles. They are the ones that I have personally used and love.
- Velaze Cast Iron Teapot Set
We have actually had this kettle set for over a decade now. One of the reasons I love using a cast iron kettle is that it heats very evenly and stays hot for longer. This Japanese tea kettle, in particular, comes with a traditional heating base. You put a tea light candle in the bottom of the cast iron warmer, and it keeps the teapot warm for hours. It’s so handy! - JOUALY Glass Tea Kettle
We have only had this kettle for a few months, but we are fans! We use it on our gas stove, and oftentimes, the handle stays cool enough to pick it up without using an oven mitt. (I have accidentally boiled water in it before with the handle directly over the flame. In this case, it was way too hot to grab with a bare hand, but that’s logical.) - Bodum Bistro Gooseneck Electric Water Kettle
When it comes to a plastic-free electric kettle, this one is a stunner. That being said, for our family’s use, it would be nice if it was bigger! It is stainless steel inside and out with cork handles for safe use.
Plastic-Free Stovetop Tea Pots
Having a good plastic-free tea kettle to use in your daily life is important. If you’re a tea drinker like me, you’re probably boiling water more than once daily. Let’s make sure it’s toxic-free, eh?
Cast Iron Stovetop Tea Kettles
Cast iron is one of the best tea kettle materials if you ask me. It’s heavy-duty, durable, and stays warm.
- Staub Cast Iron Tea Kettle
If you’re in the market for the best stovetop kettle, then this one might just be for you. It’s a beautiful, non-toxic kettle that is actually available with a plain cast iron or an enameled cast iron exterior. So, with this healthy tea kettle, you can stick with classic black or opt for a more playful color. This is the type of tea kettle that you can pass down for generations because it’s just that good! - Mountain Rose Herbs Brown Cast Iron Tea Pot
This black and bronze kettle is a good, budget-friendly, non-toxic cast iron metal kettle. It includes a removable stainless-steel loose-leaf tea infuser so you can easily steep your favorite tea.
Stovetop Enameled Tea Pots
If you are looking for a fun, colorful tea kettle that is also eco-friendly, then this is a good choice. These nontoxic tea kettles are made of enameled steel, so they are a good lightweight option.
- Falcon Enamelware Tea Kettle
I have had one of these tea kettles for years. It has held up well. It is a great size for brewing tea, too. (Though it does not come with a tea infuser.) It comes in five classic colors so you can pick one that matches your taste. - Sven Tea Kettle
This colorful kettle is made from stainless steel, enameled steel, and wood (handle). The wood handle makes it so that you can most likely pick it up without needing a pot holder. It also whistles when it starts to boil, so keep that in mind. Depending on your preference, that could be a pro or a con. - Pottery Barn Enamel Tea Pot
This plastic-free kettle is classic yet modern, all at the same time. It comes in four colors and has a wood (walnut) handle for convenient use.
Stainless Steel Stovetop Kettles
Stainless steel is a great, non-toxic tea kettle option. It heats quickly, including on induction cooktops, and is durable. Keep in mind that many stainless steel stovetop teapots have plastic on their handle or spout. So, avoid these if you want a non-toxic kettle that is 100% plastic-free.
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- ALL-Clad 2-Quart Stainless Steel Tea Kettle
If you are looking for a stainless steel tea kettle made in the USA, this one is for you. It is the epitome of heavy duty. Literally, it weighs 4 pounds (1.8 kilograms). It has a fine line to prevent overfilling and will whistle when boiling. On top of that, it comes with a lifetime warranty! - Gipfel Whistling Tea Kettle
This large stainless steel tea kettle can hold up to 2.2 liters. It has a classic look with an ergonomic handle. Though it is metal, it can get hot when in use, so be careful! - Stagg Pour-Over Kettle
This non-toxic tea kettle is a stunner. The body is fully stainless steel, and it comes in four different colors, including a gorgeous copper one and options for wooden handles. - Viking Culinary Stainless Steel Tea Kettle
This might just be the best stainless steel teapot. It has a 3-ply stainless steel base, so it heats faster. This eco kettle has a tempered glass lid, too, so you can look in it and see where it is in the boiling process without taking the lid off.
Stovetop Glass Teapots
Glass teapots are a great, non-toxic kettle option. They are surprisingly durable, and the glass handle can stay much cooler than cast iron or stainless steel ones. We have a glass teapot on our stove, and even after using it to boil water, we can just pick it up by its handle. Keep in mind that glass tea kettles are not safe to use on induction cooktops.
- SVEYN Glass Teapot With Tea Infuser
Wondering what the best tea kettle is when it comes to glass? This might just be it. It does have a smaller capacity, so if you are making tea for 1-3 people, this is probably the right size. It comes with a stainless steel tea infuser, too, to make things easier. - Teabloom One-Touch Tea Maker
This teapot is awesome. It’s glass with a stainless steel filter lid. This means that you put the tea at the bottom of the teapot, and the lid filters it, keeping the tea leaves in the kettle while allowing the brewed tea to flow out. - Viva Bjorn Borosilicate Glass Tea Pot for Stovetop
This glass non toxic teapot is a bit different because it doesn’t have a glass handle. It has a stainless steel handle. It is crafted in such a way that the handle should stay cool while in use. This glass stovetop tea kettle has a larger capacity, which is helpful for larger gatherings.
Plastic-Free Electric Tea Kettles
If you’re looking for the best electric kettle without plastic, these are for you. Keep in mind, when it comes to electric tea kettles, they can be plastic-free on the interior (the parts that liquid touches). However, you can’t really get away from plastic 100% on the exterior. At least not that I have found. That being said, there are some great options for no-plastic electric kettles (on the interior).
- COSORI Electric Kettle
If you are looking for the best glass electric tea kettle that is also cost-effective, then this one is for you. The walls of the kettle are glass so that you can see the inside. In addition, all other parts that could come into contact with the liquid inside are stainless steel. Yay! - ZWILLING Enfinigy Electric Kettle
This kettle is 100% stainless steel on the inside and is available in either a silver or matte black exterior. The body of this kettle is double-walled, so the outside stays cool to the touch. - Fellow Stagg EKG Pro Electric Kettle
The body of this plastic-free gooseneck electric kettle is stainless steel inside and out. There are some beautiful color options, including variations with all-natural wooden handles. The base, however, is made of plastic. - Fellow Clyde Electric Kettle
This modern plastic-free electric teapot has a stainless steel body with a plastic base and lid handle. (So, the inside that water or tea touches is 100% non-toxic stainless steel. Yay! It holds quite a bit more liquid than the previously mentioned Fellow kettle. It comes in two colors and features a heat-resistant silicone handle. Like all electric kettles, the base is plastic. - Fellow Corvo EKG Electric Kettle
Keeping it in the Fellow family for now. (They just make beautiful kettles!) Same as the other kettles, this non-toxic electric tea pot is stainless steel inside and out. It has a wooden handle (which is gorgeous) and a plastic base.
What is the healthiest tea?
Now that we have covered the healthiest and safest tea kettles, let’s talk about tea. Did you know that there are a lot of tea bags made of plastic? In addition, tea bags made of paper are often problematic, too!
A study found that a plastic teabag steeped in hot water at 203°F (or 95°C) released around 11.6 billion microplastics and 3.1 billion nanoplastics in just one cup of tea [7]!
The very common paper tea bags are often coated in epichlorohydrin [8]. This is a chemical used to prevent the delicate teabag from breaking down. Epichlorohydrin is a known carcinogen [9]. It leaches into the hot water and tea, and then you drink it. It can actually start absorbing into your skin just from touching the tea bag.
For these reasons, I highly recommend purchasing and consuming loose-leaf tea. (Organic if possible.) My favorite organic loose-leaf tea brands are Numi and Davidson’s Organics. We have been drinking their tea for about a decade at this point. Here are my favorites!
FAQ
Enamel kettles are non-toxic. Though the enamel coating can chip, they are a bit more fragile than other non-toxic options like stainless steel and cast iron. That being said, even if it does chip, it is still safe to use.
Yes. Plastic tea kettles are carcinogenic. The majority of electric plastic kettles contain phthalates, which are endocrine disruptors [5]. These days, plastic kettles may not contain BPA. However, most likely, the BPA was replaced with either BPS or BPF, which has been found to have some of the same serious health concerns as BPA [4].
The healthiest way to boil water is to do so in a plastic-free kettle. The best non-toxic tea kettle options are made from glass, cast iron, enamel, or stainless steel. (All the kettles in the list above are healthy, safe, and plastic-free.)
Both glass and stainless steel are good options and perfectly healthy. Stainless steel is more durable, but glass can be more aesthetically pleasing. Keep in mind that stainless steel tea kettles often have some sort of plastic on them, either the spout cover, the handle, or the lid knob. So, if you opt for stainless steel, make sure, at a minimum, that there is absolutely no plastic on the inside that can come into contact with the boiling water.
If you enjoyed this helpful guide for the Best Non-Toxic Tea Kettles, please let me know your favorite choice in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Final Words
Finding a healthy, non-toxic tea kettle can be overwhelming. Hopefully, armed with this information about the problematic chemicals in plastic kettles, you feel better prepared. In addition, with this list of the best non-toxic tea kettles, you can easily find the right teapot for your needs. Pick a kettle, heat up some water, and enjoy a healthy cup of tea (or coffee).
References
[1] Sturm, M. T., Kluczka, S., Wilde, A., & Schuhen, K. (2019). Determination of particles produced during boiling in different plastic and glass kettles via comparative dynamic image analysis using FlowCam®. Analytik News, 14.
[2] Cimmino I, Fiory F, Perruolo G, Miele C, Beguinot F, Formisano P, Oriente F. Potential Mechanisms of Bisphenol A (BPA) Contributing to Human Disease. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Aug 11;21(16):5761. doi: 10.3390/ijms21165761. PMID: 32796699; PMCID: PMC7460848.
[3] Perera F, Nolte ELR, Wang Y, Margolis AE, Calafat AM, Wang S, Garcia W, Hoepner LA, Peterson BS, Rauh V, Herbstman J. Bisphenol A exposure and symptoms of anxiety and depression among inner city children at 10-12 years of age. Environ Res. 2016 Nov;151:195-202. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.07.028. Epub 2016 Aug 3. PMID: 27497082; PMCID: PMC5071142.
[4] Thoene, M., Dzika, E., Gonkowski, S., & Wojtkiewicz, J. (2020). Bisphenol S in food causes hormonal and obesogenic effects comparable to or worse than bisphenol A: a literature review. Nutrients, 12(2), 532.
[5] Arrigo, F., Impellitteri, F., Piccione, G., & Faggio, C. (2023). Phthalates and their effects on human health: Focus on erythrocytes and the reproductive system. Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Toxicology & pharmacology: CBP, 270, 109645. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpc.2023.109645
[6] Wang, C. J., Yang, H. W., & Li, M. C. (2023). Association between phthalate exposure and the risk of depressive symptoms in the adult population of the United States. Chemosphere, 334, 139031. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139031
[7] Laura M. Hernandez, Elvis Genbo Xu, Hans C. E. Larsson, Rui Tahara, Vimal B. Maisuria, and Nathalie Tufenkji Plastic (2029). Teabags Release Billions of Microparticles and Nanoparticles into Tea. Environmental Science & Technology 53 (21), 12300-12310
DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b02540
[8] Ali T, Habib A, Muskan F, Mumtaz S, Shams R. Health risks posed by microplastics in tea bags: microplastic pollution – a truly global problem. Int J Surg. 2023 Mar 1;109(3):515-516. doi: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000000055. PMID: 36927815; PMCID: PMC10389239.
[9] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014, June 6). Current intelligence bulletin 30: Epichlorohydrin (79-105). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/79-105/default.html
I love all these options!
Thanks!