For many of us, brewing a cup of tea is something we do daily. Unfortunately, not all tea kettles are created equally and some may even contain and/or leach toxic materials. Thankfully, if you’re looking for non-toxic tea kettles, you’re in luck. There are numerous tea kettles available today that are safe for both us and the planet. Below, we’ll cover our top picks for non-toxic tea kettles, as well as what materials to look for.
Tea Kettles vs. Teapots: What’s The Difference?
Tea kettles are what we use to boil water for our tea, or any hot beverage. Teapots are not meant to be used to boil water. They are used to put your tea leaves and hot water into to pour your tea from.
Why Should You Choose A Non-Toxic Kea Kettle?
Believe it or not, tea kettles are often made from materials that become toxic when exposed to high temperatures. Numerous tea kettles are made from plastic, which can shed microplastics into our beverages and release chemicals that are linked to cancer when introduced to heat.
When you choose a non-toxic tea kettle, you’re selecting a tea kettle made from materials that have not been shown to be hazardous to your health or the environment.
What Materials to Look For and Avoid in a Non-Toxic Tea Kettle:
There are certain materials you should look for when choosing a non-toxic tea kettle and certain materials you should especially avoid.
The best materials for a tea kettle are borosilicate glass and stainless steel. Both of these materials are particularly durable and great for high temperatures. If you’re choosing a stainless steel kettle, avoid 201-grade stainless steel as this is prone to rust.
When possible, steer clear of tea kettles made from cast iron, ceramic, aluminum, or copper. While these materials aren’t always harmful, they can leach metals when exposed to high temperatures, which doesn’t make them ideal for a tea kettle. The same can be said for any kettles that have heating coils that will be in contact with the water.
The number one material you should absolutely avoid if you’re looking for a non-toxic tea kettle is plastic. Plastic can release harmful chemicals when heated, even if it’s BPA- free.
It’s important to note that while plastic is an unsustainable material, it could still be used safely in tea kettles, depending on where it’s used. You’ll notice that plastic is often used on the base of an electric kettle or the handle of the tea kettle to make the tea kettle lighter weight and/or more affordable. But you’ll probably want to avoid tea kettles that have a primary body and/or interior made with plastic (i.e. the part that comes into direct contact with the boiling water you’re drinking).
Our Picks For Non-Toxic Tea Kettles
Best Electric Kettle: Fellow
Price: $63-$225
If you’re a fan of electric kettles, Fellow has some of the best non-toxic electric kettles around. Their kettles are made from stainless steel with a silicone or wooden handle and can hold 1.7 L of boiling water. Fellow kettles have different temperature controls and come with a gooseneck spout, perfect for those who love both tea and pour-over coffee. Plus Fellow offers a 2-year warranty on their kettle.
If you prefer a stovetop kettle, Fellow has three stovetop options as well. All kettles are available in their signature sleek, minimalist design.
Best Stovetop: Caraway’s Whistling Tea Kettle
Price: $195
One of the best non-toxic tea kettles, and our top pick, is Caraway’s Whistling Tea Kettle. Not only is this stovetop agnostic tea kettle aesthetically pleasing, but the body is made from stainless steel. This non-toxic coated tea kettle, available in six colors, can hold up to two quarts of water and comes with a pot holder.
Caraway is a leading company in creating non-toxic cookware. Their products are non-toxic, responsibly manufactured, and arrive in plastic-free packaging.
Best Variety: Hario
Price: $17.50-$80
When it comes to non-toxic stovetop tea kettles, Hario has you covered. They have a variety of options for both tea and coffee lovers, including electric and stovetop kettles, as well as kettles suitable for the outdoors and travel. Hario uses different non-toxic materials to construct their kettles such as stainless steel, silicone, and natural wood. Hario also offers a copper kettle, so prioritize the kettles made from the materials listed prior to ensure a non-toxic choice.
Hario produces its products in a sustainable glass factory and specializes in its V60 Drip Kettles.
Best Glass Kettle: Oxo
Price: $49.99 – $104.99
OXO designs various non-toxic kettles including electric glass kettles. They use BPA-free borosilicate glass with an insulated silicone base. This electric kettle boils water quickly with auto shut off so you can heat your water without worry. Plus, you can adjust the temperature to serve your tea exactly how you like it.
For those who prefer stovetop kettles, OXO has a beautiful stainless steel kettle with a heat-resistant cork handle. OXO is also a 1% For The Planet partner.
Eco Pick: Vektra Eco Kettle
Price: $70-$115
Vektra states they are “the world’s first thermal insulated electric kettle.” Their eco-friendly kettles are made from stainless steel and will keep your water hot for up to four hours, thanks to vacuum insulation. This way you don’t have to boil as frequently, using less energy.
Vektra’s Eco Kettles come in several sizes and colors and range in price. They also feature an anti-spill lid, so you don’t have to worry about boiling water spilling if the kettle is knocked over.
Budget Pick: Willow & Everett Whistling Tea Kettle
Price: $32
If you’re looking for a non-toxic tea kettle that won’t break the bank, Willow & Everett’s Whistling Tea Kettle is a wonderful choice. Available at major retailers like Target or online, this classic stovetop tea kettle is made from stainless steel with a silicone handle.
It’s suitable for most stovetops and has a cool-touch handle, as well as a removable loose-leaf infuser.
Investment Pick: Alessi
Price: $99-$350
Few tea kettles are as beautiful as the designer tea kettles from Alessi. Alessi features Italian designer kitchenware, handcrafted and non-toxic. Their whistling tea kettles are available in a variety of unique shapes. Each kettle is created by a different designer and made from stainless steel. Alessi kettles are suitable for induction stovetops.
Retro Pick: Smeg
Price: $190
If you’re looking for a minimalist retro design, Smeg makes stylish non-toxic electric kettles. These kettles are made from stainless steel, with a plastic base and handle. They even come with a built-in filter to prevent limescale. Smeg kettles are quick to boil with a 360 swivel base. You can purchase them online through third-party retailers.
Timeless Pick: Ascot
Price: $69.99
Ascot is another company that produces some of the best non-toxic kettles. Each kettle features a beautiful, aesthetically-pleasing timeless design. Ascot has both glass electric and stainless steel electric kettles, with no interior plastics. Their kettles are handcrafted with an “anti-scald handle,” and hold 1.7 liters of water. You can easily remove the kettle from the base for a cord-free kettle and it comes with a 2-year quality warranty.
Bonus: Secondhand Non-Toxic Kettles
Another way to find sustainable and non-toxic tea kettles is to buy them secondhand. You can get relatively new tea kettles and non-toxic teapots secondhand at an affordable price. This is a great way to find beautiful, vintage designs and high-quality tea kettles. Plus, buying used is generally more sustainable than buying new, even if the tea kettle wasn’t made in the most sustainable way.
Check out online retailers like Etsy and eBay or head to your local thrift shop. Look for the tea kettles made from the materials covered above to ensure they are non-toxic.
You Might Also Like:
The Best Non-Toxic Cookware Materials & Brands
Caraway Non-Toxic Cookware Review
15 Low Waste Eco Kitchen Swaps
About The Author:
Alicia Briggs is a writer & editor specializing in slow travel & sustainable living. She’s worked in journalism since 2016 and currently writes for a variety of publications such as Sustainably Chic and Hidden Lemur. She has been a full-time traveler since 2018 and runs her own blog, Learning the Local Way, where she covers responsible travel & living tips.
