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What are the Safest Non Toxic Tea Kettles for 2024? I picked only 3 tea kettles!, because the others didn’t make the cut! These plastic-free tea kettles are stainless steel, except one, which is made from borosilicate glass. None of my three recommended tea kettles are made in China!
Read on: I’m picky about what I cook my food on and heat my water with, and I want you to benefit, too!
What materials are safe to cook with
My husband and I replaced almost all of our pots and pans this year, because we learned that cast iron isn’t safe. In this process, we needed a tea kettle, and actually found it a challenging process, to find one that was safe, affordable and good at what it’s supposed to do: boil and pour hot water!
Seems simple enough, but actually, finding a good tea kettle is a challenging process. We love the one we ended up buying, and it’s affordable!!
So this article shares with you the best tea kettle options, WHY they’re the best, the downsides of other product options, as well as the one we chose.
Most importantly, the tea kettles featured in this article are healthy! — made of non-toxic, safe materials, because surprisingly, most aren’t.
Is a tea kettle just for tea
No …
These kettles may be used to just heat water, and then be used for pour-over coffee, or whatever your kettle needs are.
But … not all safe tea kettles work well. In fact, many have faults with functionality or durability. This article takes you one step deeper into being satisfied with your purchase, AND finding an affordable option, if that’s important to you.
Why to avoid metal tea kettles, other than some stainless steel
What got me started in this process, as mentioned, was learning that cast iron is actually dangerous to cook with (read more here).
This led (no pun intended) me to the dangers of metal cooking pots and a research paper on metals commonly found in most tea pots: aluminum, lead, nickel, iron, copper and cadmium — which end up migrating into the water and tea.
Other toxic and endocrine-disrupting substances like PFOA, PTFE and PFAs can also be present in tea kettles. These chemicals are emitted from man-made coatings, often found on cookware, and thus, in our food. Knowing this, none of us should heat water for tea in saucepans, either, coated with one of these synthetic compounds.
Are electric tea kettles safe
My personal opinion on this is, No. Or at least, they’re not ideal.
Chemical adhesives
The reason is: To seal the base and the body of the pot, chemical adhesives, plastics and/or silicone are used. While even the best manufacturers say no BPA touches our water, as we know, BPA is just one compound we need to avoid.
All electric tea kettles contain chemical adhesives as well as more plastic overall than the non toxic tea kettles I share below in this article.
Also, every electric tea kettle I investigated is made in China, where safety regulations are not reliable (and human rights violations occur on a massive scale).
Plastics
Most electric tea kettles contain plastic or silicone that’s exposed to high heat, and the water we’ll be drinking. (Sometimes, the plastic or silicone is inside, at the base of the tea kettle, where plastic is used to seal the water chamber.)
While very convenient, tea kettles that expose plastic to boiling water expose us to chemicals in plastic that cause:
- hormone disruption
- fertility issues
- developmental delays in children
- effects through multiple generations (passed on to our children)
As mentioned, BPA-free plastic is not safer. As one source clarifies, “Replacement bisphenols are structural BPA variants with similar biological effects”.
Conclusions on electric tea kettles
Even the electric tea kettles with minimal plastic use chemical adhesives — and are less likely to last as long as the simpler design of a stove top model.
Benefits of electric tea kettles include:
- convenience
- they boil water quickly,
- and you can now find models made of mostly stainless steel or glass.
Nonetheless, for me, the cons and risks outweigh the convenience.
Are plastic tea kettles safe
So, it probably goes without saying, but just to clarify: The above information about electric tea kettles that have a small amount of plastic exposed to water means that — all-plastic tea kettles are also NOT safe.
We don’t want our food or water exposed to plastic, especially not plastic that is heated repeatedly, as plastics degrade into the heating water.
Additionally, plastic is bad for the environment. So while it could be argued that our society could not function as it does without some plastics (at least for now), we can certainly avoid all optional uses of the material.
What stainless steel tea kettles are safe
When looking at stainless steel options, be sure to choose 18/8 or 18/10, which designate they’re made for healthy food preparation. These may also be labeled 304 and 316.
Yes, stainless steel cooking vessels are sold that are not made from these, so be sure your tea kettle and other cooking vessels designate this important detail; otherwise, they are not non-toxic.
What is borosilicate glass
While most safe tea kettle options are made from the highest quality stainless steel, one exception exists: clear glass made of borosilicate glass.
Happily, the clear glass tea kettle I share in this article is also the least expensive recommended option, and my personal favorite!
Borosilicate glass is reputed to be the safe glass to use for food prep.
In fact, in studying different cooking materials, borosilicate glass is one of the, if not THE, safest food surfaces from which to cook or eat!
Here are some quick facts about borosilicate glass:
- Borosilicate glassware is made from silica and boron trioxide. (Borosilicate glass is made by heating a mixture of silicon dioxide and boron trioxide at temperatures above 1,700° Fahrenheit [926° C] for about three hours.)
- This strong durable cookware can withstand high temperatures without breaking, unlike regular glass.
- It is non-toxic, non-porous and safe for stove, oven or microwave.
- Pyrex is one form or brand of borosilicate glass.
Top 3 Safest Non Toxic Tea Kettles for 2024
Okay, on to the list of recommended tea kettles! I chose just three that are my favorites, that I would buy for myself. None of my Safest Non Toxic Tea Kettles are made in China!
You’ll see below; I own option #3 and am very happy with my purchase.
Below my top 3 picks, I also listed some other popular tea kettles and why they didn’t make the cut.
1. Alessi
The Alessi Kettle is in my Top 3 best picks category for: good looks, excellent functionality (boils water quickly) and safe materials. It is also on sale right now.
Other Pros: Not made in China, made in Italy.
Cons of this pot are: It’s expensive, and the whistling (albeit adorable) bird/dragon is reported to not whistle well. Some people also reported their birds breaking. Hand wash only.
My personal note: The Alessi Tea Kettle is an excellent choice if you don’t mind the high price tag and the fact that it doesn’t whistle well. The only reason I passed this one by is I decided I didn’t want to spend this much on a tea kettle.
2. Quickone Takei
This Japanese made kettle is a great bet for both price and functionality.
Pros of the Quickone Takei: Made in Japan, very affordable, boils water quickly, wide base.
Cons: Handle folds for storage which can feel dangerous to some when pouring, as it could cause a spill or burn. (Probably not a big deal for most people.)
My personal note: The Quickone Takei is a really excellent choice, with a low price and great functionality. The only reason I didn’t choose this pot is I decided I’d prefer glass, since all my other cookware is metal.
3. Café Brew Collection Borosilicate Glass Stove Top Whistling Tea Kettle
In looking closely at all the leading stainless steel tea kettles, I happily stumbled on one glass tea kettle! … This kettle is made of borosilicate glass.
This Borosilicate Tea Kettle is my favorite pick and recommendation, and it’s the one I ended up choosing for our family. We 
all have different priorities after safety, so here are the pros and cons so you can decide for yourself:
Pros: Extremely affordable at $18.99, non-toxic in every way, made in Germany, dishwasher safe (top rack), a very uncomplicated decision, pours beautifully – no dripping, very cute/handsome retro look, easy to use, whistles well, but you can also see when the water boils because it’s glass. Handle and lid are easy to use and not hot to the touch. With so many metal cooking vessels, I appreciate the safety of using glass for my tea kettle.
Cons: Not AS pretty as some of the fancier or more expensive stainless models. May feel more fragile to some users. Requires very inexpensive add-on trivet needed for electric ranges (but not necessary with gas). (We personally chose an electric range for health reasons, and did buy the trivet add-on. The trivet is simply added to the same order by the company and is easy to use.) Does not boil water as fast as some stainless steel kettles.
TIPS: Heat using smaller burner. The larger burner made the handle too hot for one buyer. Or just move the kettle to one side so the handle doesn’t hang over any main heat source. Read the General Product Use, Cleaning & Care + the Product Safeguards, and you’ll have no problems.
Tea kettles I didn’t pick and why
All Clad
When I first started looking for a new tea kettle, I went to the All Clad website, because I love their pans. I quickly found, from almost all bad customer reviews, that their tea kettle just wasn’t made with the same attention to detail. Sharply marked down, I can only hope the company is liquidating their old stock to replace it with a new design.
Le Creuset
Made in China, this manufacturer coats their stainless steel product with an attractive enamel that isn’t food safe, but that does erode over time. The colorful surface touches the spout where water comes out, and it chips predictably over time. The company does offer an all-stainless option, but it is still made in China, and I don’t love that the majority of the company’s products are made with a non-safe material.
Fino
Despite saying it’s made in Japan, Fino seems to actually be made in China. One reader reported it gave the water a strange taste, so I’m not game for that risk.
Caraway
I wanted to love this one, because it’s pretty, sleek, safe, has a partial mind toward sustainability and comes in a variety of pretty colors, but disadvantages include: made in China, very expensive, inside measure marker discolors with use, it’s very hard to refill when hot (two pots in a row) and most importantly, it drips water when you stop mid-pour! This, to me, is the single most important feature of any tea pot after safety: No tea pot should drip water. This is an important sign of quality in Japan. Cheap tea pots drip. Well-made ones do not.
Among the Safest Non Toxic Tea Kettles for 2024, what’s your favorite and why?
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Emily says
The problem is the handle is plastic and so is the top
and by the time it whistles the handle is scorching hot. You need a pot holder to grab it. The next issue is trying to hold the handle with the pot holder while you pull the HOT black top off to pour the water ( no there is no opening for the water to pour without removing the top ) all while trying not to drop the unit or splash scolding hot water on yourself.
Megan says
This must be an issue on the CorningWare that was fixed with the model I bought, as they now have a handle for the lid. Thank you for sharing that.
Jan says
Do use the lid. I have had this kettle for years & years. I have never used the lid ever. Also, I have no problem on an electric cooktop with heat and the handle… just be mindful when you place the kettle on the burner and have the kettle NOT over the burner.
Megan says
Thanks for sharing, Jan! I do not personally use the lid.
Emily says
Hello-
I have a corning ware coffee pot that I love, it never breaks but it also has a plastic handle and a plastic lid. In addition to the following paragraph from a reviewer on Amazon I wanted to bring to your attention that:
when you boil water in your kettle with a “plastic lid” it releases all sorts of chemicals, dioxin etc. into the water so you’re actually drinking toxic water every time you boil with the lid on what we do with our corning ware coffee pot which we use just a boil water for tea is we put a ceramic little plate that fits perfectly on the top of the pot.
so I just wanted to bring that to your attention that we have to be very careful about cooking with any plastic at all and if you’d like more information about this please see Paul Pitchford’s Wonderful book “Healing with Whole Foods “it’s an amazing book, I hosted a lecture with him in Chicago and I can’t recommend it enough !
Amazon Reviewer states about this glass teapot: even with the pot off to the side so it doesn’t overheat, the lid is the main issue.
The problem is the handle is “plastic” and so is the top of the tea kettle,
so by the time it whistles the handle is scorching hot. You need a pot holder to grab it. The next issue is trying to hold the handle with the pot holder while you pull the HOT black top off to pour the water ( no there is no opening for the water to pour without removing the top ) all while trying not to drop the unit or splash scolding hot water on yourself.
Food for thought.
Thank you for the gluten-free tamale recipe we just ordered some whole blue corn from a wonderful company called “Azure,” that delivers all over the country and we’re so impressed with the amount of grains & ETC! they have that are unavailable now at the defunct Whole Foods Market.
We look forward to using your recipe to make nightshade free tamales !
?? Happy new year 2023 !
~ Emily
Megan says
Hi Emily, thank you for sharing all of that! Yes, so I wonder if what you’re referring to is that the plastic from the lid, even though it’s not touching the water, is affected by the steam, and in an unseen way degenerates, thus allowing microscopic plastics to settle in the water beneath. I have not heard of this, but can see that possibility. For those who consider the tea pot I chose, this could be remedied by simply removing the whistling lid feature during the heating process. If you do not remove it, the handle of it does not get hot, though. They have included a nice little grab handle that removes the lid. Re the main handle, on mine, it does not get hot at all, not even a little. The directions are excellent, and they recommend using the smaller burner for this safety reason. I’m guessing the CorningWare pot would have a similar solution, but I haven’t seen that one to be sure. So glad you’re looking forward to the Nightshade-free Tamales, yay! And yes, Azure Standard is a great resource! Happy New Year 2023 as well!! 🙂
Naomi V Snider says
I have been using a Corningware tea kettle, which of course is no longer in production. Do you know of any reason this would be a poor choice? I suppose the question would apply to all Corning cooking/baking products, which I happen to enjoy. I’m sure they are considered vintage at this point.
Megan says
Hi Naomi, good question. I can’t say for all the models over time (you can see how many there are here, so many! 🙂 ), but overall, CorningWare is considered safe. Exceptions include the outer decor which may contain lead and cadmium. Some people are concerned that these outer designs when stacked with other dishes for storage could slough off the tiniest amount of lead causing toxicity if ingested. But the interiors seem safe based on research. The other concern voiced is if there is any plastic on top of the tea kettle; if so, it may be advisable to remove the plastic during boiling.
Ryan says
Thank you for this research! I’ve been concerned about the materials (silicon + adhesives) used to seal the steel and glass in the bottom of “plastic-free” glass electric kettles, but few people besides yourself seem to have noticed the problem.
I’m still missing the convenience of an electric kettle, though. Seems glass ones are out for the above reason. But what about stainless steel electric kettles? Are there any with a seamless full-body design that might be safe? Or, if not, are we concerned about the weld between two stainless steel surfaces?
Megan says
Hi Ryan, I’m glad the article is helpful, and thanks for your observations and question! Yes, same thing. At the very base middle, where a stainless electric kettle meets the heating element, there is still a silicone seal and chemical adhesive used. I agree, electric tea kettles are so convenient. I think the best option for most people is the Quickone Takei (#2 above) because it boils water quickly, it’s not fragile, and it’s safe.
Chris says
Hi, does the whistling portion of this kettle contain chemicals since it is made from plastic? I read that the Alessi bird whistle is made of polyamide which is toxic. Trying to deccide which one of these to get. I guess I could just remove the whistle.
Megan says
Hi Chris, I’m with you on that. The bird is cute, but I also ended up taking off the plastic top for my Borosilicate glass kettle. I’d remove the plastic whistle if you choose the Italian pot.
Ann says
Megan,
What about tea bags?
All these tea bags thst our tea comes… which are safe? Are any safe? Some “organic bagged teas yet they use a staple to secure it shut???? Ugh! So frustrating! I notice in Your re ours you too often use bagged tea bags too …. Are they really safe????
Please answer!
Megan says
Hi Ann, I appreciate your concern and agree that it’s warranted. I did some reading on this a couple of years ago and remember walking away with just a few brands I liked best as a result. I do use tea bags at home, some of the time, and in my recipes, some of the time. I think the best solution is using organic loose leaf teas or , which comes in sachets. Some of the only tea brands I buy now in bags based on what I read in the past are: Traditional Medicines, Numi and Yogi. A few other organic ones were also okay: Republic of Tea (no staple) and Stash (only their organic one). The qualifications for safety discussed issues other than the staple, too, like fluorides and other unseen toxins used to make tea, especially those in tea bags. I hope that helps!
Ann says
*oops- – notice that in your “recipes” you also use bagged teas too.
Hélène says
I srsly thought the glass electric kettle bottom just sat ON the burner!! WHY do they not do that ? why make it so we have to be poisoned for fastest/least energy consumption method!? Almost bought one till this article. I’ll choose a stainless to use on my horrible electric countertop burner ?♀️ Sigh
Megan says
I know; modern conveniences come with compromise usually, glues and plastics that make them work. The Quickone Takei is the best stainless model for the price, from what I researched. I hope you end up liking what you buy, and your burner isn’t too much of a nuisance, so you can enjoy your “tea time” in peace! 🙂
Krystal says
Kate Spade brand tea kettle is enamel on steel made in China. I used this for years. How do you think it would rate? Currently I’m using chefman electric tea kettle which is glass.
Megan says
Hi Krystal, typically if the enamel was inside touching the water, those pots do not test well. If the enamel is on the outside, then of course less would have touched your water, just the bit that sloughs off over time by the pour spout, again, not ideal, but better than having the coating inside the pot. Re the one you have now, one of my concerns with it is that the mouthpiece has a metal mesh which is held together with plastic, if I’m looking at the correct model that you have. So this means the boiling water pours through and over the plastic with every pour. This spout filter is perhaps removable? If so, I’d do that. Other than that, the main issue I have with electric pots is the silicone base that touches the boiling water, and the chemical adhesives used, as well as the product being made in China. But, good that it’s made from borosilicate glass.
Annella says
I own the borosilicate glass kettle you mentioned in your article (specifically purchased it a few years back after doing my own non-toxic kettle research). I haven’t used it much as of late because it does seem to take quite a long time to bring water to a boil if you follow the directions to not use it at high heat on an electric stove. Having two toddlers running around makes even the simple task of waiting for water to boil that much more exhausting. I’m wondering if you’ve tried heating water in it at a higher temperature and gotten away with it (ie. Not breaking the glass). Maybe I should just give it a go and see what happens!
After reading through the comments about enamel on cookware, I’m also wondering if glazed ceramic teapots are an issue for toxicity once you put the boiled water inside. From my own research, deep colors and especially red glaze are more likely to contain undesirable things even when they state that they are “food safe” but I’m certainly not an expert on that. Any insight to share?
Megan says
Hi Annella, I was worried to use the glass tea kettle on high heat as well, but my husband braved it right away. The key is, and this is stated in the directions, you need to use the wire trivet addition on the stove. This makes the heat less direct. No problem with high heat. I would not trust any enamel on cookware.
Annella says
Thanks for the reply, Megan! I do have the metal trivet so I’ll give it another try today. I’m curious if you use glass teacups and mugs for your teas or do you use glazed and fired ceramic cups? I thought enamel and ceramic glaze were different things, but I’m not sure if you’re referring to the same thing in this case.
Megan says
Oh good, I’m glad you have the trivet. I do use typical ceramic tea cups. I know some people do not, and only use glass, but I haven’t gone there and not sure if I will.
Nadi says
Where do I buy these kettle’s. I live in Canada also
Megan says
Hi Nadi, I’m sorry, I don’t have Canadian sources, so you’ll have to seek them out from the links I provide, maybe Amazon still.
Josi says
First off, ty for this article and review. Why am I here? Well, to find information and to do it in a safe environment. I was recently accosted in a very popular group for Cast Iron users. I was suspended for 5 days for simply asking one question: is Cast Iron safe to cook on. Then, I gave my reasons for asking. I have been recently diagnosed with NHL. I was berated and threatened removal bcs I was accused of breaking the rules of the group by Admin. I was accused of dramatizing and trying to garner sympathy which ran counter to their rules. I asked myself, Is this kindergarten and do adults require this degree of micromanaging? I am gob-smacked and dumbfounded at the treatment I received over asking one simple question. I was also iso a safe tea kettle which is what brought me to your page. I wanted to say ty and express my gratitude for your much intensive research. We need more people looking out for others like you do. My other question is how long does this take to boil water? Do you have to remove the lid to pour water into cup? and I’m not sure I understand the trivet thingy. Thank you again!
Megan says
Hi Josi, happy to help, and I’m so sorry for your experience. We are often defensive and not gentle with each other which is hurtful and hard to overcome. I’m glad you can move on from that group. In answer to your questions, the glass tea kettle probably takes a full 5 minutes to boil water, maybe a little longer. I’m sorry I haven’t timed it; I will update this answer in the next few days with an exact time. I do use my tea kettle daily. So it’s not fast, but I certainly have gotten used to it, and I don’t mind, as I can do other things while it heats. Re the trivet, it prevents breakage by just providing a small distance between the glass and the direct heat. The kettle sits on the wire trivet, which allows the kettle to be heated over a high heat burner, as long as the water level is high enough in the kettle. Blessings for your health journey!
Chris says
Hi Megan, thanks for all your research.It’s daunting trying to find a safe tea kettle. Was wondering if you checked to determine if the markings on the Borosilicate glass tea kettle you recommend contains lead? I was told to avoid glass w/ painted markings. Do you know if either of the stainless recommendations have interior markings or any lead solder?
Megan says
Hi Chris, I’m glad it’s helpful, and I agree; it’s hard to find a safe tea kettle! Re the Borosilicate glass kettle, the literature on it specifically says, “lead-free”. 🙂 So that’s great news. Re the two stainless, one is made in Italy and looking inside, I can see no markings. I would be shocked if they used lead, as it defeats the purpose of this kind of company and product, goes against Italian food standards, and the materials used states only Stainless Steel. But I haven’t called the company to be sure, and it doesn’t say “lead-free”, so that would be the thing to do: call, if you want to buy this one and you have any doubts. The Japanese tea pot also lists only stainless steel, and in looking inside, looks to be only that. But again, you could call and hopefully would get good customer service and a quick answer. My vote is still the glass option, but I would trust both of the other products as well.
Chris says
Hi Megan,
I have sent an email to Alessi about their use of polyamide plastic in their bird whistle and handle. If and when I hear from them, I will report back. Apparently, they use this sort of plastic in lots of their products. I thought there were more regulations in Italy?
Also, any advice on the Hario brand made in Japan? They have a nice stainless 10/8 pot with a wooden handle.
I’ve written to them and received some answers from their USA division and am awaiting more answers from Japan.
Megan says
Good for you, and sounds like you’re on the right track, Chris. I see a lot of glass tea pots from Hario. Can you give me a link to the product you found? Thank you!
Chris says
Hi Megan,
It’s the Hario V 60 stainless steel drip kettle with wood handle found on the link attached.
Once on the page scroll down and it’s the last kettle on the page.
I’m hoping that it’s safe as it is made in Japan.
I’ve been in contact with the US branch of the company and they are sending my questions to Japan for answers. Hoping to find out more and report back here.
Kettles
Megan says
It looks very nice. It will be good to hear back about the stainless steel and your other questions. Good for you to ask. I’m surprised they don’t offer a bit more information on the stainless on the website, but I guess the demand for that information is low at this time. Thanks for reporting back! 🙂
A says
Hi, just wondering if you ended up getting the Hario V 60, or got any interesting answers?
Thanks!
A
cheng says
Recently purchased an USA brand Cuisinart tea kettle, GK-17N model, Viewpro™ Cordless Electric Kettle, it showed it has silica compounds in it? Does this reference to health harm? Is it carcinogen? Thankfully it did not have the ca 65 warnings on it any where I looked? I have not opened it though yet. Hopefully none are found within it. Prefer to buy any appliances without such harmful concerns too. Of all the other tea kettle models that you mentioned which are in your opinion not as good with any of these concerns, i did not find this American brand Cuisinart, does this likely seems all right? It does have silica compounds? Seemingly No ca 65 warnings? I want to change to another model or brand of tea kettle or this model seems safe enough? Thought it be safer to go with USA brands? But, from what you explained, no. Besides the models that you mentioned. Being it is an inconvenience to return it, but i still want to return it if it is not safe. This model with the silica compounds are concerning or safe? Any thoughts or what are your opinions? Keep this model or buy one of the few that you mentioned?
Megan says
Hi Cheng, it looks like there are several potential problems with this pot, including the plastic interior of the lid being exposed to high heat steam for long periods of time. I’m including a screenshot of one consumer’s photo after using the product: https://eatbeautiful.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/bad-pot.jpg
Heather Wormsley says
This is my family’s favorite teapot. I love how it can go from stove-top to a classy server, to storage– and it’s that same safe glass. https://amzn.to/3HdAmmE
Megan says
Thank you for sharing it, Heather! It’s beautiful, elegant and amazingly, stove top-friendly. What a lovely option.
Aisha says
Hi Megan,
Thanks so much for your article. I am doing my research on not toxic kettles and your article was very helpful!
Wanted to ask your opinion on LIGNUM SATINATO kettles I found recently (the link attached below). They are indeed electric, but made in Italy with 18/10 stainless steel. The lid is also made from stainless steel and the handle is made of wood. Do you think it could potentially be a decent option? Even though it’s electric.
https://ottonifabbrica.com/en/lignum/14-36-giada-lignum-satinato-8026918100023.html
Thanks for your reply in advance!
Megan says
Hi Aisha, I think you found a winner. What a thoughtfully made and designed kettle, with no plastic in contact with water or steam, and it’s beautiful. It does look safe to me and like a wonderful option, one you’ll enjoy for years to come.
Lane says
Have you found this kettle available in the U.S? It looks like they only have European compatible wiring on this website.
Megan says
That’s all I could find as well.