According to my research, kettles are generally safe kitchen appliances. Those made of plastic, on the other hand, should be avoided because they may contain chemicals and toxins that leach into the water you drink. Rather, I suggest investing in a glass or stainless steel kettle than other type of kettle.
I’ve always used a small electric kettle, so I was surprised when a friend in the United States asked if they were safe. I’d never considered the possibility that they weren’t.
Following my discovery about plastic in particular, I conducted specific research into the various materials used to make kettles in order to assist you in making an informed decision when purchasing a kettle in the near future.
Type of Kettle: Electric Kettles
Electric kettles, which get their power from being plugged into a wall outlet, and stovetop kettles, which are placed on top of a gas stove, are the two types of kettles. Electric kettles are made of a variety of materials, including glass and plastic, and are often considered the most convenient type of kettle (more on this later).
While electric kettles do pose some risk (after all, you’re boiling hot water in close proximity to an electrical outlet), the main danger stems from the heating element used to boil the water inside the kettle.
According to a report published in 2003 by The Guardian, some old kettles may still contain nickel elements, which could be causing health problems.
Electric kettles made today, on the other hand, are made with safety in mind and pose few health risks to those who use them.
However, there are some material factors to consider when purchasing a new kettle, which is why I’ve divided the rest of this post into sections to look at the various materials used in kettle manufacturing.
Type of Kettle: Plastic Kettles
Plastic is the most commonly used material in the manufacture of kettles because it is extremely inexpensive, allowing electric kettles to be sold for less than $20.
Plastic kettles, on the other hand, are the most dangerous type of kettle available. This is due, once again, to the plastic material used rather than the fact that the kettle is electric.
Kettles made of plastic are not recommended because they may leach chemicals like BPA (Bisphenol A) or Phthalates into your water.
These chemicals are known to have a variety of negative health effects and, in some cases, can significantly alter the taste of the water boiled in the kettle.
Type of Kettle: Glass Kettles
Because it does not emit any chemicals during the manufacturing process, glass is one of the best and safest materials for a kettle (unlike plastic). However, a glass kettle filled with boiling water may cause you concern.
Fortunately, this isn’t necessary. The vast majority of modern glass kettles are treated to prevent any damage to the glass from boiling water, making them completely safe.
Glass kettles also provide better temperature control, don’t discolor, and don’t retain the material’s taste or odor.
While glass kettles are more expensive than plastic and more easily damaged than some of the other materials on this list, they are a material worth investing in, in my opinion.
Type of Kettle: Brass / Copper Kettles
Copper kettles are stovetop (not electric) kettles that have become extremely popular in recent years as a result of features in a number of home design magazines.
Modern copper kettles are completely safe because they have a stainless steel, tin, or nickel lining that prevents copper tea kettle poisoning. A vintage copper kettle, on the other hand, might not be safe.
You’ll want to pay attention to the material used on the inside of the pot, as this is the part of the kettle that will come into contact with the water you’ll drink.
Was this helpful?
Hi there! I’m a food enthusiast and journalist, and I have a real passion for food that goes beyond the kitchen. I love my dream job and I’m lucky enough to be able to share my knowledge with readers of several large media outlets. My specialty is writing engaging food-related content, and I take pride in being able to connect with my audience. I’m known for my creativity in the kitchen, and I’m confident that I can be the perfect guide for anyone looking to take their culinary journey to the next level.
