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Although I occasionally indulge in a cup of coffee, my true love is tea: green tea, English breakfast tea, and pumpkin spice rooibos tea (once Trader Joe’s starts selling it in the fall). I start each day with a wake-me-up cup of green tea to kickstart my brain, and I look forward to my late afternoon tea-time to keep me going until my kids go to bed.
I used to use a regular tea kettle for my daily tea routine, but about two years ago, I switched over to an electric one. This was partly to rely less on our gas cooking stove (we’ve since switched to induction), but I also wanted a tea kettle that would turn itself off after boiling. Plus, I wanted one that wouldn’t whistle loudly when it was boiling and wake the whole house, since I’m usually the first one awake in the morning.
Enter: the electric tea kettle. A good electric kettle boils water fast. It’s much safer than a stove-top kettle because it turns itself off after boiling. Some electric kettles even have “keep warm” functions and boil water to a different temperature based on the kind of tea you’re drinking. Fancy!
If you’re looking for a great electric tea kettle, read on for my top picks for non-toxic options made without chemical-leaching plastic.
Why Choose A Non-Toxic Electric Kettle?
When it comes to selecting the perfect electric kettle, don’t overlook the material it’s made from. Stainless steel electric kettles are a great choice, as stainless steel is strong and durable. Unlike plastic kettles, which might crack or discolor over time, or glass kettles that can break if they’re dropped, stainless steel kettles will last you a very long time.
Another advantage of stainless steel is its non-reactive nature. This means it doesn’t leach chemicals into your water when heated, a concern with certain plastics. In plastic-free kettles like the ones I review below, the water boiled in a stainless steel kettle remains pure, making it a healthier choice for your daily cup of tea or coffee.
Stainless steel is also easy to clean and maintain. It’s resistant to rust, staining, and mineral buildup, which are common issues in areas with hard water. A quick wipe or rinse is often all it takes to keep your kettle looking shiny and new.
7 Best Non-Toxic Electric Tea Kettles
Here are the best non-toxic electric tea kettles made of stainless steel that you can buy today, in order of price from lowest to highest. These also make great holiday and birthday gifts!
1. Bodum Electric Gooseneck Kettle ($39)
The Bodum Electric Gooseneck Kettle is an exceptional tool for tea and coffee enthusiasts, particularly for those who are fans of the pour-over method. Its 0.8 liter (27 oz) capacity makes it well sized for personal use or for serving a few cups of coffee. I’ve found this kettle to be perfect for a single cup of tea or for two people at one time.
This kettle’s gooseneck spout is a standout feature, designed to offer precise control over the speed and consistency of the water flow. This level of control is ideal for achieving the optimum extraction in pour-over coffee brewing, allowing for a full and even saturation of the coffee grounds.
In terms of design and build quality, this kettle looks really cute on a kitchen countertop. Made from durable stainless steel, it will last a long time and go with pretty much any kitchen decor. The use of natural, sustainable cork for the non-slip handle and knob is a nice touch. Not only does it protect your hands during pouring by providing insulation, but it also offers a comfortable and secure grip for when you’re pouring boiling water.
For the low price and ease of use, the Bodum is a great choice for a non-toxic electric tea kettle.
2. Cosori 1.5-Liter Electric Kettle ($40)
The Cosori Electric Tea Kettle represents a significant upgrade from traditional plastic kettles. It features an innovative double-wall design made of a stainless steel inner and outer shell. This double wall design not only ensures better heat retention by keeping water warm for longer, but it also makes the kettle’s surface safe to the touch. This is a crucial safety feature, especially in households with children.
The kettle’s two-level lid is a smart and practical feature. You can open the lid to 45° using a button, preventing hot water from splashing out. The lid can also be raised to 80° for easy filling and cleaning. The quick boil feature is another highlight of this non-toxic tea kettle. It can boil 1.5 liters of water in 3–6 minutes. The blue LED indicator on the kettle shuts off when water reaches its boiling point.
In terms of safety, the Cosori kettle has an automatic shut-off feature that activates 30 seconds after the water has boiled. It also has boil-dry protection, which turns off the kettle when no water is detected.
3. Chantal Electric Tea Kettle ($69)
The Chantal Electric Tea Kettle stands out for its unique slow pour spout, which is designed to cool boiling water to the optimal brewing temperature of 205° F and which coffee enthusiasts will appreciate when they’re using a pour-over coffee maker.
Crafted from 18/8 stainless steel, this kettle boasts an all-stainless steel interior, ensuring that there’s no contact with plastic during heating. While it’s known for excelling at preparing slow pour coffee, the Chantal is just as effective as an everyday kettle. It has a 32-ounce capacity (so it makes approximately four cups when full).
The safety features are well-integrated with this non-toxic electric tea kettle, which comes with auto shut-off and boil-dry protection so you can leave the kitchen without needing to worry.
4. Zwilling 1.5-Liter Electric Kettle ($89) – Top Pick
The Zwilling Cool Touch Electric Kettle is a fabulous fusion of sophisticated design and practical functionality, making it a standout choice for tea and hot beverage lovers. This is the tea kettle I chose when I went electric two years ago, and it has served me well on a daily basis ever since. It’s got a 1.5-liter capacity, which means I can make tea for several people at a time (up to six cups, to be exact).
One of the best features of this kettle is that its design ensures the outside remains cool to the touch, a key safety feature for use in the kitchen around my kids. Another noteworthy aspect of the Zwilling kettle is its cordless design. It still needs to have the base plugged in, but the top that you pour the water out of is cordless.
In terms of performance, the kettle heats water very quickly and efficiently. It’s ready within two to three minutes, depending on how much water I filled it up with. The simplicity of its operation is great — there’s just one button.
However, this simplicity might be annoying for tea connoisseurs who require super precise temperature control for different types of teas. If that’s what you’re looking for, Zwilling does make a fancier version of this awesome kettle, which features six pre-set temperatures and a 30-minute keep-warm function. I decided I didn’t need the precise temperatures, and I’ve been very happy with the simpler (and less expensive) version.
5. KitchenAid 1.25-Liter Electric Kettle ($90).
If you like the cute retro look of KitchenAid’s stovetop kettle (which was the one I had for many years), you can now get the same great look in its electric version. This little kettle (1.25 liters) is compact and stylish, ideal for small households or those with limited kitchen space. This size is perfect for quickly boiling water a few cups of tea or coffee.
One of the most user-friendly features of this kettle is the LED on/off switch, which provides a clear indication of when the kettle is working. The removable base allows for easy lifting and portability of the kettle, making it easy to fill, pour, and return to its power source.
This kettle features an aluminum handle and a stainless steel body. The handle design ensures comfort and safety, reducing the risk of burns or slips while pouring.
Another practical feature of this kettle is its lime scale filter. This is particularly helpful for those of us living in areas with hard water, as it maintains the purity of the water and extends the life of the kettle by preventing scale buildup.
6. Cuisinart 1.7-Liter Stainless Steel Electric Kettle with 6 Preset Temperatures ($99)
The Cuisinart Electric Tea Kettle is a versatile kettle designed for both tea and coffee enthusiasts alike. With its 1500 watts of power, this kettle heats quickly and is quite big, with a 1.7-liter capacity that will serve multiple cups of tea at a time.
A standout feature of this kettle is its six preset heat settings, which range from 160°F to a full boil. These settings are specifically created to be ideal for different types of teas and French press coffees, offering precise temperature control for optimal flavor extraction.
They suggest brewing delicate teas at 160°F, green tea at 175°F, white tea at 185°F, and oolong tea at 190°F. You can also boil water for black tea or instant foods at the hottest temperature — either way, this kettle has you covered. Note: the 200°F setting is ideal for coffee lovers who use a French press.
This kettle also conveniently has a 30-minute “Keep Warm” feature. It also has a two-minute memory features that allows the kettle to resume its last heating cycle if it gets lifted off the base and returned within two minutes’ time.
This kettle also has that all-important boil-dry protection with an auto shutoff, which in my opinion is a helpful safety feature and one of the main reasons to switch to an electric kettle.
7. Corvo Electric Kettle ($195)
The Corvo Electric Kettle is made for those of us who are into minimalist Scandinavian design. Its gorgeous handle and lid pull are made from maple, and the body of the kettle is made from high-quality 304 stainless steel. This non-toxic kettle has a 0.9 Liter capacity, so it’s better for one or two tea drinkers.
The ergonomic wood handle on this kettle is well designed and helpful to preventing spillage. This kettle is excellent at controlling the temperature of the boiling water precisely. It boils water rapidly and has a screen that displays the set temperature and the real-time temperature, so you have more control over your tea brewing process. It also has a feature that keeps water hot for up to an hour.
Tips for Brewing the Perfect Cup of Tea
Brewing the perfect cup of tea using an electric kettle involves understanding the right water temperature for different types of tea, along with timing and tea-to-water ratio. Here are some tips to help you make a perfect cup of tea.
1. Consider Water Quality
The quality of water can significantly affect the taste of your tea. Start with fresh, cold water. If your tap water is hard or has a strong taste, consider using filtered water.
2. Heat Water to the Optimal Temperature
Use an electric kettle to heat the water to the specific temperature needed for the type of tea you are brewing. Different teas require different brewing temperatures:
- Green Tea: 150-180°F (65-80°C). Green tea is delicate and can become bitter if the water is too hot.
- White Tea: 160-185°F (70-85°C). Like green tea, white tea prefers a gentler heat to release its flavors.
- Oolong Tea: 180-190°F (82-88°C). Oolong teas are more forgiving and can be brewed at a range of temperatures.
- Black Tea: 190-212°F (88-100°C). Black tea requires hotter water to extract its full flavor.
- Herbal Tea: 208-212°F (98-100°C). Most herbal teas need boiling water to release their aromas and flavors.
3. Measure Your Tea
If you’re using loose-leaf tea, make sure to use the right amount of tea leaves. A general guideline is about one teaspoon of tea for every six ounces of water. This can be adjusted based on your personal preferences.
4. Use the Right Steeping Time
Steep time is crucial. Here’s a general guide:
- Green Tea: 1-3 minutes. Be careful because over-steeping can make it taste bitter.
- White Tea: 4-5 minutes. White tea benefits from a longer steeping time but doesn’t become too bitter if over-steeped.
- Oolong Tea: 1-5 minutes. The steeping time for oolong can vary greatly depending on whether it’s more green or black in character.
- Black Tea: 3-5 minutes. Over-steeping black tea can also lead to bitterness.
- Herbal Tea: 5-8 minutes. Herbal teas often require longer steeping times to fully extract their flavors.
5. Enjoy Your Tea
Once your tea has steeped for the appropriate amount of time, remove the tea leaves to avoid over-steeping. Remember one of my favorite Buddhist quotes:
“Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves — slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future.”
Remember, the perfect cup of tea is subjective and depends on individual taste preferences. Don’t hesitate to tweak these guidelines to suit your taste!
Opt for a Non-Toxic Electric Tea Kettle
So there you have it, folks! These are some of the best non-toxic electric kettles you can find today that don’t contain plastic components that come into contact with boiling water.
With one of these non-toxic tea kettles, you can enjoy your tea ritual without having to worry about nasty chemicals leaching into your water. Keep tea time relaxing and clean with a non-toxic electric kettle!
FAQs about Electric Tea Kettles
What are non-toxic, plastic-free electric tea kettles?
Non-toxic, plastic-free electric tea kettles are appliances that are designed to heat water for tea or other hot beverages without any plastic parts coming into contact with the hot water. They’re typically made from stainless steel or glass.
Why’s it important to choose a kettle without plastic parts in contact with hot water?
When plastic comes into contact with hot water, it can leach chemicals like BPA or other plasticizers into the water. These chemicals can be harmful to our health, so avoiding plastic in parts that contact hot water minimizes this risk.
What materials are commonly used in non-toxic kettles?
Common materials include food-grade 304 or 18/8 stainless steel, borosilicate glass, and sometimes ceramic. These materials are known for their durability and resistance to leaching chemicals into the water.
Are these kettles more environmentally friendly?
Usually yes. Kettles made from stainless steel or glass tend to be more durable and long-lasting compared to plastic kettles, reducing waste. Also, the absence of plastic reduces reliance on petroleum-based products.
Are non-toxic kettles more expensive than regular electric kettles?
They can be slightly more expensive due to the quality of materials used. However, the investment often pays off in terms of durability, health benefits, and better taste of the boiling water.
How do I know if a kettle is truly non-toxic and plastic-free?
Check the product specifications to ensure that no plastic parts come into contact with the water during heating. Customer reviews and product Q&A sections can also be informative.
Are there any safety features unique to non-toxic kettles?
Safety features often include automatic shut-off and boil-dry protections, meaning the tea kettle won’t heat when it detects that there’s no water inside.
