Maybe you're learning about the dangers of cooking with nonstick cookware ( good job! ) and have taken a closer look at your entire cookware set. But did you know that kettles can also cause problems? Quite annoying if - like us - you make that cup of tea quite regularly.
Many kettles on the market are made of materials that contain harmful substances that can leak into the water when you boil it. Did you know, for example, that BPA is released more quickly when exposed to heat? But aluminum is also problematic.
Plastic kettle, unhealthy?
Let's talk about plastic in our kitchen, because let's be honest, it's not our favorite material, especially for kitchen utensils that are heated. Many plastic kettles contain bisphenol A (BPA) or bisphenol S (BPS), a chemical that can leach into the boiling water when heated. BPA/BPS is known for its potential adverse health effects, such as hormone disruption and other health problems. In addition, other chemicals used in the production of plastic kettles, such as phthalates, can also be released when heated and end up in the water. Not exactly reassuring, of course, when it comes to the safety of the water used for making tea or other hot drinks.
Aluminum is not a safe material for your kettle
You can ingest aluminum by cooking with aluminum utensils or eating food wrapped in aluminum foil or cans. This also applies to kettles made of aluminum. When aluminum is exposed to heat, it can cause aluminum to leak into the food or water it touches.
Okay, so is that a bad thing?
The diplomatic answer: Depends who you believe, as there is still a lot of debate about it. Exposure to (too much) aluminum has been linked to problems with the central nervous system and immune function. It is considered a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases, such as breast cancer. However, the studies in question are quite controversial. This is also evident from the fact that aluminum is not (yet) classified within the EU as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction. The SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety) considers aluminum in cosmetic products (deodorants for example) safe for human use. At the same time, the SCCS notes that people do not only ingest aluminum through their cosmetics, but also through food and medicine. If you add it all up, it could still be too much for consumers.
Because aluminum is common and has potential (very!) harmful effects, we always prefer to look for products that contain as little aluminum as possible. In other words: preferably no aluminum in your kettle.
Safe non-toxic materials for kettles (stainless steel and glass)
In our search for safe, non-toxic materials for kettles, we ultimately arrived at two options: stainless steel and (borosilicate) glass. Both can withstand high temperatures, so they are great choices for both the electric kettle and the stovetop whistling kettle.
Stainless steel:
In general, stainless steel is considered a safe material for kitchenware and is the preferred choice of professional chefs . Stainless steel is an iron-based mix of different types of materials and consists of at least 11% chromium. The chrome gives the iron strength and prevents rust formation. It also provides the heat-resistant properties necessary for cooking at high temperatures. It is important to note that there is also a lot of quality difference in stainless steel. High-quality stainless steel should last a long time. If you have a nickel allergy, it is best to go for “430 stainless steel” (also called 18/0). Not allergic? Then go for 304 stainless steel (also known as 18/8) .
Glass:
Another safe option for the material of your kettle is glass. Clear, non-crystal glass kettles do not leak lead, mercury, arsenic or cadmium. However , the American Tamara Rubin did find lead and other nasties in vintage glassware. Therefore, opt for modern glassware without decorations or added colorants. Are you buying a glass kettle? So make sure that the glass is really clear, without any tint and no decorations have been applied to it. Also avoid recycled glass.
BPA-free kettle (2024)
In our search for a non-toxic kettle without BPA and other nasty chemicals, we ended up with the following kettle:
Stainless steel kettle Ottoni FabricaThis is our top favorite for a few different reasons. First of all, it is nice that Ottoni Fabria is an Italian manufacturer (in Europe, in general, there are still more safety guarantees than in other continents). In addition, Ottoni Fabria is one of the few kettle manufacturers that really seems to care about consumer health. They sincerely do their best to offer non-toxic, BPA-free kettles and dare to make this public. This is what their FAQ says:
IS THERE PLASTIC IN CONTACT WITH WATER?
No. Our goal is to maintain healthy products by eliminating the presence of plastic and materials that are harmful to health.
In addition, we also like the design (nice takeaway) and it feels good to know that we are boiling our water with a kettle that does not leak toxic nasties . Wouldn't it be better to drink that cup of tea?
Share your tips: Have you come across a good non-toxic kettle that you would like to share with us (and the less toxic please community)? Then post a comment. We are very curious.
Disclaimer (Do Your Own Research): We love to share with you our experiences and knowledge that we have gained in our search for a toxic-free life. At the same time, we would like to emphasize that you are solely responsible for your health (that goes without saying, right?). The information we share here is for general educational purposes and is not personalized medical advice. Everyone is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another.
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