#SaferChoices: How to choose a Lead-free tea kettle
For those new to this website:
Tamara Rubin is a multiple-federal-award-winning independent advocate for childhood Lead-poisoning prevention and consumer goods safety, and a documentary filmmaker. She is also a mother of Lead-poisoned children (two of her sons were acutely Lead-poisoned in 2005). Since 2009, Tamara has been using XRF technology (a scientific method used by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission) to test consumer goods for toxicants (specifically heavy metals — including Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, Antimony, and Arsenic). All test results reported on this website are science-based, accurate, and replicable. Items are tested multiple times to confirm the test results for each component tested. Tamara’s work was featured in Consumer Reports Magazine in February of 2023 (March 2023 print edition).
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Originally published: January 8, 2017
Updated: November 24, 2023
In response to these articles (tea kettles that have tested positive for things like Lead and cadmium), I wanted to share the following!
Lead Safe Mama’s guidelines for choosing a safer tea kettle:
A kettle is something you probably use every day for boiling water. At least it is what we do in our house. As a result, it totally makes sense to invest in one that is as free of toxicants as possible (Lead-free, mercury-free, arsenic-free, cadmium-free — and plastics-free to the extent possible)! It is for this reason I avoid any kettles with any kind of enamel or other colored coating. In addition to food-contact plastic components, the coatings often contain most of the more concerning “nasties” because toxic heavy metals are usually used to achieve the brightest, prettiest colors in a finished kitchenware product. Note: Lead-free does NOT need to mean EXPENSIVE. In most cases, Lead-free choices are LESS expensive!
What to AVOID in choosing a kettle:
- Avoid brightly colored enamel coatings (inside and out).
- Avoid kettles marketed as having non-stick coatings of any kind.
- Avoid kettles that have painted brand logos or measurement markings anywhere on the outside of the kettle (including the bottom of the kettle).
- Avoid Le Creuset (across the board as a brand).
- NOTE: Please ONLY use your kettle for boiling water (not for heating other beverages)
Kettles are difficult to test using XRF technology…
An additional problem with many tea kettles is that you can usually easily test the outside with an XRF instrument, but it is often difficult to do independent XRF testing of the interior material or coating (if the interior is in fact coated) without destroying the kettle. In most cases, an XRF just won’t fit through the top opening in a way that allows for a meaningful test result.
As a result of the limitations of testing — as a rule — I stick with clear glass and high-quality stainless steel as my materials of choice for cooking. I currently have two kettles in my home, one is glass and the other is a modern lightweight stainless. Note: Some vintage clear glass kettles have tested negative for Lead and others have tested positive, so be careful if you are leaning in that direction for your choice (since you most likely don’t have an XRF instrument in the closet to test your kettle with after you buy it). Modern clear, unpainted/ undecorated glass or modern stainless is your best bet.
What to look for in choosing a kettle:
- Stainless Steel kettles are normally a good choice.
- Look for options with the fewest plastic parts whenever possible.
- All glass kettles are normally a good choice.
- Look for options with NO painted logo or measurement markings.
- NOTE: With all choices — for a longer-lived kettle — try to find plastic-free options whenever possible.
Issues with modern clear glass choices
The one thing to also be wary of in modern clear glass is any painted exterior markings (usually in white paint, but sometimes found in black or other colors). Those markings often test very highly positive for Lead (usually in the 20,000 to 40,000 ppm range and sometimes higher, when [for context] anything over 90 ppm Lead is unsafe for children). Many manufacturers claim that Lead is added to the painted measurement markings because it helps the markings stick to the glass, HOWEVER, these markings tend to wear off with repeated use and washings. Especially given the nature of a stove-top tea kettle that is going from hot to cold to hot to cold, the mere (imperceptible) expansion and contraction due to temperature will usually cause this paint to chip and wear into your kitchen environment.
Some specific recommendations that may fit my guidelines for choosing a kettle:
Below are a few specific recommendations, based on what I have in my kitchen and my personal experience in testing for toxicity in consumer goods using an XRF instrument.
Some links on this page are Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase something after clicking on one of our affiliate links, Lead Safe Mama, LLC may earn a percentage of what you spend at no extra cost to you.
Click through each of these images to read more about these choices. I have chosen these particular kettles as they appear to have NO painted markings (based on my experience and based on the product listing photos for the item). If when you purchase one of these kettles and it does have painted markings, please let me know and I will remove the choice from the selection below. Some of the glass options may have a painted logo on the BOTTOM (heated surface) of the kettle, in which case I would no longer recommend that product:
Examples of clear glass options
Updated: November 24, 2023
Note: The first of the two teapots below is one I have personally purchased. It is a smaller size (good for one or two people) — please note the capacity for any of these items (in their Amazon listing) if you choose to purchase them. The second teapot (with the flowers and tea in the image) is by TeaBloom. A while back we called TeaBloom out for having Lead-painted markings on teapots they were selling as Lead-free. They went on to fix the problem and their new teapots are — in fact — Lead-free (including any painted logo markings that we have tested on the newer models).
Examples of stainless options
Updated: November 24, 2023
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As always, please let me know if you have any questions, I will do my best to answer them personally as soon as I have a moment.
Happy hunting for the perfect Lead-safe/ Lead-free tea kettle!
Tamara Rubin
Owner — Lead Safe Mama, LLC
#LeadSafeMama
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Hullo Tamara, what are your thoughts on nickel leaching from stainless steel pots and kettles? I’ve been reading up on safe cookware and getting so confused (and intimidated) by all the pitfalls out there! Seems like glass and ceramic have a greater risk of lead, while stainless steel can leech nickel, which is apparently bad as well.
With the reading I have done, I learned that nickle allergies can be present – but they are extremely rare. I have all stainless pots and pans (and plates and tea kettle) in my home and my kids are extremely sensitive to some things (food coloring for example has given them potentially life threatening hives in the past)… and we have experienced no issues using stainless. That said, last month I tested several Ikea stainless items that had either no nickel or very low nickel, so perhaps checking out Ikea’s offerings might be in order. I personally am planning on getting a new clear glass one when I replace mine (eventually.) With the clear glass ones you do want to confirm that there are no painted markings on the side, as the painted markings are often painted with lead paint (to make them stick to the glass.)
Hello Tamara. Can you please recommend the safest brand for cookware, frying pan, bakeware and the link where to buy. I see that you recommend safe dinnerware( I choose some of those and I’m going to buy through your affiliated links right now ) but I don’t see any recommendation for cookware and bakeware. Please help me Im waiting on your reply
How about all-clad ?
Tamara, can you please show which exact IKEA items were lead free?
Use the search bar to look up “Ikea”…
Here are some examples on my site: https://tamararubin.com/category/ikea/
Dearest T- I will always try to use Amazon this way from now on. So glad to pay you back for all of the work you are doing!
I am all set to buy the first tea pot you listed and I wanted to know if you had tested this one in particular. My mom lives in LA so I could send her one to get tested when you are down there if you haven’t yet.
All the best,
Sarah
Thank you so much! I have not tested that exact one and would be happy to test it as part of our testing in Los Angeles later this month. It is made of clear borosilicate glass and I have a very high level of confidence that it is completely lead-free. I don’t believe I have ever tested any new/modern borosilicate glass that was positive for even trace lead. Some of the older / vintage glass stove-top kettles did have trace lead (the old Pyrex ones) but even with those the level was below 200 ppm.
Any recs on safe electric tea kettles not made in China?
YES! I”ver been searching for years.
Me too!!!!! I need to know of a safe electric kettle option!
Hi! Do you have any recommendations for glass whistling kettles? Thank you! XO!
Hello, do the bases of electric kettles likely contain lead on the heating element, like the instapot you discovered. Also, would Bodum have lead paint on it?
The Bodum’s I have tested have not had lead paint on them Tiffany (and I have tested quite a few of them) – although I know they have a lot of different models – so I can’t speak definitively for the brand. I do really love their products though! I wish they were made with less plastic! (Even though the plastic they use appears to always be lead-free!)
Tamara, are there any electric kettles that you can recommend?
Hi Tamara,
I just bought a Moma edition Electric Kettle by Bodum, and it has the p65 warning on the bottom. Should I be concerned? Is it the paint on the outside? what on this item is dangerous?
Probably this: https://tamararubin.com/2022/08/why-do-some-stainless-steel-cookware-items-have-a-prop-65-warning-isnt-stainless-steel-non-toxic/
Hi! A urine challenge test showed that I tested high for lead in my body!
I have been using an electric kettle from Walmart made in China.
Do you recommend any electric water kettles?
Thanks!
suzanne
I’d like to know too please of a good electric kettle
Hi there!
I, too, would like to know if you have tested any electric kettles. I am a nutritionist and I researched the safest kettles (I don’t have a XRF instrument so I had to go off published information which is scant at best.)
I prefer glass but, like another commenter here, I need a whistling pot. I might leave it on the stove too long and I’m afraid it might explode. So I finally settled on a stainless steel elec kettle that was the only one I could find which was 100% SS inside (including the inside of the lid) that was also seamless so bacteria could not hide. The elements at the bottom are covered with the same SS material as the rest of the inside (someone mentioned the heating elements can be covered in a material that contains lead). But I am always concerned about the amount of metals that leach into even the best stainless products so I still prefer glass. (Have you seen the Japanese studies several years ago showing that SS leached metals, including nickel, into all foods, especially high acid foods link tomato sauce? The only exception to leaching was with pure distilled water.)
So my questions are: have you (or perhaps will you consider) testing glass kettles with whistlers, and also electric kettles? (My concern with elec glass kettles was with the heating elements – all contained metal screws/rivets of unknown origin and plastic seals (sometimes using the less toxic silicone) and glues (most glues contain formaldehyde) so I went with SS. Perhaps the kettle linked here might interest you for testing: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011BE7V8W/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Thank you – I really appreciate all your hard work!
I haven’t yet tested any electric kettles.
Hi Tamara,
I have been looking for a large stainless steel electric skillet, but the only place I can find something without bad reviews are the vintage ones on Ebay. Most are from the late 60’s & 70’s. Do you think the stainless steel would be safe? We have been using a vintage one with the original type Teflon that is still in perfect condition, the type that doesn’t peal. But I am afraid it is the really bad kind, so am trying to replace it. I have cast iron, but was hoping to find an electric one. Thank you for any pointers you can offer.
Have you ever tested any of the blue flower corningware coffee carafes? :o)
Reviews on the last kettle say it’s coated on the interior with teflon? That can’t be healthy either, right?
Thank you!
I’m surprised that the Vanika Stainless Steel Whistling Tea Kettle is on this list, let alone that it’s one of your favorite, considering that it’s coated with teflon. According to Robert L. Wolke, Ph.D., a professor emeritus of chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh,”There’s a whole chemistry set of compounds that will come off when Teflon is heated high enough to decompose.” I know that most experts claim that the toxic chemicals are only released from teflon when it’s overheated, but how hot is too hot? And how many of us leave the kettle boiling longer than we should? Why take a chance.
I’ll remove it. When I posted it I did not see anything about a teflon coating. Thank you.
Hi Tamara, have you tested the first tea kettle yet?
All of the unmarked borosilicate glass items I have tested (unmarked = with no painted markings) have been lead-free.
Tamara, did you ever test a Circulon teakettle? I have this one:
https://amzn.to/2ychMYF (Tamara’s affilate link)
I don’t believe I have. In general I avoid enameled items as they could have lead or cadmium. Example: https://tamararubin.com/2017/01/redtea2/
Hi Tamara,
Can you recommend a safe electric tea kettle? I really like the glass/stainless steel, but I’m concerned about the quality of the metal. I also like the porcelain, but I know you mentioned the glaze can be toxic. Open to the pricepoint as long as it is good quality.
Thank you for your work!
It’s really hard to test an electric tea kettle without destructive testing (because I would want to test the inside and make sure there are no leaded components related to the functioning of the kettle accessible to the inside.) So at this point I don’t have a recommendation for an electric kettle but it is on my list of things to more inquiry into.
Thank you!
Do you have any opinions on the BonJour Tea Stainless Steel and Copper-Base Gooseneck Teapot / Teakettle, 2-Quart https://amzn.to/2DCD4Dp (tamara’s affiliate link)
Hi Erin, in general that looks like a good choice, but of course I cannot tell what is on the inside. Sometimes tea kettles have a teflon coating on the inside – so you want to check for that and avoid it if it has any interior coating. My main lead-concern for something like this is any rubberized handle. It is not necessarily a poisoning risk at all, but a lot of the rubberized handles test positive for low levels of lead and sometimes also low levels of cadmium… so in my home I do try to avoid the black rubberized handles that we see on so many things. That said this particular handle MAY be lead-free and cadmium-free, there’s just no way to know without testing.
What about the All-Clad stainless steel tea kettle?
I am looking for a non-toxic kettle but it seems the links on this post has disappeared and cannot see them. The images are not showing up. :/
I’m looking at an electric glass and stainless steel one from Hamilton Beach, and like that the element is completely sealed. Wondering about the silicone ring inside the kettle that attaches the glass to the stainless steel. Toxins in silicone?
I’ve heard both yes and no. Deemed mostly safe i think but you never know. Also, it being made in china would be my issue. Many, many things coming from there end up being sent back because of lead content. Among other issues. It’s such a bummer that it is so hard to find a good, non-toxic teakettle not made china. I’m going to take a second look at European kettles, maybe something there.
My question is about all clad stainless steel tea kettle is safe to use. Has a mark inside like paint. In tamara amazon list you have it in your list thank you for your time
do you no longer recommend the Xiazhi glass kettle (the first one on the list above). I just ordered it but then noticed it’s not on your newest list of recommended glass kettles? do you think the Nest Above glass kettle is better? want to make sure I get the right one. thanks very much.
The reviews on all of these stainless kettles show metal coating chipping off. I wanted a better option than my enamel coated kettle but at least it’s not chipping. Concerned about glass breaking since the reviews say these glass kettles are fragile. I feel like there’s no good option.
Hi Abby,
Thankyou for commenting – That’s why I chose the glass kettle – no concern about metals at all. I really feel like the water (and resultant tea and coffee) is so much cleaner tasting using a glass kettle too! I know it’s not a simple choice. Here’s the glass kettle I had in my home: https://tamararubin.com/2019/05/this-is-the-clear-borosilicate-glass-tea-pot-i-use-in-my-home-yes-it-is-lead-free-and-stovetop-safe/
Tamara
Hi! Have you ever tested cast iron tea sets?
Hi Tamara,
Is this glass tea pot you recommend from china? Does that concern you at all or it’s ok since you tested it? I really need a tea pot 🙂
I was considering this kettle: https://www.chemexcoffeemaker.com/handblown-water-kettle.html
Hi Erin,
I have not tested that one yet!
Tamara
Hello, are there any electric tea pots your recommend? I need one for my job.
Hi there Giselle – I don’t have a recommendation for a product in this category. Sorry about that.
Tamara
HI TAMARA,
I’M GOING SUPER CRAZY!!
I HOPE THIS REACHES YOU QUICKLY?!?
#1. I HAVE CHINA DISHES FROM CHINA PEARL CO. MADE IN 1990 IN CHINA. I ONLY NEED TO USE THE SOUP BOWL.
#2. I HAVE PINK GLASS SOUP BOWLS FROM THE DOLLAR TREE BOUGHT APPX 10-12 YRS AGO. THANX TONZ!!!
Please email me photos: TamaraRubin@mac.com
Also check out this post: https://tamararubin.com/2019/08/tamara-can-i-send-you-one-of-my-dishes-to-test-for-lead/
Tamara
I’m Wondering if the 18/8 stainless steel one I have is ok. It has aluminium and iron between the stainless steel.
Do you still have the links to recommended products?
Hi Tamara,
thank you for all the work you do!!
Have you tested any electric kettles? We use the kettle a lot during the day and an electric kettle seems more convenient, but I don’t want any plastic in my coffee and I’m worried about any potential lead in screws or connectors in stainless steel ones…
Many thanks,
Kristina
Hi Tamara,
I was checking out your stainless steel kettle recommendations and found that at this link: https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-CTK-SS17-Stainless-Stovetop-Teakettle/dp/B008OLKVEW/ there are two options: 2018 and 2019. Just wanted to check if you think there is anything significantly different between the two.
Hi. I have two Pyrex 9cup teapots. One pot has no paint or markings on the outside BUT it is supported by a metal band which is connected to the outside glass handle. The other teapot has a metal band which secures the glass handle to the outside of the teapot and the sides have raised markings showing cup measurement within the glass it’s self. Not paint. Are my Pyrex pot and teapot safe? And is it safe to steep tea in the hot teapot?
Like these: https://tamararubin.com/2019/01/made-in-usa-vintage-pyrex-clear-glass-double-boiler-cooking-pot-216-ppm-lead/
I would not recommend the Mr. Coffee kettle which is one of the linked “stainless steel” kettles. I had one for years until i realized the bottom is not stainless steel, only the sides are.
Hi Tamara! It seems there aren’t many of the stainless 1.3 quart Farberware tea kettle in circulation. This is the one you listed last, but liked the most for stainless. Would the lead-free label still be true for their 2.3 quart version?
I found your website due to doing my own research after discovering I have systemic nickel allergy syndrome. I am in for a kitchen overhaul and I am trying to navigate eliminating as many nickel exposures as possible. I want to really invest and be an informed consumer! Thank you for your work and research!
Hello,
Thanks for the work you do. One of the kettles you linked as an example was created by Mr. Coffee. I don’t have the details on this, but on this target link ( https://www.target.com/p/mr-coffee-harpwell-1-8-quart-stainless-steel-whistling-tea-kettle/-/A-83271334#lnk=sametab ), there is a California P65 warning that claims that Mr. Coffee’s Harpwell kettle, though not the same kettle you linked, can expose you to lead. I don’t know where this might be within the kettle, but I figured you’d want this information.
Hi! Firstly, I really appreciate all of your hard work, so thank you for all that you do! Would you mind updating your top choices. It appears the links to your recommendations are no longer available. Thank you!
Thanks for the heads up! Will do!
Hi Tamara, many thanks for all that you do! You are truly inspirational. I was wondering if you could recommend any type of glass cookware I could use to cook on a stovetop. Some of the dishes I commonly cook require the slow and low method.
Thank you,
Ngoc
There are not a lot of good choices for stovetop glassware – I focus on only using glass for all of my ovenware – and then for stovetop I use stainless and cast iron.
T
Hi. just found this site so sorry if you see lots of email questions from me at once :>)
Regarding clear glass teapots, you said the ones you listed were lead/cadmium free, “including any painted logo markings that we have tested on the newer models” for Teabloom. So, some painted markings CAN be lead/cadmium free?
Thanks.
I was wondering if a cast iron tea kettle would be safe?
Do cast iron items typically have lead ?
Is it okay to microwave the glass kettles? I asked the company and they said it was, but I wanted to ask you in case you think different, thanks!
You have NO clue what you’re talking about! “anything over 90 ppm Lead is unsafe for children,” is completely false and dangerous to mislead people to believe! The correct numbers are anything over 0.35 parts per decilitre for children, and 0.5 ppd for adults! It is not measured by millimeters as you say. Also, glass kettles are no safer than any other kettle. It is the bottom of glass kettles that are metal that contain the heating element, called stainless steel but are actually a cheap mixture that often contain lead.
Having been down the road of lead poisoning, and having a ton of medical information about it from the experts who treat it, I know what I’m talking about!
90 ppm Lead is the Consumer Product Safety Commission threshold for the maximum allowable amount of Lead in consumer goods, as set by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008.
I think you are referring to some other measurement.
Blood Lead Levels are measured in micrograms of Lead per deciliter of blood (in the United States), perhaps that is what you are referring to?
The current action level that pediatricians refer to (the “reference level”) is 3.5 micrograms of Lead per deciliter of blood. The level of concern for pregnant women (officially) is 5 micrograms of Lead per deciliter of blood. Neither of these levels are protective of human health.
Please watch the documentary film I created if you have any questions:
https://tamararubin.com/2023/01/a-link-to-my-film/
While I see you active on here, Tamara – I’m looking for a glass teapot and strainer, or alternatively a safe tea steeping option. Do you know of one? The glass teapot you link to on Amazon is no longer available, and it doesn’t have a steeping option for loose leaves anyway, as far as I can tell. Do you know of any safe options? Thank you so much! Skye
Hi Tamara, would you consider testing an electric kettle? I would be willing to ship you one and be ok with it being destroyed in the process of testing.
Have you tested the Sur La Table Digital Kettle with Infuser? I am under the impression that the brand is lead-free, but I was wondering because the kettle has measurement markings on the outside of the glass. If I purchase this kettle, I would likely use it daily. Therefore, I’d like to make sure it is safe. Thanks!
Is the All Clad stainless steel tea kettle safe? It is listed on your amazon shop page, but I can’t find if it’s safe on your website.
found this …
https://kitchendeets.coms/cookware-made-in-germany/ “If you’re concerned about what goes into your food, then you’ll want to buy cookware made in Germany. These pans are free from harmful chemicals such as lead and cadmium (which have been known to cause health problems). So not only will they last longer than other types of pans; but they’ll also make sure your food remains free from dangerous chemicals…”