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Welcome back to The Coffee Blog (TCB), Southern Africa’s premier destination for all things coffee. Today, we’re addressing a common concern among coffee and tea enthusiasts: avoiding plastic in electric kettles. While the original article on this topic was written a few years ago, the issue remains relevant, and many of you are still seeking safe and reliable alternatives. Let’s dive into why avoiding plastic is crucial and explore three excellent stainless steel electric kettle options.
The combination of hot water and plastic can lead to undesirable results, both in terms of taste and health. Here are the two main reasons:
Some people, especially those with refined palates, can detect a plastic-like taste in their tea or coffee when heated in a plastic kettle. If you’ve never noticed it, you might wonder if it’s a significant issue. However, if you’re aiming for the best possible flavor in your beverages, switching to a stainless steel kettle can make a noticeable difference.
The bigger concern is health-related. Certain compounds in plastic, known as plasticizers (e.g., bisphenol A), can be estrogenic and carcinogenic. These substances can leach into hot water and potentially impact your health. Ori Hofmekler, in his book The Warrior Diet, discusses the dangers of dietary and environmental estrogens, including those from plastics. To minimize exposure, switching to a stainless steel kettle is a prudent choice.
After extensive research, we’ve identified three stainless steel electric kettles that stand out for their affordability, functionality, and minimal plastic contact.
Price: Around $50
Capacity: 30 ounces
Special Features: Variable temperature settings
The Adagio Teas 3 UtiliTEA is an excellent choice for tea lovers. It offers three different temperature settings, making it ideal for brewing various types of tea—black teas that require higher temperatures, and green and white teas that need lower temperatures. The kettle is made primarily of brushed stainless steel, with a plastic view window being the only exception.
Pros:
Cons:
Plastic view window
Company Response:
“There is a plastic view window in the UtiliTEA; otherwise, the rest of the kettle is made of brushed stainless steel.”
Price: Around $70
Capacity: 58 ounces
Special Features: Cordless design, stable base
The Breville SK500XL is a robust kettle that can heat up to 58 ounces of water. It’s cordless, which adds convenience, and it has received great reviews for its performance and durability. However, it does have a plastic volume gauge that comes into contact with hot water.
Pros:
Cons:
Plastic volume gauge
Company Response:
“There is a plastic volume gauge that is exposed to hot water on the kettle.”
Price: Around $60
Capacity: 64 ounces
Special Features: Cool-touch exterior, no plastic contact
The Hamilton Beach 40898 stands out for its large capacity and cool-touch exterior. Importantly, it ensures that hot water does not come into contact with any plastic, as it lacks a plastic window gauge. This makes it a top choice for those prioritizing health and safety.
Pros:
Cons:
No water level window
Choosing the right kettle depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here’s a quick recap to help you decide:
Adagio Teas 3 UtiliTEA: Best for tea enthusiasts who appreciate variable temperature settings.
Breville SK500XL: Ideal for those needing a larger capacity and cordless convenience.
Hamilton Beach 40898: Perfect for health-conscious users who want no plastic contact and a large capacity.
In the end, I chose the Hamilton Beach 40898 Cool-Touch Kettle for its larger capacity and assurance that no plastic comes into contact with the hot water. The absence of a plastic window gauge was a non-issue for me, prioritizing health benefits over convenience.
Switching to a stainless steel electric kettle is a small change that can have significant benefits for both the taste of your beverages and your health. Whether you’re an avid tea drinker or a coffee aficionado, investing in a quality stainless steel kettle is a step towards better brewing and a healthier lifestyle.
At TCB, we’re committed to helping you make informed decisions about your coffee and tea brewing equipment. We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights and options for avoiding plastic in your electric kettle.
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