Are Electric Kettles Safe? Should You Be Concerned?

This article will clarify "are electric kettles safe?". Even though they're mostly safe, you should avoid choosing unsafe electric kettles.

Safety is the primary concern for consumers. This article will explain “are electric kettles safe?”.

Electric kettles are a piece of must-have kitchen equipment because of their numerous uses. The conveniences it brings to your life are unrivaled. An electric kettle is a convenient appliance and very easy to use. Electric kettles are less time-consuming, enhance power efficiency, be economically worthwhile, and provide a better taste of tea or coffee. Electric kettles, which are used for many purposes, come with a lot of advantages. While scientific facts and energy efficiency distinguish electric kettles from the competition, a few research have found that they can be harmful to human health and the environment.

Are Electric Kettles Safe?

Electric kettles are generally very safe to use, but sometimes they may pose a risk because of the build materials. I’ll explain why these factors may cause safety issues and what can be done about them. I’ll provide you with a clear image of its adverse effects, allowing you to rapidly determine whether or not you should go for electric kettles.

are electric kettles safe

Plastic Build: Plastic utensils are typically made out of two types of plastics polypropylene and polystyrene, also it is not harmful. But when we put hot objects in them, the upper layer of the fake surface melts and mixes with the liquid. These hazardous substances enter your body along with the beverage. For example, Bisphenol A (BPA) is used to manufacture poly carbonate plastics.

BPA is an artificial substance that mimics the effects of hormones. BPA enters the body and affects various physiological systems, including the reproductive, neurological, and respiratory systems. Higher levels of hazardous BPA molecules in our bodies can cause infertility or other sexual abnormalities, cancer, and perhaps Alzheimer’s disease in the elderly.

Nickel Build: Nickel is not very poisonous in general, but it can be dangerous for people who are allergic to it. Nickel may be found in various foods, including coffee, tea, and chocolate, but how it gets leached from an electric kettle is fascinating. Every time you use an electric kettle to make tea, boil water, or brew coffee, it may contain nickel if you choose an electric kettle that has nickel in its build material.

Nickel is frequently utilized in heating elements due to its semi conductive properties. Nickel will be combined with the boiling water or tea when the heating element or plate comes into direct contact. The high resistance attribute of an electric kettle’s heating element is well-known.

Copper Build: Copper, which is utilized inside an electric kettle, creating chemical reactions with water and also has similar detrimental effects to the brain. As a result, it is preferable to avoid such types of kettle.

Aluminum Build: Aluminum kettles are harmful to one’s health since they disrupt the brain’s blood purification barrier.

Cast-iron Build: Using a cast-iron kettle is also risky since it dissolves a lot of iron particles in drinks, which can cause a variety of health problems. A kettle’s covered element is also dangerous since it emits lead when heated.

Lead Poisoning (Pb): Kitchen items such as glazed ceramic plates, clay pots, lead glassware, and lead soldered cans and kettles are all possible sources of lead poisoning. Acidic foods like oranges, tomatoes, tomato sauce, wines, and vinegar may interact chemically with the glaze and speed up the production of lead in these goods. Lead poisoning can result in anemia, brain impairment, renal damage, and other health problems. Lead can cause nerve filters to degrade, preventing hazardous elements from accessing our brain. 

How to Ensure Electric Kettles Safety?

Make sure the heating element is not exposed to liquid when selecting an electric kettle. Another precaution is to verify the nickel emission rating before purchasing; according to health experts, 50 micro grams per liter is a safe limit, but even lower is preferable. If you are sensitive to nickel or experience skin irritation, you should avoid using an electric kettle that produces nickel.

  • Make an effort to search for a BPA-free electric kettle. Keep in mind that BPA is only released when plastic comes into contact with boiling water, so look for a kettle with no or limited plastic contact. To avoid this problem, use stainless steel kettles instead of plastic kettles. A variety of BPA-free electric kettles are available on the market.
  • Always do research and follow Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) guidelines to buy products like electric kettle.
  • If you find any leakage from a water pot  and leak water then you are reluctant to use it. Because it can be a life risk event from an electric short circuit.

To Finish With

To get rid of all these health concerns, you need to consider previously mentioned facts. Those mentioned materials can be hazardous unless you avoid them. That’s the only permanent solution, otherwise that type of material comes into your food chain. Despite some minor issues about build materials, electric kettles are the best kitchen equipment for your countertop. People use electric kettle without any concern all around the globe on a daily basis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do plastic kettles leach chemicals?
Yes, but not all kinds of plastic. BPA-free plastic prevents chemical leaching. Chemicals leach from BPA plastic kettles can be dangerous to your health.
Is kettle water safe to drink?
Yes and No. If your kettle is built with quality materials, the boiled water will be safe. However, if you didn’t choose your kettle carefully, then filter the water before you drink.
Is buying a kettle worth it?
Definitely! If you go for an electric kettle, it is worth every penny. They are energy-efficient and can heat water very fast. Most electric kettles offer temperature control, which is very handy for tea and coffee lovers.