Buying a plastic free kettle should be easy. Britain is a nation of tea drinkers. Kettles sit proudly on our worktops. We all want a good-looking model but it’s the detail that’s important.
There are numerous factors & details worth considering ahead of buying a new kettle. Nobody wants a slow or noisy boiler. And a kettle that doesn’t pour well or is difficult to fill, is instantly frustrating.
It also makes sense to avoid a plastic body. Some materials can add toxic chemicals to the water – This is definitely worth avoiding.
What is a BPA Plastic Free Kettle?
Verum only recommends plastic free kettles. There is concerning research regarding how plastics can leach toxic chemicals into the water. The long-term effects aren’t conclusive, but what is clear is that some plastics do leach chemicals, while glass and stainless steel don’t.
For this reason, all our recommendations are glass or stainless steel.
Plus, there’s good anecdotal evidence that tea from a glass or stainless steel kettle tastes better too.
Best Plastic Free Kettle
The best plastic free electric kettle boils the right amount of water quickly & quietly. This can be a single cup or enough water for the whole family. Speed, noise, weight, limescale filter, build quality, ease of use and materials used, are the seven key factors we use to make meaningful comparisons.
Temperature control & cool wall may also be important (more on this later).
What’s clear is that a slow noisy boiler that clogs up with limescale and doesn’t pour well, is not what you want in your kitchen!
To help you find the best plastic free kettle for your kitchen we have checked & compared 118 models. Use Verum research to find a plastic free kettle that’s safe, reliable, easy to use, quick, quiet and affordable. Here’s the UK Top 6…
Russell Hobbs Stainless Steel Kettle – Best Value
£34 | Buy Now from Amazon
Affordable & sleek, this Russell Hobbs stainless steel kettle is a best seller – and for good reason.
The 1.7-litre capacity makes it perfect for family & friends. Plus, it boils a single cup of water in under a minute – great for a quick cuppa.
Made from single-wall brushed stainless steel, this model has minimal plastic in contact with the water. As with all kettles, there are a few small plastic elements. However, these are BPA-free and for the most part, are not in contact with the water.
Externally, brushed stainless steel has the advantage over polished or shiny metal, in that it doesn’t need regular buffing to keep it looking good.
This kettle pours well and it’s easy to fill. Other notable and important features are the limescale filter, 360-degree base and cable tidy.
SPECIFICATION: WEIGHT 1KG | POWER 3000W | MIN 0.235 LITRES (one cup) | MAX 1.7 LITRES | BOIL DRY PROTECTION | 360 DEGREE BASE
This Russell Hobbs plastic-free kettle is functional & reliable. Plus, the current deal makes it super affordable too
Best One Litre Lightweight Kettle
£30 | Buy Now from Amazon
The perfect small kettle. It will boil a single cup of water quickly and being smaller than you’re average model, it’s lightweight.
While it won’t fill six mugs on a single boil, it’s easy to fill, lift & pour.
Lightweight Kettle for Elderly Tea Makers
Making tea with elderly or arthritic hands can be difficult. Choosing a small kettle is a good place to start. (more information below). Stainless steel & glass models tend to be a little heavier than the plastic alternatives. However, much of the weight in lifting a kettle can be attributed to the water.
Most of us tend to boil more water than we need. The bigger the kettle, the greater the temptation to fill it up. The best solution is a small kettle. This lightweight model is easy to use and can boil a single cup. Plus, it has a limescale filter & boil-dry protection.
SPECIFICATION: WEIGHT 0.8KG | POWER 2150W | MIN ONE CUP | MAX 1.0 LITRES | BOIL DRY PROTECTION | 360 DEGREE BASE
If you want an easy-to-use, lightweight, one-litre, plastic-free kettle – This is for you
Russell Hobbs Legacy – Traditional Stainless Steel Kettle
£76 | Buy Now from Amazon
Quick to boil & reasonably quiet – This classic design kettle ticks the right boxes.
There’s no standard test for how noisy a kettle is, but most owners describe this model as ‘quiet’. A clever diffuser ring on the base plate means the boiling bubbles are smaller – translating to less noise.
Quiet doesn’t mean slow. The aesthetic design may give this model a traditional feel, but the technology is bang up to date. It will boil a single cup of water in less than a minute.
Owners agree, that it pours well and is easily filled via the spout. This is especially important for a traditional style model as removing the lid when hot is best avoided.
The Russell Hobbs Legacy matches the average jug kettle, with a 1.7-litre capacity. It’s big enough to make six mugs of tea in one boil. As expected, there’s a removable limescale filter and boil-dry protection.
SPECIFICATION: WEIGHT 1.76kg | POWER 3000W | MIN 0.235 LITRES (one cup) | MAX 1.7 LITRES | BOIL DRY PROTECTION | 360 DEGREE BASE
This kettle is well made and is available in four colours. If you like the traditional design, this is the plastic-free kettle for you
Russell Hobbs + Brita Filter – Best Glass Kettle
£59 | Buy Now from Amazon
Want a better cuppa? Start with filtered water and every drink will taste better.
Looking for the perfect brew or a refined cup of Darjeeling? This may be the kettle for you. The built-in Brita filter will reduce the limescale, chlorine and other impurities.
The jug has a maximum boil capacity of one litre, which is smaller than a standard model, but big enough to make four drinks in one boil. The 3000W element heats the water quickly, meaning you won’t have to wait too long for your next cup of tea.
The Brita Maxtra+ filter system will certainly give you purer water, but it does come at a cost. Each filter lasts up to 4 weeks and costs around £4. That’s only £1 a week. If you enjoy the perfect cuppa, this may feel like a bargain!
SPECIFICATION: WEIGHT 1.43KG | POWER 3000W | MIN 0.5 LITRES (one cup) | MAX 1.0 LITRES | BOIL DRY PROTECTION | 360 DEGREE BASE
Do you crave the perfect cup of tea? Choose this model from Russell Hobbs with filtered water & your dreams will come true!
Bosch Styline – Best Temperature Control Kettle
£65 | Buy Now from Amazon
This Bosch stainless steel kettle with temperature control is a great choice for tea makers, coffee drinkers and anyone who enjoys a herbal brew.
The technology and design represent a step up from your average model.
The base controls mean you can set the temperature precisely. Boiling water is a must for tea, but for herbal infusions & coffee, a cooler setting is required for the perfect aroma.
The double-walled body gives this model a number of advantages. The cool-to-touch design makes it safer for the whole family. Plus, the insulated design means the water retains its temperature for longer. And perhaps of greatest importance, the interior is stainless steel – BPA plastic-free.
As you may expect from Bosch, the technology and design are excellent. The cable can be coiled in the base, the lid is easy to open and it pours well. Plus, the heating element is enclosed which makes it easy to clean.
SPECIFICATION: WEIGHT 1.6KG | POWER 3000W | MIN 1 CUP | MAX 1.5 LITRES | BOIL DRY PROTECTION | 360 DEGREE BASE
This Bosch kettle stands out. It’s cool to the touch, has a stainless steel interior and temperature control for herbal drinks & coffee
Dualit Lite – Best Plastic-Free Kettle
£81 | Buy Now from Amazon
Right now, the Dualit Lite is the best plastic-free kettle you can buy. Lightweight, quiet, easy to use and BPA plastic-free – it ticks all the boxes.
The quality stainless steel body will not taint the taste of the water and with clear gauges on both sides, it’s easy to see whether you have the right volume of water. The capacity ranges from a single cup up to a maximum of six. The one-cup lower level means you can boil the right amount of water, every time. This makes all the difference when it comes to weight.
The best kettles are lightweight & this model from Dualit is no exception. What’s also important, is that the Dualit will boil one cup or 250ml at the minimum level. This means it remains light and is energy efficient.
A decent kettle will keep working for years. But only if the limescale is removed regularly. In this respect, the Dualit Lite is no different. However, a couple of features make it easier to keep clean.
The Dualit has a removable filter which helps reduce buildup. Plus, the heating element is concealed. A quick monthly descale is all it needs. The hinged lid is easily adjusted for a tighter or looser fit, depending on your preference and hand strength.
Most kitchens have a toaster and kettle on the worktop. If you like the look of this model, it may also be worth checking out our recommended 2-slot and 4-slot matching toasters.
SPECIFICATION: WEIGHT 1.23KG | POWER 2400W | MIN 1 CUP | MAX 1.5 LITRES | BOIL DRY PROTECTION | 360 DEGREE BASE
Owners have lots of good things to say about this Dualit kettle. It pours well, is quick to boil and it’s quiet
Are plastic kettles safe?
There’s good evidence to suggest that certain plastics will leach chemicals into the water. Although the implications on our long-term health are less clear, it’s prudent to stay safe and choose a stainless steel or glass model.
All the Verum recommendations are made from stainless steel or glass. However, to be clear, every kettle includes a few plastic elements. The water gauge, level indicator, handle and seals are plastic components of every design. For our research & recommendations, we’ve aimed for no plastic, but where there are plastic components, these are BPA-free.
Also, do fill the kettle with fresh water for each boil – Your tea will taste better!
Why does water from some kettles taste funny?
Tap water contains chlorine, to kill bugs and prevent the spread of waterborne diseases. Clearly a good thing, but it can react with some plastics and seals within the device leaving a rather unpleasant taste. With this in mind, it’s always worth emptying the vessel and boiling fresh water each time.
What’s the best kettle for an elderly person?
Using a kettle with elderly or arthritic hands can be challenging. While a kettle tipper is a special accessory that will assist with pouring, for most people, it’s about choosing the right model. Here are the three key factors to consider:
- Weight. And with this, the ability to boil small amounts of water. A lightweight vessel quickly becomes heavy, when full. The one-litre kettle (detailed above) is small, lightweight and is also excellent value for money.
- Handle position is important. For most people, a jug design offers a more comfortable pouring position.
- Easy to fill. If the kettle cannot be filled via the spout, the lid must open easily.
A small jug kettle is usually the best option. Wrist rotation (for pouring) is easier due to the position of the handle. Plus, your hand is safely away from the lid & spout, reducing the chance of scalding.
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UK VERDICT
All Verum recommended kettles are plastic free. Each model excels functionally. They’re all made from either stainless steel or glass, meaning you can avoid potentially harmful BPA plastics. Choose any of the plastic free kettles detailed above for less noise, a quicker boil, no chemicals and ultimately better tea!
The affordable stainless steel Russell Hobbs kettle is a great budget option. For a few quid more the Brita glass kettle gives you all the benefits of pure water – although you do have the cost of filters to consider.
If you want the latest technology, go for the Bosch temperature control model. It’s great for all hot drinks and the cool wall design makes it safer too.
The overall Best Buy is the Dualit Lite. Quiet, fast to boil and robust. This is the best plastic-free electric kettle in the UK.
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