The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
Plastic is all around us. For example, when it comes to food, we find it in containers of all shapes, cutlery, a host of bottles and bags used for storage purposes, and of course, we can also find it in our favourite tea supplies & accessories.
However, in recent years people have been asking whether exposing our food (and ourselves) to all of this plastic is safe.
So what do you do and how do you find the best plastic free kettle
In this post you will learn about:
- The health concerns about plastics & “BPA Free” products
- How does it affect your tea drinking experience & how to limit your exposure?
- How to choose a plastic-free kettle
- Top 5 Best glass kettles with no plastic
Health Concerns About Plastics.
Bisphenol A
Bisphenol A, also known as BPA, is one of the most common ingredients in polycarbonate. A type of hard clear plastic. BPA appeared in the 1890s as a synthetic estrogen. In the 1930s that it was added to animal feed to fatten up the animals. It was in the 50s that it’s used in plastics boomed.
Moreover, research has found bisphenol to be an endocrine-disruptive chemical. This means that the molecules interfere with how our natural hormones, like estrogen & androgen, work in the body.
What about BPA-free products?
I’m pretty sure that you have seen those BPA-Free stickers or signs on different plastic products. However, they are not the golden solution.
A 2011 study published in Environmental Health Perspectives reported that when scientists tested commercially available plastic products labelled as BPA-free, almost all of them leached out chemicals known to have estrogenic activity, meaning that they mimicked human estrogen. Some of the chemicals had even more estrogenic activity than the BPA they replaced.
Phthalates
Phthalates, sometimes referred to as plasticizers, are often used to make vinyl plastics soft and flexible.
They are used in hundreds of products, such as vinyl flooring, adhesives, detergents, lubricating oils, automotive plastics, plastic clothes (raincoats), and personal-care products (soaps, shampoos, hair sprays, and nail polishes).
However, scientists are still learning about how phthalates affect us. It isn’t clear yet, because more studies have been done on animals than on people and it doesn’t always address the ways they interact with other chemicals.
What can you do about it?
Your best bet is to avoid harmful phthalates & BPA as much as possible, however, our bodies have a natural detoxifying system.
Tom Malterre, the author of the elimination diet, gives an additional suggestion beyond limiting our exposure.
As a matter of fact, he suggests including dancing as part of your routines since sweating is one of the best ways to sweat and excrete more of these plasticizing compounds. In addition to dancing, he recommends drinking a cup of ginger tea right before soaking in an Epson salts bath.
So not only are you getting the benefits of magnesium and sulphur, but you are also getting the ginger anti-inflammatory compounds, which increase the amount you sweat in a hot bath.
Sounds like a perfect reason to have a cup of tea, take a bath and get dance moves on!
And in case that you prefer a summarized visual version of the information above, here is this video by Science Insider that talks about the Dangerous Chemicals In Your Plastic Packages.
How can plastic affect your tea drinking experience?
If you have ever taken a glance at a used plastic tea kettle, you probably noticed how tired and weathered the inside looked. In some of the ones I’ve encountered, the plastic mesh that the water runs through when you pour it from the kettle was half disintegrated. And it’s not hard to imagine where the disintegrated plastic bits went.
Furthermore, a study conducted by the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and published in the journal Toxicology Letters identified that: when you expose plastic to boiling water, it will release the toxic chemicals 55 times faster than it normally would.
So you can imagine that all of the above are less than ideal factors for your tea and your health.
Glass vs Plastic: Glass Kettles are the way to go!
When you want to eliminate the risk of leaching every time you brew a cup of tea, then a zero plastic glass kettle is the way to go.
These are some of the benefits of having a glass kettle over a one that is made out of plastic.
- With a glass kettle, there is no risk of any leaching from plastic or nickel like in the old-style kettles.
- By having a glass kettle with no plastic, you control the environment where the heat releases all the nutrients and oils in the herbs and spices that you want to extract. As a result, you will end with a more potent and pure infusion.
- A kettle made purely out of glass borosilicate has the capacity to withstand up to 450 C.
- You can visualize the process from start to finish & it is easy to clean.
- Great thermal dynamic qualities that allow it to heat up quickly
How to Choose the best glass kettle with no plastic?
Design
There are glass kettles available in several models, and you should consider choosing one according to your preferences. Think about how you plan to use it, the space it will take in your kitchen too. Perhaps for you is critical that it fits on the counters.
User friendly
An easy-to-operate kettle should be on your wish list. You don’t want anything that may frustrate you when trying to enjoy a cup of tea. So it would be best if you got something easy to use.
Durability
No one likes to get a brand new kettle. Only for it to stop functioning within a year. Therefore, your purchase should be worth your investment. Look for products that offer an extended warranty promotion.
Size/Capacity
Water holding capacity is a vital factor when shopping for a brand new kettle. The size will be determined by the amount you want to drink before having to turn it on again.
Do’s & Dont’s of using a Glass Kettle
Don’t
- Subject your glass kettle to extreme temperature changes. The extreme contrast in temperature will cause a shock reaction, and the glass kettle will break.
- Use a scourer on your glass kettle. Scouring is an abrasive action that will deteriorate the borosilicate glass.
Do
- Place the handle over the heating element to avoid exposure to direct heat.
- Do keep your finger on the glass kettle lid as you pour.
- Use natural cleaning methods to remove the limescale that will form with time. For example, using white vinegar, it’s better than a synthetic chemical.
Top 5 glass kettles plastic-free
1. Trendglas Jena innovative kettle from borosilicate glass
Pros:
- Heats up in no time
- No contact with metal or plastic pieces
- Beautiful aesthetic
Cons:
- No whistle so have to stay by the stove when boiling water
2. Bonavita Glass Kettle
Pros:
- Boil Button prepares boiling water with a single touch.
- Hold Button heats and holds at temperatures between 140˚-208˚F for up to 60 minute
- Adjustable in one-degree increments between 140˚-208˚F
Cons:
- Not 100% plastic free
3. Tealyra Glass Stove-top Kettle
Pros:
- Borosilicate glass tea pitcher with modern design, it is both beautiful and practical
- Ergonomic handle, integrated handle and drip-resistant pour spout
- Detachable fitted bamboo lid make cleaning effortless, Dishwasher-safe
Cons:
- Doesn’t make whistle noise
- It takes longer to boil then a steal kettle
4. Breville Crystal Clear Electric Kettle
Pros:
- Soft opening lid slowly releases steam and prevents Splashing
- Ergonomic handle with lid release button
- Safety Auto Shut Off and Boil Dry Protection
Cons:
- There is a rubber seal exposed to the water at the base
5. Capresso 259.04 H2O Plus Water Kettle
Pros:
- Sleek, contemporary design and boils water faster than a traditional stovetop kettle
- Crafted of heat resistant German Schott-DURAN® glass
- Heats water very quickly and has an automatic shutoff
Cons:
- Calcium deposits eventually became more difficult to remove.
[…] Ps. If you are not a fan of cast iron & want a plastic free option make sure to check out our post TOP 5 The Best Glass Kettles With No Plastic […]