Bella · Electric Kettles & Pitchers
KitchenSmith by Bella Electric Tea Kettle
Skip until coating details are disclosed by brand.
KitchenSmith electric kettle uses stainless steel body but does not disclose interior coating material or PFAS status. Lack of transparency on heated-surface coating creates moderate concern.
The safe swap
Secura
Secura Original Stainless Steel Double Wall Electric Water Kettle 1.8 Quart with Auto Shut-Off & Boil-Dry Protection
75/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned its C.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Stainless steel body, interior coating unspecified
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Non-stick, chemistry undisclosed
Marketed non-stick without stating the coating chemistry.
Category baseline
cookware is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The KitchenSmith kettle uses a stainless steel exterior, which is corrosion-resistant and does not leach. The critical unknown is the interior coating or heating surface; electric kettles often feature Teflon-type coating (Teflon-like) non-stick coatings to prevent mineral buildup and corrosion on the heating element. Bella's product information does not specify whether the interior is bare stainless steel, ceramic-coated, or Teflon-type coating-based. This gap is the primary safety concern, as Teflon-type coating coatings can emit toxic fumes if overheated above 500F, though normal kettle use (212F for boiling) stays well below that threshold.
The brand's record and disclosure
Bella (a subsidiary of Applica Inc.) does not publicly disclose PFAS or Teflon-type coating usage in product specifications or sustainability statements. No major recalls or safety controversies specific to this kettle model have been documented in public databases. However, the brand's silent stance on coating materials is a red flag in an industry where transparency about non-stick treatments has become standard practice among safety-conscious manufacturers. Absence of certification (e.g., GreenGuard, NSF for food contact) further limits third-party verification.
How it compares in its category
Electric kettles with disclosed ceramic or bare stainless steel interiors (Cuisinart, OXO, Zwilling) are more transparent and typically carry higher price points. Budget kettles like this one often use unspecified coatings to reduce cost. The KitchenSmith sits in the mid-budget range without the transparency of premium brands or the explicit material honesty of some value alternatives. Most kettles in this price tier do not disclose interior coating composition, making this product representative of industry opacity rather than an outlier.
If you buy it
Contact Bella customer service to request confirmation that the interior coating is either ceramic or Teflon-type coating-free before purchase; if they cannot confirm, treat it as a Teflon-type coating kettle and follow safe use protocols. Never use the kettle dry or leave it on heat for extended periods; always turn off immediately after water boils. Replace the kettle if the interior surface shows visible pitting, flaking, or discoloration, signs that the coating may be degrading. Descale monthly with white vinegar to reduce mineral and debris buildup that could damage the interior finish.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Teflon-type coating fume risk (if present)
Interior coating is unspecified; if Teflon-type coating-based, overheating above 500F can release fumes, though normal kettle boiling (212F) is safe. Risk escalates only if user overheats kettle deliberately or coating degrades.
Stainless steel leaching (nickel)
Food-grade stainless steel (typically 304 or 316) in kettles leaches negligible nickel under normal use; Bella does not specify alloy grade, but stainless bodies are industry standard and pose minimal risk for non-nickel-sensitive users.
Coating degradation and flaking
User reviews for budget electric kettles from various brands, including Bella, occasionally report interior coating wear after 1-2 years; flaking coating particles in water are a cosmetic and potential ingestion concern, not acute toxicity.
Mineral buildup and bacterial growth
Electric kettles with narrow spouts and sealed designs can trap mineral deposits and standing water if not descaled regularly; this is a maintenance issue, not inherent product hazard, but endemic to the category.
Aluminum leaching (if body contains aluminum)
Product is stainless steel body, not aluminum; aluminum is not a concern for this kettle model.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 35% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Electric Kettles & Pitchers
Secura
Original Stainless Steel Double Wall Electric Water Kettle 1.8 Quart with Auto Shut-Off & Boil-Dry Protection
Stainless steel interior and exterior, no coating
Lower PFAS concern. Bare stainless steel kettle with no coatings.
⚠Risky category by default
Secura
Original Stainless Steel Double Wall Electric Water Kettle
Stainless steel interior and exterior, no coating
Lower PFAS concern. Bare stainless steel typically avoids PFAS coatings.
⚠Risky category by default
Secura
Stainless Steel Double Wall Electric Kettle Water Heater SWK-1001DW/
Stainless steel interior and exterior, no coating
Lower concern. Bare stainless steel kettle unlikely to contain PFAS.
⚠Risky category by default
More electric kettles & pitchers grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.