Your electric kettle is one of the most convenient appliances in your kitchen — fast, simple, and perfect for boiling water. But while it may be tempting to use it for more than just heating water, doing so could damage the appliance or even pose serious health risks. Here are five things you should NEVER put in your electric kettle.
1. Milk
It might seem like a good idea to make hot milk or a latte shortcut, but pouring milk into your kettle is a big mistake. Milk doesn’t evaporate like water and will scorch, stick, and spoil, leaving behind a burned smell and residue that’s difficult to clean. Worse, it can clog internal parts and create a breeding ground for bacteria.
2. Tea Leaves or Tea Bags
Although some kettles come with built-in infusers, most electric kettles are not designed for steeping tea directly inside. Loose tea or tea bags can clog the spout, burn onto the heating element, or leave behind oils and tannins that are hard to remove. Instead, boil plain water and pour it over your tea in a proper teapot or mug.
3. Anything Salty (e.g., instant noodles)
Some people try to save time by cooking instant noodles or soups in their kettles. Big mistake. Adding salt, seasoning packets, or noodles can corrode the metal, damage the internal thermostat, and lead to a dirty, smelly mess. Kettles aren’t built to handle solids or complex mixtures — stick to water only.
4. Essential Oils
If you’ve ever thought of using your kettle as an improvised humidifier or diffuser, think again. Essential oils can leave a greasy film, damage internal components, and release toxic fumes when heated at high temperatures. It’s unsafe and not worth the risk — always use a proper diffuser for aromatherapy.
5. Anything Acidic (e.g., Lemon Juice, Vinegar for Boiling)
While lemon juice and vinegar are excellent for descaling a kettle when diluted properly and used with care, you should never boil them alone or in large amounts. Boiling strong acids can corrode the heating element, cause unpleasant smells, or even trigger harmful chemical reactions, especially in plastic models.
Final Tip:
Your electric kettle is meant for one thing: boiling water. Using it for anything else can shorten its lifespan, ruin the taste of your drinks, or even pose safety hazards. If you’re looking for multi-use appliances, consider a hot pot or electric steamer instead.
Treat your kettle well, and it’ll serve you reliably for years to come.
