Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations.
If you hit links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Romanticize tea time with easy to use kettles that look more like an accessory than just another appliance.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
And while its tempting tomicrowave a cup of waterfor hot tea fast, dont do it.
It compromises tea leaves which means youre left with bland, flavorless water.
For the best-tasting, most aromatic cup of tea, you need a tea kettle.
Credit: Amazon
What We Researched
We evaluated several tea kettles on theircapacity, material,andtype.
It already has some weight to it before its full of water.
Overall, our favorite tea kettle is Le Creusets Classic Whistling Tea Kettle.
Credit: Amazon
The steel kettle is coated with a porcelain enamel that adds to its durability and ensures it wont corrode.
At three pounds, the kettle has a bit of weight to it before its full of water.
While the vessel is stainless steel, both the handle and the spout are plastic.
Credit: Amazon
Dont let the brand name fool you.
And despite its small price tag, it can hold a lot of water.
It’s is a no-frills item, even for stovetop kettles.
Credit: Amazon
And with the plastic/stainless steel combo, the kettle weighs a lot less than other stovetop tea kettles.
For the hefty price, it still comes with a lot of plastic.
Smeg appliances are one of the easiest ways topack your kitchen with color and personality.
Credit: Amazon
And theyre just so gorgeous.
Enter the Smeg tea kettle.
It comes in all the fun Smeg hues from powder blue to retro red.
Credit: Williams Sonoma
Bonus: Its listed in both Fahrenheit and Celsius so theres no need to convert.
Another handy design feature is the secret see-through window on the side of the tea kettle.
The water pours slowly.
Credit: Amazon
While retro gooseneck kettles are often standard stainless steel, Fellow is giving the iconic gooseneck a fashion-forward upgrade.
While competitors offer similar colors and temperature control for less, the Stagg is a luxury kettle.
Monitor the waters progress on the LCD screen.
Select colorways have real maple or walnut wood handles.
Williams Sonoma sells exclusive finishes, such as asweet creamthats perfect if you dont like stark white appliances.
Or the copper makes a great compromise between Old World style and modern features.
Credit: Walmart
Glass is easier to break compared to other common tea kettle materials.
Tea time is a ritual and the Capresso H2O Glass Kettle is the ideal kettle for mindfulness.
The high-quality Schott Duran borosilicate glass is mesmerizing to watch as the water heats up.
Credit: Amazon
But glass is also more easily breakable than other materials, so bear that in mind.
Copper tarnishes easily and requires frequent polishing.
A copper kettle is synonymous with French country andEnglish cottage designand for good reason.
Credit: Williams Sonoma
Theyre as practical as they are pretty.
Copper conducts heat much better than other metals or stoneware, meaning its far more energy efficient.
Remember that when you look at the price tag.
And this statement piece will be heard, too.
The Simplex signature melodious whistle is very loud and distinct.
This is an heirloom that can last for years if taken care of properly.
Though, its important to note thatcopper oxidizes fairly quicklyand can patina.
So, if you dont want a green matte tea kettle, its important to polish regularly.
No safety features here.
Cast iron can heat well beyond 500oF and is not the best kid-friendly or pet-friendly cookware material.
Cast iron tea kettles have been part of tea culture for thousands of years andthere are numerous benefits.
Its also incredibly durable and can last generations and thats why Staubs cast iron kettle made our list.
The 1-quart stovetop kettle is gorgeous and makes the perfect kitchen heirloom to pass down.
Like Staubs signature line of cookware, there are so many gorgeous colors from which to choose.
Unlike othercast iron pieces, this one doesnt require seasoning, so its dishwasher safe.
Take it from the stovetop to the campfire to the dishwasher rack.
If you want low maintenance, this is your buy.
It even comes witha tea infuserthat you clip into the lid so the kettle becomes a teapot.
Another great feature: the smooth bottom.
Cast iron typically has a rough texture that doesnt make it a great option for glass stovetops.
However, this kettle has a smooth enamel bottom that works with gas, glass, induction and more.
The enamel exterior scratches easily.
At just bigger than 1 liter, this electric module is small but not tiny.
And did we mention the colors?
With darling options like pistachio green and powder blue, this hits the sweet spot of style and budget.
For functions, its pretty basic.
No high-end temperature parameters here.
Just one big LED-lit switch in the back to turn on and boil.
And when it does boil, the switch automatically shuts off.
And oh, does this boil fast, and quietly, too.
If we had an award for the tea kettle that boils the quietest, it would be this one.
Thats handy if your kitchen sink is far from your counter space or if you have mobility challenges.
Its a one-hit-wonder with no variable temperature options.
Gooseneck tea kettles are typically even smaller than this, but the shape becomes challenging for cabinet storage.
This vibrant Caraway Whistling Tea Kettle is the one to consider if you prefer a stainless steel option.
The tea kettle is stovetop-flexible and can be used on electric, gas, and even induction cooktops.
We love that this is a classic whistling kettle but with a more modern, updated silhouette.
Tea tannins can stain glass over time.
Meet the Breville Tea Maker.
The nifty appliance essentially skips the timely steeping step thanks to the infuser basket inside the kettle.
Note that the electronic keep warm function will continue to steep tea and weaken it over time.
The main difference between a stovetop tea kettle and anelectric tea kettleis temperature variation.
The best tea kettle really depends on how much tea you drink and how often.
Materials
Like teapots, tea kettles come in many different materials ranging from copper to glass.
Most often you’ll find yourself looking for a stainless steel kettle, says Harney.
They’re easy to clean and relatively lightweight.
Copper and iron kettles might take more maintenance to reduce rust and patinas.
Stainless steel kettles usually come with great bells and whistles.
Your Questions, Answered
What is the safest material for a tea kettle?
There is no particular safest metal for a tea kettle, said Harney.
Are there any downsides to using a stainless steel kettle?
None that I’m aware of, said Harney.
Which throw in of tea kettle heats water the fastest?
By comparison, it can take a stovetop kettle five to 10 minutes.
How long does it take a tea kettle to boil water?
Larger capacity tea kettles will take about five minutes to boil.
How do you clean a tea kettle?
To descale, fill the kettle with a solution of one part water to one part distilled white vinegar.
Pour the solution out, and with a soft sponge, wipe out the inside of the kettle.
Can you put milk in a tea kettle?
you’re free to, but you really,reallyshouldnt.
In theory, you could use a stovetop tea kettle toheat milkwithout worrying about coating a heating mechanism.
But youd need to do it with the lid off as boiling milk requires constant stirring and monitoring.
Its best to stick with an old-fashioned pot for boiling milk so you dont scorch it.
Who We Are
Deanne Revelis an award-winning journalist and host based in Seattle.
