Whether you're looking to boil water to make a healthy herbal tea, cider, soup, iced tea, or a small batch of noodles, the best tea kettles will come in handy in most kitchens. For a long time, people had used stovetop kettles in their homes until recently when electric kettles became a popular way to boil water.
While shopping for the best tea kettle, it is crucial to consider all the features that work for you. For example, the materials, capacity, and durability will matter depending on how frequently you use the kettles. To help you make your perfect cup of tea, we have this comprehensive guide of the best tea kettles on the market.
Why Do You Need the Best Tea Kettle?
While a nice cup of hot tea will help you get through a busy workday, boiling water and safely pouring it into a mug is surprisingly challenging. To make your perfectly brewed cup faster, you should consider investing in a tea kettle instead of using a microwave.
You can also use these kettles to boil water quickly for any cause. No matter what you need, it's always a good idea to have a dedicated appliance in your kitchen that can boil water quickly. They come in two main styles that include electric or stovetop kettles.
Each of the designs has its own pros and cons, and the one you choose is based on your personal preference. From traditional stovetop kettles to modern electric ones, here are the five best tea kettles you should consider for your kitchen.
1. Mr. Coffee Claredale Whistling Tea Kettle
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The Mr. Coffee Claredale Whistling Tea Kettle is a classic stainless steel tea kettle that comes at an affordable price and features an ergonomic Bakelite handle. This tea kettle does not only come with an attractive design but is also easy and comfortable to grip.
It can hold up to 2.2 quarts of water, which is close enough to the average capacity or the larger side. Moreover, the item weighs only one pound even with its great capacity, and users find it a quite lightweight model.
This kettle comes with a spout cover that flips easily with the touch of the trigger button. Additionally, the kettle will also produce a whistle when the water is ready, whether you're using it for hot chocolate, tea, coffee, etc. Finally, with this kettle, handwashing is recommended instead of a dishwasher.
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2. KitchenAid KEK1222OB 1.25-Liter Electric Kettle
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If you're looking for an electric kettle that will not only look good on your table or counter but is also built to last, this KitchenAid KEK1222OB 1.25-Liter Electric Kettle is one of the best electric kettles in the market today.
This electric kettle can hold 1.25 liters of water and will heat in under five minutes, making it a faster heating option than a microwave. Moreover, it comes with a removable base for easy use, and its on/off switch has an LED light for visibility.
Its body is made from stainless steel material and comes in a variety of colors that match your decor. The hand is made from a smooth aluminum that makes holding and pouring easy. There is also a removable limescale filter and a removable lid for easy cleaning.
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3. Le Creuset Enamel On Steel Whistling Tea Kettle
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Le Creuset, a company known for the manufacture of cast iron dutch ovens, has also got you covered with a line of amazing tea kettles, among other kitchen items. The Le Creuset Enamel On Steel Whistling Tea Kettle is a stainless steel kettle that is covered in porcelain enamel, making it a great choice for a gift or if you're looking to get a kettle upgrade.
This kettle can hold about two quarts and comes in eight amazing colors, including Deep Teal, Caribbean, Cerise, Flame, Oyster, Marseille, Meringue, and White. Apart from being very stylish, this kettle is also highly functional.
Its kobs and lid are heat resistant. There need to struggle to find an over mitt to open the lid and pour the water into a mug. Moreover, the whistler is much easier to flip back while pouring and its overall design and construction are very sturdy.
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4. All-Clad E86199 Stainless Steel Tea Kettle, 2-Quart
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All-Clad is a popular company known for manufacturing high-quality cookware. The brand's products come with a simple design that is well built to last for a number of years to come. The All-Clad E86199 Stainless Steel Tea Kettle is not any different.
Although it comes with heavy-duty stainless steel construction, the water will still boil fast. It also comes with a reliable spout covering that remains open and won't wobble when pouring. Additionally, this kettle can be used on all cooktops from gas to induction.
Its 2-quart capacity provides more than enough capacity whether you want to make tea or coffee. This kettle will also not go out of style, and thanks to its craftsmanship that ensure that it can last for long periods.
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5. OXO BREW Classic Tea Kettle
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If you're in search of a versatile kettle that will help you brew a cup of tea, the Oxo Brew Classic Tea Kettle is one of the best options out there. It is made from high-grade stainless steel that won't stain or rust the kettle allowing it to last for a lifetime.
An outstanding feature of this kettle is its rotating handle that makes the kettle very easy to use, fill, and clean. It is quite comfortable to hold while pouring, even when the kettle is full. Furthermore, it features a silicone grip on the handle, a silicone tab on the spout cap, and a silicone knob on the lid.
It comes with a large opening that allows you to get to the corners and sides of the kettle during cleaning. Whenever you flip the cap down, you will hear a loud whistle if the water is boiling, which means there is no need to check the kettle or set a timer. Moreover, the kettle comes with a unique shape that would easily fit in a modern or retro kitchen as well as into any decor.
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Electric Kettles Vs. Stovetop Kettles
As mentioned earlier, there are two main types of kettles, including electric and stovetop kettles. Electric kettles are considered energy efficient as the water in the kettle is in direct contact with the heating element. This means that your water will heat water faster than a pot on your stove, and less electricity will be used.
The best ones will also provide adjustable temperature settings to make sure that the water temperate is right for your tea leaves. Furthermore, an electric kettle will allow you to boil water with zero emissions as long as you're using clean and renewable energy.
However, the downside of using electric kettles is that they come with more parts that could potentially break and won't last as long as a stovetop one. Another downside is that electric kettles need to be plugged in for you to use them. So, if you're short of outlets in the kitchen, they are probably not the best option.
Unlike an electric kettle, a stovetop kettle will notify you when the water is ready. Additionally, stovetop kettles are likely to last longer, and it is often easier to find their replacement parts. However, you are going to have to wait for a long time for the water to heat.
What Do You Consider Before Buying the Best Tea Kettles?
1. Capacity and Size
While many kettles come in similar sizes, an average stovetop kettle can hold about two littles of water. On the other hand, electric kettles are slightly less with about 1.7 liters. Fortunately, it has become quite easy to find the perfect capacity based on your preference.
You shouldn't go for a large kettle if you are only making a single cup because storage will be harder. However, if you're boiling for larger crowds, it is nice to get a bigger one.
2. Material
The best tea kettles come in a range of materials, including stainless steel, coated metal, and glass. If you're worried about durability, then you should avoid the glass option and lean more towards stainless steel or coated enamel.
The material may also affect the material. So, if you're looking for a lighter one, consider the glass or lighter stainless steel material. However, the options may be limited when you have an induction cooktop, so ensure your kettle is compatible.
3. Design
Kettles come in different styles to match different people. For example, while stovetop models come with a traditional dome shape, an electric kettle will either have a dome shape or a jug shape. The design of the kettle you choose is entirely based on your personal preference.
4. Spout
Some kettles will pour easily than others because of a better spot. Although it might not be easy to tell how the spout will perform just by looking at it, it is always a great idea to ensure that the spout is tapered, longer, and ends at a point instead of being perfectly rounded.
5. Cleaning
Since you'll occasionally want to remove residue, kettles with a large opening allow your hand to fit in your hand for easy cleaning. Those with smaller openings might require a brush. It is also important to check if the kettle is dishwasher safe or hand washing only.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Tea Kettles
1. What's the best way to prevent rust in your kettle?
Most stainless steel tea kettles are susceptible to rusting, although the name suggests otherwise. The best way to prevent rusting is to wash the kettle and ensure it is dry completely regularly. If rust forms, you can fill your kettle with vinegar and water at a 1:1 ratio, boil for a few minutes, and wash your kettle. Rusting is less in enamel-on-steel kettles.
2. What water temperature is best for brewing tea?
The ideal temperature for brewing tea varies depending on the type of tea you're making. While gentler teas can be brewed at lower temperatures, bolder teas need higher temperatures. For example, white tea-160 degrees, green tea- 150 to 180 degrees, oolong-190 degrees, black tea- 180 to 212 degrees, and herbal teas- 212 degrees.
3. Can you brew tea or heat milk inside a kettle?
Unless stated otherwise, it is not a good idea to brew tea or heat milk in a kettle. Milk may cause damage to the heating elements and may not be able to initiate the electric kettle's automatic shut-off feature. Although not recommended, a stovetop tea kettle may be used, but thorough cleaning and monitoring will be needed. Teapots are solely designed for boiling water.